What do you think?
Rate this book
Angus Brodie & Mikaela Forsythe #6
Deadly Obsession
A photograph taken of the daughter of one of London’s most prominent citizens in a private setting sets Brodie and Mikaela off on a new inquiry case to find out who took the photograph and then sent it to the family.
The case begins simply enough until the young woman goes missing. Days later the distraught family receives another photograph of their daughter lying in a pool of blood, and that simple inquiry has now become an investigation of murder.
But this is no routine investigation to follow the clues as another photograph is received, and another body is found.
Then another, and Brodie and Mikaela must confront the fact that the murderer is brilliant, talented with those startling even beautiful images, and quite possibly insane as the murders do not appear to be for the usual reasons of robbery, blackmail, or an assault.
What then is it that drives a cold-blooded killer to pick his victims, take those enigmatic photographs that catches them so perfectly? Then take another photograph once they are dead?
Brodie has his own thoughts from years of experience with the MP of London as an investigator, while Mikaela has an entirely different take on the murders.
Their inquiries take them from the struggling photographer who takes iconic photos around London then sells them for the stereopticons that have become so popular in Victorian London, to the casual photographer on the street with his box camera, and into the galleries where photo exhibits are shown.
All the while they are exploring the next step in their relationship.
As the murderer becomes bolder, the photograph of his next victim appears in the Times of London, setting off even more inquiries, and prominent London families fear the worst.
Then, Brodie receives a photograph of Mikaela…
The case begins simply enough until the young woman goes missing. Days later the distraught family receives another photograph of their daughter lying in a pool of blood, and that simple inquiry has now become an investigation of murder.
But this is no routine investigation to follow the clues as another photograph is received, and another body is found.
Then another, and Brodie and Mikaela must confront the fact that the murderer is brilliant, talented with those startling even beautiful images, and quite possibly insane as the murders do not appear to be for the usual reasons of robbery, blackmail, or an assault.
What then is it that drives a cold-blooded killer to pick his victims, take those enigmatic photographs that catches them so perfectly? Then take another photograph once they are dead?
Brodie has his own thoughts from years of experience with the MP of London as an investigator, while Mikaela has an entirely different take on the murders.
Their inquiries take them from the struggling photographer who takes iconic photos around London then sells them for the stereopticons that have become so popular in Victorian London, to the casual photographer on the street with his box camera, and into the galleries where photo exhibits are shown.
All the while they are exploring the next step in their relationship.
As the murderer becomes bolder, the photograph of his next victim appears in the Times of London, setting off even more inquiries, and prominent London families fear the worst.
Then, Brodie receives a photograph of Mikaela…
263 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 19, 2023
292 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
January 21, 2024
I have read all the books in this series in order and have enjoyed them...some more than others. This falls into the middling category so it's a 3.5. What I liked was the setup at the beginning of the book. It grabbed my attention right away. Plus, there is the cliff hanger from the last book. I don't think the books need to be read in order, but you will miss out on the history of the side characters as there are recaps of the prior history. The slow build of the love story is stronger in this book, and I enjoyed that. What I did not enjoy was the middle as I can see that the author is setting up for further books and the mystery was becoming rather secondary and tepid with weak clues and no motive. The end of the mystery was merely ok. The resolution of the cliff hanger was very good.
January 10, 2024
Another great adventure!!!
Please give me more to read!!!! Im obsessed with the stories! They take me to another era and many an adventure!!!! Love it!!!
Please give me more to read!!!! Im obsessed with the stories! They take me to another era and many an adventure!!!! Love it!!!
December 18, 2023
A photograph seemingly such an innocuous object. Yet when parent’s receive before and after photos of their daughters as in before and after death along with cryptic messages the objects are no longer innocent. Mikaela and Brodie are asked to make discreet inquiries and yet there seems to be no rhyme nor reason for these deaths nor those photos. And yet two young women are dead and there are indicators that there maybe at least one other. So our pair of investigators must find who’s behind this rather bizarre and slightly gruesome act. And when the danger hits closer to home the pressure and intensity to find this perpetrator amps up. With some powerful allies and a bumbling yet ambitious inspector on the case will the clues fall in to place in time?
Such a wonderfully weaved story that immerses you in a world gone by in a dangerous investigation and takes you upon a journey that enthralls you from start to finish. And can I just add yay for the wonderful ending!! You’ll have to read the book to find out I’m not spoiling it. This is an absolutely cannot miss a single book series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Such a wonderfully weaved story that immerses you in a world gone by in a dangerous investigation and takes you upon a journey that enthralls you from start to finish. And can I just add yay for the wonderful ending!! You’ll have to read the book to find out I’m not spoiling it. This is an absolutely cannot miss a single book series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 2, 2024
I have read this series in order and was waiting for this installment especially after the cliffhanger of the last book. The mystery was pretty good and many of the typical characters played a role but I did wish for a bit more about what is going on with Templeton and Munroe. Most of the time reading I was just waiting to see what happened with the cliffhanger from the previous book. I do think the author could have done a bit more with the Halloween ball but I like the party scenes. Either she's grown on me or the character has softened because Mikaela is much less annoying to me than in previous versions. All in all it was a fun read and worth the wait.
January 13, 2024
Highly recommend!
The adventures of Angus and Mikaela are marvelous. I highly recommended Carla Simpson’s series. The characters are well developed and have become like friends to me. The mysteries are well plotted usually with well developed twists. The writing in fun, smoothly done with twists and turns and the back stories are fun and interesting. Can’t wait for the next adventure.
The adventures of Angus and Mikaela are marvelous. I highly recommended Carla Simpson’s series. The characters are well developed and have become like friends to me. The mysteries are well plotted usually with well developed twists. The writing in fun, smoothly done with twists and turns and the back stories are fun and interesting. Can’t wait for the next adventure.
January 16, 2024
With only 15 mentions of her Aunt’s very fine whisky the word count was reduced in this latest installment of the Brodie/Forsythe saga of which I was really looking forward to but it sadly didn’t live up to the expectations in my head. The word count would have further been reduced if the author had stopped with the internal monologue of what Mikaela should do regarding Brodie’s question. The mystery was easily discovered and I’ll look forward to the next installment even if they aren’t as good as the last one.
March 25, 2024
A common trap with “couples from different ends of society”
This book was 80% complete and them suddenly the answer was known. There was a big drama which had everyone running. The ending of the mystery violent and sudden. Then conflict with the new ward, very predictable. And I have an issue with how much Lady Antonia would have been able to get away with. Don’t get me started on Mikaela never staying out of trouble like she promised Brodie she would do! But it is fiction. I just enjoyed the more focus on mystery books than the advancing the relationship ones.
This book was 80% complete and them suddenly the answer was known. There was a big drama which had everyone running. The ending of the mystery violent and sudden. Then conflict with the new ward, very predictable. And I have an issue with how much Lady Antonia would have been able to get away with. Don’t get me started on Mikaela never staying out of trouble like she promised Brodie she would do! But it is fiction. I just enjoyed the more focus on mystery books than the advancing the relationship ones.
December 23, 2023
Un-put-down able…is that a word?
Because it’s a way of life with these “Deadly” books. This is very different but a very incredible mixture of the characters. Very suspenseful. Read in two sittings…may the next book in the series NOT be at Christmas. I kept telling myself NOT to start reading until cooking was done and presents wrapped, but do avid readers ever listen to themselves? You will love this book…
Because it’s a way of life with these “Deadly” books. This is very different but a very incredible mixture of the characters. Very suspenseful. Read in two sittings…may the next book in the series NOT be at Christmas. I kept telling myself NOT to start reading until cooking was done and presents wrapped, but do avid readers ever listen to themselves? You will love this book…
February 18, 2024
Sigh. The third girl should never have been murdered. Sleuthing 101 with those notes and figuring out they were in the same photo. More uneven editing and weird Michaela tangents into older novels at inappropriate times. If those characters and situations rolled back around in any meaningful ways then it might make sense, but there was absolutely NO NEED to remind us of Munro and Templeton’s affair. NONE. No bearing on the story and told in the middle of things that did actually move the story along. Weird motive for murder that almost ended up being solved Scooby Doo style—all at once. Also….one chapter switched viewpoint. As much as I relished being out of Michaela’s head, truly, it was inconsistent. Not being a drinker myself, I can’t help but wonder how much whiskey how often might mean one has an issue. Again, a relatively poorly-written, excellent idea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2024
deadly obsession
Excellent can't wait for the next one.
Very intrigued with the story and love the characters new and old wonder what lily will do next.
Excellent can't wait for the next one.
Very intrigued with the story and love the characters new and old wonder what lily will do next.
January 17, 2024
💖💖💖💖💖💖
I absolutely love these and I can't wait for there next adventure together! Amazing writing with all of them, never get bored and always keeps you on the edge of your seat of course, and there love story 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
I absolutely love these and I can't wait for there next adventure together! Amazing writing with all of them, never get bored and always keeps you on the edge of your seat of course, and there love story 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
January 17, 2024
The 6th and getting better.
This has the requisit twists and turns. There is a serial killer loose, but the killings are not random. Bit why are these young ladies being targeted? And when will !t end. And what is going to happen with Lily? Can't wait until number7.
This has the requisit twists and turns. There is a serial killer loose, but the killings are not random. Bit why are these young ladies being targeted? And when will !t end. And what is going to happen with Lily? Can't wait until number7.
January 6, 2024
Another great book from this series. Love the ending! Can’t wait till the next one
January 1, 2024
Great story again !
I have truly become addicted to these books ! The characters of Brodie and Mikaela have been written so believable . All of the books are great . I'm hoping for more .
I have truly become addicted to these books ! The characters of Brodie and Mikaela have been written so believable . All of the books are great . I'm hoping for more .
January 2, 2024
Love this series.
January 9, 2024
I just love them.
December 31, 2023
I have enjoyed all of the books in this series, and this latest book was no exception. The characters are quirky and interesting. The culprit was hard to guess.
December 11, 2023
I love this series. The heroine is independent and spirited. She continues her passion regardless of society’s expectations for her to stop and be more ladylike.
The hero supports her and values her for herself.
The mysteries are always interesting and full of action.
This time, the addition of another young woman with a lot of spunk makes the book even more enjoyable.
A great read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The hero supports her and values her for herself.
The mysteries are always interesting and full of action.
This time, the addition of another young woman with a lot of spunk makes the book even more enjoyable.
A great read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 19, 2023
Mikaela and Brodie solve another interesting case. These stories continue to make for a page turning read. The characters are fascinating and fun. The plot is is intriguing and leaves the reader guessing about who the killer is until the author is ready for the big reveal. This series continues to be a great success and never disappoints.
December 20, 2023
I really, really liked this book. It combines my two favorite things, historical romance and a murder mystery. I enjoyed all the characters in the book and I thought that the pacing lent itself to the story being very suspenseful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 21, 2023
Another great story with an interesting mystery! The banter between our two main characters is fantastic. It breaks up the fact that people are dying. The internal monolog is very witty, though I do miss the 'aunts very fine whiskey', references.
December 22, 2023
The much anticipated answer!!! The dynamic duo returns with mystery, murder and mayhem. Can not wait for the next in the series. Love how their relationship both personal and professional has evolved. Five stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2023
Outstanding!
I do so enjoy this series! Mikaela and Brodie are great partners, and it has been fun watching their partnerships, both personal and professional, grow. I highly recommend this book and series.
I do so enjoy this series! Mikaela and Brodie are great partners, and it has been fun watching their partnerships, both personal and professional, grow. I highly recommend this book and series.
Read
December 26, 2023Really enjoying this series and can't wait for the next one due late next year.
April 13, 2024
So well done, you are captived from beginning to end. Such a joy.
December 27, 2023
I was very much looking forward to reading this particular book, after the last one left us on the edge of our seat, when Brodie tells Mikaela that he wants “more”. Readers collectively suspended breathing when he handed Mikaela the only possession belonging to his dead mother, imparting the seriousness of his request. I was also hoping that this book would enlighten us with more on Lily. Lily, a 14 y/o orphan who worked at a brothel, was instrumental in saving Mikaela’s life. At the end of book 5, Mikaela invited Lily to come to London, since the brothel burned down. The author didn’t disappoint. This story addresses both situations, while Brodie and Mikaela are trying to solve the murders of young women whose parents are sent 2 photographs of them…one while they were alive, and the other after they’re murdered…posed sitting with their heads in an awkward position.
Divide and investigate is the couple’s mantra, and they do. There is another photograph of the young women together that may provide a dubious connection to their murders. One taken at the Wimbledon Racquet Club is a clue deserving attention. While the investigation progresses, Mikaela tortures herself with reasons that she cannot marry Brodie: her independence, her reckless nature, and her inability to provide him heirs. She’s also distracted by the education of her new ward, Lily, who has been taken under the wing of her great aunt, Antonia. Nevertheless, Simpson advances readers through these tribulations, the solution to the murder mystery, and what provides the impetus to Mikaela’s answer. 5 stars ✨
I have received an ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
Divide and investigate is the couple’s mantra, and they do. There is another photograph of the young women together that may provide a dubious connection to their murders. One taken at the Wimbledon Racquet Club is a clue deserving attention. While the investigation progresses, Mikaela tortures herself with reasons that she cannot marry Brodie: her independence, her reckless nature, and her inability to provide him heirs. She’s also distracted by the education of her new ward, Lily, who has been taken under the wing of her great aunt, Antonia. Nevertheless, Simpson advances readers through these tribulations, the solution to the murder mystery, and what provides the impetus to Mikaela’s answer. 5 stars ✨
I have received an ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
December 16, 2024
Iam engrossed in this series set in Victorian England. The relationship between the taciturn Scot Angus Brodie and Lady Mikaela Forsythe is the strength of the series. Will they cross the class boundaries and marry? Will Mikaela Forsythe curtail her independence for love? These are the underlying questions.
The plots, as in Deadly Obsession differ in quality and often require some filling in the gaps after the perpetrators have been caught - a bit too Poirot explaining the plot to dumb Hastings for my taste. But Simpson's research of Victorian England is admirable. Further research into the British class system would vastly improve her work. I am thinking particularly of titles and modes of address. While Lady Mikaela might easily dispense with her title in London's East End, she could not do so among those of her class. Therefore for a member of the aristocracy to address her as Miss Forsythe would not be customary. Nor would a high ranking policeman such as Chief Inspector Abberline refer to her as Miss Forsythe as he does in some earlier books in the series. Furthermore, she would never be addressed as Lady Forsythe, that would imply she had a husband called Lord Forsythe. The correct address would be Lady Mikaela. A recent example would be Lady Diana Spencer, known as Lady Diana before her marriage. No one would have addressed her as Lady Spencer. That title would have referred to Earl Spencer's wife.
Apart from these criticisms, this series is a cut above others in this genre.
The plots, as in Deadly Obsession differ in quality and often require some filling in the gaps after the perpetrators have been caught - a bit too Poirot explaining the plot to dumb Hastings for my taste. But Simpson's research of Victorian England is admirable. Further research into the British class system would vastly improve her work. I am thinking particularly of titles and modes of address. While Lady Mikaela might easily dispense with her title in London's East End, she could not do so among those of her class. Therefore for a member of the aristocracy to address her as Miss Forsythe would not be customary. Nor would a high ranking policeman such as Chief Inspector Abberline refer to her as Miss Forsythe as he does in some earlier books in the series. Furthermore, she would never be addressed as Lady Forsythe, that would imply she had a husband called Lord Forsythe. The correct address would be Lady Mikaela. A recent example would be Lady Diana Spencer, known as Lady Diana before her marriage. No one would have addressed her as Lady Spencer. That title would have referred to Earl Spencer's wife.
Apart from these criticisms, this series is a cut above others in this genre.
December 25, 2023
Wow, this series just keeps getting better with each book. This is a series that really should be read in order. There is a lot of history and growth between Brodie and Mikaela in each book. This one has a lot going on, daughters of prominent families in the ton are being murdered! The family receives photos of before and after their daughter was murdered. Even worst is the note with the last photos hints there will be more killed. Brodie and Mikaela are working against time to find the person before more die. They are still recovering from their last case also. Were both were injured. Along with trying to figure out the few clues they have is the unanswered question between them from the last book. We learn a lot about how photography was just starting in the 1800s also. I have read all the books in this series and loved them all, but these last two books have been my favorite. Even with some of our beloved characters being badly hurt. We have many characters from previous books join in the search. Lily also gets involved too. Both Brodie and Mikaela still have their own type of banter which is great. The ending is scary and perfect for our couple, I can’t wait for the next book. I just know Lily is going to be causing more problems and trouble. But she is so lovable too. This is a great series for all age groups. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
December 22, 2023
Angus and Mikaela are trying to recover from their last case, when a case that Mikaela had looked into without resolving turns deadly. Parents of a young woman receive a photograph by messenger that show their daughter posed but very obviously dead. Even more shocking is that there is a note that hints that she will not be the only victim. They turn to Angus and Mikaela for help. When an old enemy in the police force causes problem, they go to Lord Avery for intervention. When a second young woman is found with the same kind of photograph and note to the parents, they realize that they must work quickly before it is too late, because now Mikaela might be a target.
A real page-turner of a suspenseful mystery. Kept me wondering who dunnit until the end.
And we get the answer. Those who read the previous books know what I am talking about. But you have to read it to find out.
Absolutely loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A real page-turner of a suspenseful mystery. Kept me wondering who dunnit until the end.
And we get the answer. Those who read the previous books know what I am talking about. But you have to read it to find out.
Absolutely loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 28, 2023
4.5/5 stars
I must admit that I've kind of become obsessive (no pun intended) about this series, and this addition doesn't disappoint.
This one centers around the strange murders of young, wealthy, aristocratic ladies and the manner and setting in which they are discovered. Mikaela and Brodie are called in to discreetly investigate and face political red tape, ruthless villains, and of course, danger.
My only caveat with these books is that occasionally there is repetition of things that have already been said/explained previously in the book. A little better editing could take care of that, and it's not a deal breaker for me, just a little irritating when I run across it.
This one also moves along the personal storyline between the two partners, with a big development that promises interesting and new and different interactions between them in the future. Looking forward to seeing where that new direction leads. I love both Mikaela and Brodie for a myriad of reasons and always look forward to seeing more of them.
I must admit that I've kind of become obsessive (no pun intended) about this series, and this addition doesn't disappoint.
This one centers around the strange murders of young, wealthy, aristocratic ladies and the manner and setting in which they are discovered. Mikaela and Brodie are called in to discreetly investigate and face political red tape, ruthless villains, and of course, danger.
My only caveat with these books is that occasionally there is repetition of things that have already been said/explained previously in the book. A little better editing could take care of that, and it's not a deal breaker for me, just a little irritating when I run across it.
This one also moves along the personal storyline between the two partners, with a big development that promises interesting and new and different interactions between them in the future. Looking forward to seeing where that new direction leads. I love both Mikaela and Brodie for a myriad of reasons and always look forward to seeing more of them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews