Obsession

Author: Traci Hunter Abramson

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published Date: Sept 2011

Softcover; 220 pages

Genre: Mystery-Suspense

ISBN# 978-1-60861-392-2

Reviewed by: Shanda, Sheila & Mindy

FTC FYI: free review copy in exchange for an honest review as well as a library copy.

Water shimmered behind her, nearly the same color as her dress. Only a sliver of light cut through the darkness, but it was enough for him to see her delicate features and the way her blonde hair flowed past her shoulders. A slow smile crossed his face, one of appreciation and anticipation.

He took a step forward.

She took a step back.

His voice was low and eerily calm. “Don’t be afraid.”

Obsession, page 1

Shanda’s Review

How creepy is that?

Kendra, a famous music star and daughter of an even more famous actor, is tired of the bodyguards that have hovered over her all of her life. When a small bomb explodes back stage during a performance, she knows the chance of any privacy in the future is gone.

Kendra calls her grandfather, a former FBI agent, desperate to get away from everything. He sends her up to the Arizona mountains where she can get some privacy at the family cabin, but secretly arranges for the “son” of a “friend” to stay at their cabin across the street.

Those who read Traci’s first books will recognize Charlie Whitmore, the FBI agent who is assigned to watch over Kendra, as the brother of Matt Whitmore (Undercurrents, Ripple Effect, The Deep End) and Amy Whitmore (Freefall). There is no need to read these books first as Obsession does a great job standing on its own.

I really enjoyed both Kendra and Charlie’s characters. The romance between them developed naturally with a maturity and perspective I appreciated. Kendra possessed a certain naiveté in regard to romantic relationships that was believable and endearing without being immature.

Charlie’s own past experiences dealing with the limelight as a senator’s son gave he and Kendra common ground on which to build their friendship. He wants more but knows that a romantic relationship with Kendra will distract him from his duty to protect her. Though Charlie does his best to keep their relationship on a certain level while on the job, Kendra slips easily through the barriers of his past and right into his heart.

Obsession was definitely a page-turner for me. The pace was consistent, and I was always wondering what would happen next, whether in the serial killer investigation or Kendra and Charlie’s relationship. I had a suspicion of who the killer was but didn’t feel confident about it until closer to the end.

I give Obsession 4.5 stars out of 5 and recommend it to anyone who likes a clean, well-written mystery-suspense with a nice romantic element. I look forward to reading it again.

Sheila

Obsession is another great novel written by Traci Hunter Abramson. This book is more mystery than action. It also is a novel about relationships and learning to love and trust again.

Some of the things I liked the most in this novel were the main characters Kendra, the pop singer being stalked and Charlie, the FBI agent assigned to protect her. Both characters have baggage in their past that threatens a possible romance between them.

Traci always does a great job with character development. She writes characters that the reader learns to care about quickly. Kendra, even though she is famous, is sweet and vulnerable. Charlie, though deeply hurt in the past from a failed engagement, is caring and willing to open his heart. Watching Kendra and Charlie interact is not only fun, but you will be cheering them on to connect.

Traci sets up many possible people as the stalker and possible serial killer. Either I am getting better at figuring who the bad guy is, or this one was easier to solve. But I knew over half way in who Kendra’s stalker was. Fellow reviewer, Mindy, told me she had also figured out the stalker early on. The main mystery for me was how he would attack and if Charlie would be able to protect Kendra. There is great action at the end that resolves the novel nicely.

I recommend Obsession to readers that love a novel filled with a blooming romance, mysterious stalkers, FBI agents and finding God again in your life. Nice job to Traci on another well written novel that her fans will not want to miss reading.

Mindy

Kendra Blake is in danger, and she doesn’t even know it. She is a beautiful, talented singer from a Hollywood family. She is used to being the spotlight, and being watched under a microscope. Kendra knows all about security and the privacy invading problem is it. That’s why when a bomb goes off at her concert, she flees to her ex-FBI agent Grandpa, who will protect the best way he can, in secret.

Kendra’s dad is a famous actor and has distanced himself from the LDS church. She always adhered to the gospel’s teachings and values. Kendra loved visiting her grandparents and going to church with them when she was younger.

Charlie Whitmore is an FBI agent in need of an escape as well. Because he is a member of the LDS church, he is given the special assignment to “guard” Kendra. Only she doesn’t know it. The two develop a friendship that is much needed for the two of them. Only Charlie feels guilty, should he tell her the truth? And what will happen when he does?

While this is going on, we also have the psycho that is after Kendra. Several girls have been killed and authorities are thinking their deaths may be involved in the Kendra Blake case. This guy is very creepy, and he gave me the chills.

Traci can sure write crazy well! The stalker was very disturbing and determined to have Kendra at all costs. All the characters jump off the page, were written well, and believable. There is action, romance, and a nut job possible serial killer, what else do you need in a book?

4 out of 5 stars for me. All the book’s I’ve read of Traci’s are awesome! This one is no different.

Do you have a favorite Traci Hunter Abramson book?