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DI Sara Ramsey #1
No Right To Kill
He stands in the shadows. Watching them.
DI Sara Ramsey's life is about to change forever. Recently moved to the area and in charge of a new team, she's tasked with finding a serial killer terrorising a rural community.
Crimes as heinous as this rarely happen in picturesque rural idylls.
The community is living in fear, desperate for Sara to keep them safe.
When the killer changes his MO and abducts a vulnerable resident, Sara realises she is in a race against time to prevent the killer from claiming yet another victim.
DI Sara Ramsey's life is about to change forever. Recently moved to the area and in charge of a new team, she's tasked with finding a serial killer terrorising a rural community.
Crimes as heinous as this rarely happen in picturesque rural idylls.
The community is living in fear, desperate for Sara to keep them safe.
When the killer changes his MO and abducts a vulnerable resident, Sara realises she is in a race against time to prevent the killer from claiming yet another victim.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2018
2320 people are currently reading
1369 people want to read
About the author
M.A. Comley
176 books817 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 243 reviews
May 31, 2020
Brilliant as always
Yet another new character and series from the brilliant Mel Comley.
DI Sara Ramsey moved out to the supposedly, quiet rural life to get away from traumatic experiences, in the big city. But surprise, surprise it's never quiet for long in these books.
If I had to find an area of fault, it seemed that the team consisted of the DI and her sergeant, there were vague references to more staff, but the DCI played a bigger part than they did. Just a minor niggle.
Bit of a lead into the next book .... Can't wait.
Yet another new character and series from the brilliant Mel Comley.
DI Sara Ramsey moved out to the supposedly, quiet rural life to get away from traumatic experiences, in the big city. But surprise, surprise it's never quiet for long in these books.
If I had to find an area of fault, it seemed that the team consisted of the DI and her sergeant, there were vague references to more staff, but the DCI played a bigger part than they did. Just a minor niggle.
Bit of a lead into the next book .... Can't wait.
November 12, 2018
A new character, DI Sara Ramsey pulls us into her life with excitement and sadness..Loved this! DI Sara has moved to a rural area after a heart-breaking episode of violence changes her life forever. Done with so many murders and gunshots all around, she takes a position in Hereford- quiet, friendly and a lovely area. But murder does not skip around this country setting, as an elderly couple are found brutally killed in their home. Sara is back into investigating a homicide, with staff who have not seen many and a clever side-kick to keep her on her toes. The murderer is given his moments to show us his morals, needing money for losses to some bad men, but he makes some very sad choices and mayhem ensues.
An excellent story introducing us to a small police department that must maintain high standards and 'big-city' excellence with less back-up, all officers must be able to handle anything that comes their way!! Well written with great new characters who you immediately want to add to your 'family' of those we can't get enough of!
A 5 STAR story that starts a new series by the wonderful author MA Comley, a writer whose books grab me immediately and I can never stop, (for air or a bathroom break!), until I read that last word! I recommend this to All mystery and thriller readers!!
An excellent story introducing us to a small police department that must maintain high standards and 'big-city' excellence with less back-up, all officers must be able to handle anything that comes their way!! Well written with great new characters who you immediately want to add to your 'family' of those we can't get enough of!
A 5 STAR story that starts a new series by the wonderful author MA Comley, a writer whose books grab me immediately and I can never stop, (for air or a bathroom break!), until I read that last word! I recommend this to All mystery and thriller readers!!
November 15, 2018
REVIEW WILL BE POSTED 11/15/18
Merged review:
This is the first in a new crime fiction series featuring DI Sara Ramsay.
Sara is dedicated to her job, even more so now that her husband was murdered over a year ago. It was seemingly a random act, and the shooter has never been caught. Her cat, Misty, is her best friend and comforts her when nothing else can. She's fighting off the attention of her late husband's brother ... how can she let him down softly? She's also still dealing with her husband's mother, who refuses to get on with her life.
And now she has an unusual murder case. An elderly couple are brutally murdered. The killer left no clues, no DNA, nothing to go on. As far as motive goes, it's a tossup.
And then a second elderly couple are killed. Who would want to harm these perfectly harmless people. But the killer's MO has changed drastically. This couple's special needs daughter is missing. Did he take her? Has she run away after seeing her parents killed?
Sara and her team must move fast before there is more death. But are they already too late?
This is a great start to a new series. Sara and her team work well together, although they are still in the getting-to-know-you stage. I really enjoyed the intereaction among them.
The story premise is a good one .. no cliff hanger ... but there is a gentle lead - in to Sara's next adventure. Her cat Misty plays a big part of the story.
Many thanks to the author who provided a digital copy of this beginning of a crime series. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
November 18, 2018
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I read an awful lot of books and the majority of those are crime fiction, so when I saw that one of my favourite authors has released a new series I jumped at the chance to get my hands on a copy of her latest release, this book - No Right to Kill - and I have to honestly say that the book is stunning - and for me her best book to date - and considering she is a writing machine that produces fabulous book after fabulous book that is really saying something!!
This book is gritty and I loved the characters. DI Sara Ramsey was great, a believable character that was well developed. I liked that she had hidden baggage and I look forward to seeing how she develops over the coming books.
The storyline was gripping and I read the book the afternoon it landed on my Kindle. It is a very hard one to put down as you get completely immersed in the story- it flows very, very well.
Five stars from me for this one, the book ends on a bit of a cliff-hanger, I have my thoughts as to who is responsible and can't wait for the next one to find out if I am right - and if you are intrigued by this cryptic comment, make sure you grab a copy of the book as it is released today!!
I read an awful lot of books and the majority of those are crime fiction, so when I saw that one of my favourite authors has released a new series I jumped at the chance to get my hands on a copy of her latest release, this book - No Right to Kill - and I have to honestly say that the book is stunning - and for me her best book to date - and considering she is a writing machine that produces fabulous book after fabulous book that is really saying something!!
This book is gritty and I loved the characters. DI Sara Ramsey was great, a believable character that was well developed. I liked that she had hidden baggage and I look forward to seeing how she develops over the coming books.
The storyline was gripping and I read the book the afternoon it landed on my Kindle. It is a very hard one to put down as you get completely immersed in the story- it flows very, very well.
Five stars from me for this one, the book ends on a bit of a cliff-hanger, I have my thoughts as to who is responsible and can't wait for the next one to find out if I am right - and if you are intrigued by this cryptic comment, make sure you grab a copy of the book as it is released today!!
December 13, 2018
Brilliant start to a fantastic new series! Love the new heroine Sara Ramsey. Mel Comley knows how to keep her readers on the edge of their seat, gnawing their fingernails and frantically swiping one page after the other. This book kept me hooked from start to finish. Highly recommended!
November 20, 2018
???
Am I missing something here? Is this author paying people to give her 5 stars? Clunky writing and dialogue, people just don't talk to each other like that! Absolute garbage!
Am I missing something here? Is this author paying people to give her 5 stars? Clunky writing and dialogue, people just don't talk to each other like that! Absolute garbage!
December 22, 2018
Is this the single worst detective novel ever written? It’s certainly in contention. Not a particularly good story - but the writing was dreadful, particularly the dialogue.
November 10, 2018
Wow this new series from M. A. Comley is off to a cracking start with this first book. My overwhelming thought after finishing this, is wanting to lock the author into a room and not let her out until the next book is written!! I want to read more of D. I Sara Ramsey and her team, and I want to read it now!
Unlike thrillers set in big cities this one is taking place in what was sleepy Herefordshire, in some rural villages, and certainly not the sort of location you would expect to see a murderer, let alone a serial killer.
The police force, well I'm not entirely sure how it was structured there, but this doesn't appear to be a specialist homicide team, so Sara and her team have to hit the ground running, The murders themselves are horrible, and given the chapters from the killer's point of view this one seems to not be your run of the mill killer.
The killer's emotions and actions are sometimes very surprising which added a good dimension to the book, and made it harder for the police.
What i love about a new thriller series is getting to know the detective and her team, and with Sara you have questions about her almost immediately, and I feel that although some of her past has been revealed that there may still be more to come.
I found this a bit slower than other books I've read by the author but that may be because a lot of groundwork was being placed for future books, or may just be me as I have been hectic and no able to read n as longer chunks as I'd normally like.
Such a fabulous start to a series from such a multi talented author. I can 't wait to delve into whatever she releases next.
Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily
Unlike thrillers set in big cities this one is taking place in what was sleepy Herefordshire, in some rural villages, and certainly not the sort of location you would expect to see a murderer, let alone a serial killer.
The police force, well I'm not entirely sure how it was structured there, but this doesn't appear to be a specialist homicide team, so Sara and her team have to hit the ground running, The murders themselves are horrible, and given the chapters from the killer's point of view this one seems to not be your run of the mill killer.
The killer's emotions and actions are sometimes very surprising which added a good dimension to the book, and made it harder for the police.
What i love about a new thriller series is getting to know the detective and her team, and with Sara you have questions about her almost immediately, and I feel that although some of her past has been revealed that there may still be more to come.
I found this a bit slower than other books I've read by the author but that may be because a lot of groundwork was being placed for future books, or may just be me as I have been hectic and no able to read n as longer chunks as I'd normally like.
Such a fabulous start to a series from such a multi talented author. I can 't wait to delve into whatever she releases next.
Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily
November 12, 2018
I always get excited when I see that one of my favourite authors has a new book coming out, especially when it's the first in a new series with a brand new set of characters.
Sara is a DI who has moved from the city life to a quieter setting in the hope of less heinous crimes. Life, luckily for us readers, doesn't work out that way, not only is she leading a new team, she finds herself working on a crime that will shock and horrify.
The author really excels herself with how dark and chilling this novel is. The crimes are truly horrible and I think they get under your skin, urging Sara and her team to catch the killer as soon as they can.
No Right To Kill might just be the authors best book to date. It blew me away with how dark and sinister it is. The bar has been raised very high for the start in a new series but I have every faith that the author will keep raising it. A brilliantly chilling and thrilling read!
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Sara is a DI who has moved from the city life to a quieter setting in the hope of less heinous crimes. Life, luckily for us readers, doesn't work out that way, not only is she leading a new team, she finds herself working on a crime that will shock and horrify.
The author really excels herself with how dark and chilling this novel is. The crimes are truly horrible and I think they get under your skin, urging Sara and her team to catch the killer as soon as they can.
No Right To Kill might just be the authors best book to date. It blew me away with how dark and sinister it is. The bar has been raised very high for the start in a new series but I have every faith that the author will keep raising it. A brilliantly chilling and thrilling read!
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
January 20, 2019
What a complete load of rubbish. I’m annoyed with this book because the idea behind it was quite good. Spoilt by unbelievable and weak dialogue between characters, and poor repetitive writing and descriptions. Senior female police skipping off to boost their chocolate intake/ bitch about the coffee machine/,go wobbly & have a boo hoo. Really?? Quite frankly I can’t believe the 4 & 5 star ratings.
March 25, 2020
No Right to Kill by M.A. Comley is the first book in the D.I Sara ramsey series. D.I. Sara Ramsey leads the investigation into a series of murders of elderly couples in a rural community. An interesting start to the series. Sara is a strong and capable character, who is dealing with the violent death of her husband over a year ago. A solid police pocedural, although it moved a little slowly for me and it seemed uneblievable that the killer was able to get away with so much before he was caught.
December 5, 2021
A great start to a new series. I am loving the new characters DI Sara Ramsey and her partner DS Carla Jameson. DI Ramsey is a complex character who has her fair share of issues, I am looking forward to reading more about her as the series progresses. A good storyline that really makes you stop and think about any elderly neighbours. I highly recommend this book.
November 22, 2018
A brilliant read from M.A. Comley! She provides us with a well crafted murder mystery, but the story goes further. Our lead inspector has issues to resolve that go beyond solving a crime that is on the edge of getting out of control. Add in a twist of an ending, and you have a superb mystery.
A must read!
A must read!
October 29, 2024
I always love to get in on a new series right from the start, and one of the pleasures with the fantastic M A Comley is that her fans never have to wait too long for the next book in the series. I don’t believe there is a harder working author than this one.
DI Sara Ramsey has moved to Herefordshire to start a new life after the tragic death of her husband. She has a great team behind her, especially DS Carla Jameson, but Sara is finding it difficult to open up about her personal tragedy.
In No Right to kill Sara and her team are investigating the double, brutal murders of innocent elderly couples as well as a young woman whose body was found in a suitcase. And of course the adorable Misty who Sara clings to for love and affection.
Great new characters and and after the ending of this book, I can’t wait for book 2.
DI Sara Ramsey has moved to Herefordshire to start a new life after the tragic death of her husband. She has a great team behind her, especially DS Carla Jameson, but Sara is finding it difficult to open up about her personal tragedy.
In No Right to kill Sara and her team are investigating the double, brutal murders of innocent elderly couples as well as a young woman whose body was found in a suitcase. And of course the adorable Misty who Sara clings to for love and affection.
Great new characters and and after the ending of this book, I can’t wait for book 2.
May 25, 2020
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 February 20, 2020 (currently Free and also in Kindle Unlimited as of writing this post)
Overall rating 3.95 with 1,583 ratings and 104 reviews
While I had another book selected for this month, I got No Right to Kill this week and couldn't wait to read it. I enjoy a good mystery with a police investigation working to solve it. If it is set in England, with British terminology, it's even more fun.
I liked this and it was well written. There were plenty of details following the cases, the actions of the police and the killer. The mystery easily held my interest.
The odd thing was it didn't bring forth an emotional response. Certainly, I was sorry for the families of those murdered. I was horrified by the "reasons" the killer had. In my mind, everything was good. My heart just wasn't engaged.
I'm not sure why this happened. It might be an effect from the book I read previously where I needed to shut myself off emotionally. Perhaps, the investigation and facts all seemed too easy with just interviews with few clues until they got a solid lead. The reader follows the murder from the beginning, so we know what he is doing and why. It also might be because it was rather short.
The main character is Detective Inspector Sara Ramsey. She has recently moved to this area, near her parents, in the countryside from a large city. She is smart and capable. Since I often set myself into the main character, that may be the factor, since she is professional and hard-working but with limited personal relationships.
I do intend to read more in this DI Sara Ramsey series. They are currently available in KU. I look forward to the growth of her character and the building of her team around her. The team seems competent and kind. I believe Sara will grow on me even more, because I already like her.
These are only Kindle freebies I get, or ones through author newsletters which anyone can sign up and get for free. I don't include things like Kindle Unlimited or Prime Free Reading (I do have it). Both Tantor and Audible have occasional free audios (to anyone) and I do include those. Since I one-click on 1-2 freebies a day or probably at least 5 a week, I came up with this feature to make sure I start reading them.
The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).
Kindle freebie on February 20, 2020 (currently Free and also in Kindle Unlimited as of writing this post)
Overall rating 3.95 with 1,583 ratings and 104 reviews
While I had another book selected for this month, I got No Right to Kill this week and couldn't wait to read it. I enjoy a good mystery with a police investigation working to solve it. If it is set in England, with British terminology, it's even more fun.
I liked this and it was well written. There were plenty of details following the cases, the actions of the police and the killer. The mystery easily held my interest.
The odd thing was it didn't bring forth an emotional response. Certainly, I was sorry for the families of those murdered. I was horrified by the "reasons" the killer had. In my mind, everything was good. My heart just wasn't engaged.
I'm not sure why this happened. It might be an effect from the book I read previously where I needed to shut myself off emotionally. Perhaps, the investigation and facts all seemed too easy with just interviews with few clues until they got a solid lead. The reader follows the murder from the beginning, so we know what he is doing and why. It also might be because it was rather short.
The main character is Detective Inspector Sara Ramsey. She has recently moved to this area, near her parents, in the countryside from a large city. She is smart and capable. Since I often set myself into the main character, that may be the factor, since she is professional and hard-working but with limited personal relationships.
I do intend to read more in this DI Sara Ramsey series. They are currently available in KU. I look forward to the growth of her character and the building of her team around her. The team seems competent and kind. I believe Sara will grow on me even more, because I already like her.
These are only Kindle freebies I get, or ones through author newsletters which anyone can sign up and get for free. I don't include things like Kindle Unlimited or Prime Free Reading (I do have it). Both Tantor and Audible have occasional free audios (to anyone) and I do include those. Since I one-click on 1-2 freebies a day or probably at least 5 a week, I came up with this feature to make sure I start reading them.
November 12, 2018
What a cracking start to a new series!! I can see this will become as addictive a series as the Justice one. Loved meeting Sara Ramsey and looking forward to learning more about her story prior to here moving to Hereford. Great story with great characters, loved every bit of it. A really gutsy read to get your teeth into, so looking forward to more books in the series.
I've long learnt that any book by M A Comley is great but this one is exceptional.
I've long learnt that any book by M A Comley is great but this one is exceptional.
December 29, 2018
So bored I only got to chapter 8 !
I’ve never given up on a book so easily, I usually plough on BUT this was the exception. The same spoken lines over and over again ...... who got into work first and the coffee OMG I couldn’t go any further. At least I only wasted 99p.
I’ve never given up on a book so easily, I usually plough on BUT this was the exception. The same spoken lines over and over again ...... who got into work first and the coffee OMG I couldn’t go any further. At least I only wasted 99p.
March 5, 2022
It's been a good couple of years since I read a book by this author and that one was a Hero novel and I didn't like that, so I'd pretty much passed her by in recent times. However, this one popped up as a free try-out so I thought I'd give it a go. I liked it a great deal. Sara's a nice character as is her partner Carla. I gave it 4*, though, because certain bits 'n' pieces didn't ring true for me.....such as the ladies working together for 18 months and Carla not knowing about Sara's husband. Two women working closely together for even a couple of weeks would at least know if their co-worker was married or single !!! Then at one point Sara headed off to interview a witness still wearing her disposable suit....that wouldn't happen. Someone wouldn't say, "What are your plans re the cases ?" Real people don't speak like this. A witness she went to interview asked for ID on the doorstep, saying she couldn't be too careful these days.....yet half an hour prior to this had merrily reeled off her address over the phone !! Again, it just didn't ring true. Neither did the fact of her taking her cat to a vet but feeling the need to tell him she's a copper....why ??? We did have a few too many instances of people's legs going weak as well....I hoped for a differing reaction to bad news every now and then !
The odd missing commas were the only proper mistakes I spotted and she also uses the word dipped a couple of times where I'd have used nipped and that was it......which is a terrific improvement on her earlier books, so this impressed me a great deal. So many authors continue to have the same old mistakes in book after book after book, which is just slapdash and depressing.
I look forward to seeing how Sara maybe gets on with a potential new friend and hope she offloads Donald. He is beyond creepy, that one....and the ending left us with a dum, dum, dum moment to look forward to in the next tale, too. I liked the cover on this one as well.
The odd missing commas were the only proper mistakes I spotted and she also uses the word dipped a couple of times where I'd have used nipped and that was it......which is a terrific improvement on her earlier books, so this impressed me a great deal. So many authors continue to have the same old mistakes in book after book after book, which is just slapdash and depressing.
I look forward to seeing how Sara maybe gets on with a potential new friend and hope she offloads Donald. He is beyond creepy, that one....and the ending left us with a dum, dum, dum moment to look forward to in the next tale, too. I liked the cover on this one as well.
December 3, 2018
I love it when my favourite authors bring out a new series so to find out that Mel Comley had written a new character to head up a new series, I was thrilled! And thankfully Sara Ramsey was an intriguing and likeable character so I became quickly drawn into her life.
Sara has moved away from Liverpool and back to the rural area where her parents live. They are happier to have her back home in what they think is a safer area of the county so it’s a shock when Sara is called in to investigate a double murder of the most despicable type. A happily married, older couple are found brutally murdered and it looks like there may be a serial killer at large when further crimes take place. Sara needs to get her team to work together and work out who is responsible before more lives are lost.
Oh I do like this new girl! Sara really hits the ground running in the first book of this new series. She comes with some emotional baggage that she is very reluctant to share with both us and her new colleagues but it looks like she has brought more with her than even SHE knows. The storyline here was brilliant, the plot galloped along at the perfect pace and it felt like I was in the middle of a real life crime investigation at all times. Sara is an intriguing character, she was quite abrupt with her team members at times but once her backstory comes out, her attitude becomes more understandable and by the end of the book, friendships are beginning to form. And I did love that ending!! It left me with a pleasurable little shiver and plenty to look forward to in the next book.
Definitely recommended for fans old and new!
Sara has moved away from Liverpool and back to the rural area where her parents live. They are happier to have her back home in what they think is a safer area of the county so it’s a shock when Sara is called in to investigate a double murder of the most despicable type. A happily married, older couple are found brutally murdered and it looks like there may be a serial killer at large when further crimes take place. Sara needs to get her team to work together and work out who is responsible before more lives are lost.
Oh I do like this new girl! Sara really hits the ground running in the first book of this new series. She comes with some emotional baggage that she is very reluctant to share with both us and her new colleagues but it looks like she has brought more with her than even SHE knows. The storyline here was brilliant, the plot galloped along at the perfect pace and it felt like I was in the middle of a real life crime investigation at all times. Sara is an intriguing character, she was quite abrupt with her team members at times but once her backstory comes out, her attitude becomes more understandable and by the end of the book, friendships are beginning to form. And I did love that ending!! It left me with a pleasurable little shiver and plenty to look forward to in the next book.
Definitely recommended for fans old and new!
March 5, 2020
Books by M A Comley have been on my radar for some time and, having recently got more into crime books, I decided to start her impressive catalogue with this one, the first in the DI Sara Ramsey books. From the start you are drawn into the action, and into Sara's life, who has moved to Herefordshire for a fresh start after personal tragedy. Life is far from quiet here, though, with a grisly crime soon needing to be investigated. Comley effortlessly takes you along for the ride, giving an insight into the criminal's mind too, which I really liked, and how he justifies his actions. An intriguing read, that keeps you guessing and gives you characters to root for, not just Sara Ramsey, but her colleague, DI Carla James too. Oh, and I loved the cat, Misty! Great addition! I look forward to Sara and Carla solving more crimes in the future!
January 31, 2019
I mentioned this in my update earlier, but the dialogue does not ring true--this is not how actual human people talk. Then there's the superficial plot that was wrapped up so abruptly, I felt the wind off it. "We've tied him to all of the murders"--oh, okay. He just caved or wha--oh, I guess we're moving on.
And that subplot about the kitty--what could she have gotten into?! Literally anything, since you let her wander around outside, DETECTIVE.
And that subplot about the kitty--what could she have gotten into?! Literally anything, since you let her wander around outside, DETECTIVE.
November 11, 2018
DI Ramsey and her partner DS Johnson are two coppers who claim to catch murderous killers .
Had a couple of elderly who had been murdered and they had to find the killers .
Then there was another killing for another couple who had a Downs Syndrome Girl .
Some time they have to wait and catch them .
I had an ARC
Had a couple of elderly who had been murdered and they had to find the killers .
Then there was another killing for another couple who had a Downs Syndrome Girl .
Some time they have to wait and catch them .
I had an ARC
January 22, 2019
Not up to par
This rating is unusual for me regarding this author. Disappointing sequence of dawdling movement. Basically because of senseless murders, almost unbelievable in their progression. The plot and characters just drag until the end.
This rating is unusual for me regarding this author. Disappointing sequence of dawdling movement. Basically because of senseless murders, almost unbelievable in their progression. The plot and characters just drag until the end.
June 25, 2019
I felt the writing was juvenile. Most of the conversations and details made no impact on the story. I was able to skim the pages so fast and still know what was going on with the plot. I finished in 2 hours. I only finished because I can’t stand to leave a book unfinished. Pure rubbish.
March 3, 2019
One of the few books I didn’t even bother to finish. The dialogue is so stilted & formal, it’s not believable at all.
May 11, 2019
Clunky and unrealistic dialogue.
March 13, 2020
This was, quite frankly, one of the worst books I’ve read. The dialogue was silly, the procedures used by the police were non-existent. I am grateful I did not pay for this book.
January 28, 2020
DI Sara Ramsey thought the move to sleepy Herfordshire would be a respite after all the crime she experienced in Liverpool. She wanted a chance to be closer to her mom and dad, and a safe place to recover from all the violent crime she faced daily, including the death of her husband and soulmate. Just as she settles into her new job leading a team, she gets tasked with finding a serial killer. Some of the crimes strike close to home, reawakening her grief over the loss of her beloved. And when one of the crimes involves a kidnapped woman with Down’s Syndrome, Sara determines she will do everything in her power to bring that woman home safe.
This is a great start to a promising traditional British police procedural series. The crimes aren’t glossed over, but neither are they painfully detailed. The author does an excellent job of introducing the players, giving them depth and making them seem real, while moving the mystery along at a good pace. There is a nice balance of what Sara at home, and Sara at work. I like how she is collegiate with her team, giving them guidance where needed, but not micromanaging them. She sounds like a boss I would like to work for. The author even imparts a bit of sympathy for the killer – he’s a turd, all right, but at least he has a glimmer of conscience in his interactions with the kidnap victim. He’s not a stock bad character.
One slightly disturbing note - Sara’s cat ends up in harm’s way; it wasn’t gratuitous pet peril, it was a part of the plot. And Sara was able to get the cat to the vet in time, and it seems the vet might be interested in Sara as more than a pet parent. And I’m pretty sure Sara will open up a can of whoopass on whomever it is that’s trying to get to her through her kitty as soon as the guilty party is caught.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It made time at the gym fly by, and I found myself thinking about Sara and her team when I wasn’t reading, wondering what was going to happen next. I will read more in this series.
The author also writes several other series including the Lorne Simpkins series, which is a dark and gritty, edge-of-your-seat detective series; and the DI Sally Parker Series (next on my list). She also writes several other series which I have not yet read. I can recommend the Sara Ramsey books, and the Lorne Simpkins books, and based on that I’m pretty sure the Sally Parker books are just as good.
This is a great start to a promising traditional British police procedural series. The crimes aren’t glossed over, but neither are they painfully detailed. The author does an excellent job of introducing the players, giving them depth and making them seem real, while moving the mystery along at a good pace. There is a nice balance of what Sara at home, and Sara at work. I like how she is collegiate with her team, giving them guidance where needed, but not micromanaging them. She sounds like a boss I would like to work for. The author even imparts a bit of sympathy for the killer – he’s a turd, all right, but at least he has a glimmer of conscience in his interactions with the kidnap victim. He’s not a stock bad character.
One slightly disturbing note - Sara’s cat ends up in harm’s way; it wasn’t gratuitous pet peril, it was a part of the plot. And Sara was able to get the cat to the vet in time, and it seems the vet might be interested in Sara as more than a pet parent. And I’m pretty sure Sara will open up a can of whoopass on whomever it is that’s trying to get to her through her kitty as soon as the guilty party is caught.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It made time at the gym fly by, and I found myself thinking about Sara and her team when I wasn’t reading, wondering what was going to happen next. I will read more in this series.
The author also writes several other series including the Lorne Simpkins series, which is a dark and gritty, edge-of-your-seat detective series; and the DI Sally Parker Series (next on my list). She also writes several other series which I have not yet read. I can recommend the Sara Ramsey books, and the Lorne Simpkins books, and based on that I’m pretty sure the Sally Parker books are just as good.
October 12, 2021
Lacks substance,with no police procedures whatsoever.At first I thought it was the shocking narration that made it sound like an Enid Blyton Famous Five mystery,so I plodded on through all the same.The characters did not even seem like police officers,whose questioning of the perpetrator and victims was rushed and very immature and lackadaisical all the way through.They were more interested in getting coffee and sandwiches than solving the murders.The lead character seemed more interested in her cat’s welfare than in the murders that took place! This is the first book I have read by the author and the synopsis sounded very good,but alas,I was very disappointed.Sorry.
November 11, 2018
In this story, we meet DI Sara Ramsey, who is new to the area of Hereford. She and her partner, DS Carla James, are tasked with finding a serial killer. This hasn’t been heard of in this rural area.
After the shock of hearing and seeing the the crime scene, Sara is on a mission to solve the case as soon as possible. However, these things do take time to delve into.
Fantastic story! Loved this new detective. Loved the fast pace of the investigation. Can’t wait for the next one!
M.A.comley does it again!
After the shock of hearing and seeing the the crime scene, Sara is on a mission to solve the case as soon as possible. However, these things do take time to delve into.
Fantastic story! Loved this new detective. Loved the fast pace of the investigation. Can’t wait for the next one!
M.A.comley does it again!
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