DI Katy Foster knew she had big shoes to fill when her long-time partner DI Lorne Warner retired. Now she has a new partner, DC Charlie Simpkins, Lorne's daughter, and their first case together leaves them baffled.
A series of murders, and the deaths of two police officers leads to a dangerous investigation that makes no sense. One thing is certain — many more lives will be at risk unless Katy and her team can conquer the evil lurking within the city.
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 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.
What a stunning start to a new series!! DI Katy Foster has to take on the big cases without Lorne by her side, as she has retired and is at peace and happy..But she gains a new young officer to charge right beside her in DC Charlie Simpkins, Lorne's daughter!! Charlie has been doing excellent work in her time as an officer, and is ready to follow Katy's every order. The first case is one they struggle with, as two police officers and man and woman are found dead on a burning boat...How did this happen..Together they must dig in, checking any people in the area, searching for video that may save the day...Meanwhile there are attacks on those who own high-end automobiles..leaving the owners dead, and cars Gone.. A fast-moving, thrilling story that shows Katy and Charlie beginning to work as a well-oiled Team..The criminals had better Watch Out..A New dynamic duo hits the streets!!! A 5 STAR story of family, thugs, team work and finding a way to make things Right!! I received an ARC from the author, who I thank profusely, and I offer You my honest thoughts and feelings in this review.
DI Katy Foster has lost her long-time partner, DI Lorne Warner who has retired. Her replacement .. DC Charlie Simpkins.... Warner's daughter. They are now facing their first case together.
It starts on a boat .... a man and woman are killed by two men .... they also leave behind the bodies of two policemen. Why were policemen aboard? How did the killer get on and off without being seen?
And then follows a series of car thefts, leaving behind the murdered owners.
Nothing is making sense to Foster and Simpkins. Why are people being murdered when all the killers had to do was demand the keys? Most people aren't willing to lose their lives over a car that is probably insured. And why does it take four men to steal a car?
The more they investigate, the more questions they have.
As with all this author's books, the plot is tight, filled with action, and a list of suspects to keep an eye on. The characters are deftly drawn and the relationship between the two detectives is at the heart of the story. I've been a fan of the DI Lorne Warner books, so it's been fun to watch the next generation take their place in the world of law enforcement.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
What a brilliant start to this new series. DI Katy Foster takes over command when her long time partner and friend Lorne decides to retire, she is pleased to welcome Lorne's daughter Charlie to the team and she realises immediately what an asset she will be. No time for breathing space as they are thrown in at the deep end to investigate a gruesome killing where two members of the public and two police officers are brutally murdered on a luxury yacht. This is just the beginning of the fast-paced story which has plenty of action. Once again there is lots of background information and an insight into the lives of the characters which in my opinion enhances the read.
I love the start of a new series, especially when it is one of your favourite authors and you know you won’t have to wait too long for the next book. DI Lorne Warner has retired from the police force and DI Katy Foster has taken over her position, her new partner is DC Charlie Simpkins, Lorne’s daughter who we know well from previous books and right from the start is proving to be an excellent police officer, showing great potential. As well as Katy and Charlie, there are also quite a few other familiar characters in the team. This book starts with the murder of a couple and two police officers on a yacht and is quickly followed by several more murders in which expensive motor vehicles are stolen. Once again this is a fast-paced thrilling story as this author does not mess around trying to fill the pages with unnecessary additives…. Short, sweet (sometimes) and gets to the point. I love the realistic personal sides to these books and love getting to know each character and more about their personal lives. Once again I have to give this book 5* and would highly recommend starting this new series now, as I can assure you the second book is around the corner.
This book begins The Justice Again Series, a new series with familiar faces. From the Justice series, DI Katy Foster steps in to fill the position occupied by the retiring Lorne Simpkins. Stepping up as her assistant is Lorne’s daughter, Charlie. They’ve got the skills and they’ve got a puzzler with this case. A fast-moving storyline with plenty of twists kicks this series off in high gear. Start now with the first and see this series through. You’ll be glad you did. This team is a winner!
There is a public outrage because their is two police man and two others have been brutally murdered on a yacht Lorne has retired and Charlie has joined the team I had ARC
What possible motive could there be for a man, woman and two police officers to be killed on a boat on the Thames. Why are high performance cars being stolen and the owners of the vehicles being killed?
With DI Katy Foster taking over from DI Lorne Warner and Lorne’s daughter, DC Charlie Simpkins working with Katy, you can expect great things from this new series.
There are vicious thugs with no care for life at all in this story, they certainly made my pulse race due to their evil ways. Some wonderful characters and a well written story. Looking forward to reading more as this first book in the series has started with a bang.
As a huge fan of the Justice series with the wonderful Lorne Warner, I was a bit dubious about a spin off series which has DI Katy Foster at the helm with a new partner, Lorne’s daughter. I was wary about how it would all work not having Lorne in the lead but Katy instead. Also having seen Charlie growing up in the previous series, how would I take to her now being in the police force herself? Lorne has left some pretty big boots to fill but I have to say the author has nailed it.
Katy makes a great boss to her team and her personal life is quite different to Lorne’s which I think helps separate both women and made sure as an avid reader of this authors books, I wasn’t comparing the two women. I also enjoyed seeing Charlie as a grown woman and proving herself. As with Katy, I wondered if Charlie would end up being in the shadows of her mother’s career but she seems to be showing everyone just what she is capable of and making her own stamp on things.
What better way to start a series off than with a high body count. They just keep stacking up of which the author concentrates more on the police procedural side of things which worked well in letting the readers get to know the new dynamics and team better. It doesn’t make for any less of a griping read as it turns into a race against time and the pace kept ramping up having me racing through the pages.
Gone In Seconds has so much going on that I was firmly glued to the pages and storyline. Its a great start to a new series that has left me eager for more as well as leaving me in no doubt that this is going to be every bit as enjoyable as the original Justice series. A thrilling, edge of your seat read.
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Ray Thatcham was having a lazy day on his boat with Tina to fetch him drinks when it was rudely interrupted by two thugs who had suddenly come aboard looking for him. Their boss had sent them to see if Ray had made a delivery but he had decided to do it later. One guy saw red and shot Tina in the leg. Things get heavier so Ray bargains for his life, offering each guy one hundred grand which they accept so he transfers the money but he still gets shot in the stomach. They then realise there is a police boat coming up behind them. The police board and mention a call about gunshots coming from the boat. Ray denies it. One policeman then points to the blood on the deck and questions Ray. The thug with the gun shoots the policemen and they untie the police boat so it drifts off. Ray starts the engine and they set off up the river. When Ray increases the throttle so the boat surges forward, the goons beat him up again but they don’t know how to steer the boat so Ray steers with blurred vision. When they were round the curve, the thugs want off, they cut Ray’s throat, he loses control of the boat and the boat crashes into the bank, bursting into flames.
The next day, DI Katy Foster and DC Charlie Simpkins visit the scene of the crash to find the boat is out of bounds, all four victims had been shot but only one has been named, that is Ray Thatcham. Two of the victims were police officers. After the postmortem, they believe it is Ray, so they visit his wife to break the news and try to get more details about him. She is not very helpful so they visit his business partner Dan and he admits that Ray was having an affair with Tina, one of the office girls but he’s schtum on their business dealings. Back at the office, Steve had some CCTV footage showing the two thugs getting on the boat, from a different disc they can follow it through frame by frame, the boarding, the shootings, the police boarding and getting shot and on the third disc, they got to follow the boat up to the bend.
Why would someone want Ray Thatcham dead? Who was in the black range rover waiting for them? Now they just had to try and find the thugs…
This is the start of a new series, a spin off from ‘The Justice Series’ by M A Comley and this has Lorne’s daughter, Charlie, in it. I loved reading this book from start to finish. The characters DI Katy Foster and DC Charlie Simpkin work well together. I feel as though I am living the scene in my head whilst reading as the writing is so descriptive. This book was just brilliant. Already looking forward to the next one!
This book is like going out and meeting up with old friends. The Justice series was a great series and really made you love the characters. Justice Reborn is what I would call this as again the old crew is back in the first of this new series. Katy is the leader of this group and there is still a Simpkins involved this time its the daughter Charlie. Sean is still overall in charge and still seems to be a jerk at times. I must say he shows Katy a much different tone and attitude then he had with Lorne. I think Charlie fits in well with the team and despite the fact that her mother ran this team it hasn't coloured the rest of the team that she is a rookie within the team. Reading further into the book you start feeling for Sean but you know that he is strong and capable and also has the support of many friends. The story in itself was very interesting but I seemed more attracted to the personal issues that happen with the team. I really can't wait for more from this series. I also think Charlie will become a favoured character as she seems to have such great potential.
What a fantastic start to a new series! Katy has big boots to fill after Lorne leaves the force but has a great new partner to work with. Great chemistry between Katy and Charlie plus the rest of the team. Fantastic story, leaves little to the imagination in some parts! Had to put it down and breathe a few times! But absolutely loved every word. So looking forward to the next in the series.
With DI Lorne Warners retiring and Katy Foster taking over her position and Lornes Daughter Charlie Simpkins been put together, to investigate a sinister case and their team. This being DC Charlie Simpkins first big case.
The case starts with the deaths of 3 men, two whom are police officers and a woman on a yacht. As the investigation opens up a lot more there are more murders and the team find that there are some very nasty, evil killers, keeping them on their toes.
This is yet again a very well written story and is fast paced. Highly recommend and look forward to more in this series.
Gone in seconds by MA Comley. This is book 1 of justice again series. Absolutely brilliant. Love this spin-off. Loved what Katy said We’re whiter than a snow drift in New Mexico and can’t abide dodgy coppers. I loved Charlie and Katy together. Brilliant. I'm looking forward to the next book. 5*.
I'm afraid I found this a very formulaic book, and wasn't surprised to see that the author has churned out a large number of similar volumes. The book seemed to be mainly conversation, with a gruesomely unnecessary bit of gang violence shoved in the middle. Evidently, there are many fans, but I am not one of them.
So... after being one of my favourite series of books which I discovered way back in 2011, the Justice series recently came to an end. Boo! Hiss! Noooo! were some of the publishable reactions I had to that news. But, and it's an important but coming here. I trust this author implicitly. I know she had something up her sleeve to fill the gap. And... here it is... This book is the start of a new series featuring Lorne's former sidekick (and good friend) now re-promoted to DI Katy Foster and... wait for it... Lorne's own daughter, now DC Charlie Simpkins...! Yay, all the YAYS in fact. And... breathe... and get a bit scared... Will it stand up? Will it work? Will I love it just as much...? Oh yeah... and then some! And, aside from everything else, I get to keep in touch with Lorne. To see what she's up to, I don't think I could cope with having to say a final goodbye to someone I have grown rather fond of over the past 9 years! It's also nice that some of the other Justice series characters also continue herein - Sean and AJ being most notable. Anyway... I digress... Let's get back to Katy and Charlie and their first case together. And it's a doozy! We start with the death of a couple on a boat. Not only them though but they also find the bodies of two police officers. Talk about hit the ground running for their first case. But they both come from good stock and they know what to do and how to follow the evidence. And where it takes them... well... you'll just have to read the book to find that out! As with everything this author touches this book is fiction gold. It has EVERYTHING I need to make a good book a great read. As per usual I cleared the decks of anything else I needed to do before starting this as I just knew I would not want to put it down even for a second. And I didn't. I read on and on, following every delicious clue, laughing at the banter and comedy moments the author is so well known for along the way. Intrigued by the path the case was taking and willing on the good guys to save the day. As per usual, there is no superfluous padding so the story gets on with itself very nicely and, to be honest, for the majority at a breakneck speed. I was exhausted when I turned the final page. Exhausted but wholly satisfied. So yeah... sad that Lorne's chapter has closed (apart from the odd short flashback novella hopefully) but very excited for the future of Katy and Charlie... Really looking forward to seeing what's next for our new crime-busting duo...
t was a real surprise to find out that Mel Comley had decided to reinvent and bring back her famous Justice series with a nice little twist. I was a HUGE fan of the Justice series and it was the first book in that series that introduced to Mel’s books and the rest, as they say, is history! I don’t don’t how she does it but with each new book she brings out, she still manages to keep her plot lines interesting and intriguing. She is a natural storyteller who brings so much pleasure to her fans so if you haven’t discovered her yet then the start of the new series is a great excuse to get addicted!
Now Lorne is a very big character to have to follow but DI Katy Foster does a brilliant job of following in her former boss’s footsteps. And there is a connection to the previous series as Lorne’s daughter Charlie is now DC Simpson and is involved in this new case. From the opening few pages of Gone In Seconds it is obvious that they are dealing with people that it’s impossible to bargain with-money is their God and no one will stop them from getting what they want, when they want it. The murders that occur are vicious and violent but Katy and Charlie are determined to bring the criminal minds behind them to justice.
This is a brilliant start to the new series and one that I couldn’t put down. Katy has always been a relatable character, struggling to balance her career with motherhood and her home life so it was lovely to meet her once again as she took charge-proving to herself and others that being a mum doesn’t have to mean the end of an often dangerous career. And I think she’s going to do a brilliant job!
Once again Mel has delivered what her readers expect from her books-I thoroughly enjoyed escaping into Gone In Seconds and went straight onto the second book in the series once I had finished it. And the review on that one will be along very soon!
What a fantastic introduction to this new Series! Gone In Seconds is a brilliant first book in the new Justice Again Series and with a bang. After DI Lorne Simpkins re-married and made the decision to leave the Force, she and her new husband, Tony Warner, moved from London to Norolk to open a dog sanctuary. Now the new duo, consisting of DI Katy Foster and her partner, Charlie Simpkins - Lorne's courageous daughter, must work hard on their first case together. A man, woman and two unarmed police officers have been brutally murdered aboard a private yacht in the middle of the river. The questions are, how and where did the perpertrators board and disembark from the yacht, how did they escape without being seen and why did they kill four people yet not steal a valuable yacht. With no apparent witnesses or weapons as evidence, Kate, Charlie and the team must work quickly to trace and apprehend these ruthless killers and prevent the violence from escalating. A fast moving, totally gripping novel, and a hard hitting first book in the Justice Again Series that, whilst briefly referencing the past, seemlessly moves forward into the future with this wonderful new female duo of young police officers. After reading the entire Justice Series I didn't think anything could be as gripping but this first book in the new Justice Again Series hits the ground running and l cannot wait for book two. A really current, action packed and exciting story - not to be missed.
From the moment the Justice series ended I have been hoping that there would be a a spin off and I'm over the moon that it has arrived.
We have a whole bunch of familiar faces including Katy, alongside Charlie Simpkins.
Longtime fans of the Justice series will have seen Charlie grow up, mature, and become the adult she is today, and I found it rather surreal that we now get to see what she is like as a detective.
It is though the first book in a brand new series, and can easily be read as a standalone, and based on this introduction, it is promising to be another fabulous M.A. Comley series.
I read this in one sitting in two straight hours, while on holiday and was oblivious to the world around me, I just about remembered to take sips of water to stay hydrated in the heat while reading!
It was great seeing Katy lead an investigation as I'm so used to her being more secondary to Lorne, so it's good to see her in a whole new light, and I think as the series and Charlie's experience progresses she will become even better.
It's another superbly excellent book from an author that I ran out of superlatives for a while back! Just please don't make us wait too long for more, given Justice is my favourite series, its only logical i i want more from this police team.
Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
This is the first in the Justice Again series and wow what a start! I had loved the initial Justice series by this author and was sad at its demise but this has given me high hopes for another smash hit.
After DI Lorne Warner’s retirement, Katy Foster takes the reins to run the team together with newly appointed DC Charlie Simpkins. It was amazing to see Charlie in her new role following in the footsteps of her mother, Lorne, and it felt so good. Having watched Charlie grow up in the Justice series, it was exciting to see her progression.
The team are investigating the deaths of four men found murdered on a yacht, two of which were policemen. The investigation takes the team on a fast-moving hunt for the killers but, with the body count growing and appearing to be connected to the thefts of high-end motors, they have to act fast.
This was a brilliant read and I can’t wait to read more in this series.
A rip-roaring start to a brand new series. I truly felt as if I were reuniting with old friends as I followed Katy and Charlie on their first investigation together.
A brutal attack leaves four dead, two of which are police officers. Katy and Charlie begin their investigation with a lot more questions than answers and time isn't on their side. Another murder occurs and a young man is beaten to death presumably for his car. Are the cases connected? They don't have long to wonder as the body count keeps rising and another car is stolen. The team works relentlessly to research every clue, determined to stop this gang before they kill again.
A top-notch mystery/thriller with lots of twists and turns that will keep you guessing as the action doesn't stop. Highly recommended to crime thriller lovers.
Wow, this new series certainly kicks off with a bang. 4 murder victims are found on a boat , 2 of whom are unarmed police officers. So starts a new investigation for D I Katy Holmes and her new partner DC Simpkins daughter of her old partner D I Lorne Warner who has retired and whose shoes she has filled. Suddenly there is a spate of high end car thefts with the owners all being killed at the scene . The race is on to find the killers , a team of 4 extremely violent men , before they claim their next victim High octane cars and high octane story from M A Comley. The plots & sub plots keep you guessing from the start and the new partnership of Holmes & Simpkins is starting to gel nicely too. Great read.
I'm really glad this series has started with Det. Lorne's daughter, Charlie stepping in as a new partner for Det. Katy! It was a good read but so short. This book was more of a novella than a novel. It was more of an appetizer than an éntree. But then I admit I didn't pay any attention to the # of pages before purchasing it. It can get quite pricey if each book is so short. But with all that said, I really enjoyed your work as always Ms. Comley!!!
Have to say this book is far superior to he last ones in the Justice series. Katy & Charlie make a better team, with mutual respect and a similar outlook. Hopefully Sean Roberts will learn to keep his personal life separate from his work life. Always awkward working with a boss who changes familiarity depending on mood. Lorne is not missed, her daughter already showing more professionalism. A good read, hope the series continues to build on the strengths show so far.
A brilliant start to a new series!! DC Charlie Simpkins has taken over from her mother Lorne who has now retired as partner to DI Katy Foster & their first case together is a humdinger. Gang related crimes involving high end vehicles whilst killing off the owners have made sure the two of them have their work cut out !! Lots of action and gory details to keep the reader totally involved. Thoroughly enjoyed this book & look forward to many more.
After being so upset that Lorne’s adventures are over, you have once again thrilled me with a fabulous tale. The chemistry between Katy and Charlie is great and it will be so much fun seeing how that matures in the future. Perhaps Lorne might be helping DI Ramsey with some of those cold cases. A man can wish, right? Keep at it! I love all of your characters, to date. Thank you!!!
Fast pacing well written book, great start of a new series. DI Katy Foster has a new partner DC Charlie Simpkins the daughter of her old partner DI Lorne Warner. Two members of the public and two police officers are shot on a luxury boat, then luxury cars are stolen after their owners are brutally killed. Foster and Simpkins are great characters that you get to know more as the book continues, looking forward to reading more in the series.
Having been stuck with no reading mojo I was thrilled to receive a copy of the first book in the new series starring DI Katy Foster and DS Charlie Simpkins - daughter of the famous Lorne.
I’m glad to say that within the first pages I was hooked. Fast moving, gory at times and our new team trying to solve it.