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DI Sam Cobbs #2

To Silence Them

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Missing. A loving husband at the peak of his life.

For DI Sam Cobbs it was supposed to be another routine case, but not all is as it seems. When a menacing chain of disasters befalls the victim’s family, Sam is forced to view the case in a new light.

One terrible blow isn’t enough. Misfortune is stacking up for the bereft family, and Sam soon finds herself in a race against the clock. Can she prevent a young family from being silenced forever?

It’s up to Sam and her team to uncover the dark truth and drag a monster to justice.

213 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 20, 2022

489 people are currently reading
322 people want to read

About the author

M.A. Comley

176 books816 followers
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

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Kathi Defranc.
1,182 reviews499 followers
December 28, 2021
Well, this second book in the DI Sam Cobb series just knocks it out of the park! Sam finds her marriage troubles increasing, wanting to be anywhere but home. A man is reported missing by his wife, a wife he is known to physically and mentally abuse and degrade. As you read things happening to her I could feel my own gut twisting inside, horrified by this man's actions, remembering events from long ago. This author has such a way of writing words that come together as feelings, pictures in front of you, that you feel a part of every story she puts before us! And you want so much to help, you turn pages to find what happens next.
After reporting the husband, strange 'accidents' start happening to the same family, as different members are hurt, one after another. Sam and her team are racing to solve the one case with now several others piled on top of it! What the heck is going on?! Sam is trying to keep her Team together and pushing for answers, while her own life is twisting around under her. A story that held me to the page from start to finish, that I needed time to relax and unwind after such an emotional read.And I can not Wait to see what happens Next!!!
Profile Image for Sean.
1,003 reviews22 followers
December 25, 2021
I was very lucky to be asked to join the arc group of this author.  I have never regretted reviewing her work as it never fails to keep me entertained from beginning to end.


In a time where books are getting longer this author keeps fairly small amount of pages for each novel.  There are no extra scenes that aren't really pivotol to the stroy even when they do have family items.  This author really knows how to keep her fans hopping.


This started our with a harrowing day out where you see an abusive man Rory with his wife Fiona and child Summer.  It set me off slightly seeing the controlling nature as well as seeing the fear that Fiona must have felt.  This was just the prologue which is always what teases me and makes me want to continue reading.


The first chapter starts off with Sam and Chris and it was a scene which was basically a fight.  Sam you could feel how emotional she was and that Chris just loved digging the knife in a little bit deeper.  She deserves so much better than what her husband was putting her through.


Sam seems to have an idiot for a husband and she deserves better from Chris.  It just feels that she is being out under undo strain.


This is such an emotional read and was also slightly triggering for me.  I felt al.ost panicked at times reading this which really made the book that much more impactful.  If you are triggered by domestic abuse you may want to skip this one.


I love the fact that it makes me feel panicked and I can feel what Fiona is truly going through.  While that makes it a better read it can also cause anxiety.  I think this book just had all the necessary thriller boxes ticked.


Such an emotional read and I really enjoyed how it made the hair on my arms raise.  What a thrilling story where you didn't know what was going to happen next.  While I did figure out earlier who was responsible it was a great read to see just how everyone else found out.
Profile Image for Linda Prather.
Author 33 books143 followers
January 20, 2022
To Silence Them cinched it for me. DI Sam Cobb is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters. Amidst her own failing marriage troubles, Sam’s dedication to her job and her team is admirable.

There are two kinds of books I have always found it difficult to review. The ones that are good, but I can stop, do something else and return to it at a later time. And the ones I find so entertaining and engrossing that only one word is needed to describe it for me—unputdownable. To Silence Them falls within the unputdownable category. I started it this morning thinking I would read a chapter or two then finish tonight or tomorrow. That didn’t happen. Chock full of action from the very first page I found myself so involved with the story I simply couldn’t stop until like DI Sam Cobb I figured out what was going on.

I want so much to share what I loved about this book with the world, but to do so would mean exposing spoilers and I want other readers to enjoy it as much as I did. A despicable husband goes missing—is Fiona a victim, or does she know what happened to her husband? You’ll find yourself asking that question a lot throughout the book as other family members suffer fatal or life-altering accidents. A book with a bit of everything for every reader—perfect police procedural, fascinating mystery/whodunit and a psychological thriller.

Highly recommended.
222 reviews7 followers
January 12, 2022
DI Sam Cobbs and DS Bob Jones are sent to deal with a missing person case. No clues are forthcoming and things don’t appear to be that straightforward. The team are working hard to find Fiona’s missing husband Rory who it turns out has been abusing her for years. Why would he drop her and their baby daughter at home after a Sunday afternoon out? What secrets lie within this family?
This author never ceases to amaze me with her work and the quality of the penned chapters. A brilliant read which I wish I could give more than 5 stars for.
16 reviews2 followers
January 1, 2022
DI Sam Cobbs, DS Bob Jones and her team investigate a case of a missing person, which Sam thought should be quite an easy case to solve. But there are no clues and DI Sam Cobbs and DS Bob Jones feel the family are holding back with the truth, and wonder why they would do that. Then things take a turn for the worse with still no clues. DI Sam Cobbs marriage to Chris is going through a bad patch, Chris doesn’t seem to appreciate that her job is not 9 to 5, which is causing tension and means she cannot relax when finishing for the day. I do not want to give anything away as I feel it will spoil it for the reader, This is a brilliant second book in this series and right from the first chapter it will have you engrossed I couldn’t put this novel down it had me hooked , and was full of surprises all the way through. I cannot wait for the third book in this new series . If you love crime novels and have never read any of the many series by this very talented author treat yourself, Like me after one novel I guarantee you will be hooked. She never disappoints and her brilliant novels have helped get me through this current pandemic . Very highly recommended.
Profile Image for Lynda.
2,237 reviews122 followers
January 8, 2022
That was a humdinger of a prologue that really had me turning the pages of this, Book 2 in the DI Sam Cobb series. The tension was palpable and I was genuinely feeling nervous for Fiona. A well written and well constructed police procedural.

Briefly, when Fiona Knox reports her husband Rory as missing Sam and her partner Bob go to visit her and something is niggling at Sam. Then Fiona’s mother is serious injured by a hit and run driver. As the case continues Sam and her team are more and more confused. Meanwhile Sam’s home life isn’t getting any better. Her husband Chris is drinking and they are struggling to communicate. Can Sam put her personal troubles aside to deal with her cases?

I am enjoying this latest series from MA Comley, they are fairly short novels, take me about three hours to read, and whilst not cosy reads they are not overly graphic. This book had its dark side in that the main theme is that of spousal abuse, physical and mental, and at times it was quite disturbing.

There are clue’s smattered throughout the book that made me think I knew who the perpetrator was and yes I was right, and no it didn’t spoil the book at all as there was always a little doubt in my mind. A good read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Kate M.
52 reviews5 followers
January 2, 2025
OK, I'm officially INVESTED.

This one starts out with the tough topic of domestic violence, with a very hateful and hateable perp. He is reported missing by his wife and the investigation begins - followed by a series of further disappearances and murders. It's a wild ride.

Loved the character development continuing from the first book, we learn more about Sam both at work and home and the difficulties surrounding her marriage. I'm also rather liking where this slow burn with Rhys appears to be going - him owning a golden retriever is very apt, because he's the ultimate golden retriever himself!

Little cliffhanger at the end was a nice touch to keep the story going.

Watch me go for the 16 book speedrun, has to be done!
Profile Image for Diane.
139 reviews
December 23, 2021
You will certainly have some feelings on this ride. There is an abusive husband, a wife who lives with the abuse not realizing how bad it is and family and friends who can see clearly. People start disappearing and dying around these folks and the police can't figure out who would do such a thing. While a lot of this is written in the vernacular of the UK you may not understand everything being from the US but it is still an enjoyable read!
Profile Image for Dee Groocock.
1,419 reviews59 followers
January 20, 2022
DI Sam Cobbs would rather be at work than home right now, can her marriage be fixed?

What has happened to Fiona’s husband, why would he drop her and the baby off at home and then disappear?

When Fiona’s mum is killed in a hit and run incident, the team start to wonder who could have some kind of vendetta against Fiona’s family.

In this, the second book in the series, we are seeing more of the team and getting to know them a little better.

This is quite a hard book to read, I found the prologue quite upsetting. This author doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects which always brings a bit more to her books.

I cannot wait to read more in this new series.
20 reviews
February 19, 2022
Disappointing

Although I have read many M A Comley this one was not one of best.
The story was clunky and the dialogue stilted and I am sure that I am not the only reader who realised who the perpetrator was from early in the book.
86 reviews
February 6, 2022
Shall not get the third

Too descriptive for me with not enough character development of believable lifestyles or plot I hate being over critical but definitely not for me


Profile Image for Kath.
3,089 reviews
January 10, 2022
This is second of this new series by one of the most prolific authors on my watch list. I say prolific but that really doesn't mean quantity over quality. Every books is always as good, if not better, than the last. I really don't know how she manages to keep things so fresh!
So... we start with the description of a family day out for Rory & Fiona with their young daughter. It soon becomes obvious that the marriage is not all rosy for Fiona although she doesn't want to admit it. Then Rory goes missing. And that's just the start of things for the family as the crimes against them start to rack up. DI Sam Cobbs is also not having the best of time at home but draws from all her reserves to stay on track with the investigation, ably assisted by her trusty DS Bob Jones. But can she get a handle on things and work out what is going on in time to stop whoever is responsible?
Oh My Days. This book is a bit harrowing, what with some of the subject matter depicted herein. But nothing sensational, no, this author is not one for that. She does write about some of the most heinous crimes but always keeps things tight with no gratuitous descriptions for their sake. Everything contained is pertinent to the storyline and, even when things get very dark, the book remains balanced with some injection of humour and banter to keep it on an even keel.
This being the second book, we also continue to learn more about out series cast. Sam and Bob's relationship as partners as well as their separate lives outside the police. Especially the strains that the Job puts on them.
All the things I have known to rely on from this author are present herein. Her cracking characters who also provide some excellent bickering and banter - love that side of things. We also see her no nonsense attitude to superfluous padding and waffle and, as always, the story gets on with itself very well.
All in all, another brilliant addition to what is one of the most impressive back catalogues. Looking forward to seeing what's next for both Sam and also whoever is next in line for a new book.
Profile Image for Karolyn.
1,329 reviews44 followers
January 17, 2022
Fiona’s husband Rory has gone missing, leaving her alone with their six month old baby. She left it a couple of days before reporting it to the police as she wasn’t certain of the procedure and it was out of character for her husband, plus he was quite controlling and made all the decisions in the house.

This was a case for DI Sam Cobbs and DS Bob Jones who went to see Fiona and ask some questions to find out what happened. They found one fidgety young lady with some vague answers. She got them some papers from Rory’s business as he worked from home as a painter and the finance books for Sam to take away, just in case there was anything in there to show what might have happened to Rory. Sam made an appeal to the public and some calls came in overnight.

The next day Rory’s car had been found and there was blood inside and outside so it was possible he was still alive but may have lost a lot of blood. They would drop by Fiona’s and get something for the lab to compare it with for a definite match. Sam was hoping something may come from the calls that had come in that she had yet to return but unfortunately there wasn’t much. That afternoon, Sam got a distressing call from Fiona when her mum had been run over in town. Sam offered to drive her to hospital and thought, whatever is going on? Little did they know, there was more bad stuff yet to come….

If Sam and Bob had thought this was going to be a straightforward case they couldn’t have been further from the mark, this was full of twists and turns and kept them on their toes. They had certainly not had a case like this before and it stretched the entire team but they got there in the end.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, it has to be one of the best I have read by this author so far. It certainly kept you on your toes whilst reading the book. I’m really enjoying the new characters DI Sam Cobbs and DS Bob Jones and the banter between them is superb. It reminds me of another great couple the author used to have. Please keep up the good work
Profile Image for Mrs B E Woods.
289 reviews6 followers
December 19, 2021
Another fabulous read from this multi talented author.

Oh my goodness! What an excellent second book this is in the fabulous new Series set in Cumbria.

A woman has reported her husband missing - not the type of case DI Sam Cobbs and her Partner, Bob Jones, normally get involved in but, as there are no new murder cases for them to work on they decide to look into it.

A wife is very concerned that something has happened to her husband. After a nice day out as a family, he had dropped her and their baby off at home, before driving away saying he had something to do and wouldn’t be long.

However, the woman was distraught and concerned for his safety since he had still not returned home an his mobile was still in the house.

Sam and Bob were suspicious because the wife had not reported the disappearance earlier.

Was the woman hiding something, had her husband had an accident or had he just decided to leave her and his baby.

The decision was made to investigate but, with nothing to go on and no trace of the vehicle he had been driving, this was going to be difficult.

As the investigation progressed it transpired that all was not well in the household and concern for the husband mounted.

Sam’s home life is also in turmoil and she is striving to maintain a work life balance in order to save her marriage

This is a story that holds many secrets and is so well told that it pulls at your heart strings and you will be unable to put the book down.

I love this new series and just cannot wait for book three.
Profile Image for M.
1,576 reviews
January 21, 2022
Misleading synopsis. Horrific wife abuse triggers.

I last read a M.A. Comley book about three years ago, so I thought I’d try another. First off, the synopsis is misleading, as readers will discover whilst reading the prologue. Fiona Knox has been physically and mentally battered by Rory, her cruel, controlling husband. The author deploys every abused wife trope—including social isolation, coercive control, behavior modification, a strict budget, plus raping her until she conceives. Of course, nothing Fiona says or does matters to Rory. She hoped things would change after her baby was born, but you know how that goes.

One weekend he goes missing, and Fiona calls family members asking his whereabouts, but she delays calling the cops. After DI Sam Cobb and DS Bob Jones interview Fiona, they’re uneasy because she’s obviously hiding something. Soon, the MISPER-possible kidnapping morphs to possible murder.

Then there is an unexpected murder and soon, Fiona’s loved ones are endangered. As threats escalate, DI Cobb is a bit slow with protective custody, so violence ensues. At this point, the author deploys various abduction tropes, including kidnapping the baby, but this made the storyline more predictable. Although I chose the culprit early on, as a crime fiction fan, I carried on reading to see how the denouement plays out.

There is much domestic melodrama to do with Detective Cobb, her so-so partner, her sweet dog, and an interesting male neighbor.

Quick, enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Sarah.
2,965 reviews233 followers
January 3, 2022
I really enjoyed the first book in the series and wondered how the author would be able to follow on from such a strong start. At first I thought I had this case all figured out but I should have known better as the author had a lot in store for me that had me on edge throughout.

Sam’s personal life seems to be going downhill and I admired her strength in not letting it get in between her working life. As I said previously, I thought this was a bit of an open and closed case as I had my suspect from the start. Lets just say I couldn’t be further from the truth. Especially when more disasters start to happen. I don’t want to go into to much detail as you are better to read these for yourself. I very much doubt that Sam would have me on her team with my poor detective skills that’s for sure!

To Silence Them turned out to be an engrossing read that kept me guessing until the end. The thrill of the chase in the team catching their culprit had me hooked and I couldn’t put my Kindle down. M.A. Comley is the queen of suspense and am loving this new crime series!

My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
522 reviews3 followers
December 1, 2022
Self obsessed.

Another case for down to earth copper DI. Sara Dobbs and it's a doozy.
Fiona married Rory with her head in the clouds, she was marrying the love of her life - or so she thought. Okay he had hit her a few times, but it was just his way.
It started when he raped her on their wedding night and every night until she got pregnant. Add to the daily verbal abuse and frequent physical abuse.
She learnt to speak when spoken to, trying every day to appease him to avoid a beating......and then he was gone.
They went out for a day trip, cut short by his rage when she spoke to someone in a cafe.
When they reached home, she unloaded the car and their daughter, at which point he said he had an errand to run and drive off and never returned.
Fiona reported him missing two days later, then her family and friends were targeted.
Who hated them so much? Who was next?
Surprising myself, I guessed the perpetrator after the first incident.
But was compelled to read to the end to confirm my suspicion and it was well worth it.
Profile Image for Nuala Raftery.
21 reviews2 followers
October 25, 2023
This book received one star from me, not just because I spotted the murderer from the outset but because I found it impossible to relate to, or tolerate the protagonist’s marital problems. She comes home from work, kisses her dog and immediately takes it for a walk in the park. There she flirts with a man who has told her he’s a psychiatrist (he probably turns out to be a serial killer in another book. This is not a spoiler as I haven’t read any other books in the series). She returns home and has a shower and then goes and greets her husband. If I were the husband I’d slit the dog’s throat (joke, relax!), pack my bags and go. The book trundles along its predictable way then suddenly hurtles towards a cobbled together dénouement as though the author got tired writing.
431 reviews6 followers
January 27, 2022
When the call comes through to Wokington Police Station , DI Sam Cobbs and her partner DS Bob Jones take the case right away ..Fiona Knox , mother of 6 month old Summer tells Sam her husband vanished after a day trip out ..With no leads Sam and her team question both Fiona's parents and Rory's but it is like he has vanished into thin air ..But when Rory's car is found abandoned with traces of blood , a press conference is launched, after which the case takes a dark and dangerous turning ...And in the days that follow ...nothing will prepare Sam and her team for what they are about to uncover.....A Gripping Dark Pageturner ...Looking forward to book three ...
2 reviews
January 4, 2026
predictable, lack of depth in the characters and dialogue, let alone the plot.

Really disappointing. I was tempted to cast this aside several times but hate to leave a book unfinished.
The dialogue and writing is incredibly basic. They lack depth, intelligence, and any hint of character development.
This reads like a first draft, at its most basic level.
The long list of the authors other books that follows the THE END, declaration for anyone in doubt, suggest they are churning out books.
Someone must be reading them.
Personally I will not be returning to this author. My preference is quality over quantity.
112 reviews4 followers
August 17, 2023
This book felt like it was written in a hurry and the writing style was extremely childish. I did read another book before by this author and felt the same but I read this one in the hope things had changed but sadly they hadn’t. There was too much unnecessary information and the characters were not very well developed. This author seems to publish a book a month . I wonder maybe if they just concentrated on writing maybe a lot less books, maybe four per year would the writing improve. Quality over Quantity.
679 reviews29 followers
February 28, 2024
Full of twists and turns

This book will grab you and pull you along on a twisty ride. Reading this book was like watching an action packed movie. There was always something going on, usually bad. Sam is having major problems at home and unsure how to proceed forward. Fiona's husband goes missing, her mom is in a hit and run, her best friend is attacked, and her sister is kidnapped. Will it never end for her, or is there more planned coming her way? This has been a great series so far. Looking forward to reading more of these.
Profile Image for Jean.
1,439 reviews8 followers
June 19, 2022
The second in the series with DI Sam Cobb.
Rory is a very abusive husband to his wife Fiona then after a family day out he goes missing leaving his wife and baby behind, but things don't seem right when things start happening to other members of Fiona's family.
A great twist in the story just keeps you reading to find out what's happening.
Love Sam's character and learning about her private life.
Definitely recommend
303 reviews1 follower
January 22, 2022
Pretty good read.

I liked this 2nd book in the DI Sam Cobbs series. I just finished a very violent and descriptive series, so it took me a bit to get.into it,.but its good. I guessed the criminal about halfway through and it sure felt for to be right. I recommend this book to anyone who likes police procedurals.
11 reviews
January 24, 2022
To Silence Them

Brilliant Mel...really like this Character DI Sam Cobbs...you're on a winner there Mel...hope she gets rid of Chris...but not to sure about This though....seems over nice....but hey whatever you make him out to be is all in that head of yours.... Roll on book 3...well done love it..x
Profile Image for Su Biela.
76 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2022
Heart racing

When a 'perfect' husband Rory becomes a missing person further heartache ensues when his wife Fiona's, family appear to be targeted by persons unknown.
DI Sam Cobbs and her team have no clues at all and the mystery deepens when Rory's car is discovered with his blood on the seat.
Fantastic thriller with plenty of twists. Can't wait for book 3.
Profile Image for R.L..
Author 5 books48 followers
June 27, 2022
The story opens in an interesting way. I was flummoxed when the husband disappears, too. But the case soon becomes more than a missing persons case. Again, the DI Samantha Cobbs says far too often that she is concerned "there are no clues". She eventually does find clues or at least "leads" and finally a lot of the confusion disappears when the perpetrator is discovered.
Profile Image for Jane.
1,272 reviews16 followers
July 31, 2022
DI Sam Cobbs, and her partner, DS Bob Jones look into the disappearance of a man named Rory whose wife Fiona Knox reported went missing after a day outing. According to Fiona, her husband dropped her and their six-month-old baby off at their home and drove off saying he had to go get something. But he never returned
Profile Image for Sheila Walker.
463 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2024
Revenge is a poor excuse for your own problems

A great story, first a husband goes missing and a wife who isn't freely telling the truth. A family torn apart and DI Sam Dobbs and her crew have a hard time when there is no clues in sight. Everything is not what it seems. A good police thriller. Enjoyed it.
92 reviews1 follower
January 2, 2022
Wowzer! Only the second book in the DI Sam Cobbs series and it’s a belter! I’m hooked! With Sam’s marriage apparently in turmoil can she help a family stricken by crimes against them? Can’t wait for number 3.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews

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