Overdue Justice

Lorne Simpkins #19

by M.A. Comley

From NY Times bestselling author M A Comley comes the final Justice book. With over four and a half million copies sold worldwide this is a must read series. Time is supposed to be a great healer... However, sometimes to heal isn't enough. Back on duty for her final case, DI Lorne Warner and her team are assigned one of their most gruesome cases to date when a man is found murdered in his home. The brutal nature of the crime makes Lorne suspect a woman is behind the murder.But why? What could her motive be? With less than two weeks to go before Lorne retires, can she solve not one gruesome murder but a number of them?Could there possibly be a female serial killer on the loose or something far more sinister afoot? Grab this fast-paced thriller today and prepare to be riveted to the edge of your seat.Other books in this highly successful series Cruel Justice #1 in Police Procedurals and 1# Women Sleuths.

Impeding Justice #1 in Police Procedurals

Final justice #1 Action and Adventure

Foul Justice #1 Hard-Boiled Mysteries

Guaranteed Justice #1 Women Sleuths

Ultimate Justice - #2 Women Sleuths

Virtual Justice - #1 Hard Boiled/#2 Psychological Thrillers

Hostile Justice - #1 Police Procedural Tortured Justice - #1

Vigilante Justice

Rough Justice - #1 Women Sleuths

Dubious Justice - #1 British Detectives

Calculated Justice - #2 Action and Adventure

Twisted Justice - #1 Women Sleuths

Prime Justice - #2 Police Procedural

Heroic Justice -

Shameful Justice –

Immoral Justice

Toxic Justice

Overdue Justice

Out now Short stories to accompany the series involving Lorne and Pete

Blind Justice - introduction novella to the series.

It's a Dog's Life - 20,000 word novella

Merry Widow - a short story

Justice at Christmas - a 10,000 word short story.

Unfair Justice - a 10,000 word short story

Mortal Justice - a 15,000 word novella.

Irrational Justice - 10,000 word short story.

Seeking Justice - 15,000 word novella.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 25, 2019

About the author

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://melcomley.blogspot.com

http://melcomleyromances.blogspot.com

Reviews

[Kathi Defranc · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC!!! DI Lorne Warner and her Team have worked so many tough,hard to handle cases over the years, but now it is time for her to retire. Still in pain after being injured in her last case, Lorne just wants to stay home, but her boss Sean is determined to have her at work her last two weeks! Of course Lorne grits her teeth against the pain and agrees to finish up with one more case, a case that has you feeling more for the 'killer' than any of the murdered victims!
You feel so many emotions as the whole team works the case while letting their feelings about DI Lorne show through- from the little 'trick'of Sean's that turns up Lornes' anger, DS Katy's fear about taking over in Lorne's shoes, and Lorne herself taking pain pills to keep going , intent on one last arrest!!
This amazing author finds a way to bring everyone together, and we see Lorne and Tony finally start a well-deserved retirement with great respect for the team they leave behind and happiness and love for their future. An absolute spectacular ending to a well loved series!!!

[Linda Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This marks the retirement of DI Lorne Warner and the end of the Justice series. But as Lorne is recovering from a recent injury, she is called in to work the last two weeks of her employment.

She and her team are assigned to investigate the barbaric murder of a middle aged man. The nature of the kill points to a female killer.

The question is why? He seems to be well liked by friends and family.

And then another body is found ... another man ... another monstrous killing.

As with all the previous Justice books, Overdue Justice is well written with characters that have become like old friends over the years. I have it on good authority that there may be a spin off featuring Lorne's replacement ... and a new surprise character.

There are a few twists along the way, with Lorne and her soon-to-be replacement pounding the pavement looking for possible suspects ... and potential future victims.

Although there are 18 previous books in this series, I highly recommend starting at the beginning. The author has done a terrific job of showing how Lorne grows and changes and ages with grace all while seeking justice for the victims of crime. It's been a heckofa enjoyable ride.

Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[J.A. Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous, a stunning finale to this amazing crime series. In number nineteen of the Justice thrillers, it’s time for DI Lorne Warner to retire. She’s just two weeks from the date, looking forward to staying home with her M16 ex Agent husband Tony, and recovering from an injury she suffered in her last case. Then comes shock in the form of horrific murders of men, one after another, with no clue as to where the next is going to happen. Lorne suspects that the killer might be a woman. Could it be?

Pushed by an unsympathetic boss, Lorne takes her pain pills and tackles the case. She’s a tough and determined cop, someone you root for and care desperately about. With her team and DS Katy they get their break - a twist so thought provoking that it will stay long in your mind.

This is a gripping story, both sad and happy with an ending that will have you cheering. Three cheers for the author, the wonderful M.A. Comley. Five stars!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with all good things, they usually have to come to an end and sadly it’s that time for Lorne. This has been a great series of books where the author has never failed to grab my interest. I feel like I have been on such a roller coaster of a ride with Lorne and her team and I enjoyed every page of it.

I was eager to see what Lorne’s last case would be and the author has written a story line that was both chilling, yet heart breaking. As the bodies mount up, Lorne and her team close in on the killer and for once this was one where I wasn’t sure if I wanted justice to be served.

I always enjoy when an author can mess with your head and creates at times a thought provoking read that has you questioning what really is right and wrong. This author is a dab hand at that.

Overdue Justice is a great ending to what has been an epic crime series. It is very sad that there won’t be anymore but hats off to the author, as must be a hard decision in knowing when to stop a series and for me it has finished on a high. The author has certainly done justice for both the reader and the series and I envy all new readers to what has been a brilliant and exciting one.

My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I loved everything about this book and cannot recommend it highly enough!!

This is the long awaiting finale for the Justice series featuring the incredibly strong-willed woman that is DI Lorne Warner and I have to say that having read this book I feel that the author has done herself, and Lorne proud with this brilliant ending, to what is one of my favourite crime series out there!

I had been eagerly awaiting the release of this book, particularly after the ending of the previous book!! I really hoped that she would give Lorne and Tony the ending they deserved and I was so pleased when I read the story and got to the end, it really fit the story perfectly.

This was one of those books that really tugged on my heartstrings and I was cheering for the killer throughout the book, the plot was a tough one to read and subjects like this one really get to me and I have a passion about how wrong things like this are, especially having a young daughter, but I thought that the author wrote with her normal care and compassion and dealt with everything really well. The murders in the book all fitted the plot and if you read it you will probably guess where the author had part of her inspiration from!! (I don't do spoilers so don't want to say any more on that!)

I thought it was another well written story from this fabulous author, I bumped the book right up my "to be read" list and had read the whole thing from cover to cover within hours of it landing on my Kindle - and looking at some of the fabulous authors I have to read books by, that is saying just how good this author's books, and this series is!! It is definitely five stars from me for this one, very highly recommended!!

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many thoughts running through my head at the moment...

....wow I truly believe this may be the last in the series

.... how many times I was almost in tears reading this due to it being DI Lorne Warner's last two weeks at work

... I actually could sympathise with the killer - well that's unusual

... and shouting far louder than any voice is - you need to buy this book, its fabulous, in fact if you haven't already, you need to buy this whole series, it really is something special .

I can't think of many other series that in my adult life I've stuck with for 19 books, eagerly awaiting each and every release, and being this gutted that its actually come to an end... well perhaps until the next time the talented M. A. Comley comes up with a way of resurrecting it all. Well I can dream!!

I'll admit it wasn't necessarily the trickiest of cases to guess, in part because we are given most of the information, but at the same time due to the insights we were getting to the killer, it meant that I hated every last one of the victims and really could understand the crime being committed, which is a different way of looking at things.

Ok.. it wasn't tricky for the reader to guess given we had all the info, watching Lorne and Katy piece everything together was impressive as always and I loved the way Lorne was finally talking to Sean.

If you are wanting to know more about specifics of this book, then please read other reviews, I don't want to give anything away, and also being such a fan of this series, my thoughts are stuck on a loop of, I can't believe this is the end, but wow what a way to end a series.

I will say though, perhaps don't read the bit with the first murder scene especially when you are eating, its slightly off putting, and if you are male, be prepared to wince a bit at some of the details of this case.

I suspect it can be read as a standalone, but truthfully you would be missing out on 18 other amazing books if you just start it from here.

I raced through this book, resenting real life when it tried to get in the way, until I finally read the last 60% in just over an hour, being oblivious to everything. Absolutely loved every second of this, and given as far as I'm concerned they are real people, good luck to D. I. Lorne Warner as she moves away from the police force for good and onward into her new life.

Many thanks to M A Comley for bring the Justice series into the world.

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Joanne Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So it’s with a heavy heart that I write my final review for the Justice series and what an amazing and emotional ride it’s been! This series will always have a special place in my heart as it was the series that introduced me to the books of M.A. Comley in the first place.

Having seen a few good reviews I decided to take a chance on it and I’ve not regretted that decision for one second since! In fact it seems longer than 4 years since I first met Lorne Simpkins (or Warner as she is now known 19 books later!) so this was quite a emotional read for me and probably the reason it’s taken me so long to get round to reading it! If I haven’t read it then the series hasn’t really ended has it?!

Lorne is awaiting her retirement but there’s still two weeks left at work and she is about to investigate one of the most harrowing cases of her career. When a man is found murdered in the most gruesome of circumstances it leads Lorne to think a woman might be responsible. And when other bodies start to pile up, all with an identical MO, the possibility that a female serial killer is on the loose starts to become more likely. Be warned that this is a really horrendous case for Lorne with some rather upsetting scenes at times that have to be described due to the nature of the crime. I found myself very torn at times as I found the crimes very upsetting but I also felt as though I were on the killers side throughout. So where does that leave Lorne then? How will she keep her personal feelings and opinions to one side to make sure justice is served when in most people’s opinions it already has been?

As usual Lorne has to face personal problems alongside the case she is involved in, especially as she is trying to wind down with her approaching retirement and move to the country. Overdue Justice rips along at a pace and a half with a gripping plot line and a cast of much loved and much hated characters. I thought it was a very fitting way to retire Lorne and a great case for her to end on.

Highly recommended by me.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

It may be the last book in the series but it still left me wanting more. It’s hard to say goodbye to loved characters but sometimes even they need a rest.
The bodies of men have turned, who is guilty and will they be found. Time is short but the ladies have it.
A sad topic & a challenge to attend to.
This is a page turner to end with. MA Comley strikes again

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic end to a brilliant series which I have read from start to finish. I have always looked forward to reading these books and I feel sad that there will be no more Lorne but I'm sure the author will come up with something equally as good.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love The Justice Series and reading Lorne's journey throughout her career and personal life. So many ups and downs, twists and turns, tears and laughter, what a brilliant journey it's been. You are in for a treat when you read, not only this book, but the whole series. Huge 5 stars.

[Maria Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely rollercoaster of a story to end the Justice series. This series has kept me enthralled throughout all nineteen books and felt like I personally knew all the main characters!

Lorne is two weeks from retirement and has returned to work after being injured during her previous case. Instead of winding-down to her retirement, Lorne and her team have a major case to investigate involving several murders. This is going to stretch Lorne to her limit but she won’t give up!

It is not often I can say this but I felt sympathy for the murderer not the victims. A very fitting end to Lorne’s working life and I felt tearful saying goodbye to the team. Loved, loved, loved this whole series.

[Debra Feldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

We come to the final book of the DI Lorne Warner books and what a cracker it is. The book tackles ones one of the hardest subjects to deal with and does it beautifully.

We say goodbye to Lorne and Tony knowing that they will have a fab retirement. It was great how everything tied together.

Don’t miss reading out on this!! Well done Mel

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really good and I loved everything about it.
It was a murder about a man and Lorne was assured it was a woman.
It was pleasing that Lorne and Tony got the ending just as they deserved .
I had an ARC from Mel A COMLEY

[Felicity Gray1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastically written book for the finale of a brilliant series.
DI Lorne Warner and her team are desperately trying to crack yet another case where child abuse seems to be on the increase. Horrific murders of men are being committed one after the other with no clue as to where the next one is going to happen or why. Lorne & Katy are desperately trying to find out the reason why before Lorne leaves the force for good.
I'm sad that this series has ended. This author has a brilliant way of expressing herself on paper where her characters become alive so much so that you feel you're in the plot with them. I'm sure this character will pop up every now and again even if it's only for a cameo appearance.

[Mrs B E Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another amazing story in the Justice Series. Lorne Simpkins/Warner has tendered her resignation and plans to move, with Husband Tony Warner, previously an MI6 Agent, to Norfolk where they plan to reopen their current dog rescue business in the peaceful countryside, far away from London. However, Lorne has one more case to solve whilst she works out her notice. Will she and Katy manage to apprehend the killer before she leaves the department for good. The story is a compulsive read, both sad and happy in equal measures. Another 'Must Read' from this truly talented Author, and Highly Recommended.

[Linda Prather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I normally devour the next Justice book as soon as it comes out, but this one I held on to because I knew it was the last. Lorne and her family, team and friends have felt like family now for years. I’ve enjoyed riding along for each new journey.

As with all the Justice books, the subject matter is close to true crime, and heartbreaking. Lorne’s last case takes her inside a world that brings back bad memories and a slow burning rage. It isn’t often we find ourselves cheering for the murderers, but in this case—I did. To say more is to give away spoilers, and I want you to enjoy the book as much as I did.

Character driven fiction at its best, with characters I’ve grown to know and love. DI Lorne Simpkins/Warner will be sorely missed by this fan.

[Karolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here we have another great DI Lorne Warner story. It's well written, with twists and turns that makes you ask the question of if there could be a female serial killer?

I was in bits towards the end when I realised the ending. Well done on a fantastic story, it had me hooked all the way through. Read in one sitting and I loved it! Well worth more then 5 stars.

[Lin Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good start, that had a bit of Skulduggery going on.

Now we meet up with DI Lorne Warner and her partner Katy.
A call from a concerned neighbour, have them turning up at a flat.
The smell isn’t good.

Then we meet a father, who treats his girls like slaves. I’m not even sure he loves them. As you read on, you’ll understand what I mean.

I can’t believe Lorne will be retiring. What will Katy do without her friend and partner.

This kept me reading, as more bodies turn up.
We know who’s involved, but the police don’t.

Would be lovely to start another new story, following Katey on the job now. With Lorne’s daughter would be a bonus.

What a fantastic read!

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overdue justice by Mel Comley.
Omg. What an emotional read. Absolutely fantastic. Love Lorne.
She will be missed. What a fantastic end to a fantastic series. Wow. 5*. Highly recommended.

[Dee Groocock · Rating 5 out of 5]

DI Lorne Warner should be at home recovering after being stabbed in her last case. Instead, her boss, Sean has pulled rank and told her she needs to be at work for the last 2 weeks before she takes early retirement!
Men are being found brutally murdered and Lorne and her team have no idea why. Lorne suspects it is a woman who is killing these men but apart from that she has no clue as to what is going on. Can Lorne and the team find the killer before Lorne retires?
It has been great having Lorne and the team back together again but it’s also been a sad read knowing that this is the final story in the series. Great camaraderie between Lorne and Katy, they just can’t resist ribbing each other!
I highly recommend this book and the series.

[Julie Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t write this review until a good few hours had gone by, such a brilliant end to an era. The Justice series by this author has been fantastic but all good things must come to an end and what a brilliant ending. This author has never been shy about writing about topics others may shun and this book is no exception.
Yes I cried but also enjoyed such a great book. Sometimes justice is not always cut and dried, I ended up feeling so sorry for the perpetrator.
Lorne has more than earned her retirement, I will miss her but I’m sure she’ll pop up somewhere in later books.

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a Corker of a finale. This really was emotional as it was such a great sendoff for the character and leaves things open enough that maybe more books can be written but this time with new leadership and new blood.

What a way to end the series and I am really glad to have went on this journey

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was muted that the previous book in this series was to be the last but, as I also said in my review, I had the feeling that it wouldn't be. I felt that Lorne had more to say! Yay, go me - I was right. She returns in this, again muted as the last in her series. But, I'd bet my bottom dollar that this isn't the last we'll hear from her... Usual series rules apply - yadda yadda!
This, her last case, is a right doozy. A man is found murdered in his own home, the circumstances of which lead Lorne to believe that the perp is probably a woman. Lorne has only just returned to work after the shenanigans of her previous case and only cos her boss is being a bit of an idiot and demanding she work her notice. But, ever the professional, she smiles through the pain, determined to go out on a win. But the case has her and her team running around in circles until they get their break. But what they discover isn't quite what they expected...
Oh my, this has been one of my favourite series, and I've been avidly awaiting every new release since I first read Cruel Justice in 2011. This set the bar high from the off but every subsequent book - full length or short - has matched or exceeded that level of quality. I only wish that time and tbr would allow me to go back and start from book one and read the whole lot again! Maybe one day.
Case aside, there is so much else going on in this book. As Lorne's last outing (yeah, right) there are a few things to wrap up, most on the emotional side and the author does a seamless job of weaving all the necessary personal stuff around what is going on in the main story so that the book both remains balanced and also doesn't get too emotional. Apart from the end that is... I had the tissues ready and, yes, I needed them. But, as you will find out, it's not quite as sad as it could have been as the author throws one of the curve balls that she is well known for... nope... not saying, spoilers!
All in all, it's been a pleasure and a privilege sharing Lorne's journey... Sad it's at an end but excited for the future...

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

M.A. Comley’s thank you to her fans


NC17 Warning. Child abuse, incest, domestic violence, pedophilia, rape, gruesome murders

This is the final book in the DI Lorne Simpkins police procedural series, and it reads like a thank you gift to her fans. Overall, this is a moody but hopeful book with moments of reminiscing by police protagonists.

The police procedural storyline involves violent mutilation-murders committed by a female serial killer, but the underlying story includes serial pedophilia and horrendous cases of child abuse—mental and physical—for twenty years. This author’s pedophiles don’t “age-out” and now rape twenty-something yr-old women.

This is a nice ending to the DI Lorne Simpkin series, with a promise of more to come.

3 stars. I liked it.

[Rosemary Pizzullo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is first book I read by M.A. Comley. As the old cliché says "It was a page turner". I suffered a "book hangover" a couple of mornings from stay up late reading this book. It had a surprise ending. Much different than I had expected.

Even through this is last of series with DCI (I hope that I remember her rank correctly) Lorne Simpkins, one doesn't have to start from the very first one in series. There was enough background in the story for the reader, at least for this reader, to get to know the background of the characters.

M.A. Comley had just enter my list of my favorite authors. I look forward reading more books by her. Maybe it will be the first one in this series.

[Rhonda Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg soo sad the series is done. When will Charlie's and ladies book be out? Looking forward to seeing them and what mischief they get into and the crimes they solve.Hope to see Charlie and her k-9 companion at work!

Omg soo sad the series is done. When will Charlie's and ladies book be out? Looking forward to seeing them and what mischief they get into and the crimes they solve.Hope to see Charlie and her k-9 companion at work!This series gets a 5star rating for sure. It kept me riveted.

[wendi wigham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A successful finale

A murder, another murder, a book taped under a desk bringing to the second victim.
Two young girls pumped out by their father, throughout their childhood til now.
The older sister protecting her young dining as best she could, both victims of his physical and sexual abuse, the older sister promising escape soon.
It's got to stop and one of the world knows just how to doit.

[Barbara tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The justice books

What can I say except brilliant.Well written and I found myself so engrossed in the characters I couldn't wait to read the next book and the next book in the series. Fantastic read would thoroughly recommend these books. Now to start justice again books see how Charlie and Katy fair in the next series. M. A Comley if you like a good whodunit these are the books for you

[MsSilence68 · Rating 5 out of 5]

DI Lorne Warner has one last investigation before her and her wonderful husband, Tony, intend to retire. Lorne and her good friend, DS Katy Foster investigate a series of gruesome murders. Is it possible a woman is carrying out these brutal killings? It's a heart wrenching case that brings back memories for Lorne. I have loved every book in the series. Expertly written, book 19 in the Justice series, featuring Lorne, is the final one; it's the end! And what a fabulous ending it is. I shall miss Lorne and Tony.

[Jean-Marc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Read all 17 of Justice series. Found them very entertaining, had a difficult time putting them down for the night and could not wait to read the next one. I don’t usually read so many in a series as I find that usually having read one you have read them all. Liked the characters and each case was pretty well unique.