Sign of Evil

DI Sara Ramsey #11

by M.A. Comley

The love of money can be deadly...
And evil has an agenda.

DI Sara Ramsey is tasked with trying to solve yet another missing person case. This one is far more perplexing than any she’s dealt with before.

Amber Rowse was on a path of self-improvement which unfortunately led to her downfall. She's the first but it's not long before other girls end up on the missing list.

Can Sara and her intrepid team conquer the evil which confronts them, to save Amber and the other girls before their terrifying fate is revealed?

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 18, 2021

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]

This fantastic author has done it again, giving readers a story that grabs you from the start and doesn't let up until the fantastic ending! DI Sara Ramsey walks into the precinct in a great mood and ready to start the week...Her partner, Carla, is not in yet, which is strange but she gets on with the paperwork...Then Carla walks slowly into the office, in pain, black and blue all over...Beaten the night before outside her door...Left there unconscious...
Then there is a call...A young woman is missing...Sara and team must track her down...Then Another girl...Soon they are called to a field where the body of a woman is found, determined to have fallen from a plane by the medical examiner... Who is the perpetrator...Who is taking women, keeping them from their lives...What is he Doing to them...
Sara and her Team try to conquer evil, for their own and all in their area, even involving cops in other counties when needed....Let us hope the end of the case works better than the start!!!
I received an ARC from the author who I thank for my reading pleasure, and I offer You my honest thoughts and feelings in this review.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have I mentioned recently how much I love this DI Sara Ramsey series, and how much of a genius I think M. A. Comley is? Just in case I'd like to reiterate that now, for this is yet another cracking story that had me on the edge of my seat.

Completely different, but still a very evil villain, who is determined to make things very difficult for the police.

From the sections highlighting what was going on with the bad guy, I can say I have nothing but contempt and disgust, while at the same time being grudgingly impressed with just how they were acquiring the girls that have gone missing.

DI Sara Ramsay and her team are left almost scratching their heads at points, and I loved seeing how they tried to solve this one.

Due to a side plot involving Carla that I feel is going to be dealt with more in a future book, we got to see a bit more of Craig from the team when he went out as Sara's partner a few times during this case, and I enjoyed seeing their dynamic and getting to know another team member that little bit more.

All I know is this was fantastic, kept me hooked throughout and I was thinking about it even when not reading, I read the last 60% ish in one sitting, and I'm already craving more from this series!

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

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sign of evil by M.A. Comley.
DI Sara Ramsey book 11.
A girl has gone missing. It's up to Sara and her team to try and find her. Then another girl. Can they find out who it is before another girl goes missing?
Another cracker of a read. I love Sara and her team. They don't stop until they have their hands on the person responsible. I love the cover. Waiting for book 12. Dont want this series to end. 5,*.

[Linda Prather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! A riveting read that pulls you in from the very first page, wrings you out as you sit on the edge of your seat wondering what next, and lifts you up with a satisfying ending.

Nineteen year old Amber Rowse is in a pickle. She's overextended her credit and needs a high paying job fast. When the opportunity arises she simply can't pass it down. Does it sound too good to be true? Yes, but she needs the money. Amber heads off for her interview a little nervous but assured by her best friend she has it all under control. A limo picks her up from an appointed place and Amber's nervousness increases. When they arrive at an airport she's almost ready to run--but a handsome smiling face pulls her in. The first victim of a dastardly villain wiht devious plans. There will be more. Some will surivive, some will not.

DI Sara Ramsey at a current lull with murders takes on the case of Amber's disappearance. Her partner Carla is forced to sit this one out. Someone attacked her the night before. Sara is livid and on the sly asks her team look into things for Carla. Something she hopes to jump into as soon as Amber is found.

Sara's mind is also occupied with another budget cut that may force her to eliminate one of her team. Can she find the missing girls, solve the mystery of Carla's attack and fight to save her team? And if she does, will there be a personal cost at home?

A truly riveting fast paced thriller I couldn't put down. l love the way this author gives insight not only into the investigation, but also the minds of the villains and the victims. Definitely a 5* read and highly recommended.

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Without telling anyone except her best friend, Amber Rowse applies for a new job. It's a little orthodox, she's met by a limousine, and driven to a private airport. She's a little nervous now ... she really doesn't understand why an interview would be held on a plane. Overcoming her apprehension, she boards the plane an dis met by a handsome man who quizzes her about her life. When the engines start up, she is startled, demanding that she be let off. She is not seen or heard from again.

She's the first to go missing ... but there will be others after.

Sara and her excellent team are called to investigate. There are no clues, no DNA, no motives, the women are not connected in any way. No witnesses have come forward ... and Amber's best friend lies to the police. So who has abducted these women? For what reason?

As I have read this series, I've come to expect a well written page turner, with twists and turns that keep me riveted to the pages. Once again, I have not been disappointed. The suspense starts with the first page and holds steady throughout until the final unexpected conclusion.

A little bit of a cliff hanger. Sara's second, Carla, is found by her neighbor lying outside her door. She was beaten and kicked, and she's lucky there were no broken bones. Was she personally targeted ... or targeted by someone she's arrested in the past? This mystery is not solved... but I'm sure it will be.

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.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A missing person is never going to be an easy case for the police but this one, when more than one young woman goes missing, it starts to get a whole lot more sinister.

I have to take my hat off to this author with how she manages to come up with such compelling cases for the team to work on. With so many crime series’ out there it must be so hard trying to come up with something different yet M.A. Comley manages to nail it every time.

This was such a dark read. Certain characters made my blood boil and one in particular, well pure evil was what sprang to my mind. My heart went out to the victims and their families and I was urging Sara and her team to solve this case sooner rather than later.

Sign of Evil makes for an uncomfortable yet riveting read. As with all this authors novels, once I started, I couldn’t stop. The tension and pacing throughout was great and I love seeing how the team works together in solving the case. With how this one ends, I’m already eager for the next book in the series.

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]

My review will be live on my blog on 18th February 2021 - publication day!

This book was a completely additive read for me!!

I love this series and was delighted to see that there was a new release in the DI Sara Ramsey series, "Sign of Evil". I started and finished the book in an evening when my husband was on nights and I loved every page - it was a well written and additive thriller.

The book has a great plot and it is really well developed, I loved the characterisation and I really did grow to detest the one of the main characters - always the a sign of a good book for me!

Everything about the book worked for me from the stunning cover to the brilliant ending.

It is 5 stars from me for this one, really looking forward to the next release featuring Sara, Carla and the team - very highly recommended and this can easily be read as a stand alone too if you are only looking to dip in to the series

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great it was fabulous
It was about young women who got attacked and then got taken away
It was quite scary as a lot of things as happened to them
I had an ARC

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Sara finds out more girls are missing and money is involved her case gets more terrifying and as always it’s a ride and a half.
Great book by MA Comley

[Karolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amber Rowse was surprised to get an interview for the job which she really needed to help pay off some of her debts. Only her friend Sasha knew her plans for the day and she chatted to her on the short bus ride into the city, the car was going to meet her near the precinct. She was surprised the car was a limo, even more so that the interview was being conducted on an airplane! Amber couldn’t remember flying before but the guy was gorgeous so she was soon on the plane and they were chatting away. Then things took a turn for the worst, the guy wanted to try the fringe benefits of the job but Amber refused so things turned ugly.

DI Sara Ramsey went to see Amber’s parents when she was reported missing forty-eight hours later. Greg pointed Sara towards Sasha, her best friend. When Sara interviewed Sasha, there was no eye contact and she made it sound like they hardly saw each other or spoke at all. Sara and Craig were both surprised by her reaction. Sara agreed to put surveillance on Sasha and to a press conference that afternoon. Sara stayed late that evening, she received two calls that proved helpful after the news had gone out.

Sara and Cara were listening to the local radio news when Davina Harding told them about seeing Amber get into a limo, they couldn’t believe what she had done. Davina had made an appointment at an address but didn’t realise she was in danger. She knocked at the door and a man appeared behind her on the path and said he knew where the spare key was. He got the key from under the mat, then swiftly jabbed her in the neck and caught her as her legs gave way and slung her over his shoulder, then put her in his car. He then drove out to the airfield where he met his brother with the plane.

What do the men want with these women? Will Sara and the team be able to trace them and get the women back safely? Why wasn’t Sasha more worried about her friend?

This was a terrific read, M A Comley is definitely upping her game with her writing and its showing in her books. DI Sara Ramsey and her team are great characters. I can see the story unfolding in my head as I’m reading as the descriptive writing is so good.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - book 11 and just as fresh as the first... Usual series rules apply - I'm sure you know them by now...
We start with a missing girl. Disappeared after an interview. With Carla a bit indisposed, Sara teams up with Craig initially - which is great as we got to know him a bit better - but their investigations seem to stall a bit. Then there's another missing person and a body turns up in the middle of a field looking like it fell from a plane. Could this give the team the evidence they need to figure it all out and bring the perpetrators to justice once and for all...?
Firstly Sara has a few distractions in this book - Carla's attack and staffing levels - both of which I assume carry over to future storylines, so it is no shock that the case is initially a bit tricky. But, as always, professionalism shines through and it's not long until they are cooking on gas and it all becomes a race against time to bring the baddies down once they have been identified. These distractions just bring a bit of realism to the whole thing as they are things that people genuinely have to deal with - sadly in Carla's case.
Everything I'd expect from a book by this author is, once again, all present and correct herein. Pacing is perfect, it matches the story perfectly, which also gets on with itself very well with no superfluous waffle or padding. Characters are well drawn and act accordingly. Series characters continue to develop well. And the ending when it eventually came both left me satisfied and excited for the next book. Job well and truly done methinks...

[Livia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amber Rowse is both nervous and excited about her job interview that sounds like the job of her dreams , but when she doesn't return home her parents go out of their minds with worry ..DI Sara Ramsey's partner Carla is late for work .When she arrives she is bruised and shaken..She tells Sara she had been attacked and knocked out the previous night ..Sara tells Carla to go home but she insists on staying put.When the call comes through about the missing woman, Sara and Craig set off to the Rowse family home to find Amber's parents worried sick about their missing daughter. On questioning Amber's boyfriend he says Amber seemed distracted the last time he had seen her ..After a press conference witnesses come forward..but then another woman goes missing. It's a race against time to find out who and why ...But Sara , Carla and the team will never let up in their pursuit of truth and justice..Will they find the missing women before it's too late .? Book 11 in the series - Sara Ramsey is unstoppable..A Gripping dark Pageturner..And another fantastic read by Mel Comley..

[Mrs B E Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to be Sara's most perplexing  and stressful case to date. 

Amber, a young and ambitious girl, is keen to improve herself and pay off her debts, so decides to apply for a position that sounds both exciting and challenging. 

Dressed to impress, she sets off on the bus to meet her interviewer.  On the way, she gets a bout of nerves and calls her best friend who, although she herself has reservations, reassures Amber.

However, when Amber does not return home, her absence is reported to the police.  Sara is now charged with investigating Amber's disappearance.

Unusually, Carla - her partner, is late but when she arrives Sara is shocked by Carla's obvious injuries.  However, she realises that the disaappearance of a young girl must take priority and Carla assures her that she does not want to discuss her assault further. 

As the investigation continues, more young girls go missing and a hunt for the abductor begins in earnest. 

This is a tense, gritty and perturbing story that will have you gripped to the very end.  Highly Recommended.

[BrummieGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read! ‘Sign of Evil’ is another brilliant book in the DI Sara Ramsey series. As always I loved the familiarity of Sara, Carla, Lorraine, Craig and Marissa. I enjoy how their stories continue through the books and how their characters grow with the cases.

I really enjoyed the chapters from the kidnapper’s points of view. These gave real insight into the crime and having that, it heightened the tension when I read the police chapters. I saw the evil they were up against and it was definitely as scary as it gets.

I found this book to be full of action. There was always a lead to follow or something major happening which kept it moving at breakneck speed. I read it in less than a day so that’s how fast it went!

If you loved police procedurals that move at the speed of light, then this is one to be read. The perpetrators are disturbing to the highest degree. I certainly wouldn’t want to ever come across them. Another fab read not to be missed!

[Joanne Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very dark and disturbing addition to the Sara Ramsey series with some really hard to read scenes at times! When a young woman goes missing unexpectedly, Sara and her team have a tough job investigating especially when other women also go missing.
I read this is one sitting, determined to see it through till the end with the hope that all of girls survived their horrific ordeal. It certainly made me very wary after the way in which the girls went missing was revealed. But the author always delivers a gripping and compellingly realistic storyline so I knew that the answers when they came wouldn’t be contrived but essential to the plot.
MA Comley always pulls out all the stops with this series and I couldn’t put Sign of Evil down. I also liked how things have been set up for a storyline concerning a team member and can’t wait to read all about it!
Highly recommended as always!

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another outing for DI Sara Ramsey, her partner Carla, and her team (Book 11 in the series) and another great storyline. Although we know the perpetrators from quite early on this in no way takes away from the tension in the story.

Briefly, girls are being abducted and disappearing but initially no bodies are found. We know who has them but why? Are they abducted just for his own pleasure? Or is there a darker motive?

These books are easy to read and although the storyline is harrowing it isn’t graphic just a good, well thought out police procedural story. Another 5* for MA Comley from me.

[Marlene Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sign of Evil

This book was so good I read it in just over 2 afternoons. I love this series of DI Sara Ramsey and looking forward to number 12. The characters get you believing they are real people and therefore you are cheering them on to catch the bad guys. Made my husband jump a couple of times when I gasped out loud as the story went along. I even have a habit of telling my husband and son the synopsis and then keep updating him every 2 or 3 chapters, like to make it a family event. If you want a fast paced story that you won't want to put down then these books are brilliant.

[Felicity Gray1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author really knows how to put a great book together.
This is the next book in the exciting series of DI Sara Ramsay and her hard working team , and every bit as great as the others.
This team has got its work cut out trying to solve who is kidnapping locals girls and for what reason. With not many clues to go on they are hard pressed to know where to start but by progressively working through all their evidence they finally get their man.
A thoroughly enjoyable book which I would recommend to any reader.

[K Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story

I have enjoyed this series, good stories, and will no doubt read the next book. However, there are a couple of things that spoil it for me. I find Sara and Carla very childish, especially since they are supposed to be high ranking Police officers. I'm all for a bit of humour and love the likes of J D Kirk and J E Mayhew, also just can't warm to Carla at all who always contradicts her boss, sulks along with snide remarks. The ending was very rushed and not neatly tied up, too many loose ends which really spoilt the story which I had enjoyed till then.

[wendi wigham · Rating 4 out of 5]

High flyers.

When the Covid 19 pandemic has a negative effect on their financial services business, Older twin Harvey finds a way to make up the shortfall in their finances.
When the first girl goes missing whilst attending an interview for her dream job, there are some conditions she is not prepared accept.
A witness to some strange occurrences responds to a police request for info.
She disappears next.

[Maria Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sign of Evil is an excellent read and thrilling. DI Sara Ramsey and her team are notified that a girl has gone missing after attending a job interview. The investigation is made more difficult as Sara’s partner, Carla, arrives at work after an assault and is sent home to recuperate.

The story develops very rapidly and things are very sinister. I literally could not put the book down as I got so engrossed in the investigation.

Yet another 5* read.

[Mrs A. J. Turbfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another masterpiece from t his exciting author,. One of the best I have read for a while.this excellent series is still as enthralling as the first few episodes.

A beautifully written edition of the excellent series , Every bit as exciting as the previous episodes. Never a dull moment in this fast paced episode. Lovely.!

[Cindy Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sign of Evil: A fast-paced thriller (DI Sara Ramsey Book 11



As always one a the best writers has written another fantastic book, this was so good I even stayed up reading, just couldn't put it down, I love the characters in this book, anger at some, but now I am so excited to know there's another coming very soon, can't wait already ordered mine.

Cindy Riley

[Ivana Richards · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read, as usual from this author. Again,it's more Columbo than Poirot as the villains are named from the start,so there's no mystery involved. Unfortunately, there's no attempt whatsoever to actually wrap up the case so villain 3 gets off completely. On the plus side, for a novelty,there are none of the typo's and continuity errors that regularly appear in this series.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe this is book 11 in the series, I feel part of the characters families. The story begins with Amber heading to a job interview but disappears!!!!! I was hooked from beginning to end, fantastic story.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Series

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading this series. A book a day for me. Almost sad I’m getting ready to read the last one. That being sad, there’s plenty of action, & most of the books have a twist you don’t see coming.

[Kim J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this is a good story!

I loved this book, it engaged me from the beginning, and it didn't let go! A very fast paced, twisty read that kept you wondering throughout. These are the books in there series that i know and love.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read.
It continues the series of DI Sara Ramsey and her partner Carla as they investigates the disappearance of a girl that went missing after going for an interview, then more girls go missing.
I love the banter between Sara and Carla it makes the story enjoyable.

[Craig Gillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cracking read from this author. Story and characters are excellent as always

[Ian Crombie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Ramsay

Brilliant as usual Sarah Ramsay should be on the Tele. Mel is a fantastic writer. Looking forward to book no12. Well done again Mel x