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Intention #1
Sole Intention
Former police officers Ellen Brazil and Brian Lynx have joined forces to start a successful missing persons investigation firm which has just been contracted to find the wife of bodybuilder Will Endersbe. Ellen discovers that a number of women with similar features and hair colour have also vanished in the Worcester area. Ellen and Brian suspect a serial kidnapper is to blame, and without a body, the police are happy to leave the case in their hands to solve.
Hoping the women are still alive, Ellen digs for clues and races to find the women, despite her troubled private life and a meddlesome stepfather with a violent secret.
Hoping the women are still alive, Ellen digs for clues and races to find the women, despite her troubled private life and a meddlesome stepfather with a violent secret.
177 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2013
About the author
M.A. Comley
173 books819 followersNew York Times, USA Today, Amazon Top 20 bestselling author, iBooks top 5 bestselling and #2 bestselling author on Barnes and Noble. Over one million copies sold world wide. I am a British author who moved to France in 2002, and that's when I turned my hobby into a career.
When I'm not writing crime novels I'm either reading them or going on long walks with my rescue Labrador, Dex.
I hope you enjoy reading my books, especially the Justice series, Cruel Justice, Impeding Justice, Final Justice, Foul Justice, Guaranteed Justice, Ultimate Justice, Virtual Justice, Hostile Justice, Tortured Justice, Rough Justice, Dubious Justice, Calculated Justice, Twisted Justice, Prime Justice. There are several novellas and short stories in the series too.
My other successful series are: The DI Sally Parker thriller series, which includes WRONG PLACE, NO HIDING PLACE and COLD CASE
The Hero series, TORN APART, END RESULT, IN PLAIN SIGHT and DOUBLE JEOPARDY(published by Bloodhound Books)
I have three books in the Intention series, Sole Intention, Grave Intention and Devious Intention.
I've also written a couple of standalone novels - EVIL IN DISGUISE and FOREVER WATCHING YOU.
As well as co-authoring The Caller with Tara Lyons.
And Clever Deception, Tragic Deception and Sinful Deception co-authored by fellow NY Times bestselling author Linda S Prather.
If you'd like to keep up to date with new releases you can find me on Facebook by following this link http://smarturl.it/sps7jh or sign up for my newsletter http://www.hyperurl.co/su1xnt
If you fancy a lighter read, why not try one of my romances: A Time to Heal, and A Time for Change--Based on a TRUE story. I also have a selection of short stories and novelettes available which I know you'll enjoy.
You can find out more about me at the following blogs.
http://melcomley.blogspot.com
http://melcomleyromances.blogspot.com
When I'm not writing crime novels I'm either reading them or going on long walks with my rescue Labrador, Dex.
I hope you enjoy reading my books, especially the Justice series, Cruel Justice, Impeding Justice, Final Justice, Foul Justice, Guaranteed Justice, Ultimate Justice, Virtual Justice, Hostile Justice, Tortured Justice, Rough Justice, Dubious Justice, Calculated Justice, Twisted Justice, Prime Justice. There are several novellas and short stories in the series too.
My other successful series are: The DI Sally Parker thriller series, which includes WRONG PLACE, NO HIDING PLACE and COLD CASE
The Hero series, TORN APART, END RESULT, IN PLAIN SIGHT and DOUBLE JEOPARDY(published by Bloodhound Books)
I have three books in the Intention series, Sole Intention, Grave Intention and Devious Intention.
I've also written a couple of standalone novels - EVIL IN DISGUISE and FOREVER WATCHING YOU.
As well as co-authoring The Caller with Tara Lyons.
And Clever Deception, Tragic Deception and Sinful Deception co-authored by fellow NY Times bestselling author Linda S Prather.
If you'd like to keep up to date with new releases you can find me on Facebook by following this link http://smarturl.it/sps7jh or sign up for my newsletter http://www.hyperurl.co/su1xnt
If you fancy a lighter read, why not try one of my romances: A Time to Heal, and A Time for Change--Based on a TRUE story. I also have a selection of short stories and novelettes available which I know you'll enjoy.
You can find out more about me at the following blogs.
http://melcomley.blogspot.com
http://melcomleyromances.blogspot.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
November 18, 2017
I wasn’t a fan of the justice series by the same author, so I had doubts about reading this book, but I really enjoyed it. It had a good storyline and while I felt the ending was rushed it did finish off well. It’s a short book, 200 odd pages and I’d say it’s well worth a read.
Four stars.
Four stars.
October 30, 2017
Sole Intention is the first book in the Intention series and what a brilliant start to a series it is. I am a big fan of the author and with it being a new series I honestly didn't know what to expect. But my gosh did I love it…. I couldn't put it down reading it in one afternoon.
Set in Worcester a town local to me which I loved. The story starts off with an OMG prologue…. talk about gripping. We then meet Ex cops Ellen Brazil and Brian Lynx join forces to start a missing persons firm.Will Endersbe contracts them to find his missing wife things take a turn when Ellen realises that a number of women who the same description have gone missing in the area. But with no bodies found what could've happened to them?! M.A Comley weaves a story where we follow Ellen digging for clues with this mysterious investigation and also get an insight to the mind of the twisted kidnapper. Sounds good doesn't it? I can honestly say there is nothing not to like about it.
Ellen and Brian are brilliant characters and make an excellent team. I cannot wait to see what is in store for them next.
I love the style of M.A Comleys writing is fresh and crisp and she certainly knows how to suck you in at the beginning and keeps you there until the very end. This book is full of mystery and suspense and will keep you in the edge of your seat thats for sure.
I cannot recommend this enough giving it 5 massive stars.
Set in Worcester a town local to me which I loved. The story starts off with an OMG prologue…. talk about gripping. We then meet Ex cops Ellen Brazil and Brian Lynx join forces to start a missing persons firm.Will Endersbe contracts them to find his missing wife things take a turn when Ellen realises that a number of women who the same description have gone missing in the area. But with no bodies found what could've happened to them?! M.A Comley weaves a story where we follow Ellen digging for clues with this mysterious investigation and also get an insight to the mind of the twisted kidnapper. Sounds good doesn't it? I can honestly say there is nothing not to like about it.
Ellen and Brian are brilliant characters and make an excellent team. I cannot wait to see what is in store for them next.
I love the style of M.A Comleys writing is fresh and crisp and she certainly knows how to suck you in at the beginning and keeps you there until the very end. This book is full of mystery and suspense and will keep you in the edge of your seat thats for sure.
I cannot recommend this enough giving it 5 massive stars.
August 20, 2013
I have been meaning to read a Mel Comley book for some time now, but this is the first time I have actually done so. I really enjoyed the story, which features Ellie and her partner Brian who run a missing persons helpline. When they are contacted by Will to help find his missing wife, Donna, who disappeared after a night out, they don't realise at first that they are about to uncover something very sinister indeed as it emerges that Donna is only one of a growing number of women who are literally just vanishing into thin air.
I liked the story of their investigation, it was fast paced and gripping although I was horrified at the lack of action by the local police force! The story is told from the perspective of Ellie and also from that of the "bad guy". These segments were particularly menacing, scary and chilling to read, the author really puts you right into the bad guy's mind; you know every thought that runs through his brain.
I also particularly enjoyed the rapport between Ellie and Brian - their banter was superb. However, some of the other dialogue just didn't do it for me - it felt forced somehow and didn't read right in my head; just not quite natural sounding. That having been said, it is a cracking story to read and I will definitely be checking out more from the author.
I liked the story of their investigation, it was fast paced and gripping although I was horrified at the lack of action by the local police force! The story is told from the perspective of Ellie and also from that of the "bad guy". These segments were particularly menacing, scary and chilling to read, the author really puts you right into the bad guy's mind; you know every thought that runs through his brain.
I also particularly enjoyed the rapport between Ellie and Brian - their banter was superb. However, some of the other dialogue just didn't do it for me - it felt forced somehow and didn't read right in my head; just not quite natural sounding. That having been said, it is a cracking story to read and I will definitely be checking out more from the author.
October 12, 2013
From the prologue the author pulls you right into the story and doesn't let go. A man is taking women, all of them with distinct similarities. Not only do you follow the investigation through the eyes of those tracking him, you also go into the mind of the killer, seeing things from his sadistic point of view. This kept me captivated and hanging on to what would happen next. The characters were well developed and layered. The way the story is told is both realistic and unique. The author has a talent for holding the interest of the reader and leaves you wanting more by the time you get to the end. Highly recommended.
September 30, 2013
M. Comley has been a favorite author of mine since I have been reading her Justice Series. Then she came out with her Hero Series and I added that to my list of favorite series. Now this new series comes out and it is my new favorite of hers and yet another favorite series to add to my list! As with her other books, the thrills start out from page one. Running a missing persons investigation business, Ellen Brazil and Brian Lynx think they are hired for a routine job to find one missing woman, but they actually stumble onto a much bigger case than that; there have been many women missing in the previous months and they all seem to be connected. No bodies have shown up, so what could have happened and who could have been involved with their disappearances? Comley does a wonderful job of character interaction. There is a lot of dialogue in this book, which makes it read very fast and before you know it, the end has come, leaving you wanting more. Never fear, though. There are definite rumblings of a sequel. I can't wait to see what comes next for Brazil, Lynx and the Missing Persons Hotline.
October 3, 2013
Ellen and Brian, the two principal characters in this novel are ex cops who left the force to establish a Missing Persons Hotline.
A distraught husband phones Ellen to inform her of the disappearance of his wife so that she may help him find her. As Ellen and Brian start to investigate they soon realise that this is not just a simple case of an unhappy wife who decided to turn a new page in her life. There are numerous other recent cases of missing girls with similar physical characteristics and they suspect that all these vanishings are somehow connected with each other. A serial abductor must be at large and Ellen and Brian must act quick to try and locate and save these poor girls and return them to their families, even if this may involve putting their own lives at stake.
I really enjoyed reading this novel which may well be the first one in a new series. I highly recommend it as like all the others by the same author is a quick page turner. The story is quite easy to follow with a terrific plot which only Ms.Comley can come up with.
A distraught husband phones Ellen to inform her of the disappearance of his wife so that she may help him find her. As Ellen and Brian start to investigate they soon realise that this is not just a simple case of an unhappy wife who decided to turn a new page in her life. There are numerous other recent cases of missing girls with similar physical characteristics and they suspect that all these vanishings are somehow connected with each other. A serial abductor must be at large and Ellen and Brian must act quick to try and locate and save these poor girls and return them to their families, even if this may involve putting their own lives at stake.
I really enjoyed reading this novel which may well be the first one in a new series. I highly recommend it as like all the others by the same author is a quick page turner. The story is quite easy to follow with a terrific plot which only Ms.Comley can come up with.
August 20, 2013
Sole intention.
If you have not read a M A Comley book yet, then you don't know what your missing.
Wasn't sure what to expect as this is the first book in a new series, but by god i enjoyed it.
The new characters are Great, and i can really see them growing as the books grow.
i'm now looking forward to the next one.. can't wait.......
Former police officers Ellen Brazil and Brian Lynx have joined forces to start a successful missing persons investigation firm which has just been contracted to find the wife of bodybuilder Will Endersbe. Ellen discovers that a number of women with similar features and hair colour have also vanished in the Worcester area. Ellen and Brian suspect a serial kidnapper is to blame, and without a body, the police are happy to leave the case in their hands to solve.
Hoping the women are still alive, Ellen digs for clues and races to find the women, despite her troubled private life and a meddlesome stepfather with a violent secret.
If you have not read a M A Comley book yet, then you don't know what your missing.
Wasn't sure what to expect as this is the first book in a new series, but by god i enjoyed it.
The new characters are Great, and i can really see them growing as the books grow.
i'm now looking forward to the next one.. can't wait.......
Former police officers Ellen Brazil and Brian Lynx have joined forces to start a successful missing persons investigation firm which has just been contracted to find the wife of bodybuilder Will Endersbe. Ellen discovers that a number of women with similar features and hair colour have also vanished in the Worcester area. Ellen and Brian suspect a serial kidnapper is to blame, and without a body, the police are happy to leave the case in their hands to solve.
Hoping the women are still alive, Ellen digs for clues and races to find the women, despite her troubled private life and a meddlesome stepfather with a violent secret.
May 8, 2015
When I was approached to read the latest one in this series, Devious Intention, as an Advanced Review Copy, I decided to start right from the beginning of the series having already bought Sole Intention and Grave Intention a while back on Amazon.
The story starts with a girl running through the woods, trying to escape her abductor, following this a phone call to Ellen and Brian, two ex police officers who have set up their own PI business, the Worcester Missing Persons Hotline, from a man reporting his wife missing, but, as it soon becomes clear, she is not the only one. The duo are in a race against time to find these women and their perpetrator before its too late.
This book draws you in right from the epilogue and keeps you hooked to the very last page. I love the two main characters and look forward to reading the rest of this series.
The story starts with a girl running through the woods, trying to escape her abductor, following this a phone call to Ellen and Brian, two ex police officers who have set up their own PI business, the Worcester Missing Persons Hotline, from a man reporting his wife missing, but, as it soon becomes clear, she is not the only one. The duo are in a race against time to find these women and their perpetrator before its too late.
This book draws you in right from the epilogue and keeps you hooked to the very last page. I love the two main characters and look forward to reading the rest of this series.
November 12, 2016
This is a double first for me. The first book by M A Comley and my first audible book.
Ellen and Brian met when working on the police force but have started their own agency finding missing people. Will is looking for his missing wife and Ellen realises that there have been a number of women that could match her description that have also gone missing. With a little bit of help from her brother who is still on the force, and the distraction of her mothers marital Peebles to deal with, will Ellen find any of the missing women before it's too late?
I enjoyed the pace of this novel and the personal side to Ellen, that she had to deal with her mother while trying to solve the case. Will look out for more in this series.
Ellen and Brian met when working on the police force but have started their own agency finding missing people. Will is looking for his missing wife and Ellen realises that there have been a number of women that could match her description that have also gone missing. With a little bit of help from her brother who is still on the force, and the distraction of her mothers marital Peebles to deal with, will Ellen find any of the missing women before it's too late?
I enjoyed the pace of this novel and the personal side to Ellen, that she had to deal with her mother while trying to solve the case. Will look out for more in this series.
November 12, 2016
Thoroughly enjoyed this audio version. Took me a while to get used to the narrator, but that didn't last for long. A thrilling story with an interesting plot, that really showed the relationship between the two partners in a missing persons outfit. It was quite amusing in places and I found times, where Ellen Brazil's way with words made me chuckle. The book then crescendos to a thrilling edge of your seat chase! As an aside, Ellen's family run a pub and I wasn't sure why there was so much emphasis on the step dad and her mother's relationship in the book. It didn't deter from the main storyline, but could have done with less imo. Do I want more from the series; yes please!
November 25, 2016
I FLIPPING LOVED IT!!!!!!!
Ellen and Brian are great characters, ex police officers who have turned their hands to finding missing people and when they are asked to investigate the disappearance of several woman, who all look the same, things turn very sinister indeed.
Ellen and Brian have a great relationship. They are clearly great friends and each offers something different to their business, complementing the other perfectly.
This is such a hard and gritty book, told mainly from Ellen's perspective we follow her as she tried to find the missing ladies, whilst also juggling with her own personal issues. We also get chapters told from the point of view of the villain, these are some of the creepiest and most shocking parts of books I have ever read!
I was hooked to the story from the first word, it really does pull you in and make you not want to stop reading - sorry - listening!!!
Without spoiling anything, I would highly recommend this book, I am ashamed to say this is my first Mel Comely book, however, that just means I have loads to look forward to!!!!
So . . . the audible side . . .
I wasn't too sure about it at first, it's quite strange having never listened to a book before. I typically have something to focus on, the book, kindle but with the audio version, I didn't have to 'do' anything. Just sit there. Which is not something I do very often! I found myself listening whilst cleaning, or cooking or walking to school at home time, which meant I wasn't concentrating on it properly. I eventually had to stop myself doing that and started colouring whilst I listened.
It took me quite a while to finish it purely because I felt I couldn't just sit and listen but once I got over that, I finished it really quickly.
I wasn't overly keen on the narrative, it was quite stilted at times and, although I didn't expect a full cast, I found the 'voices' weren't really that distinctive and occasionally I wasn't sure who was talking.
Overall . . .
I loved Mel's writing! It's brilliant, she has a great ability to suck you into a world so brilliantly created and I can't wait to read some more! I am also giving audible another chance and am currently listening to Dark Fragments by Rob Sinclair, which is brilliant!
Ellen and Brian are great characters, ex police officers who have turned their hands to finding missing people and when they are asked to investigate the disappearance of several woman, who all look the same, things turn very sinister indeed.
Ellen and Brian have a great relationship. They are clearly great friends and each offers something different to their business, complementing the other perfectly.
This is such a hard and gritty book, told mainly from Ellen's perspective we follow her as she tried to find the missing ladies, whilst also juggling with her own personal issues. We also get chapters told from the point of view of the villain, these are some of the creepiest and most shocking parts of books I have ever read!
I was hooked to the story from the first word, it really does pull you in and make you not want to stop reading - sorry - listening!!!
Without spoiling anything, I would highly recommend this book, I am ashamed to say this is my first Mel Comely book, however, that just means I have loads to look forward to!!!!
So . . . the audible side . . .
I wasn't too sure about it at first, it's quite strange having never listened to a book before. I typically have something to focus on, the book, kindle but with the audio version, I didn't have to 'do' anything. Just sit there. Which is not something I do very often! I found myself listening whilst cleaning, or cooking or walking to school at home time, which meant I wasn't concentrating on it properly. I eventually had to stop myself doing that and started colouring whilst I listened.
It took me quite a while to finish it purely because I felt I couldn't just sit and listen but once I got over that, I finished it really quickly.
I wasn't overly keen on the narrative, it was quite stilted at times and, although I didn't expect a full cast, I found the 'voices' weren't really that distinctive and occasionally I wasn't sure who was talking.
Overall . . .
I loved Mel's writing! It's brilliant, she has a great ability to suck you into a world so brilliantly created and I can't wait to read some more! I am also giving audible another chance and am currently listening to Dark Fragments by Rob Sinclair, which is brilliant!
May 5, 2018
Always enjoy reading M A Comley's novels. They are so well written and I get so involved in the story that I am disappointed when the story finishes. The storyline is so touching, it had me in tears at times. Would recommend to everyone who loves a good read.
November 13, 2016
A well written book that flows well and kept me engaged with the story line (what first appear s to be a simple missing person case).
The narrator was very good in telling the story
The narrator was very good in telling the story
October 5, 2017
Good mystery, likeable characters. I rate it 4.5 stars.
June 9, 2018
Well worth the read
Intense from the start until the end. Well written with believable characters and intriguing plots. Would recommend it for anyone who loves a great mystery.
Intense from the start until the end. Well written with believable characters and intriguing plots. Would recommend it for anyone who loves a great mystery.
June 23, 2019
This was absolutely gripping. This series is one you’ll want to follow. Really recommend for thriller fans.
September 4, 2019
Very good read!
On to go next book in series! This is a well written at line, without page filling repetition. I recommend this series
On to go next book in series! This is a well written at line, without page filling repetition. I recommend this series
October 15, 2021
Mortal Crimes: 7 novels of suspense
March 25, 2024
just get better
Another great story, Mel certainly has a vivid imagination and attention to detail. Looking forward to reading the next in this series.
Another great story, Mel certainly has a vivid imagination and attention to detail. Looking forward to reading the next in this series.
August 15, 2017
Lack of depth.
March 8, 2014
First of all, a big shout out to Mel! Love her books very much.
This book was good. I finished it and would like to continue the series but I had some issues with this book! They are personal issues. Grammar and everything is on point. Mel is a skilled writer, that is not an issue.
Before I go on, there are spoilers, I would recommend this book and I will continue reading this series.
1. I thought it was kind of repetitive. I understand that Ellen needed to talk to a number of different families but I didn't need to hear her say the same things to the families each time. Also, coffee coffee coffee! Wine wine wine!
2. There were a lot of unnecessary leads listed and not used and the best lead they had was ignored at it was barely used: the taxi! That was frustrating.
3. I was frustrated with Ellen for not relying on her partner more. She treated him like her office bitch and I thought that was tacky. On top of that she REALLY needed his help in the field and she completely ignored that. She was too full of herself to see she could be a victim.
4. I felt like the investigation was VERY long. It took so many days and when they had time to work it, they just went home. In a missing persons case I'd think they would have been on the clock 24/7.
5. This was too sexual for me. I do not like rape being written so sensually. For instance, I liked the killer POV but it was uncomfortable for me to hear him talk about the women like that. Their "luscious curves" and describing their breasts describing how he raped them with words like "pound" and describing his erection. It may have been written to make the reader repulsed at the killer but I did not like it.
6. The girls were kidnapped, blindfolded and all this but they were having discussion like they could see or knew where they were, like they knew who the killer was. It seemed like it was being used as a means to educate the reader but it was unrealistic to me to think the girls knew as much as they did.
7. I thought the story could benefit from more taglines after dialogue and details that were not in dialogue form.
8. Now I was really upset by this. Why would a seasoned police officer go with a suspect with no backup plan. At the end of the book, Ellen was forced outside of the hospital in BROAD DAYLIGHT and just got her silly butt in the killers car! She had no escape plan, no cell phone, nothing! It's one thing to go undercover (which she kept threatening to do but never did), its another thing to let yourself get kidnapped with absolutely no plan. Which she literally did. And so much for the tracking device... If she knew about it she may have used it more effectively and there is another unnecessary tidbit of info that could have been left out.
9. Lastly, the bad guys MO is way off. In his monologue he never talked about his break up being the reason he went all nutty, but Ellen said that at the end. On top of that, for a man to crack like this one did, I'd think something else was wrong, besides a break up. He has to be psychotic or something. None of that was brought up.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I just hope some of my issues with the book were dealt with in the next book.
This book was good. I finished it and would like to continue the series but I had some issues with this book! They are personal issues. Grammar and everything is on point. Mel is a skilled writer, that is not an issue.
Before I go on, there are spoilers, I would recommend this book and I will continue reading this series.
1. I thought it was kind of repetitive. I understand that Ellen needed to talk to a number of different families but I didn't need to hear her say the same things to the families each time. Also, coffee coffee coffee! Wine wine wine!
2. There were a lot of unnecessary leads listed and not used and the best lead they had was ignored at it was barely used: the taxi! That was frustrating.
3. I was frustrated with Ellen for not relying on her partner more. She treated him like her office bitch and I thought that was tacky. On top of that she REALLY needed his help in the field and she completely ignored that. She was too full of herself to see she could be a victim.
4. I felt like the investigation was VERY long. It took so many days and when they had time to work it, they just went home. In a missing persons case I'd think they would have been on the clock 24/7.
5. This was too sexual for me. I do not like rape being written so sensually. For instance, I liked the killer POV but it was uncomfortable for me to hear him talk about the women like that. Their "luscious curves" and describing their breasts describing how he raped them with words like "pound" and describing his erection. It may have been written to make the reader repulsed at the killer but I did not like it.
6. The girls were kidnapped, blindfolded and all this but they were having discussion like they could see or knew where they were, like they knew who the killer was. It seemed like it was being used as a means to educate the reader but it was unrealistic to me to think the girls knew as much as they did.
7. I thought the story could benefit from more taglines after dialogue and details that were not in dialogue form.
8. Now I was really upset by this. Why would a seasoned police officer go with a suspect with no backup plan. At the end of the book, Ellen was forced outside of the hospital in BROAD DAYLIGHT and just got her silly butt in the killers car! She had no escape plan, no cell phone, nothing! It's one thing to go undercover (which she kept threatening to do but never did), its another thing to let yourself get kidnapped with absolutely no plan. Which she literally did. And so much for the tracking device... If she knew about it she may have used it more effectively and there is another unnecessary tidbit of info that could have been left out.
9. Lastly, the bad guys MO is way off. In his monologue he never talked about his break up being the reason he went all nutty, but Ellen said that at the end. On top of that, for a man to crack like this one did, I'd think something else was wrong, besides a break up. He has to be psychotic or something. None of that was brought up.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I just hope some of my issues with the book were dealt with in the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2020
Intention Series Box Set: Sole Intention, Grave Intention, Devious Intention.
Sole Intention tells the story of two people who, disillusioned with their roles in the Midlands Police Force and the direction in which it is heading, plus the fact that the Missing Persons' Bureau is under tremendous pressure in dealing with the volume of cases presenting themselves, Ellen Brazil and Brian Lynx decide to form a Private Investigation Agency - The Worcester Missing Persons Hotline. Their first case presents them with the sudden and unexplained disapearance of the wife of a professional body builder. Because the police do not appear to be taking the matter seriously, as there is no body and very little evidence of foul play, Mr Endersbe employs the services of this Agency. At first it would appear there are no clues as to why
Mrs Endersbe, a beautiful and seemingly happily married young woman, appears to have disappeared. However, as Ellen and Brian start digging deeper into the background of this couple, another young woman disappears. The Missing Persons' Bureau does not appear to believe that the cases are connected. After yet another woman goes missing, things become more complex and, as the story unfolds, it appears abduction may be the reason for these unexplained disapearances. In the meantime, Ellen is finding living with her mother and stepfather fraught with problems, whilst Brian is trying to cope with the recent separation from his wife and daughter. This gripping story deals with some very difficult subjects but, as a mistress of her craft, the author handles everything with skill and sensitivity. I cannot wait to read the other two books in this box set. An excellent and moving read. Highly Recommended.
Sole Intention tells the story of two people who, disillusioned with their roles in the Midlands Police Force and the direction in which it is heading, plus the fact that the Missing Persons' Bureau is under tremendous pressure in dealing with the volume of cases presenting themselves, Ellen Brazil and Brian Lynx decide to form a Private Investigation Agency - The Worcester Missing Persons Hotline. Their first case presents them with the sudden and unexplained disapearance of the wife of a professional body builder. Because the police do not appear to be taking the matter seriously, as there is no body and very little evidence of foul play, Mr Endersbe employs the services of this Agency. At first it would appear there are no clues as to why
Mrs Endersbe, a beautiful and seemingly happily married young woman, appears to have disappeared. However, as Ellen and Brian start digging deeper into the background of this couple, another young woman disappears. The Missing Persons' Bureau does not appear to believe that the cases are connected. After yet another woman goes missing, things become more complex and, as the story unfolds, it appears abduction may be the reason for these unexplained disapearances. In the meantime, Ellen is finding living with her mother and stepfather fraught with problems, whilst Brian is trying to cope with the recent separation from his wife and daughter. This gripping story deals with some very difficult subjects but, as a mistress of her craft, the author handles everything with skill and sensitivity. I cannot wait to read the other two books in this box set. An excellent and moving read. Highly Recommended.
November 9, 2013
Ex-police officers Ellen Brazil and Brian Lynx run a missing persons firm, specialized private investigators for hire. When Ellen takes on a new case for a bodybuilder little does she realize quite what consequences will result.
Something didn’t quite work for me with Sole Intention. It’s well written for sure, the author is clearly very experienced and portrays the character, place and action well. At times there is a strong suspense element, so nothing wrong there. So perhaps it is me.
Sole Intention deals with some difficult issues – murder, kidnap, rape and abuse among them, this is not, at times, a soft novel. Periodically we enter the killer’s head and witness events from his maniacal perspective. Not always easy reading and it’s well handled. The characters are decent, Ellen has to deal with family issues at the same time as the investigation.
Again I recognize this is being my ‘preference’ but generally the strength of the language didn’t match up to the events – for example there is hardly any swearing in the dialogue. I am not suggesting that swearing is a must, it isn’t. However the prose was sometimes nice, when the action wasn’t. Almost as if the author is more comfortable with another genre or events? It was interesting for sure.
The other element that concerned me slightly and made me question the story was quite quickly Ellen determines there are a lot of women missing and more occurring. They all bear a striking resemblance to each other and disappeared in similar circumstances. However the police are not interested in the case, there isn’t enough evidence. Really? Maybe, but I struggled to believe it. Also the killer’s mother showed varied responses to learning about her son’s activities. I could see what the author was trying to achieve, but I don’t think it quite worked.
M A Comley is a successful author who clearly knows her trade. Although a decent book this had a few issues for me, but I certainly will try others for comparison.
**Originally reviewed for Books & Pals blog. May have received free review copy.**
Something didn’t quite work for me with Sole Intention. It’s well written for sure, the author is clearly very experienced and portrays the character, place and action well. At times there is a strong suspense element, so nothing wrong there. So perhaps it is me.
Sole Intention deals with some difficult issues – murder, kidnap, rape and abuse among them, this is not, at times, a soft novel. Periodically we enter the killer’s head and witness events from his maniacal perspective. Not always easy reading and it’s well handled. The characters are decent, Ellen has to deal with family issues at the same time as the investigation.
Again I recognize this is being my ‘preference’ but generally the strength of the language didn’t match up to the events – for example there is hardly any swearing in the dialogue. I am not suggesting that swearing is a must, it isn’t. However the prose was sometimes nice, when the action wasn’t. Almost as if the author is more comfortable with another genre or events? It was interesting for sure.
The other element that concerned me slightly and made me question the story was quite quickly Ellen determines there are a lot of women missing and more occurring. They all bear a striking resemblance to each other and disappeared in similar circumstances. However the police are not interested in the case, there isn’t enough evidence. Really? Maybe, but I struggled to believe it. Also the killer’s mother showed varied responses to learning about her son’s activities. I could see what the author was trying to achieve, but I don’t think it quite worked.
M A Comley is a successful author who clearly knows her trade. Although a decent book this had a few issues for me, but I certainly will try others for comparison.
**Originally reviewed for Books & Pals blog. May have received free review copy.**
October 15, 2013
This mystery novel is based on the intriguing concept of a privately-run missing persons hotline set up by two former cops in a mid-sized city in England. It is one part hotline and another part private detective agency, as for a fee, the former cops will investigate the missing person cases. The local cop shop seems anemic, unwilling to investigate anything less than murder, giving impetus to the private hotline. The main character is Ellen Brazil, a tough cookie of an ex-cop who is able to shrug off her own personal issues, her mother's bad life choices, and scary threats, because she is doggedly focused on the job at hand.
The missing wife of a pro body builder leads fairly quickly to a string of missing women who look alike. Ellen Brazil sets the course with an early serial kidnapping theory. The story unfolds in a straight linear fashion--no red herrings, secondary suspects, or side investigations. The ending is satisfying, giving both former cops a chance to show their stuff. Some of the scariest scenes were those written from the kidnapper's point of view. Recommended for those who like fast-paced stories and strong female protagonists.
The missing wife of a pro body builder leads fairly quickly to a string of missing women who look alike. Ellen Brazil sets the course with an early serial kidnapping theory. The story unfolds in a straight linear fashion--no red herrings, secondary suspects, or side investigations. The ending is satisfying, giving both former cops a chance to show their stuff. Some of the scariest scenes were those written from the kidnapper's point of view. Recommended for those who like fast-paced stories and strong female protagonists.
May 19, 2015
Originally posted on my blog: http://wp.me/p4Dssh-HI
I really enjoyed this book. From the prologue I was hooked! The characters were well developed and the plot was fast paced and gripping. I really struggled to put this book down and probably shouldn't have started it when I was going to bed!
I loved the characters of Ellen, Brian and Ellen's brother, Jim. There was lots of witty comments between them. I hope more develops between Ellen and Brian! I also liked that most of the story was from Ellen's perspective but we occasionally got to see inside the head of the killer. The rape scenes made me quite uncomfortable as they were quite detailed and from the killers perspective, but I think that showed how repulsive he was and it definitely made me more eager for Ellen to find him and bring him to justice!
I enjoyed this book - so much so that I'm going to start the next in the series straight away! Definitely recommended!
I really enjoyed this book. From the prologue I was hooked! The characters were well developed and the plot was fast paced and gripping. I really struggled to put this book down and probably shouldn't have started it when I was going to bed!
I loved the characters of Ellen, Brian and Ellen's brother, Jim. There was lots of witty comments between them. I hope more develops between Ellen and Brian! I also liked that most of the story was from Ellen's perspective but we occasionally got to see inside the head of the killer. The rape scenes made me quite uncomfortable as they were quite detailed and from the killers perspective, but I think that showed how repulsive he was and it definitely made me more eager for Ellen to find him and bring him to justice!
I enjoyed this book - so much so that I'm going to start the next in the series straight away! Definitely recommended!
October 19, 2016
I listened to the audio book version of this novel which I received in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first M A Comely book which also happens to be the first one in the Intention series. It's a good introduction to main characters Ellen and Brian, two ex police officers, now running their own PI business, and a promising start to a great new series.
I enjoyed the story-line, the pace of the novel and the writing. I have now purchased more of the author's books and look forward to reading them all.
While I found the book itself great, the narrator did get me confused a bit at first: she sounds older than 30-year-old main character Ellen, and I wasn't sure about Ellen's behaviour based purely on that. It was all good though once I heard Ellen's age mentioned in the story as her character made more sense.
This was my first M A Comely book which also happens to be the first one in the Intention series. It's a good introduction to main characters Ellen and Brian, two ex police officers, now running their own PI business, and a promising start to a great new series.
I enjoyed the story-line, the pace of the novel and the writing. I have now purchased more of the author's books and look forward to reading them all.
While I found the book itself great, the narrator did get me confused a bit at first: she sounds older than 30-year-old main character Ellen, and I wasn't sure about Ellen's behaviour based purely on that. It was all good though once I heard Ellen's age mentioned in the story as her character made more sense.
January 4, 2016
What a fantastic read. Mel Comley's writing gets better and better. If you haven't yet read anything by her then you are truly missing out.
A new book in a new series. And what a start. The characters are strong. Their development throughout the book good. And by the end you really are fully behind them.
I was hooked from the prologue of this book which just gets better and better. Two former police officers now working as a 'two bob outfit' Missing Persons Investigation Team... They get employed to investigate the disappearance of a body builders wife... And the rest, well, what are you waiting for... Get reading!
A new book in a new series. And what a start. The characters are strong. Their development throughout the book good. And by the end you really are fully behind them.
I was hooked from the prologue of this book which just gets better and better. Two former police officers now working as a 'two bob outfit' Missing Persons Investigation Team... They get employed to investigate the disappearance of a body builders wife... And the rest, well, what are you waiting for... Get reading!
July 15, 2016
I have read many of Mel Comley's books and LOVED them, I heard that she has a new one coming soon in this series so I jumped at the chance to read this and the other one GRAVE INTENTION ( which I'm reading next) ... I loved this Ellen and Brian make a great time and I loved how the story unfolded, I'm hoping that ill get more on Ellen's back ground ( I don't like the sound of her step father ) and I feel there is stuff not being told...... I'm going to jump right in on book2.... Very happy fan EVERY book of Mel's books I've read has been a pleasure and I'm NEVER disappointed can't wait for more.....
July 29, 2016
This is the first book in the Intention series and one which I really enjoyed. Brian and Ellen are ex police officers who having left the police have together set up a missing persons bureau. One day they receive a call from a very distressed mam asking for help finding his wife who went missing after a night out. Further investigation opens up a link to several other missing women,all with very similar looks. As they look further into these missing women we realise that the abductor is not going to stop any time soon. As a side to this we also learn a bit about Ellen and Brian's personal lives.
September 27, 2016
This is an excellent thriller that starts with a bang and keeps you on your toes right until the very end! Ellen and Brian,both former police officers,have formed a 'Missing Persons' firm that works in conjunction with the state missing persons site when a case is involved by both. They work as a team trying to locate several missing girls whom they note all look alike. You are drawn to the awesome depth of these characters provided by the author,and I could not look away,wanting to see what happens as quickly as possible. This book will keep you turning the pages as you feel like you are in the story with Ellen and Brian. Pick this up for a quick,suspenseful read...
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