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DI Sam Cobbs #17
To Hurt Them: A Lake District Thriller
From NY Times bestselling author M A Comley, author of the Justice series, who has sold almost five million copies worldwide comes yet another page-turning thriller set in the stunning Lake District.Some stories should never leave the page.
When a series of brutal murders rocks the quiet beauty of the Lake District, DI Sam Cobbs and DS Bob Jones find themselves chasing a killer—or killers—who seem to be following a chilling blueprint. The crime scenes mirror events from a recently published novel, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
As the body count rises, Sam and Bob must unravel a web of lies, obsession, and dark motives buried beneath the surface of an unsuspecting community. But the deeper they dig, the more dangerous the story becomes.
Because someone is determined to write their own ending… and not everyone will survive to read it.
Other books in this bestselling series
To Die For - which reached #40 in the UK Kindle chart.
To Silence Them
To Make Them Pay
To Prove Fatal
To Condemn Them
To Punish Them
To Entice Them
To Control Them
To Endanger Lives
To Hold Responsible
To Catch a Killer
To Believe The Truth
To Blame Them
To Judge Them
To Fear Him
To Deceive Them
To Hurt Them
When a series of brutal murders rocks the quiet beauty of the Lake District, DI Sam Cobbs and DS Bob Jones find themselves chasing a killer—or killers—who seem to be following a chilling blueprint. The crime scenes mirror events from a recently published novel, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
As the body count rises, Sam and Bob must unravel a web of lies, obsession, and dark motives buried beneath the surface of an unsuspecting community. But the deeper they dig, the more dangerous the story becomes.
Because someone is determined to write their own ending… and not everyone will survive to read it.
Other books in this bestselling series
To Die For - which reached #40 in the UK Kindle chart.
To Silence Them
To Make Them Pay
To Prove Fatal
To Condemn Them
To Punish Them
To Entice Them
To Control Them
To Endanger Lives
To Hold Responsible
To Catch a Killer
To Believe The Truth
To Blame Them
To Judge Them
To Fear Him
To Deceive Them
To Hurt Them
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 22, 2025
111 people are currently reading
13 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
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 14, 2025
Well... wasn't this an interesting insight into the life of a writer... but I shall say no more...!
Anyway... usual series rules apply and I know you all know what I mean by that, so I don't need to expand further. Suffice to say it's the characters and their ongoing development that really make these books pop, so...
Anyway... in this book we start with a home invasion in which the homeowner is subjected to a nasty attack, his home ransacked. The police are called but get nowhere as they leave no trace and their identities are masked.
Fast forward a wee while and the body of a young lady is found. On first viewing it appears it could have been an accident but when Sara and her team start to look further it appears that it could have been staged. Setting up base once again in The Gather, fed and watered by the lovely Emma, they have only just started to investigate when there's another body. They are flummoxed by this escalation, running around chasing their tails. Are the two even connected? And then one of her team makes a breakthrough...
Ooooo this was a little juicy and even though it's not hard to figure out the who, it's the why that is paramount in this book. And said why is an absolute corker!
As with every single book I have read by this author and, that count is on the high side, it is delivered in a completely no nonsense style. No superfluous waffle or padding. The description of the wonderful scenery is wholly acceptable as, in this series, the setting could almost be counted as a character in its own right, so integral it is to everything happening. And it certainly plays its part herein.
The main series characters continue to develop and the episode extras are equally well described and all play their parts well. I love the banter between them, especially Sam and Bob.And the story being told held my attention nicely throughout, spitting me out at the end wholly satisfied.
All in all, a cracking addition to the series and a worthy inclusion to an already well impressive back catalogue. Roll on next time.
Anyway... usual series rules apply and I know you all know what I mean by that, so I don't need to expand further. Suffice to say it's the characters and their ongoing development that really make these books pop, so...
Anyway... in this book we start with a home invasion in which the homeowner is subjected to a nasty attack, his home ransacked. The police are called but get nowhere as they leave no trace and their identities are masked.
Fast forward a wee while and the body of a young lady is found. On first viewing it appears it could have been an accident but when Sara and her team start to look further it appears that it could have been staged. Setting up base once again in The Gather, fed and watered by the lovely Emma, they have only just started to investigate when there's another body. They are flummoxed by this escalation, running around chasing their tails. Are the two even connected? And then one of her team makes a breakthrough...
Ooooo this was a little juicy and even though it's not hard to figure out the who, it's the why that is paramount in this book. And said why is an absolute corker!
As with every single book I have read by this author and, that count is on the high side, it is delivered in a completely no nonsense style. No superfluous waffle or padding. The description of the wonderful scenery is wholly acceptable as, in this series, the setting could almost be counted as a character in its own right, so integral it is to everything happening. And it certainly plays its part herein.
The main series characters continue to develop and the episode extras are equally well described and all play their parts well. I love the banter between them, especially Sam and Bob.And the story being told held my attention nicely throughout, spitting me out at the end wholly satisfied.
All in all, a cracking addition to the series and a worthy inclusion to an already well impressive back catalogue. Roll on next time.
April 24, 2025
I love the back drop of the Lake District in this series, having been lucky enough to have visited some of the areas mentioned, it brought back some great memories. Sadly though, there is nothing nice about the crimes committed through out the story. What starts off with what looks like a random burglary, takes an extremely sinister turn which leaves the community shocked and scared.
Being an avid reader of crime thrillers, the author’s take on replicating murders from a best selling novel was genius. I wasn’t sure if this was a good thing or bad as of course it takes a while for the team to realise what is going on and then it becomes a race against time to put a stop to anymore killings. It certainly had me gripped to the pages to see what was going to happen next.
To Hurt Them was a fast paced read that truly grabs you by the collar, taking you on a roller coaster of a ride. The adrenaline was coursing through me reading of the murders taking place as well as the pressure on the team to solve the case. There are plenty of jaw dropping moments, some making me gasp out loud. A series that just gets better and better!
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book.
Being an avid reader of crime thrillers, the author’s take on replicating murders from a best selling novel was genius. I wasn’t sure if this was a good thing or bad as of course it takes a while for the team to realise what is going on and then it becomes a race against time to put a stop to anymore killings. It certainly had me gripped to the pages to see what was going to happen next.
To Hurt Them was a fast paced read that truly grabs you by the collar, taking you on a roller coaster of a ride. The adrenaline was coursing through me reading of the murders taking place as well as the pressure on the team to solve the case. There are plenty of jaw dropping moments, some making me gasp out loud. A series that just gets better and better!
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book.
May 23, 2025
Decent stories, but...
I've read this entire series, and for the most part, I really like Sam, and for quite a few of these I've kept wondering how the heck she puts up with her whining smart-ass of a partner, Bob. But this time around, I've found myself wondering how he puts up with her! Case in point, when she finds the male members of her team talking "football" (soccer!) and, very smart-assed, says "Really?" She clearly knows NOTHING about men!
One other quibble that's been really obvious in this book: women don't go around hugging each other! Unless they're leaving on a long trip or returning from one... And women also do not just immediately "turn on the waterworks" when they hear that someone has died! Both of which tells me that the author doesn't really "get" women! Or at the very least, doesn't characterize them very well.
I've read this entire series, and for the most part, I really like Sam, and for quite a few of these I've kept wondering how the heck she puts up with her whining smart-ass of a partner, Bob. But this time around, I've found myself wondering how he puts up with her! Case in point, when she finds the male members of her team talking "football" (soccer!) and, very smart-assed, says "Really?" She clearly knows NOTHING about men!
One other quibble that's been really obvious in this book: women don't go around hugging each other! Unless they're leaving on a long trip or returning from one... And women also do not just immediately "turn on the waterworks" when they hear that someone has died! Both of which tells me that the author doesn't really "get" women! Or at the very least, doesn't characterize them very well.
April 24, 2025
Wow this book wasn’t one you could put down from start to finish. No spoilers but it was the subject matter & where the killings came from that made it more interesting & compelling. This was a serial killer/s at their worst but for a very strange reason…….wont say more than that. I loved it, it captivated me from page one & I finished it so quickly. Even with kids being off school (one sick as well), this is a must for all crime readers it’s bloody brilliant.
May 5, 2025
This is book number 17 in the DI Sam Cobbs series
A lovely beauty spot is turned into a killers hunting ground leaving the tight knit community living in fear.
Sam and her team set up base above the local cafe ensuring a police presence is on hand.
As the book unfolds there are more murders which puts pressure on the team to find the perpetrators quickly, can a book hold the key?
Loved this one and can’t wait for the next one.
A lovely beauty spot is turned into a killers hunting ground leaving the tight knit community living in fear.
Sam and her team set up base above the local cafe ensuring a police presence is on hand.
As the book unfolds there are more murders which puts pressure on the team to find the perpetrators quickly, can a book hold the key?
Loved this one and can’t wait for the next one.
May 14, 2025
This was sooooo good!
An author has his home broken into & items stolen. What happens next is what I would say terrifying for those involved. Of course the team is on it and get deep into things really fast. Sam and Bob are definitely tested with this case and they do their best as always.
The story itself, well as I keep saying these just get better. This though the one that made me go wow ok.
Yeah I’ve said that before too. Just read them, you won’t be disappointed
An author has his home broken into & items stolen. What happens next is what I would say terrifying for those involved. Of course the team is on it and get deep into things really fast. Sam and Bob are definitely tested with this case and they do their best as always.
The story itself, well as I keep saying these just get better. This though the one that made me go wow ok.
Yeah I’ve said that before too. Just read them, you won’t be disappointed
April 28, 2025
After a local author is attacked in his own home, Sam and the team investigate following the death of a local lady.
With time against them, the team are even more disturbed after the death of a local man. With the deaths being treated as murder, can the team work out what links these crimes?
Sensing they’re finally making progress, we follow the team as the all the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed.
I could feel the frustration from the team, I can’t begin to imagine how the police feel when serial killers are on the loose. Just how many people have to die before a killer is caught?
This is a fast-paced story that genuinely had me shaking my head. You just never know what goes on in other people’s heads.
Luckily there is enough banter between Sam and Bob to lighten up the story, so that it isn’t quite all darkness.
With time against them, the team are even more disturbed after the death of a local man. With the deaths being treated as murder, can the team work out what links these crimes?
Sensing they’re finally making progress, we follow the team as the all the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed.
I could feel the frustration from the team, I can’t begin to imagine how the police feel when serial killers are on the loose. Just how many people have to die before a killer is caught?
This is a fast-paced story that genuinely had me shaking my head. You just never know what goes on in other people’s heads.
Luckily there is enough banter between Sam and Bob to lighten up the story, so that it isn’t quite all darkness.
June 25, 2025
another gripping story
I love reading all the books by this author.
I love the cases in all the series’s but I also love how the life of DI Sam Cobbs follows through and is a story of its own.
I love reading all the books by this author.
I love the cases in all the series’s but I also love how the life of DI Sam Cobbs follows through and is a story of its own.
May 7, 2025
I have to say that I didn't know where the author was going with the arc she took but she took me on a good ride. I haven't read anything like it and I thank you for this book!
May 2, 2025
This series just gets better with every new book, and this one is no exception.
Some people read a book and enjoy the tale but there are others who give the words ‘crime thriller’ a whole new meaning. This is just such a story, When a young woman is killed and left posed below an overhang of rocks it is thought to be an accident, but did she fall or was she pushed? When another body if discovered shortly afterwards, suspicions lead Sam and Bob to think outside the box. After a third body is found, and killings described in a recently published crime thriller appear to be a blueprint for the crimes, the search for the perpetrator or perpetrators is escalated. A real page turner that will have you flying through the pages.
Highly recommended.
Some people read a book and enjoy the tale but there are others who give the words ‘crime thriller’ a whole new meaning. This is just such a story, When a young woman is killed and left posed below an overhang of rocks it is thought to be an accident, but did she fall or was she pushed? When another body if discovered shortly afterwards, suspicions lead Sam and Bob to think outside the box. After a third body is found, and killings described in a recently published crime thriller appear to be a blueprint for the crimes, the search for the perpetrator or perpetrators is escalated. A real page turner that will have you flying through the pages.
Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews