Devious Intention

by M.A. Comley

The stakes are high when a holiday turns tragic...

When Louise Gillespie regains consciousness after a traffic accident, she learns that her husband and four-year-old daughter are missing. Her frantic search to find them is encumbered by her own brain trauma and the local sergeant in charge of investigation, who thinks she's crazy.

Her luck finally changes when she bumps into PIs Ellen Brazil and Brian Lynx. Despite being on holiday themselves, they take on Louise's case. It's not long before Ellen and Brian discover the truth behind the family's sinister disappearance.

Genres: Fiction

183 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 18, 2016

About the author

New York Times, USA Today, Amazon Top 20 bestselling author, iBooks top 5 bestselling and #2 bestselling author on Barnes and Noble. Over one million copies sold world wide. I am a British author who moved to France in 2002, and that's when I turned my hobby into a career.

When I'm not writing crime novels I'm either reading them or going on long walks with my rescue Labrador, Dex.

I hope you enjoy reading my books, especially the Justice series, Cruel Justice, Impeding Justice, Final Justice, Foul Justice, Guaranteed Justice, Ultimate Justice, Virtual Justice, Hostile Justice, Tortured Justice, Rough Justice, Dubious Justice, Calculated Justice, Twisted Justice, Prime Justice. There are several novellas and short stories in the series too.

My other successful series are: The DI Sally Parker thriller series, which includes WRONG PLACE, NO HIDING PLACE and COLD CASE

The Hero series, TORN APART, END RESULT, IN PLAIN SIGHT and DOUBLE JEOPARDY(published by Bloodhound Books)

I have three books in the Intention series, Sole Intention, Grave Intention and Devious Intention.

I've also written a couple of standalone novels - EVIL IN DISGUISE and FOREVER WATCHING YOU.

As well as co-authoring The Caller with Tara Lyons.

And Clever Deception, Tragic Deception and Sinful Deception co-authored by fellow NY Times bestselling author Linda S Prather.

If you'd like to keep up to date with new releases you can find me on Facebook by following this link http://smarturl.it/sps7jh or sign up for my newsletter http://www.hyperurl.co/su1xnt

If you fancy a lighter read, why not try one of my romances: A Time to Heal, and A Time for Change--Based on a TRUE story. I also have a selection of short stories and novelettes available which I know you'll enjoy.

You can find out more about me at the following blogs.

http://melcomley.blogspot.com

http://melcomleyromances.blogspot.com

Reviews

[Dannii Elle · Rating 2 out of 5]

To provide distance from a recent family tragedy, Matthew and Louise Gillespie, along with their young daughter Sophie, are en route for a family holiday in the British countryside when they are involved in a serious car accident. Upon regaining consciousness Louise can find no trace of her family and no witnesses or evidence that can confirm that they were even present in the collision. Is this merely a case of severe concussion, or has Louise's family really been torn from her in a calculated and callous way?

The plot sounded unique and captivating, and it certainly was, but I found other parts concerning the formulation of this to be a little weak. At under 200 pages long, I expected every sentence to be of fundamental importance to the story and every scene to be of paramount usefulness in solving the mystery, but this was not the case. There were many scenes that were simply superfluous filler, and had no significance in the story, and much of what was necessary was consistently repeated.

I also found that the dialogue felt somewhat stilted and contrived. This resulted in my struggle to get a true feel for any of the characters. Again, much of what they said and did was paraphrased from earlier scenes and completely redundant.

This would have been altogether stronger if it had been truncated to short story length and much of the added fluff and filler removed. There were some thrilling twists to the narrative, but they were lost in a sea of redundant information and characters.

The actual bones of the plot could have made an intense and interesting story, but, for me, it felt too bogged down in excessive dialogue and dispensable scenes that added nothing to the strong place this novel initially started from.

[Joanne Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was offered an ARC by the author of this book, I was over the moon as I just love her books and its like settling down to have a chat with an old friend when I read a new one. Devious Intentions is the third in the Intention series but can totally be read as a standalone novel. I hadn't read the first two before starting this, in fact I hadn't been aware of the series, but I will certainly keep an eye out for them now!

This one starts off with one of my worst nightmares as Matthew and Louise Gillespie set off for their holiday in the car with their daughter Sophie. Louise has just been though a terrible ordeal having suffered a miscarriage and is looking forward to a break away. But when their car is rammed off the road, Louise is knocked unconscious and when she wakes Matthew and Sophie aren't there. And this was where I got totally sucked into the plot! Where were Matthew and Sophie? What had happened to them and why was Louise in the driver's seat? Nobody seems to be interested in helping Louise to find her family, they all think she is delirious after her head injury. But that's where Ellie, Brain and Cally step in after bumping into Louise while they are on their honeymoon.

I took to the former police officers immediately, especially Ellie, as they came to the rescue with a pledge to help Louise find out what had happened to her family. The story twists and turns, never quite going in the direction I had expected. It was a perfect length to chill out with for a couple of hours relaxation, and an enjoyable couple of hours they were too!

[Lisette Kristensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant mystery by, M.A. Comley. Well crafted with several delicious twist and turns that led you to a hair raising ending. I enjoyed the cast of sleuth's and their relationship made the story more realistic. I can see where, Ms. Comley, will bring us more Brian and Eliie adventures in the future. Devious Intention is a "can't miss."

[Teresa Nikolic · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was offered an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review, I decided to read books one and two in the series first, which I had bought from Amazon a while ago, so I could get to know the characters properly. I devoured the first two in a couple of days, with this one I opened my kindle, fell in and in a matter of hours it said 'THE END'.

The first two were great, with this one the author definitely raised the bar, I went through so many emotions alongside Louise that it felt like I was right there living the ordeal with her, by the end of the book I was crying.

I've loved the Intention Series and definitely want to see more of Ellie and Brian and their investigations with the WMPH. Thank you to Mel Comley for the opportunity to read this great book, I will leave my review on Amazon and Twitter on publication day.

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

I'd been hoping Mel Comley wouldn't abandon the Intention series as I really had enjoyed the first two books and it's been a while since she published Grave Intention. So imagine how delighted I was when the author announced the publication of the third installment and offered to send me an ARC copy.

While travelling in their car, Louise Gillespie, her husband Matthew and young daughter Sophie are involved in a horrific car accident. When Louise regains consciousness and asks about her family, she's told that she was the only person in the wreckage. There was no one with her at the time of the accident. But how could this be? Are they joking? Where are Matthew and Sophie? But no one seems to be joking. Her family has simply vanished into thin air...

While on holiday, Ellie, Brian and his daughter Cally meet a distraught Louise. When they listen to her story, they decide to forget their holiday and take on the job of finding out what happened to her family. Is Louise just a very confused woman? Or has something sinister happened to Matthew and Sophie? Something surely smells fishy in this story and they want to find out what.

Of all three Intention books, this is by far my favourite. Even though it's third in a series it can be read as a standalone. It's got a great cover (I LOVE it!!). It is fast-paced with a clever, gripping plot that kept me hooked to my kindle biting my knuckles and I ended up devouring it in one sitting.

I missed Ellie and Brian and it was great to see them back. Such great characters. Together they form a terrific team. The tension picks up at the start and never lets go. I hope no one finds themselves in poor Louise's situation, but unfortunately I'm sure these things happen more frequently than one may think.

With a sprinkle of romance and humour in the mix, Devious Intention is another cracker by Mel Comley and I highly recommend it.

With thank​s to the author for an ARC of this book.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of this authors books but have to say I am quite embarrassed to not have read the first two books in the Intention series. This isn’t a bad thing though as it shows how easy this book was to read as a stand alone.

The story literally had me gripped from start to end. Reading of what happens to Louise had me as confused as she was. Everyone she seems to meet thinks she is a crazy woman and no one believes her, that is until she meets Ellie (Ellen) and Brian.

What I love about this authors leading female characters is how compassionate they always are. They are strong and are very good at their job but I love how they haven’t been hardened by what they do and still very much feel compassionate to people who have been victims of crime. These are the sort of people that the public would love to have working on their cases as you get the overall feeling that these people truly care about you.

To start with I have to admit I was starting to agree with the people that thought Louise was going crazy as there didn’t seem any proof to back up what Louise was saying but when Ellie and Brian get on the case things start to become quite clear.

I loved the whole angle of this case and the plot has been very cleverly woven so that the author shocks and surprises us. This is a highly enjoyable read which I will definitely be going back and reading the first two books to see what I have been missing out on.

My thanks to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an Honest review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devious Intention is a fast paced thriller which grips you from the first page.
It begins when Louise has a car accident with her Husband and Daughter. She loses consciousness and when she wakes, finds out that her Husband and Daughter are missing and that she was in the driving seat even though she wasn't driving. The Police do not believe her and therefore do not offer much help but a chance meeting with PI's Ellie and Brian who are both on holiday leads them into believing her and helping her solve this mystery.

This is the third book in the Intention series but it can also be read as a stand alone. I really do not know how M A Comley does it, as each one surpasses the one before and this one certainly did not disappoint. I love the relationship between Ellie and Brian and in some parts I found myself holding my breath, which M A Comley's books do to me on many occasions. This is definitely another 5* from me.

I would like to thank the Author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Looking forward to the next one Ms Comley.

[Sue Kitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is my first book in the Intention series, it worked perfectly well as a standalone book but I do now have to buy books one and two.
I loved the characters Ellie, Brian and Louise, they were so likeable and easy to believe.
Devious Intention is a fast paced story about Louise, who is involved in a car accident with her husband and 4 year old daughter. When Louise regains consciousness, her husband and daughter are missing and no-one seems to believe that she was not alone in the car and was in fact driving at the time. And so the investigation begins when Louise is fortunate enough to meet PI’s Ellie and Brian.
Although I have read and loved many of the brilliant Mel Comley’s previous books, I think this one is one of my favourites so far.
Never a dull moment and I am sure it is going to be a massive hit as usual.

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the 'Intention' series and it was my favourite to date.

The story begins with Matt, Louise and their young daughter Sophie heading to Cornwall on holidays. On the way they become involved in a serious road traffic accident. Louise is injured but both Matt and Sophie are missing. PI's Ellie & Bryan are brought in to try and find out what has happened to father and daughter.

I read this book in one sitting and found it to be a thrilling page turner. It can be read as a standalone but personally I suggest reading the previous two books in the series so you have a better background of Ellie , Bryan and other characters.

My thanks to the author for an ARC in return for an honest review.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A belter of a read . Mel Comley just gets better and better . I received an arc copy of this book . I give this fab book 5 stars

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

The best so far in the series so nice to have the baddie get his. An interesting group of

characters all with excellent personalities. Looking forward to reading more frm this enjoyable group of individuals. Makes a pleasant change from cops and robbers and also murder.

[Laurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started off as a good read, but then I found it developed into a rather far fetched story and a bit implausible in places.
A rushed ending left me feeling underwhelmed.

[Linda Prather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book for an honest review. A long-time follower of British author, M. A. Comley, I had little doubt I would enjoy it as I had previously read Sole Intention and Grave Intention and loved them both. I'd actually missed Brian and Ellen and was looking forward to renewing my enjoyment of both their personal and professional antics. Devious Intention did not disappoint.

It's always difficult to review a really good book without adding spoilers, but I'll do my best.

While on holiday with Brian's daughter, they come upon a young woman who appears at best lost, and perhaps at worst suffering from delusions. Louise was involved in a horrible accident and her memory of the accident doesn't coincide with the evidence or the police report. Can Brian and Ellen uncover the truth and help Louise be reunited with her missing husband and daughter, or is Louise suffering from delusions and actually dangerous?

To tell you more would ruin what I found be an excellent plot, with character driven action.

[Jackie Roche · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank the author for allowing me to read an ARC of this book.
Although this is the third in the series it can be quite easily read as a stand alone thriller.

I love Ms Comley's books and have read nearly all of them. I was delighted to be given this book.
From page 1 you are catapulted into the story.
It's very intriguing from the start and I had no idea how it was going to end. At one point I even thought that it was going to be a paranormal story!
As usual Ms Comley has produced well drawn characters that you very quickly like, or don't like.
I read this in 2 sittings as I was so desperate to find out what was going on.

This is an engrossing read from an exceptionally talented author whose books keep getting better and better.
If you have yet to read the books you are in for a treat. Highly recommended.

[Sue Kitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is my first book in the Intention series, it worked perfectly well as a standalone book but I do now have to buy books one and two.
I loved the characters Ellie, Brian and Louise, they were so likeable and easy to believe.
Devious Intention is a fast paced story about Louise, who is involved in a car accident with her husband and 4 year old daughter. When Louise regains consciousness, her husband and daughter are missing and no-one seems to believe that she was not alone in the car and was in fact driving at the time. And so the investigation begins when Louise is fortunate enough to meet PI’s Ellie and Brian.
Although I have read and loved many of the brilliant Mel Comley’s previous books, I think this one is one of my favourites so far.
Never a dull moment and I am sure it is going to be a massive hit as usual.

[Carol Peace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Louise was going on a holiday with her husband Matthew and daughter Sophie, she had suffered a miscarriage a short time ago and she hoped that this would lighten her mood and the atmosphere between them but it seems things were about to get worse. Louise woke up on a stretcher after what seemed to be a collision but Matthew and Sophie were nowhere to be seen and when she asked about them was told no one else was involved. She knows they were in the car with her but no one believes her until she meets Ellie, a retired cop who is in the area with her husband to be Brian and daughter Cally. I was gripped from the beginning right to the end and I read the book in one sitting .
I had read this as a stand alone book but was happy to see that there are other books in the series and have downloaded them now.

[Philippa Mckenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was asked to read Devious Intention by the author in return for an honest review. Although this is in fact the third in the 'Intention' series, it reads fine as a standalone, although I'm definitely going to seek out the first two in the series. This is the story of Louise Gillespie, who suffers a traumatic accident. Lost and alone in Cornwall, she meets Private Investigator's, Ellen and Brian Lynx, who help her to piece together the shocking truth of that day's events. I particularly loved this book because the characters were likeable and believable, as was the plot. It was short enough to read in one sitting, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would recommend this book to all crime and police procedural lovers. Thanks to the author for allowing me to read this ARC. 4.5 stars.

[Michelle Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW....I've been left crying and to me that's one of the biggest compliments I can give to a book. When it grips you deep inside you that your that engrossed that your placed right in the middle of a amazing book and don't want it to end......I love the way Mel Comely writes its such a pleasure to read,yet again I'm left wanting more. I love that we have got a nice team forming and I dread to think what they are going to get up too next......I guess I'm going to have to wait....This is a great little series of Mel's but you can read then as a stand alone ( but I believe your missing out on some AMAZING BOOKS ) Thanks again Mel for giving us yet another awesome book !!!! 5*****

[Lori Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love

I got this book first, but then decided to buy the first two books in this series to read first!! I absolutely loved them and finished all 3 very quickly. These books are in England so had figure out the meaning of some of the wording the British use. All three stories are about 2 private detectives that finds people who are (lost). They get into some hairy situations!

[Lori Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devious Intention

This book grabs you right from the start and doesn't let you go or do to want it to. A absolute great Reba d

[Mrs B E Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third book in the Intention Series is the best of a great series. Ellen Brazil, acquires a client totally by accident, whilst on her honeymoon/holiday with her business partner and new husband, Brian Lynx, and his young daughter.

A woman has been found dazed in the driving seat of her car, after a serious accident where it appears she lost control of her vehicle and hit the central barrier of the motorway in Cornwall, is insisisting she was not the driver and that her husband and daughter are missing.

She is taken to hospital and is thought to be suffering from concussion. On her release from hospital she realises that her handbag and mobile phone are missing. The other patients in the hospital have kindly raised a small amount of money to help her to get home. However, she still insists that she was not driving and that her husband and daughter are misssing.

People in the small Cornish town are behaving strangely towards her and, just by chance, she finds herself chatting to Ellen.

Ellen and Brian take pity on her and suggest she stays at the cottage they are renting for their holiday until she sorts herself out.

From here, the story takes many surprising twists and turns which kept me totally gripped right to the surprising end. To say more would spoil the story.

A super read and highly recommended entire series of three books I could not put down.

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a big fan of this author it doesn't surprise me at all that this book was another great read.

I really enjoyed the PI angle as it's like no other series from this author which says something with so many books under her belt.

Louise in some ways I disliked as she seemed a tad bit whiney and needy. I know that she had all manner of bad things happen to her but it made me want to drop her in a well.

Ellie and brian really made this book great and made me love how the book went. I so want more of their story and think that this is a great series. In some ways it reminds me of stephanie plum books but much more dynamic and energetic

[Bob Ely · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an exciting book, that was hard to put down. A woman is found along the side of a road and told she was in an accident. When she starts to question the details, the policeman is of no help. Left by herself, she is befriended by a couple who happen to be PI's and they help her to find her way. Her Husband is behind it all.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really found this book fun and hard to put down, but the end was a big disappointment for me. I think I was expecting something with a little more POP maybe. I will continue reading more books by this author though.

[bev allman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay storyline

Read this in a couple of hours. Thought it very predictable from the start. You could second guess what was gonna happen next. If you have time to waste.................

[Mimi Davis Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

What are the Intentions of your Heart

Another gripping story by this intense author. This is a very good story, a story of unwavering love, of dedication, honesty and of true friendship. This author has done a wonderful job in crafting this story.

[Doina Condrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a lot of ideas while reading this book, many of which were wrong haha
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It took me about half a day so it’s not long. Once I started it I didn’t really want to put it down.

[Catherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have enjoyed books by this author before. However I could not get into this one at all. I found the plot to be unbelievable. In fact I didn't even bother to read the last few pages. But that's just me, others may very well love it.

[Barbara Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intentions Series

Have just completed the latest in this series and am sad to have to wait for the next instalment. If you have not read any of M A Comley’s work can highly recommend. Gritty tales with a smattering of humour and human interest..a good balance.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

great mystery to solve