My Review - Obsession by Patricia Bradley

 

5 out of 5 stars

OBSESSION, book two in the Natchez Trace Parker Rangers series is a classic whodunit, that won’t disappoint.

Emma Winters, a Natchez Trace Ranger, has her life upended professionally, personally, and emotionally. When she is shot at while doing research at a historic slave burial site, it is assumed that she interrupted a crime. But, when she begins to receive gifts from a secret admirer, it turns personal. On top of that, her twin brother’s disappearance that happened ten years ago comes into question, and the law enforcement officer assigned to Emma’s case is none other than her ex-fiancé, Sam Ryker. To say her emotions are on overdrive is an understatement. Though she feels a pull on her heartstrings, Emma tries to keep her interactions with Sam on a professional level while they attempt to figure out who’s stalking her and why.

Sam Ryker had his heart crushed by Emma once; he has no intentions of letting that happen again. Even so, his investigation into the shooting and tampering at the historic grave site leads him to believe Emma’s life is in danger. He realizes maintaining a professional relationship between the two of them is going to be difficult, but he’ll do whatever it takes to keep Emma out of harm’s way.

OBSESSION leads the reader down many trails in this whodunit/romance. Emma and Sam have a lot of history, both romantically and the fact that Sam was one of her brother’s best friends. They are forced to deal with these past issues as they navigate the present danger Emma finds herself in.

I really enjoyed OBSESSION. I am a fan of Patricia Bradley, and she did not disappoint. The balance between suspense and romance was satisfying, as were the clues sprinkled throughout the story, allowing the reader to do their own sleuthing. I am not a fan of suspense books that pull a criminal out of thin air in the last few chapters, taking the reader by complete surprise. I like to be able to follow along and draw some of my own conclusions. Even if I am wrong, I at least feel a part of the hunt. Ms. Bradley executed this perfectly, keeping me completely engaged. The romance developed at a convincing pace, considering both Emma and Sam are gun-shy to start something they thought they left in the past.

I definitely recommend OBSESSION. And even though it is the second book in the series, it read fine as a standalone novel. However, do yourself a favor and get STANDOFF, book one in the series. You will enjoy it equally as well.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mind.