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Deception #2

Sinful Deception

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"At the end of the day, Foxy, we're not all that different, really. I'm going to enjoy working with you."

Detective Alex Fox now had positive proof that The Escape Artist was not only in New York, but monitoring her every move. As a member of the newly formed Special Investigations unit of the NYPD, she's finally in a position to find him, put an end to his villainous crimes and avenge her sister's brutal murder.

When the mutilated bodies of three teenage runaways are recovered, and with the abduction of former Commander Patterson, Alex is forced to put her plans on hold, as the unit is called in to investigate these horrendous crimes. With the two cases running side by side, Alex and her team are stretched to the limits in this edge-of-your-seat thriller.

216 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2017

52 people are currently reading
114 people want to read

About the author

M.A. Comley

176 books816 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
333 (70%)
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112 (23%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
Profile Image for Yellagirlgc.
404 reviews45 followers
July 21, 2017
Have to read a 5 star book in a little while. I'm happy this was the book I chose this morning. I'll be looking for the previous book and any future books in this series. The Escape Artist is a very interesting serial killer and I need to know who's next to be punished.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing this copy for me to review.
Profile Image for Linda Strong.
3,878 reviews1,710 followers
December 8, 2016
In Book 1 (TRAGIC DECEPTION) Detective Alex Fox has moved across the pond .. to New York City. She's looking for the serial killer known as The Escape Artist .. the man who killed her sister.
She now has positive proof that not only is he in New York City, but he's been watching her every move. Now all she has to do is find a way to track him .... and kill him.

But her plans are going to have to wait. Bodies of three young teenage girls are found. They have been brutally murdered, with parts of their brains and bodies missing. Their previous boss, Commander Patterson has been kidnapped.

Alex and her team split up to investigate both crimes, putting their resources and man power at a disadvantage. And then ....

The Escape Artist calls Alex. He informs her that he has 'punished' Commander Patterson and he tells her where she can find him. Still alive but missing his tongue.

The Escape Artist has plans for Alex .. and if she doesn't "obey" his wishes, he will "punish" someone close to her.

More bodies are found. Are they all connected? Is the Artist doing all this .... or is there something else at play?

Twists and turns abound in this suspense thriller; violence explodes. Very well-written story. Warning: there is a sort of cliff-hanger. All of the characters are composed in a very competent manner. The multiple relationships and how they all relate to each other is very realistic.

This is a terrific series .... most definitely worth following.

I wish to thank the author for the digital copy of this novel. The opinion expressed here is unbiased and entirely my own.
Profile Image for Janet.
3,356 reviews24 followers
April 17, 2017
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A complex storyline and great characters! This book took me by surprise. I wasn't expecting it to be so good. There are plenty of unexpected twists and the subject matter may be too graphic for some readers. Reading the first book would have been preferable but I had no trouble following this and thought it was amazing. Alex is on the hunt for The Escape Artist while trying to solve a case. This is a page-turner you won't want to miss. Brava to these brilliant authors for creating a riveting thriller!
Profile Image for Netta Newbound.
Author 58 books124 followers
February 7, 2017
Wow! What a fantastic book. I was reading the final pages so fast it's a wonder my eyes didn't melt the screen of my kindle! I thoroughly enjoyed every single aspect of this book and cannot wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Mary.
455 reviews9 followers
December 8, 2016
This is one of those books that makes you wish rating books was a 10 star system. I have a whole list of 5 star books I've read, but this blows nearly all of them out of the water! THIS BOOK is the perfect 10! Have you ever fallen for a serial killer/super villain in a book or TV show that you can't get enough of? This series has the best baddie in The Escape Artist. I want them to catch him so badly but I also don't want this chase to ever end. And the writing is just incredible. Both of these authors are great but in this series you can see how they come together to make an even better experience for the readers. I don't want to say much about the plot--you can get enough of that from the book blurb. I just want to say that this book deserves to be one of the most read thrillers to come along in quite a while. Simply the best of the best!
Profile Image for Sue Wallace .
7,402 reviews140 followers
December 11, 2016
"At the end of the day, Foxy, we're not all that different, really. I'm going to enjoy working with you."

Detective Alex Fox now had positive proof that The Escape Artist was not only in New York, but monitoring her every move. As a member of the newly formed Special Investigations unit of the NYPD, she's finally in a position to find him, put an end to his villainous crimes and avenge her sister's brutal murder.
OMG. what a read. what can I say. absolutely fantastic read. loved the characters and story. hated Samuel. Alex is still my favourite character but I also love matt. Can't wait for wait for next part. highly recommended. Definitely worth more than 5* . I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from mel.
Profile Image for Karen.
31 reviews1 follower
January 13, 2017
Another winner by these two talented Authors.

Sinful Deception is the second full length novel in this new series and it is brilliantly written.
It again features Alex Fox and the team in America still trying to capture the Escape Artist and another cold blooded killer too. The Escape Artist is still on the scene and he is one hell of a sadistic serial killer but you are so intrigued by him and what makes him tick that you keep wanting more.
This book once again does not let up, with it's twists & turns, it's one hell of a ride.
I love both of these Authors work but together they are amazing. Another 5* from me.
300 reviews8 followers
December 7, 2016
I read a few books by these authors so when I heard they was doing a joint adventure. I have read CLEVER DECEPTION ( short novella ) TRAGIC DECEPTION (book one) and LOVED them..So as soon as a new there was a new one called SINFUL DECEPTION I HAD TO READ IT.. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. what I like is it twists and turns but you never get lost but also don't guess the ending. If you love a good suspense thriller I strongly recommend this book and series is a must read on anyone's book list .... Can't wait to see if this team gets its teeth into next......
Profile Image for Kelly (purplebookstand).
426 reviews11 followers
December 23, 2016
Sinful Deception

Boom! The dynamite duo have done it again!

Sinful Deception is the latest instalment in the gripping Deception series by Linda Prather and Mel Comley. Detective Fox is back and she and her team are still looking for the elusive Escape Artist.

This book is full of twists and turns, the suspense will have you on the edge of your seat and like me, you won't be able to put it down! I actually really can't recommend this series highly enough, five stars just doesn't seem enough!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. With massive thanks to the authors. 5*++++
Profile Image for Angela.
424 reviews2 followers
December 9, 2016
If I could give this book ten stars I would . A brilliant series and I must admit to having a soft spot for Nobby . Can't blooming wait for next one x I received a copy of this book courtesy of Mel Comley and Linda S Prather
Profile Image for Alexina.
476 reviews41 followers
December 14, 2016
Great continuation of the Deception series.

Pacey, packed full of grit.
Loving the characteristic tendencies of the team..both the goodies and baddies...

Brilliant and looking forward to the next one in the series!
Profile Image for Caz C Cole.
258 reviews39 followers
February 8, 2017
The 'Deception Series' consists of thrilling and fascinating detective novels and after finishing the first I just dived right into this one! It is exciting to be back with the New York Police Department and especially to reconnect with Alexandra Fox, now a Detective of the Special Investigations Unit. Will Alex be able to catch the Escape Artist, responsible for the torture and murder of her sister and numerous other gruesome killings? He is closing in, the danger is near for Alex and all those surrounding her. Follow Alex and her colleagues on their hazardous path to bring the murderer to justice.

On the first pages, we are witness to a horrible scene between a mother and her 15-year-old daughter Candy. This is the final straw for Candy: she leaves their caravan at the trailer park. Where to go? When an older couple take care of her, bring her as a victim to Val Jackson, Candy ends up killing them both. It's to kill or be killed for Candy; Val Jackson uses people as specimens for medical experience: Val recognises in Candy a hidden quality, now surfacing as it is obvious Candy enjoys the pleasure of killing. On TV it is announced that the bodies of three young women have been found - is it connected to the place Candy is now? The organs have been professionally removed out of the young women's bodies which makes establishing a cause of death difficult. Could this be the work of the sadistic serial killer the Escape Artist, responsible for the death of Alexandra Fox's sister?

If you read the first book in the 'Deception Series' you have met Alex Fox, the British policewoman who started working for the New York Police Department over a year ago. Alex has come to New York because she believes that is where the Escape Artist can be found, even if he is British. The serial killer is infamous for the tortures his victims have to endure before they are killed. We have seen him closing in upon Alex, influencing her life and her friends amongst whom are Sergeant Matt 'Nobby' Adams and her godfather Chief Brown. Alex is now a Detective and part of a combined FBI/NYPD Special Investigations Unit, handling difficult and complex cases. Apart from Alex the team consist of FBI agents Tamara and Reefer and NYPD detectives Crimshaw and Gabriella Sams. Also, a team member is the imprisoned criminal psychologist Blake Morgan with his incisive mind.

Alex is wary of the fact that the Escape Artist has contacted her, wants to give her a present for her upcoming birthday. When her former Chief, Commander Patterson - the one who suspended Alex repeatedly, goes missing, the team are inclined to suspect that that might be the birthday present the serial killer is presenting to Alex: the torture of Patterson as a punishment for the way her former Chief treated her. Now they have two cases to investigate: the murder of the three girls and the abduction of Patterson. When one of the girls is identified, it's time to question the family to find clues, leading to whoever abducted and murdered her. The professionalism with which the organs are removed point at the Escape Artist but why would he be executing medical experiments? If he doesn't torture and kill for punishment, what is his ulterior motive or his interest?

The fact that the Escape Artist is getting closer unnerves the team and when he assaults Alex in her apartment, all team members are on edge. They need to stop an abductor and killer from molesting any more young girls, while simultaneously investigating the whereabouts of the Escape Artist the one who changes his appearance and his voice as easily as a chameleon. Meanwhile, the killer contacts Alex directly and warns her off on alerting the others in her team or he will have to punish her again, Alex has to act out the most difficult role she has ever performed: letting him, Samael, think she likes him forsaking other men for him. At the same time, Candy is rapidly getting familiar with what Val Jackson is doing and, having enjoyed the thrill of killing already, Candy is blood-thirsty for more, suggesting a "delightful, sinful deception" to stage her own death and murder her mother.

The second book in the Deception Series is as intriguing, fascinating and engaging as the first one and I love it! Where to begin .. the exhilarating storyline, the well-written scenes, the excellent plot, the insights into the feelings of the different team members, who we get to know better now, it's all there combined in a hell of a read! I am so impressed by this series and the combined efforts of both the authors - you cannot distinguish the one voice from the other. It's difficult to stop, once you're in, you need to know what happens next! I would recommend reading the first book 'Tragic Deception' (my review), as it not only is a fantastic read but also provides the reader with the necessary background and the introduction to Alex Fox and the other members of her team.

Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/sinful...
Profile Image for Kath.
3,093 reviews
December 16, 2016
The team we met in Tragic Deception is now pretty much established. They are on the trail of the Escape Artist who has travelled over from the UK, along with main character Alex Fox who has somewhat of a personal relationship with him.
But first, we have the bodies of three young girls to get to the bottom of. They are found dumped and missing certain organs. Identification proves challenging but eventually they get a lead which opens up all kinds of worm-cans as the horrific truth starts to be uncovered.
As if this wasn't bad enough, Alex gets literally up close and personal with The Escape Artist as he makes contact both in person and by phone. Initially keeping this to herself to protect her team, Alex soon realises that not telling them is not helping and she has to share.
With these two threads meandering through the book, we also get to know the team better. More of their pasts are uncovered and, with them, reasons for their presents. I do love the characters that these two authors create. They are easy to relate to / emote with and come across as completely credible and always feel real. I have to also add that in The Escape Artist, they have created one heck of a baddie. Oooo, he is so deliciously evil. And human, and also sometimes nice. Like a lot of great baddies, he has a code of conduct. There's still a right way to do evil; and I love him for it!
The story is also very well plotted. Oh my goodness where do they get this stuff from? But then again, with what you hear about that industry, I can actually believe that things like what is depicted in this book could actually be going on for real. And that's scary; and gripping. Although that said, just when you think it is all evil and bad, the authors slip in something that gets you thinking "means to an end". Just for a second though...
I read start to finish in just a day. Luckily, it was a day I had nothing else planned. I try and work it that way because I know the when I start a book like this, I know it will take over and I will be powerless in its grasp.
I can't review a book by these authors without mentioning banter. Another gold medal for that here! And a special mention for one police officer who I won't mention here for obvious reasons. Comedy gold that for sure!
All in all another cracking read from what is looking like a very exciting writing partnership. Really can't wait to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Joanne Robertson.
1,407 reviews647 followers
December 20, 2016
Wow wow wow! Having loved all the Deception books so far this one really did get my old heart racing as we follow Alex Fox during her next case. And this time she gets even closer to The Escape Artist-closer than even SHE realises!

Mel Comley and Linda Prather have come together and done a brilliant job in creating such an intriguing villain. The Escape Artist is a seriously creepy criminal and here we start to find out much more about his background and what pushes him on in his quest to torment Alex further. In her latest case, teenage girls are turning up dead but is everyone who they say they are or are they all hiding behind their own masks?

Alex is such an amazing character creation and she is written with just the right balance of professionalism but with such a likeable personality that we are cheering her all the way on her journey for justice for her sister. Her relationship with Nobby is always very poignant and moving to read that I always enjoy their scenes together.

This series just keeps getting better and I really can't wait to read read the next Deception as it looks like it is going to get seriously messy for Alex Fox! These books are absolutely unputdownable so if you haven't discovered them before you are in for a spine chilling treat!
Profile Image for Sarah.
2,968 reviews231 followers
December 31, 2016
Sinful Deception is the second book in the Deception series. It really would be beneficial for the reader to have read Tragic Deception which is the first before hand. This is due to an ongoing story line that features The Escape Artist and believe me you really do not want to miss out on this evil character.

Alex is still in America and still very much under The Escape Artist’s watchful eye. It is still her life mission to find out his identity but as always duty calls and her and the team need to investigate the death of three teenage girls.

I love the relationship that Alex and Nobby have. He’s a bit like her mentor/father figure and the pair have a lot of respect for each other. These two authors really know how to create characters that the readers soon get attached to and want to read more of.

I had no idea how the whole story line in this book was going to pan out but it well and truly had me gripped. As Alex and the team get closer to the truth of what happened to the girls, I have to say it makes for some pretty shocking stuff.

As with the first book the authors had me totally hooked from beginning to end. There were more than a few surprises that never failed to shock and thrill me and I just couldn’t get enough. Only problem is, the authors have left me desperate for more.

Sinful Deception is one truly gripping and shocking read. If you love a book that grabs you from the off and has your heart racing, then you need to read this series. Fast paced with plenty of twists and turns, whats not to love?

My thanks to the authors for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Profile Image for K-BRC.
1,027 reviews
December 9, 2016
They've done it again; they've hooked me, and I'm jonesing for another fix. I zipped about 75% through it, then knew I must slow down. No matter how I tried to stay away, it drew me. I answered the sirens call, and, before I could blink, Sinful Deception had ended. Those 2 last words ripped out my heart: THE END. I shall not sleep or eat until I know the fate of Foxy. I begged, borrowed, and stole (or just begged more) for a chance to read and review this galley.
Profile Image for Maddy.
659 reviews28 followers
December 31, 2016
I read this book in 2 days as I couldn't put it down. So lovely to meet Alex and her friends again. The story running through the series is the 'relationship ' between Alex and the serial killer known as the Escape Artist, but other stories are cleverly interwoven in. Sometimes the Escape Artist even tried to help in his own twisted way. If you love a good murder mystery, and a serial murder even more, then this series is definitely for you.
Profile Image for Annette.
918 reviews1 follower
December 11, 2016
The second in the series and they just get better, what a brilliant story line. Young girls from mainly middle class backgrounds are going missing and Alex and her team are doing all they can to find out what is happening to them. Alex has also still to find the man they call the escape artist who brutally murdered her sister but it's proving difficult as she doesn't even know what he looks like. Can't wait for the next in the series. Thank you for the ARC
Profile Image for Aisha.
220 reviews
December 8, 2016
This book literally had me on the edge of my seat! It's quite gritty and at times made me want to read and look away at the same time! Loved it. I've now read both books in this series plus a novella and I must say the series is just getting better and better.
It's wonderful to see Detective Alex Fox growing as a person and how she deals with struggles as she starts to learn more about herself.
Profile Image for Craig Gillan.
526 reviews8 followers
December 31, 2016
Loved this book, fantastic characters both good and bad. This series just gets better
216 reviews4 followers
December 8, 2016
Amazing book and fantastic series. It just keeps getting better and better . Just love Alex Fox.
Profile Image for Book Him Danno.
2,399 reviews79 followers
February 10, 2017
I didn't know this was the second book in a series and from I have read so far and to the end you will need to read the first book in the series to not get lost.
There are so many people in this book you will have a hard time keeping track of who is who and what they do. The serial killer is very twist as well as the people who work for him. As I have read other reviews I know I am not in the majority that thought this book was amazing. It has great twist and a very gripping story that will keep readers thinking after putting the book down.
I found the authors writing to be fast but with very little background on the other characters only forced on Alex which would be great if it wasn't for the fact their are so many other characters to the point of distraction.

I think I would have enjoyed this book so much more had I read book 1. My review is this Read Book 1 to understand who everyone is and how they fit together.
Second understand you will have a lot of Characters to keep straight and while some people have nicknames they don't always go by that nickname pulling this reader out of the story as I went in search of the persons nickname or real name.
The story is dark and they is no humor to help relive the endless stretches of darkness in the book. I understand why they call him the Escape Artist but really that doesn't describe the serial killer well or his motives which by the end of book two I still didn't understand.
Advance Copy from Netgalley for my honest thoughts

3 1\2 Stars out of 4
Profile Image for Shell Baker.
631 reviews21 followers
March 14, 2017
Starting off with one gripping prologue I devoured this in one afternoon. I love books that are dark and twisted.This is without a doubt one of those books so has you can imagine I was in my element reading it. This series just gets better each book I read....Absolutely mind blowing!

In this story we catch up with Alex who is a member of the newly formed Special Investigations unit for NYPD. Now having positive proof The Escape Artist was not only in New York but also watching her every move. Alex is now in a position to find him. But Alex is forced to put her plans on hold when bodies of three teenage runaways are recovered that have been brutally murdered. And when I say brutal I mean brutal. Alex finds herself working on two cases running side by side with Commander Patterson being abducted.

Alex is one kick ass character who we get to know more of and her team members while hunting down a sick and twisted killer with parts in this story that will make you squirm. Certainly not for the faint hearted. But for me, I loved it. Full of twists and turns that will keep you hooked until the end.

The authors have brilliantly woven this story together which is one hell of a page turner.I cannot wait until the next one is out. This is a must read for all crime fans and it ticked all the boxes for me. Which I highly recommend giving it 5 stars


668 reviews6 followers
March 9, 2020
Excellent storytelling and a brilliantly written book. A gripping hard arsed tale of a

desicable character, can't wait to read of his come uppance. Hope he receives
what he dishes out. Must be a delight to write.
Profile Image for Carlissa.
535 reviews24 followers
February 11, 2017
I really love this series! Lots of twists and turns while the team tries to find The Escape Artist and finding connections between him and the current case. The only complaint I have with this series is that there are so many characters to keep track of that I sometimes forget who's who. It really needs a list of characters and their nicknames for people like me to keep everyone straight.

I do recommend reading this series from the beginning:
Prequel: Clever Deception
Book 1: Tragic Deception

I wish to thank Netgalley, the authors, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
214 reviews2 followers
December 17, 2016
This is the third instalment (second main novel) in the Deception series with Detective Alexandra Fox.

Alex is now a firm member of an elite NY police department. We learn more about the team as we also become involved in murders and looking for The Escape Artist - the man who killed Alex's sister and the reason she came to NY.

I loved this book, fast paced, and really like the human element showing the relationships between the team and the love and respect they have for each other.

Can't wait for the next instalment!!
Profile Image for Tom Elder.
327 reviews7 followers
December 9, 2016
M A Comley &
Linda Prather.
Sinful Deception.
This is the latest novel in this series, and these two authors are going to find it very difficult to better this one. Both authors are successful in there own right, together they are magical.
If you only read one book this year then make it this one. This book grabs you from start to end. The bad guy is the escape artist whom I thought was alright, the ending is fantastic. The stars are not nearly enough.
5+* 9 December 2016
5 reviews
Read
December 11, 2016
What can I say, absolutely loved this second book in the deception series. It was fast paced that kept me on the edge of my seat. I love how all the characters gel together and really work so well as a team. The writing collaboration between the two authors just flows effortlessly. I think The a Escape Artist just may have found his perfect partner, cannot wait for the next book to come out!!
222 reviews7 followers
December 24, 2016
I know that when I read a book by these 2 authors I know that I'm in for a fantastic ride & nothing gets done in the house.!!
Oh my word this terrific duo just gets better & better. Well thought out plots,colleagues that gel together & have each other's backs, Foxy & her crew have given readers another roller-coaster ride. A well deserved 5 stars.
Profile Image for Leona.
1,519 reviews
December 13, 2016
This is the second book in the Deception series and I devoured it in one sitting. I was totally gripped right from the first page. Absolutely brilliant. Thanks to Ms Comley and Ms Prather for the ARC.
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