The Obsession by Nora Roberts

The Obsession

by Nora Roberts

In this spellbinding novel about a woman whose past is catching up with her, #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts dazzles readers 'a story you won't be able to put down' (Library Journal)
Naomi Carson is a survivor. As a child, her family was torn apart by a shocking crime. It could have destroyed her, but Naomi has grown up strong, with a passion for photography that has taken her all around the world.

Now, at last, she has decided to put down roots. The beautiful old house on Point Bluff needs work, but Naomi is looking forward to making a home of her own.

But as Naomi plans for the future, her past is catching up with her. Someone in town knows her terrifying secret - and won't let her forget it...
'A read to be savored . . . Roberts has an unparalleled ability to paint a picture with words . . . and the story is expertly executed.' -Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Reviewed by Leigha on

4 of 5 stars

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A serial killer's daughter learns settling down might be harder to do in this romance thriller novel.

It was an interesting concept. How would you live if you found out you were the child of a serial killer? The first one hundred pages of the book explored our narrator's struggle to live, but lost the initial momentum in the later half of the novel. It took too much time revealing the main threat to Naomi. On top of the meandering plot, I did not connect to the romance occurring between Naomi and Xander. I liked the two character separately, but not as a couple. I did enjoy the secondary characters, including the town residents and Naomi's family. Quite frankly, I think the novel would have been more appealing if focused on the side characters than on Naomi.

I can't end this review without talking about the money. Boy, did these people have a lot of money to throw around. Naomi came across as a hard working woman with a comfortable lifestyle, but I did raise my eyebrows about her financial ability to completely renovate an old house (mansion?). It didn't feel true to her background, even with the explanation of "family" money. It pulled me out of the story as I glanced around my own home wishing for such a disposable income.

tl;dr While an enjoyable book, the interesting plot was overtaken by lackluster main characters and a disappointing romance.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 4 December, 2016: Finished reading
  • 4 December, 2016: Reviewed