Poslední výkřik

Detective Lexi Bennett #2

by Alison Belsham, Anna Matoušková (Translator)

Hledali smrt, nebo si je našla sama? Druhý případ Lexi Bennettové.

Detektiv Lexi Bennettová se prochází ulicemi Canterbury, když zaslechne křik. Pod jednou z městských věží najde ležet tělo dospívající dívky. Skočila, spadla, nebo ji někdo strčil? Oliviini zoufalí rodiče tvrdí, že jejich dcera, talentovaná hudebnice, neměla pro sebevraždu důvod – a to samé tvrdí Lexiin synovec Sam, který Olivii znal. Když dojde k podobné události, rozhodne se Lexi dokázat, že jde o dílo sériového vraha. Dokáže ho zastavit dřív, než se nelítostný zabiják zaměří i na její rodinu?.

V Posledním výkřiku se čtenáři mohou již podruhé setkat s inspektorkou Lexi Bennettovou z pera Alison Belsahmové

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Contemporary, Mystery Thriller, Crime

368 pages, Hardcover

First published July 11, 2023

Reviews

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Girl’s Last Cry is the second book in the gripping new series by Alison Belsham! Detective Lexi Bennett is a determined investigator who will not let anything get in her way as she investigates her cases.


Detective Lexi Bennett was enjoying a quiet walk on the Canterbury streets when she heard screams and she rushed to the scene to see the body of a female teen lying on the ground. Her parents say she had everything to live for and would not take her own life. Lexi's own nephew knew the teen and was also adamant that she would not take her own life. But there was a suicide note....

Then another teen is found dead, leaving behind a suicide note. This young man was also a talented musician. Both teens have very similar suicide notes. Lexi is not willing to let the connections go and is determined that she is dealing with a killer who is preying on teens. When her nephew Sam goes missing, she will stop at nothing to find him!

What do the teens have in common? Who would want to harm them?

This was a thought-provoking and gripping book that had me turning the pages! There is an underlying feeling of tension throughout the book as Lexi's investigation leads her down a dark path. This book touches on the dangers of the internet, teens, their mental health, and family dynamics. Readers experience Lexi on both a professional and personal level.

Another solid installment in this new series and I look forward to reading more books in this series in the future.

TW- suicide/teen death

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Lexi Bennett #2

Detective Lexi Bennett is walking through the quiet Canterbury streets when she hears screaming. Rushing towards the sound, she finds the body of a teenage girl lying beneath one of the city's ancient towers. Lexi looks up at the cold grey stone, and vows that she will find answers. Did the girl jump or fall.... or was she pushed? Olivia's distraught parents say their daughter was a talented musician with everything to live for. Lexi's nephew, Sam, who knew Olivia, tearfully insists that she would never have taken her own life. But when a note is found, Lexi reluctantly wraps up the case.

After reading The Girls On Chalk Hill, the first book in this series, I was looking forward to reading this second Detective Lexi Bennett book. I'm happy to say that I wasn't disappointed. I ws pulled in from the first chapter. This time Lexi is trying to find out why multiple teenagers are committing suicide. They all seem to have left similar notes for their loved ones. This book also highlights the power an online influencer can have. This is a fast-paced thriller. Lexi is a strong female character, and I can't wait to get a copy of the third book in this series, The Innocent Angels.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #AlisonBelsham for my ARC of #TheGirlsLastCry in exchange for an honest review.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to see this second book in the Detective Lexi Bennett series, so I grabbed it immediately. The first book, The Girls on Chalk Hill was good and I found the character's background and manner interesting.

In this book, there are a series of deaths of young people that look like suicides, but something about each of them tells Lexi to look deeper. This was a difficult investigation and clues were few. I enjoyed following the investigation and the reasoning and search for the truth.

Once again, I was impressed with the character, Lexi Bennett. I like her empathy as well as her determination to find the truth for the victims and their families.

Thanks to Bookouture through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book is projected to be published on July 11, 2023.

[Valleri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many thanks to both Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of The Girl’s Last Cry, by Alison Belsham!

Expected publication July 11, 2023

The Girl’s Last Cry is the second book of three in the Detective Lexi Bennett Series, The Girls on Chalk Hill being the first. I was totally grabbed by this book the moment I started reading it! I absolutely loved Lexi, and the members of her team as they looked into a killer who was manipulating teens into killing themselves. But how is he or she finding the victims? What's odd about the suicide notes? Is there a music connection? And if there is, what exactly does that mean?

Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy the last part of the book as much as I had the first three-quarters of it. It started feeling a bit like Lexi must have ESP as she started figuring things out without any clues, and she was making decisions that felt completely illogical. It all became rather far-fetched to me.

On the positive side, The Girl’s Last Cry was twisty, full of suspense, and the pace was rapid! All in all, I definitely enjoyed most of it!

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tragic death of a teen girl hits Detective Lexi Blake hard. While at the beginning it looks as if the girl took her own life, it seems something sinister has occurred. Sadly, Lexi’s nephew Sam knew the young girl and it is only after the death of another teen that Lexi pays closer attention to Sami’s distraught nature.

Meanwhile, something very sinister is afoot and the reader knows knows what is going on. It is up to Lexi and her team to discover what is happening before another young life is lost.

Just as in the first book of this series, The Girls on Chalk Hill, Lexi proves to be a hardworking and sensitive detective who calls upon her own disturbing past to put everything she has into each case. In this second book, the fact that this case involves teenagers really hits home to Lexi. I couldn’t put this book down and am more than eager to continue this series.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Holly in Bookland · Rating 3 out of 5]

When 3 young kids in a matter of 3 days, dies by suicide, Lexie knows there’s more to this story. Capturing someone from the dark web that possibly has control of getting people to kill them selves, proves to be quite a challenge for Lexie. This was just ok for me. The storyline wasn’t my favorite but I like Lexie, & can’t wait to read more about her. My one gripe is: stop involving the detectives family in the investigations!!!

[eyes.2c · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teenage deaths!

Complex police procedural. Three teenagers have committed suicide. Detective Inspector Lexie Bennett is not convinced. Is someone manipulating/assisting desperate young people to take their own lives?
Lexie is caught up in the chase that leads from a girl who falls or jumps from a tower to the Dark Web. Three suicides and three notes. No phones! It becomes a race against time to identify the protagonist. The search comes too close to home and very personal for Lexie
A page turner!

A Bookouture ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

[Julie Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read in this gripping crime series.
Lexi is suspicious when a teenager apparently jumps to her death off a building. Others think it’s a straight forward suicide but it doesn’t feel right to Lexi.
The girl was a friend of her nephews and he’s adamant that she would not kill herself.
Another teenager is then found hanged and again Lexi does not believe it was suicide.
The investigation is a hard one as they haven’t got much to go on other than a link to the dark web which they can’t access.
Soon danger is very close to Lexi and she has to use everything she has to try and outsmart the killer.
This is a gripping crime thriller that I’d highly recommend.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great mystery book - heading off to get #3 in the series!

[kimberley (thearieslibrary) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ rounded to 5⭐️

Detective Inspector Lexi Bennett hears screaming. She rushes towards the sound where she finds the body of a teenage girl lying beneath one of the city’s ancient towers. Did the girl jump or fall… or was she pushed? Nobody believes that she would take her life. Then another teenager is found on a deserted path beneath a cliff. There are some similarities with their deaths. Will Lexi be able to find the killer?

This is the second book in the detective Lexi Bennett series and I think this one is my favourite. This series just gets better and better as it goes on. I absolutely loved the concept for this book, despite how terrifying it was, especially towards the end when things were so tense. This book at times was hard to read because of what the killer would do to their victims, which was so heartbreaking to read. I truly struggled to put this book down as I was desperate to find out who the killer was and how the story would end.

I loved hearing some of this story from DC Ridhi Kulkarni’s POV, she’s slowly becoming another favourite character of mine, alongside Lexi and Sergeant Tom Olsen. I do wish that we got to hear more from DC Colin Flynn as whilst we hear more from him in the book, I often question his importance/relevance within this series.

My only issue with this book is the killer seems to come out of nowhere and when we were introduced to them, I had already guessed that they would be the killer.

⚠️ CWs: suicide, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempt, derogatory language, child abuse, mentions blood, alcohol use, self harm, cancer and bullying ⚠️

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book!

[Jenny Florence · Rating 2 out of 5]

Before I give my opinion on this book, I want to say that I think Alison Belsham is a good writer. It think there is a lot of potential for this series.

But, this book. Oh, my. I know it’s not the authors sophomore novel, but it is the sophomore book in this series, and to use the words “sophomore slump” is not an exaggeration.

The author tells us the detective is amazing, but who shows us the opposite? DI Lexi Bennett

Who tells us not to assume the sex of the killer, but does anyway? DI Lexi Bennett

When it’s ridiculously clear who the killer is, who is the last on the uptake? DI Lexi Bennett

Who doesn’t answer their phone when she’s in the heat of an investigation, and has multiple people reporting to her, because it’s just a distraction from her being able to think with that wonderful brain of hers? DI Lexi Bennett

Who knows the real identity behind the killers online persona, but refuses to use his/her name, and instead calls him/her the villain name like it’s an old episode of Batman? Holy bad writing Batman! It’s DI Lexi Bennett!

Who lets the killer manipulate her into falling into a suicide trap? DI Lexi Bennett

Who has so many head injuries from all of the serial killers in her life, but keeps bouncing back with no issues like a rock star? DI Lexi Bennett

And, here’s the big one, who’s family has the worst luck with serial killers known to man? Of course, it’s DI Lexi Bennett’s family!

The ending was so painful I almost couldn’t do the last 45 minutes of the audio book, but I will not have survived most of this book and not have it count toward my yearly tally!

I will read book 3 because I think the author has enough good bones around this story to make it into a good series. But, as one does with bones, you can either put it together to make a skeleton, or you can just dump the proverbial bag of bones on the ground. We will see what this author does. I think she’s good enough to pull it out. Book 3 is my last chance.

But here is my request, for the love of all that is a police procedurals, please let someone in law enforcement read this, and allow them the space to be honest. It’s August. You still have a couple of months to do that with the third book. Please.

[Abagail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Bookouture for providing this advanced copy for my review!

This is the second installment in the Lexi Bennett series, and I was so impressed that it was available mere weeks after I read the ARC of the first book. Alison Belsham must be a writing machine!

In this installment, Lexi is investigating a series of teen suicides which just don’t seem quite right. Did they really take their own lives? Did someone assist them? Or, even worse, force them? When Lexi’s nephew Sam is caught in the fray, the clock begins to tick to solve this awful mystery.

To start, please be aware that this book may be triggering for you if you are sensitive to suicide or self-harm. Proceed with caution!

I enjoyed the same things about Lexi this time around. She is intelligent, good at her job, and logical while still being empathetic. She is at times frustratingly impulsive, but the benefit of this being a series is that we are learning that this is really just one of her personality traits. No one is perfect, and she is always trying to improve her self-control!

This story was a little different from the first one. This book was definitely a bit more twisty, but I still really appreciated that there weren’t a million red herrings thrown in before there was an out-of-nowhere final reveal. I did eventually predict where the ending was going, but it was because all of the little pieces lined up in order, and it made sense! That is the kind of mystery I like.

Though I am a fan of mysteries and thrillers, I don’t read a lot of police procedurals, so it was interesting to see Lexi’s process. It was fascinating to see her confidently outline a plan of attack in the briefing room, even when she had no idea what to do next. I’m not sure how other books compare, but I enjoyed it in this one.

My one note - The first few chapters of the book felt slightly clunky, writing wise. At first I wondered if it was just because I listened to the first book as an audiobook and was reading this one in print, and I needed a British voice to make it sound smooth. But I think it was also just because it is a sequel, and the author had to quickly reintroduce everyone from the first book. After this first section was over, I felt like things smoothed out.

Speaking of which - can we get the audiobook for the third one, publisher? Pretty please? Thank you!

Overall, if you liked The Girls on Chalk Hill, you will definitely like this one, perhaps even more! I would read them in order. While they’re different cases, it’s important to get a sense of Lexi, her team, and their development. But definitely do it!

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspektorka Lexi Bennettová prochází centrem Canterbury, právě ve chvíli, kdy z věže Westgate spadne školačka. Byla to tragická nehoda, sebevražda nebo dokonce vražda? Vzápětí je nalezen dopis na rozloučenou, ale Lexi něco nesedí. A když se oběsí mladík, kterému při sebevraždě musel někdo asistovat, tak si je Lexi jistá, že v Kentu řádí nemilosrdný zločinec, který ponouká dospívající ke spáchání sebevraždy…

(Recenze vznikla v rámci barterové spolupráce s Albatros Media, kterému tímto děkuju za poskytnutí recenzního výtisku :)

Všechny oběti byly v teenagerském věku, z dobře situovaných rodin, chytré, talentované, měly před sebou skvělou budoucnost a nevykazovaly žádné známky deprese, natož že by chtěly spáchat sebevraždu. Jenže se zdá, že se v reálu ani na internetu neznaly. Jediné, co měly společné, byla láska k hudbě. A taky to, že navštěvovaly darknet, kde byly členy sebevražedného klubu. Jenže jak má Lexi se svým týmem najít a chytit někoho, kdo se pohybuje na darknetu, a koho znají pouze pod přezdívkou Nyx?

Lexi se navíc snaží obnovit vztahy se svou sestrou Amber a jejími dvěma dětmi. Jenže tento případ zasáhne i do její rodiny, protože její synovec Sam se kamarádil jednou z obětí.

Alison Belshamová píše čtivě a chytlavě. V Posledním výkřiku nechybí postupné pátrání, tajemství, trocha profilování a na závěr ani akce a drama. Lexiin vztah s forenzním psychologem Edem Harlowem se od prvního dílu, kdy si zrovna nepadli do oka, vyvinul v dobrý pracovní vztah a vzájemný respekt. Zajímavostí je, že v sérii s Lexi Bennettovou není žádná romantika a dokonce ani náznak, že by se tam mohla objevit. Série se odehrává v Canterbury a hrabství Kent a mě v každém díle baví, že místa, která jsem navštívila a znám je, slouží jako kulisy pro ohavné zločiny.

Ústřední téma v Posledním výkřiku na první pohled působí románově, ale následně vás zamrazí, když vám dojde, že v temných hlubinách internetu podobné sebevražedné skupinky mohou existovat – a nejspíš už existují.

Poslední výkřik není tak akční a nemá onu lehce temnější thrillerovou atmosféru jako první díl s názvem Dívky na kopci. Tentokrát děj plyne spíš pozvolna a soustředí se na metodické vyšetřování. Bohužel mi ale některé věci došly daleko dřív než celému policejnímu týmu. Na závěr se dočkáme i nějaké akce, ale ta působí dost nevěrohodně. Alison Belshamová se pokusila uměle vybudovat napětí tím, že nechala Lexi, aby se bezhlavě vrhla do nebezpečí a úplně ignorovala zdravý rozum (o policejních postupech ani nemluvě), takže její chování působí vyloženě hloupě.

Poslední výkřik je druhým dílem třídílné série s inspektorkou Lexi Bennettovou. První díl s názvem Dívky na kopci mi líbil moc, Poslední výkřik mi přišel trošku slabší, ale četla jsem ho v náročném životním období, které vždycky negativně ovlivní moje čtenářské zážitky, takže hodnocení berte lehce s rezervou. Aspoň mě Poslední výkřik přiměl na chvíli zapomenout na to, co se děje v mém životě, takže účel splnil. A třetího závěrečného dílu s názvem Nevinní andělé se v českém překladu dočkáme už v září 2025. Já jen doufám, že se dozvím, co se Lexi stalo během jejího posledního případu v USA a jak to bylo mezi ní a slavným profilovačem Harrym Garciou.

3,5/5

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.The Girl’s Last Cry by Alison Belsham is the second book in her gripping Detective Lexi Bennett series. The well-developed mystery within this latest installment will hook readers of thrilling police procedurals.

Since her return home to head up Canterbury’s Major Investigation Team, Lexi has been inundated with case after case. While her team is tying up loose ends on a current investigation, another bizarre case lands at her feet. One of those rare moments when she got some time to relax, Lexi took a leisurely walk on the Canterbury streets. While enjoying her walk, she heard screams. Following the sound of the screams led her to a gruesome discovery: the body of a female teenager lying on the ground.

The victim’s parents say she had everything to live for and would not have jumped to her death. Lexi’s nephew was friends with her and he refused to believe she would take her own life. But then how do you explain the suicide note? However, the death of another teenager and the accompanying suicide note prompts Lexi to dig deeper.

The story in this installment touches on the dangers of the internet, with emphasis on the dark web. It also touched on mental health. Lexi works hard to solve the mystery behind the apparent suicides. The fact it involved teenagers hit her hard given her past and which made her determined to discover the truth. The case took on a personal nature when her nephew got caught in the middle of the disturbing events.

Lexi’s determination and diligence once again came to light. Although she made a few questionable choices, one would not expect from an experienced investigator. The mystery kept me on my toes. It took most of the story to figure out the identity of the mastermind. However, as the clues came together, both the identity and motive became clear.

The Girl’s Last Cry delivered a clever, suspenseful and engaging tale with some interesting twists. Fans of police procedurals will want to pick up this latest mystery by Belsham.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading

[Trina Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having enjoyed The Girls On Chalk Hill, I was really pleased to be accepted for the 2nd in the series by Netgalley and Bookouture.
At first glance the body of a young girl at the bottom of a tower looks like suicide but tenacious DI Lexi Bennett has her suspicions. These are escalated when another teenager is also found in an apparent suicide. What links them and can any further deaths be prevented. Highlighting the dangers of the Dark Web this is a great Police procedural novel..
If its possible I enjoyed this book more than book 1, although we get to see more of Lexi"s character, she's determined to get justice for her victims and stops at nothing, but we also get to know the characteristics of the other members of the team as well. I think I've found another "go to" author in Alison Belsham

[Janice Spina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Girl’s Last Cry is a mystery, thriller that is gripping and keeps the reader engrossed right through to the surprising ending of the story.

This is the second book in the Detective Lexie Bennett mystery series. Once I began this series I was hooked. I love the main protagonist, Lexie Bennett, who is courageous to a fault, dedicated, unrelenting in finding the truth and putting away the perpetrators while going to the aid of the ones who were injured.

The author has written a compelling mystery series with plenty of non-stop action and excitement as Lexie leads the chase to solve another crime and once again puts her own life in the balance in the process.

I highly recommend this detective series.

[Denisa Smrzova · Rating 2 out of 5]

jak hodně blbá Lexi může být? :)

[Sandra Vdplaats · Rating 4 out of 5]

I also got to read the first book - The Chalk Girls - the series continues with The Girl's Last Cry, and the good news is that with this title there is thankfully no end to this series yet, the author is currently working on Part III.
This volume can be read entirely on its own, the writer very occasionally reverts back to the horrors that Lexi and her twin sister Amber had to endure. No further background information is needed to read this story.
As with the first book, the story starts with a bang; this time we witness a desperate teenager jumping off the Westgate Tower (medieval gateway in Canterbury, red. ).
Lexi is convinced there is more to the story, but malicious intent is ruled out when a suicide note is found among the girl's personal belongings.
Two more youth suicides take place in a short time, and in the cases of one of them, it is almost impossible that the boy could have hanged himself. Given the location, it’s likely someone else was involved. Lexi's gut feeling turns out to be right after all. There is more to it.
The phones of the victims are missing, but Tor is found on all the youngsters' laptops. Tor is an open network for anonymous communication based on a technique called onion routing. It is a technology developed in 1995 by the US Naval Research Laboratory; it allows them to access a chat room on the Dark Web. There, 'Nyx' is in charge, offering a listening ear to these desperate teenagers.
When Lexi makes a mistake by logging into the chat room, it appears that Nyx realises they are being watched. Will Lexi arrive in time to save the other teenagers from a desperate act?

I was really blown away by part 1 and even read through it at night because I couldn't put the book down. I was eagerly awaiting this sequel and was glad Bookouture gave me an arc to review this sequel.
The story starts with a bam -but after a shocking start, it is a bit slow, albeit halfway through it accelerates and it remains very exciting and fast paced until the end.
Some things in the book I didn't understand: I find it unlikely that Lexi could be called by a parent in the middle of the night. In my opinion, private phone numbers are not given out to third parties.
And since Lexi does have a solid education and worked for years as a profiler for the FBI, I don't understand how she couldn't have known that you can't just break into a chat room, and use a username of someone the group knows is no longer alive.
But that is a personal observation and of course does not detract from the quality of the story. Lexi makes more strange mistakes.
I also don't understand how someone of her calibre can be manipulated at The Ropery ( Historic Dockyard Chatham) - she even plays with her own life in the process. Is she now letting herself be tricked by a psychopath again, just like before? Or is it her survivor's guilt playing up again?
I do find it very moving to read that Lexi has found something of atonement in this volume.
Though of course there is never an excuse, I do like that the writer chooses to focus on the fact that monsters are not born, but made. As in book 1, here too is an insight into the sadness and despair of why someone goes down a bad path. This gives food for thought, and for me adds to the story.

I loved the setting in which this takes place: I lived in this part myself and this part of England is so very beautiful! I love recognising the 'crime scenes' and getting a virtual tour, so to speak, to go back to the places where I lived myself.
Not as good as the first book, but still a good and solid thriller that I enjoyed reading. I look forward to the next book!

Thank you Netgalley & Bookouture for this arc, another solid and thrilling Lexi Bennett story.
4.5 stars.
I leave my review voluntarily.

[Mandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

After really enjoying the first book in the Detective Lexi Bennett series I was happy to find that I would not have to wait long for book 2. This time Lexi becomes involved in several cases of apparent suicide after coming across the body of a young girl at the bottom of a tower after she had fallen. There is something that does not sit quite right with Lexi and after finding out that the girl was a friend of her nephew Sam she is determined to dig further until she is satisfied she knows exactly what happened. When two more young teenagers also die in apparent suicides she is convinced there is something going on, but she struggles to work out what connects them all if anything does and why they would want to end their lives in such a way.
Lexi Bennett is definitely growing on me. She has a determination to see a case through no matter what that you can’t help but admire. Even when her boss is doubting her motives she doesn’t let go and wants to do right by the victims and their families once again putting her own life on the line. You can feel her frustration as she reaches one dead end after another as suspects are crossed off and evidence leads nowhere. Her own impulsiveness even puts the investigation behind and potentially more children at risk and as she is beating herself up over it there are times Lexi oversteps the line with her colleagues.
Speaking of her colleagues, we are getting to know more about them and the dynamics within the team as they have been working together for some time. Whilst we knew that Lexi and Tom worked well together I have really enjoyed watching the working relationship between Colin and Ridhi develop. They are like chalk and cheese yet somehow they work as a partnership and Ridhi may actually be rubbing off on the brash DC. It is their interactions that bring some of the lighter moments in the book.
The book does have dark themes as it delves into the world of the dark web and the suicide groups that lurk on there and you are left wondering what was so bad in the victims lives that would lead them to such a place where they felt they had no options left and ultimately what kind of person would actively encourage them to end their lives whilst seemingly offering them understanding. Alison Belsham manages to highlight these issues sensitively whilst still ensuring that the plot engages the reader. I am certainly looking forward to book 3 to see what Lexi and the team become involved in next and if this time she can manage to solve the case without putting her own life on the line

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Title: The Girls Last Cry
Author: Alison Belsham
Series: Detective Lexi Bennett #2
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: July 11, 2023
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pages: 401

When I read Alison Belsham [book: the Girls on Chalk Hill|} which was the first in this series, I truly was on the edge of seat.
I was so sure I had whodunit it figured out ~ as I am a big psychological thriller fan therefore with my armchair training I have expert experience in solving these type of cases ~Right? Actually Not!

So I went into this story with an expectation that my investigative armchair training learned something from the last time ~ lol

In this story Lexi is following up on a case classed as a suicide of thirteen year old Olivia James who jumped from a city tower. Olivia was a talented musician and her parents cannot believe she would do this.
Sam, Lexi’s nephew, was a close friend of Olivia and is having a difficult time with her death. news.

Soon another teen fifteen year old Shan Liang also a musician has been found dead and left a note similar to Olivia’s.
Soon after this happened there is another victim Neil McGowan a suicide with a similar suicide note.

Lexi as well as others know this is very suspicious.

As Lexi and her team investigate they learn the victims were on the dark web and belonged to a suicide group.
It appears there is a killer who is manipulating teens into killing themselves.

There are suspects which Lexi investigates one by one.
When nephew San Riley is in danger, Lexi springs into action.

There is no doubt I was on the edge of seat. The situation with Sam was terrifying.

The person ‘whodunit’ was introduced late in this story ~ which happened in the first book so I was expecting something similar. Story was awesome and also disturbing.
I look forward to Book #3 but am okay to let my head and emotions settle before tackling another Lexi adventure!!

Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for granting me this awesome thriller.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for July 11, 2023.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grade: A

Alison Belsham knows how to steal time. Once again, I sat down to read for "a bit," before I knew it, it was late at night, and I was finished with this book.

As with the first book in this series, Lexi Bennett wanders upon a crime scene. As laid out in the first chapter, a teen girl is contemplating suicide, and it becomes clear that she is being groomed to make this decision. When Lexi discovers the girl's body at the body of a tower, it doesn't seem quite like a suicide to her detective's eye.

The Lexi Bennett series is perfect for those who like the procedural part of police procedurals. Belsham dives deep into what it takes for detectives to solve a case. In this second novel, the scope widens from just Lexi to the rest of her team. I enjoyed seeing the individual personalities come out and interact with each other.

Still, Lexi is at the center. As her colleague says, Lexi's superpower is her empathy. That special something makes Lexi successful both as a detective and a character. While the first book focused on a case very personal to Lexi, she is more removed from this case. That lets her shine as a detective. She still makes some incredibly stupid spur-of-the-moment decisions, which I find frustrating with her as a character, but I don't find fault with the writing. Lexi is called out for these brash actions by her co-workers, and Lexi does face consequences.

I do want to give a warning for this book. Generally, there is a trigger warning for suicidal ideation. More personally, this deals with teen suicide. As a parent of a teen and pre-teen, I found parts of this book very hard to read. I don't mean that as a knock against Belsham, but rather a warning for others who might be sensitive to it.

I am so glad that I happened upon this series, and I will definitely be continuing with the series. I would press it into the hands of anyone who is a fan of crime fiction.

I received an electronic ARC of this book through Netgalley from Bookouture in return for an honest review.

[Teresa Nikolic · Rating 4 out of 5]

When thirteen year old talented musician, Olivia James falls from one of the ancient towers in Canterbury city everything points towards the young girl taking her own life, especially when they find a note left by her and Detective Lexi Bennett prepares to close the case, even though Sam, Olivia's friend and Lexi's nephew, is adamant she wouldn't do something like that. When another teenager is found dead, Lexi thinks they are linked as he's a musician too and with a second persons footprint also at the scene, she's certain there's more to these deaths. Then she receives a call to say her nephew Sam, also a musician, is missing and she knows its a race against time to find him before this ruthless monster takes one of her own...

The Girls Last Cry is the second in the Detective Lexi Bennett police procedural series by Belsham and, as with the first book, I was hooked right from the off. This story covers the rather delicate subject of teenage suicide but Belsham tells it with compassion and integrity. She also delves into the dangers of the Dark Web and the catastrophic consequences that can arise from the influencers you meet on there. I really enjoyed the first book and getting to know more of Lexi and the team in this one. I love how Lexi has continued to gel with her team and her empathetic nature with everyone around her. This is a fast paced, action packed read which kept me gripped throughout and I'm looking forward to the next one in the series.

I'd like to thank Bookouture and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I had some misgivings after reading the first book but I am so glad I stuck with the series as it managed to redeem itself very well in this, the follow up. Again, Lexi is first on scene when she hears screams which direct her to the foot of a tower where the body of a teenage girl lays. Three obvious scenarios jump into her head, fall - accident or deliberate, or pushed...? Her parents are convinced that she didn't take her own life as she was a talented musician and had everything to live for... But then a note is found suggesting otherwise which really puts this to bed. But something still niggles with Lexi... And then there's another body found. Another teenager, another apparent suicide, the note similar to the first. And Lexi's interest is rekindled...
Well, this one hit the sweet spot and, although there are a few things that made my eyes roll, they are of a personal preference more than anything the author did wrong, so I am happy to take one for the team and suck them up. And anyway, outwith them, I really did enjoy the book as it kept me guessing for the majority.
Characters were good, Lexi is coming on nicely after her introduction last time, and they all did their jobs very well indeed. Pacing was also good, matching the narrative all the way through and ramping up nicely towards the end. Assisted, I hasten to add, by the absence of any superfluous waffle or padding to interfere. Meaning that the story got on with itself nicely.
All in all, a cracking follow up which left me satisfied and excited for book three. As it should! My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Girls last cry by Alison Belsham is the second book in the new Detective Lexi Bennett series and was another brilliant book. Which was a great page turner that had me gripped from the beginning till the end. Plus, I found it hard to put my kindle down. I really like Detective Lexi Bennett character....She is so down to earth you can really feel for her character etc.

Detective Lexi Bennett is walking through the quiet Canterbury streets when she hears screaming. Rushing towards the sound, she finds the body of a teenage girl lying beneath one of the city’s ancient towers. Lexi looks up at the cold grey stone, and vows that she will find answers.

Did the girl jump or fall… or was she pushed?

Olivia ’s distraught parents say their daughter was a talented musician with everything to live for. Lexi’s nephew, Sam , who knew Olivia, tearfully insists that she would never have taken her own life. But when a note is found, Lexi reluctantly wraps up the case.

Another teenager is found dead on a deserted path beneath a cliff. Lexi is certain there’s a link, especially when she learns that the boy was a musician too.

Is being a musician as well the link or is there another link to these murders?

Her phone rings..........it's a call that fills her with dread. Her nephew Sam is missing.

Can Lexi outsmart a truly brutal monster, or will her own family pay the price?

WoW!!!! this so good!!!

I am looking forward to the next book in the excellent Detective Lexi Bennett series

I highly recommend this book 5 star read.

Big thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to listen to and review this book ARC.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something I find interesting about the books in this crimes series versus other series I read, Lexie is more of a lone wolf, even when working with her team.  She's much more likely to investigate on her own then to wait for back up.  If you read my review of the last book, then you know Lexie is a Brit in England, yeah I know, not original, but she spent years training at Quantico.  That gives her a fresh perspective compared to the others in the department.

So far I've read the two books out and both books were personal to Lexie.  She is a profiler and solves crimes, but in this one she is the first detective on scene of a presumed teenage suicide, and she is protective of the case until she can rule out foul play.  Much to the chagrin of her boss.  Lexie is incredibly methodical as she works to solve the case.  More so than in other series I've read.  While the detective has to play a part in solving things, Lexie doesn't have a work life balance so the case is always the focus.

There is a little bit of the dark web in this one and I take offense at them making fun that us "older" people can't possibly know how to use it (as I struggle to keep the font the same size in my blog post).  The reader is privy very early on that the cases aren't truly suicides as there are dark web chats between the victims and a not so nice person pushing suicide.  There are quite a few red herrings that kept me guessing and I did not figure out how did it.

It's a slightly different twist on the crime procedural.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pulse Pounding Criminal Innovation. This is the book that cements the Lexi Bennett series as must read, as it starts off feeling a touch like a disaster flick - everything is normal-ish, except that someone has jumped from a tall building seemingly intentionally. Then the deeper into the story we get, we find an almost Kilgrave level villain (though to be clear - just a human, no superpowers)... and this is where the story *really* takes off, becoming ever more inventive, ever more cat and mouse almost perfect spy thriller type... except that this is a police procedural where murders are being investigated. The ending sequences are some of the most inventive and innovative of all, going particularly dark even. As in, I'm not sure even Preston and Child get *this* dark and twisted, even with Diogenese Pendergast. Which is high praise in that particular arena, because if you like that particular style... you *know* how good Preston and Child are there. Belsham here *may* have truly bested them. Seriously.

Ultimately, this is one of those tales that you're going to need and light and funny comedy to bring back your mental balance from, and for those that struggle with suicidal ideation... perhaps not the book for you until you deal with those issues. Still, very much recommended.

[Cammie (Bibliolater.alligator) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lexi Bennett is at it again, this time racing the clock to figure out why so many teenagers are suddenly committing suicide- and why nothing about their crime scenes really makes sense with a self-inflicted unaliving. Determined not to write these kids off, she digs deep until she uncovers a killer operating on the dark web to lure distressed teenagers to their own deaths.

Like in the first installment of this series, Lexi Bennett’s story unfolds as a suspenseful police procedural, but without the red herrings I find so annoying in thriller/suspense books these days. We are really given what we need to follow along with the investigation through Detective Bennett’s eyes until everything becomes clear. This time I felt like I “figured it out” before Lexi and her crew, but I only had to yell at them for a chapter or two (and then my sister, as we buddy read this and both went uhhh Lexi, girl, come on….). I also enjoyed that, unlike book 1 where it was extremely personal for Lexi from the very start, this case allowed her to be a little more objective for most of the investigation, which in turn allowed her to be more level headed and not jump to conclusions quickly. I also enjoyed being able to see Lexi and her sister, Amber, in an actual relationship, and it was nice that Lexi had somewhere to go and someone to talk to this time when things got tough. Overall, I found this to be another really solid installment of the Lexi Bennett series, and I look forward to her next one!

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book #2 in the Detective Lexi Bennett series. It’s my first read by this author and I enjoyed the book. It was a difficult read due to subject matter though☹️. I do look forward to catching up with book 1 and seeing what happens next!

Detective Lexi Bennett happens upon a crime scene while out in Canterbury. A teenage girl named Olivia has jumped from one of the ancient city towers. Lexi has to determine if she committed suicide or if this is a murder investigation.

Olivia was a talented musician and her parents can’t understand why she would have jumped. Sam, Lexi’s nephew, was a friend of Olivia. He’s having a hard time coping with her death.

Lexi soon receives a call that another teen has been found dead of apparent suicide. The boy was also a musician and his note reads very similar to Olivia’s. What’s going on here?

As she investigates further, Lexi and her team discover that the victims were both on the dark web and belonged to a suicide group. Is there a killer out there manipulating teens into killing themselves? It’s a race to discover the identity of the next victim before it’s too late to save them.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[... Lost Bookland... · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Girl's Last Cry is the second book in the Detective Lexi Bennett series by Alison Belsham. It is a gripping psychological crime thriller that follows Lexi as she investigates the death of a teenage girl in Canterbury. The story unravels a pattern of connected deaths, revealing a manipulative killer at large. Belsham expertly weaves a complex narrative, blending police procedural with elements of a spy thriller. The book explores the power of influence, particularly online, and delves into themes of mental health awareness. With exceptional character development and a vivid setting, The Girl's Last Cry delivers a suspenseful and multi-layered story.

Despite some potential triggers and moments of implausibility, The Girl's Last Cry is a compelling read. The well-developed plot, fast-paced nature, and unexpected twists keep readers engaged and eager for answers. Belsham's writing style is evocative and heightens the suspense throughout. The exploration of themes and the deepening of characters' backstories add depth to the story, making it more than just a typical crime novel. Whether you're new to the series or a fan of the genre, The Girl's Last Cry is a definite recommendation for those seeking a thrilling and thought-provoking read.

[Mags · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐

Detective Inspector Lexi Bennett and the murder investigation team are back. With another tricky case to solve.

As thirteen year old Olivia "Olly" James falls to her death. But did she jump or was she pushed?

That's what Lexi is intent on discovering. Especially when she learns that Olly was friends with her nephew Sam. Who insists Olly would never harm herself.

Although all the evidence says otherwise. Lexi is sure something else is happening and then the next day another teen dies supposedly by their own hand.

Yet, Lexi isn't convinced and is more sure than ever something far worse is going on.

And she is soon proven right.

But her rash actions and desperation to save lives cause a viable lead to disappear and another teen to be discovered dead.

And now Lexi really wants answers.

However, with little evidence to go on and no signs of murder. How is Lexi and her team going to find who is responsible and stop more teens from dying?

And with a twisted killer to catch, danger, shocks and surprises. This was an engaging and enjoyable follow up to the brilliant The Girls on Chalk Hill and I'd happily recommend this series and author to others.

My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Girl's Last Cry. 😊