Chris Merritt

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About Chris Merritt

Hello! I'm a British author whose crime thrillers combine psychology, suspense, and characters you care about.

All my novels are set in London, where I live. My first trilogy starred Zac Boateng and Kat Jones, two detectives motivated by family, who tackle organised crime and police corruption. LAST WITNESS, the second Boateng and Jones book, reached #13 in the UK Kindle chart in 2019.

My second series features detective Dan Lockhart - an ex-soldier with a missing wife - and psychologist Dr Lexi Green, an American living in London. These novels are darker, more psychological serial-killer cases, with romantic relationships as a central theme.

I began writing fiction in 2014, after previous careers as a diplomat, based in Iraq and Jerusalem, and later as a psychologist working with victims and perpetrators of crime. I specialised in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which sparked my interest in telling stories about how people cope when faced with extreme adversity.

Now, I spend most of my time writing novels and drinking coffee while *thinking* about writing novels. When I'm not writing, I love climbing and playing basketball.

You can find out more about my work at www.cjmerritt.co.uk or follow me on Twitter @DrCJMerritt

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Titles By Chris Merritt

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The New Home: An absolutely gripping psychological thriller with a jaw-dropping twist Sep 7, 2021

by Chris Merritt

( 1,136 )

$3.99

‘Wow!!! Wow!!!! Wow!!! This book is a total page-turner and will keep you guessing with every page. Halfway through I thought I had it figured out and then BAM! The ending floored me… I just loved this book.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars

The best thing about Freya’s new home is her beautiful neighbour, Emily. Finally, someone to laugh with over wine.

But when Freya goes round for dinner, everything Emily’s husband, Michael, says seems to make her shrink. Freya is sure something’s wrong.

Then Emily goes missing.

Freya is certain Michael knows more than he’s saying. But no one will listen. Even Freya’s own fiancé wants her to move on. He says this was meant to be Freya’s fresh start, and now she’s getting obsessed, risking everything again.

But then Freya finds a photograph in the attic, that makes her wonder if it was really chance that led to her new home.

Is Freya’s fiancé lying to her? Are Michael and Emily who they say they are? She knows she must find Emily. But the more she uncovers, the more Freya wonders is she losing her mind, or is she in terrible danger?

Fans of Claire McGowan, Shalini Boland and Lisa Jewell will love the gripping tension and unexpected twists of The New Home. Once you start reading, you’ll be hooked!

What readers are saying about The New Home:

‘Wow, wow, wow… Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, I was proved wrong!! I absolutely loved it… So many twists and turns… Definitely makes you QUESTION EVERYTHING!!!… What a turn up for the books!!’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars

‘Boy was this a treat!! … Gripping… Everything I wanted in a book to keep me hooked… I ABSOLUTELY loved this… Didn’t want it to end… Had me second guessing every step of the way.’ Zooloo’s Book Diary, 5 stars

‘A heart-stopping read of determination against all odd… Had me on the edge of my seat and holding my breath. Hang on for the ride!’ Nicki’s Book Blog

‘My goodness this book grabbed me and didn’t let go! Just when I thought I knew what was going on it through in another twist and I was left completely gob-smacked again!’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars

‘This wild ride took me surprise so many times. You think you know what's going on.... Then BAM it’s not what you're thinking!… WOW! Amazing, great, wonderful read!’ @oh.happy.reading, 5 stars

‘Wow, wow, wow… I absolutely loved the story line.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars

‘Let me just say wow… I love when I think I know and a freakin’ twist comes and turns it all around. I can highly recommend.’ @latteandabook, 5 stars

‘Spine-tingling. You will not be able to put this down… I devoured this book.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Paperback

Knock Knock: An absolutely pulse-racing, heart-stopping crime thriller (Detectives Lockhart and Green Book 1) Mar 17, 2020

by Chris Merritt

( 553 )

$2.99

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Wow. I absolutely loved this book!... I was not able to put it down from the moment I started it, so much so that I devoured it in just two days.’ Goodreads reviewer

Natasha Mayston wasn’t expecting anyone to knock on her door so late at night. And she has no idea that the face staring back at her is the last one she’ll ever see…

As Detective Dan Lockhart is called to a wealthy London street to investigate Natasha’s death, he’s startled by the similarity to a previous case. Noticing the cable-tie restraints and the tiny scratches on Natasha’s wedding finger, Dan already knows what he will find if he looks in her mouth – the metal ball which choked her to death. He knows Natasha isn’t the killer’s first victim and is certain that he will strike again.

Months earlier, Kim Hardy was found in the same position in a run-down hotel across the city – an identical silver ball in her throat. But Kim’s murderer was caught and sent to prison – did they arrest the wrong man? And what connects the two victims? Fearing that he’s dealing with a psychopathic serial killer, Dan calls in psychologist Dr Lexi Green to help him to get into the perpetrator’s mind. Tough and smart, Lexi will stop at nothing to hunt down the man responsible for the deaths.

Then, another body is discovered, just as Lexi finds a clue online leading to the killer. Dan’s team aren’t convinced, but in pushing Lexi away from the investigation, they force her to dig further into the case on her own. Convinced that she’s on to something, she puts herself in unthinkable danger… but can Dan piece together the clues and identify the killer before it’s too late?

Fans of Angela Marsons, Robert Dugoni and Cara Hunter will love this thrilling new series from Chris Merritt. From an explosive start to a heart-stopping finale, you will not want to put this book down!

What readers are saying about Knock Knock:

‘Gripping from the get go… Impossible to put down once you start… The fact that I kept turning the pages, the adrenalin pumping, makes Knock Knock a compelling read.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘My heart beating so fast! I couldn’t believe what I was reading. It had me in shock. Every page, every chapter was a page turner… What a rollercoaster.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘Oh wow… I am a huge fan of this author’s work… These are the books that I love!... This book is just great, greater, the greatest!’ B for Bookreview, 5 stars

‘Loved the book. It’s edge of your seat reading.’ Goodreads reviewer

‘Wow! This is one of the best books I have read this year. Really incredible!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘Oh, this was good, very, very good… I was blown away… It’s one hell of a good thriller.’ Goodreads reviewer

‘I fell into this story and finished it in two days… A must read.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

Who's Next?: A completely gripping and unputdownable crime thriller (Detectives Lockhart and Green Book 2) Sep 11, 2020

by Chris Merritt

( 341 )

$3.99

‘A tense, exciting and superbly crafted police procedural.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I was hooked from the start and I absolutely raced through it… It's a big 5 stars from me.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Loved this suspense. Got me hooked immediately and kept me reading through the night.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I devoured this book in one sitting. Blew me away. MORE PLEASE NOW!!!!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Chris Merritt really is a master storyteller. Who’s Next? is a belter of a read! Gripping and intense.’ Once Upon A Time Book Blog, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Stumbling to the ground, he claws at the earth around him, trying to stabilise himself, but his attacker is on him in seconds. As he stares at the lights of the bustling streets on the other side of the park gates, he doesn’t even have time to shout for help before everything goes black.

When the body of wealthy businessman Charles Stott is found dead on Wimbledon Common, covered in bruises just feet away from his luxury home, Detective Dan Lockhart is called to investigate the shocking scene. Examining the sickeningly disfigured body before him, Lockhart knows he’s dealing with a brutal killer. Looking more closely, he notices something on the victim’s neck: a small, crudely drawn symbol in black ink. It seems the murderer has marked his victim, but why? Dan needs to get inside the perpetrator’s mind, so he contacts psychologist Dr Lexi Green.

As the ensuing media circus puts pressure on Dan and Lexi’s investigation, another victim is found and the headlines are quick to report a serial killer is on the loose. The body of a successful lawyer has been discovered in a park with the same bruising and hand-drawn symbol on his neck. Dan fears that more victims will follow.

As the case intensifies, Dan uncovers a new lead on his missing wife, Jess, who disappeared eleven years ago. Determined to follow it up, he must choose between tracking down a serial murderer and finding Jess. Can he make the impossible decision before the killer strikes once more?

Fans of Angela Marsons, Rachel Abbott and Cara Hunter will love this thrilling new series from Chris Merritt. From an explosive start to a heart-stopping finale, you will not want to put this book down!

What readers are saying about Who’s Next?:

‘A true page turner and I honestly did not want to put it down.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars

‘This book sucked me right in from the get go and didn’t let go until I finished it. Edge-of-your-seat thrill ride.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘Action packed, tense storyline with fabulous and relatable characters and an ending that will keep you on the edge of the seat. Highly recommended.’ Angela Marsons, author, 5 stars

‘A huge thumbs up.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘A must-read… I was hooked.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars

‘I needed a good thriller and this delivered huge.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

Lost Souls: An absolutely gripping crime thriller with nail-biting suspense Feb 9, 2021

by Chris Merritt

( 264 )

$3.99

The child’s hair was neatly combed, his small hands bound together with white ribbon. His eyes were closed, the facial expression almost peaceful. Around his neck, a single dark line. He'd been strangled...

In a quiet church, on a busy London street, 12-year-old Donovan Blair is found dead, his body posed as if in prayer. Just hours ago, he was happily playing with his friends at school, but now his body is lifeless, and his killer is long gone.

Detective Dan Lockhart is working alone on his wife’s missing person’s case when he receives the call, and he rushes to the crime scene at St Mary’s Church immediately.

Bringing in psychologist Dr Lexi Green to help profile the murderer, Dan is convinced that the killer has provided a clue by leaving the body in a prayer position. As they work together to unravel the twisted motives of the person responsible, another body is found. A 13-year-old girl, left in a different church, posed in exactly the same way.

Fearing the murderer may already have another child in his sights, Dan and Lexi work together to establish links between the two deaths, and soon discover that not only were both children in care – they had attended the same school. And when it emerges that Lexi has a connection to the school, things become difficult between her and Dan. How much can he tell Lexi about the case? And could she be at risk?

As Dan makes a breakthrough in the investigation, he receives devastating news about his wife, Jess. But with children’s lives at stake and Lexi in danger, Dan must put his personal emotions aside and chase the killer. Can he and Lexi work out who is behind the murders before another vulnerable child is taken?

This nail-biting crime book is perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Lisa Regan and Robert Dugoni. Once you pick up Lost Souls, you won’t be able to put it down!

What readers are saying about Lost Souls:

‘I read this within 24 hours, it was that outstanding… An astonishing page-turner.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘I literally had shivers down my spine… Phenomenal and exciting!’ Carla Kovach, author, 5 stars

‘A totally gripping page-turner that crackles with tension – get ready to stay up late!’ Lisa Regan, author

‘Kept me gripped from start to finish…. Gripping and nail-biting, a complete roller coaster ride.’ The Reading Closet

‘I absolutely loved this book… Kept me on the edge of my seat… Fantastic.’ Stardust Book Reviews, 5 stars

‘Utterly Fantastic.’ Carol Wyer, author

‘One of those books that once you start, you just have to keep on reading no matter how late it is… I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough… Totally absorbing and brilliant thriller.’ NetGalley review, 5 stars

‘This book will have you in its grip and won’t let go until you reach that final page.’ It’s all About Books

‘Compulsive… Enthralling, exhilarating and a thoroughly gripping page-turner.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

Last Witness: A gripping crime thriller you won't be able to put down Jul 24, 2018

by Chris Merritt

( 281 )

$3.99

What if you made one mistake and it came back to kill you?

When Met Police Detective Troy McEwen is found dead in his home the official verdict is suicide. But his friend and fellow detective, Zac, believes it was murder. And he thinks he might be next on the killer’s list.

If Troy didn’t take his own life, then who did? As he investigates, Zac discovers a link to an incident from decades earlier. Mistakes were made that day. Lives were lost and secrets kept. Until now…

As more people who were there on that fateful day are found dead, Zac knows that the killer is closing in on him…

A tense crime thriller for fans of Lee Child, Mark Billingham and Mark Dawson. Last Witness is a gripping, fast-paced thriller that will have you hooked from the first page.

**What readers are saying about Last Witness:**

‘Eeee. OMG! Ahhh! Where do I start? I have a new favourite author… a belter of a book!... I was so impressed, gripped, hooked and immersed. I don’t have the words to describe how much I loved this book!’ Between the Pages Book Club, 5 stars

‘Oh my goodness, what a fantastic opening!!!... Last Witness is such a heart in mouth, fast paced and chilling read which kept my jaw on the floor, and my bottom on the edge of my seat.’ The Writing Garnet, 5 stars

‘Without doubt being added to my top ten of 2018… an absolute must read… I couldn’t put it down.’ Goodreads Reviewer

‘Well, it is official, I think I have found a new detective that I might just love a little bit… Chris Merritt can add me to his list of fans, as I loved this book, the plot, characters and most of all his writing… I couldn’t put the book down, even when I was tired and wanted sleep, so sign of a terrific book!’ Zoo Loo Book Blog

‘Fast-paced and exciting… I fell into this story and finished it in two days. After getting through this book so fast I really want to read more… A must read.’ Two Girls and a Book Obsession, 5 stars

‘Last Witness was chock-full of intrigue and kept me on my toes… captivating… the riveting conclusion has gotten me excited… a thrilling mystery that was a terrific read.’ Robin Loves Reading

‘I have no idea how long my list of good authors is, but after reading this book, it became a bit longer, once again.’ B for Bookreview

‘This was an epic read. Tense, suspenseful and thoroughly gripping from first page to last… There were several effective twists and the pace was ideal… Dark and full of intrigue, a simply fantastic novel.’ Goodreads Reviewer

‘Engrossing, fast-paced story.’ Book Reviews by Monnie

‘A tense, fast paced procedural full of mystery and several good twists. It held my attention throughout and I raced through the pages, desperate to know the details of the 1998 incident… a compelling read.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Paperback , MP3 CD

Bring Her Back: An utterly gripping crime thriller with edge-of-your-seat suspense Mar 21, 2018

by Chris Merritt

( 171 )

$2.99

‘I honestly can't give this book enough praise… without doubt being added to my top ten of 2018… an absolute must read… I couldn't put it down.’ A Booking Good Read, 5 stars

As he watches his daughter turn the corner and out of sight, he hears the shots. He’d know that sound anywhere. He shouts her name. Silence. All he can do is run.

It’s been five years since Zac’s daughter was murdered. Her killer was never found. Now he’s back working as a detective for the Metropolitan Police, and he’s more determined than ever to bring the city’s killers to justice.

When a man is found brutally murdered in a rundown south London shop, all fingers point to the highly intelligent and manipulative Darian Wallace. He’s just been released, and two years ago the victim helped send him to prison.

Still grieving, Zac knows it will take everything he’s got to catch this dangerously clever killer. But just as he feels he’s getting closer, he realises all is not quite as it seems and makes a devastating personal discovery.

Zac has a choice to make – risk letting this killer escape or watch his daughter’s murderer get away again…

An absolutely gripping thriller for fans of Mark Billingham, Peter James and Lee Child. Bring Her Back is one fast-paced thriller you won’t be able to put down.

This book was previously published as The Murder List

**What readers are saying about Bring Her Back:**

‘Wow… What a brilliant debut. A fast paced, captivating thriller that will have you hooked throughout. What an opening to this story! Poor Zac! … made me keep reading, kept me intrigued.’ Between the Pages Book Club

‘A fast-paced, action packed and exciting novel … if you like Tania Carver, Stuart MacBride or Jane Casey then you must read this!’ Goodreads Reviewer

‘Exhilarating… a pacy and tense ride... hugely gripping and exciting… If you enjoy dark crime thrillers with plenty of suspense and intrigue then I highly recommend this book.’ Hooked From Page One

‘Brilliant... I absolutely loved… Addictive reading… You can’t tear your eyes away … I was totally gripped… Absolutely blew me away… One of my top reads of 2018.’ Ginger Book Geek

‘Amazing! Gripping from start to finish, with spectacular writing, pacy and tense, this book is nothing short of a masterpiece, carefully crafted to transport and mesmerise. A sublime story from one of the best new crime writers of today.’ Renita D’Silva

‘A very cleverly written police procedural novel with lots of twists and turns to keep you gripped, reaching an explosive finale! I look forward to the next book of the series!’ Stardust Book Reviews

‘This book had me from the opening pages, it kicks off with you holding your breath, by the time you finish it, you needed an oxygen tank. OMG. Wow. I can see this becoming another of my must-read detective series.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Paperback , MP3 CD

Life or Death: A heart-stopping crime thriller with a killer hook Jan 23, 2019

by Chris Merritt

( 56 )

$3.99

Never forget. Never forgive.

Years after Amelia died, Zac is still trying to trace the police office involved in his daughter’s death.

And whilst Zac is prepared to break every rule to find the man responsible, his young and ambitious deputy, Kat, is working on a high profile case of her own. But she knows Zac is keeping secrets from his team so she’s following his every move.

When one of Zac’s informants is killed, he knows he’s close to catching his man, but before he can act, he receives a call about his son which blows his world apart… And this time, he knows he’ll stop at nothing to save his family.

A gripping and addictive crime thriller for fans of Lee Child, Mark Billingham and Mark Dawson, Life or Death is an unputdownable thriller that will have you reading into the night.

What readers are saying about Life or Death:

‘Zac is back and better than ever! I have enjoyed this whole series and would definitely recommend if you are a fan of crime books. From the first page it had me hooked… This was an action-packed page-turner of a book.’ Booking Good Read, 5 stars

‘Life or Death is an absolute nail-biter of a read… I couldn’t turn the pages quick enough to see if things end well… A series that every crime love should have on their book shelves.’ By the Letter Book Reviews, 5 stars

‘Hooray!! Zac is back!!!... I flew through this book and finished it in under a day!! The book is fast-paced and gripping from the very first page… I loved the twists and turns… Highly recommend!’ Stardust Book Reviews, 5 stars

‘A fast-moving police thriller that I fully enjoyed reading in a day!!... If you like action-packed storylines then this is the books for you. Highly recommended.’ Netgalley reviewer, 5 stars

‘I immediately became embroiled in the story line and read it in two days… you will become addicted! A really good thriller to keep you on the edge.’ Goodreads reviewer

‘An exciting thriller with several twists and a well concealed perpetrator. I found it very moreish and was itching to get back to it when I had to put it down.’ Goodreads reviewer

‘Another incredible instalment in the series… Powerfully written book and great characterisations.’ Goodreads reviewer

‘Thoroughly enjoyed this book… If you love a good detective series, you should definitely add this one to your list.’ Goodreads reviewer

‘Worked for me. Zac is an excellent character.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘Zac breaks all the rules in this heart-wrenching tale of how far you go for family in a story where no one can be trusted.’ Goodreads reviewer

‘Hold on tight and buckle up. This one’s taking off.’ Goodreads reviewer

What readers are saying about Chris Merritt:

‘Eeee. OMG! Ahhh! Where do I start? I have a favourite new author… a belter of a book!... I was so impressed, gripped, hooked and immersed.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Paperback , MP3 CD

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