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D.I. Sally Parker #3
Cold Case
DI Sally Parker has been handed a ten-year-old cold case. However, the victim, Aisha Thomas, isn't just a member of the public--she's a serving police officer's wife.
During the original investigation, the suspects disappeared before they could be questioned. Now fresh evidence has been uncovered, proving the two suspects to be innocent. Sally has to start over at the beginning. She uncovers a few surprises that were either overlooked. . . or purposefully ignored by the original investigator.
When the case threatens Sally's fledgling romantic relationship with pathologist Simon Bracknall, she begins to suspect someone is determined to hinder her chance at happiness--as well as solving Aisha's murder.
Is Sally getting close to revealing the killer or has she stumbled across something even more sinister?
During the original investigation, the suspects disappeared before they could be questioned. Now fresh evidence has been uncovered, proving the two suspects to be innocent. Sally has to start over at the beginning. She uncovers a few surprises that were either overlooked. . . or purposefully ignored by the original investigator.
When the case threatens Sally's fledgling romantic relationship with pathologist Simon Bracknall, she begins to suspect someone is determined to hinder her chance at happiness--as well as solving Aisha's murder.
Is Sally getting close to revealing the killer or has she stumbled across something even more sinister?
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2017
599 people are currently reading
496 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 88 reviews
April 30, 2017
Even though there is a bit of Sally’s past that plays a part in this novel, I think the author gives the reader plenty of background so that if you were to pick this book up without having read the previous two in the series, it wouldn’t matter. For me I personally think it reads easily as a stand alone.
The story starts with a shocking crime that happened ten years previously, then the author takes us straight to the present where Sally is called upon to look back into the case as the murderer was never found.
Not only has Sally and her team have their hands full investigating the case, Sally has some issues of her own to contend with.
I actually really enjoyed seeing the blossoming romance between Sally and Simon. It’s something that is usually lacking in a crime series and for once it’s good to see a main character have a bit of happiness in their life. Don’t worry it’s nothing like Mill’s & Boon’s stuff but it did remind me of the Alex Cross series as his personal life was always a big part of the series also.
Cold Case is a page turner of a read that had a totally unexpected outcome. I love how the author always manages to keep something up her sleeve to shock and surprise her readers. Only problem is that the author always leaves me desperate for more as I just can’t get enough of her books.
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
The story starts with a shocking crime that happened ten years previously, then the author takes us straight to the present where Sally is called upon to look back into the case as the murderer was never found.
Not only has Sally and her team have their hands full investigating the case, Sally has some issues of her own to contend with.
I actually really enjoyed seeing the blossoming romance between Sally and Simon. It’s something that is usually lacking in a crime series and for once it’s good to see a main character have a bit of happiness in their life. Don’t worry it’s nothing like Mill’s & Boon’s stuff but it did remind me of the Alex Cross series as his personal life was always a big part of the series also.
Cold Case is a page turner of a read that had a totally unexpected outcome. I love how the author always manages to keep something up her sleeve to shock and surprise her readers. Only problem is that the author always leaves me desperate for more as I just can’t get enough of her books.
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
April 21, 2017
Ms. Comley has scored another winner with Cold Case. I have an affinity for cold case storylines and this was is a gripper from the beginning. The plot line is tight with a variety of suspects that keep you guessing until the end. The characters well developed and especially our MC, Sally Parker. Not only is she a superb detective but she has issues of her own that never seem to leave her alone. Adding more depth and drama to the story. What I enjoyed the most was the dialogue. It brought each character, good or bad, to life in a colorful and meaningful way.
You can read it as a standalone, but for me, I will have to go get Book 1 and 2.
You can read it as a standalone, but for me, I will have to go get Book 1 and 2.
July 6, 2017
Or maybe 2.5 stars
I can't believe all the 5 star ratings! I'm not even going to bother with the plot. The story was pretty good actually but the delivery seemed, to me, robotic at times. It just plodded along in a linear fashion with no tangents and no real twists. I found the dialogue between DI Sally Parker and her DC almost inappropriate, or at least childish, at times. I certainly did not find the book in any way thrilling. It could have been much better.
I can't believe all the 5 star ratings! I'm not even going to bother with the plot. The story was pretty good actually but the delivery seemed, to me, robotic at times. It just plodded along in a linear fashion with no tangents and no real twists. I found the dialogue between DI Sally Parker and her DC almost inappropriate, or at least childish, at times. I certainly did not find the book in any way thrilling. It could have been much better.
April 30, 2017
I was so excited when I heard that m.a.comely has another book in this amazing little series... It really is brilliant I honestly couldn't put it down.. From start to finish I was HOOKED the only down side was it finished.... you could read this as a standalone however I think you will regret it as book one and two are very very good (NO HIDING PLACE and WRONG PLACE ) are the two other books in this series......
February 28, 2024
This is the first M.A. Comley book I've read, but it will certainly not be the last!
I was engaged right from the start! The fact I was reading it 'out of order' was of no consequence. We get the information we need to 'keep up' with the story. But I WILL be going back to start at Book 1! I have SO many questions!😁
What starts out as a cold case dumped on the team quickly morphs into a mild frenzy of activity. Red herrings, possible honor killing, domestic strife, police banter, 2 corpses in a shallow grave, racists?, stalkers? slashed tires ,dog napper?loan shark...
Oh, and living in a house with Mum & Dad and doggo...
.....
P.S....
(The 🐶 is fine.👍😁)
I received a free copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
I was engaged right from the start! The fact I was reading it 'out of order' was of no consequence. We get the information we need to 'keep up' with the story. But I WILL be going back to start at Book 1! I have SO many questions!😁
What starts out as a cold case dumped on the team quickly morphs into a mild frenzy of activity. Red herrings, possible honor killing, domestic strife, police banter, 2 corpses in a shallow grave, racists?, stalkers? slashed tires ,dog napper?loan shark...
Oh, and living in a house with Mum & Dad and doggo...
.....
P.S....
(The 🐶 is fine.👍😁)
I received a free copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
April 30, 2017
I make no secret of the fact that I am a big fan of this author and have read and enjoyed every book of every series of hers that I have read. And I think I have read them all! As with all series, there is a fair bit of character development through each series, as well as some backstory so, to get the very best from the characters and indeed the story, it is better to read from book one in order. If you don't have the time or inclination to do that, rest assured that the main story in this book is self contained so, at a push, you could read it stand-alone.
So, Sally has a cold case to try and get to the bottom of and a time limit in which to do it. Certain new evidence has been revealed that puts some of the original findings out of the equation. Sally and her team decide that, in light of what they have been given, the best course of action is to wipe the slate and start again. Returning to talk to the people involved, their family and friends, work colleagues, trying to go back in time to that fateful day when Aisha, the wife of a still serving colleague was brutally murdered. In her own inimitable way, Sally puts several backs up during this investigation but, like a dog with a bone, she keeps gnawing away until she gets to all the juicy bits as she widens her net. And boy, how juicy! With the culprit eventually caught, she then has to sit back and think about what has she really uncovered? How far do the ripples really go? How will she handle the fall-out? What will happen if she opens that box?
One of the things I really love about this author is her character interaction. She writes real relationships, whether of the romantic sort, friendship or partners in both crime and crime fighting and I have to say that Sally and Jack are probably one of my favourite pairings. Obviously to have good interaction, you have to have great characters in the first place and here is also where this author excels. She writes real people, warts and all, people you want to get to know, people you emote with, care about, and in some cases, hate and despise. But, characters aren't enough to make a book. You need a decent story for them to "act out". Once again, I can't fault this author here either! Although, be prepared, she does like to keep her readers on their toes. As with many of her books, I read something and then something else didn't make sense and I had to sit with a bit of a quandary going on in my head until, luckily only several pages later, all is revealed. You may think it's a bit of a trick but I think, it happens in real life, why not in fiction. Too many authors don't really challenge readers like this and, you know what, I love it!
Not being the biggest fan of too much personal getting in the way of story, here I don't mind it. The balance is just fine for me and I actually found myself looking forward to dipping into Sally's life every so often. Her parents, Simon, Dex and all the other stuff I won't mention here in case others haven't read the previous books. For me, you need the main crime story to be strong enough for the personal stuff to complement rather than overshadow and this author never disappoints with this!
All in all another really great book to add to this author's already stonking back catalogue. Bring on the next one, I even don't mind which series it may be. They're all brilliant!
So, Sally has a cold case to try and get to the bottom of and a time limit in which to do it. Certain new evidence has been revealed that puts some of the original findings out of the equation. Sally and her team decide that, in light of what they have been given, the best course of action is to wipe the slate and start again. Returning to talk to the people involved, their family and friends, work colleagues, trying to go back in time to that fateful day when Aisha, the wife of a still serving colleague was brutally murdered. In her own inimitable way, Sally puts several backs up during this investigation but, like a dog with a bone, she keeps gnawing away until she gets to all the juicy bits as she widens her net. And boy, how juicy! With the culprit eventually caught, she then has to sit back and think about what has she really uncovered? How far do the ripples really go? How will she handle the fall-out? What will happen if she opens that box?
One of the things I really love about this author is her character interaction. She writes real relationships, whether of the romantic sort, friendship or partners in both crime and crime fighting and I have to say that Sally and Jack are probably one of my favourite pairings. Obviously to have good interaction, you have to have great characters in the first place and here is also where this author excels. She writes real people, warts and all, people you want to get to know, people you emote with, care about, and in some cases, hate and despise. But, characters aren't enough to make a book. You need a decent story for them to "act out". Once again, I can't fault this author here either! Although, be prepared, she does like to keep her readers on their toes. As with many of her books, I read something and then something else didn't make sense and I had to sit with a bit of a quandary going on in my head until, luckily only several pages later, all is revealed. You may think it's a bit of a trick but I think, it happens in real life, why not in fiction. Too many authors don't really challenge readers like this and, you know what, I love it!
Not being the biggest fan of too much personal getting in the way of story, here I don't mind it. The balance is just fine for me and I actually found myself looking forward to dipping into Sally's life every so often. Her parents, Simon, Dex and all the other stuff I won't mention here in case others haven't read the previous books. For me, you need the main crime story to be strong enough for the personal stuff to complement rather than overshadow and this author never disappoints with this!
All in all another really great book to add to this author's already stonking back catalogue. Bring on the next one, I even don't mind which series it may be. They're all brilliant!
May 1, 2017
Cold case by mel Comley.
Sally and her team are back but this time they are working on a cold case from ten years ago. Will they solve it.
OMG mel has done it again. The 3rd in this series and it just keeps getting better and better. Love Sally. Full of twists and plots. Really had me thinking who it was and I just couldn't guess. Definitely worth more than 5*.
Sally and her team are back but this time they are working on a cold case from ten years ago. Will they solve it.
OMG mel has done it again. The 3rd in this series and it just keeps getting better and better. Love Sally. Full of twists and plots. Really had me thinking who it was and I just couldn't guess. Definitely worth more than 5*.
April 18, 2017
I feel this is MA Comley's best book to date. Just to give you an idea: I lost my reading mojo for well over a month and when I picked this book up, my mojo returned! I read it in one sitting.
I loved seeing Sally's character develop throughout the course of the book. The plot was brilliantly thought out and kept me guessing.
I loved seeing Sally's character develop throughout the course of the book. The plot was brilliantly thought out and kept me guessing.
May 15, 2017
Fantastic storyline again
M A Comley never ceases to amaze me . This is another great story I just couldn't put down well done
M A Comley never ceases to amaze me . This is another great story I just couldn't put down well done
May 11, 2017
ANOTHER WINNER!
This is the 3rd Book in the Sally Parker series and I have to say what a great read. My reviews must be boring now because it's the same old thing, 5*, thrilling, gripping, edge of your seat, amazing plot, wonderful series, I could go on but I honestly never have anything bad to say about this Author because she just delivers time and time again, with this book being no exception.
If you've never read any of her books, give her a try and I promise you, you will not be disappointed. Another exceptional read from M A Comley. Thank you for the endless hours of enjoyment you give to your readers. Long may it continue!
This is the 3rd Book in the Sally Parker series and I have to say what a great read. My reviews must be boring now because it's the same old thing, 5*, thrilling, gripping, edge of your seat, amazing plot, wonderful series, I could go on but I honestly never have anything bad to say about this Author because she just delivers time and time again, with this book being no exception.
If you've never read any of her books, give her a try and I promise you, you will not be disappointed. Another exceptional read from M A Comley. Thank you for the endless hours of enjoyment you give to your readers. Long may it continue!
April 27, 2017
I devoured this book! M.A. Comley knows her craft and I throughly enjoyed the cold case element to this story.
The suspects are mounting and I was certainly outwitted, not guessing the culprit until the moment the author revealed it. I love that in a book, because I'm always trying to be one step ahead of the cases in police procedurals.
Another element I enjoyed was the personal side of DI Sally Parker. I am a huge fan of this author's Justice series, but I think Cold Case may have tipped the edge in my favourite stakes. I'm excited to read where Sally Parker goes next.
Highly recommend this to fans of police procedural books, you won't be disappointed.
The suspects are mounting and I was certainly outwitted, not guessing the culprit until the moment the author revealed it. I love that in a book, because I'm always trying to be one step ahead of the cases in police procedurals.
Another element I enjoyed was the personal side of DI Sally Parker. I am a huge fan of this author's Justice series, but I think Cold Case may have tipped the edge in my favourite stakes. I'm excited to read where Sally Parker goes next.
Highly recommend this to fans of police procedural books, you won't be disappointed.
May 1, 2017
Another belter of a book from this talented author. Fantastic characters and storyline
May 28, 2017
5/5
I have to start with the fact that it really does amaze me at the speed in which Mel can get books out, without any of them feeling rushed or falling below the quality we have come to know and love.
I am a HUGE M A Comley fan. I have read almost all her books over a number of years, and each time a new one is due out, I still get excited about reading it.
Here we are again, another outing with DI Sally Parker. I feel like i'm still getting to know Sally, but after reading this book I have added Sally now to my list of fictional characters that I really do like. In this book Sally has really grown on me, and I really can't wait to read more about her and see just what happens with her in future books.
As the title suggests, Sally and her team are given a Cold Case to review. A case that is ten years old, so where on earth do you start. Well it seems, you start right back at the beginning.
Ten years ago the wife of a police officer was murdered. The case soon takes on a big turn around when it is discovered that the two suspects in the original case maybe had nothing to do with it.
Have mistakes been made, is it bad policing or is just that with new DNA evidence coming to light that it puts things into a different light.
I can safely say that throughout the book I had no idea of who the killer could have been, and It certainly took me by surprise when I found out who it was. I think this was brilliantly done, I loved that I had no idea at all.
It took me a little while to get the chance to pick this up and read it, and once I did I read it in no time, there was no chance of me putting it down once started. As with all Mel's books. I got lost in the pages and devoured it.
I have no hesitations in giving this book the 5 stars it so deserves, and I really can't wait for another outing with Sally Parker.
I have to start with the fact that it really does amaze me at the speed in which Mel can get books out, without any of them feeling rushed or falling below the quality we have come to know and love.
I am a HUGE M A Comley fan. I have read almost all her books over a number of years, and each time a new one is due out, I still get excited about reading it.
Here we are again, another outing with DI Sally Parker. I feel like i'm still getting to know Sally, but after reading this book I have added Sally now to my list of fictional characters that I really do like. In this book Sally has really grown on me, and I really can't wait to read more about her and see just what happens with her in future books.
As the title suggests, Sally and her team are given a Cold Case to review. A case that is ten years old, so where on earth do you start. Well it seems, you start right back at the beginning.
Ten years ago the wife of a police officer was murdered. The case soon takes on a big turn around when it is discovered that the two suspects in the original case maybe had nothing to do with it.
Have mistakes been made, is it bad policing or is just that with new DNA evidence coming to light that it puts things into a different light.
I can safely say that throughout the book I had no idea of who the killer could have been, and It certainly took me by surprise when I found out who it was. I think this was brilliantly done, I loved that I had no idea at all.
It took me a little while to get the chance to pick this up and read it, and once I did I read it in no time, there was no chance of me putting it down once started. As with all Mel's books. I got lost in the pages and devoured it.
I have no hesitations in giving this book the 5 stars it so deserves, and I really can't wait for another outing with Sally Parker.
April 25, 2017
Book reading does not get any better than this!!! This is such an in depth read as this author weaves her magic once again. I was truly hooked with the intensity & speed that DI Sally Parker,her partner Jack Blackman & the rest of her hardworking team worked at solving a cold case. This case was about a murder that had taken place 10 years ago & had never been investigated properly. When new evidence came to light DI Sally Parker was asked to reopen the file & find the murderer within a 30 day time limit. Not an easy task when your clues are limited. But once again good detective work comes to the fore and the outcome of this crime was nothing that anyone would have guessed at.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend this to an avid reader of crime novels.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend this to an avid reader of crime novels.
April 23, 2017
Another fantastic crime thriller from one of my favourite authors.
Cold Case is just that, a ten year old murder that DI Sally Parker has been given just one month to solve. Aisha Thomas, the wife of a serving police officer was murdered and it seems like it was badly investigated at the start, or facts purposefully ignored by the original investigator.
A fast paced and gripping storyline that kept me guessing right until the shocking end.
One of the many things I love about Mel Comley’s books is the personal touch. I love getting to know more about Sally, her family and the gorgeous Dex. I am also loving Simon.
Another 5* winner that I highly recommend, Cold Case can be read as a standalone but why not do yourself a favour and read the first two in the series as a treat first.
Cold Case is just that, a ten year old murder that DI Sally Parker has been given just one month to solve. Aisha Thomas, the wife of a serving police officer was murdered and it seems like it was badly investigated at the start, or facts purposefully ignored by the original investigator.
A fast paced and gripping storyline that kept me guessing right until the shocking end.
One of the many things I love about Mel Comley’s books is the personal touch. I love getting to know more about Sally, her family and the gorgeous Dex. I am also loving Simon.
Another 5* winner that I highly recommend, Cold Case can be read as a standalone but why not do yourself a favour and read the first two in the series as a treat first.
April 25, 2017
Cold Case was a great book that kept me guessing through the entire book. I am a great fan of DI Sally Parker and her partner Jack, as well as other characters. I laugh with her and cry with her. I love the way Mel Comley captures me in this book. From beginning to end. I even read this book a second time to see where I missed the vital clue, the link to the mystery. However, there are many suspects, turns and twist.....just when you think you have solved the Cold Case....Great job Mel Comley!!
November 22, 2017
This is one of my favourite books by Mel Comley so far. Sally is a fantastic character, as are the others. Not only do I love the stories in the series I'm also finding myself looking forward to finding out what's happening in Sally's personal life, her mum, dad, Simon and her lovely dog, Dex. I love to have that personal attachment in a series. Great book.
April 26, 2017
I absolutely loved this book ; The third in the DI Sally Parker series. In this book Sally and her team are reinvestigating a murder that happened ten years ago. The suspect list is growing but any number of people could be guilty of the crime. Apart from the crime involvement in the book I love the way M.A. Comley is developing the regular characters in the book. I love hearing about Sally, her mum and Dad, Dex the dog and her work colleagues. A fabulous book.
My sincere thanks to M.A. Comley for the review copy of this book. My review is entirely my own honest opinion .
My sincere thanks to M.A. Comley for the review copy of this book. My review is entirely my own honest opinion .
May 14, 2017
From one of my favourite authors comes the third (fourth if you count the novella Web of Deceit) in her gripping DI Sally Parker Series. Nobody writes kick-ass female detectives on top of their game like Mel Comley and this latest instalment is sure to get you putting your life on hold until you’ve finished it.
When a cold case lands on her desk, Sally is determined to find the killer – not least because the victim was the wife of a serving Police Officer. When the two people suspected at the time are found dead, crucial evidence proves their innocence and the race is on for Sally and her team to uncover the truth.
Of course, this wouldn’t be a Comley without a rip-roaring pace, plenty of insights into Sally’s personal life to keep the reader interested and a shock or two amongst the pages. Sally becomes real in this story – I’d like to take her out for a drink sometime! Another 5* read that left me satisfied, but sad to close the pages.
When a cold case lands on her desk, Sally is determined to find the killer – not least because the victim was the wife of a serving Police Officer. When the two people suspected at the time are found dead, crucial evidence proves their innocence and the race is on for Sally and her team to uncover the truth.
Of course, this wouldn’t be a Comley without a rip-roaring pace, plenty of insights into Sally’s personal life to keep the reader interested and a shock or two amongst the pages. Sally becomes real in this story – I’d like to take her out for a drink sometime! Another 5* read that left me satisfied, but sad to close the pages.
January 5, 2024
Suspects aplenty
This is a standard police procedural set in Norfolk. A Pakistani teacher, Aisha, was murdered 10 years previously - the cold case of the title. The case was reopened as the burglars suspected of the murder originally had been dug up, deceased themselves. Their dentistry failed to match up with the bite marks on the victim's body. The original case had been dropped, a little too rapidly. DI Sally Parker has a romantic life complicated by the shadow of her incarcerated ex. Their are plenty of suspects possible, could it have been an honor killing, a racist attack or was her police officer husband hiding something? And what about some of the victim's dodgy teaching colleagues?
The process was quite linear, the dialogue felt rather stilted, I would have liked more twists.
This is a standard police procedural set in Norfolk. A Pakistani teacher, Aisha, was murdered 10 years previously - the cold case of the title. The case was reopened as the burglars suspected of the murder originally had been dug up, deceased themselves. Their dentistry failed to match up with the bite marks on the victim's body. The original case had been dropped, a little too rapidly. DI Sally Parker has a romantic life complicated by the shadow of her incarcerated ex. Their are plenty of suspects possible, could it have been an honor killing, a racist attack or was her police officer husband hiding something? And what about some of the victim's dodgy teaching colleagues?
The process was quite linear, the dialogue felt rather stilted, I would have liked more twists.
May 1, 2017
To say I loved this book would be an understatement. I personally feel it is the best the author has written to date. Given a cold case from ten years ago to investigate,Sally Parker and her team are determined to solve it. I didn't see the ending coming at all!
Great characters, great story, great read.
Great characters, great story, great read.
May 25, 2017
Having read the previous 2 books in this series, I was pleased to find Sally Parker's new investigation to be just as well written, engaging and interesting. Mel's writing is top notch and her characters, realistic. The unfolding cold case investigation keeps you guessing and the pace is perfect.
March 8, 2024
3.5. The ending was actually very good. The setting of the UK made for an interesting dialect to read as well. Not bad but also not jumping to read the others in the series
May 10, 2017
I was already a massive fan of Ms Comley, but this book was the best book of hers I've read by far. I'm going to miss Sally, and can't wait for her next spectacular installment. These books could definitely be made into a TV series.
May 6, 2017
I haven't read the previous two in the series, but I am no stranger to the work of MA Comley. The book read well as a standalone. I felt it was a real treat, like a cosy night in watching a favourite detective show. For that reason I found it very hard to put the book down.
DI Sally Parker and her team have a month to solve a 10 year old murder cold case. The odds were stacked against her solving this one, but it was a very cleverly crafted plot that kept me guessing right up until the unexpected ending.
DI Sally Parker and her team have a month to solve a 10 year old murder cold case. The odds were stacked against her solving this one, but it was a very cleverly crafted plot that kept me guessing right up until the unexpected ending.
May 8, 2017
What a start! And end!
Excellent book. To be expected from M A Comley though.
Suspects found dead after a cold case is reopened. A police officers wife is found dead and the case hasn't gone anywhere. Then the case is reopened and DI Sally Parker and her team take it on.
It just kept on going with something happening in every chapter.
Excellent book. To be expected from M A Comley though.
Suspects found dead after a cold case is reopened. A police officers wife is found dead and the case hasn't gone anywhere. Then the case is reopened and DI Sally Parker and her team take it on.
It just kept on going with something happening in every chapter.
May 22, 2017
I don’t know about you but I used to love Waking The Dead, the BBC drama starring Trevor Eve and Sue Johnston that was all about a cold case team within the police, putting to bed those unsolved cases from the past – it was fascinating. So when I found out the latest Sally Parker story was a cold case, I was intrigued. I haven’t read that many crime novels surrounding a cold case so I was interested to see how it would pan out using the author’s words and my imagination!
Well I can tell you know, Mel Comley did not disappoint me! There are plenty of suspects in the unsolved murder of Aisha Thomas, a respected music teacher and wife of a police officer. Everyone who was in her life before her brutal murder 10 years ago is a suspect and Sally and the team have their work cut out for them, not to mention the deadline of a month given to her boss (whilst they continue with their normal investigations). And then there is Sally’s personal life; she’s starting to live life now her violent ex is in prison (I have a slight crush on cool headed pathologist Simon) but then out of the blue she’s a target for some horrible and anonymous attacks. Not what you need when you’re under pressure at work!
Ms Comley’s writing is addictive, I really didn’t want to put this book down. I’ve read a number of the author’s novels and she is yet to disappoint me! Given the chance, I would have sat and read Cold Case in one sitting, curled up on the sofa but when you have two young boys, this is not a luxury I get often! However I did polish this fast paced twisty turny novel off in a day, desperate to know who had killed Aisha and why!!
Many thanks to the author for giving me a copy of Cold Case – can’t wait to see what you have planned for Sally next!
Well I can tell you know, Mel Comley did not disappoint me! There are plenty of suspects in the unsolved murder of Aisha Thomas, a respected music teacher and wife of a police officer. Everyone who was in her life before her brutal murder 10 years ago is a suspect and Sally and the team have their work cut out for them, not to mention the deadline of a month given to her boss (whilst they continue with their normal investigations). And then there is Sally’s personal life; she’s starting to live life now her violent ex is in prison (I have a slight crush on cool headed pathologist Simon) but then out of the blue she’s a target for some horrible and anonymous attacks. Not what you need when you’re under pressure at work!
Ms Comley’s writing is addictive, I really didn’t want to put this book down. I’ve read a number of the author’s novels and she is yet to disappoint me! Given the chance, I would have sat and read Cold Case in one sitting, curled up on the sofa but when you have two young boys, this is not a luxury I get often! However I did polish this fast paced twisty turny novel off in a day, desperate to know who had killed Aisha and why!!
Many thanks to the author for giving me a copy of Cold Case – can’t wait to see what you have planned for Sally next!
May 5, 2017
Great suspense with an interesting ending
Mel Comley has done it again with a wonderful mystery regarding the death ten years ago of a cops wife. The cold case is brought forward after two robbers, who were thought to be the killers, were found killed about the same time and buried. The bite mark on the dead woman's arm did not match the teeth of either man, leaving the case unsolved. Sally and her partner Jack start looking into the case and find difficulties right away with the first cops handling of suspects. There are a few small mysteries that also weave into the story,keeping it new as you turn every page. I really enjoy these stories and commend the author for her almost magic ability to keep every story new and exciting. Any mystery reader really should take a look at this series, you will keep on reading...
Mel Comley has done it again with a wonderful mystery regarding the death ten years ago of a cops wife. The cold case is brought forward after two robbers, who were thought to be the killers, were found killed about the same time and buried. The bite mark on the dead woman's arm did not match the teeth of either man, leaving the case unsolved. Sally and her partner Jack start looking into the case and find difficulties right away with the first cops handling of suspects. There are a few small mysteries that also weave into the story,keeping it new as you turn every page. I really enjoy these stories and commend the author for her almost magic ability to keep every story new and exciting. Any mystery reader really should take a look at this series, you will keep on reading...
November 28, 2024
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).
Kindle freebie on December 25, 2023 (currently $3.99 at Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited as of writing this post)
I am definitely enjoying the Sally Parker books more than the Sam Cobb books. Cold Case is that; Sally and her team are given a 10 year old murder case. It was assumed to be a burglary gone wrong and the burglars weren't ever found. Until now.
The investigation is much better than some of the previous ones and relies some on witness testimonies rather than only forensics. I appreciate this type of work, using more of the tools available. They are surprisingly able to find a variety of family, neighbors and co-workers to question. There are also a bunch of possible connections and motives. I did not guess the culprit.
There is also the new relationship of Sally with Simon the pathologist. I like them as a couple. He is older than her and kind to her. He does sort of push her but if she expresses needing time he gives her the time. It is a good pairing but it seemed to develop immediately. It's a background plot, however, as this is not a romance series.
The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).
Kindle freebie on December 25, 2023 (currently $3.99 at Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited as of writing this post)
I am definitely enjoying the Sally Parker books more than the Sam Cobb books. Cold Case is that; Sally and her team are given a 10 year old murder case. It was assumed to be a burglary gone wrong and the burglars weren't ever found. Until now.
The investigation is much better than some of the previous ones and relies some on witness testimonies rather than only forensics. I appreciate this type of work, using more of the tools available. They are surprisingly able to find a variety of family, neighbors and co-workers to question. There are also a bunch of possible connections and motives. I did not guess the culprit.
There is also the new relationship of Sally with Simon the pathologist. I like them as a couple. He is older than her and kind to her. He does sort of push her but if she expresses needing time he gives her the time. It is a good pairing but it seemed to develop immediately. It's a background plot, however, as this is not a romance series.
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