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DI Sam Cobbs #4

To Prove Fatal

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From NY Times bestselling author of the DI Sara Ramsey series who has sold over 4 million copies worldwide. A failed burglary or is there something far more sinister afoot? DI Sam Cobbs investigates a heinous crime in which a family is ripped apart. With two lives in the balance, can Sam and her team unravel the plethora of lies and secrets, surrounding the horrendous incident? The stakes are raised when Sam's integrity is called into question by a relative of one of the victims. He has his own agenda, to search for the truth and to seek his own retribution. Other books in the series To Die For To Silence Them To Make Them Pay To Prove Fatal

226 pages, Paperback

Published April 27, 2022

219 people are currently reading
65 people want to read

About the author

M.A. Comley

176 books811 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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5 stars
556 (62%)
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242 (27%)
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79 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Kathi Defranc.
1,182 reviews495 followers
May 2, 2022
This is a story that you will LIVE through, with every character you meet, in good and in bad. This 'DI Sam Cobb Series' lets us look into the life of Everybody involved in a crime, from the life of the victim, what the felon's thoughts are at the time, and what is going on in the lives of the cops who work the case. The author writes from the heart covering all sides of a situation, so even though you may not agree with what a person does, you can understand where they are coming from. This gives you such a different feeling while reading the story, you are a part of all that happens, right there with every decision or action that may change everything! You feel that smash that causes blood to pour down Ethan's face as two masked men horrify him and his wife! And you cannot breathe with your heart thundering in your chest as the second man pulls the wife off the couch and man-handles her into the sound-proof room...
Chills, fear and suspense take you on a roller-coaster ride through your emotions, living the story as it happens, unable to take your eyes off the page, even though you may fear the next move! Until something makes sense, there is an ending,you can now close the page...Now we wait for the next case to hit DI Sam Cobb's door.
Profile Image for Julie Simon.
320 reviews16 followers
April 21, 2022
Just finished this absolutely brilliant book! This series keeps getting better and better. Love Sam and her team, never give up is the motto they work by. Great characters written in such depth, some are hard to warm to despite them being put through hell. So many emotions involved, up and down like a rollercoaster. Truly didn’t see where this book was going, a fantastic read. So looking forward to the next in the series.
Profile Image for Karolyn.
1,264 reviews39 followers
April 26, 2022
Stacey and Ethan had settled down watching a film. Their daughter, Bella, was out with their mother, Jocelyn, so they had some time alone. Unfortunately, that wasn’t to be when two masked men came in brandishing sawn-off shotguns at them. Ethan asked them what they wanted and one of the guys just mimicked him and Stacey started to weep. When Ethan asked the guy to show his wife some compassion, the guy leapt over and head butted his nose, blood spurting everywhere. The guy then wanted to know where the safe was and Ethan said they didn’t have one in the house. The second guy lashed out at Stacey, punching her in the stomach. Meanwhile Ethan tried to convince them he had spent all his money on the new house and had none left.

The second guy then hauled Stacey off the sofa and out of the room, he took her to the music room which was sound-proofed so he could torture her and they wouldn’t hear. Next thing he is back wanting a word with Frank as there is a problem, he tells him Stacey is dead. When Ethan hears he tells them the money is at the office, so he is put in the back of a white van and Dave drives there. They have to untie Ethan so he can use the security pad to get into the office but Frank warns him not to try any funny stuff. Frank isn’t happy that there is only twenty thousand in the safe. When the men leave, they take Ethan with them.

Later that night Jocelyn and Bella come home and find Stacey who is still alive, just. She is taken to hospital and is in a coma. Two days later, DI Sam Cobbs is requested to take over the case by her boss as he is a personal friend of the family. Sam is less than happy with the investigation done so far on it and starts from scratch, putting her team to work straight away.

Does the team find Ethan? Does the team get the kidnappers?

A fabulous read with a great plot that was well written and great descriptive writing that made you think you were there in the book, living the story. Another great addition to the DI Sam Cobbs series.
Profile Image for Diane.
139 reviews
April 29, 2022
Comley does it again in this fast paced book. There are some things you see coming and some you don't. There are times when you think you know what is happening just to find out you don't. I myself blamed an innocent man!

If there is any critique of the book it would only be allowing some things to go unpunished. There is a twist between the US and the UK and that could be the difference but I was waiting for a few more arrests. Then again, maybe I watch too much TV.

I do love how Sam has grown personally. I like the way that is going and I would love to see more of her vulnerable side. She is truly developing and growing in a beautiful way.

As a writer, Comley always amazes me. She is dedicated to her readers and it shows. Thank you for another ride and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Kath.
3,035 reviews
May 18, 2022
Well, here we are... book four already. Obviously usual series rules apply - to get the best with regard to character development and backstory, it's always best to read a series from the start, in order, although, again as usual, the main story is self contained. The characters are why we read series, well, why I do anyway, you build up a rapport with them. Positive or negative... They become kinda friends, or family in some cases, so I think it's important to get to know them properly.
Anyhow... Sam has her work cut out for her in this case. We start with a couple, Stacy and Ethan, enjoying a bit of a nice evening together at home, when their film is rudely interrupted by men brandishing shotguns, demanding money. Not finding what they want there, they take Ethan to work where he says he can give them what they want... Long story, which really is best you read as the author intends, Gran and daughter come home and find Stacy at death's door and Ethan missing. And this is where Sam and her team come in... Although not a murder, her boss is a family friend so has pulled a few strings and the original team allocated the crime don't appear to be doing even a half-hearted job of things... Can Sam do better ? Obvs!
As with all the series this author is responsible for, this one gets better with every book published. Every time I open a new book from her I wonder exactly how she manages to come up with a new crime Every Single Time. Her imagination and, well, skill as an author really does take my breath away sometimes. I've even passed the point of wondering if it will match my very high standards whenever I crack a new spine (no it's OK I don't really do that, honest).
And with Sam, the author has created a wonderful character, full of life, full of pride in her job. Not scared to stand up for what and who she believes in. Her personal life is a bit messy but she is well able to sort that out for herself and stand firm. Another admirable trait.
Everything you'd expect from the author is also, as usual, front and centre. No nonsense attitude to waffle and padding - there is none. Good balance between home and work life for Sam, neither overshadowing the other. And all carried along with some of the best banter in dialogue I have seen in print. Oh and the story ain't half bad either ;)
All in all, a cracking addition to a series that is now firmly cemented on my watch list. Roll on next time.
Profile Image for Linda Prather.
Author 33 books144 followers
May 21, 2022
Couldn't put it down!
I've loved all the DI Sam Cobb series as I get to know Sam, but I think this one was my favorite so far. Once I started to read I simply couldn't put it down. I pride myself on being able to spot the clues that figure out the mystery long before the last chapter--not this one. I was totally blown away. An excellent crime thriller/mystery with great characters and lots of twists and turns to keep me guessing.

Sam and her team take on a special case as a favor to DCI Armstrong. A home invasion that has left the wife hanging onto life by a thread and the husband missing. Personal friends of Sam's boss. Mishandled by another department, Ethan has now been missing for three days. No sooner has Sam dipped her toes into the waters than Ethan's brother shows up intent on muddying things. A police officer from Texas Zane isn't impressed by how slow things move for Sam and her team. He's more the beat it out of them type.

And as if Sam doesn't have enough on her plate, her husband Chris shows back up thinking she'll just take him back. Sam has a big heart, but she's started a new life without Chris, and there's no way she'll ever forgive him for what he's done. Can she turn off her sympathy for his plight?

A fantastic weaving of crime, mystery, police procedures and family life makes this an excellent read. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Kate M.
48 reviews
January 5, 2025
Book 4 starts out with a kidnapping and attempted murder, but what stands out here is the author’s ability to write such a varied range of characters.

I really didn’t like the victim in this (Ethan) after how he handled the situation - putting the protection of his money above the protection of his wife. It’s those nuances that keep the stories unique as the series goes on.

I wish Zane had got what was coming to him too. 😠

As always, we see more of Sam, Bob and the gang and how they handle their investigation, the author has a great way of making us feel the investigator’s frustrations!

Chris needs to back off. Rhys is IN with his weekend away plan, what a romantic.

I’m still hooked on these, about to pick up book 5…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sean.
1,003 reviews22 followers
May 8, 2022
I love this character. She has such a fight for her and is not one to shy away. I love the fact that she fights with everything she has.

I love Rhys and the fact that they found each other and that her good for nothing ex didn't ruin her for him.

The story was very entertaining, and the amount of effort that this author puts into making her characters into more than words on paper.

Sam comes to life especially in this book. Rhys has made her seem softer and more approachable. Also having the dogs really makes me feel that this is a long term series.

This book really shows that a series can be both hard hitting and also have with it a softer side. This doesn't have a lot of gruesome acts but also doesn't feel like a cozy crime either.

I love the feel of this book as it has a difference sense to it than all of her other works. The main protagonist is going to make a huge impact on many. I don't think it can ever replace Hero Nelson as my top series but this is definitely turning into one of my favourites and I like this character so much that it may easily become a top 5 series of all time for me.
303 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2022
Not her normal

I have read most of this authors books, and this one didn't live up to the rest for me. The dialogue was dry, much of it had nothing to do with the story line. It was drug out, and the ending was not built up to. Just dropped in the lap, and not all that interesting. I'm really disappointed as I am a fan of this author, and was looking forward to this release .
222 reviews7 followers
May 2, 2022
Fourth book in this Sam Cobbs series and it’s another humdinger.
A home movie date night goes horribly wrong and a husband gets kidnapped. The wife is seriously injured and in a coma. No bodies to look for but trying to trace where the husband is being kept is proving difficult for the team.
A strange relationship between sisters is vital to the missing clues and DI Sam Cobbs gut instinct rolls into action.
A stunning book with lots of drama, well worth the read.
Profile Image for Lynda.
2,142 reviews106 followers
May 24, 2022
This is book 4 in the DI Sam Cobbs Lake District Thriller Series and this one has a great plot. Reading the previous books will give you a good background to Sam and her team but it could easily be read as a standalone. This is an easy read and although it’s not quite as cosy as some of the other books in the series it’s not overly graphic. Alongside the investigations we also see a bit more of Sam‘s personal life as she moves her relationship with Rhys to the next level.

Briefly, Stacey and Ethan are having a date night went two masked men break into the house demanding to know where the safe is. When Ethan denies having a safe in the house one of the men takes Stacey into the music room where he rapes her and leaves her for dead. The two men then take Ethan to his office where they raid his safe and then leave with him. Two days after the attack, with Stacey in a coma and Ethan still missing, Sam’s DCI, a personal friend of the family, asks her and her team to take over the case. Can they find Ethan before he is killed?

I’m really enjoying this series. Sam is a good character who is caring and kind but can be hard and determined when she needs to be - she is nobodies fool. I thought the storyline in this book was also particularly good and I learned something. Do you know what Dyscalculia is? I didn’t. Look it up if you didn’t. A good read and I’m ready for book 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Sarah.
2,920 reviews215 followers
May 7, 2022
This is the fourth book in the series and as it pretty much focuses fully on the crime rather than also part of Sam’s personal life, it can be read as a stand alone.

Sam really comes into her own in this novel. I had a new found admiration for her as she finds herself a couple of times having to stand up to some small minded people who would be better off having lived a hundred years ago rather than in the modern world. I was cheering her on as she stood up to them and gave them what for. I loved seeing this side to her.

It really is all systems go when Sam and the team take over this case. With time having already been wasted, they are up against it to find out what happened that night and who is behind it. I won’t give too much away but what I will say is that there are some shocking surprises!

To Prove Fatal might just be my new favourite book in the series. I was actually envisioning it in my head as some sort of crime series as this one would make a great episode especially. I was hooked within the first few pages and the story just took hold of me. It provided lots of chills and the thrill of the upcoming outcoming, had me forgetting to breath as I was so engrossed. Cracking read!

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 2, 2022
A family affair.

Sam's relationship with Rhys is progressing well, her marriage over after Chris's betrayal.
A husband and wife are enjoying a good movie, when they are interrupted by two masked men demanding money. The husband, Ethan denies having any, they threaten to rape his wife and he still denies having any cash. His wife is taken into another room, raped beaten and left for dead. Believing his wife is dead, he is being threatened and tells them where some money is. They take him with them to his office and empty the safe.
He is kidnapped, bound and tortured for the rest of the money and kept hostage.
His brother arrives from the States, as does his wife's sister, Nancy. His wife, Stacey remains in a coma.
Sam Dobbs and her team are requested to take over the case as the DS given the case is dragging his heels. Sam"s DCI is friends of the couple, and wants his best team in the case.
There is nothing to go on with Ethan missing and Stacey in a coma, very little in the way of clues, compounded by Ethan's brother, Zane - an American cop, wants to run things causing trouble at every opportunity.
Eventually things start to turn when someone gives vital info they have been sitting on.
A good read, that turns out to have a surprising ending.
431 reviews6 followers
May 26, 2022
Ethan and Stacey Wells are having a date night at home whilst Bella their daughter is on a night out with her grandmother..As they snuggle up to watch a film , masked gunmen break in , and as all Hell breaks loose the night ends with Stacey barely clinging to life and Ethan abducted .DI Sam Hobbs and her team cannot seem to get a break in the case , and to make matters worse Ethan's brother a Detective Sergeant with the Austin Police Department arrives trampling all over their case leaving Sam exasperated..As the days pass and time not on their side ..will they find Ethan before it's too late ..? And who is responsible and why ...? book 4 in the DI Sam Hobbs series ..and another Gripping Pageturner from MA Comley ...5 stars ..
Profile Image for Mrs B E Woods.
285 reviews6 followers
May 9, 2022
AMAZING!

Book Four in this fabulous Series and what an epic read it is! This amazing author never fails to surprise her readers.

A young American couple and their daughter have recently moved into their lovely new home in a nice, quiet area of the Lake District and are having a relaxed evening together whilst grandma has taken their daughter out.

Suddenly they are confronted by masked men wanting to know where there money is hidden.

When Ethan tells them there is no money in the house they search and, finding nothing, insist he is lying.

His wife is taken into another room by one of the other men and, whilst she is undergoing her own hell, Ethan is asked again where his safe is hidden and, when Ethan tells them there is no money in the house, things take a violent turn.

Ethan is then taken hostage and Sam is called upon, by her superior officer - who is a personal friend of the American family, to take over the case from another department whose senior officer does not seem to be taking the matter seriously.

Ethan has disappeared, seemingly without trace, and Sam and her team are concerned for his safety.

In the midst of all this, and whilst Sam is dealing with her own marital problems, as well as the incompetent officer from whom she is taking over, the investigation is further hampered when Ethan’s brother, who just happens to be an American cop, arrives and starts throwing his weight about.

Not only is Sam dealing with all that her investigation involves, plus her broken marriage, she is now also trying to keep the American cop from interfering in his brother’s abduction.

Add to this her newly found romantic interest and you have a story that will keep you truly gripped to the very end.

This is a very fast moving tale, full of unexpected twists, and heart rending emotions, with a totally unexpected twist that will shock you. To say more would spoil the story.

A must read and highly recommended.
90 reviews
May 2, 2022
A family is torn apart by a brutal attack and kidnappings. To make matters worse for Sam the victim’s brother is an American cop and determined to get involved. Can Sam and the team find the kidnap victims alive, identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice. Another story of lies and deceit with a great twist at the end. Another fantastic read from MA Comley and I can’t wait for number 5 to see if romance blossoms.
Profile Image for Terry.
1,017 reviews34 followers
May 20, 2022
The 4th book in the series. You could read it alone or start the full series. I’d say start the series, it’s so good!
You get to know more about Sam & Bobs working relationship, funny parts in here, so they do get on haha
This book covers kidnapping & a abused spouse which may get to some. It’s written well & covered with this authors well thought out way of covering these topics.
I’m so hooked on this series now.
Yet another officer I wish was real & could get to know. But that’s me
Profile Image for mois reads .
536 reviews1 follower
May 23, 2022
DI Sam cobbs

Another sure fire winner. Sam asked by her chief to take over a case and finds out a woman has been raped and left for dead and the husband has been abducted. Time is of the essence now to find the abductors but it's not easy especially having a cop from the US turning up. And Sam has difficulties with her husband who is trying to get back in with her. Another action packed book well worth 5 stars
Profile Image for Dee Groocock.
1,360 reviews52 followers
May 2, 2022
When Bella is out for a meal with her Grandmother, Jocelyn, Stacey and Ethan are having some time to themselves watching a film.

Two men in balaclavas interrupt their evening, demanding to know where the safe is. When Ethan refuses to tell them, one of the men takes Stacey to another room where he viciously attacks her and leaves her for dead.

When Jocelyn and Bella arrive home, they find Stacey close to death and no sign of Ethan.

Sam and the team have a tough case on their hands. There is no evidence and this isn’t helped by lack of interest from another department in the force.

What a nail biting story! I have to admit that I took an instant dislike to Ethan’s character. There were twists throughout the story.

I am liking seeing Sam’s character recover from her awful husbands behaviour and begin to move on with her own life.

I look forward to reading more in this series, I do like these stories about Sam and her team.
Profile Image for R.L..
Author 5 books48 followers
August 6, 2022
The story is good if you can get through the terrible dialogue. People just don't talk like that with other people they've known a long time, or even a short time. I've read a lot of M.A. Comley's books now and the dialogue doesn't get better. Plus, there are holes in logic left and right. Some of the action of the police does not make sense and would not happen in real life policing.
Profile Image for John Eddy.
16 reviews1 follower
March 15, 2023
Texans all the way!

I enjoyed this one, but seriously? Texas law enforcement is about as incompetent as they come! Uvalde being the latest example, but they've faked forensics in hundreds of cases over the years. And what the he'll did Ethan think he was doing, moving that money? Just another Texan!
Profile Image for Jan Snow.
14 reviews5 followers
May 22, 2022
Fair read

Better than the first three in the series, but the ending seemed rushed. Everything was proceeding at a normal pace for the first 80 % and then it was a mad dash to the end. This is almost a cozy.
114 reviews5 followers
May 23, 2022
Wow, another great installment in this series. If you haven't read any books by this author then where have you been?.

I love the female lead DI Sam Cobbs. She is exactly how I imagine a DI to be.

Roll on July for the next in the series.
301 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2022
Loved it

Great series, loving that Sam got rid of her ex Chris. Really good storyline that kept you guessing, just wished ending had been a bit longer. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
1,166 reviews6 followers
May 26, 2023
Another Excellent Story

Another excellent story in the San Gibbs series and every bit as good as those that preceded it. All the usual characters and a great story line with a surprising ending.Looking forward to reading more.
Profile Image for LooseBoots .
873 reviews6 followers
July 26, 2023
Another brilliant spellbinding read. This was such a gripping story. I simply couldn’t wait to read the next page.
It’s got me so excited to read the next book.
I will be so disappointed when I get to the end of the series.
Profile Image for Sheila Walker.
454 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2024
Revenge can eat you away

A kidnap brutally and a drawn out investigation. Sam is at her whit's end nothing added up. Even so this is a fast moving thriller people hurt those with information keeping it zipped. I enjoyed this one very much. I recommend it
40 reviews
October 13, 2024
Another great read

I just cannot get enough of this authors books, I have enjoyed every one of them apart from a couple she wrote apparently with a co author, stick at what you are good at Mel, looking forward to my next read.
Profile Image for Audrey.
399 reviews17 followers
May 2, 2022
This is the fourth in the series and my favourite so far, the series is getting better and better. Once I started it I couldn't put it down and the ending ........... what a shocker. Brilliant story.
Profile Image for Craig Gillan.
526 reviews7 followers
May 18, 2022
Series just gets better with every book. Love these characters
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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