EDITOR’S CHOICE
Gripping, intelligent, and suspenseful—Malicious Obsession delivers a masterful blend of mystery, psychological depth, and compelling characters. A must-read!
A.L. Masters’ Malicious Obsession is a compelling and intricately woven detective novel that delivers both a gripping mystery and a richly detailed protagonist in Detective Inspector Spence. With its atmospheric setting in Wiltshire, the book pulls readers into a dark and tangled web of crime, obsession, and psychological intrigue.
Spence, a seasoned and somewhat solitary detective, is an engaging lead—dedicated to his work, deeply invested in his daughter, and a lifelong devotee of the blues. His personal quirks make him all the more believable, adding depth to a character who is more than just a detective solving cases. Alongside his meticulous DS, Nigel Ferguson, Spence finds himself unravelling a murder that appears straightforward but quickly spirals into something far more sinister.
Masters excels at crafting suspense, keeping the reader guessing as motives shift and new suspects emerge. The novel’s strength lies in its ability to balance traditional police procedural elements with darker, psychological themes, exploring obsession and hidden lives in a way that feels both unsettling and fascinating. The pacing is well-judged, building tension effectively without unnecessary digressions.
While some secondary characters could have been developed further, and certain plot threads feel slightly rushed towards the end, Malicious Obsession remains a highly engaging read. Fans of British crime fiction will appreciate its intelligent storytelling and compelling characterisation. It’s a book that lingers in the mind, leaving the reader eager to follow Spence on his next case.
