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Ultimate Obsession
JACK DURBAN, an ex-detective, has recently been released from prison after serving eighteen years for murdering his girlfriend, SOPHIE WILLIAMSON. Her body has never been found. Despite being pregnant with his child, she refused to leave her husband. Durban, who has a history of abusing women, maintains he’s innocent.
He’s obsessed with proving that his girlfriend’s husband, ALEX WILLIAMSON, a fellow detective, set him up after discovering the affair. Durban employs ex-Met DCI ANDY FLOOD, an equally obsessive private investigator, to prove it.
Flood’s thirty-one-year-old daughter, GEMMA, is released on parole after serving time for manslaughter with loss of control for killing her controlling husband. Flood blames himself for not spending more time with Gemma as she grew up. He asks her to help with his investigation, hoping it will lead to a better relationship.
Flood concludes that Durban is guilty, but without a body, there is no DNA evidence, so he can’t prove it. Gemma thinks otherwise and begins a turbulent romantic relationship with Durban.
When a female’s remains are discovered close to where Durban’s girlfriend was last seen, Flood hopes Durban’s DNA is present and that will prove he killed her. Then, surely, Gemma will break off her relationship with Durban.
That’s not how it turns out. This discovery sets off an uncontrollable chain of events, resulting in catastrophic consequences for Flood’s family.
He’s obsessed with proving that his girlfriend’s husband, ALEX WILLIAMSON, a fellow detective, set him up after discovering the affair. Durban employs ex-Met DCI ANDY FLOOD, an equally obsessive private investigator, to prove it.
Flood’s thirty-one-year-old daughter, GEMMA, is released on parole after serving time for manslaughter with loss of control for killing her controlling husband. Flood blames himself for not spending more time with Gemma as she grew up. He asks her to help with his investigation, hoping it will lead to a better relationship.
Flood concludes that Durban is guilty, but without a body, there is no DNA evidence, so he can’t prove it. Gemma thinks otherwise and begins a turbulent romantic relationship with Durban.
When a female’s remains are discovered close to where Durban’s girlfriend was last seen, Flood hopes Durban’s DNA is present and that will prove he killed her. Then, surely, Gemma will break off her relationship with Durban.
That’s not how it turns out. This discovery sets off an uncontrollable chain of events, resulting in catastrophic consequences for Flood’s family.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 3, 2025
1 person want to read
About the author
Dai Henley
8 books7 followersAfter selling my business I decided to write to keep the brain churning. Become passionate about it now. Can't believe it took me so long. Especially since my mum was an avid Agatha Christie fan - she had every one of her books neatly stacked on the groaning shelves.
I've always been interested in crime. Nearly joined the police force after I left college.
I've always been interested in crime. Nearly joined the police force after I left college.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
September 2, 2025
The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
EDITORIAL REVIEW
19th July 2025
TITLE: ULTIMATE OBSESSION
AUTHOR: Dai Henley
Star Rating: 5
‘A gripping murder/mystery packed with plenty of twists, turns – and suspense. Highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
A very much enjoyed this thriller, the second in the set it seems, from the pen of talented writer, Dai Henley. Written with energy, the story Is smartly plotted, and the MC is complex, a little broken, and fun to root for.
It’s the story of Andy Flood, ex-copper turned PI who, in need of the cash, ends up investigating the murder of a woman at the hands of ‘just got out of prison’ Jack Durban. The story is further complicated by Flood’s daughter, Gemma, who has a ‘complicated’ history herself. Then, when she ends up falling for the charismatic convicted killer, it’s up to Flood to save the day!
There’s a lot to enjoy in this novel. The author did a wonderful job of developing his MC, his complicated family life, and how determined he is to discover the truth – and protect his vulnerable daughter. Talking of Gemma, she’s an interesting character too and has a lot to contribute to this story. I also enjoyed the plot. It’s cleverly mapped out with plenty of twists, turns - and a antagonist it’s fun to hate, or not to trust anyway. Finally, the pacing is excellent, with plenty happening on every page and little (thankfully) in the way of fluff/purple prose.
So, all you murder/mystery fans out there, check out ULTIMATE OBSESSION. I suspect most fans of the genre will enjoy the energy of the writing style, and exploring the rather dark, murder-filled world the author’s created. Also, I think most readers will love getting to know Flood, and they’ll be rooting for him to save the day, himself, and his daughter too.
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
EDITORIAL REVIEW
19th July 2025
TITLE: ULTIMATE OBSESSION
AUTHOR: Dai Henley
Star Rating: 5
‘A gripping murder/mystery packed with plenty of twists, turns – and suspense. Highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
A very much enjoyed this thriller, the second in the set it seems, from the pen of talented writer, Dai Henley. Written with energy, the story Is smartly plotted, and the MC is complex, a little broken, and fun to root for.
It’s the story of Andy Flood, ex-copper turned PI who, in need of the cash, ends up investigating the murder of a woman at the hands of ‘just got out of prison’ Jack Durban. The story is further complicated by Flood’s daughter, Gemma, who has a ‘complicated’ history herself. Then, when she ends up falling for the charismatic convicted killer, it’s up to Flood to save the day!
There’s a lot to enjoy in this novel. The author did a wonderful job of developing his MC, his complicated family life, and how determined he is to discover the truth – and protect his vulnerable daughter. Talking of Gemma, she’s an interesting character too and has a lot to contribute to this story. I also enjoyed the plot. It’s cleverly mapped out with plenty of twists, turns - and a antagonist it’s fun to hate, or not to trust anyway. Finally, the pacing is excellent, with plenty happening on every page and little (thankfully) in the way of fluff/purple prose.
So, all you murder/mystery fans out there, check out ULTIMATE OBSESSION. I suspect most fans of the genre will enjoy the energy of the writing style, and exploring the rather dark, murder-filled world the author’s created. Also, I think most readers will love getting to know Flood, and they’ll be rooting for him to save the day, himself, and his daughter too.
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
Displaying 1 of 1 review