I had the wonderful pleasure of reading an ARC of this debut novel of a new series by NYT and USA Today bestselling author, M. A. Comley. A long time fan of her Justice series, I was surprised--in my humble opinion DI Sally Parker has blown DI Lorne Simpkins now Lorne Warner out of the running as my favorite all time series star. A huge fan of the Alex Cross series by James Patterson, I love when I find an author that can keep a series going and still write page turning mystery/suspense and thrillers. I'm impatiently waiting for book 2 in this series and hope Ms. Comley doesn't make me wait too long.
Book 1 introduces DI Sally Parker and her team. A serial killer is on the loose and one, at first glance, that shouldn't be hard to find as he picks his victims up in local bars and leaves behind a DNA sample. While waiting for the DNA results Sally and her team find themselves up against a brick wall as no one remembers who the victims were talking to or waited on at the bars. This guy simply blends in with the woodwork. They get their first break when the DNA samples come back with a hit on a convicted rapist recently released from prison. Like all criminals he professes his innocence, but with his arrest the team relaxes and plans their celebration--until another body turns up.
Combine the above with fabulous scenes into Sally's personal life, her partner's personal life, and you have a top notch read that will keep you turning pages all the way to the end--which leads to a very unexpected surprise. It's difficult to write more without giving away spoilers that I would prefer you read and enjoy for yourselves. A fabulous book with great characterization, well thought out and written plot and a fast paced thriller I simply couldn't put down.
I gave this book five stars and can highly recommend it to all my friends and fans.
