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Obsession Collection
The Mosquito
After his marriage fails, he hopes a vacation in France will relax and restore him. But fate has something more poisonous in store in this biting tale from bestselling author B. A. Paris. Michael wanted to back out of this trip to the South of France after his wife left him, but his sister and their friends wouldn’t hear of it. His fellow houseguest Rupert isn’t in the mood, either, having recently been widowed. But rather than bonding, Michael is unsettled by Rupert’s constant needling. That and the bug bites are enough to suck the life right out of an idyllic holiday. The Mosquito is part of Obsession , a collection of compulsively readable short stories about people pushed to their extremes. So addictive you won’t be able to put them down—read or listen to each story in a single sitting.
31 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2023
1100 people are currently reading
5902 people want to read
About the author
B.A. Paris
24 books23.8k followersB.A. Paris is the New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author of eight novels including the word-of-mouth hit, Behind Closed Doors, and her latest psychological thriller, When I Kill You.
Over nine million editions of her work have been sold worldwide and her books have been translated into 41 languages. Her novel, The Breakdown, has been adapted for film under the title Blackwater Lane.
Before becoming an author, B.A. Paris, who spent most of her adult life living in France, worked in finance as a trader before retraining as an English teacher. Today, she writes from her cottage in Hampshire, England.
Sign up to her newsletter at www.baparis.com or follow her on social media @baparisauthor
Over nine million editions of her work have been sold worldwide and her books have been translated into 41 languages. Her novel, The Breakdown, has been adapted for film under the title Blackwater Lane.
Before becoming an author, B.A. Paris, who spent most of her adult life living in France, worked in finance as a trader before retraining as an English teacher. Today, she writes from her cottage in Hampshire, England.
Sign up to her newsletter at www.baparis.com or follow her on social media @baparisauthor
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 894 reviews
October 3, 2023
I don’t always feel impressed by short stories, but here I was drawn in and felt emotional quickly. Mostly annoyance over Rupert, a very unpleasant character. I had no problem understanding why the events unfolded like they did, and I was impressed by Paris for making me see it so clearly.
September 5, 2023
After his wife leaves him, Michael agrees to take a trip to the South of France along with his sister Kate and some friends. While there he is irritated by a mosquito in his room, and a very annoying houseguest (Rupert) who keeps pestering him. A fast and twisted short story.
April 14, 2025
Michael is a kind man, but he’s had a streak of bad luck. His wife left him. He’s on a couple’s vacation by himself. And a mosquito has pestered and stabbed him all night long. This is a person who’s trying his best to hold himself together during a difficult time. But he’s standing on the edge and is one mosquito bite away from going over it.
One thing that immediately stands out to me is the reason why the protagonist and his wife broke up. The protagonist is solely blamed for it and this gets repeated many times over the course of this short story, even though it seems more a case of miscommunication where both partners are equally at fault. But I think this was done for a reason as it made some of the other characters feel quite annoying in a realistic way and in a short amount of time.
I think the sentiment of a mosquito driving you a little bit crazy at night is relatable, but that’s not all this story is about. The mosquito is basically the tipping point. It’s the straw that breaks the camel’s back for the main character. The result is what makes this an entertaining short read. Thanks to my GR friend Barbara for putting this story on my radar.
One thing that immediately stands out to me is the reason why the protagonist and his wife broke up. The protagonist is solely blamed for it and this gets repeated many times over the course of this short story, even though it seems more a case of miscommunication where both partners are equally at fault. But I think this was done for a reason as it made some of the other characters feel quite annoying in a realistic way and in a short amount of time.
I think the sentiment of a mosquito driving you a little bit crazy at night is relatable, but that’s not all this story is about. The mosquito is basically the tipping point. It’s the straw that breaks the camel’s back for the main character. The result is what makes this an entertaining short read. Thanks to my GR friend Barbara for putting this story on my radar.
October 10, 2023
Short jibberish review for a short jibberish story. I meant to start reading that short story series with Grady Hendrix I've seen everyone bang on about but I got sidetracked by this. Wish I hadn't. I really thought something JUICY and complex was gonna happen but it was just soap opera dialogue and made me itchy. 17 mosquito bites on your face? I would cut the skin off my face with an exacto knife. Ain't no way I could function.
Would not recommend.
Would not recommend.
August 2, 2023
Ironic
The mosquito has a bit of double meaning/existence in this book, Rupert is annoying like a mosquito. Fun quick listen!
The mosquito has a bit of double meaning/existence in this book, Rupert is annoying like a mosquito. Fun quick listen!
November 26, 2023
Amazon Original Stories - The Obsession Collection
Michael is on holiday in France with friends, post break up. He is tormented if not plagued by a mosquito and a fellow guest, Rupert. Why does Rupert goad him so much? What is his obsession all about?? Whereas Michael’s obsession is that blooming mosquito. Rupert’s whine = mosquito whine! A really good short story with good twists. Less than an hour’s reading!
Michael is on holiday in France with friends, post break up. He is tormented if not plagued by a mosquito and a fellow guest, Rupert. Why does Rupert goad him so much? What is his obsession all about?? Whereas Michael’s obsession is that blooming mosquito. Rupert’s whine = mosquito whine! A really good short story with good twists. Less than an hour’s reading!
January 21, 2024
THE MOSQUITO is a fun story about a pesty bug and an even pestier house guest named Rupert. When I first encountered Rupert, he made me think of Colin Robinson, only without Colin's charm, lol. (Any What We Do in the Shadows fans?) I enjoyed the symbolism in this short tale, and I especially loved the satisfying ending.
March 16, 2025
4,0 ✨✨✨
(Audiobook)
(Audiobook)
October 26, 2023
Another free Amazon short story - this one was as annoying as a mosquito 🦟 but one I started I had to finish and it got better as it went along. Too bad the story was just lacking in all the things I love. Not very twisty and you didn’t have to think much. Just a story.
September 10, 2023
Most of these Amazon Original short stories are truly very good! I especially enjoyed this one. Friendly reminder to never underestimate those people you call “too nice” ha!
August 17, 2025
Wanting to fill my summer with a mix of novels and short stories, I came upon this collection of short pieces called the Obsession Collection. This short story by B.A. Parris is a great piece with a bit of action woven into it. Michael’s wife just left him and needs a reprieve. He joins a group of friends in France, hoping to reset. However, every night, a mosquito keeps him up. To counter this, every day, one of the guests buzzes in Michael’s ear to criticise him. Michael finds an out to handle them both, but it relies on timing. Parris delivers a great piece for all to enjoy.
A vacation in France is just what Michael needs after his marriage falls apart. He joins some friends to refocus his life, which includes spending time with Rupert, a man recently widowed when his wife died of cancer. Bitter and upset, Rupert turns on Michael and buzzes insults and critiques in his ear at every opportunity. Michael is especially tense, as he has to battle the buzzing and biting nature of an actual mosquito every night in his room. As Rupert pushes his luck every day, Michael soon loses his cool and finds a solution that solves everything. B.A. Parris crafts a wonderful piece here that had me eager to devour it in a single sitting.
I enjoy short stories and B.A. Parris tells a great one. She builds an innocent narrative that is quick paced and intrigues the attentive reader. As the story builds, Parris keeps the reader wondering before pulling out quite the twist. Characters are easily enjoyed and their presence balances the larger issues address in the narrative. Plot points seemed lacking until Parris kicked it up a notch and provided the best in the closing pages, which had me raising my eyebrow. I loved it and hope to read more of her work soon.
Kudos, Madam Parris, for a story that kept me wondering.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A vacation in France is just what Michael needs after his marriage falls apart. He joins some friends to refocus his life, which includes spending time with Rupert, a man recently widowed when his wife died of cancer. Bitter and upset, Rupert turns on Michael and buzzes insults and critiques in his ear at every opportunity. Michael is especially tense, as he has to battle the buzzing and biting nature of an actual mosquito every night in his room. As Rupert pushes his luck every day, Michael soon loses his cool and finds a solution that solves everything. B.A. Parris crafts a wonderful piece here that had me eager to devour it in a single sitting.
I enjoy short stories and B.A. Parris tells a great one. She builds an innocent narrative that is quick paced and intrigues the attentive reader. As the story builds, Parris keeps the reader wondering before pulling out quite the twist. Characters are easily enjoyed and their presence balances the larger issues address in the narrative. Plot points seemed lacking until Parris kicked it up a notch and provided the best in the closing pages, which had me raising my eyebrow. I loved it and hope to read more of her work soon.
Kudos, Madam Parris, for a story that kept me wondering.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
January 6, 2025
4 Stars for The Mosquito: Obsession Collection, Book 2 (audiobook) by B. A. Paris read by Will M. Watt.
A recently divorced man ends up on a vacation that he had planned to be on with his wife but now he is just with some of his friends. He’s depressed and having trouble adjusting to his new life and the recent widower who is also on the trip is making things unbearable. And then there’s the mosquitoes, who’s to say what pushes him over the edge.
A recently divorced man ends up on a vacation that he had planned to be on with his wife but now he is just with some of his friends. He’s depressed and having trouble adjusting to his new life and the recent widower who is also on the trip is making things unbearable. And then there’s the mosquitoes, who’s to say what pushes him over the edge.
September 6, 2023
This is the second short story from the Obsession Collection.
It tells us what an obsessive mosquito can do even to such a person as Michael, whose wife left him because he is too nice. But every patience and kindness has a limit.
It's a good story with an unexpected end. I really enjoyed it.
It tells us what an obsessive mosquito can do even to such a person as Michael, whose wife left him because he is too nice. But every patience and kindness has a limit.
It's a good story with an unexpected end. I really enjoyed it.
July 31, 2023
Rupert is a total turd.
December 13, 2025
Rupert had it coming, and Michael seriously deserves better friends.
This is not that exciting, or interesting. But in the end… dare I say satisfying?
This is not that exciting, or interesting. But in the end… dare I say satisfying?
Read
December 29, 2023An energy vampire during the day and a mosquito trapped in his bedroom at night makes one man's group vacation with some friends a total nightmare. I love the way the tension and frustration escalate to a fevered boiling point. The obsession aspect was so commonplace--I know people like the "pest". Utterly exhausting. I enjoyed this experience.
February 6, 2024
Oh dear. Not much buzz for this one. It telegraphs its grisly denouement way too early. Like a mosquito whining at your ear.
July 12, 2024
B.A. Paris’s “The Mosquito” is the second book in the “Obsession” collection, a blend of psychological tension and atmospheric storytelling.
Michael is seeking comfort and recovery after the collapse of his marriage. So with that in mind he is going on holiday in the South of France where he will be surrounded by his sister and friends. But unfortunately for him that is not going to be the case.
A fellow guest named Rupert, who has recently lost his wife becomes a nuisance to Michael and his behaviour creates a tension between the two of them. The psychological games Rupert plays begin to unravel Michael’s delicate state of mind and the simmering animosity between the two is the core to this chilling tale.
Michael’s annoyance is made no better by the never ending bug bites, what should be minor irritations seem to unbearable in his present demeanour. The tension builds and raises the question will Michael break and hit out at Rupert.
A chilling tale that is well crafted so that the tension grows despite the shortness of the story.
Michael is seeking comfort and recovery after the collapse of his marriage. So with that in mind he is going on holiday in the South of France where he will be surrounded by his sister and friends. But unfortunately for him that is not going to be the case.
A fellow guest named Rupert, who has recently lost his wife becomes a nuisance to Michael and his behaviour creates a tension between the two of them. The psychological games Rupert plays begin to unravel Michael’s delicate state of mind and the simmering animosity between the two is the core to this chilling tale.
Michael’s annoyance is made no better by the never ending bug bites, what should be minor irritations seem to unbearable in his present demeanour. The tension builds and raises the question will Michael break and hit out at Rupert.
A chilling tale that is well crafted so that the tension grows despite the shortness of the story.
February 6, 2024
Awesome
Yeah I I don't know what to say folks, I was pretty much pro murder by the end of this tale. And kudos, this is a really great short story by Paris.
Yeah I I don't know what to say folks, I was pretty much pro murder by the end of this tale. And kudos, this is a really great short story by Paris.
July 10, 2025
This was a very good short story in the Amazon Obsession collection. While vacationing in the south of France with his sister and a group of friends, Michael is extremely annoyed by a very pesky mosquito and antagonized by a very irritating house guest. When pushed to his limit, Michael solves both problems in a satisfying and unexpected ending. Loved it!
November 26, 2025
3.5 rounded up
December 20, 2023
On what was supposed to be a couples trip, recently broken up with man, Michael is harassed by a whining mosquito and an unruly freshly widowed man. Two pests he struggles to get rid of who only remind him of his ex and the alleged reason for her leaving. Why can't they just leave him alone?
The ending came suddenly and with a surprise. I can hear the sound of the mosquito whirring around...
The ending came suddenly and with a surprise. I can hear the sound of the mosquito whirring around...
May 19, 2025
Story 3 stars**
Audio 4 stars**
Narrator Will Watt
Audio 4 stars**
Narrator Will Watt
July 29, 2023
This little novella was awesome.
You know, nice people can get anrgy sometimes, too...but when they do - they might do it in a nice way.
This was an outstanding short read from one of my favorite authors.
I would highly recommend !!!!
You know, nice people can get anrgy sometimes, too...but when they do - they might do it in a nice way.
This was an outstanding short read from one of my favorite authors.
I would highly recommend !!!!
March 14, 2024
The Mosquito by B.A. Paris
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5*)
This was my second short-story in the "Obsession-Collection". The first one wasn't as good as I hoped but this one delivered for me. It wasn't the most original story or extremely unpredictable but it was very good anyways and for me the word "satisfying" comes to mind... 😉
"Michael wanted to back out of this trip to the South of France after his wife left him, but his sister and their friends wouldn’t hear of it. His fellow houseguest Rupert isn’t in the mood, either, having recently been widowed. But rather than bonding, Michael is unsettled by Rupert’s constant needling. That and the bug bites are enough to suck the life right out of an idyllic holiday."
I very much liked the writing of this short-story and I was able to connect to the main character very good. I also liked the vibes he had with the other people and yeah, it was a great 40 min. read. Maybe even worth checking out the authors other books. So recommendation from me! 😁👍🏻
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5*)
This was my second short-story in the "Obsession-Collection". The first one wasn't as good as I hoped but this one delivered for me. It wasn't the most original story or extremely unpredictable but it was very good anyways and for me the word "satisfying" comes to mind... 😉
"Michael wanted to back out of this trip to the South of France after his wife left him, but his sister and their friends wouldn’t hear of it. His fellow houseguest Rupert isn’t in the mood, either, having recently been widowed. But rather than bonding, Michael is unsettled by Rupert’s constant needling. That and the bug bites are enough to suck the life right out of an idyllic holiday."
I very much liked the writing of this short-story and I was able to connect to the main character very good. I also liked the vibes he had with the other people and yeah, it was a great 40 min. read. Maybe even worth checking out the authors other books. So recommendation from me! 😁👍🏻
July 10, 2024
Bzzz Bzzz
Review of the Amazon Original Story ebook (July 23, 2023) released simultaneously with the Brilliance Audio audiobook.
The Mosquito has a start which leads you to think it is just going to be whimsical. A man is driven to nighttime distraction by a pesky mosquito* in his room where he is vacationing with friends in France. His wife has recently left him and his sister and brother in law think the vacation will be a good distraction for him. Unfortunately, there is another single man, whose wife died recently, also on the trip. The widower becomes a pesky irritant to the single man suffering from sleep deprivation in the daytime. The tension builds to the point where something drastic is bound to happen.
Footnote
* It sounded unlikely, but looking it up I discovered that a single mosquito will feed several times on the same prey and then after laying its eggs will start the cycle again.
B.A. Paris is a psychological thriller writer who has published several novels, the most popular of which is Behind Closed Doors (2016).
Trivia and Links
The Mosquito is the 2nd of 6 short stories making up the psychological suspense series Obsession, released simultaneously on July 23, 2023 as eBooks by Amazon Originals and as audiobooks by Brilliance Audio. The Obsession collection is described as “Lust. Revenge. Greed. Hunger. Desire doesn’t care if you’re at the bottom of the ladder or the top of your game. Six masters of psychological suspense craft tales about people crossing moral lines in pursuit of their deepest desires. In these short stories, even the most mild-mannered characters can spin out of control when passion is at play. Hold on tight—there’s no turning back.”
You can watch for current and past Amazon Original Kindle short stories which are usually paired with their Audible Original narrations at an Amazon page here (Link goes to Amazon US, adjust for your own country or region).
Review of the Amazon Original Story ebook (July 23, 2023) released simultaneously with the Brilliance Audio audiobook.
The Mosquito has a start which leads you to think it is just going to be whimsical. A man is driven to nighttime distraction by a pesky mosquito* in his room where he is vacationing with friends in France. His wife has recently left him and his sister and brother in law think the vacation will be a good distraction for him. Unfortunately, there is another single man, whose wife died recently, also on the trip. The widower becomes a pesky irritant to the single man suffering from sleep deprivation in the daytime. The tension builds to the point where something drastic is bound to happen.
Footnote
* It sounded unlikely, but looking it up I discovered that a single mosquito will feed several times on the same prey and then after laying its eggs will start the cycle again.
B.A. Paris is a psychological thriller writer who has published several novels, the most popular of which is Behind Closed Doors (2016).
Trivia and Links
The Mosquito is the 2nd of 6 short stories making up the psychological suspense series Obsession, released simultaneously on July 23, 2023 as eBooks by Amazon Originals and as audiobooks by Brilliance Audio. The Obsession collection is described as “Lust. Revenge. Greed. Hunger. Desire doesn’t care if you’re at the bottom of the ladder or the top of your game. Six masters of psychological suspense craft tales about people crossing moral lines in pursuit of their deepest desires. In these short stories, even the most mild-mannered characters can spin out of control when passion is at play. Hold on tight—there’s no turning back.”
You can watch for current and past Amazon Original Kindle short stories which are usually paired with their Audible Original narrations at an Amazon page here (Link goes to Amazon US, adjust for your own country or region).
January 24, 2024
An Amazon Original (short) Story!
Ah, BA Paris shows up yet again with a story sure to pique your interest from the start. With as short as this story is, I think she does an incredible job quickly giving us an understanding of her main characters and all their quirks.
I enjoyed this quick read and for what it is (a short story), I think it was successful!
Ah, BA Paris shows up yet again with a story sure to pique your interest from the start. With as short as this story is, I think she does an incredible job quickly giving us an understanding of her main characters and all their quirks.
I enjoyed this quick read and for what it is (a short story), I think it was successful!
January 13, 2024
The Mosquito is a short story. It is an Amazon Original story.
Michael's wife has left him. And he goes on vacation in the South of France with two couples and Rupert a recent widower. But Rupert is incredibly rude. And Michael is viciously bitten by a mosquito.
I really enjoyed this short story. I was invested in it. And it was very well done. I definitely was not expecting that ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 894 reviews