What do you think?
Rate this book
Echoes of Silence
From NY Times and USA Today Bestselling author M A Comley author of the award-winning Justice series who has sold over 5 million copies worldwide.
When DI Sally Parker receives a mysterious letter hinting at long-buried secrets at Oakridge Hall, her curiosity is aroused. The author alludes to traumatic events that took place during their time at the institution, events that were hushed up by the staff.
As Sally delves deeper into the history of Oakridge Hall, she uncovers a web of deception, that has been hidden for decades. Sally realises that the truth may be more horrifying than anyone imagined. With secrets and lies lurking around every corner, she is forced to seek help from an old friend.
Echoes of Silence is a gripping mystery thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats, unraveling a twisted tale of betrayal, trauma, and the unearthing of long-buried secrets.
Other books in this series Wrong Place - a top 50 bestselling book in the UK,
No Hiding Place
Cold Case
Deadly Encounter
Lost Innocence
Goodbye My Precious Child
The Missing Wife
Truth or Dare
Where Did She Go?
Sinner
Coping Without You
Could It Be Him?
Frozen in Time
Echoes of Silence
When DI Sally Parker receives a mysterious letter hinting at long-buried secrets at Oakridge Hall, her curiosity is aroused. The author alludes to traumatic events that took place during their time at the institution, events that were hushed up by the staff.
As Sally delves deeper into the history of Oakridge Hall, she uncovers a web of deception, that has been hidden for decades. Sally realises that the truth may be more horrifying than anyone imagined. With secrets and lies lurking around every corner, she is forced to seek help from an old friend.
Echoes of Silence is a gripping mystery thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats, unraveling a twisted tale of betrayal, trauma, and the unearthing of long-buried secrets.
Other books in this series Wrong Place - a top 50 bestselling book in the UK,
No Hiding Place
Cold Case
Deadly Encounter
Lost Innocence
Goodbye My Precious Child
The Missing Wife
Truth or Dare
Where Did She Go?
Sinner
Coping Without You
Could It Be Him?
Frozen in Time
Echoes of Silence
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 22, 2024
111 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
M.A. Comley
176 books816 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 11, 2024
DI Sally Parker receives a letter referring to traumatic events at Oakridge Hall fifty years ago.
As a cold case unit, Sally, Lorne and the team initiate a small investigation to see if they can find anything untoward, before looking further.
What follows is one of the biggest cases the team has dealt with.
This is one of the hardest fictional stories that I have read.
It is a harrowing and emotional tale that brought tears to my eyes, often.
It was lovely to have an old favourite brought into this story, who managed to make me smile, even with the darkness throughout.
As a cold case unit, Sally, Lorne and the team initiate a small investigation to see if they can find anything untoward, before looking further.
What follows is one of the biggest cases the team has dealt with.
This is one of the hardest fictional stories that I have read.
It is a harrowing and emotional tale that brought tears to my eyes, often.
It was lovely to have an old favourite brought into this story, who managed to make me smile, even with the darkness throughout.
December 13, 2024
Wowsers. Book 15 of this most excellent series and boy has the author hit it right out of the park this time! But oooof, it's very dark. If you have read this author before (and you have cos, you know, series rules and all that), you'll know that she never pulls the punches and does think up some nasty crimes. But this book really does step it up a big notch when DI Sally Parker receives an anonymous letter which refers to historic events that occurred some fifty years ago. Something about the letter stirs her and she assembles the team to try and work out what the letter writer is alluding to. But when they do realise, oh my, what a story then unfolds...
Tacking this topic is not for the faint-hearted of authors. Not just cos of the nature of the crimes and the people it affects, but also there's the ability to write with sympathy, empathy, and not sensationalise, nor downplay the details or effects. This book is written with all the right things and none of the wrong ones. Even with the darkest of subject matters, the non-pulled punches, at no time during the book did I ever feel unsafe or too overwhelmed. Even the banter which is the usual thing the author relies on to balance the tone was done in a different, more respectful way, if you get what I mean. It's hard to describe.
Outside of all that, all the rest of what you'd expect from a book by this author is front and centre. Pacing matches the narrative and the book gets on with itself very well indeed. Main characters continue to develop through the book, and new characters are just as well crafted. And, a light in the darkness that is the story, we also catch up with an old friend. Actually more than one as she also brings a few more with her ;)
All in all, a hard read, but an important and tricky topic to cover, and the author has definitely done it justice in more ways than one.
Tacking this topic is not for the faint-hearted of authors. Not just cos of the nature of the crimes and the people it affects, but also there's the ability to write with sympathy, empathy, and not sensationalise, nor downplay the details or effects. This book is written with all the right things and none of the wrong ones. Even with the darkest of subject matters, the non-pulled punches, at no time during the book did I ever feel unsafe or too overwhelmed. Even the banter which is the usual thing the author relies on to balance the tone was done in a different, more respectful way, if you get what I mean. It's hard to describe.
Outside of all that, all the rest of what you'd expect from a book by this author is front and centre. Pacing matches the narrative and the book gets on with itself very well indeed. Main characters continue to develop through the book, and new characters are just as well crafted. And, a light in the darkness that is the story, we also catch up with an old friend. Actually more than one as she also brings a few more with her ;)
All in all, a hard read, but an important and tricky topic to cover, and the author has definitely done it justice in more ways than one.
November 24, 2024
OMG, WOW! This has to be by far the best book in this series to date, and possibly one of, if not the best MA Comley novel so far too.
It has an absolutely harrowing case, that made for hard and slightly emotional reading at times. It has loads of references to Lorne's past, which as a fan of her since the start of the Justice series, just made my heart swell, and it had a character make a return that I technically should be sceptical of, but that always draws me around to believing.
I'm definitely reeling at the cliff-hanger at the end of the epilogue that is making me need, no demand that I have the next book already. I need to know what's going on.
I had honestly intended to sit down and just read the start of this book with dinner, and then read more the following day like I normally do with books. However from the intriguing prologue set 50 years ago, to the letter on Sally's desk hinting that something big was covered up at Oakridge Hall - well I was hooked, and there was no way I was going to be able to put it down. So I've literally devoured this in one sitting, barely pausing for breath.
I just couldn't get enough of this one. As a massive fan of the author, and this series, I'm just totally blown away. There is a chance I might be having bad dreams tonight as a result, but overall it's just a brilliant book.
And once again I am amazed at how Sally and Lorne, and the rest of the team are able to uncover the truth about happenings in the past, that no one else in the police had ever managed.
Just wow... and now I need to chain the author to her computer until I have my hands on the next book of this series, I need more!
Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
It has an absolutely harrowing case, that made for hard and slightly emotional reading at times. It has loads of references to Lorne's past, which as a fan of her since the start of the Justice series, just made my heart swell, and it had a character make a return that I technically should be sceptical of, but that always draws me around to believing.
I'm definitely reeling at the cliff-hanger at the end of the epilogue that is making me need, no demand that I have the next book already. I need to know what's going on.
I had honestly intended to sit down and just read the start of this book with dinner, and then read more the following day like I normally do with books. However from the intriguing prologue set 50 years ago, to the letter on Sally's desk hinting that something big was covered up at Oakridge Hall - well I was hooked, and there was no way I was going to be able to put it down. So I've literally devoured this in one sitting, barely pausing for breath.
I just couldn't get enough of this one. As a massive fan of the author, and this series, I'm just totally blown away. There is a chance I might be having bad dreams tonight as a result, but overall it's just a brilliant book.
And once again I am amazed at how Sally and Lorne, and the rest of the team are able to uncover the truth about happenings in the past, that no one else in the police had ever managed.
Just wow... and now I need to chain the author to her computer until I have my hands on the next book of this series, I need more!
Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
November 13, 2024
Sally and Lorne are set to work on one of their toughest cold cases to date. This was such a sad and disturbing one that grabs you by the throat and heart. A derelict building that used to be a hospital and then a school holds some horrific secrets and when the team starts to discover what they are, it affects them all.
If you are a fan of this author’s books, you will remember Carol the psychic who has featured in a few of them. I love Carol and was great to see her back. For some readers who don’t believe in the paranormal, they may need to suspend belief in this one. For me, I like to think there is more after death and it really makes for some compulsive reading.
Echoes of Silence is a hard hitting cold case that is a reminder that justice should be served no matter how much time has passed. It does make things harder for Sally and the team and will have you torn with your own thoughts. This is possibly the author’s strongest storyline yet that has you going through an array of emotions. Impossible to put down!
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
If you are a fan of this author’s books, you will remember Carol the psychic who has featured in a few of them. I love Carol and was great to see her back. For some readers who don’t believe in the paranormal, they may need to suspend belief in this one. For me, I like to think there is more after death and it really makes for some compulsive reading.
Echoes of Silence is a hard hitting cold case that is a reminder that justice should be served no matter how much time has passed. It does make things harder for Sally and the team and will have you torn with your own thoughts. This is possibly the author’s strongest storyline yet that has you going through an array of emotions. Impossible to put down!
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
November 29, 2024
This has to be the most hardest book I’ve read by this author & an equally hard review I’ve ever had to write.
Picture the scene : a privileged boys boarding school from 50 years ago where parents of young sons or guardians of orphaned boys approximately 8 years old were sent to be educated for a high cost , in more ways than one.
DI Sally Parker first receives a letter in amongst her morning mail which she cannot ignore. The writer wants to bring to her attention regarding atrocities that happened when he was placed by his parents in a boarding school called Oakridge Hall more than 50 years previously. He’s tried on numerous occasions to report this to the police but nobody takes him seriously.
Sally & Lorne start delving into this allegation & at first with the help of the local pathologist a sinister scene starts to emerge at the now derelict institution.
The more they uncover inside the worse it becomes & one of Lorne’s beloved friend’s Carol is brought in to help them out. Carol is a psychic who has helped Lorne on previous cases.
This book I had to read over a couple of days & often had me in tears at the warped & depraved minds of adults in professional occupations.
Picture the scene : a privileged boys boarding school from 50 years ago where parents of young sons or guardians of orphaned boys approximately 8 years old were sent to be educated for a high cost , in more ways than one.
DI Sally Parker first receives a letter in amongst her morning mail which she cannot ignore. The writer wants to bring to her attention regarding atrocities that happened when he was placed by his parents in a boarding school called Oakridge Hall more than 50 years previously. He’s tried on numerous occasions to report this to the police but nobody takes him seriously.
Sally & Lorne start delving into this allegation & at first with the help of the local pathologist a sinister scene starts to emerge at the now derelict institution.
The more they uncover inside the worse it becomes & one of Lorne’s beloved friend’s Carol is brought in to help them out. Carol is a psychic who has helped Lorne on previous cases.
This book I had to read over a couple of days & often had me in tears at the warped & depraved minds of adults in professional occupations.
December 13, 2024
An extremely heart rending story
One of the most touching and, at the same time disturbing, stories I have read for a long time.
A beautiful but now delapidated stately hope and grounds once a military hospital, later becoming a school for boys.
Secrets hidden in the past finally unearthed in the present reveal some very sad and harrowing truths. But will Sally, Lorne and the team finally uncover the truth or will they need more help from an old friend? Such a gripping and well written story and very highly recommended.
One of the most touching and, at the same time disturbing, stories I have read for a long time.
A beautiful but now delapidated stately hope and grounds once a military hospital, later becoming a school for boys.
Secrets hidden in the past finally unearthed in the present reveal some very sad and harrowing truths. But will Sally, Lorne and the team finally uncover the truth or will they need more help from an old friend? Such a gripping and well written story and very highly recommended.
December 5, 2024
Wow. This was a cracking case the team got.
A letter was sent anonymously pointing out an old house that had been a hospital then a boys home. It hinted at secrets and horrors hidden away.
Though the building was closed.
The team got involved and definitely found what they hoped they wouldn’t.
Scary these things probably happened at some point and maybe still do. Here’s to them all being cleared and found out.
An excellent read.
A letter was sent anonymously pointing out an old house that had been a hospital then a boys home. It hinted at secrets and horrors hidden away.
Though the building was closed.
The team got involved and definitely found what they hoped they wouldn’t.
Scary these things probably happened at some point and maybe still do. Here’s to them all being cleared and found out.
An excellent read.
December 12, 2024
This is book 15 in the DI Sally Parker series and it doesn’t disappoint!
An anonymous letter sparks a chain of events that no one could have foreseen. The letter begs Sally to investigate abuse at a school that happened 50 years ago. Can Sally and Lorne get closure for the victims families and in a case so old are any of the perpetrators still alive to prosecute?
A real page turner this one and the ending has left me needing to read the next one now!
An anonymous letter sparks a chain of events that no one could have foreseen. The letter begs Sally to investigate abuse at a school that happened 50 years ago. Can Sally and Lorne get closure for the victims families and in a case so old are any of the perpetrators still alive to prosecute?
A real page turner this one and the ending has left me needing to read the next one now!
November 16, 2024
OMG this is the best book I have read in any of M A Comley’s series. I didn’t want it to end & thought it could have gone on a bit longer. I was intrigued on the get go & it was one thing after another happening, it’s fast paced but so worth it but I now need the next book asap after that ending………. What an ending.
January 6, 2025
Dribble
How this book got a 5 star rating, I will never know. It takes skill to write dialogue and since this book is 95% dialogue it is obviously a skill this author does not possess. The most annoying parts are the fillers such as whole page about getting a box from the attic. The plot is intriguing but the writing is redundant, boring, and just plain dribble.
How this book got a 5 star rating, I will never know. It takes skill to write dialogue and since this book is 95% dialogue it is obviously a skill this author does not possess. The most annoying parts are the fillers such as whole page about getting a box from the attic. The plot is intriguing but the writing is redundant, boring, and just plain dribble.
Read
March 20, 2025Another Excellent Story
Another excellent in the DI Sally Parker series with all the usual characters. A really great storyline that kept me gripped from start to finish and an ending that makes me want to grab the next in the series as soon as possible. Looking forward to reading it.
Another excellent in the DI Sally Parker series with all the usual characters. A really great storyline that kept me gripped from start to finish and an ending that makes me want to grab the next in the series as soon as possible. Looking forward to reading it.
December 23, 2024
Amazing
Wow love reading about my fave detective Lorne but this was even more great having carol in such a clever lady .this was a harrowing tale all those poor children so glad of the outcome this is a 5 STAR read
Wow love reading about my fave detective Lorne but this was even more great having carol in such a clever lady .this was a harrowing tale all those poor children so glad of the outcome this is a 5 STAR read
November 29, 2024
This was an extremely emotional ride. You can imagine it is going to be emotional but it just keeps hitting and you will feel for the victims in this book. You also won't see the ending coming!
June 13, 2025
Marg’s bedtime read
Absolutely brilliant book from start to finish and bringing in a physic was fantastic, many people don’t believe in physic powers
Absolutely brilliant book from start to finish and bringing in a physic was fantastic, many people don’t believe in physic powers
June 19, 2025
Excellent as always
This is an extremely difficult topic which had been handled with care and sensitivity. Well written and a good of difficult read.
This is an extremely difficult topic which had been handled with care and sensitivity. Well written and a good of difficult read.
December 23, 2024
OMG!
It’s taken me a month to come back and finish this review because of the effect this book had on me. Such an incredible but heart breaking read. Sometimes things from the past catch up on people when they least expect it. Shocking but totally brilliant read, one of the authors best.
It’s taken me a month to come back and finish this review because of the effect this book had on me. Such an incredible but heart breaking read. Sometimes things from the past catch up on people when they least expect it. Shocking but totally brilliant read, one of the authors best.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews