Reviews

A Burning Obsession by Mike Omer

ahdarling's review against another edition

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dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

an_money's review

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

4.75

karlyo83's review

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2.0

My Rating System: 2⭐️⭐️ ticked very few boxes BARELY THERE

Abby is back in the finale of the series and she has to put her negotiator skills to the ultimate test facing off against a deadly threat from her past.

A spate of suspicious fires across the country that are leaving people dead in their homes sparks the attention of Abby Mullen and she just knows that it has to be Moses Wilcox the ominous figure from her past. Meanwhile, Zoe Bentley and FBI Agent Gray are hot on the tale of the arsonist.

The fanatical cult leader Moses Wilcox has re-emerged and reborn as Moses Williams and he is quickly gathering a large cult following preaching about the second baptism.

Can Abby and Zoe work together to solve this case before more people’s lives are ruined?


Ok, so I was super pumped for this one to come out, I’ve been waiting for it. I’ve read all the other books (loved them), read the Zoe Bentley Series (loved them too), I’ve even read the Glenmore Park Series (pretty much loved those too). It hurts me to say this but I suppose there was bound to be a bad apple in the bunch and I am sad to say this is it for me.

juliehunt77's review

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dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

lynguy1's review against another edition

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5.0

Mike Omer knows how to build suspense, develop characters, add action and atmosphere, and keep readers on the edge of their seats. The third and final book in this series, A Burning Obsession, continues to feature Abby Mullen. She’s a lieutenant with the New York City hostage negotiation team, a mother of two children, divorced, and she experienced childhood trauma when she was seven. When a series of suspicious fires leaves victims dead in isolated homes, she believes an adult escaped the fires of her childhood and is once again a threat after 30 years. After a lot of research, she contacts the FBI and connects with criminal profiler Zoe Bentley and Agent Tatum Gray. Is Moses Wilcox back in action or are these unrelated fires? What could be their connection?

Abby’s character is well developed. Readers get insight into both her personal and professional lives as well as her strengths and vulnerabilities. They also get great insight into Zoe. Both are strong, successful, and determined women. However, Abby’s childhood has had an impact on her. Can she face her past? Zoe tends to clash with others in authority. She says what she thinks rather than what could be said to get cooperation. Other characters vary in depth, but provide support, conflict, or interest. The author combines concise, clear physical descriptions that are supplemented with demonstrations of their weaknesses.

An intriguing and memorable opening scene will immediately pull most readers into the story. That scene is vivid and painful to imagine. The suspense is built gradually as characters are introduced and readers begin to get a sense of what is to come. When the action started, this reader eagerly turned the pages with nervous anticipation. Who will survive? How will the situation be resolved? What an ending! Will you guess what happens?

This novel is a creative, complex, and well-paced tale with layers and twists that will keep a reader guessing. High stakes and an all-too-real situation kept me engaged throughout the story. There are some shocking and disturbing scenes as it unfolds. The people in the story came to life, and I was cheering on the police as they worked desperately toward a resolution. Themes include work relationships, family relationships, death, abuse, and much more.

Overall, this amazing thriller with intense moments and action kept me turning the pages. There was enough background in the novel that it worked well as a standalone. However, reading the previous books adds background and more insight into Abby’s character. Those who enjoy crime thrillers may want to check out this series. I’m looking forward to reading what Mike Omer writes next.

Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and Mike Omer for a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for November 8, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.

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My 4.52 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.

ericranke's review

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adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This series was so captivating. I couldn’t wait to finish!

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tetrootz's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0


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beckreads's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

tsquare345's review

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4.0

Yay, Moses wrapped up in a bow. Abby and Zoe make a good partnership. And Carver is my hero. The story is a great ending to the trilogy.

kaitlinlaughlin's review

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5.0

I love this trilogy so much. The dynamics of cults are very interesting and Abby is a badass! These are the best thrillers that follow Abby, her kids, and the Wilcox cult that she was born into. I also loved having Zoey Bentley in this book. Her series is also super good!