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Lorne Simpkins #11

Dubious Justice

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Nothing is as it seems.

DS Lorne Warner and DI Katy Foster are called to the scene of an electrician's suspected suicide but quickly discover that they're dealing with a murder case instead.

Katy's family emergency forces her back home to be by her parent's side in Manchester, leaving Lorne as detective inspector, working alongside a new, and frustrating, partner.

When two more murders of tradesmen occur, the investigation throws suspicion on a couple who have recently renovated their home. However, the forensic team uncovers a lot more than anyone bargained for.

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2015

155 people are currently reading
233 people want to read

About the author

M.A. Comley

176 books815 followers
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

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5 stars
490 (65%)
4 stars
187 (25%)
3 stars
47 (6%)
2 stars
14 (1%)
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6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,555 reviews256 followers
March 3, 2023
Sometimes I feel when I read this series that I've landed in the world where the chuckle brothers become detectives!

The nice thing about this series is that it's easy reading, a book between the heavy books.

If you're looking for unrealistic light reading it's a good enough series to start.

At the time of posting this series is available on Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Noelle.
Author 8 books288 followers
April 18, 2015
I was given this book by MA Comley as an ARC. I have read and loved each one of the Justice series and this was no exception!

What I love about this series is the real emotion conveyed in the book through the characters. I am known as "The Ice Queen" and needed a box...a small box ahem...of tissues whilst reading this book. The author has a way of getting under your skin through her writing.

The storyline is also interesting and borders on reality, touching on the subject of the way "the system" can let people down. It may touch a nerve with some people but I think that is what makes the book so good.

I also like the unexpected OMG moments in MA Comley's books and Dubious Justice did not disappoint. There were times I was shouting at my kindle wondering what would happen next!! I am also cautiously curious when I read any book in the Justice series and I find they are never predictable. I am now patiently...ahem...waiting for the Book 12 as I suspect there will be more surprises based on how this book ends.

I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys police procedurals, thrillers and absolutely great writing!
Profile Image for Donna Maguire.
4,895 reviews120 followers
December 20, 2018
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I really enjoyed this story, it was well written and completely additive, I started the book one night and finished it the following day, and honestly if I didn’t have an early start the next day I would have stayed up to finish it!

For me this book was brilliant, it starts off with you thinking that the plot is going down one route, only for a MASSIVE plot twist that brings a lot more to the surface which really complicates the case. There are some really tough subjects to be dealt with after this is revealed – and I have to say that the author handles the issues so well and with the care and delicacy needed.

The book has similarities to some of the cases that have been brought to the attention of the public over recent years so they plot is completely believable too which made it all the more heart wrenching at times.

I enjoyed how the team really got involved in this one, and I have to say that I really enjoyed Sean, DCI Roberts joining Lorne for this one instead of Katy, she was starting to grate on me slightly so that was a refreshing change, she may be Inspector but for me it will always be Lorne that leads the team!

Five stars from me for this one, very enjoyable and I have already started the next book in the series – I am completely addicted to this series and this is an excellent police procedural!!
Profile Image for Teresa Nikolic.
921 reviews129 followers
April 4, 2015
I was lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC from THE Book Club, as it's not due to be released till 17th April. This is the first book I have read in the Justice Series even though I do have the prequel and books 1 & 2 on my tbr list and all the others on my wish list but just haven't got round to reading them yet, they are definitely moving up my list now. The book was gripping right from the start and only took me a day to read. I loved it and can't wait to read the other books in the series. Would definitely recommend this book, well done to Mel Comley for a great story!!
Profile Image for Alexina.
476 reviews41 followers
December 17, 2015
THE BOOK CLUB gave me an ARC to review,

I haven't read any previous books by M.A. Comley after reading Dubious Justice it definitely won't be the last.
You can read it as a stand alone as there is so little reference to what has happened in previous novels.

The beginning of the story starts with a death...there are a few more murders before the connection begins. The main characters are so likeable and human. In so many police crime/thrillers there is angst and damage. The characters are human and really have you routing to uncover the criminals.

The story was well written and paced, although there were many characters in the book, they were placed for a reason and you got to know their personalities within the story.

A highly recommended read with a fantastic storyline that brings in horror as the realities of how cruel us humans are alongside the greatness and empathy we have. The characters give you faith in the police system and wishing they were all as well balanced.

The subject within the book were handled well, and the dark secrets that come out were well written.

The only slight default is it ends on the kindle before 100% as many do, which was more a shame as I was enjoying the writing style.This does not detract from the ending. The book has a fab ending...
If you haven't read the series do, but this is a great stand alone book...off to find book one.
Profile Image for Claire.
1,104 reviews183 followers
May 19, 2015
Dubious Justice starts off as what looks like the suicide of an electrician in a supermarket car park. However the post mortem shows something more sinister setting Lorne Simkins and the team along a path littered with bodies and secrets.

This is the first of the Justice series I've read and despite it being number 11, I didn't feel I'd missed out by not having read the predecessors. However I will be going back and starting from the beginning.

I've now read two Mel Comley books, the other being Torn Apart and she is fast becoming a favourite crime author. Keep them coming Mel!

Thank you to THE Book Club for giving me this advanced copy to read and review.
105 reviews
April 7, 2015
I received this book as an ARC from THE Book Club. Very gripping from the start. There are lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing. Due to the subject matter, I found it quite harrowing in some parts. Excellent book.
Profile Image for Joseph - Relax And Read Reviews.
343 reviews27 followers
April 2, 2015
​I have read and loved all of Mel Comley's Justice books, but this is absolutely one of my favourites to date.​ The author has gently sent me an ARC in exchange of an honest review.

In Dubious Justice, Lorne's tenacious personality is put to the test more than ever before as she is faced with one of the hardest cases in her career. A series of murders will be just the tip of a huge terrifying iceberg of unimaginable horror.

A young electrician turns up dead in his car​ after an apparent suicide, but all evidence indicates foul play. When more tradesmen are found dead in very similar circumstances, DS Lorne Warner and DI Katy Foster are convinced that a serial killer is on the loose.

Who is killing these men? And why? Why setting up the suicide scenes? The victims are all young tradesmen, but is this the only link between them? Will Lorne be able to apprehend the killer before more victims are claimed?

In the midst of this investigation, Lorne ends up leading the team as Acting DI. It was refreshing to see her back at the helm of the team as in the old days. Despite her relentless pursue of leads, the case proves difficult to solve with many dead ends, but when finally she knocks on the right door, nothing could have prepared her for the horror waiting to be unravelled behind it.

The ending is surprising and emotional. It is tear-shedding, jubilant and sad at the same time. And it gives us a clear indication that changes are about to take place in Lorne and Katy's team. I liked the way in which the author has cleverly tied all the loose ends.

With on-going action from start to finish, (including Lorne kicking a few table legs), this is a very fast-paced book in which Lorne is given no respite. Unlike the previous novel, the supernatural element is very limited but emotions are certainly all over the place. This is another great addition to the Justice series and I highly recommend it!


Profile Image for Katy.
76 reviews14 followers
April 18, 2015
Originally posted on: http://wp.me/p4Dssh-G7

I don't know how Comley can get to book 11 in the series and still make it interesting and thought-provoking, with unexpected twists, but she has definitely managed it! Fast-paced and with plenty of action, it was extremely difficult to put this book down.

This book should have a 'warning: only read with 3 boxes of tissues to hand' sticker on the front cover! Comley takes a dreadfully upsetting situation and handles it with care and respect. When I started this book, I was expecting a murder story. However, it turned out to be so much more than that and I was not expecting the situation that the forensic team uncovered. I was thrilled to see Lorne and Sean working together on this case due to Katy's absence and loved the joking and teasing that was going back and forth between them! It definitely reminded me Pete, Lorne's partner before Katy!

I loved seeing Tony, Lorne's husband, so happy in his PI business, after the previous book. It was also great to see Charlie, Lorne's daughter, thriving as a young woman, running her own business and still making time for friends. I'm also so pleased that Katy is settling inyo herself and is finding happiness. I was sad to see less of Carol this time, but I liked that she didn't have all of the answers. It made the psychic aspect more realistic. I'm thoroughly looking forward to the next book in the series after the changes implied at the ending of this book! Very exciting!

Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Kath.
3,067 reviews
April 7, 2015
I have read all this series and I would have to say that this is the best yet! I am so lucky to have received this as an ARC from THE Book Club.
Although it is part of a series, this book can be read as a stand alone as the story within it is self contained however, if you do want to get the best from the wonderful characters and their development then you really should start from the beginning!
It was lovely to see Lorne back "at the helm" in this book. Took me back to the early books. Still as feisty!
As always, it didn't take me long to read. Once I started, I pretty much didn't put it down apart from when I had to! I really love the characters - especially their banter. All the way through, I keep thinking "I say that!" which when added to the fact that they are not always perfect and make mistakes, means to me anyway, that they become all the more real.
With regards to the plot. What starts out initially looking like a one off suicide kinda escalates into something much worse that is quite dark and pretty horrible. So much so that at times it was quite hard to read. BUT... something that I have learned from previous books by this author is that she will always leave a reader safe. Either through a positive outcome in the case or by some other news from one of the characters. Which one this time? Read the book, find out yourself!
Only downside in reading this early is that I have to wait longer for the next one!

Profile Image for Mary.
455 reviews9 followers
April 4, 2015
In Dubious Justice, Lorne again is after some crazy killers. Starting with an electrician, tradesmen are being murdered and someone is trying to make it look like they are suicides instead. While Katy is out for a family emergency, Lorne is acting DI and teamed up with DCI Sean Roberts, her former partner. They seem to be at a loss. The case has stalled and every lead they’ve followed has dried up. Sean’s a bit rusty but luckily for him, Lorne is as sharp as ever and it doesn’t take long for her to home in on a tiny clue to lead them where they need to go. And where they end up in this case is unbelievable, an ending that is shocking and heartbreaking.

I keep saying it, but I always mean it; this new book may be my favorite of the Justice books. Comley keeps topping herself with every book in the series. In particular to this book, I was thrilled with the partnering of Sean and Lorne. The back and forth, playful banter reminded me a bit of her and Pete. The emotional edge that the author weaves into the storyline- it’s getting to be part of her signature writing style. Where she comes up with these original plot lines I have no idea. But I’m just happy she does and I’ll keep reading every little thing she puts out. I think I’ll sneak one more star in and give this one 6, okay?
Profile Image for Joanne.
1,531 reviews44 followers
April 3, 2015
With thanks to THE Book Club for this advance review copy.

Right from the tense prologue I was caught up in this story of what seemed initially like a case of serial murder but is revealed to be much more than that. I really liked the character of acting DI Lorne Walker and thought the balance between her work and home life was well depicted. The author has made all her police officers very normal. By this I mean they aren't like the damaged, maverick characters you find in a lot of crime fiction. I felt that these were real people and the kind of dedicated police that you hope are looking out for us all! The emotions of the characters were communicated really well: the horror felt by the police when they discovered what was really going on; the sadness and guilt within one of the other characters as he comes to terms with what he has been keeping buried inside himself for many years; the love and warmth felt within Lorne Warner's family.

I haven't read any of the Justice series before but there were only a few references to previous storylines so it was easy to read as a stand alone novel. I enjoyed reading about Lorne Warner and the police team and am pleased that there are many more books in this series for me to read!
Profile Image for Dee-Cee  It's all about the books.
308 reviews20 followers
May 19, 2015
First off I'd like to say a huge thank you to Mel Comley, Tracey Fenton and The Book Club for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In my haste to say I'd review this book I didn't realise it was book number 11, I was hesitant to start it after realising as I haven't read any of the books previous to this one, but there was no need to worry as this book works as a stand alone as well as part of the series. A couple of times there are some references to story's in the past but it didn't matter and it's just made me want to read the other 10 books now.



The story is well written and from page one it's gripping, it's fast paced and the characters are easy to get to know. Through out the book the surprises keep coming and when you think it's starting to wind down, boom you're hut again with more shocks and twists. I really don't want to give to much away, but Mel has done an incredibly good job of telling the story of a difficult subject and the book comes together fantastically. I have to admit I did shed a few tears.



I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who likes thrillers, police procedural or just anyone who likes a blooming good edge of your seat story.
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,026 reviews55 followers
April 5, 2015
I received an ARC from THE BOOK CLUB (Facebook) in exchange for an open & honest review.
I recently read the first book in the Justice series by Mel Comley and my reaction to that book was WOW. My reaction after reading ' Dubious Justice' is double WOW. This book begins with DS Lorne Warner & her team investigating a series of apparent suicides but all is not as it seems which becomes evident as the story unfolds. Lorne becomes Acting Inspector Warner after Detective Inspector Katy Foster has to return home due to a family emergency. Acting DI Warner is then partnered with a new partner who is extremely annoying to start with. The team persists in investigating the crimes. Further horrors are uncovered and the story reaches a nail biting conclusion.
This book really was a rollercoaster ride- just when you thought things had settled down, something else happened which made my stomach lurch once again. This book was well written as I felt right there with the team and as if I was investigating the crime.
I award this book five stars out of five. I WILL MOST DEFINITELY read other books by this author.
Profile Image for Linda Prather.
Author 33 books144 followers
April 12, 2015
Received an ARC of this wonderful book.

It's always difficult to review a really good book without giving away spoilers. I've enjoyed every Justice book written to date, but this one so far is my absolute favorite. It's one of those books that you can't help but continue turning pages because you have to know what's going to happen next, but at the same time you're watching the percentage knowing that the book is going to end soon and you just don't want it to. You want to stay here with characters you've grown to love, helping them uncover new clues, and sometimes you just want to reach out and give one of them a hug.

Katy and Lorne find themselves involved in murders being staged as suicides. All the victims seem to be wonderful people that no one would want to hurt. All family men who love their wives and children. When Katy is called away due to a family problem, Lorne finds herself once again partnered with her boss, Sean. The clues are few and far between and eventually lead them to an area that will shock and leave you in tears. I can't say more without giving away spoilers.

An awesome book, wonderful police procedural, and a cast that you'll thoroughly love.
Profile Image for Tom Elder.
327 reviews7 followers
April 8, 2015
Mel Comley. Book 11.
Dubious Justice.
This book follows Lorne in her quest to solve murders, it also follows Tony and his partner in trying to find missing persons. All this and they run a boarding kennel with Lornes daughter Charlie. You will need all your wits about you just to get passed the first chapter. The book gripped me from the off, I do think that Mel can rewrite the local phone directory and make it read great. This book was an incredible emotional journey, and I found myself having to take a break now and again just to get my breath back and keep my emotions in check. Very highly recommended read.
5+ stars. 08 April 2015.
Profile Image for Leona.
1,501 reviews
April 9, 2015
I was given this book as an ARC by the author Mel Comley via TBC on facebook. It was the first time that I read any books by this author.

One word is WOW ! What an absolutely brilliant read. From the first page I was hooked. Housework got neglected for a day or two as all I wanted to do was read this brilliant book. This book sucked me right in from the beginning. I honestly didn't know what was going to happen each time I turned the page.

I'm not one to let books 'get to me' but this one really tugged at my emotions and at time I had tears in my eyes.

This book is highly deserving of 5 stars. Thanks again Mel Comley and TBC for the ARC
Profile Image for Karen.
31 reviews1 follower
April 16, 2015
I was lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC from The Book Club, as it's not due to be released until the 17th April.

WOW!!! This one is the best yet. I have read and love all of the Justice series including this one, which I read in a day. This one had me hooked from the first page and as with all of Mel's books this is another page turner, with twists and turns along the way to keep you guessing. Word of warning though, have your tissues ready as this one had me in tears.
Well done Mel on another great read, I loved it!!! Cannot wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Heather.
511 reviews
April 9, 2015
This is the only book in this series that I have read, but I felt that the main characters were introduced in such a way that could connect with them.
Various tradesmen have been murdered and made to look like suicide. I felt that the culprit was discovered rather too easily, maybe in order to get to the next part, but then the book became a lot darker, and that was written very well, although the ending was a little too neat for me.
I enjoyed this book and will read others in the series.
I received an ARC of the book from THE Book Club.
1,096 reviews7 followers
April 9, 2015
I was lucky enough to be given an ARC of Dubious Justice by MA Comley by The Book Club. I read it in one day and thought it was fantastic. Well written, gripping and carefully executed the plot draws you in to the very end. Even the most sensitive subjects were handled objectively and sympathetically. I have read Cruel Justice by the same author and whilst that was some time ago it too was excellent too. So now I will happily be adding MA Comley to my list of authors to watch and for sure I will be reading other books by her.

23 reviews
April 28, 2015
Excellent!

In this book, DS Lorne Wagner investigates three suspicious and similar deaths which lead her to a very broken foster care system. M A Comley's ability to describe people's thoughts and emotions are what draws you into the story and takes you into her world! This is what a reader wants and demands from a good story! But this book wasn't just good. It was/is extraordinary!
97 reviews3 followers
April 22, 2015
The Best and the Worst

Wow what an exciting story. From the first page " Dubious Justice" will grab you and turn you inside out. It is captivating and will leave you clamoring for more. Just when you believe you have it figured out there will be more revolting secrets to sort through. ENJOY.....
Profile Image for Sarah.
2,951 reviews222 followers
August 16, 2015
The 11th in the series and one of the most sinister crimes for Lorne to date. Tradesmen turning up dead is only the tip of the iceberg of what horrendous crimes are trying to be covered up. Quite heart wrenching towards the end but another brilliant read.
Profile Image for Chris.
294 reviews
August 28, 2015
Book 11 in the Justice Series, I am now caught up and addicted to this series. It is good to see that in the end justice does prevail. No matter what life deals people, there is always help for them.
Profile Image for Sue Wallace .
7,399 reviews140 followers
April 11, 2015
absolutely loved it. the characters where good and it felt as though you were there. i cannot wait to read the next installment. 5 stars from me.
Profile Image for Tammie Robinson.
4 reviews
May 22, 2015
Stunning

Can't wait for book 12. Best one yet. Each of the characters are detailed and I have fallen in love with them
Profile Image for Bob Ely.
398 reviews3 followers
May 21, 2015
A book that makes the reader want to do in the criminals themselves. Keeps you intrigued till the end.
39 reviews
August 13, 2015
Non stop excitement

Non stop excitement happens on multiple fronts in this great UK detective novel. One of the best of the justice series by MA Comley.
Profile Image for Mary.
228 reviews5 followers
September 28, 2015
Another great and quick read by Ms. Comley with more than one or two skeletons in the closet of these perps. I recommend this read to all mystery writers.
Profile Image for Betsy.
1,123 reviews144 followers
September 5, 2015
I found this book to be boring, and DS Lorne Warner really set my teeth on edge. I wish I hadn't wasted my time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

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