Member Reviews
This was truly a thriller that I hated to put down. This is the story of two couples, Jenni and Craig and Carly and Rob who are best friends. A somewhat simple question from Carly to Rob leads to very complicated results and “obsessive” behaviors. This twisty tale is told from each person’s perspective which makes the story come together even more.
At first I thought the book alternated between different narrators too quickly, but the chapters do get longer as the book goes on. This was quite an effective vehicle, giving four points of view of the same story.
However, I couldn't relate to any of the characters and thought some of them quite obnoxious. There was also too much sex, I don't think I've ever read a book that used the word 'clitoris' so much. I gave up slightly over half way. I do not recommend this book.
I found this book slow moving at the beginning and hard to stay focused on. It follows two couples Carly & Rob and Jenni & Craig, who are really good friends. But Carly starts to struggle with her mental health and has an affair with Craig.
I really hated Carly at first and thought she was nothing but a cold hearted b*tch. her and Craig's affair made me feel really sorry for both Jenni and Rob. I found the book not too interesting at moments and when I did close the book it would be a few days before I carried on reading. It just didn't grab me. I
The second half of the book was a bit better when Jenni started showing an interest in Rob.I did start to dislike Jenni and favour Carly more and then a few pages later I was liking Jenni more. To be honest I didn't really like any of the characters in the book that much that's maybe way it just couldn't get into it.
The very last part of the books was the best but the final page was a bit of a let down. I was like 'is that it?' An ok read would give it 3 stars out of 5.
A throw away remark can make all the difference. A different take on a jealous reaction to a remark. This psychological thriller is tense and will keep you guessing. I thought I had it figured out and then it twisted again. At times it felt a little long and I did feel parts could have been condensed but overall a good read through out.
A BRILLIANT DEBUT NOVEL:
"Obsession" is a brilliant debut by author Amanda Robson. It is a psychological thriller narrated seamlessly by the four main characters. It is not a short book but the structure of brief, sharp and snappy chapters gets the reader quickly through. Once started I found it difficult to put down. The plot unfolds through the perspective of the narrators, which are concurrent, making it a delightfully uncomplicated and easy book to read and enjoy. There are only a limited number of key characters which one might think would reduce the options for surprise. Think again. The conclusion is as unpredictable as the characters which relate the story. The novel contains sexual narrative which in my opinion is not gratuitous but rather provides a fuller perspective of the characters involved and makes the storyline all the more intriguing.
Events are triggered on a camping holiday by an innocent question and an equally if mischievous, simple reply. As the novel progresses we face unexpected twists and turns and perceive changes in attitudes by each of the narrators as they react to events. The author skilfully builds up a character in the reader's mind only for us to later find that our opinion of that character is turned upside down. The novel is packed with mystery and action even though rooted in middle class suburbia.
Based around a modern General Medical Practice, the plot is not a complicated one, but rather straightforward: the mystery which develops is related by the various characters as events are perceived from their own perspective. And each narrator has a different take. The novel explores the volatility of relationships through the medium of the minds of the four characters and changes in their attitudes to one another. Many recent novels have featured plots narrated in a similar style.
To work properly this technique requires a special writing skill which Amanda Robson demonstrates at its best: the reader is carried seamlessly along with the narrative which remains focussed on a flowing narrative. We gain ready insight into the characters as we read. As readers we would admit that total honesty with our friends and family is rarely possible for the best of reasons: not wanting to hurt the feelings of our loved ones. But the author takes that just a little step further and points out that we are the same with ourselves, and it was this point for me which formed the inspirational core of the novel.
A brilliant debut which promises great things to come from a new talent. I loved the book and the reader is kept on tenterhooks right to the end. A great read not to be missed.
This was a very compelling psychological thriller. Continuous tension and uncertainty throughout. The whole story seemed so real and the unlikeable characters that you couldn't stop reading about, jumping off the page. The build up to the conclusion was almost unbearable. Compulsive reading.
When I was offered this book from NetGalley I was excited to get reading. I was not disappointed, a truly psychological thriller. 2 couples, 4 friends....or are they? Who can you trust? who are your true friends? When Carly asks Rob who he would go for if he had a choice, has she asked the wrong question? The story that transpires from this innocent question provides some great twists and turns and generally makes you questions relationships and trust.
This is a very well written debut novel. The story made me feel uncomfortable at times which in my eyes is exactly what a psychological thriller should do. I highly recommend this book
I usually struggle with books where none of the characters are likeable but this is the exception. I found it to be a great read - I enjoy the format of stories being told from different viewpoints and, with 4 of them in this book, I was kept hooked. The short chapters kept the pace up but also made it easy to read.
It definitely kept my interest throughout and I would give it a strong 4 stars.
This was a compelling story of tangled lives.
Its a well written psycho drama with great twists and turns.
Its not a book for the faint hearted but i enjoyed it.
Thank you Netgalley the Author and Publisher for a chance to read this book.
I found "Obsession" by Amanda Robson to be a truly suspenseful and gripping psychological thriller. I enjoyed reading about the various subjects introduced here, like relationships, mental health etc. I think in those terms the book is very realistic, since life is rarely black and white. The book kept me guessing and made me feel very tense throughout, which is something I appreciate in a thriller.
The only issue I had with this novel was that I found it difficult to connect with the characters, or even like them. I suppose this was done on purpose, although it's not the aspect I particularly enjoyed.
All in all, "Obsession" is a solid, suspenseful read. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed "Girl on the Train" or "Gone Girl". Give it a try and you won't regret it.
I would also like to use this occasion to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
Ok if you like to end a book scratching your head then this is for you. This book makes you think and ponder long after the book closes
I was really excited about this book, I loved the description and the genre Is right up my street!
It started well but a few times along the way It got too confusing of what everyone was up to. I felt like I had missed something as it didn't quite make sense. They couldn't all be playing a game....... right!!!
It progressed along and kept my interest despite the confusion - maybe that was part of the plot??? Which if it was I found it annoying.
The ending was disappointing as I did get into this book despite the few annoying things so then found it needed abruptly and wasn't quite believable.
Shame really, it's not a bad book it just disappointed me but maybe my mind wasn't into the story.... I will reread the book at a different time to see if I found it any different.
I really really wanted to like this book!
Really enjoyed this book. Told from four different perspectives, it really was difficult to decide who was telling the truth. An interesting look into how the human mind works and how easily a situations reality can become blurred. A great mystery all round.
What fascinated me about this book was the way in which I was drawn into the plot from the very first page. At no point during the experience was I aware that this was a debut novel from the author Amanda Robson and I can only begin to imagine what is in store for us next time round. The storyline was cleverly crafted with short glimpses of the perspectives of the 4 main characters as the story developed. The pace was perfect and for me this was one of those books that I found difficult to put down. I don't intend to reveal the plot, but I do recommend that you add this to your "to read" list, you will not be disappointed.
I wasn't quite sure who was obsessed with who in this book, or if they were all obsessed with someone they shouldn't have been.
First, the positives. The book is an easy read, it is fairly straightforward (although there is some ambiguity towards the end) and the short chapters from different POV keep you reading.
Now to some negatives. I really disliked all four main characters, I couldn't really see any redeeming qualities. Even Rob, who I started out thinking was ok. I don't really see this as a psychological thriller though. More of a slightly erotic, domestic mess which starts out ok but descends into farce at the end. I really didn't care what happened to any of them.
My thanks to Netgalley for this copy.
A really great read. Thrilling and exciting from the start. I couldn't put this down once I started it.
Thanks for the chance to read this
This was a well written story, but unfortunately I found it hard to get into and hard to persevere with.
Wow - what a read! One small, seemingly innocuous question, he fallout from which for the two couples involved was brilliantly told. I loved the short, snappy chapters, it made the story hurtle towards its devastating ending. A real insight into relationships, and how quickly they can crumble, bringing about obsession, mistrust and dishonesty. Quite a depressing story, but one that keeps your attention.
Hi ForeverBookers,
I've just finished Obsession and it was good. There are lots of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. I wasn't 100% sure what was going to happen throughout, which I liked.
Thank you to NetGalley for granting me permission to read Obsession. It was a great read. Obsession is definitely an ADULT read as there are sex scenes as well as disturbing content too.
3.5/4 Stars!
We follow four people in Obsession. Rob, a doctor who's also very religious, Carly, a nurse and Rob's wife, Jenni another very religious person and Craig, Jenni's husband. We see from all of their perspectives throughout the novel. This was interesting but also a little jarring at times.
Mental health is brought up in Obsession. Carly, who doesn't know who she truly loves, suffers, Jenni also suffers to an extent. I thought the author did a good job writing about the mental health issues. Although the book wasn't solely focused on them, enough time was given for them to seem believable. One of the character's mental health issues' does focus around sex addiction so if you're unsure about reading this, then maybe don't.
Obsession is really about 2 couples and how they betray each other to get what they want. Carly and Rob are a couple and Jenny and Craig are a couple at the beginning. Carly and Craig are also having an affair at the beginning as well though. Jenny tries to get revenge on Carly for sleeping with her husband. What is this revenge? You'll have to read to find out...
Religion plays a big role in this book, so if you're not into that perhaps don't pick it up. Rob and Jenny refer to God a lot and what He would want them to do in their chapters. Both of these characters go to church to seek splice for what they've done or what they Night do as well.
I thought the story ended rather abruptly. Things were happening and then they just stopped. I would have liked to have seen a more definite ending as it would have been more realistic. We didn't really get all the answers, at least I didn't. This book isn't the sort of book that has sequels, I don't think. I could be wrong but when I read the ending I just thought "meh", like I wanted more.
What I liked about Obsession...
I liked how we got to read from the four main characters perspectives. This worked well with how topsy-turvy the book actually is.
I liked how this didn't shy away from being bold with some of the scenes the way a YA version of Obsession would.
What I didn't like about Obsession...
I didn't like how quickly the ending came about.
Overall, I enjoyed Obsession. I thought it had an exciting plot line that I didn't want to stop reading! That's why I'm giving it 3.5/4 Stars I recommend it for adults who like tense, character driven stories.
Stand by for my next review coming soon!