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Detective Jane Phillips #5
Deadly Obsession
Some murders are so perfect they just have to be done again.
The body of a naked woman is discovered in a Manchester park. Her murder has all the hallmarks of a notorious killer known as the Suffolk Strangler. But there’s a problem – the Strangler is serving a life sentence in prison.
So is this just a coincidence? Or is there a copycat killer on the prowl?
As DCI Jane Phillips and her Major Crimes team begin to piece together the victim’s final hours, another body is discovered, and this time it’s a carbon copy of murders committed by the infamous Muswell Hill Murderer.
Now Phillips is in no doubt - she’s chasing a psychopath who has been inspired by Britain’s most horrifying serial killers. As the body count rises, psychological profiler Dr Siobhan Harris joins the team and little by little they begin to build a picture of a terrifying predator.
But their opponent is smart, careful, and always seems to be one step ahead.
Can Phillips stop the killer before another brutal murder is meticulously restaged? Or will even more victims be consumed by this deadly obsession?
The body of a naked woman is discovered in a Manchester park. Her murder has all the hallmarks of a notorious killer known as the Suffolk Strangler. But there’s a problem – the Strangler is serving a life sentence in prison.
So is this just a coincidence? Or is there a copycat killer on the prowl?
As DCI Jane Phillips and her Major Crimes team begin to piece together the victim’s final hours, another body is discovered, and this time it’s a carbon copy of murders committed by the infamous Muswell Hill Murderer.
Now Phillips is in no doubt - she’s chasing a psychopath who has been inspired by Britain’s most horrifying serial killers. As the body count rises, psychological profiler Dr Siobhan Harris joins the team and little by little they begin to build a picture of a terrifying predator.
But their opponent is smart, careful, and always seems to be one step ahead.
Can Phillips stop the killer before another brutal murder is meticulously restaged? Or will even more victims be consumed by this deadly obsession?
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Published October 28, 2025
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About the author
O.M.J. Ryan
15 books77 followersHailing from Yorkshire, OMJ Ryan worked in radio and entertainment for over twenty years, collaborating with household names and accumulating a host of international writing and radio awards. In 2018 he followed his passion to become a full-time novelist, writing stories for people who devour exciting, fast-paced thrillers by the pool, on their commute – or those rare moments of downtime before bed. Owen’s mission is to entertain from the first page to the last.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
September 1, 2021
Finished reading: April 24th 2021
"None of us are born evil. Sadly, that's just one of the unwelcome gifts of a fucked-up life."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Inkubator Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
May 17, 2021
Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com
This is the 5th in the series and I am not sure I have read all in the series but each one can be read as a stand alone without a problem.
In this installment Phillips is chasing a copycat killer who is using the MO of other well known murderers. But other than the copycat nothing seems to show why the victims are chosen. But soon Phillips is figuring things out little by little.
This is a very easy read. Great beach read as we are heading into that season. The reader stays interested and the suspense keeps you wanting to turn the page but the story is not one that requires the reader to use a lot of brain power to enjoy.
Looking forward to the next in the series.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the 5th in the series and I am not sure I have read all in the series but each one can be read as a stand alone without a problem.
In this installment Phillips is chasing a copycat killer who is using the MO of other well known murderers. But other than the copycat nothing seems to show why the victims are chosen. But soon Phillips is figuring things out little by little.
This is a very easy read. Great beach read as we are heading into that season. The reader stays interested and the suspense keeps you wanting to turn the page but the story is not one that requires the reader to use a lot of brain power to enjoy.
Looking forward to the next in the series.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2021
A great crime thriller, I was totally hooked from the beginning until the last page .Part of a series, it is fine as a stand alone . I liked the characters and liked the descriptions of their thought processes . Mentions of events which presumably took place earlier in the series were relevant and not done to death. The crimes were interesting and realistic. I liked the South Manchester setting . Though I had my suspicions early on, the book keeps up the suspense .
I am definitely going to read more frI m thiz author
Thank you to Net Galley for a great read in exchange for an honest review
Merged review:
A great crime thriller, I was totally hooked from the beginning until the last page .Part of a series, it is fine as a stand alone . I liked the characters and liked the descriptions of their thought processes . Mentions of events which presumably took place earlier in the series were relevant and not done to death. The crimes were interesting and realistic. I liked the South Manchester setting . Though I had my suspicions early on, the book keeps up the suspense . I am definitely going to read more frI m thiz author Thank you to Net Galley for a great read in exchange for an honest review
I am definitely going to read more frI m thiz author
Thank you to Net Galley for a great read in exchange for an honest review
Merged review:
A great crime thriller, I was totally hooked from the beginning until the last page .Part of a series, it is fine as a stand alone . I liked the characters and liked the descriptions of their thought processes . Mentions of events which presumably took place earlier in the series were relevant and not done to death. The crimes were interesting and realistic. I liked the South Manchester setting . Though I had my suspicions early on, the book keeps up the suspense . I am definitely going to read more frI m thiz author Thank you to Net Galley for a great read in exchange for an honest review
April 27, 2021
Loved this book
I read this book in one sitting. I enjoyed the suspense throughout the story! I look forward to the next book in the series
I read this book in one sitting. I enjoyed the suspense throughout the story! I look forward to the next book in the series
April 22, 2021
4 stars
A creative serial killer plot that kept me engaged throughout the book, with a satisfying ending. Not heavy on character development, but what’s there worked.
[What I liked:]
•The forensic psychologist who is brought in to profile the serial killer is a cool character. She gives the crimes a lot of interesting analysis at a depth I don’t usually see in detective novels, yet it never felt like awkward fact dumping. I quite enjoyed the addition of her character.
•The plot is really fun. I don’t want to spoil by explaining, but the serial killer set up is pretty creative & interesting!
•I like pretty much all the characters. Phillips doesn’t have much depth, except for being a cat owner, but Jones & Carter are pretty well rounded characters.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•There’s some uncomfortable casual homophobia going on with Phillips’ team, like the guys teasing that one guy “looks gay”, & then that guy being offended by the suggestion. Is that really necessary?
•Maybe this is a regional dialect thing, & has a different connotation than I’m used to, but multiple characters referred to multiple women throughout the book as “cows”, including murder victims. It felt disrespectful to me.
•Phillips is really controlling. She claims not to like office politics, but she gets pissed off whenever her boss tries to help with ideas she admits are good, because it wasn’t *her* idea. Doesn’t really help me like the MC.
CW: mentions of child abuse, elder abuse, murder, substance abuse, homophobia, graphic violence
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
A creative serial killer plot that kept me engaged throughout the book, with a satisfying ending. Not heavy on character development, but what’s there worked.
[What I liked:]
•The forensic psychologist who is brought in to profile the serial killer is a cool character. She gives the crimes a lot of interesting analysis at a depth I don’t usually see in detective novels, yet it never felt like awkward fact dumping. I quite enjoyed the addition of her character.
•The plot is really fun. I don’t want to spoil by explaining, but the serial killer set up is pretty creative & interesting!
•I like pretty much all the characters. Phillips doesn’t have much depth, except for being a cat owner, but Jones & Carter are pretty well rounded characters.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•There’s some uncomfortable casual homophobia going on with Phillips’ team, like the guys teasing that one guy “looks gay”, & then that guy being offended by the suggestion. Is that really necessary?
•Maybe this is a regional dialect thing, & has a different connotation than I’m used to, but multiple characters referred to multiple women throughout the book as “cows”, including murder victims. It felt disrespectful to me.
•Phillips is really controlling. She claims not to like office politics, but she gets pissed off whenever her boss tries to help with ideas she admits are good, because it wasn’t *her* idea. Doesn’t really help me like the MC.
CW: mentions of child abuse, elder abuse, murder, substance abuse, homophobia, graphic violence
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
April 25, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and Inkubator Books for an advance copy of Deadly Obsession, the fifth novel to feature DCI Jane Phillips of the Greater Manchester Major Crimes Unit.
A series of murders initially has Jane and the team baffled until they realise that someone is recreating the crimes of Britain’s worst serial killers. Is it a team or an individual? Whoever it is is smart and always seems one step ahead.
I thoroughly enjoyed Deadly Obsession which is a compulsive read with a clever perpetrator. It doesn’t add anything new or revolutionary to the genre, but it’s a well done and engrossing example of it. It is told mostly from Jane Phillips’s point of view, although the killer gets plenty of exposure too. He is named, his motive is explained and there is enough detail about his life to make him appear an unlikely killer. Normally this is enough to put me off a novel, but in this case, strangely, it seems to make the novel more compulsive as the questions swirl - how much truth is he telling, is his motive as he says, how does he stay in front of the hunt for him? To get these answers there was no choice but to keep reading as fast as possible.
Jane’s side of the narrative is exciting and tense, not least because they have few clues and no idea of motive or when the killer will strike next. I like a clean investigation and this ticks the boxes with them trying all avenues until the sudden breakthrough results in a satisfying flurry of activity and action.
Deadly Obsession is a good read that I can recommend.
A series of murders initially has Jane and the team baffled until they realise that someone is recreating the crimes of Britain’s worst serial killers. Is it a team or an individual? Whoever it is is smart and always seems one step ahead.
I thoroughly enjoyed Deadly Obsession which is a compulsive read with a clever perpetrator. It doesn’t add anything new or revolutionary to the genre, but it’s a well done and engrossing example of it. It is told mostly from Jane Phillips’s point of view, although the killer gets plenty of exposure too. He is named, his motive is explained and there is enough detail about his life to make him appear an unlikely killer. Normally this is enough to put me off a novel, but in this case, strangely, it seems to make the novel more compulsive as the questions swirl - how much truth is he telling, is his motive as he says, how does he stay in front of the hunt for him? To get these answers there was no choice but to keep reading as fast as possible.
Jane’s side of the narrative is exciting and tense, not least because they have few clues and no idea of motive or when the killer will strike next. I like a clean investigation and this ticks the boxes with them trying all avenues until the sudden breakthrough results in a satisfying flurry of activity and action.
Deadly Obsession is a good read that I can recommend.
April 26, 2021
In this latest installment of the series, DCI Phillips and her team are investigating murders that appear to be copycat killings, but of a different serial killer each time. This makes it almost impossible to guess where or when the perpetrator will strike next, as the modus operandi changes each time. We also see from the killer's point of view, and he is indeed as disturbed as they believe him to be. He's determined to gain notoriety for the type and number of his crimes, succeeding where other serial killers failed, by leaving no evidence behind. And let's just say there's a bit of family drama where he is concerned!
The story also explores DCI Phillips's relationship with her new boss, Chief Superintendent Carter. As they are still getting used to working together, she is sensitive to his every criticism, no more so than when he brings in a profiler to assist with the case. She takes this as a lack of faith in her abilities and becomes more determined than ever to prove that she's got what it takes to bring the killer's reign to an end.
As always, this was an engaging, fast-paced read. The playful dialogue between the team members keeps the story flowing, and you can envision these officers doing their best to maintain their sanity as they work themselves to the bone hunting for the killer. But how many more victims will there be before they find him? There's no lack of famous serial killers to emulate, so the team better hurry!
The story also explores DCI Phillips's relationship with her new boss, Chief Superintendent Carter. As they are still getting used to working together, she is sensitive to his every criticism, no more so than when he brings in a profiler to assist with the case. She takes this as a lack of faith in her abilities and becomes more determined than ever to prove that she's got what it takes to bring the killer's reign to an end.
As always, this was an engaging, fast-paced read. The playful dialogue between the team members keeps the story flowing, and you can envision these officers doing their best to maintain their sanity as they work themselves to the bone hunting for the killer. But how many more victims will there be before they find him? There's no lack of famous serial killers to emulate, so the team better hurry!
May 21, 2021
I raced through this book, finding it extremely enjoyable and exciting. I was desperate to get to the ending to learn who the killer was and how everything was going to be resolved.
Even though I haven’t read the other books in the series this wasn’t off-putting, this book can easily be read as a standalone. If anything, I will now probably go back to read the other 4 books as this one was such a good read. I really liked DCI Phillips as a strong female lead and enjoyed the workplace dynamics with the other police officers and her boss. I felt that there was a good balance struck between getting to know the characters and the fast-paced murder investigation.
I thought the ideas of the murders were really interesting. Having the murders based off famous serial killers gave them a randomness that made it more difficult for a suspect to be identified and their actions to be anticipated. Seeing both the murderer and the police side of things made the story especially tense as you could see how close the police were to figuring things out at times. There was a real sense of dramatic irony as you understand the murderer’s motive and know what is going to happen before the police do. Also, even though we had the murderer’s point-of-view, there were still a few surprises which was good as that often isn’t the case.
Even though I haven’t read the other books in the series this wasn’t off-putting, this book can easily be read as a standalone. If anything, I will now probably go back to read the other 4 books as this one was such a good read. I really liked DCI Phillips as a strong female lead and enjoyed the workplace dynamics with the other police officers and her boss. I felt that there was a good balance struck between getting to know the characters and the fast-paced murder investigation.
I thought the ideas of the murders were really interesting. Having the murders based off famous serial killers gave them a randomness that made it more difficult for a suspect to be identified and their actions to be anticipated. Seeing both the murderer and the police side of things made the story especially tense as you could see how close the police were to figuring things out at times. There was a real sense of dramatic irony as you understand the murderer’s motive and know what is going to happen before the police do. Also, even though we had the murderer’s point-of-view, there were still a few surprises which was good as that often isn’t the case.
September 7, 2021
Deadly Obsession is the fifth book in the gripping detective series featuring DCI Jane Phillips and this is another great read from OMJ Ryan.
If you enjoy detective thrillers you will be in for a right treat with this one.
Deadly Obsession can be read as a standalone novel but I highly recommend reading the entire series as I've thoroughly enjoyed each book and the character development and references to other characters from earlier books will just make more sense.
Unusually the identity of the killer is revealed from the start within this book, so this brings a completely different perspective and exploration within the plot.
It is a wonderfully well-written plot and storyline and Ryan had me engaged from the start.
There is great suspense throughout and I found myself second-guessing every thought I had continuously.
In this installment of the series you get more of an insight into the police work involved in tracking him down as the net closes in.
The invitation of the psychological profiler Dr. Siobhan Harris also gave the story a little something extra.
I enjoyed the references to other serial killers and found the many plot twists really enjoyable!
If you enjoy detective thrillers you will be in for a right treat with this one.
Deadly Obsession can be read as a standalone novel but I highly recommend reading the entire series as I've thoroughly enjoyed each book and the character development and references to other characters from earlier books will just make more sense.
Unusually the identity of the killer is revealed from the start within this book, so this brings a completely different perspective and exploration within the plot.
It is a wonderfully well-written plot and storyline and Ryan had me engaged from the start.
There is great suspense throughout and I found myself second-guessing every thought I had continuously.
In this installment of the series you get more of an insight into the police work involved in tracking him down as the net closes in.
The invitation of the psychological profiler Dr. Siobhan Harris also gave the story a little something extra.
I enjoyed the references to other serial killers and found the many plot twists really enjoyable!
November 9, 2021
The best one yet!
This book was amazing and captivating from the very beginning! The plot line was intense and there were so many twist and turns I had no idea who the murderer was. And when it came out, I could hardly believe it. But mental health is a touchy thing, and you can never doubt what a persons mind will do to them when they've been abused since childhood. I van actually see this happening in real life, what a scary thought! I don't ever give away any of the story lines, or teasers, I just believe that you should read them for yourself. Many give the whole storyline away! Where a the fun in that. But I will say this, if you're into British Police Procedural's, then you would be crazy b to not read this book either as a stand alone, lot as a part of the fantastic series it is a part of!
This book was amazing and captivating from the very beginning! The plot line was intense and there were so many twist and turns I had no idea who the murderer was. And when it came out, I could hardly believe it. But mental health is a touchy thing, and you can never doubt what a persons mind will do to them when they've been abused since childhood. I van actually see this happening in real life, what a scary thought! I don't ever give away any of the story lines, or teasers, I just believe that you should read them for yourself. Many give the whole storyline away! Where a the fun in that. But I will say this, if you're into British Police Procedural's, then you would be crazy b to not read this book either as a stand alone, lot as a part of the fantastic series it is a part of!
May 2, 2023
So good
These DCI Phillips books just keep getting better and better. Obsession is the best yet. Gripping and so well plotted. You really should read the first 4 books and the free prequel if for no other reason than they provide the build up to this masterpiece.
No spoilers here, just total respect for a writer who can produce crime thrillers as good as this.
Read and enjoy.
These DCI Phillips books just keep getting better and better. Obsession is the best yet. Gripping and so well plotted. You really should read the first 4 books and the free prequel if for no other reason than they provide the build up to this masterpiece.
No spoilers here, just total respect for a writer who can produce crime thrillers as good as this.
Read and enjoy.
May 2, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It's the first book in this series that I've read although it can be read as a standalone.
Jane and her team are initially called in for the murder of a retired and quite ill teacher in a care home What follows next is a series of murders of people which are seemingly randomly selected. It then turns into a gripping story of a number of murders which appear to be the work of someone copying the methods of old serial killers, while at the same time, trying to keep the fact that the murders are related under wraps.
The writing style made this very easy to read and the storyline also helped me read this in less than 2 days. I now intend to start reading the series from the beginning and look forward to the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jane and her team are initially called in for the murder of a retired and quite ill teacher in a care home What follows next is a series of murders of people which are seemingly randomly selected. It then turns into a gripping story of a number of murders which appear to be the work of someone copying the methods of old serial killers, while at the same time, trying to keep the fact that the murders are related under wraps.
The writing style made this very easy to read and the storyline also helped me read this in less than 2 days. I now intend to start reading the series from the beginning and look forward to the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 8, 2021
This series draws your interest in for the team, then holds onto you as you take in the murderous sights
Seemingly random kills turn out to be deadly copycat murders
Jane and her team work to track the leads and try to keep the death toll from rising
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Seemingly random kills turn out to be deadly copycat murders
Jane and her team work to track the leads and try to keep the death toll from rising
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 19, 2021
Everything a good detective crime novel should be.
So refreshing to read a realistic portrayal of a team of detectives working together to solve a complicated string of murders. Not only are the characters well developed, they are likable. The dialogue is believable and often humorous. Lots of action and suspense leading to a great ending. Highly recommended.
So refreshing to read a realistic portrayal of a team of detectives working together to solve a complicated string of murders. Not only are the characters well developed, they are likable. The dialogue is believable and often humorous. Lots of action and suspense leading to a great ending. Highly recommended.
May 23, 2021
3.5 stars for this book.
I received a free copy of this book and just devoured it. It was my first book by this author but it certainly not the last. Even though this book is the most recent in a series, I did not felt lost in there and the few references to past instalment didn’t muddy the pond one bit.
I received a free copy of this book and just devoured it. It was my first book by this author but it certainly not the last. Even though this book is the most recent in a series, I did not felt lost in there and the few references to past instalment didn’t muddy the pond one bit.
May 5, 2023
Imitation is the greatest form of flattery
Mr Yates looked a lot different from when he taught Jane. It was due to his wise council and encouragement, that she was doing the job she loved.
Now he was an elderly man, body arched in terror and pain, pugilistic pose and no one had seen a thing. Jane doubted natural causes.
Mr Yates looked a lot different from when he taught Jane. It was due to his wise council and encouragement, that she was doing the job she loved.
Now he was an elderly man, body arched in terror and pain, pugilistic pose and no one had seen a thing. Jane doubted natural causes.
September 28, 2023
I’m working my way through this series and each is as gripping as the previous one, my favourite types of books are those in a series as the reader gets to
know the main characters and what has made them become who they are, so now that winter is on the way, there will be lots of time to catch up on the rest.
know the main characters and what has made them become who they are, so now that winter is on the way, there will be lots of time to catch up on the rest.
May 8, 2021
Best one yet.
What a gripping story. Couldn’t put it down. Really enjoyed the the story unfolded and the twists and turns along the way. The main character Philips is surely a must for her own TV series too and this is just the one to film.
What a gripping story. Couldn’t put it down. Really enjoyed the the story unfolded and the twists and turns along the way. The main character Philips is surely a must for her own TV series too and this is just the one to film.
November 24, 2021
Amazing Jane and the Boys!
This was a fabulous book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and all six in the DCI Jane Phillips series. The writing, with suspense and such raw emotions is great! You feel like your are with the core team. I very much hope book #7 is underway!
This was a fabulous book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and all six in the DCI Jane Phillips series. The writing, with suspense and such raw emotions is great! You feel like your are with the core team. I very much hope book #7 is underway!
December 19, 2021
Another great addition to the series which had you gripped from the first page. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator books for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator books for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
January 26, 2022
I'm really enjoying this series. I am now caught up to the latest one released last fall. It's a good team. We get some personal development but mostly on Jane. I like her and she's devoted to her work, in very difficult environment, she continues to succeed.
July 23, 2022
absolutely riveting
The suspense, the twists and turns of the plot are riveting. The characters are excellently portrayed. I couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to reading the next book
The suspense, the twists and turns of the plot are riveting. The characters are excellently portrayed. I couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to reading the next book
November 6, 2022
Best one yet
Book 5 of the series...
My fave so far. Way more gore in this one. The murders are more gruesome.
Loved, spent many a late night reading because I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait for the next one
Book 5 of the series...
My fave so far. Way more gore in this one. The murders are more gruesome.
Loved, spent many a late night reading because I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait for the next one
May 8, 2023
Bit of a slow burner but the last 10 chapters I couldn't put it down!
The clues given were pointing me in the wrong direction given a certain staff member is from the area of the Angel of the North...
Very well written as always. Just a slower started than the other books. Still a great read
The clues given were pointing me in the wrong direction given a certain staff member is from the area of the Angel of the North...
Very well written as always. Just a slower started than the other books. Still a great read
December 14, 2024
Definitely the best book of the series. Fortunately, Mr. Ryan has for gone the annoying angst of department politics and questionable procedures to focus on giving a thrilling and captivating story with believable characters.
May 15, 2021
Great read!
June 2, 2021
Enjoyable series
Likeable characters and interesting villains, very easy series to get into. The first book isn't really about Jane but sets the series up nicely.
Likeable characters and interesting villains, very easy series to get into. The first book isn't really about Jane but sets the series up nicely.
June 16, 2021
Great series love the story line and the twists and turns can’t wait for a new book
June 19, 2021
Fabulous
On my what a great read I was hooked from page one it is so well written it is hard to put down totally addictive can't wait for the next book
On my what a great read I was hooked from page one it is so well written it is hard to put down totally addictive can't wait for the next book
September 13, 2021
Great series
Love this series. Definitely recommend to everyone. Really hope there are more books about dci Phillips and team to come
Love this series. Definitely recommend to everyone. Really hope there are more books about dci Phillips and team to come
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews