KNOCK KNOCK

4 stars out of 5

This is the first in a series featuring London Detective Inspector Dan Lockhart and psychologist Dr. Lexi Green, and while I enjoyed it (the serial killer's modus operandi is unique and wonderfully gruesome), I have to say I never felt a real "connection" between the lead characters. Of course, they're just getting started - and both have baggage from their past lives that weigh down the chances for successful relationships with anyone else. And near the end they both showed a little more emotion, so I do think there's hope for a solid friendship if not romance in future editions.

The two actually met when Dan, whose wife disappeared but so far hasn't been found, began counseling sessions with Lexi. Not knowing whether she's alive or dead has turned Dan into an alcoholic druggie of sorts, although he's able to slog through work when needed. But then, he's called to investigate the murder of a wealthy woman, and the similarities to an earlier murder are almost identical: choked by a metal ball, both women's ring fingers were oddly scratched. Not everyone on Dan's team, including his boss, are convinced that a serial killer is at work, so Dan decides to ask Lexi for professional input as to an overall profile and motive.

Lexi goes to work, coming up with a theory that's linked to an online community of women-hating men. At first, she's paid; but when no one, including Dan, take her work seriously, she decides to show them the error of their thoughts by continuing her work on her own because she's convinced the killer is lurking in the shadows of the Internet "mansphere." Even if neither she nor Dan foresee any danger in that going off the deep end approach (as professionals, it's a mystery to me why neither of them did), readers can see right away where the story is headed.

Meantime, interspersed with the investigation are glimpses into the killer's mind - and the awareness of from whence his inspiration comes. The action leans toward frenetic near the end, which brings a near end to at least one character (nope, not gonna tell). All told, it's a solid start to a new series. I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for providing me with a pre-publication copy for review.

Knock Knock by Chris Merritt (Bookouture, March 2020); 416 pp.