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D.I. Sally Parker #1
Wrong Place
The first book in a new series by M A Comley New York Times bestselling author of the Justice series.
DI Sally Parker has a serial killer on her patch. One thing that sets this killer apart from the others she's hunted before: his willingness to leave DNA at each of the crime scenes. It's up to Sally and her partner DS Jack Blackman to find out why before the body count rises to double figures.
While Sally is engrossed in the investigation, her ex-husband, Darryl, pays a surprise visit to her new home. His actions not only threaten Sally's new-found confidence, but they also force the DCI to give Sally an ultimatum concerning the case.
Can Sally overcome all the obstacles fate has placed in her path and arrest the brazen killer?
DI Sally Parker has a serial killer on her patch. One thing that sets this killer apart from the others she's hunted before: his willingness to leave DNA at each of the crime scenes. It's up to Sally and her partner DS Jack Blackman to find out why before the body count rises to double figures.
While Sally is engrossed in the investigation, her ex-husband, Darryl, pays a surprise visit to her new home. His actions not only threaten Sally's new-found confidence, but they also force the DCI to give Sally an ultimatum concerning the case.
Can Sally overcome all the obstacles fate has placed in her path and arrest the brazen killer?
Audio CD
First published June 17, 2015
1912 people are currently reading
1855 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 315 reviews
November 7, 2022
Likable!
This is the first book that I’ve read in the DI Sally Parker series.
Sally is a very likable person. She has a great sense of humor and she is tenacious and determined.
I didn’t like the interchange between her and her ex-husband, but I definitely enjoyed the way the book ended.
Four stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the first book that I’ve read in the DI Sally Parker series.
Sally is a very likable person. She has a great sense of humor and she is tenacious and determined.
I didn’t like the interchange between her and her ex-husband, but I definitely enjoyed the way the book ended.
Four stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 15, 2018
This is my first book ever read by Mel Comley, whom I know has oodles of books published and a huge fan base. I was eager to get my first taste. My most read genre are crime thrillers, usually those that involve a serial killer, I like my killers really dark. So in reading Wrong Place it was natural that I was comparing it to other crime thrillers with similar themes that I had read over the last year or two.
There were aspects of this book I really liked, some I loved and others that were sticky points for me, overall I enjoyed the book but really want to read more from this author to be able to get a stronger taste for her writing.
DI Sally Parker has a serial killer on her patch. One thing that sets this killer apart from the others she's hunted before: his willingness to leave DNA at each of the crime scenes. It's up to Sally and her partner DS Jack Blackman to find out why before the body count rises to double figures.
While Sally is engrossed in the investigation, her ex-husband, Darryl, pays a surprise visit to her new home. His actions not only threaten Sally's new-found confidence, but they also force the DCI to give Sally an ultimatum concerning the case.
Can Sally overcome all the obstacles fate has placed in her path and arrest the brazen killer?
There is a growing number of fantastic female Detectives cropping up in books everywhere and I liked DI Sally Parker, she is written with degrees of light and shade in this book, showing strength and and determination at work, but then vulnerability and at times fear in her personal life. Not so unrealistic.
The plot was good and I was really ready for it to ramp up however felt it didn't quite hit the peaks that it could have in the way of thrills and strong moments. One of the minor criticisms I have is that I found the dialogue stilted and at times just unrealistic, I actually spoke out some sentences out loud to myself and they are just not the way people actually speak to each other. I am not talking about all the dialogue by the way, but moments in the book. I noticed a few other reviewers picked up on this too. It almost seemed out of touch with other strong writing elements.
As the hunt for the killer progresses I didn't see the big twist coming and liked that it took me by surprise, I like to be caught out reading this genre! I craved for this book to be a touch darker, a bit more graphic even, just that "something" to push my rating up. I have actually sat for days pondering my rating and review trying not to be swayed by many reading/reviewer friends who found this a 5 star read, I wanted to feel that too.
It needed stronger realism in relation to forensics, police procedures also for it to have that true realistic edge needed so much in this genre.
I did like the book, I read it quickly and it flowed nicely - it just did not hit some top spots for me I expect for this genre. I will certainly read more from this author that's for sure. I settled on 3.5 stars for Wrong Place after much thought and honest reviewer heart seeking (that's exhausting!). I felt I have to be honest, and hope the author appreciates that. I know my followers expect it.
For more of my reviews, book competitions and author talk:
https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
Follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review, I also bought this book for my Kindle in support.
There were aspects of this book I really liked, some I loved and others that were sticky points for me, overall I enjoyed the book but really want to read more from this author to be able to get a stronger taste for her writing.
DI Sally Parker has a serial killer on her patch. One thing that sets this killer apart from the others she's hunted before: his willingness to leave DNA at each of the crime scenes. It's up to Sally and her partner DS Jack Blackman to find out why before the body count rises to double figures.
While Sally is engrossed in the investigation, her ex-husband, Darryl, pays a surprise visit to her new home. His actions not only threaten Sally's new-found confidence, but they also force the DCI to give Sally an ultimatum concerning the case.
Can Sally overcome all the obstacles fate has placed in her path and arrest the brazen killer?
There is a growing number of fantastic female Detectives cropping up in books everywhere and I liked DI Sally Parker, she is written with degrees of light and shade in this book, showing strength and and determination at work, but then vulnerability and at times fear in her personal life. Not so unrealistic.
The plot was good and I was really ready for it to ramp up however felt it didn't quite hit the peaks that it could have in the way of thrills and strong moments. One of the minor criticisms I have is that I found the dialogue stilted and at times just unrealistic, I actually spoke out some sentences out loud to myself and they are just not the way people actually speak to each other. I am not talking about all the dialogue by the way, but moments in the book. I noticed a few other reviewers picked up on this too. It almost seemed out of touch with other strong writing elements.
As the hunt for the killer progresses I didn't see the big twist coming and liked that it took me by surprise, I like to be caught out reading this genre! I craved for this book to be a touch darker, a bit more graphic even, just that "something" to push my rating up. I have actually sat for days pondering my rating and review trying not to be swayed by many reading/reviewer friends who found this a 5 star read, I wanted to feel that too.
It needed stronger realism in relation to forensics, police procedures also for it to have that true realistic edge needed so much in this genre.
I did like the book, I read it quickly and it flowed nicely - it just did not hit some top spots for me I expect for this genre. I will certainly read more from this author that's for sure. I settled on 3.5 stars for Wrong Place after much thought and honest reviewer heart seeking (that's exhausting!). I felt I have to be honest, and hope the author appreciates that. I know my followers expect it.
For more of my reviews, book competitions and author talk:
https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
Follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review, I also bought this book for my Kindle in support.
October 8, 2015
2 and 1/2
It's just an OK book.
I liked the first part of it. It grabbed my attention and was a very easy read.
Then, the second part happens and it's all rolls down to a "bad place".
My biggest issue with the second part of the story is just how unbelievable it is.
October 11, 2015
I'm sorry, but this book was just not good. The best thing I can say about it is that it was a quick read.
The writing was awkward, there was virtually no suspense - even though this is a serial killer crime thriller.. None of the characters have any depth, and lots of secondary issues (the ex-husband, the parents' neighbours, the partner's home life) were brought in, but not given enough attention.
The book is about 50% dialogue and the dialogue just doesn't ring true. Again it's awkward and doesn't really read like how people talk.
The killer clearly has some issues, but those were also not really given any weight.
This pretty much sums up the story:
The writing was awkward, there was virtually no suspense - even though this is a serial killer crime thriller.. None of the characters have any depth, and lots of secondary issues (the ex-husband, the parents' neighbours, the partner's home life) were brought in, but not given enough attention.
The book is about 50% dialogue and the dialogue just doesn't ring true. Again it's awkward and doesn't really read like how people talk.
The killer clearly has some issues, but those were also not really given any weight.
This pretty much sums up the story:
June 30, 2015
Mel Comley is a very good story teller, I have read her books on and off for years and this is an author that long ago had talent, she is still in there holding her own and there is no wondering why, its because, she is not a writer, she is an author, someone who can make a story live, someone who can bring the crime right into your sitting room along with the cast of characters.
DI Sally Parker is the new female lead in this series. I loved this DI, she was human, she had her own personal problems and made her own errors. But she is a formidable woman and will not lie down and take it, she stands up and finds even if she wonders where her personal life is heading.
Right from the start of this book I loved it. It opens with a crime scene that suddenly turns from what I thought was romance.......then the crime took place.
Of course, the 'whodunnit' is always a hard struggle to find out with this author as she keeps you guessing throughout.
Most serial criminals do not leave things behind if they can help it, no clues, but this one wants to leave DNA in each crime he commits. I wonders....why? Isn't he/she going to be easy to find?
I kid you not.....no!
We meet several characters in this book, and I am so sure that the author is going to expand on lots of them, which I am really looking forward to.
I always feel honored reading Mel Comley's new book and its a pleasure as we go way back to the Amazon discussion forums.
If you are reading this and not read one of this authors books before.....why not?
*Thank you Mel Comley for my advanced copy, as always, a thoroughly impressive read with hours of entertainment*
November 4, 2015
not that impressed with this story, so disappointed that the author made the female police a victim that wouldn't press charges, I wasn't so sure I fell for the story of why the killer killed! please, get over it! And then there was the repeated conversation the police had with roommates/relatives EVERY time someone was found dead. And if any police every said "naked body" to someone I was advocating for, I would rip them apart.unfortunately for me I have book 2 all ready so I will probably read just to get it done!
Read
May 1, 2016No rating as I DNF.
I listened to the audio version for 2 hrs. I hardly ever give up on a book, but the narration was so substandard, I just couldn't go on. The intonation and emphasis on certain words were downright weird, there was some mispronunciation, the dialogue sounded overly stilted, it was like listening to a satire. Whenever someone was swearing, it made me laugh because it just sounded so unnatural.
The story actually seemed really interesting, and I thought I'd enjoy it. So I may go back at a later stage and read the Kindle version.
I listened to the audio version for 2 hrs. I hardly ever give up on a book, but the narration was so substandard, I just couldn't go on. The intonation and emphasis on certain words were downright weird, there was some mispronunciation, the dialogue sounded overly stilted, it was like listening to a satire. Whenever someone was swearing, it made me laugh because it just sounded so unnatural.
The story actually seemed really interesting, and I thought I'd enjoy it. So I may go back at a later stage and read the Kindle version.
Read
July 19, 2015One of the worst books I've ever read. I only kept going because I'm doing this reading challenge and I spent a month reading something good! (Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell.) The plot is ridiculous. The dialogue is worse.
March 29, 2017
This was the first book I read from this author and it won't be my last. Very easy read, kept my interest throughout. Looking forward to what's next.
June 17, 2015
This is the first book in a new series from Ms Comley so, like all good series, there is a fair amount of housekeeping, introducing the characters, setting the scene etc etc. There is also a fair amount of story and, as such, there is a LOT going on in this book. But it is never overwhelming.
As with all this author's books, I ditched my current read and went straight to it as soon as it landed on my Kindle as I knew I would simply devour it (and cos I am totally impatient!), and devour it I did! I read it straight through in a couple of hours in one sitting.
The characters in this book are terrific, the dialogue snappy with, as always, plenty of banter, bickering and sarcasm but underneath all that, there is a great camaraderie, especially between Sally and her sidekick Jack. I really like Ms Comley's way of writing characters. She goes quite deeply into their personal lives but in a way that this insight enhances the book overall rather than distracting from the crime being solved. I've read a lot of books that this hasn't been the case and have swiftly found this over the top backstory to be too intrusive.
The crimes depicted within the book itself are rather hard hitting at times, graphic in parts and as such, occasionally quite difficult to get through but the way this book is written, by the end, the reader is left totally safe and satisfied.
There are similarities between DI Sally Parker and the Justice series's Lorne Warner but that's to be expected as they are two women of similar attitude doing the same (mostly) job, but there are plenty of ways in which the two differ and it will be exciting to see where the author takes this new character next.
I received a free ARC from the Author in exchange for my honest review.
As with all this author's books, I ditched my current read and went straight to it as soon as it landed on my Kindle as I knew I would simply devour it (and cos I am totally impatient!), and devour it I did! I read it straight through in a couple of hours in one sitting.
The characters in this book are terrific, the dialogue snappy with, as always, plenty of banter, bickering and sarcasm but underneath all that, there is a great camaraderie, especially between Sally and her sidekick Jack. I really like Ms Comley's way of writing characters. She goes quite deeply into their personal lives but in a way that this insight enhances the book overall rather than distracting from the crime being solved. I've read a lot of books that this hasn't been the case and have swiftly found this over the top backstory to be too intrusive.
The crimes depicted within the book itself are rather hard hitting at times, graphic in parts and as such, occasionally quite difficult to get through but the way this book is written, by the end, the reader is left totally safe and satisfied.
There are similarities between DI Sally Parker and the Justice series's Lorne Warner but that's to be expected as they are two women of similar attitude doing the same (mostly) job, but there are plenty of ways in which the two differ and it will be exciting to see where the author takes this new character next.
I received a free ARC from the Author in exchange for my honest review.
August 12, 2015
"Almost perfect, but a few niggling doubts"
This has all the ingredients for the first book in a great series. The central characters are undeniably human and we can all identify with the lives they lead outside of the day to day business of being police officers. The killer is violent and resourceful. The plot is sufficiently different to keep us engaged from the outset. There were just a couple of things that prevented me from going to that fifth star. Firstly, the killings. The police procedures surrounding the discovery of the body, the notifying of next of kin and interviewing witnesses, got a little repetitive and formulaic. Secondly, the eventual resolution of the plot seemed far-fetched. The poor 'red herring' must have been terribly 'thick' to fall for the ruse the killer devised.
This has all the ingredients for the first book in a great series. The central characters are undeniably human and we can all identify with the lives they lead outside of the day to day business of being police officers. The killer is violent and resourceful. The plot is sufficiently different to keep us engaged from the outset. There were just a couple of things that prevented me from going to that fifth star. Firstly, the killings. The police procedures surrounding the discovery of the body, the notifying of next of kin and interviewing witnesses, got a little repetitive and formulaic. Secondly, the eventual resolution of the plot seemed far-fetched. The poor 'red herring' must have been terribly 'thick' to fall for the ruse the killer devised.
May 25, 2017
Possible the worst audio narration I have listened too. It was like she was trying too hard to properly pronounce every syllable of every word. It just sounded ridiculously stilted & fake, with odd pauses & weird emphasis on the wrong words.
The story itself wasnt too bad, maybe 3★ & definitely 1★ for the narration . I hung on until the end to find out who the "bad guy" was (and because I needed this book to count for a challenge) but it was a struggle.
The story itself wasnt too bad, maybe 3★ & definitely 1★ for the narration . I hung on until the end to find out who the "bad guy" was (and because I needed this book to count for a challenge) but it was a struggle.
June 5, 2017
This is my third book, and the second in the Sally Parker series. Once again, Ms. Comley hits paydirt with a unique take on a serial killer, with a twisted ending. More importantly, is Ms. Comley's way of making her MC, real. Sally Parker is a tough lady but also with her own demons and weaknesses. That is what I enjoy reading, a female protagonist, that is not a cookie cutter but has loads of trouble around her that extend beyond the crime itself. It is that tightrope of personal v career that make her books so wonderful.
If you are looking for a solid British mystery, you will never go wrong with M.A. Comley's books.
If you are looking for a solid British mystery, you will never go wrong with M.A. Comley's books.
June 22, 2015
I was given this book as an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review…so here it is!
In case I have not said this enough, the Justice series is one of my all time favourite series of books..and not because I am a character in Rough Justice (shameless plug for myself I know) but because Lorne and her team have a way of getting under your skin. So I was slightly worried when the author came out with a new series, new female lead, new team. But bloody hell I had no reason to worry as this book was fantastic!!
This book had a great flow, sequenced well and the storyline had me gripped. This was definitely one of those books that I was reluctant to put down and cursed everytime real life interrupted my reading!
Each character in this book had a purpose. I did not come across one character where I thought “why the hell are you here.” For me there is nothing more annoying than random characters put into the pages to fill some space…thankfully that did not happen.
DI Sally Parker is the new female lead and I loved her! For some strange reason I felt an affinity with this character. She is authentic, real and I liked that the author showed that even a Police Officer can find herself in bad personal situations.
I also loved DS Jack Blackman. I feel there is more to him that is yet to be revealed. He is also going through some personal struggles and is clearly very protective of Sally.
Although I noticed a lot of differences between Sally Parker and Lorne Simpkins there were some subtle similarities which I liked. But they are definitely two separate characters who have their own identities. I am truly hoping that one day their paths will cross and we will see Lorne and Sally coming together to solve the mother of all cases!!
June 18, 2015
I'm a big fan of this authors Lorne Simpkins Justice series so when I received an advanced copy of her new book which is the first book in the DI Sally Parker series I was over the moon but dare I say dubious at the same time.
Being a big fan of Lorne Simpkins I didn't know how I felt about a new strong leading female character in a new series by the same author and if I would constantly be comparing the two series against each other. I don't know why I worried though as Sally is a wonderful character and Wrong Place very much stands out in it's own right.
The author allows the reader to get a good balance of Sally's working life and personal life so that we get to know what makes this woman tick and how her mind works. I found it very compelling to read of such a strong character in her everyday working life but yet she's quite vulnerable when it comes to her ex husband, Darryl. She is very much a likeable even loveable character who I think will appeal to a vast amount of readers. I also really liked DS Jack Blackman and enjoyed the bond that these two characters have.
The author has written yet another brilliantly gripping read that will have readers hooked from beginning to end. Wrong Place is a great starting ground for what looks set to be another block buster of a series! Well done Mel.
Many thanks to the author for an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Being a big fan of Lorne Simpkins I didn't know how I felt about a new strong leading female character in a new series by the same author and if I would constantly be comparing the two series against each other. I don't know why I worried though as Sally is a wonderful character and Wrong Place very much stands out in it's own right.
The author allows the reader to get a good balance of Sally's working life and personal life so that we get to know what makes this woman tick and how her mind works. I found it very compelling to read of such a strong character in her everyday working life but yet she's quite vulnerable when it comes to her ex husband, Darryl. She is very much a likeable even loveable character who I think will appeal to a vast amount of readers. I also really liked DS Jack Blackman and enjoyed the bond that these two characters have.
The author has written yet another brilliantly gripping read that will have readers hooked from beginning to end. Wrong Place is a great starting ground for what looks set to be another block buster of a series! Well done Mel.
Many thanks to the author for an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2015
Mel Comley never disappoints. Each time she publishes a new book I think and say to myself that it's her best to date. This time round I have to shout it to the world... Wrong Place is definitely Mel Comley's best book ever!
With Wrong Place, Mel starts a new crime thriller series featuring a DI that is as strong-headed, astute and likeable as Lorne Warner in her Justice series is.
Sally Parker is a Detective Inspector in Norfolk Constabulary. She has just separated from her abusive husband Darryl. With no chance to settle in her new flat, Sally is alerted to a murder scene. She goes to investigate with her partner DS Jack Blackman.
The naked body of a young woman is found in a local cemetery. What is unusual in this case is that the murderer has left plenty of DNA evidence on the scene for the police to find and examine. How come? Was the killer disturbed by someone and had to leave the site in haste leaving behind valuable evidence? Could this just be a careless killer? Mmm...Sally is not convinced.
When more victims displaying similar DNA evidence are found, Sally is certain that she has a serial killer on the loose and is desperate to catch him. Who is killing these women? Why? How many women have to die before he is apprehended? Why is the murderer 'helping' the police? What message is he trying to convey to the police in doing so?
With gruesome murder scenes, strong likeable characters and a very unusual motive uncovered at the end of the book, Wrong Place kept me interested and glued to my kindle swiping one page after the other. I really enjoyed this book and I'm sure all other readers will enjoy it too and warm to Sally Parker as much as I did.
With Wrong Place, Mel starts a new crime thriller series featuring a DI that is as strong-headed, astute and likeable as Lorne Warner in her Justice series is.
Sally Parker is a Detective Inspector in Norfolk Constabulary. She has just separated from her abusive husband Darryl. With no chance to settle in her new flat, Sally is alerted to a murder scene. She goes to investigate with her partner DS Jack Blackman.
The naked body of a young woman is found in a local cemetery. What is unusual in this case is that the murderer has left plenty of DNA evidence on the scene for the police to find and examine. How come? Was the killer disturbed by someone and had to leave the site in haste leaving behind valuable evidence? Could this just be a careless killer? Mmm...Sally is not convinced.
When more victims displaying similar DNA evidence are found, Sally is certain that she has a serial killer on the loose and is desperate to catch him. Who is killing these women? Why? How many women have to die before he is apprehended? Why is the murderer 'helping' the police? What message is he trying to convey to the police in doing so?
With gruesome murder scenes, strong likeable characters and a very unusual motive uncovered at the end of the book, Wrong Place kept me interested and glued to my kindle swiping one page after the other. I really enjoyed this book and I'm sure all other readers will enjoy it too and warm to Sally Parker as much as I did.
June 21, 2015
Another brilliant book from this fantastic author.
I have to admit, I was a little dubious when starting this book, as I didn't know what to expect with it being a new series. I have read almost all Mel's other books, and those that have read my other reviews will know i'm a big fan of Lorne. And that I love the Justice Series.
So this is the first book in a new series and it kicks off brilliantly.
I should have known really that it wouldn't take me long to get into it and really start to like the characters.
I really did take to Sally. She appears a very strong minded character. No nonsense just get on with things.
But she has a personal life that she is trying to rebuild. She is very vulnerable and seems confused at times with how things happen to her. But strong in the sense that she doesn't want to be beat. and will keep on fighting.
While her private life seems all over the show, she's out on a mission with work life, and trying to track down a serial killer.
Along with her partner DS Jack Blackman they are searching for the killer who seems to want to leave DNA at each crime scene for them to find, But why is this? There has to be a reason behind it, but can they figure all this out, before anyone else is killed.
A brilliant page turner, and I really will look forward to reading more in this series. Getting to know the characters more, and seeing what they come up against in the future will be very interesting.
Fantastic start to a new series Mel. You amaze me how you manage it.
September 13, 2015
I chose this only as a quick read for a challenge, so I wasn't expecting greatness, but I thought it would be a little better. The actual mystery was OK. It was definitely different and quite creepy when it all got sorted out. That was fine The MC however was pretty awful. She had no depth and what little she did was bad. For example, she had left an abusive husband. When he came around and attacked her again, she did NOTHING about it, yet again. Yet when her dog got kicked she sent that guy straight to jail. I'm against animal abuse too, but not to the detriment of a HUMAN. She put more feeling and soul into the care of her animal than she did for herself and by then, I had lost any kind of respect (if I had any) for her.
I'm also surprised to see that M.A. is a female author. I would have placed bets that it was a man. The conversations are weird and didn't flow right. It seemed like a man writing things about a woman and doesn't really know how a woman thinks or feels. Guess it's just an awful author. I won't be reading more of this, nor will I try her other series, which I had planned on doing.
I'm also surprised to see that M.A. is a female author. I would have placed bets that it was a man. The conversations are weird and didn't flow right. It seemed like a man writing things about a woman and doesn't really know how a woman thinks or feels. Guess it's just an awful author. I won't be reading more of this, nor will I try her other series, which I had planned on doing.
July 7, 2015
Wow! When you read a new series from a fantastic author like Mel Comley you know you're in for a treat. Two chapters in and I was hooked!
We are introduced to DI Sally Parker of the Norfolk police force, recently divorced from a nasty piece of work of a husband. Sally is faced with a case of the murder of a barmaid which soon turns into a killing spree, each murder slightly different but each with a key piece of evidence that should prove who the killer is.
I liked Sally instantly; she exudes authority in the job which I'd expect from a detective inspector. She has the banter with her colleagues which I've come to expect in police/crime novels.
If you've enjoyed any other of Mel's books you'll love Wrong Place. I could not put this down, reading it in less than a day! I hope we see plenty more of Sally Parker and the team!!
Thank you Mel for my advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. And thank you for writing such an addictive book!
We are introduced to DI Sally Parker of the Norfolk police force, recently divorced from a nasty piece of work of a husband. Sally is faced with a case of the murder of a barmaid which soon turns into a killing spree, each murder slightly different but each with a key piece of evidence that should prove who the killer is.
I liked Sally instantly; she exudes authority in the job which I'd expect from a detective inspector. She has the banter with her colleagues which I've come to expect in police/crime novels.
If you've enjoyed any other of Mel's books you'll love Wrong Place. I could not put this down, reading it in less than a day! I hope we see plenty more of Sally Parker and the team!!
Thank you Mel for my advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. And thank you for writing such an addictive book!
July 3, 2015
Another fast-pace thriller by Mel Comley that you won't want to put down. If you love the Justice Series and Lorne, then you'll love the new DI Sally Parker case. Why would a killer want to leave their DNA at a crime scene? When the naked body of a barmaid is found in a church, it's up to Sally and her partner Jack to find out in a rollercoaster ride of a read.
July 26, 2015
This is the first book I've read by Mel Comley and it certainly won't be my last . The book was written beautifully and I loved the short chapters . The book flowed easily from chapter to chapter without adding unnecessary bits here and there . Loved it . 5 stars from me
abandoned
November 3, 2015The first sentence is "He watched her serve and flirt with the other customers". Always problematic when one verb takes a 'with' and the other doesn't.
The rest of that paragraph includes '...toothy smile, showing off her flawless white teeth'
It doesn't get any better.
I bailed at page 6 "...he felt her succumb willingly to the desire he was bestowing upon her..."
Woo, look we can all write sentences containing too many thoughts. We can all be reluctant to edit. It's tempting to include detail: we don't want to leave the reader guessing.
99p self-published book; this writer has published 47 books since 2010. This is almost the output of Barbara Cartland. It's an industry of churn.
I did look at my TBR. It includes series I am part way through, by writers who know how to use words and how to construct sentences. Writers who have editors. Writers who might only produce one or two books a year. Books that are carefully crafted.
I know you shouldn't judge a book by the first six pages. Yesterday I started reading The Merchant's House the first book I have read by Kate Ellis. It's not a great book, I think it was her first. But she took me straight into story and into the mind of its main character before I had time to think about her syntax, phraseology and vocabulary.
I can't read this while there are more Kate Ellis books to read. Let alone Val McDermid or Ann Cleeves. I put Frances Brody and Elly Griffiths onto a back burner, to give other writers a chance.
No more!
On reflection, it may seem unduly harsh to write such a long criticism of a book I barely dipped my toe in. Part of the reason is because of my disbelief that such a book should get so many five star reviews. This has as many 5 star as 4 star or 3 star, whereas The Girl on a Train has twice as many 4 stars as 5 stars.
Of course, someone can completely love a book, flaws and all, because it is especially meaningful for them and I can't criticise for that. But I think that 5 stars is an award that shouldn't be given lightly. It should have something that leaps out, a wow factor, if you like.
We're not supposed to be objective in our scoring, but I would have thought that a little bit of comparability and/or consistency is in order. If you honestly think that this book is outstanding compared to other books you have read, you really need to broaden your reading. And I think you need to explain why you have awarded an extreme score. "Wow, it had a beginning, a middle and an ending, and some characters, in a place" doesn't cut the mustard.
Before I start reading a book I have a sense of 3 stars being my starting point. I've chosen to read the book, either because I've already enjoyed that author or because something in the blurb or others' reviews have attracted me.
To move from that 3 stars, the book/author/writing has to be out of the ordinary. If I finish a book and give it 3 stars it has delivered on its promises, more or less met my expectations. If it's 4 stars, it means that there's something noteworthy that stands out eg my last 4 star was for Ann Cleeves's Blue Lightning, which I considered to be well written, good descriptions of people and places, especially the claustrophobia of being stranded on a remote island in a storm. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The last fiction I awarded 5 stars was The Betrayal by Laura Elliot https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... and in my review I explain why I found it exceptional - I begin my review with "An outstanding book that will stay in my sub conscious a long time."
I'm not sure I could entirely justify my differentiation between the quality of the two novels, and I definitely I wouldn't say Laura is 20% better than Ann. But if anyone is thinking of reading these books and looks to my reviews, they will have a sense of why I thought both of them above average. And when I award 5 stars, I make damn sure I list the weaknesses and flaws in the book! (That's just me, I'm a pedant. Sometimes).
Other people might have different criteria for awarding stars, but when I see a book with so many 5 stars, and then so many reviews highlighting its many weaknesses, I really do smell a rat. I can't be bothered to go through, but I suspect many of the 5 star reviewers have obtained free copies. They pretend they're doing an 'honest' review, but they just want to get more freebies.
Well, some of us pay for books, and would prefer to read real readers' opinions not some gushing suck up which says more about the appalling judgement and/or poor reading skills of the reviewer than it does about the book.
I'm not awarding this any stars because that's not fair. Perhaps if I carried on reading I'd find some strengths to push it to a 2 star or even 3 star. But I just can't be bothered. I've got proper books to read.
The rest of that paragraph includes '...toothy smile, showing off her flawless white teeth'
It doesn't get any better.
I bailed at page 6 "...he felt her succumb willingly to the desire he was bestowing upon her..."
I sat in the living room which was in need of decoration thinking about what to have for dinner and anxiously perusing my To Be Read list, which was in the surprising form of an Excel Spreadsheet, and had become cumbersome and over complicated
Woo, look we can all write sentences containing too many thoughts. We can all be reluctant to edit. It's tempting to include detail: we don't want to leave the reader guessing.
99p self-published book; this writer has published 47 books since 2010. This is almost the output of Barbara Cartland. It's an industry of churn.
I did look at my TBR. It includes series I am part way through, by writers who know how to use words and how to construct sentences. Writers who have editors. Writers who might only produce one or two books a year. Books that are carefully crafted.
I know you shouldn't judge a book by the first six pages. Yesterday I started reading The Merchant's House the first book I have read by Kate Ellis. It's not a great book, I think it was her first. But she took me straight into story and into the mind of its main character before I had time to think about her syntax, phraseology and vocabulary.
I can't read this while there are more Kate Ellis books to read. Let alone Val McDermid or Ann Cleeves. I put Frances Brody and Elly Griffiths onto a back burner, to give other writers a chance.
No more!
On reflection, it may seem unduly harsh to write such a long criticism of a book I barely dipped my toe in. Part of the reason is because of my disbelief that such a book should get so many five star reviews. This has as many 5 star as 4 star or 3 star, whereas The Girl on a Train has twice as many 4 stars as 5 stars.
Of course, someone can completely love a book, flaws and all, because it is especially meaningful for them and I can't criticise for that. But I think that 5 stars is an award that shouldn't be given lightly. It should have something that leaps out, a wow factor, if you like.
We're not supposed to be objective in our scoring, but I would have thought that a little bit of comparability and/or consistency is in order. If you honestly think that this book is outstanding compared to other books you have read, you really need to broaden your reading. And I think you need to explain why you have awarded an extreme score. "Wow, it had a beginning, a middle and an ending, and some characters, in a place" doesn't cut the mustard.
Before I start reading a book I have a sense of 3 stars being my starting point. I've chosen to read the book, either because I've already enjoyed that author or because something in the blurb or others' reviews have attracted me.
To move from that 3 stars, the book/author/writing has to be out of the ordinary. If I finish a book and give it 3 stars it has delivered on its promises, more or less met my expectations. If it's 4 stars, it means that there's something noteworthy that stands out eg my last 4 star was for Ann Cleeves's Blue Lightning, which I considered to be well written, good descriptions of people and places, especially the claustrophobia of being stranded on a remote island in a storm. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The last fiction I awarded 5 stars was The Betrayal by Laura Elliot https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... and in my review I explain why I found it exceptional - I begin my review with "An outstanding book that will stay in my sub conscious a long time."
I'm not sure I could entirely justify my differentiation between the quality of the two novels, and I definitely I wouldn't say Laura is 20% better than Ann. But if anyone is thinking of reading these books and looks to my reviews, they will have a sense of why I thought both of them above average. And when I award 5 stars, I make damn sure I list the weaknesses and flaws in the book! (That's just me, I'm a pedant. Sometimes).
Other people might have different criteria for awarding stars, but when I see a book with so many 5 stars, and then so many reviews highlighting its many weaknesses, I really do smell a rat. I can't be bothered to go through, but I suspect many of the 5 star reviewers have obtained free copies. They pretend they're doing an 'honest' review, but they just want to get more freebies.
Well, some of us pay for books, and would prefer to read real readers' opinions not some gushing suck up which says more about the appalling judgement and/or poor reading skills of the reviewer than it does about the book.
I'm not awarding this any stars because that's not fair. Perhaps if I carried on reading I'd find some strengths to push it to a 2 star or even 3 star. But I just can't be bothered. I've got proper books to read.
August 5, 2021
I read the book with a sort of weird feeling of mild disbelief.
The murderer had such a cavalier attitude to his crimes that they didn't seem real and the way all the victims succumbed to his charms was ridiculous.
As for the investigation, this seemed very hit and miss, with lots of avenues not followed up.
By halfway I was disappointed with the book, but after Sally is raped by her ex and her reaction was I brought this on myself I couldn’t read anymore. How can a Detective Inspector react to rape in this way?
The murderer had such a cavalier attitude to his crimes that they didn't seem real and the way all the victims succumbed to his charms was ridiculous.
As for the investigation, this seemed very hit and miss, with lots of avenues not followed up.
By halfway I was disappointed with the book, but after Sally is raped by her ex and her reaction was I brought this on myself I couldn’t read anymore. How can a Detective Inspector react to rape in this way?
October 11, 2018
I’m not sure why I wasn’t into this book. At 123 pages I was excited for a quick read. It may be that it is written in UK English so I didn’t get all the references. I also thought the dialogue was a little wordy. I thought I had the killer figured out, but I was wrong, Which was a nice surprise.
October 10, 2018
Just read this free from Amazon. People always ask me if there are any decent free books in the sea of trash. I find so many! This was a long way from original, but it was fast and engaging. And free! Love the free ones.
June 27, 2015
CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS
I was given ARC of this book in exchange for an open & honest review.
Wrong Place is the first in a new series and features DI Sally Parker and her team.
The team has to deal with the murders of young women who are apparently unconnected. The young females are picked up in bars and then following a moment or two of passion, they are murdered. At first the case appears straight forward but there is one heck of a twist, which I am not going to reveal as I don't want to spoil the surprise. The story deals with the investigation and the cat and mouse game the police end up playing with the murderer.
DI Parker has her own problems in the shape of a rapist, domestically violent ex-husband who terrorises her. The writer has an insight into the problem of domestic violence and how the victims feel and how they are affected.
DI Parker has a close relationship with her DS- in fact it is more like a brother/sister relationship. DI Parker is also well respected by her team and other colleagues.
This is a fast paced, gripping and dramatic story which sweeps you along from the very start to the conclusion of the story. Reading this story was like being on rollercoaster ride as there were so many twists, turns, red herrings and stomach churning moments. Mel writes in a confident style and all dialogue seems natural and not stilted. In fact you could close your eyes and imagine that you are there as the descriptions Mel uses are so realistic.
I really enjoyed "Wrong Place" which is a fantastic introduction to a new team and a new location. All characters seem natural around each other and they seem settled. In my view this series could easily be adapted for television viewing.
I look forward to reading any further books in this series.
I was given ARC of this book in exchange for an open & honest review.
Wrong Place is the first in a new series and features DI Sally Parker and her team.
The team has to deal with the murders of young women who are apparently unconnected. The young females are picked up in bars and then following a moment or two of passion, they are murdered. At first the case appears straight forward but there is one heck of a twist, which I am not going to reveal as I don't want to spoil the surprise. The story deals with the investigation and the cat and mouse game the police end up playing with the murderer.
DI Parker has her own problems in the shape of a rapist, domestically violent ex-husband who terrorises her. The writer has an insight into the problem of domestic violence and how the victims feel and how they are affected.
DI Parker has a close relationship with her DS- in fact it is more like a brother/sister relationship. DI Parker is also well respected by her team and other colleagues.
This is a fast paced, gripping and dramatic story which sweeps you along from the very start to the conclusion of the story. Reading this story was like being on rollercoaster ride as there were so many twists, turns, red herrings and stomach churning moments. Mel writes in a confident style and all dialogue seems natural and not stilted. In fact you could close your eyes and imagine that you are there as the descriptions Mel uses are so realistic.
I really enjoyed "Wrong Place" which is a fantastic introduction to a new team and a new location. All characters seem natural around each other and they seem settled. In my view this series could easily be adapted for television viewing.
I look forward to reading any further books in this series.
October 12, 2018
I only finished it because it was so short, but it annoyed the bejaysus out of me fairly early on. As other reviewers have pointed out the dialogue was ridiculous and the lead detective, Sally, was unbelivable and unlikeable. I found myself rolling my eyes as each friend/relative of a victim collapsed in a heap at the news of their death.
Spoiler Alert!
I'm pretty sure police procedure dictates that they cannot release any pertinent information of a case, especially a death until the next of kin are informed, but here they were blabbing to all and sundry.
I found it odd that the killer would chose busy bars in order to blend in but at the same time there were only ever 2-3 punters in the bars where he meet his victims and no one remembered him.
It's also a big stretch to believe that in a large English city there is a paucity of CCTV in and around pubs and urban areas in general.
The last attempted murder is completely out of character for the killer and makes zero sense in relation to the other murders.
It's unbelievable that a case involving a serial killer would not get any public attention, what the hell are the local media doing, not picking up on 3 murders of young women in just 2 weeks?
There would be a ton of police resources thrown at the case, it wouldn't be left to a team of just 5-6 coppers.
After the second murder a very public campaign to warn locals and ask for info would have been launched.
Spoiler Alert!
I'm pretty sure police procedure dictates that they cannot release any pertinent information of a case, especially a death until the next of kin are informed, but here they were blabbing to all and sundry.
I found it odd that the killer would chose busy bars in order to blend in but at the same time there were only ever 2-3 punters in the bars where he meet his victims and no one remembered him.
It's also a big stretch to believe that in a large English city there is a paucity of CCTV in and around pubs and urban areas in general.
The last attempted murder is completely out of character for the killer and makes zero sense in relation to the other murders.
It's unbelievable that a case involving a serial killer would not get any public attention, what the hell are the local media doing, not picking up on 3 murders of young women in just 2 weeks?
There would be a ton of police resources thrown at the case, it wouldn't be left to a team of just 5-6 coppers.
After the second murder a very public campaign to warn locals and ask for info would have been launched.
June 25, 2015
I am a huge fan of Comley’s so it was a no-brainer that I would grab this up and, most likely, love this one too. And, of course, I absolutely loved it! What surprises me every time though is that I say to myself, “Wow! She’s really outdone herself this time. I don’t think she can top herself again.” But she just seems to, over and over and again.
This one was fun to get into, diving into a new series with a new lead DI, Sally Parker. She’s spunky and does what she needs to get the job done. She has a fun relationship with DS Jack Blackman, and the two of them playfully interact with each other, bantering back and forth easily, dialogue that is fun to read and makes the writing flow ever smoother. Though Sally fiercely stands up to the bad guys at work, she has some personal issues that she could use some help dealing with. Comley gives these people a lot of layers, making them come alive as the story goes along. It’s a gift she has that causes the reader to become even more absorbed in the story. Though Comley’s Justice Series is still my favorite, I’m definitely looking forward to reading more with Sally Parker and her crew.
This one was fun to get into, diving into a new series with a new lead DI, Sally Parker. She’s spunky and does what she needs to get the job done. She has a fun relationship with DS Jack Blackman, and the two of them playfully interact with each other, bantering back and forth easily, dialogue that is fun to read and makes the writing flow ever smoother. Though Sally fiercely stands up to the bad guys at work, she has some personal issues that she could use some help dealing with. Comley gives these people a lot of layers, making them come alive as the story goes along. It’s a gift she has that causes the reader to become even more absorbed in the story. Though Comley’s Justice Series is still my favorite, I’m definitely looking forward to reading more with Sally Parker and her crew.
March 20, 2020
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
This is the first book in the DI Sally Parker series and I really enjoyed it!
The book is set at a steady pace that holds your attention right from the outset through to the great ending. The book was really good, it was very well done, there were twists that were in keeping with the plot and kept me fully engaged and I really liked the setting being in Norfolk as it made a clean break from the author’s Justice series.
I have to say I thought it was a fabulous story and it is definitely one that I will be recommending and being the first in the series it would be fine to read as a stand-alone too. I liked the mix of the personal lives and the work lives, particularly for Sally as we got to find out more about her and her backstory and private life.
It is 4 stars from me for this one, it is a well-developed story, it has some brilliant characters and I thought it was a great start to the series, I thought it was an excellent story – highly recommended!
This is the first book in the DI Sally Parker series and I really enjoyed it!
The book is set at a steady pace that holds your attention right from the outset through to the great ending. The book was really good, it was very well done, there were twists that were in keeping with the plot and kept me fully engaged and I really liked the setting being in Norfolk as it made a clean break from the author’s Justice series.
I have to say I thought it was a fabulous story and it is definitely one that I will be recommending and being the first in the series it would be fine to read as a stand-alone too. I liked the mix of the personal lives and the work lives, particularly for Sally as we got to find out more about her and her backstory and private life.
It is 4 stars from me for this one, it is a well-developed story, it has some brilliant characters and I thought it was a great start to the series, I thought it was an excellent story – highly recommended!
December 17, 2015
I received an arc from the author for an honest review.
I have read some of M A Comley's Justice series and was looking forward to hearing about the new series.
I was slightly concerned that it would be Lorne in a different guise, although you can tell i is Mel's style of writing and we have another Sassy detective, they do have their own personalities.
I do like the partnership between Sally and Jack, they work well together with a tongue in cheek attitude as well as caring and looking out for each other.
I found the book had a lot of detail and quite fast paced, but this is part of a series and the backstory was written well without detracting from the main story.
The murders were well described with as much detail required.
Why is this person murdering these women?
I read this book in two sittings and found it an easy read, with a great plot, I enjoyed how the story ended even though it is part of a series.
I would happily recommended this book to friends and look forward to reading more in this series.
I have read some of M A Comley's Justice series and was looking forward to hearing about the new series.
I was slightly concerned that it would be Lorne in a different guise, although you can tell i is Mel's style of writing and we have another Sassy detective, they do have their own personalities.
I do like the partnership between Sally and Jack, they work well together with a tongue in cheek attitude as well as caring and looking out for each other.
I found the book had a lot of detail and quite fast paced, but this is part of a series and the backstory was written well without detracting from the main story.
The murders were well described with as much detail required.
Why is this person murdering these women?
I read this book in two sittings and found it an easy read, with a great plot, I enjoyed how the story ended even though it is part of a series.
I would happily recommended this book to friends and look forward to reading more in this series.
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