What do you think?
Rate this book
Lost Angel
What price would you pay for revenge?
1997. Fifteen-year-old Grace Kirby kisses her mum and heads off to school. It’s a day like any other, except that Grace will never return home.
Fifteen years have passed since Grace went missing. In that time, Stephen Baxley has made millions and now he’s lost millions. Suicide seems like the only option, but Stephen has no intention of leaving behind his wife, son and daughter. He wants them all to be together forever, in this world or the next.
Angel is on the brink of suicide too. Then she hears a name on the news that transports her back to a windowless basement. Something terrible happened in that basement. Something Angel has been running from most of her life. But the time for running is over. Now is the time to start fighting back.
At the scene of a fatal shooting, Detective Jim Monahan finds evidence of a sickening crime linked to Grace Kirby. Then more people start turning up dead. Who is the killer? Are the victims also linked to Grace? Who will be next to die? The answers will test to breaking-point Jim’s faith in the law he’s spent his life upholding.
1997. Fifteen-year-old Grace Kirby kisses her mum and heads off to school. It’s a day like any other, except that Grace will never return home.
Fifteen years have passed since Grace went missing. In that time, Stephen Baxley has made millions and now he’s lost millions. Suicide seems like the only option, but Stephen has no intention of leaving behind his wife, son and daughter. He wants them all to be together forever, in this world or the next.
Angel is on the brink of suicide too. Then she hears a name on the news that transports her back to a windowless basement. Something terrible happened in that basement. Something Angel has been running from most of her life. But the time for running is over. Now is the time to start fighting back.
At the scene of a fatal shooting, Detective Jim Monahan finds evidence of a sickening crime linked to Grace Kirby. Then more people start turning up dead. Who is the killer? Are the victims also linked to Grace? Who will be next to die? The answers will test to breaking-point Jim’s faith in the law he’s spent his life upholding.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 9, 2018
1226 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
Ben Cheetham
42 books256 followersBen Cheetham is an award-winning writer and Pushcart Prize nominee. His writing spans the genres, from horror and sci-fi to literary fiction, but he has a passion for dark, gritty crime fiction. His short stories have been published in Swill Magazine, The Fiction Desk, Deadcore (Comet Press), The London Magazine, The Willisden Herald New Short Stories 3, The Grist Anthology of New Writing, Dream Catcher, Staple, Fast Forward: A Collection of Flash Fiction, Voice From The Planet (Harvard Square Editions), The Momaya Annual Review, Transmission, The Chaffey Review, and numerous other magazines.
Ben lives in Sheffield, UK, where - when he's not chasing around after his two-year old son - he spends most of his time locked away in his study racking his brain for the next paragraph, the next sentence, the next word.
Ben lives in Sheffield, UK, where - when he's not chasing around after his two-year old son - he spends most of his time locked away in his study racking his brain for the next paragraph, the next sentence, the next word.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 21, 2018
Love it
This Wil keep you on the edge of you seat in places. A teenage girl that disappeared years ago comes back for revenge. The story is a masterpiece, love Ben Cheetham's style.
This Wil keep you on the edge of you seat in places. A teenage girl that disappeared years ago comes back for revenge. The story is a masterpiece, love Ben Cheetham's style.
January 26, 2019
Lost Angel
Ben Cheetham has the mind of a psychopath, and puts it on paper for us to read! He does it very well. His characters, both good and bad makes us get into their minds. Well written, fast paced, and so many twists to keep you rushing to the very end, and the end doesn't let you down.
Ben Cheetham has the mind of a psychopath, and puts it on paper for us to read! He does it very well. His characters, both good and bad makes us get into their minds. Well written, fast paced, and so many twists to keep you rushing to the very end, and the end doesn't let you down.
January 23, 2019
Wow a real who done it!!!!!
Twist and turn from beginning to end. One story feeds into another and then they all connect.A story of despair,Then self pity and murder that leads to the truth of people with power feeding on the young and weak.Along comes a cop who believes in justicejust not always the law wants it to be.Good pace with an ending you don't expect.Good one from this author
Twist and turn from beginning to end. One story feeds into another and then they all connect.A story of despair,Then self pity and murder that leads to the truth of people with power feeding on the young and weak.Along comes a cop who believes in justicejust not always the law wants it to be.Good pace with an ending you don't expect.Good one from this author
March 13, 2019
Great mystery
A tough British crime novel with twists and turns. Not for the faint of heart. Definitely exposes the darkness that lives inside of some people. Great character development, with characters that are easy to relate to because they're not too perfect.
A tough British crime novel with twists and turns. Not for the faint of heart. Definitely exposes the darkness that lives inside of some people. Great character development, with characters that are easy to relate to because they're not too perfect.
June 3, 2020
Cid Herman
Thrilling plot, great writing, realistic characters, excellent pacing!
Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2020
LOST ANGEL is an excellent Police Procedural/Crime Thriller. It unfolds at a breakneck pace and never lets up. It is a dark story with a revenge killer who has one battle weary cop feeling like the revenge is more than justified. His partner is a straight shooter, so he keeps a lot of his feelings about his thankless years of service to himself. He may even be willing to stick his neck out to help out a killer on a rampage.
The victims of a crime that happened years before are in the fight for their lives as they come into contact with each other and the well insulated people that victimized them when they were just kids. Survival means kill or be killed. Even the survivors can't be sure the dead aren't the lucky ones.
The characters come alive on the page and as a reader, i came to care about the small group trying to get justice for themselves or just trying to survive a spree of killings. Many victims are family members sacrificed by those that should protect them or who selfishly THINK they are protecting them, from the ravages of a cyclical life.
Its a dark gritty story with prostitution, pimps, physical and sexual abuse of adults and children, heroin junkies, strip clubs and many many horrific murders. If you don't like books with that kind of content, this is not the book for you. But for everyone else this has a thrilling plot, great pacing and characters you get to know and understand. Highly recommended!
Thrilling plot, great writing, realistic characters, excellent pacing!
Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2020
LOST ANGEL is an excellent Police Procedural/Crime Thriller. It unfolds at a breakneck pace and never lets up. It is a dark story with a revenge killer who has one battle weary cop feeling like the revenge is more than justified. His partner is a straight shooter, so he keeps a lot of his feelings about his thankless years of service to himself. He may even be willing to stick his neck out to help out a killer on a rampage.
The victims of a crime that happened years before are in the fight for their lives as they come into contact with each other and the well insulated people that victimized them when they were just kids. Survival means kill or be killed. Even the survivors can't be sure the dead aren't the lucky ones.
The characters come alive on the page and as a reader, i came to care about the small group trying to get justice for themselves or just trying to survive a spree of killings. Many victims are family members sacrificed by those that should protect them or who selfishly THINK they are protecting them, from the ravages of a cyclical life.
Its a dark gritty story with prostitution, pimps, physical and sexual abuse of adults and children, heroin junkies, strip clubs and many many horrific murders. If you don't like books with that kind of content, this is not the book for you. But for everyone else this has a thrilling plot, great pacing and characters you get to know and understand. Highly recommended!
June 29, 2024
It was a fast paced extremely dark crime thriller. I winced in places hoping it wouldn’t go into too much detail, and it didn’t. But it was always there lingering in the background.
Jim Monaghan is the Detective Inspector and main character. A man who had trouble getting over his wife leaving him. He was one of those cops who plod on when many would have collapsed from sheer exhaustion. His relentless response finally pays off as he catches the killers.
The other main character is Angel, from the book’s title. A woman who has had a particularly raw deal in life and seeks revenge. Things don’t always go to plan, and neither did what happened to her.
Overall, this is a well thought out thriller. The writing style was good and the plot kept me wanting to read more. I’d finished the whole book within a few days.
Jim Monaghan is the Detective Inspector and main character. A man who had trouble getting over his wife leaving him. He was one of those cops who plod on when many would have collapsed from sheer exhaustion. His relentless response finally pays off as he catches the killers.
The other main character is Angel, from the book’s title. A woman who has had a particularly raw deal in life and seeks revenge. Things don’t always go to plan, and neither did what happened to her.
Overall, this is a well thought out thriller. The writing style was good and the plot kept me wanting to read more. I’d finished the whole book within a few days.
April 6, 2019
Dear Mr. Cheetham
It's a pleasure to read a book that, if I have to take a break for the sake of my 84 year old eyes, I will remember the characters without having to backtrack. No doubt I will be buying more of your books. I was born in UK but left there in 1956, I now live in North Carolina, USA. The only fault I find with English books is the language. The 2 (IMO) worst swear words are used so much. My mother in 2000 chastised my sister and I for saying, "Bleedin' 'ell." We'd been to see Nil by Mouth and we thought it was funny. It makes me wonder if she were still alive what she would think of face book? Thanks for your writing as you can tell I still read books and manage to overlook the bad words.
Pat4cskk@aol.com
It's a pleasure to read a book that, if I have to take a break for the sake of my 84 year old eyes, I will remember the characters without having to backtrack. No doubt I will be buying more of your books. I was born in UK but left there in 1956, I now live in North Carolina, USA. The only fault I find with English books is the language. The 2 (IMO) worst swear words are used so much. My mother in 2000 chastised my sister and I for saying, "Bleedin' 'ell." We'd been to see Nil by Mouth and we thought it was funny. It makes me wonder if she were still alive what she would think of face book? Thanks for your writing as you can tell I still read books and manage to overlook the bad words.
Pat4cskk@aol.com
February 21, 2020
A story of a girl called Grace who ended up being prostitute for a pimp for drugs. She got tired of it. Down the road she starts to look for a bunch of people who apparently where involved in some sort of sexual abuse group involving her and a boy named Mark. She wanted them to suffer a long drawn out death. She did shoot some of them. Then one of the men shot his wife and child then tried to shoot Mark ( who was not his biological son) Wife , and the man died ,the girl and Mark were alive but critically injured. A cop tried to help Grace out . She finds more of the men. Lots happening . In the end whats left of the people and their remaining lives. Good story.
July 19, 2019
Not for the faint of heart
This book is gritty, raw and tragic. It is also well written, with great character development. Even though some of the characters are on the “fringe” (prostitutes, drug dealers, criminals), I found myself liking them and rooting for them. Ben Cheetham has created characters with heart. But this book deals with very difficult topics and was so intense at times I found I needed a break.
This book is gritty, raw and tragic. It is also well written, with great character development. Even though some of the characters are on the “fringe” (prostitutes, drug dealers, criminals), I found myself liking them and rooting for them. Ben Cheetham has created characters with heart. But this book deals with very difficult topics and was so intense at times I found I needed a break.
February 23, 2019
What just happened?
Loved this book. Detective Jim, a true rogue hero! A cop that follows his instinct instead of listening to his procedural prone "deaf" superiors. Could not ask for a better storyline. That is until the very end. Then what? Leaving the outcome up to the readers unimaginative imagination?
Loved this book. Detective Jim, a true rogue hero! A cop that follows his instinct instead of listening to his procedural prone "deaf" superiors. Could not ask for a better storyline. That is until the very end. Then what? Leaving the outcome up to the readers unimaginative imagination?
June 19, 2019
Amazing
I find your story line very intriguing. I did not expect the way you ended it. I was hoping the girl would get her man. I enjoyed your concept of family love ok I purchase one more I don't u usually like series but we shall see. I have tried to Whitefield I know it's hard. Keep up great work
I find your story line very intriguing. I did not expect the way you ended it. I was hoping the girl would get her man. I enjoyed your concept of family love ok I purchase one more I don't u usually like series but we shall see. I have tried to Whitefield I know it's hard. Keep up great work
October 26, 2019
Great book!
This is a story that could come straight from today's headlines. Detective Jim Monahan is a good man that does his best to solve a 15 year old mystery when a murder points him directly to a woman that disappeared as a teenager. The story is gut wrenching...And the good detective is our unlikely hero. I really liked this book. I think you will too.
This is a story that could come straight from today's headlines. Detective Jim Monahan is a good man that does his best to solve a 15 year old mystery when a murder points him directly to a woman that disappeared as a teenager. The story is gut wrenching...And the good detective is our unlikely hero. I really liked this book. I think you will too.
November 7, 2018
Interesting
Hard to get into, but interesting enough to keep trying. Lays open the sordid underbelly of society, creates heroes from abused children, shows that villains come from all walks of life, and that following the law doesn't always equate to justice.
Hard to get into, but interesting enough to keep trying. Lays open the sordid underbelly of society, creates heroes from abused children, shows that villains come from all walks of life, and that following the law doesn't always equate to justice.
December 2, 2018
Absolutely thrilling story
Wow what a great read! Fast paced action packed with wild plot twists that will keep you reading to the end. Vividly written, believable characters. Will be reading more from this author
Wow what a great read! Fast paced action packed with wild plot twists that will keep you reading to the end. Vividly written, believable characters. Will be reading more from this author
January 3, 2019
Lost Angel
I am glad this one stands alone because it's terrific! I read it out of order as I do. I am a great fan of Ben Cheetham! This book kept me up late which I didn't mind since I was reading a really awesome book! Thank you
I am glad this one stands alone because it's terrific! I read it out of order as I do. I am a great fan of Ben Cheetham! This book kept me up late which I didn't mind since I was reading a really awesome book! Thank you
February 17, 2019
Not your stereotypical thriller
If you like police detective thrillers you will love this book. It wasn't so much suspenseful and just interesting and unexpected. Real life nitty gritty characters and believable relationships. All around a great read.
If you like police detective thrillers you will love this book. It wasn't so much suspenseful and just interesting and unexpected. Real life nitty gritty characters and believable relationships. All around a great read.
March 29, 2019
Great read
This was a great read but the end was rather abrupt n felt unfinished. They didn't have to get rid of 2 of the main characters like that n is Mark now gonna turn bad as well?
This was a great read but the end was rather abrupt n felt unfinished. They didn't have to get rid of 2 of the main characters like that n is Mark now gonna turn bad as well?
April 27, 2019
Two thumbs up
Awesome read! Didn’t like the ending but the suspense throughout is a page turner! This book will keep you guessing but the ending does leave you wondering what happened!!!
Awesome read! Didn’t like the ending but the suspense throughout is a page turner! This book will keep you guessing but the ending does leave you wondering what happened!!!
May 23, 2019
"A Very Gripping Story"
This is a stunning investigative thriller of a British complex violent crime which is totally captivating with twists and turns. It's a shocking, mind blowing story I had to read to the end. It also has a very surprising ending!
This is a stunning investigative thriller of a British complex violent crime which is totally captivating with twists and turns. It's a shocking, mind blowing story I had to read to the end. It also has a very surprising ending!
May 24, 2019
Great crime/mystery
Lots of twists and turns, with real characters that are relatable and good guys that are flawed, and bad guys with a hint of good, others that are beyond despicable.
Lots of twists and turns, with real characters that are relatable and good guys that are flawed, and bad guys with a hint of good, others that are beyond despicable.
September 12, 2019
Very Good Book
So thrilling, tragic, and page turningly good. This is my first time reading something by Ben Cheetham and I believe that I will be reading more of his suspense novels in the future!
So thrilling, tragic, and page turningly good. This is my first time reading something by Ben Cheetham and I believe that I will be reading more of his suspense novels in the future!
February 20, 2020
A gripping story with a psychological twist
An unlikely heroine, an innocent boy, a good cop. Evil perversion in unlikely characters. Fast paced, action, & intrigue. I couldn't put it down!
An unlikely heroine, an innocent boy, a good cop. Evil perversion in unlikely characters. Fast paced, action, & intrigue. I couldn't put it down!
February 25, 2020
The things evil people do
When I started reading this book, I almost put it down. I don’t usually read books with foul language, but the author drew me in. The storyline is a compelling look at the world of child porn and the damage done to these young children. Worth the read
When I started reading this book, I almost put it down. I don’t usually read books with foul language, but the author drew me in. The storyline is a compelling look at the world of child porn and the damage done to these young children. Worth the read
October 20, 2021
Great police thriller
Loved this story. It kept you guessing until the end. Loved the main characters. The ending was a hook.Can't wait to read the next book and see what happens with Mark and his sister.
Loved this story. It kept you guessing until the end. Loved the main characters. The ending was a hook.Can't wait to read the next book and see what happens with Mark and his sister.
November 17, 2018
Excellent story
Excellent story of the lives of people who are forced into a dark way of life by others who have money 💰.
Excellent story of the lives of people who are forced into a dark way of life by others who have money 💰.
December 18, 2018
Great
I liked this book a good bit. Jim is such a great flawed character. I hope he’s ok and still working.
I liked this book a good bit. Jim is such a great flawed character. I hope he’s ok and still working.
January 1, 2019
Wonderful read
Loved the book. The portrayal of the detective as a caring and compassionate human was perfect. Enjoyed every moment to the end of the story
Loved the book. The portrayal of the detective as a caring and compassionate human was perfect. Enjoyed every moment to the end of the story
January 31, 2019
Nooo!
This book cannot be done!!! I want to keep reading!!! Love this one!!!love the story and the characters so easily fit together!I want more please!!!
This book cannot be done!!! I want to keep reading!!! Love this one!!!love the story and the characters so easily fit together!I want more please!!!
February 9, 2019
Didn't really care for this one
February 19, 2019
What a ride!! 😨📖💙
This is a gripping, horrifyingly addictive story. I was on the edge of my seat until the very end! Bravo! 👏
This is a gripping, horrifyingly addictive story. I was on the edge of my seat until the very end! Bravo! 👏
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews