Obsession

by Marie Keates

Bob returns to England, battle weary after a long campaign in North Africa and Sicily and discovers Monty has earmarked his men for a central role in the coming invasion. Being lumbered with Tony, a liar and thief who can’t obey the simplest order, adds to Bob’s problems. Paddy thinks he’ll shape up when the chips are down, but Bob sees him as a liability who could jeopardise everything and get them all killed. Hallie Hetherington is the one shining light on his horizon. Should he tell her his feelings and risk breaking her heart? If he does, will Sophie ruin it before it even begins?

A secret project at the Eastleigh carriage works throws Maisie, Sophie, and Hallie together. Sophie wants Bob, so why is he keeping her at arm’s length, and how can she lure him back where he belongs? Bob is the man of Hallie’s dreams, but giving into her feelings risks destroying a friendship. Spoiled by her father and coddled by her mother, Maisie has led a charmed life, but a ghost from her past reminds her how close she came to dishonouring them. Could Roy have returned and tampered with her bike to get revenge? Maybe Eustace was paying her back for her unkind words, or is someone trying to sabotage their vital war work?

336 pages, Paperback

Published February 4, 2026

About the author

Marie Keates is a writer, blogger and walker, who can’t resist the mystery of an unexplored trail and is mad about history. She lives in Southampton, and has spent much of her life working in the travel industry and writing copy on such diverse subjects as travel, canals, running and coffee. Her interest in Southampton’s history has made her blog, www.iwalkalone.co.uk popular with local history groups, ex-Sotonians and visitors to the city. Her novels, Plagued, Land Fit For Heroes, Seventh Daughter and A Dish Best Served Cold were inspired by research into her family history and stories she heard at her grandfather’s knee.