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Shattered Lives
Four couples, all lifelong friends, arrive at a holiday cottage, eager to rebuild their friendship, except one of them, Joel Fisher, is a troubled man living under the threatening cloud of a sinister secret.
Someone knows what Joel did and is determined to wreck the friends’ planned rest and relaxation.
Joel finds himself in an untenable position, the only way to combat it is for him to reveal the truth.
Eight friends arrive… but how many will survive?
Someone knows what Joel did and is determined to wreck the friends’ planned rest and relaxation.
Joel finds himself in an untenable position, the only way to combat it is for him to reveal the truth.
Eight friends arrive… but how many will survive?
- GenresThriller
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2022
68 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
M.A. Comley
176 books817 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 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 7, 2022
Several friends, who have known each other throughout all that life has brought them, are ready to relax on holiday. Excited to join up at a cottage and really get to know each other again, ready for some fun! Four couples happy to spend a weekend doing nothing but what they want! Except Joel, who has done something sinister, something that is eating at his soul. But no one else knows about it, which is a big relief to Joel. Only, Someone DOES know, and is dropping hints to all there, starting with Joel's wife, Mandy. Hints that bring feelings of fear and horror to Joel and soon everyone involved!
You will NOT be able to know exactly What is going on in this totally twisted story! Intriguing characters you love or hate, completely crazy scenes, and just when you believe you have it all figured out, there is another twist that turns friends against each other, that splits couples apart!
A completely fascinating psychological tale that will have you reading as quick as possible to find out just WHAT going on!!!
You will NOT be able to know exactly What is going on in this totally twisted story! Intriguing characters you love or hate, completely crazy scenes, and just when you believe you have it all figured out, there is another twist that turns friends against each other, that splits couples apart!
A completely fascinating psychological tale that will have you reading as quick as possible to find out just WHAT going on!!!
August 8, 2022
I always get excited when I see news of another book coming out by this author, more so when it’s a psychological thriller! Being the queen when it comes to writing novels in crime series’, I’m loving these breaks into standalone novels.
We meet Joel and his wife Mandy before their trip away with their friends. There are some cracks in their marriage so a break away is something that both of them very much need. All four couples are good friends and seem to do well for themselves. The holiday turns out be fraught with tensions getting higher. You could cut the atmosphere with a knife as these friends start to bicker and argue between themselves.
The reader will be left wondering as to who is behind what is going on at the holiday home. Is it down to the secret that Joel is hiding or is there something even more sinister going on? I didn’t find the characters overly likeable as they are all self absorbed so it made what was going on even more thrilling. How it all ties at the end was great as I hadn’t seen it coming so it kept me on my toes.
Shattered Lives is a gripping page turner of a read that will keep you guessing until the end. There is a great build up of tension making this an impossible book to put down. Am loving these standalone psychological thrillers by the author and hope that there will be lots more to come.
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are mine and not biased in anyway.
We meet Joel and his wife Mandy before their trip away with their friends. There are some cracks in their marriage so a break away is something that both of them very much need. All four couples are good friends and seem to do well for themselves. The holiday turns out be fraught with tensions getting higher. You could cut the atmosphere with a knife as these friends start to bicker and argue between themselves.
The reader will be left wondering as to who is behind what is going on at the holiday home. Is it down to the secret that Joel is hiding or is there something even more sinister going on? I didn’t find the characters overly likeable as they are all self absorbed so it made what was going on even more thrilling. How it all ties at the end was great as I hadn’t seen it coming so it kept me on my toes.
Shattered Lives is a gripping page turner of a read that will keep you guessing until the end. There is a great build up of tension making this an impossible book to put down. Am loving these standalone psychological thrillers by the author and hope that there will be lots more to come.
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are mine and not biased in anyway.
August 8, 2022
Don’t normally read stand alone books, but my goodness I’m so glad I read this. A real page turner that had my heart in my mouth at times! A guy who had it all gets made to pay for an accident in the perfect way! Full of twists and turns, definitely wasn’t expecting the ending. MA Comleys smashed it with this one! Highly recommend
August 8, 2022
Just when you think you don't believe in karma, you will find out just how karma works. I don't want to give anything away but you truly don't see anything coming when you are reading. You think you know what is going on and sometimes you do...but is it really happening. A page turner for sure. Thank you M. A. Comley, you have done it again!
August 24, 2022
I have just finished shattered lives, thankyou for letting me read a copy, it was bloody brilliant, it had me on the edge of my seat, and i never saw the end coming, its a🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 from me xx
August 1, 2022
Brilliant Psychologicsl Thriller - Totally Gripping and Unputdownable
A group of close friends on holiday together in a remote cottage near the sea in Wales hoping to enjoy a relaxing time.
Joel has a secret that could turn his life completely upside down and affect his marriage and friendships as well as destroy his life.
A sinister stranger knows too much and life for Joel is becoming strained to say the least.
Just as you think things couldn’t get any more complicated, the whole story takes another turn and friendships are tested to the limit.
It is impossible to guess the outcome and a complete twist at the end makes this one of the best psychological stories I have read for some time.
Totally different and a fabulous read.
A group of close friends on holiday together in a remote cottage near the sea in Wales hoping to enjoy a relaxing time.
Joel has a secret that could turn his life completely upside down and affect his marriage and friendships as well as destroy his life.
A sinister stranger knows too much and life for Joel is becoming strained to say the least.
Just as you think things couldn’t get any more complicated, the whole story takes another turn and friendships are tested to the limit.
It is impossible to guess the outcome and a complete twist at the end makes this one of the best psychological stories I have read for some time.
Totally different and a fabulous read.
August 19, 2022
What happens if you do something you thought no one had seen or knew about. Then you find out that you hadn’t. What happens?
This book, it takes you down to the level of that thought and follows the journey around the mayhem that follows.
So good!!!
This book, it takes you down to the level of that thought and follows the journey around the mayhem that follows.
So good!!!
August 1, 2022
When Joel Fisher does a seriously bad thing, it sets off a series of events, not helped as he won’t deal with the situation, no matter what his wife, Mandy says.
Someone knows what Joel did and is causing him problems on what is meant to be a weeks holiday with his wife and some of their friends.
Will Joel confess to what he has done or will even more events happen?
This is one of those books that you want to read to the end as quickly as possible to find out who has done what!
I wasn’t keen on Joel’s character, he came across as having no backbone. I found myself feeling sorry for his wife, Mandy. The characters of their friends were all different, most were likeable and one in particular came across as detestable. I didn’t see the ending coming at all, it really surprised me.
This is an enjoyable stand-alone story and I hope to read more of these from the author.
Someone knows what Joel did and is causing him problems on what is meant to be a weeks holiday with his wife and some of their friends.
Will Joel confess to what he has done or will even more events happen?
This is one of those books that you want to read to the end as quickly as possible to find out who has done what!
I wasn’t keen on Joel’s character, he came across as having no backbone. I found myself feeling sorry for his wife, Mandy. The characters of their friends were all different, most were likeable and one in particular came across as detestable. I didn’t see the ending coming at all, it really surprised me.
This is an enjoyable stand-alone story and I hope to read more of these from the author.
August 16, 2022
This is an author better known for her numerous (and all cracking) series books. But, on occasion she delves in to the realm of the stand alone psychological thriller type book, and I have to say I love these just as much as the series ones...
This time we follow four couples who take a holiday together in a remote cottage. They are all connected in various ways that I will leave you to discover as the author intends. One of them, Joel, had recently been involved in a vehicular accident which he has tried to keep on the down low rather than fessing up. But it is eating away at him and the shadow of this threatens the tranquillity of the holiday. But little does he know how much...
Ok so for full disclosure I did kinda roll my eyes at how far south this went so quickly. But I was also revelling at the gorgeous over the top-ness of the whole shebang that I was having so much fun I forgot it irked me initially. See, that's the power this author has over me...
And yes, it is a bit OTT on occasion as things spiral but stay with it and it will all become evident soon enough as to what is going on and there will be more than one more kick in the teeth for, well, certain characters... say no more!
In fact, I got so wrapped up and invested in it all that I kinda forgot to eat my tea. Looked at the clock and it was near to bed time and I realised I was hungry! So...!
Oh and it has all the usual stuff you'd expect from the author. Tight plotting, well executed. Cracking characters with great interaction, and banter. And not a single wasted word, no padding or waffle, so it all gets on with itself very well.
All in all, another winner from an author who just keeps on impressing, time after time, whatever she turns her hand to... Roll on the next book whatever series or stand alone... I'm hooked...
This time we follow four couples who take a holiday together in a remote cottage. They are all connected in various ways that I will leave you to discover as the author intends. One of them, Joel, had recently been involved in a vehicular accident which he has tried to keep on the down low rather than fessing up. But it is eating away at him and the shadow of this threatens the tranquillity of the holiday. But little does he know how much...
Ok so for full disclosure I did kinda roll my eyes at how far south this went so quickly. But I was also revelling at the gorgeous over the top-ness of the whole shebang that I was having so much fun I forgot it irked me initially. See, that's the power this author has over me...
And yes, it is a bit OTT on occasion as things spiral but stay with it and it will all become evident soon enough as to what is going on and there will be more than one more kick in the teeth for, well, certain characters... say no more!
In fact, I got so wrapped up and invested in it all that I kinda forgot to eat my tea. Looked at the clock and it was near to bed time and I realised I was hungry! So...!
Oh and it has all the usual stuff you'd expect from the author. Tight plotting, well executed. Cracking characters with great interaction, and banter. And not a single wasted word, no padding or waffle, so it all gets on with itself very well.
All in all, another winner from an author who just keeps on impressing, time after time, whatever she turns her hand to... Roll on the next book whatever series or stand alone... I'm hooked...
February 28, 2024
As a a big fan of this author I was shocked to see a book that I hadn't heard about previously. I am impressed by the writing of this author as she constantly pushes out amazing stories.
This story is good and starts with a hit and run. It doesn't really deal with the investigation but more about the person responsible, what their life is like and whet lengths he does to hide what he did.
The aftereffects of what happened with the hit and run starts pushing the family of Mandy apart. Her husband is becoming more of a jerk about things and just becomes more mean to his wife. He is beginning to make me angry as he treats her with such disrespect.
I like Mandy as she seems to be his conscience and that just pushes him even further. Joel doesn't seem to have much about him that is likeable and he isn't being the best to the people around him.
Their vacation is anything but relaxing and you see the strain both of them are under. It's crazy what a secret can do to your family and your own life.
The fact that crimes are occurring around Joel is shaking him very badly. Learning why this is happening makes it a better read. They make it all intertwined and karmic. This is a great read.
I really enjoyed this book especially the ending. It was a great book and like all great books I was sad to see it end.
This story is good and starts with a hit and run. It doesn't really deal with the investigation but more about the person responsible, what their life is like and whet lengths he does to hide what he did.
The aftereffects of what happened with the hit and run starts pushing the family of Mandy apart. Her husband is becoming more of a jerk about things and just becomes more mean to his wife. He is beginning to make me angry as he treats her with such disrespect.
I like Mandy as she seems to be his conscience and that just pushes him even further. Joel doesn't seem to have much about him that is likeable and he isn't being the best to the people around him.
Their vacation is anything but relaxing and you see the strain both of them are under. It's crazy what a secret can do to your family and your own life.
The fact that crimes are occurring around Joel is shaking him very badly. Learning why this is happening makes it a better read. They make it all intertwined and karmic. This is a great read.
I really enjoyed this book especially the ending. It was a great book and like all great books I was sad to see it end.
August 22, 2022
I don’t think I’ve read a stand-alone book from this author before - I’m sure I would have remembered if it was as good as this. A complex plot for this psychological thriller/suspense novel full of twists and turns and great red herrings kept me page turning into the night.
Briefly, Joel Fisher is a mess. He has been involved in a hit and run, the business he runs with his partner is struggling and his wife, Mandy, is fed up with seeing so little of him. Leaving their children behind they go off for a holiday with three other couples and close friends but the idyll they were hoping for didn’t happen. Someone knows what Joel did and is determined he is going to pay for it…
Some great characters and good dialogue. I felt sorry for Mandy at times as she was treated like a skivvy by Joel but she didn’t come over as particularly nice either. Joel was a rat, not only was he horrible to his wife and children but what sort of person hits a cyclist and just drives off? The bickering between the two of them had me wanting to bang their heads together. I did figure out bits of the plot but goodness there were some shocks too. Great read.
Briefly, Joel Fisher is a mess. He has been involved in a hit and run, the business he runs with his partner is struggling and his wife, Mandy, is fed up with seeing so little of him. Leaving their children behind they go off for a holiday with three other couples and close friends but the idyll they were hoping for didn’t happen. Someone knows what Joel did and is determined he is going to pay for it…
Some great characters and good dialogue. I felt sorry for Mandy at times as she was treated like a skivvy by Joel but she didn’t come over as particularly nice either. Joel was a rat, not only was he horrible to his wife and children but what sort of person hits a cyclist and just drives off? The bickering between the two of them had me wanting to bang their heads together. I did figure out bits of the plot but goodness there were some shocks too. Great read.
October 21, 2022
If you ever want to read a book full of stupid characters, read this. It's the same like when I scream at my TV when some dummy does something silly. (like when they hit the bad guy only once, then run away, and the killer hunts them down and kills them). That exact scenario doesn't happen in this book, and I can't go into too much detail without spoilers, but here's a vague example. Your friends have just been kidnapped and you decide to take a walk, alone, outside in a desolate area. Then bad guy even makes a phone call to say he saw that person on their walk, like a stalker. Then two chapters later, the same person who received the phone call goes alone, outside, to take that same walk. You already know there's danger!!! Why would you do that?
The premise of the story was solid. Half drunk dude runs over a bicyclist in his car, and drives away in fear of DWI.
But someone saw. And that someone wants to make him pay. And dude's reactions are the dumbest I ve read in a very long time.
The premise of the story was solid. Half drunk dude runs over a bicyclist in his car, and drives away in fear of DWI.
But someone saw. And that someone wants to make him pay. And dude's reactions are the dumbest I ve read in a very long time.
August 26, 2022
M.A Comley seems to be able to write anything and it's simply excellent. Shattered Lives is no different. Another standalone psychological thriller that really has you on the edge of your seat and thinking.
Her characters are sublime. Three dimensional, some likeable, some not, but all have realistic flaws that make them all the more believable.
I was with Mandy, the wife of Joel, who won't confess to something he has done, even though he should and Mandy tries to get him to. The chain of events that are set in motion still don't seem to make him change his mind, but will he finally find the backbone to confess? Or is he willing for the events to carry on?
If you want a book that has all the ingredients needed for an immersive and gripping read, just pick this book up. You really won't regret it!!
Her characters are sublime. Three dimensional, some likeable, some not, but all have realistic flaws that make them all the more believable.
I was with Mandy, the wife of Joel, who won't confess to something he has done, even though he should and Mandy tries to get him to. The chain of events that are set in motion still don't seem to make him change his mind, but will he finally find the backbone to confess? Or is he willing for the events to carry on?
If you want a book that has all the ingredients needed for an immersive and gripping read, just pick this book up. You really won't regret it!!
August 30, 2022
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I have loved all the books that I have read by this author and I was delighted to see that she had a new released and that it was a stand-alone psychological thriller.
The blurb for the book sounded really good and it certainly did not disappoint! The plot was very well developed and the book was well written as 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, I loved the mix of personalities and I loved their interaction.
It is 5 stars from me for this one, a very well developed and gripping plot with a couple of brilliant twists – very highly recommended!
I have loved all the books that I have read by this author and I was delighted to see that she had a new released and that it was a stand-alone psychological thriller.
The blurb for the book sounded really good and it certainly did not disappoint! The plot was very well developed and the book was well written as 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, I loved the mix of personalities and I loved their interaction.
It is 5 stars from me for this one, a very well developed and gripping plot with a couple of brilliant twists – very highly recommended!
September 5, 2022
Joel Fisher is a partner in a successful Advertising Agency. He lives in a beautiful home with his wife Mandy and two beautiful children, Daryl and Lola ..After a night out on a dark road ..he is involved in an incident..but puts it to the back of his mind ..When Joel.and Mandy have their first break away without their children they head off to a cottage in Wales to join three other couples ...Joel is determined to put all the stress and thoughts of the incident behind him ...But within days strange things begin to happen ..And it soon becomes clear that Joel is not the only one with secrets..Mel Conley"s Phychological thriller is a story of lies truths and secrets . FIVE stars ..A Broody Twisting tale of sins and consequences....keeps you right on the edge of your seat ....
August 31, 2022
Ooh, Joel and Mandy! I loved the anger and the arguments between them. The revelations that the holiday revealed about the characters were packed with oomph. The first half of the book gave us the setup and this nicely balanced out against the action packed second half.
The holiday rental made the perfect backdrop for the story and I enjoyed the tensions as they unfolded. There were shock moments aplenty in this thrilling read. ‘Shattered Lives’ is a twisty turny book that will keep you right on your tippy toes!
The holiday rental made the perfect backdrop for the story and I enjoyed the tensions as they unfolded. There were shock moments aplenty in this thrilling read. ‘Shattered Lives’ is a twisty turny book that will keep you right on your tippy toes!
August 24, 2022
Never have I read such a fantastic thriller as this book ,it has to be way at the top of the list as one of this author’s greatest books ever written. The number of different directions it was heading in had me intrigued and devouring the pages right until the very last word. Thank you for an excellent book.
August 10, 2022
Wow what a fantastic read. This is one of the best books I have read this year. It kept me on the edge of my seat read it in one day. Loved it. Thank M.A. Conley you hit it out of the ball park on this book.
Love all the twists and turns in this book.
Love all the twists and turns in this book.
August 20, 2022
Incredible. Downloaded and read nonstop until completion. Why? Because I could NOT put it down. It was just that suspenseful and I had to know everything, exactly everything. I love this standalone thriller and highly recommend it.
August 21, 2022
Wow!! One of those books you just have to keep reading, desperately trying to work out who did what and what is going on.
Didn’t see that ending coming at all. Make sure you know your friends!!!
Didn’t see that ending coming at all. Make sure you know your friends!!!
February 15, 2023
wow
This story did not allow me to put it down, incredible story. Joel got what he deserved, such a selfish person
This story did not allow me to put it down, incredible story. Joel got what he deserved, such a selfish person
September 12, 2022
Captivating
This author never fails to deliver! Her style of writing flows easily and you soon become engrossed in the story.
I enjoyed getting to know each of the characters, but not liking all of them.
This was a captivating read and I was totally baffled how it would progress. Fantastic read, highly recommend.
This author never fails to deliver! Her style of writing flows easily and you soon become engrossed in the story.
I enjoyed getting to know each of the characters, but not liking all of them.
This was a captivating read and I was totally baffled how it would progress. Fantastic read, highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews