Torn Apart

Hero #1

by M.A. Comley

Everyone understands about the no-go districts--areas of the city so overrun with gang violence even the police stay away. In this book, the first in a new series, DI Hero Nelson sets out to combat the issue. When Saskia Hartley and her nine-year-old son are run down outside a restaurant, DI Nelson knows it is no ordinary hit-and-run incident. He's looking at a homicide case... and the evidence points to the brutal Krull Gang. When two prostitutes are murdered, but little interest is given to the women on the Krull's payroll, Nelson connects the dots. DI Nelson has to decide whether he's dealing with a turf war or something far more sinister.

Genres: Mystery, Suspense, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Thriller, Crime

180 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 6, 2013

About the author

New 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

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m no police officer but I’d imagine if a crime was committed and it was all on CCTV and this was discovered as early on as chapter two I’d guess the police would arrest those individuals, seeing as they knew their names and the case would be shut. Very poor.

Two stars.

At the time of posting this book is FREE on kindle.

[Netta Newbound · Rating 5 out of 5]

Torn Apart is a fast-paced thriller and so exciting, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. It was very well written and true to life - especially the mentality and behaviour of certain gang members who think they are above the law. I will definitely be reading more from this author.

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

DI Hero Nelson and his team has a conundrum on his hands. Escalating crimes in one of their housing estates has been taken over by the Krull Gang, known for violence and death. When the gang members kill a young mother and her son, Nelson vows to take the gang down.

But his hands seem to be tied as this particular area has been designated as a no-go area to the police. The powers to be seem to think the police can solve crimes by doing nothing.

The crime has rapidly surged with the killing of two 'ladies of the street' belonging to the Krulls. Trying to investigate finds no one willing to talk to them. Then the Krulls openly and maliciously and brutally take out a member of another gang. And then one of Krull's gang is stabbed to death ... and it doesn't stop there.

Is this a turf war among the Krulls and other gangs? A new gang moving in and trying to take over? Revenge for any number of crimes they've committed? Someone else who wants to clean up the crime for their own reasons?

What a way to start a new series! Well-written with lots of action, this is a real page turner. Twists and turns are riveting and lead to a totally unexpected conclusion. There are a total of 7 books in this series... this is a great place to start. I like the blend of the professional with the personal, the character development in this series has never disappointed.

Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this British crime series. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Torn apart is shocking from the start with an incident at McDonald's that would make me use the drive thru if I went with just my kids.

Saskia thought she was the luckiest girl in the world. Little did she know a trip to McDonald's would be so horrific. This is just the start...this leads on to more.....

Gang warfare, police investigation impeded by a "helpful" journalist and an unknown party getting involved leads to an addictive read with deaths in gruesome ways. I thought I had the unknown party sorted but no, there was a twist to come!

I've not read any Mel Comley books before but it won't be the last one! Looking forward to reading more of Hero Nelson's investigations.

I received a free copy of this book from THE book club in exchange for my honest review

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Torn apart by mel Comley.
Everyone understands about the no-go districts--areas of the city so overrun with gang violence even the police stay away. In this book, the first in a new series, DI Hero Nelson sets out to combat the issue. When Saskia Hartley and her nine-year-old son are run down outside a restaurant, DI Nelson knows it is no ordinary hit-and-run incident. He's looking at a homicide case... and the evidence points to the brutal Krull Gang. When two prostitutes are murdered, but little interest is given to the women on the Krull's payroll, Nelson connects the dots. DI Nelson has to decide whether he's dealing with a turf war or something far more sinister.
Absolutely fantastic read. Although I didn’t like the gang. I wanted them to suffer. I didn’t expect that. Wow. Can't wait for next part. Highly recommended. 5*. Thanks mel.

[Nicole Kitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for free in return for an honest review, so honest I will be. In the beginning I really did not enjoy this book. Firstly I didn't like the writing and the dialogue seemed forced which annoyed me a lot. Sasikia, although he love for her son was undeniable, made me quite angry the way she didn't fight to protect herself and her son, instead begging them to leave her son alone and letting them have their way with her. This gang clearly, and it become more clear with every page read, is cause for massive fear in the area however I found myself angry that no one stood up to them and tried to help, albeit the one young man who was beaten. Although the more I read the more I understood why no one would stand up to them. I wouldn't either.

When we were first introduced to Hero, I didn't like him. I found him quite arrogant but this quickly changed. Seeing the guilt he felt for taking his family for granted and how he was determined to change himself made me respect him. I loved his sister, Cara. Their relationship was quite special and I would love to see more of her in future Hero Nelson books.

Delving into the lives of the gang members was quite scary yet extremely fascinating. The members of the Krull gang are some of the most viscous, despicable men I have ever heard about. I was strangely happy when I discovered a vigilante was hunting them (as twisted as that makes me seem!). I also found myself feeling sorry for the members of The Tidy Gang, especially Trevor. I really hoped he was going to make something of himself.

I was completely heartbroken when I found out the killer was Rupert. His life was destroyed and the two things he loved most in the world were brutally ripped from his world. I felt for him throughout the story but I never in a million year suspected him. Even though he murdered four people I couldn't help but feel sorry for him and I hope he can rest in peace.

I went from not enjoying the book in the slightest and wondering how I was going to finishing it to thoroughly enjoying everything about it. I wish there were half starts on Goodreads as I would rather rate it a 3.5 as I feel it does not deserve a 4 but the ending and the twist makes it more than a 3.

[Joseph - Relax And Read Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read and enjoyed all the Justice series novels written to date by M A Comley, I had to read ‘Torn Apart’, the first in her new Hero series. I had the feeling that this was going to be another great read and in fact by the end I was not disappointed.

‘Torn Apart’ is a fast paced, edge of your seat thriller full of twists and turns that makes you turn the pages at a staggering speed to see what will happen next. The principal characters in this novel are DI Hero Nelson and his partner DS Julie Shaw who at the beginning of the novel are called at the scene of an apparent hit and run incident in which a woman and her young son lose their lives.

As the investigation starts, it becomes clear that this was no accident at all but the deed of a vicious gang. A gang which even the police seem to be scared of and avoid - the baddies in this novel are really bad!

Whilst fighting his personal life demons, Hero, together with his close-knit team of detectives is determined to seek justice for the victims at all costs. However, as the body count increases, this will prove to be easier said than done.

The last quarter of the book is the most intense and I must say that I did not see the clever ending coming. It really caught me by surprise.

I really had a great time reading this novel and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a well-written, gripping thriller. Now, I can't wait until the author writes the next instalment in the series.

[Michelle Medhat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Powerful, Engrossing Story of Tragedy and Salvation to Touch You – Do not miss it!

Torn Apart, by its very definition of its title is about ripping emotions into pieces. It does that with your heart. This is tragedy and inevitability without the gloss of Hollywood. This is real lives suffering and finding a way through. It’s also a shattering story of salvation. An allegory on the frustrations that follow injustice. When the system fails, where do you turn? When hope is torn from you, what do you have left? M A Comley’s powerful, brilliant book tells the tale of a mother and son murdered in broad daylight by a ruthless gang who rule the streets with impunity, knowing they’ll never be prosecuted and showing no fear that retribution will ever descend upon them. As a reader, you feel all of DI Hero Nelson’s revulsion and continual despair at seeing the wrath and reach of the Krull gang’s inhumane atrocities, but knowing with growing frustration, that through the gang’s vicious intimidation and embedded societal fear, no witnesses ever come forward. The Crown Prosecution Service won’t ever take a case forward without hard evidence, as they know the gang’s high powered, expensive legal defense on speed dial will blast any case apart in seconds. It’s a catch-22 situation in action.

Despite this gloomy backdrop of immutable injustice, our ‘Hero’ by name and virtue, expresses a tenacious spirit to try and test out every angle in the investigation. Even when his boss, Commissioner Cranwell shows his apathetic attitude and his intransigent position as to allowing Hero’s request for an Armed Response Team to take down the Krull gang, Hero still finds a route through. His passion to bring down the gang against all odds is palpable. I could, however feel my own blood boiling at the unpalatable political line the Commissioner took! Such a reaction saw me quickly become invested into Hero’s character. A man trying to find a legal way to buck an already broken system.

Comley’s ability, in this book, to bring to life each character (even those of the gang I despised) was astounding. Hero, our protagonist, was a guy with a new wife and kid (not his) in tow. His work as DI in the Manchester Investigation Team was a relentless struggle that leaves him exhausted and searching for meaning. He relaxes down the pub with his work mates, and blows off steam with his Territorial Army pals at the weekend. He’s together, but he’s falling apart at the same time. He needs to be saved otherwise his marriage will implode. He’s running away from responsibility. When he sees the pain of loss of Hartley’s family it brings Hero’s life into stark focus. In a counter-balancing action, the loss of one man’s family saves another man’s family. Whilst leading the investigation, as a person, Hero changes during the case, and for the better. He finds his family again.

I loved the dialogue-strong, punchy and fast-paced flow of this story. You hardly caught a breath before another event winded you. Depiction of the Krull gang brought to mind the vilest of creatures, tormenting and terrorising residents unfortunate enough to live on the Brickfields Estate, but too scared to issue confirmation of their crimes to the authorities. Literally ruling through a fear-state, these gang’s, insidious and pervasive in the most deprived areas in the UK, US and around the world, we’re so well described by Comley that bile rose inside me. And my anger grew at the constant inadequacy of a system that failed to protect its citizens.

It was therefore, interesting to see the gang’s fearful reactions when they were put under threat by an unknown female assailant. Without spoilers, the story has a huge twist, but this is a tale of the perpetrator taking back power. Ridding the streets of this gang, and redressing the scales of justice through the only method the gang could understand – brutal violence. On many levels, this vigilante stance although isn’t glorified, it can be seen as justified, and despite the brutality of her crimes, the vigilante is someone who you can root for. At one particular point, where a member of the gang who’s shown to be a rapist early on, gets his comeuppance in a very painful, but perfectly fitting way, given his crimes. I couldn’t help, as a woman, uttering a little “yes, got him” under my breath!

M A Comley has written a superb novel, evoking a need to cherish those you love, and not to take life for granted. Powerful in its poignant prose, this is a book that must be read. The next DI Hero Nelson’s case ‘End Result’ is already on my kindle awaiting further investigation. Highly recommended.

[Zoé-Lee O'Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s done, I have finally finished this book! Now that is by no means a negative thing, I started this book in October but hadn’t been able to sit down and give it the attention it needed. In the last few days, it got that attention and boy was that an explosive book.

I have seen Mel’s books around and I bought this one a long time ago and now I need to pick up the next book in Hero’s series. (Epic name by the way!)

This book is not for the faint-hearted, it is brutal and it is dark and did I say brutal. I loved it if you can love it. A look at gang wars, which are as every bit grim as you can imagine. An absolutely savage act of violence at the beginning of the book sets the tone for the book.

It really was a heartbreaking way to open a story and I felt so upset by the tragedy that I wanted to go out and pound the streets. There was so much anger after reading these words. After this act of violence, it doesn’t relent. In fact, a new player comes out to play. Between the turf wars and their aggression and this new player, like Hero your head will be scratching wondering how this will all end. No one will go near the Krull gang and I mean no one. That was a hard one to swallow as Hero and his team had very little support in trying to get to the gang but was still being hounded for results.

I feel like the clues were there for me for to easily guess who this new player was but I wasn’t quick on the uptake, plus with Mel’s writing skills she knows how to lead you down that garden path. This path was dark and then some but I enjoyed every minute of this remorseless book. She makes no apologies for her story and why should she. The characters took their own destiny and the story played out down to how they led their lives.

It was shocking but thoroughly enjoyable and I will be back for more that is for sure!

[Letsread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wasn't sure what i was going to think, always the same when you start a new series. After reading the Justice series, i did't think Mel's books could get any better.. how wrong was I..
A gripping story line right from the start, with twists and turns along the way, and as for the ending.. welll....I WASNT EXPECTING THAT....
i'm liking Hero all ready, and think he's got lots to look forward to..
fantastic, all i can say is bring on the next one... cant wait...

[Vicki - I Love Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wasn't sure what i was going to think, always the same when you start a new series. After reading the Justice series, i did't think Mel's books could get any better.. how wrong was I..
A gripping story line right from the start, with twists and turns along the way, and as for the ending.. welll....I WASNT EXPECTING THAT....
fantastic, all i can say is bring on the next one... cant wait...

[Lammi Hearne-Sirman · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finishing the excellent Justice series I couldn't wait to read more from the fantastic Mel Comley. 'Torn Apart' provided me with that very opportunity. And I was not disappointed... If you are not familiar with Mel's work then you are truly missing out. Another five star read from a five star author.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wondeful book. Slight;y unusual story but very well written with a good ending.

[Alexina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compact story of Hero and police proceedings.
Packed story about gangs and turf wars... graphic stat to the book.

First in the series, would read more.

[Lynda Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't too struck on this one as it's a little shorter than the 200+ pages I usually insist upon. However, I'd enjoyed some of this author's Justice series so gave it a go. I really like her new characters and I liked the story but there are still too many daft errors for my liking. They're the reason I gave up with the other series. One especially happened at a really crucial time in the book and made me want to sling my Kindle across the room in frustration. I looked up book 2 in this set and it's even shorter than this one so I think I'll be passing on that, which is a pity.
For some reason my version was different with her Acknowledgements at the beginning as to what appeared on Amazon's Look Inside feature. She had added an extra line or 2 there missing from my copy.
There were quite a few apostrophe errors (kiddies, i's, gent's) then one minute she capitalised Amazon then not, were was used not we're, hang out not hangout (which was right further in).
Horribly, Hero's jobtitle changed, too. He started out as a DCI then was demoted as we went along to DI, which was pretty slapdash and so was this sentence-being my Kindle throwing incident- when she writes, ".....and left me with nothing except a huge whole in my heart" !! Just terrible and these mistakes cost it a better score from me, I'm afraid.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

This is the first book in the DI Hero Nelson series and even though I have read books four onwards in the series I realised I had not actually read the first three!! So after I realised I was going to have to self-isolate for several weeks I downloaded book one last night and got cracking on with my reading!

The book is a fast paced story that holds your attention right from the outset through to the brilliant ending. The story is quite dark and gruesome in places and the topics certainly won’t be for everyone but I thought it was a great story and the perfect introduction to Hero and his team too.

I guessed who was responsible for the killings at about 85% though the book and even then it was still a surprise and it was very well done, there were plenty of twists that were in keeping with the plot and kept me fully engaged – I have to say I thought it was a fabulous story!

It is 5 stars from me for this one, it is a well-developed story, it has some excellent characters and I thought it was a great introduction to the series – very highly recommended and so glad that I have decided to play catch up on my outstanding M. A. Comley books!

[CDWB · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would you do?

Just what would you do if your entire world was destroyed? This book deals with Britans Council Housings and the low life thugs who terrorise helpless residents as well as those around the vicinity. It's most interesting to see how British cops deal with them and it makes me glad I'm in America. What happens when the gang members kill two innocents and then begin to die gruesome deaths. What happens next is the story of what happens when someone's world is torn apart. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to those who love a good whodunit story.

[wendi wigham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little hero

Good storyline, I'm sure lots of DI's would secretly appreciate assistance of a similar sort in no go areas.
The identity of the justice seeker, I guessed fairly early on, the wardrobe being the giveaway. Had to continue reading, to see if my supposition was correct.
I do like the character of Hero Nelson, who was in a previous series, during a multi locale murder hunt in the Justice series,I think.
Do wish a DS Pete , who was in the first Justice books, would reappear - stroppy female DS's are getting boring - where is the humour - black & otherwise?

[Teresa Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this story. I felt Hero's frustrations with being hog-tied and unable to adequately fight these gangs. The limitations of British police work came across clearly in this story, especially when compared to the freedom American officers have in fighting crime. The story is well-written, with good action, and a good balance between the protangist's life at work and home. The ending absolutely came out of left-field; the mark of an excellent author. Very pleased.

[Kelly Ferrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Torn Apart. by M.A. Comley.
This story is about who rules the roost .. which gang is the toughest … who intimidates everyone the best! That gang is … The Krull Gang! They stop at nothing …
The story starts where a Mum is picking her son up from boarding school at the end of term … being boarding school they are not allowed to have MacDonalds .. young Laurence convinces his mum, Saskia to let him have some before they go home … if only they hadn’t gone to that one!

[Ernest Godfrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sorry

Just not for me. Too many small mistakes and really quite naive. The storey line needs to be stronger and better researched and less of a concentration on the emotional sides of the characters when it didn't add to the story. Just my reaction but then not everybody will agree with me I am sure

[Dee Groocock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this first book in the series by Mel. I had already read book 2 but it didn't really matter. As usual, Mel writes a fast paced & gritty story that keeps you on your toes from start to finish. I cannot rate Mels books highly enough

[Mrs A. J. Turbfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful fast paced action thriller\crime tale. Another exciting set of characters to

follow. The new series will be every bit as enjoyable as the previous ones. Can't wait to read more of the same.

[mois reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hero

Another fantastic read from Mel this book had a bit of everything I love Hero and Julie a definite winner they chased the gang terrorising the streets and killing innocent people and what a twist I didn't see this end coming a definite 5 Stars

[Su Biela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Just what did I read? Seriously! I love M A Conley books and there's always a twist at the end but I never, ever saw that twist coming. I can guarantee that you won't either! Another fabulous book from the very talented M A Comley

[Liza · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit that I read about half of the prologue and stopped and moved to another book. After I went back to the book, the story improved.

It was strange that the cops were so hesitant about arresting the gang. There was video, after all.

The murdering woman was a good twist

[Kristine Vigil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea

I like thrillers and crime novels but I found myself tuning out large portions of this book and having to reread.

[Aisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic book my MA Comley. I wasn't too sure about Hero at first but he's starting to grow on me. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[K-BRC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everybody needs a Hero! What a tremendous character. This series has such potential. I’d definitely recommend this book, this author, & this series! 5⭐️

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hero?

Well someone has to ask. Seems love lives a long life. Man or woman love with their whole heart and deeply feel lost without their love. Great read.