A Killer's Obsession

by D.R. Brooks

She’s spent her life studying serial killers—
Now, one is obsessed with her.

Raelynn Carson thought she understood darkness. Her mother was the final victim of a killer known as The Butcher—a case that shaped her life and drove her to study Criminal Justice. Now, in her final year of college and working as a police intern, she’s ready to face the monsters most people run from.

But when a new string of brutal murders shakes the city, it becomes clear these victims aren’t random—they’re people she knows. And the chilling messages left behind point to one terrifying

This isn’t random.
It’s a game.
And she’s the prize.

The only person standing between her and the edge is Officer Emilio Perez—a man whose presence draws her in and whose devotion makes him willing to risk everything to keep her safe.

But the closer they get to the truth, the more dangerous the game becomes.
Because the killer is watching.
And he’s just getting started.

Genres: Dark Romance

347 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 26, 2025

Reviews

[Ariel Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

D.R. Brooks has left me on a cliffhanger that has me yelling NO!!! WHY??? HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME??? 😂

Raelynn, our FMC, is in her final year and set to graduate with a Criminal Justice degree, and is working as an intern at her local police department.

Emilio is a very grumpy police officer who has a strong attraction to Raelynn when he first meets her, but he made me MELT into a damn puddle when he finally admitted how he felt about her. He picks up on a case and its connection to Raelynn and he will do anything to keep her safe.

His passion for his job and his devotion to protecting Rae make it dangerous for anyone who gets close to her. With the killer after all of her friends, will passion and devotion be enough? Or will he get caught in the crossfire?

This book is definitely one for fans of Police romance, with a touch of spooky season, and a thrilling game of whodunnit? Because the question still remains... who is the killer?

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶🌶🌶

[hitynka · Rating 4 out of 5]

tropes(from author's instagram);
🔪Police romance
🔪Serial Unaliver
🔪Obsession
🔪Mürder
🔪Touch Her and 💀
🔪Protective MMC
🔪Resilient FMC
🔪Instant attraction
🔪He falls first
🔪Multiple POV
🔪Slow Burn Spice
🔪Cliffhanger/No HEA

[heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like some authors shouldn't be allowed to edge their readers.

D. R. Brooks is right there on authors that shouldn't be allowed to edge their readers.

Having me up at fucking midnight, staring at the ceiling wondering what the fuck that was. Mind you, I have work in SIX FUCKING HOURS.

I need the next book, like today if possible. K? Thanks.

[Beckreadz25 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC and oh my goodness it is non-stop thrills, twists, and surprises at every turn. This book has everything from slow burn romance to mystery to the biggest WTF moment that doesn't just leave you hanging on the cliff, it straight up kicks you off with a big grin.

My brain is going in a million directions, and my mind is blown. I absolutely cannot wait for book 2.

[Harley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok the story? I loved it

The terminology being broken down was great

The spice? A little tame for me

The end? How dare you leave me hanging like that

But def a must read

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Killer's Obsession is an obsession unto itself.

Right off the hop we have a prologue that leaves you in the dirt, in the dust; just sitting there with your mouth wide open because, "WTF JUST HAPPENED!?!?!?!?!"

The plot then takes you on what I can only describe as a rollercoaster because that tension, that adrenaline you feel in your toes when you know the drop is coming? Yeah. Be prepared to be edged for over 300 pages and then left standing in the rain with a boom box begging D.R. Brooks for book 2 because that cliffy..... its a doozy.

Now to our characters. Raelynn, our FMC. I'm a girls girl through and through when it comes to strong and independent FMCs. Full disclosure, I think Miss Rae and I would be great friends IRL, and this is somwthing that I really cherish in a character. If I can loterally imagine them alive and part of my RL world, thats damn good writing.

EMILIO. Omg. Two words, "panty dropping". If this guy doesn't make your heart flutter then I'm just going to assume you don't have one. My GOD. I bit through my lip on more than one occasion for this man and I'D DO IT AGAIN! Protective, loyal, hot AF. Emilio, we salute you!

This was an insanely satisfying read from top to bottom. Cliffy included, because I like em to grab me by the throat and hold me hostage. Hostage I am held until book 2!

[Mrs C · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Killer’s Obsession by D. R. Brooks is a thrilling debut that hooked me from the prologue and refused to let go. 

The story unfolds through three viewpoints: Raelynn, our fierce FMC; Emilio, the grumpy yet beautiful police officer whose protective streak hides simmering feelings; and the killer, whose chilling obsession with Raelynn casts a shadow over everything. 

I loved the depth of the characters—the push-pull tension between Raelynn and Emilio evolves into a romance full of spice and emotion, while the killer’s perspective adds a layer of unease that kept me turning pages late into the night. 

The cliffhanger ending left me desperate for book two. Will love survive? Will obsession consume them? I can’t wait to find out. 

This book is a roller coaster of emotions—equal parts passion and terror. It’s not for the faint of heart, as there are several triggers, but if you’re ready for a dark, addictive ride, I highly recommend it. 

[Shellyann Paape · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is going down in the top 10 for 2025. But I have beef with the author. As I have been left needing more, and now I am being told I need to wait like a child waiting dessert before dinner.

The detective investigation felt real, the calls were like watching a cop show, you had your typical rookie annoyance between seniority, spice, anger, fun, careful.

I was laughing, crying, snorting, screaming in frustration. I went through all of the emotions, with this one. And now I shall impatiently wait and stalk the author for book 2

[Torie Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤🔪Okay so I’m back with my full review and I’m STILL not over this book 😆 I keep thinking about it and trying to piece everything together.🔪🖤

🖤Emilio Perez?? Yeah… he’s everything. I was literally swooning and picking my jaw up off the floor.

🖤And Rae? She’s amazing. Strong, beautiful, and honestly one of my fave FMCs this year.

🖤🔪Anyway, if you need me, I’ll just be over here spiraling until book two drops.🔪🖤

[Nicole Sink · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a top read for me this year! I absolutely love every thing about this book. Rae is one of my favorite FMCs and lord help me with Emilio!
The spice is hot! 🥵
THAT CLIFFHANGER?!?!?! Rude af but it’s making me yearn for more 😭
This is an absolute MUST read!

[Chasity Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading this last night and I must say you will only regret not having the second book available immediately (cliff hanger for certain)😀
I was hooked just from the prologue!!!
Great plot and character development with just the right amount of spice and suspense to keep you drooling and hooked.
I highly suggest reading ASAP!!!

[Megan Barclay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept me guessing the whole book. Great Main character stories. So much attention to detail. Cruel Cliffhanger lol...

[Her Dark Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Killers Obsession by D.R Brooks

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

Troops
🚓Police romance
🔪Serial Killer
🚓Obsession
🔪Murder
🚓Touch Her and 💀
🔪Protective MMC
🚓Resilient FMC
🔪Instant attraction
🚓He falls first
🔪Multiple POV
🚓Slow Burn Spice
🔪Cliffhanger/No HEA
🚓Police station/university setting (micro trope)

"Open that pretty little mouth of yours, Rae, I wanted to see that tongue of yours be put to good use"

My oh my! Book two can't come quick enough, this book had me gripped all the way through. And the Cliffhanger had me screaming!

Strong FMC, Men in uniform & Men in masks with knifes. What more could you want??

I highly recommend this book, it has Green Flags & Red Flags written all over it! I can't wait to see what comes next!!

This is a Dark Slasher Romance, please read the trigger warnings as your mental health matters. And what I like to read you may not!

[Smutty Dom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so well written, from the multiple POVs, the descriptive writing, the spiiiiiiicy scenes. Everything worked so well together, plus the story was just phenomenal. Really had me hoping I could turn on Netflix and watch this cause it was that good. I will say, I'm so freaking bummed that the second book isn't out yet because I need more. More of Rae, more of Emilio and more of the ripper!

[Andrea Gugliotta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Killer’s Obsession is a gripping psychological thriller that leaves you wanting more. The pace keeps you turning page after page. Raelynn is in a terrifying situation because the serial killer that killed Her mother 17yrs ago is now after her.
Can Officer Emilio Perez , Raelynn new man be able to save her??? I guess We’ll have to wait for the 2nd book to come out because your left with a cliffhanger.

[Shawn Burt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC and it totally left me unhinged. It was non stop thrills, twists and surprises at every turn. This was a top read for me I loved all the suspense. And the FMC was one of my all time favorite and the slow burn romance that she and the MMC have is fantastic. This is a must read. I loved the fact that she broke up the terminology of all the police terms.

[Samantha Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart is beating out of my chest as I write this. The tension is perfection, building up slowly and the characters are extremely relatable. I'm terrified for Rae after that insane cliffhanger!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish, reading every chance I got. This book does have trigger warnings, and for good reason, I sobbed at the animal scene.

[Briana · Rating 5 out of 5]

In all honesty, this book quite literally pulled me out of my book slump! From the very beginning, it had me hooked. This was easily one of my favorite books I’ve read this year.
The tension, the obsession, and the spice... My lord hit every spot 🥵 I flew through this book and couldn’t put it down! I’m beyond excited and can’t wait for the second book to come out ❤️

[LizBeth Paschall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thriller that has you melting at the love story hidden beneath the gore, A Killer’s Obsession quickly became my obsession while reading it. D.R. Brooks writes characters that I see in my everyday life and then rips them away from me, wanting justice for them and for our FMC Raelynn. I cannot wait for book 2!

[ashp_reads1875 · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all….that ending?! How dare you! This debut from D.R Brooks is one of the best debut books I’ve read this year and I am dying for book 2.
Raelynn is one of my favourite fmcs. I love a strong female lead and the MMC Emelio? Where do I get one of those? The plot kept me on edge the whole way through. The character development was perfect and the ending had me screaming into the void.

[noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only reason it took this damn long to finish is because it was the holiday season, but YOU GUYS read this. Read! This! That cliffhanger will make you want to throw the book (or kindle, or phone), but it's ABSOLUTELY worth it.

And Emilio 🤌🏻🥵 enough said

Thank you to Ms. Brooks for writing a kick ass book & making me scream into a pillow about this ARC. Merry Christmas 😘

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy. Fucking. Shit.

This book had everything you could want from a fast favorite! Detailed but not overkill on world building, love the relationship between the FMC and MMC, and THE CLIFFHANGER!!!!

10/10 would recommend!

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review to come...I need to process this first!
Ok processing complete! This was definitely a 5 ⭐ read!!! Congratulations D.R. Brooks on your debit book, I can't wait for book #2!!!
A Killer's Obsession had me on the edge of my seat the entire way. The suspense & spice fit perfectly together. I'm still reeling with that cliffhanger & still wracking my brain trying to figure it all out. I have my suspicions...

[Lisa Kimbrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review:

WTF….with a cliffhanger!!

So many twist and turns, slow burn romance, and a freaking cliffhanger.

[Katie Janssen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read that kept me wanting more all the way to the end. Definitely a “one more chapter” book all the way through the end. Can’t wait to read book 2.

[OooLaLa Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Watched, Wanted, & Obs€ss€d

OMG BESTIES… the prologue of "A Killer's Obsession" had an immediate hook. I was like, “Well LaLa… guess we’re not sleeping tonight” 😂.

Raelynn is smart, driven, and already living in darkness. So when a s€rial unaliv€r focuses on her, the tension gets so real. And then we have Emilio 😏. He brings protective, steady, and strong 'he falls first' energy with a slow-burn police romance that works well against the danger.

Now, the writing truly shines during the high-stakes moments; it’s descriptive in a way that makes you feel the anxiety and suspense crawling under your skin. That said… the same level of detail during mundane, everyday tasks (like getting dressed) slows the pacing and slightly deflates the suspense. Those moments had me skimming when I wanted nonstop tension.

This story is dark, suspenseful, and deliciously twisted. And that ending? Just remember... this is a duet, so yes… it ends on a cliffhanger. Hopefully Book 2 drops soon!

My Ratings:  ⭐ 4/5  ▪︎  🥵 3/5

🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤

[Nessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you ready for your next new favorite thriller, romance? One where the female main characters pass comes back to hunt her?
This is the book for you. The story follows Rae. Who’s passed is horrible and terrible, but she’s gone to college to help solve the mystery of her mothers murder. While doing an internship at the local police station on her first day, she is partnered with two police officers for a ride along, and one of them wants nothing to do with it. Soon that cop starts to fall for Rae and Rae starts to fall for him. Then, when murder start to happen around her college campus, everyone looks suspicious. Emilio (the cop) becomes seriously protective and a suspicious of everyone around her.

This book absolutely amazing start to finish. You have no idea who the killer is and that’s what brings the suspense in the story. I absolutely fell in love with Rae and Emilio and I cannot wait for the next book. I will give you the heads up this book does, and on a cliffhanger.

[Sreym · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing debut from D.R. Brooks
Oh my god…where to begin. This story has it all. Excellent character development. Drama, suspense, heartbreaking back stories, sexy MMC and a strong FMC, both with pasts that have made them into strong individuals instead of crushing and/or victimizing them. Had me all up in my feelings. Ends in a cliffhanger and I can’t wait for the second book to drop. The storyline, chef’s kiss.The spice, spicin’. Wracking my brain trying to figure out the identity of the killer and why he”s obsessing over Rae. One person stands out as a possibility but idk, the wait for answers is going to kill me. I was not ready for this book to be done. Overall, just absolutely amazing. Will be pre-ordering the second book as soon as I can.

[Dark Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 1 of a duet and ends on a cliffhanger. It's also dark - check triggers before reading.

We have the story of Raelynn, our FMC, who is at the end of her criminal justice training, and Emilio, our MMC, who is assigned to be her mentor at the precinct. There's a bit of a slow burn - they are both attracted to one another but don't make a move at first. The connection is sweet and Emilio's protective streak makes him great for Raelynn since her friends are being hunted by a killer.

The cliffhanger is steep - I need book 2 now!

[Lian Carver · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love books that mess with your head and have you second guessing yourself then this book is for you!! I read this in one sitting, but it took me a hot minute to write this review.

The characters and plot are amazing, and the twists and turns in this book.... wow!

It is a slow burn but it keeps you engrossed with everything else that is going on.

Highly recommend this read if you love a mystery romance with an explosive ending...