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Crying Shame
Loved by his community. Savagely bludgeoned to death.
The first in a string of brutal murders rock the city. For DI Katy Foster and her team, time is running out to catch the sadistic killer.
The crimes are disturbing. The evidence isn’t adding up. And the latest victim’s family are nowhere to be seen.
Their only lead, a mysterious caller who proclaims to have known all the victims.
From NY Times bestselling author who brought you the Justice Series, M.A. Comley now brings you Crying Shame, the fifth book in this police procedural spin-off series, an often gut-wrenching read, a novel not to be missed.
Other books in this series are:
Gone in Seconds
Ultimate Dilemma
Shot of Silence
Taste of Fury
Crying Shame
The first in a string of brutal murders rock the city. For DI Katy Foster and her team, time is running out to catch the sadistic killer.
The crimes are disturbing. The evidence isn’t adding up. And the latest victim’s family are nowhere to be seen.
Their only lead, a mysterious caller who proclaims to have known all the victims.
From NY Times bestselling author who brought you the Justice Series, M.A. Comley now brings you Crying Shame, the fifth book in this police procedural spin-off series, an often gut-wrenching read, a novel not to be missed.
Other books in this series are:
Gone in Seconds
Ultimate Dilemma
Shot of Silence
Taste of Fury
Crying Shame
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2021
65 people are currently reading
41 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 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 10, 2021
Wow...A simply sensational story incorporating tough subjects and social topics into a search for a brutal killer with a back woods reasoning for the murders. You will be drawn into police partners Katie and Charlie's dedicated fight chasing a vicious killer causing heartache in their precinct. Twists, turns and unacceptable treatment of others, this author has you viewing things differently, perhaps changing your mind about certain topics. You will definitely Feel, the hate, the fear, the stress as the cops still have not solved the first murder when there is another, then another...
The crimes are disturbing, sickening even, the evidence is not there, and the shock does not miss the cops themselves, who keep working with horrid thoughts skipping through their minds. It is inevitable, no matter how hard Katie tries to keep the Team's mental health safe. An intense story that will have you rushing through pages praying for a Good ending. There are a few surprises along the way, the writing will capture your heart, and perhaps, as I have, you will find yourself thinking of the feelings this story brought to you...
The crimes are disturbing, sickening even, the evidence is not there, and the shock does not miss the cops themselves, who keep working with horrid thoughts skipping through their minds. It is inevitable, no matter how hard Katie tries to keep the Team's mental health safe. An intense story that will have you rushing through pages praying for a Good ending. There are a few surprises along the way, the writing will capture your heart, and perhaps, as I have, you will find yourself thinking of the feelings this story brought to you...
October 14, 2021
A man is beaten to death .. and worse.. and left in a local park where he was running. No witnesses, no clues, no motive found. By all accounts, he was loved by his family, respected by his work colleagues.
Then another man is found dead, having been tortured .. and then another. The latest victim's wife and infant daughter are missing. No one knows where they are.
Their only lead comes in the form of an anonymous caller who states he knew all of the victims. Who is he and what connects these cases?
DI Katie Foster and her team are called in to investigate and what they find is stranger... and more dangerous... than they ever could have imagined.
Crying Shame, the fifth book in this police procedural spin-off series, is a gut-wrenching read, a novel not to be missed. Although 5th in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone. However, I would recommend starting at the beginning of this compelling series.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this police procedural/crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
October 6, 2021
Katy and Charlie are back with another spate of crimes that soon become apparent are race related. Racism is certainly not an easy topic to stomach, more so in today’s world but yet sadly is still as rife as ever. Am glad that the author has written a storyline that covers it though as I hope it will change some people’s outlook and make them think twice about how they think.
The murders are shocking and upsetting, not just for the families but for the team working on the case. The author counters this though with a couple of familiar faces that bring a bit of comfort and light to this otherwise dark and disturbing read.
Crying Shame is a gripping read that covers a subject that is very much happening in today’s world. This does make it a slightly sombre read but the author delivers on the chills whilst the pacing was strong and steady, increasing with each chapter until she turns up the throttle and has you hurdling towards the ending. A grippingly good crime thriller!
The murders are shocking and upsetting, not just for the families but for the team working on the case. The author counters this though with a couple of familiar faces that bring a bit of comfort and light to this otherwise dark and disturbing read.
Crying Shame is a gripping read that covers a subject that is very much happening in today’s world. This does make it a slightly sombre read but the author delivers on the chills whilst the pacing was strong and steady, increasing with each chapter until she turns up the throttle and has you hurdling towards the ending. A grippingly good crime thriller!
October 26, 2021
Oh what an emotive story line this was, however so so important and the author covered this so well.
I was heartbroken, angry and invested all at the same time.
This is a book where when I had finished,
I wished I could read on to find out what happened in court.
This is such a good read. I can’t recommend it enough.
In my opinion, it would be helpful if you read the justice series first (which is definitely not to be missed anyway!!), because there is a fab little, exciting surprise at the end of this.
Woop woop
I was heartbroken, angry and invested all at the same time.
This is a book where when I had finished,
I wished I could read on to find out what happened in court.
This is such a good read. I can’t recommend it enough.
In my opinion, it would be helpful if you read the justice series first (which is definitely not to be missed anyway!!), because there is a fab little, exciting surprise at the end of this.
Woop woop
October 9, 2021
Wow, wow, wow. I have raced through this book unable to put it down for a second, apart from to sleep. The villains are completely and utterly disgusting excuses for human beings, and are everything that is wrong in the country at the moment.
Which makes this a rather current book given everything that has gone in in the past couple of years, and the disgusting motivations behind this crime wave in the book, which M. A. Comley has clearly been rather sensitive in her writing and must have researched well.
And how it is to be back amongst D. I. Katy Foster and Charlie, I'm loving how their partnership is starting to develop. This was far more though about the policework and the crimes than their personal stories in this instance, which was good to see, as I was willing them the whole way through to put a stop to this crime wave sooner than later.
The manner in which the victims die are horrific, and when you then learn about the people that have died, it feels completely wrong, and I just felt for all the families affected.
And then M. A. Comley throws in some other unexpected surprises and blasts from the past that have me especially by the epilogue rather excited!
I absolutely love this series, and this is without a doubt in my mind the best book in the Justice Again series so far!
Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Which makes this a rather current book given everything that has gone in in the past couple of years, and the disgusting motivations behind this crime wave in the book, which M. A. Comley has clearly been rather sensitive in her writing and must have researched well.
And how it is to be back amongst D. I. Katy Foster and Charlie, I'm loving how their partnership is starting to develop. This was far more though about the policework and the crimes than their personal stories in this instance, which was good to see, as I was willing them the whole way through to put a stop to this crime wave sooner than later.
The manner in which the victims die are horrific, and when you then learn about the people that have died, it feels completely wrong, and I just felt for all the families affected.
And then M. A. Comley throws in some other unexpected surprises and blasts from the past that have me especially by the epilogue rather excited!
I absolutely love this series, and this is without a doubt in my mind the best book in the Justice Again series so far!
Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
October 6, 2021
Another sensational book in the series with DI Katy Foster and DS Charlie Simpkins.
A gruesome sight opens up for Katy and Charlie when they are contacted by Carol Lorne’s old friend to go to what turned out to be a Murder scene. A body that has been brutally attacked and dumped in the undergrowth leaves them with no clue as to the whys. The team rally together to try and piece together the gentleman’s last moments but with very little to go on it’s proving difficult.
Over the following few days they have another 2 to deal with and it’s looking more and more as if these are race related attacks.
A very intense read and one is left wondering why racial crimes like this are carried out.
A gruesome sight opens up for Katy and Charlie when they are contacted by Carol Lorne’s old friend to go to what turned out to be a Murder scene. A body that has been brutally attacked and dumped in the undergrowth leaves them with no clue as to the whys. The team rally together to try and piece together the gentleman’s last moments but with very little to go on it’s proving difficult.
Over the following few days they have another 2 to deal with and it’s looking more and more as if these are race related attacks.
A very intense read and one is left wondering why racial crimes like this are carried out.
October 9, 2021
Katy and Charlie are called out to a horrendous murder scene and it’s not long before things take a turn for the worse.
Is there a connection between the victims? In a race against time, Katy and Charlie must solve the case to save some lives.
With some old and familiar faces involved in this story, it made for a great read.
I struggled with the story due to the racism but one thing you can’t fault with this author, it’s that she doesn’t shy away from topical subjects. With some of the stories we have seen on the news lately, this is a subject that has needed covering.
Is there a connection between the victims? In a race against time, Katy and Charlie must solve the case to save some lives.
With some old and familiar faces involved in this story, it made for a great read.
I struggled with the story due to the racism but one thing you can’t fault with this author, it’s that she doesn’t shy away from topical subjects. With some of the stories we have seen on the news lately, this is a subject that has needed covering.
October 6, 2021
Det Katy Foster says he is the 1st of a brutal murder
It is a disturbing murder that isn’t adding up
But there is a lead on a mystery caller
Can she catch him or her
I had an ARC
It is a disturbing murder that isn’t adding up
But there is a lead on a mystery caller
Can she catch him or her
I had an ARC
October 11, 2021
This is book 5 of this series which is a spin off from the original Justice series, of which there are many books and novellas. Obviously it's always best to start from the beginning but I understand, in this case, that's a bit of an ask but I would recommend you at least start from book one in this series! You'll get the best from the series characters if you do so...
So, in this book, our dynamic duo - Katy and Charlie - have their work cut out for them in what looks like a spate of hate crimes, specifically race related hate crimes. And rather nasty ones at that. It's a topic that's all too prevalent in the days we find ourselves in at present, and all too sickening and unnecessary. But Katy and Charlie have a bit of help in the form of a well loved familiar face and also, towards the end another of this author's very well known and loved characters pops up bringing a bit if hope with them! But I'll leave the detail to you to find out :)
It's an important storyline and one that will serve well to hopefully aid the fight against such things but, as will all this author's books, there are lighter moments which redress the balance and keep it from getting too dark. Yes, I'm also talking about the author's trademark banter here too, and also a bit of bickering towards the end! We also get the usual, well balanced, delve into the characters' personal lives which mainly serves to bring the reader closer to them rather than distracting from the main story. Which is delivered with the usual complete lack of padding or waffle so that it gets on with itself very well.
All in all, a cracking addition to not only this series but also to the author's already impressive back catalogue. Roll on next time.
So, in this book, our dynamic duo - Katy and Charlie - have their work cut out for them in what looks like a spate of hate crimes, specifically race related hate crimes. And rather nasty ones at that. It's a topic that's all too prevalent in the days we find ourselves in at present, and all too sickening and unnecessary. But Katy and Charlie have a bit of help in the form of a well loved familiar face and also, towards the end another of this author's very well known and loved characters pops up bringing a bit if hope with them! But I'll leave the detail to you to find out :)
It's an important storyline and one that will serve well to hopefully aid the fight against such things but, as will all this author's books, there are lighter moments which redress the balance and keep it from getting too dark. Yes, I'm also talking about the author's trademark banter here too, and also a bit of bickering towards the end! We also get the usual, well balanced, delve into the characters' personal lives which mainly serves to bring the reader closer to them rather than distracting from the main story. Which is delivered with the usual complete lack of padding or waffle so that it gets on with itself very well.
All in all, a cracking addition to not only this series but also to the author's already impressive back catalogue. Roll on next time.
October 29, 2021
Book 5 in the Justice Again series and another great easy read. Don’t you sometimes think books are just too complicated with so many characters and plot lines? Well I can assure you that whilst the plot lines and characters are great this is not complicated. Just a fabulous read. Although it can easily be read as a stand-alone, reading the previous books in the series will give you an insight into some of the characters you will meet in this book.
Briefly, DI Katy Foster and her partner DS Charlie Simpkins are investigating the murder of a jogger in Hyde Park and the disappearance of his wife and baby. Is this an isolated incident? When another body is found, similarly brutalised and murdered, a pattern is emerging. Can Katy and her team prevent any further deaths?
The book deals with an issue that is currently high profile and sadly one that is unlikely to go away. It is dealt with in a sympathetic manner whilst still bringing the issue to the fore. There is the usual banter between the main characters which relieves the tension for the detectives. Also nice to see Carol and Lorne making a cameo appearance. A good read and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Briefly, DI Katy Foster and her partner DS Charlie Simpkins are investigating the murder of a jogger in Hyde Park and the disappearance of his wife and baby. Is this an isolated incident? When another body is found, similarly brutalised and murdered, a pattern is emerging. Can Katy and her team prevent any further deaths?
The book deals with an issue that is currently high profile and sadly one that is unlikely to go away. It is dealt with in a sympathetic manner whilst still bringing the issue to the fore. There is the usual banter between the main characters which relieves the tension for the detectives. Also nice to see Carol and Lorne making a cameo appearance. A good read and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 17, 2021
Fantastic
Another gripping read. When the body of a jogger is found beaten to death Katy and Charlie are swiftly on the case in trying to identify the man. When they attempt to inform his family, they find the house in disarray and the wife and child missing. When another body is found the next day, the team begin to suspect that these are racially motivated crimes as both victims are black. As more bodies are found it becomes clear they are up against a vicious gang seeking out young black men to torture and kill.
Katy and the team are desperate to track down this gang to prevent more lives being lost and also to find the missing mother and child. This book also sees brief appearances by Lorne and Carol from the previous Justice series.
Another gripping read. When the body of a jogger is found beaten to death Katy and Charlie are swiftly on the case in trying to identify the man. When they attempt to inform his family, they find the house in disarray and the wife and child missing. When another body is found the next day, the team begin to suspect that these are racially motivated crimes as both victims are black. As more bodies are found it becomes clear they are up against a vicious gang seeking out young black men to torture and kill.
Katy and the team are desperate to track down this gang to prevent more lives being lost and also to find the missing mother and child. This book also sees brief appearances by Lorne and Carol from the previous Justice series.
October 17, 2021
When DI Katy Foster and her partner DS Charlie Simpkins are called out to a murder scene at Hyde Park , they find a young man dead lying in the undergrowth...brutally murdered and discarded like trash ..with no identification..Katy feels this will be a difficult case to handle from the start ..The following day when another body is discovered in the river , both Katy and Charlie are shocked at the find ..As a link is found in the case and other murders follow it soon becomes clear these are race crimes ...but what kind of monster or monsters could be capable for such heinous actions ...? Katy and Charlie make a wonderful team ..Book 5 in the spin off Justice series - Crying Shame makes you feel for the injustice of it all ...5 stars ...
March 22, 2022
What a great read!
There is nothing I abhor more than racism! And the only spoiler I will put out is just that! So now that you know what the storyline centers on 😂, I will also say that this was superbly written. It could be a stand alone, but where's the fun on that? I am truly loving the characters in this series, and I hope that there is many .ore stories about them to come in the future! The last thing g I will say about this bok, is it's very original ! I have not read another police procedural about this at all! I highly recommend this book!
There is nothing I abhor more than racism! And the only spoiler I will put out is just that! So now that you know what the storyline centers on 😂, I will also say that this was superbly written. It could be a stand alone, but where's the fun on that? I am truly loving the characters in this series, and I hope that there is many .ore stories about them to come in the future! The last thing g I will say about this bok, is it's very original ! I have not read another police procedural about this at all! I highly recommend this book!
October 24, 2021
Did it again
When I started reading this one, I thought this is reality in a book. Things like this has happened and still is going on. I hope one day all can put their prejudice aside against not only blacks but all cultures and other things. Love your writings keep it going!
When I started reading this one, I thought this is reality in a book. Things like this has happened and still is going on. I hope one day all can put their prejudice aside against not only blacks but all cultures and other things. Love your writings keep it going!
October 24, 2021
Brilliant read
I have read the series of five books one after another. They are exciting and scary at times but never dull and I couldn’t get enough of them. I can’t wait for the next one.
I have read the series of five books one after another. They are exciting and scary at times but never dull and I couldn’t get enough of them. I can’t wait for the next one.
October 14, 2021
A great read
October 18, 2021
Just the usual fantastic read from this author. Nails it every time
October 23, 2021
Justice Again Series
I really liked each and every book in this series, and I hope there will be more coming. Also want to see more with Lorne in the books.
I really liked each and every book in this series, and I hope there will be more coming. Also want to see more with Lorne in the books.
November 8, 2021
Difficult subject matter
Beautifully written as always, but, conceding a very difficult current problem. Would like to know what Justice wandered out to such vile human beings.
Beautifully written as always, but, conceding a very difficult current problem. Would like to know what Justice wandered out to such vile human beings.
December 1, 2021
Katy & Charlie are great characters and I always enjoy getting stuck into their cases. Even gruesome ones like this!
Excellent books
Excellent books
February 15, 2022
A must
As usual an excellent read. A difficult topic to tackle but it was written well. Looking forward to reading the next one.
As usual an excellent read. A difficult topic to tackle but it was written well. Looking forward to reading the next one.
March 2, 2023
Loved it
One of the better books in this series had you guessing right up to the end good to see Lorne back again too
One of the better books in this series had you guessing right up to the end good to see Lorne back again too
August 28, 2023
Brilliant
Another utterly fabulous b9ok couldn't put it down ..I love Katy and Charlie's partnership can't wait for the next one xx
Another utterly fabulous b9ok couldn't put it down ..I love Katy and Charlie's partnership can't wait for the next one xx
June 2, 2025
Marg’s bed time read
Great series u can’t keep a good policewoman down , these books have lent of action and drama , can’t wait to read the next book
Great series u can’t keep a good policewoman down , these books have lent of action and drama , can’t wait to read the next book
October 14, 2021
Not a book for the faint hearted but should be a must read.
Katie and the team are called to a murder victim found in a park, no clues are forthcoming and more murders begin to happen. Very topical and gut wrenching but a great read. Highly recommended.
Katie and the team are called to a murder victim found in a park, no clues are forthcoming and more murders begin to happen. Very topical and gut wrenching but a great read. Highly recommended.
November 16, 2021
Wow, this is a really hard hitting tale that will stay with you even after you have finished the book. Another excellent must read in the Justice Again Series. Very highly recommended.
The story covers one of the most current and disturbing subjects of recent and past times. Despite hundreds of years having passed, it is impossible for some people to put their unfounded prejudices and hatred aside.
Well liked, educated young men with happy family lives, are being brutally murdered yet there appears to be no obvious motives for their violent deaths.
Katy, Charlie and the team are struggling to understand these horrific and heartless killings which are happening at an alarming rate with no obvious clues or motives.
The wife and baby of one of the victims have gone missing and it is imperative that they are found.
This is a full on, fast paced and, at times, a tough subject. However, it is an excellent and extremely gripping story which will keep you griped from start to finish.
The story covers one of the most current and disturbing subjects of recent and past times. Despite hundreds of years having passed, it is impossible for some people to put their unfounded prejudices and hatred aside.
Well liked, educated young men with happy family lives, are being brutally murdered yet there appears to be no obvious motives for their violent deaths.
Katy, Charlie and the team are struggling to understand these horrific and heartless killings which are happening at an alarming rate with no obvious clues or motives.
The wife and baby of one of the victims have gone missing and it is imperative that they are found.
This is a full on, fast paced and, at times, a tough subject. However, it is an excellent and extremely gripping story which will keep you griped from start to finish.
September 9, 2022
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I really enjoy the books by M.A. Comley and I was delighted to be able to get my hands on a copy of this one – the blurb for the book sounded really good and as the rest of the series is excellent I really hoped it would live up to my expectations!
The plot was very well developed and the book was well written was I would have expected – it was punchy and had the perfect amount of detail that drew you into the story and held your attention right through to the end.
The characters in the book were great and I loved being able to catch up with them and a couple of old friends to the series too. I would say that this one could be read as a standalone but if you can read it within the series you will get more from it as there is an underlying theme and the same characters in the main throughout the series.
It is 5 stars from me for this one, a very well developed and gripping plot – very highly recommended and a great addition to this series!
I really enjoy the books by M.A. Comley and I was delighted to be able to get my hands on a copy of this one – the blurb for the book sounded really good and as the rest of the series is excellent I really hoped it would live up to my expectations!
The plot was very well developed and the book was well written was I would have expected – it was punchy and had the perfect amount of detail that drew you into the story and held your attention right through to the end.
The characters in the book were great and I loved being able to catch up with them and a couple of old friends to the series too. I would say that this one could be read as a standalone but if you can read it within the series you will get more from it as there is an underlying theme and the same characters in the main throughout the series.
It is 5 stars from me for this one, a very well developed and gripping plot – very highly recommended and a great addition to this series!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews