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Lorne Simpkins #18
Toxic Justice
When life gets tough...
Desperation seeps in.
When Jonathan Giles has nowhere left to turn in life, he commits suicide. How can a fifteen-year-old boy be driven to take such drastic action to solve his problems?
DI Lorne Warner is about to tackle the most heart-wrenching, nonsensical case of her career.
With the suicide statistics among teenagers rising on her patch, DCI Roberts asks Lorne to investigate the reasons behind the victims taking their own lives.
Will the shocking truth Lorne and her tenacious team uncover give the grieving families the justice they deserve?
Desperation seeps in.
When Jonathan Giles has nowhere left to turn in life, he commits suicide. How can a fifteen-year-old boy be driven to take such drastic action to solve his problems?
DI Lorne Warner is about to tackle the most heart-wrenching, nonsensical case of her career.
With the suicide statistics among teenagers rising on her patch, DCI Roberts asks Lorne to investigate the reasons behind the victims taking their own lives.
Will the shocking truth Lorne and her tenacious team uncover give the grieving families the justice they deserve?
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2018
174 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
M.A. Comley
176 books815 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 52 reviews
December 15, 2018
DI Lorne Warner is charged to investigate the suicide death of a young teenage boy who had been bullied for months. Lorne and her team at first question why they've been pulled from homicide. When they do some research and find that there have been several suicides over the last year they find themselves speechless.
The statistics on bullying and suicide are alarming:
* Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people, resulting in about 4,400 deaths per year, according to the CDC. For every suicide among young people, there are at least 100 suicide attempts. Over 14 percent of high school students have considered suicide, and almost 7 percent have attempted it.
* Bully victims are between 2 to 9 times more likely to consider suicide than non-victims, according to studies by Yale University
* According to statistics reported by ABC News, nearly 30 percent of students are either bullies or victims of bullying, and 160,000 kids stay home from school every day because of fear of bullying
This story is fictional ..... but the subject of bullying in the school systems around the country is not.
It's heart-breaking to read about these young, bright children who do everything in their power to ignore the abuse at school ... especially when teachers see it as 'just playing around.' It's sadder to see what the parents go through .. especially the guilt they feel because they had no idea of what their children were experiencing on a daily basis.
Warner and her team work tirelessly to track the young people who are responsible for the acts of bullying and the ones who are sending heart-wrenching text messages.
What she and her team discover is not what you think. Is this the last of the Justice series?
The author has done a fine job writing about such a hard subject. It's handled with care and comes across as more fact then fiction.
Many thanks to the author for the advanced digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
November 30, 2018
Wow! This book was emotional in so many ways. Some readers will certainly find parts of the story upsetting due to the nature of the story line. Bullying is just the lowest of the low and the fact that it results in certain children taking their own lives, well it's just heart breaking. Sadly it's something we hear of happening far too often these days.
It is really interesting to see how the police and the school in the story act on the suicides. I certainly didn't envy Lorne and her team having to speak to the parents of not only of the victims, but also of the bullies. I didn't even want to try and imagine how it must be for the victims families. My heart really did literally break and I just wanted to reach out and hold them.
The story as usual had me hooked through out. I was shocked and horrified along with Lorne over the treatment of the children who had taken their own lives. I really urge people to read this book as hopefully if anything it will make you watch out for signs of what your child is going through, also if your child is the one doing the bullying, to act upon it.
Toxic Justice is an emotional roller coaster of a read. I have been through so many highs and lows along with Lorne and her team in this series. Lorne, Tony and Charlie feel almost like family or good friends by now. It really is a first class series where the author has given me all the thrills and chills I could ever hope for and more. It seems fitting that the last in the series is one of the authors most darkest and sinister of them all. Would give it more than five stars if I could do. Am so sad to see the end of this series and yes I shed more than a few tears. Outstanding!
My thanks to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
It is really interesting to see how the police and the school in the story act on the suicides. I certainly didn't envy Lorne and her team having to speak to the parents of not only of the victims, but also of the bullies. I didn't even want to try and imagine how it must be for the victims families. My heart really did literally break and I just wanted to reach out and hold them.
The story as usual had me hooked through out. I was shocked and horrified along with Lorne over the treatment of the children who had taken their own lives. I really urge people to read this book as hopefully if anything it will make you watch out for signs of what your child is going through, also if your child is the one doing the bullying, to act upon it.
Toxic Justice is an emotional roller coaster of a read. I have been through so many highs and lows along with Lorne and her team in this series. Lorne, Tony and Charlie feel almost like family or good friends by now. It really is a first class series where the author has given me all the thrills and chills I could ever hope for and more. It seems fitting that the last in the series is one of the authors most darkest and sinister of them all. Would give it more than five stars if I could do. Am so sad to see the end of this series and yes I shed more than a few tears. Outstanding!
My thanks to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
November 28, 2018
This book marks the end of an era for me. This is the last book in this series and ends a journey for me that I have been on since I read the very first one back in 2011 when Lorne was still a Simpkins! I do have a sneaky suspicion however that although the Justice series has reached its conclusion, certain characters will not just fade away quietly and I wouldn't be surprised to be meeting up with them once again in some way shape or form in another book in the not too distant future. I hope so as I don't like to think that the characters I have met along the way and that I now consider friends will be leaving me forever.
Ok... enough of that... This book tackles one of the hardest topics to read about, namely that of teenage suicide. Young people are being driven to take their own lives after suffering some of the most heinous bullying. The latest spate all seem centred around a particular school and DCI Roberts asks Lorne to take a bit of time away from her usual murder investigations and try and get to the bottom of what is happening to the youth of the area to make them think that suicide is the only way they have to ease their pain. Some of her team is a bit reluctant initially but, after their investigations get under way, they are soon fully on board and start to home in on some dubious behaviour on show. But can they cut through the noise and figure it all out before more innocent lives are lost?
Well, I was a bit emotional going into this book being as I knew it was the final book in this series but that was nothing to how I felt as I started to read about what was going on. What makes things worse is that this is not just fiction. This stuff IS happening in real life; to innocent people. Actually, also to a friend of mine who has had to pull his daughter from her own school due to the abuse she was getting and being let down by the school's (mis)handling of the whole situation. So, as you can imagine, I was a bit of a mess by the time I got to the end. But, I hasten to add, the author has written the book in a way that the whole topic is handled with the utmost sensitivity and at no point did I feel totally overwhelmed or unsafe whilst reading it. It's just that it did skirt out of the fiction side of things a bit at times for me.
Anyway, enough about me - As with all this author's books, this one is extremely well plotted and executed and contains all the things I love about the way she writes. Especially with regard to her characters and their interaction. She really does write the best characters that always feel real in every regard. Despite it being an emotional read, I was reluctant to put it down even for a second and so I devoured it in just the one sitting, gasping as I got towards the end as I even forgot to breathe the tension was so high at one point.
I've loved my journey with this series and, as already mentioned, am so very sad to have to leave my friends behind. But, as with all good relationships, I have fond memories and no regrets and I just know this isn't really the end... it can't be...?
Ok... enough of that... This book tackles one of the hardest topics to read about, namely that of teenage suicide. Young people are being driven to take their own lives after suffering some of the most heinous bullying. The latest spate all seem centred around a particular school and DCI Roberts asks Lorne to take a bit of time away from her usual murder investigations and try and get to the bottom of what is happening to the youth of the area to make them think that suicide is the only way they have to ease their pain. Some of her team is a bit reluctant initially but, after their investigations get under way, they are soon fully on board and start to home in on some dubious behaviour on show. But can they cut through the noise and figure it all out before more innocent lives are lost?
Well, I was a bit emotional going into this book being as I knew it was the final book in this series but that was nothing to how I felt as I started to read about what was going on. What makes things worse is that this is not just fiction. This stuff IS happening in real life; to innocent people. Actually, also to a friend of mine who has had to pull his daughter from her own school due to the abuse she was getting and being let down by the school's (mis)handling of the whole situation. So, as you can imagine, I was a bit of a mess by the time I got to the end. But, I hasten to add, the author has written the book in a way that the whole topic is handled with the utmost sensitivity and at no point did I feel totally overwhelmed or unsafe whilst reading it. It's just that it did skirt out of the fiction side of things a bit at times for me.
Anyway, enough about me - As with all this author's books, this one is extremely well plotted and executed and contains all the things I love about the way she writes. Especially with regard to her characters and their interaction. She really does write the best characters that always feel real in every regard. Despite it being an emotional read, I was reluctant to put it down even for a second and so I devoured it in just the one sitting, gasping as I got towards the end as I even forgot to breathe the tension was so high at one point.
I've loved my journey with this series and, as already mentioned, am so very sad to have to leave my friends behind. But, as with all good relationships, I have fond memories and no regrets and I just know this isn't really the end... it can't be...?
November 27, 2018
An emotional, well-written story ripped from today's headlines, where not only children are bullied. Police officers are drawn into a case of suicide, rather than their regular homicide, as a young child is driven to hang himself by the intense,horrendous texts and facebook posts sent to him! Calling him worthless, unliked by all,and telling him ways to kill himself-because no one wants him on earth...
DI Lorne Warner is given the case by her boss, DCI Sean Roberts,and after reading about the boy is determined to take care of those responsible. Sadly there are several other suicides in the same area within a few months, and when investigating Lorne hears the names of the same two children.
This is a very tough subject for most, suicide leaves family and friends feeling guilty and distressed, how did they miss the signs?! MA Comley tackles this subject with grace and dignity for all involved, writing a splendid story that will perhaps help those who have been touched by such an event. The police work with schools,families and the regular public to try to get the word out that bullying is wrong and those who use it must be stopped.
The end of a series, this tremendous book is a 5 STAR event, one you definitely do NOT want to miss!
DI Lorne Warner is given the case by her boss, DCI Sean Roberts,and after reading about the boy is determined to take care of those responsible. Sadly there are several other suicides in the same area within a few months, and when investigating Lorne hears the names of the same two children.
This is a very tough subject for most, suicide leaves family and friends feeling guilty and distressed, how did they miss the signs?! MA Comley tackles this subject with grace and dignity for all involved, writing a splendid story that will perhaps help those who have been touched by such an event. The police work with schools,families and the regular public to try to get the word out that bullying is wrong and those who use it must be stopped.
The end of a series, this tremendous book is a 5 STAR event, one you definitely do NOT want to miss!
November 26, 2018
I received an ARC of Toxic Justice on 11/25/18 and opened it, just to take a quick glance and go back to reading my current book which I wanted to finish first. That didn't happen. This one grabs you from the very first page with a subject dear to all of our hearts--especially those of us who have children. The writing is superb, the story--and I don't say this lightly--the best one I've read this year. I've been a long time fan of the Justice series, but this one goes above and beyond what I expected. I simply couldn't stop until I reached the end, which left me in tears.
Even if you haven't read a single Justice book, read this one. It's a tough read for those of us who have been bullied, or whose child may be being bullied, but it helps you understand the helplessness and sometimes hopelessness of the situation for both schools, parents and law enforcement. I know I will keep a closer eye on my grandchildren and make sure they know I'm always here for them. I'll encourage them to report bullying if they see it to ME, if they're not comfortable reporting it to someone else.
Highly recommended.
Even if you haven't read a single Justice book, read this one. It's a tough read for those of us who have been bullied, or whose child may be being bullied, but it helps you understand the helplessness and sometimes hopelessness of the situation for both schools, parents and law enforcement. I know I will keep a closer eye on my grandchildren and make sure they know I'm always here for them. I'll encourage them to report bullying if they see it to ME, if they're not comfortable reporting it to someone else.
Highly recommended.
December 14, 2018
Can't believe this is the last book in the series!! I loved the Justice Series so much that I never thought this series would come to an end one day. And Lorne Warner goes out with a boom! What a book this is!! The author treats the subject of bullying, a horrific reality affecting all age groups and found everywhere, in schools and workplaces alike.
Lorne and her team, who usually investigate murders, are tasked by DCI Roberts to investigate a string of suicides among adolescents. He wants them to stop these suicides, if at all possible. Why are these kids, all seemingly coming from good families, killing themselves? What can Lorne do to stop these suicides? What part can schools play to prevent more deaths from taking place? Used to investigate murders, Lorne feels quite out of her depth with this case.
This is a book that kept me hooked from start to finish. To say I enjoyed it wouldn't be the right term to use in this case for obvious reasons, but the author did an outstanding job in keeping me engaged from start to finish. I was really curious to find what has been happening, if Lorne would be able to find out what was behind all those deaths. And that ending!! OMG!! I had my heart in my mouth!! No, Looorne!!!
Great book! I highly recommend this one and the whole series. Now I'm just so sad to see the end of this incredible series and I'm already missing the feisty Lorne Warner so much.
Lorne and her team, who usually investigate murders, are tasked by DCI Roberts to investigate a string of suicides among adolescents. He wants them to stop these suicides, if at all possible. Why are these kids, all seemingly coming from good families, killing themselves? What can Lorne do to stop these suicides? What part can schools play to prevent more deaths from taking place? Used to investigate murders, Lorne feels quite out of her depth with this case.
This is a book that kept me hooked from start to finish. To say I enjoyed it wouldn't be the right term to use in this case for obvious reasons, but the author did an outstanding job in keeping me engaged from start to finish. I was really curious to find what has been happening, if Lorne would be able to find out what was behind all those deaths. And that ending!! OMG!! I had my heart in my mouth!! No, Looorne!!!
Great book! I highly recommend this one and the whole series. Now I'm just so sad to see the end of this incredible series and I'm already missing the feisty Lorne Warner so much.
December 17, 2018
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I had mixed feelings about starting this book, I wanted to read it with it being the next instalment in the fabulous Justice series but I also knew it was to be the last in the series. I really hoped that the author would give the series, and Lorne, Charlie and Tony the send-off they needed and deserved too!
In this book, Lorne is tasked with a different case to normal when she is asked by her DCI to look in to the number of suicides of school children and they unearth some harrowing details. Suicide is a very sensitive subject that can affect both young and old and the author has done a fantastic job of highlighting the issue with care and delicacy in the story.
It was well written as I have come to expect from the author and I loved that in this one I was able to catch up with past characters too. It was a lovely touch and there is a great twist towards the end. I read the book the day it arrived on my Kindle and was glued to it right from the start – and yes, I am delighted to say that the ending was superb – I loved it and am so pleased!!
No hesitation in giving this book 5 stars – hands down for me the best in the Justice series that I have read to date (I still have a few of the earlier books to read) – very, very highly recommended and if you don’t want to read the previous books, this one reads fine as a stand-alone as the author does an excellent job of mopping up all other running threads from the series.
I had mixed feelings about starting this book, I wanted to read it with it being the next instalment in the fabulous Justice series but I also knew it was to be the last in the series. I really hoped that the author would give the series, and Lorne, Charlie and Tony the send-off they needed and deserved too!
In this book, Lorne is tasked with a different case to normal when she is asked by her DCI to look in to the number of suicides of school children and they unearth some harrowing details. Suicide is a very sensitive subject that can affect both young and old and the author has done a fantastic job of highlighting the issue with care and delicacy in the story.
It was well written as I have come to expect from the author and I loved that in this one I was able to catch up with past characters too. It was a lovely touch and there is a great twist towards the end. I read the book the day it arrived on my Kindle and was glued to it right from the start – and yes, I am delighted to say that the ending was superb – I loved it and am so pleased!!
No hesitation in giving this book 5 stars – hands down for me the best in the Justice series that I have read to date (I still have a few of the earlier books to read) – very, very highly recommended and if you don’t want to read the previous books, this one reads fine as a stand-alone as the author does an excellent job of mopping up all other running threads from the series.
December 20, 2018
This is the 18th novel in the Justice series that has seen Lorne Warner, her work colleagues, and family, go through a variety of ups and downs during their investigations. It would read well as a stand-alone, but I'd recommend you catch up with the rest of the series to find out how Lorne has got to where she is in this book.
When Lorne gets asked to look into the case of a teenage suicide, she wonders what her team can do to help - after all they are the murder squad. The case quickly escalates and the related emotional response spurs her on to investigate a growing number of deaths. I was shocked at the initial response of Mrs Lowe, a headmistress, who didn't seem to think her school had a bullying problem - that was until Lorne showed her a text message a pupil received just before he killed himself.
The laws surrounding bullying and what police can do if it occurs inside or outside the school grounds, is murky and confusing at best. The findings of Lorne's investigations make for both shocking and compelling reading, and the truth behind the deaths is a twisted one.
This is a heartbreakingly sad book, yet it seems the perfect way to end the series. Many authors would avoid this topic, yet Mel has taken it and crafted one the best books of her career. Highly recommended.
When Lorne gets asked to look into the case of a teenage suicide, she wonders what her team can do to help - after all they are the murder squad. The case quickly escalates and the related emotional response spurs her on to investigate a growing number of deaths. I was shocked at the initial response of Mrs Lowe, a headmistress, who didn't seem to think her school had a bullying problem - that was until Lorne showed her a text message a pupil received just before he killed himself.
The laws surrounding bullying and what police can do if it occurs inside or outside the school grounds, is murky and confusing at best. The findings of Lorne's investigations make for both shocking and compelling reading, and the truth behind the deaths is a twisted one.
This is a heartbreakingly sad book, yet it seems the perfect way to end the series. Many authors would avoid this topic, yet Mel has taken it and crafted one the best books of her career. Highly recommended.
December 31, 2018
Absolutely gutted that this is the last book in the justice series and that we won't be getting any more Lorne, Tony, Charlie, Katy, Sean, Carol and the others.
On the flip side wow what a way to end a long running series.
The crimes being investigated are not the norm for The murder squad, but it doesn't make them any less dastardly.
The topic throughout the book is incredibly relevant and topical and needs highlighting on as many levels as possible.
I read this in one sitting in about 2 hours, I couldn't put it down, and thankfully was on holiday so had no interruptions. I was completely absorbed in the action, and its rare for me to be almost in tears at the end of a crime book.
But such is the wonder of this author's writing, that I was open mouthed and welling up at how the last few pages were unfurling.
Although gutted that this series has come to an end, and I will dearly miss these characters, I am also glad that i have recently been reading books from M.A. Comley's other series, so know I will have plenty more goodies too look forward to in the future from her.
Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
On the flip side wow what a way to end a long running series.
The crimes being investigated are not the norm for The murder squad, but it doesn't make them any less dastardly.
The topic throughout the book is incredibly relevant and topical and needs highlighting on as many levels as possible.
I read this in one sitting in about 2 hours, I couldn't put it down, and thankfully was on holiday so had no interruptions. I was completely absorbed in the action, and its rare for me to be almost in tears at the end of a crime book.
But such is the wonder of this author's writing, that I was open mouthed and welling up at how the last few pages were unfurling.
Although gutted that this series has come to an end, and I will dearly miss these characters, I am also glad that i have recently been reading books from M.A. Comley's other series, so know I will have plenty more goodies too look forward to in the future from her.
Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
November 27, 2018
I’m sorry to see the end of the Justice series but what a way to finish it. This is a heartbreaking story regarding children being bullied and then committing suicide. I have been blown away by this story and the author has taken me on an emotional journey. The statistics on bullying and child suicide is just horrendous. Well done to the author for being strong enough to highlight this subject. In my opinion, this book deserves many more than 5 stars.
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February 16, 2019WELL WORTH READING !! i really enjoyed this book from start to finish. It really hits home on bullying and suicide how it affects so many people on all levels. I loved the storyline, had me hooked . I didn't put it down till I had finished it. But the ending has left me wondering..... I hope there will be more ?? Well worth reading in a remarkable series.....
November 26, 2018
Am amazing emotional book that touches your very heart . Brilliant story that keeps you gripped all the way through . Hard to believe that it Is the last in the is amazing series
November 27, 2018
Toxic Justice is the final book in this wonderful series and what a final it was. Mel Comley has certainly outdone herself and I can easily say this is one of my favourites.
A difficult topic, child suicides caused by relentless bullying. DCI Sean Roberts want Lorne to investigate the suicide of a young schoolboy, Jonathon Giles, unfortunately this is a very real problem in our society and these suicides are definitely on the increase.
BULLYING IS VILE !!!!
An emotional and sensitive book that I read in a day and kept me guessing who the perpetrator was and a very real shock at the end.
A must read .... gripping from start to finish.
A difficult topic, child suicides caused by relentless bullying. DCI Sean Roberts want Lorne to investigate the suicide of a young schoolboy, Jonathon Giles, unfortunately this is a very real problem in our society and these suicides are definitely on the increase.
BULLYING IS VILE !!!!
An emotional and sensitive book that I read in a day and kept me guessing who the perpetrator was and a very real shock at the end.
A must read .... gripping from start to finish.
December 20, 2018
Well, this was an emotional end to an era!! The last in the Justice series!! Say it isn’t so!! I’ve followed this series since book one which was actually the first book I ever read by Mel Comley and ever since then I’ve been a “superfan”. So reading this last book in the series felt like ending a relationship! It was very traumatic!
I have to say that the subject matter hit me hard here. When a 15 year old boy comes home from school one night full of enthusiasm for a new school project, I was shocked to the core to see how quickly the mood changed and what happened next. Any mother of teenagers will tell you how hard it is in this day and age for them to avoid cyber bullying. Social media is such a huge part of their lives but the negative side is so difficult to police! But when the local teenage suicide rate rises to an expectedly high level in Lorne’s borough, the team need to investigate further. And what they discover will shock them all.
I found myself on the edge of my sofa reading Toxic Justice, torn between racing through the brilliant storyline and trying to slow my reading down, reluctant to get Lorne go for the final time. As the case gathered momentum, I prepared myself for an emotional ending but I had no idea just how explosive and powerful it would be. Mel Comley has such a personal connection to her characters that she is able to project the intensity of their feelings off the page and so, as always, I connected with her storyline from start to finish.
I’m so sad that this series has come to an end (AND WHAT AN ENDING!!) but I do know that this author has lots of plans for future books and I am looking forward to seeing what she brings her readers next.
Highly recommended by me!
I have to say that the subject matter hit me hard here. When a 15 year old boy comes home from school one night full of enthusiasm for a new school project, I was shocked to the core to see how quickly the mood changed and what happened next. Any mother of teenagers will tell you how hard it is in this day and age for them to avoid cyber bullying. Social media is such a huge part of their lives but the negative side is so difficult to police! But when the local teenage suicide rate rises to an expectedly high level in Lorne’s borough, the team need to investigate further. And what they discover will shock them all.
I found myself on the edge of my sofa reading Toxic Justice, torn between racing through the brilliant storyline and trying to slow my reading down, reluctant to get Lorne go for the final time. As the case gathered momentum, I prepared myself for an emotional ending but I had no idea just how explosive and powerful it would be. Mel Comley has such a personal connection to her characters that she is able to project the intensity of their feelings off the page and so, as always, I connected with her storyline from start to finish.
I’m so sad that this series has come to an end (AND WHAT AN ENDING!!) but I do know that this author has lots of plans for future books and I am looking forward to seeing what she brings her readers next.
Highly recommended by me!
November 29, 2018
Toxic Justice
This is a wonderful conclusion of the Justice series. Jonathan Giles comes Home from school and has been given a present by his Grandad, a DVD of the D Day landings , which he cannot wait to watch later. He has always loved his Grandad telling him what it was actually like. His father comes home and calls him for tea , when he gets no reply he goes to his bedroom and finds Jonathan hanging from the ceiling. Di Lorne Warner and her partner DS Katy Foster and her team are asked to investigate this as it is a case of bullying and a text message to Jonathan Giles phone telling him to kill himself as everyone hates him, This is followed by two more suicides . Lorne and team soon realise there is more to this than just suicide, it is centred around one school and this has been going on a while. The end had me on the edge of my seat, I just couldn’t put this book down. If anyone hasn’t read any books in this series look up the list and start reading them, you will love every one. Thank you Mel Comley for this wonderful series you gave me hours of pleasure.
This is a wonderful conclusion of the Justice series. Jonathan Giles comes Home from school and has been given a present by his Grandad, a DVD of the D Day landings , which he cannot wait to watch later. He has always loved his Grandad telling him what it was actually like. His father comes home and calls him for tea , when he gets no reply he goes to his bedroom and finds Jonathan hanging from the ceiling. Di Lorne Warner and her partner DS Katy Foster and her team are asked to investigate this as it is a case of bullying and a text message to Jonathan Giles phone telling him to kill himself as everyone hates him, This is followed by two more suicides . Lorne and team soon realise there is more to this than just suicide, it is centred around one school and this has been going on a while. The end had me on the edge of my seat, I just couldn’t put this book down. If anyone hasn’t read any books in this series look up the list and start reading them, you will love every one. Thank you Mel Comley for this wonderful series you gave me hours of pleasure.
December 3, 2018
Toxic Justice
Wow, what a finale to what I can only describe as an amazing series. I actually can’t believe this will be the last encounter we have with Lorne, but what a last encounter it is!
In Toxic Justice, Comley tackles teenage suicide and the phenomenon of cyber bullying. The subject is handled well, with sensitivity and tact. Having worked with teenagers myself, I know that these things are happening and it’s a subject that does need broaching and tackling to spread awareness.
This is a roller coaster of a read that grabbed me from the get go, it’s action packed and full of emotion. Comley is a truly talented writer to be able produce such high quality novels that entertain throughout, at such an astonishing rate. She’s a writing machine and I can’t wait to see what the future holds now Lorne has come to an end. Five bright shiny stars!
Wow, what a finale to what I can only describe as an amazing series. I actually can’t believe this will be the last encounter we have with Lorne, but what a last encounter it is!
In Toxic Justice, Comley tackles teenage suicide and the phenomenon of cyber bullying. The subject is handled well, with sensitivity and tact. Having worked with teenagers myself, I know that these things are happening and it’s a subject that does need broaching and tackling to spread awareness.
This is a roller coaster of a read that grabbed me from the get go, it’s action packed and full of emotion. Comley is a truly talented writer to be able produce such high quality novels that entertain throughout, at such an astonishing rate. She’s a writing machine and I can’t wait to see what the future holds now Lorne has come to an end. Five bright shiny stars!
November 26, 2018
DI Lorne Warner arrives at work, to be called into DCI Roberts office. She’s on the defensive, until he says it’s about a new case.
He asks her to take a look at a file, and to read the first sentence. She says, “That’s awful.”
The school is now involved too.
They’ve had some problems with bullying. They believe that they have dealt with it, though.
This made me angry at some of today’s school children. I felt sorry for the Head Teacher. And you’ll find out why I was shocked, as you read on.
How does a cop deal with awful situations, if you’re a parent too?
I say bring back the cane, but I’m old school, so just ignore my comment 😂
M A COMLEY writes fantastic books & has me glued, from tart to finish!
He asks her to take a look at a file, and to read the first sentence. She says, “That’s awful.”
The school is now involved too.
They’ve had some problems with bullying. They believe that they have dealt with it, though.
This made me angry at some of today’s school children. I felt sorry for the Head Teacher. And you’ll find out why I was shocked, as you read on.
How does a cop deal with awful situations, if you’re a parent too?
I say bring back the cane, but I’m old school, so just ignore my comment 😂
M A COMLEY writes fantastic books & has me glued, from tart to finish!
December 15, 2018
Even though I was in the middle of another book I had a sneaky peek at ‘Toxic Justice’ this morning intending on just reading the prologue. Well of course after finishing the prologue I had to carry on reading it and honestly couldn’t put it down until I got to the final chapter . This was another amazing book in the Justice series by the extremely talented author MA Comley . It kept me hooked to the last page . This is the type of book I just love where I have no clue who the perpetrators could be . An action packed and emotional read . Well deserving of five stars .
December 4, 2018
I’ve followed the story of Lorre Warner from the very first book in the series and knew that this last in the series would be a great read.
But wow what a read it is. We start off with the dreadful suicide of a young schoolboy who has been driven to do this by bullying. Lorne is asked to investigate even though it’s not her usual case.
Soon there are more suicides and Lorne and her team are trying desperately to find the bullies before they can strike again
A very topical and hard read as we hear so much about bullying in schools but it’s a story that needs to be told.
A fantastic satisfying ending too.
Thank you Mel for a wonderful end to a fantastic series
But wow what a read it is. We start off with the dreadful suicide of a young schoolboy who has been driven to do this by bullying. Lorne is asked to investigate even though it’s not her usual case.
Soon there are more suicides and Lorne and her team are trying desperately to find the bullies before they can strike again
A very topical and hard read as we hear so much about bullying in schools but it’s a story that needs to be told.
A fantastic satisfying ending too.
Thank you Mel for a wonderful end to a fantastic series
December 15, 2018
For me, this is my favourite book to date by this author. Sadly it is the final book in the series yet it delivered so much. A very different crime thriller with a heartbreaking topical subjective. Toxic Justice starts with the suicide of a young schoolboy, Jonathon Giles. The sensitivity and caring manner of how this subject was portrayed was heartfelt. Even so, this was a gripping read from start to finish and an emotional one too. This book will stay with me for a long, long time!
December 1, 2018
DI Lorne and Det Katy Foster had to find out who was killing kids with suicide .
They had to go to prison to see Dylan Swallow and get all the information because DI Lorne had a feeling about his brother And Sister
It was in fact the Mother who was responded
It was a last Justice book and one forever more .
D I Lorne was stabbed in her stomach and if you want to read it and find out
I had an ARC from Mel
They had to go to prison to see Dylan Swallow and get all the information because DI Lorne had a feeling about his brother And Sister
It was in fact the Mother who was responded
It was a last Justice book and one forever more .
D I Lorne was stabbed in her stomach and if you want to read it and find out
I had an ARC from Mel
December 6, 2018
Oh boy, this series just gets better and better! So pleased I found this author, this series, DI Lorne Warner and co...
This book covers a very sensitive topic but is expertly written and handled. Filled with empathy, it helps shows how social media can be manipulated by society against other members of society to bring their downfall, leaving others behind feeling their grief and despair.
DI Lorne Warner is handed a case of teenager suicide by her boss, he wants her to investigate, see if there is any foul play. Lorne is unsure this is their area but he persuades her to look, so she takes Katy to see the parents, who are are still raw with grief. They go over what happened. Before they know it, there is a second suicide, is it connected?
This is Lorne and her team in a situation they are unprepared for, a case that has been their hardest yet, mentally and emotionally, a brilliant read but have a box of tissues to hand.
This book covers a very sensitive topic but is expertly written and handled. Filled with empathy, it helps shows how social media can be manipulated by society against other members of society to bring their downfall, leaving others behind feeling their grief and despair.
DI Lorne Warner is handed a case of teenager suicide by her boss, he wants her to investigate, see if there is any foul play. Lorne is unsure this is their area but he persuades her to look, so she takes Katy to see the parents, who are are still raw with grief. They go over what happened. Before they know it, there is a second suicide, is it connected?
This is Lorne and her team in a situation they are unprepared for, a case that has been their hardest yet, mentally and emotionally, a brilliant read but have a box of tissues to hand.
December 5, 2018
Wow what a story to end The Justice Series!!!!!! This is a very hard hitting story of children being bullied and committing suicide. I felt every emotion possible reading it and I admit to shedding a few tears. I take my hat off to the author for tackling such a sad topic. Huge 5 stars.
December 15, 2018
An emotional read at times and brilliantly written as usual by this author.
November 27, 2018
If this is to be the last book in the series then it certainly goes out on a high. A massively relevant yet painful subject matter sensitively tackled combined with the usual high quality of character and storyline. This was a real page turner that kept me guessing for a long time. I would love a follow up with some of the characters in this book to see where they ended up.
December 15, 2018
I have been with Lorne Warner all the way through the series from when she had been Lorne Simpkins. I think it is by far the best series that M A Comley has written and this last book (apologies for the pun), certainly does do it justice. Based on the awful and tragic subject of bullying and the tragic consequences that can happen when vulnerable people are pushed to their limits. I broke off from reading a book that I was halfway through and devoured this in one evening. Although this is the last in the series I'm sure the author will have plenty more up her sleeve to entertain us.
December 16, 2018
As Toxic Justice is the final book of the amazing, not to be missed Justice Series, I had mixed feelings about reading it, on one hand I can’t get enough of this series so wanted to read the next instalment for Lorne. on the other I didn’t want it to be the end.
However, The series has gone out with a bang with this book and that’s n understatement as I can’t put into words what an incredible end this is!! Sometimes i’ve found when somethings been so good the end can be a bit of a let down but definitely not in this case (not that I actually expected to be let down by this super talented author anyway).
Lorne has investigated and solved many murder investigations but when something a little different lands on her superiors desk, will Lorne and her hardworking team know where to start? ....
Toxic Justice has twists and turns right until the very end pages filling the whole book with suspense, it’s full of surprises and took me on a very enjoyable but emotional ride and I just couldn’t put it down!!
I’m absolutely gutted that this is the end of my favourite series’s, I feel like I actually know the characters personally so this book was very sad for me but I definitely, i’ve followed from the start and would never become bored with these characters.
I recommend not just Toxix Justics but the whole of the Justice series!!
I know i said above about Toxic Justice but it’s worth noting that in all her books, M.A Comley has a real brilliant skill for keeping me gripped right from the opening pages. Her books engross me and keep me on the edge of my seat, I love how I actually don’t know what will happen next as none of her books are samey in any way!! The books are cleverly written to keep the reader in suspense until the end and the twists keep on unraveling.
However, The series has gone out with a bang with this book and that’s n understatement as I can’t put into words what an incredible end this is!! Sometimes i’ve found when somethings been so good the end can be a bit of a let down but definitely not in this case (not that I actually expected to be let down by this super talented author anyway).
Lorne has investigated and solved many murder investigations but when something a little different lands on her superiors desk, will Lorne and her hardworking team know where to start? ....
Toxic Justice has twists and turns right until the very end pages filling the whole book with suspense, it’s full of surprises and took me on a very enjoyable but emotional ride and I just couldn’t put it down!!
I’m absolutely gutted that this is the end of my favourite series’s, I feel like I actually know the characters personally so this book was very sad for me but I definitely, i’ve followed from the start and would never become bored with these characters.
I recommend not just Toxix Justics but the whole of the Justice series!!
I know i said above about Toxic Justice but it’s worth noting that in all her books, M.A Comley has a real brilliant skill for keeping me gripped right from the opening pages. Her books engross me and keep me on the edge of my seat, I love how I actually don’t know what will happen next as none of her books are samey in any way!! The books are cleverly written to keep the reader in suspense until the end and the twists keep on unraveling.
December 24, 2018
One of the many things I love about M.A. Comley's writing is her bravery. She's never afraid to tackle difficult subjects, but she does it with humility and extreme sensitivity.
Toxic Justice is no different in that regard; this time, the author tackles the heartbreaking subject of child suicide. Kids from a local school are taking their own lives after receiving vicious texts and emails from an unknown source. Lorne and her team are called in to investigate and bring those responsible to justice.
At first, Lorne isn't overly keen to get involved; she's a homicide detective after all, suicides aren't her bag. But as she digs further into the disturbing case, she finds herself determined to find the evil culprit or culprits and make them pay for their crimes.
However, the author has a couple of shocks in store for us readers. The climax of this book didn't go at all as I expected, which goes to show that jumping to what appears to be obvious conclusions can be dangerous.
And the ending... Gah! My heart galloped as I read those final pages.
This is the final full length novel in the hugely successful Justice series, although the author is going to continue to write novellas. I, for one, am very pleased to hear that.
Can't wait to see what M.A. Comley cooks up next.
Highly recommended.
Toxic Justice is no different in that regard; this time, the author tackles the heartbreaking subject of child suicide. Kids from a local school are taking their own lives after receiving vicious texts and emails from an unknown source. Lorne and her team are called in to investigate and bring those responsible to justice.
At first, Lorne isn't overly keen to get involved; she's a homicide detective after all, suicides aren't her bag. But as she digs further into the disturbing case, she finds herself determined to find the evil culprit or culprits and make them pay for their crimes.
However, the author has a couple of shocks in store for us readers. The climax of this book didn't go at all as I expected, which goes to show that jumping to what appears to be obvious conclusions can be dangerous.
And the ending... Gah! My heart galloped as I read those final pages.
This is the final full length novel in the hugely successful Justice series, although the author is going to continue to write novellas. I, for one, am very pleased to hear that.
Can't wait to see what M.A. Comley cooks up next.
Highly recommended.
January 24, 2021
Back on form.
Bullying is a tough subject to deal with, so many people regard it as just one of those things that happens at school.
Unfortunately it is no longer something that you can put to one side when you get home, with social media and mobile phones young people are at risk and often their parents or guardians know nothing about it until it is too late.
Bullies used to be 'the school bully' singular. Now they have a tendency to hunt in packs, frequently weaker children join in the gang activity whether as active participants or observers. This is their way of self protection, having a bully as a friend makes you invisible to other gangs who would otherwise see you as a target.
Schools always state they have an anti bullying policy, but teachers frequently miss what goes on, as adequate training is not given to them to recognise all the guises it comes in.
Social distancing and lockdown may well be the only break from physical and mental intimidation get. It is a lot easier to put in perspective and have the courage to tell some one, when you don't have to see your tormentor day after day. A strange benefit from Coronavirus!
Well written, explaining just how hard it is to punish those who intimidate others, especially when teachers are unsure of their position and can be threatened themselves. The law needs to catch up with technology.
Bullying is a tough subject to deal with, so many people regard it as just one of those things that happens at school.
Unfortunately it is no longer something that you can put to one side when you get home, with social media and mobile phones young people are at risk and often their parents or guardians know nothing about it until it is too late.
Bullies used to be 'the school bully' singular. Now they have a tendency to hunt in packs, frequently weaker children join in the gang activity whether as active participants or observers. This is their way of self protection, having a bully as a friend makes you invisible to other gangs who would otherwise see you as a target.
Schools always state they have an anti bullying policy, but teachers frequently miss what goes on, as adequate training is not given to them to recognise all the guises it comes in.
Social distancing and lockdown may well be the only break from physical and mental intimidation get. It is a lot easier to put in perspective and have the courage to tell some one, when you don't have to see your tormentor day after day. A strange benefit from Coronavirus!
Well written, explaining just how hard it is to punish those who intimidate others, especially when teachers are unsure of their position and can be threatened themselves. The law needs to catch up with technology.
December 21, 2018
Suggest Reading Earlier Books In This Series
This is a short, straightforward read, concentrating on finding the school bullies who have successfully driven young teens to kill themselves. The author handled this volatile subject with sensitivity, and she skillfully incorporated the psychological burden on the police characters.
This is a good British mystery with some police procedural aspirations, but this is probably due to the deaths being suicides vs homicides.
As a sporadic reader of M.A. Comley’s Justice/Lorne Simpkins series, I haven’t formed a bond with her characters as have regular readers of this series. There are many asides and references regarding prior events and characters, but I was able to read the suicide story as a stand-alone. I would probably have better enjoyed this book if I’d read more Justice/Lorne Simpkins books.
I will be reading more of the Justice books as well as Comley’s Sarah Ramsey and Kayli Bright series.
This is a short, straightforward read, concentrating on finding the school bullies who have successfully driven young teens to kill themselves. The author handled this volatile subject with sensitivity, and she skillfully incorporated the psychological burden on the police characters.
This is a good British mystery with some police procedural aspirations, but this is probably due to the deaths being suicides vs homicides.
As a sporadic reader of M.A. Comley’s Justice/Lorne Simpkins series, I haven’t formed a bond with her characters as have regular readers of this series. There are many asides and references regarding prior events and characters, but I was able to read the suicide story as a stand-alone. I would probably have better enjoyed this book if I’d read more Justice/Lorne Simpkins books.
I will be reading more of the Justice books as well as Comley’s Sarah Ramsey and Kayli Bright series.
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