Notes on an Obsession

by C.L. Taylor

Oxford University, 1995.

Three student deaths in three weeks can't be a coincidence. Ned Marlowe doesn't think so, but no one wants to listen to not his professor or the clique of elitist psychology undergraduates he supervises.

Then Celia, a student in a nearby building, tells Ned what she saw the night of the last death, and his suspicions deepen into obsession.

Someone is trying to stop him from getting to the truth. The less he knows, the better.

But Ned can't let it go...

Genres: Psychological Thriller, Mystery Thriller

Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 25, 2027

About the author

C.L. Taylor is an award winning Sunday Times bestselling author of twelve gripping psychological thrillers including THE GUILTY COUPLE, a Richard and Judy Book Club pick for summer 2023 and SLEEP, a Richard and Judy Book Club pick for autumn 2019. Her books are not a series and can be read in any order:

2014 - THE ACCIDENT / Before I Wake (U.S.)
2015 - THE LIE
2016 - THE MISSING
2017 - THE ESCAPE
2018 - THE FEAR
2019 - SLEEP
2020 - STRANGERS
2021 - HER LAST HOLIDAY
2022 - THE GUILTY COUPLE
2024 - EVERY MOVE YOU MAKE
2025 - IT'S ALWAYS THE HUSBAND
2027 - NOTES ON AN OBSESSION

She has also written two Young Adult thrillers, THE TREATMENT and THE ISLAND.

C.L. Taylor's books have sold in excess of two million copies, been number one on Amazon Kindle, Kobo, iBooks and Google Play and have been translated into over 25 languages and optioned for TV.

She lives in Bristol with her partner and son.

Sign up to join the CL Taylor Readers' Club to receive THE LODGER for free:

cltaylorauthor.com/newsletter


www.cltaylorauthor.com
www.twitter.com/callytaylor
www.Instagram.com/cltaylorauthor
www.facebook.com/callytaylorauthor
www.youtube.com/cltaylorauthor

Reviews

[Ceecee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magister College, Oxford University, 1995.
There have been three student deaths in three weeks, the latest a very public one. Ned Marlowe doesn’t believe the university authorities are doing enough. Then, he meets fellow student Celia who tells him what she saw the night of the last death and his suspicions deepen into obsession. Someone is trying to stop him getting to the truth, but he is tenacious in his investigations.

Oxford based dark academia + CL Taylor = me hooked from the start and transfixed to the end. Illusion, delusion or truth, that’s the million dollar question. From the start it is very mysterious, the vibes are odd if not weird, giving an off-kilter sensation. This deepens with the strange Rosenham group of psychology students – intellectual yes but entitled, arrogant and masterfully deflecting. Add in a professor whose behaviour is suspicious and it amounts to a powerful tale, carefully and cleverly plotted which is skilfully written. It’s very twisty, with plenty of tension and suspense. It is if you get on a rollercoaster with Ned with many a high and low.

The novel unfolds into parallel timelines, 1988/9 and 1995 which I really enjoy and have no difficulty following the thread through both. There’s much food for thought and it allows the reader to fully understand Ned. His desire to do the right thing is paramount, he’s very caring, he has his struggles and his fears. His characterisation is fantastic and sympathetic but all the characters shine through the prose allowing me to see them all clearly.

Overall, in my opinion this is top class storytelling and a very unsettling character driven psychological thriller which I really enjoy, in timelines which are captured vividly.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Headline for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

It’s 1995 and Ned Marlow is studying psychology at Oxford University. He witnesses a students death by falling from a roof and his mind is in a spiral. This is the 3rd student in as many weeks to die on campus and the authorities are not taking it seriously. Surely 3 students can’t have taken their owns lives. He comes obsessed with finding the truth, especially after he is told a secret from another student that she saw him being pushed.

Ned is quite a complex character, he is afraid of everything but he is convinced that there is something sinister happening and won’t stop until he finds out the real story. In a second timeline we learn more about Ned and his school days that have lead him to Oxford.

Full of twists and not so likeable characters, ai raced through this book in 2 sittings. I have loved every book that I have read by this author and this was no exception.

This book’s ending was 🤯🤯🤯🤯 So clever and unexpected that I had to sit and think about this for a while after I finished it. Now it all makes sense! I found myself appreciating this book more and more after its conclusion.

Thank you to Headline on NetGalley for allowing me to read this book early. It publishes on February 25rh, 2027

[Pauline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ned witnesses a suicide of a fellow student at Oxford University.
There have now been three suicides but Ned is suspicious and decides to look into the circumstances.
This story was told in dual timelines which had me confused at times.
C.L. Taylor is one of my favourite authors but I didn’t enjoy the story as much as her previous books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline Publishing Group for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Notes on an Obsession was a bit of a mixed read for me. I found it quite slow to start and it took me a while to really get into the story. Once it got going, it held my interest more, and there was a good twist towards the end. Overall, I didn't love it, but I didn't dislike it either.

Thank to NetGalley and Headline Publishing Group for the advanced read.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s 1995 and three students have died at Magister College, Oxford University. Ned Marlow thinks this cannot be a coincidence, but when he tries to raise his concerns, no one takes him seriously. When student Celia tells Ned that she witnessed something suspicious the night of the most recent death, his doubts deepen into obsession. Someone is trying to stop him discovering the truth, but Ned can’t let it go.

I was really excited to read this book, as C.L. Taylor is a go to author for me and I was interested to see that she had written a dark academia mystery. This book ending up feeling quite different to her previous thrillers, as it felt much slower paced and less suspenseful, meaning that it took me longer to get into. Saying that, there was still an unsettling, compelling atmosphere, with a slow building tension, that kept me turning the pages and wanting to find out the truth.

I enjoyed the nostalgic dual timeline and found the psychology aspect really interesting, while also liking the dark university vibes, picturing it well from the vivid descriptions. The story was character driven and although I didn’t fully connect with them, I appreciate how well they were written; Ned in particular, where I could really feel his obsession grow as he tried to piece together the truth.

Although not my favourite by this author, the ending for me boosted the stars up, as was clever and definitely made me rethink. Overall the story was still a big hit and an intense, twisty read. The author has proven herself to be a fantastic writer and I can’t wait to see what else she comes up with. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

[Emma Hall · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

This was a bit different to what I expected! The book is set into two timelines with Ned finishing his A Levels and now at university. There have been 3 suicides at uni and Ned believes they have been murdered so sets out to find out the truth. I enjoyed the ‘reveal’ but did find some parts a little confusing!

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this book.

[Michelle Caple · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me hooked! The intrigue, intensity and twists made it such a compelling read. It pulled me in, kept me desperate to find out what happened next and left me thinking about it long after I’d finished it. Would definitely recommend reading this book. C J Taylor has delivered once again!

[Beth Reads Crime · Rating 5 out of 5]

When C.L. Taylor’s newsletter landed in my inbox that Notes on an Obsession was available to pre-order, I headed straight over to Berts Books to place my order for a dedicated and signed copy. When a further newsletter dropped to unveil the cover and mention a proof party during the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival then I knew I had to be there!

I have been attending Theakstons Crime since 2021 and I was thrilled that I managed to win a proof during the event. The proof came with two intriguing black envelopes, their clandestine contents secured by a gold wax seal. One to open and read before and then a final one for after.

The reason behind this is that this book is a little different to Taylor’s back catalogue. It’s definitely not one I will be spoiling so please do read on without fear.

Notes on an Obsession unfolds from the point of view of Ned Marlowe and uses dual timelines from the 1995 present day setting and also several years earlier in the late 80s. In 1995, there has been three student deaths at Oxford University. Then the rumours start, were they suicides? No one else seems to be questioning why, so Ned begins to investigate his suspicions.

Notes on an Obsession can also be the phrase used to describe me during, as I was hooked! The 80s/90s setting is so immersive. From the music of The Smiths, Faith No More and Nirvana, to the literature of Sylvia Plath, the films Reservoir Dogs and The Usual Suspects, the culture of Woolworths, games like Worms and Command & Conquer, snakebite and black (diesel where I’m from!) and pound-a-pint student nights. It all feels incredibly evocative of the era. Taylor has crafted a wonderful love letter to the time and I honestly need more books set then please.

The pace of the book can be slow, but I absolutely didn’t mind one bit as I wanted to savour it at the same time, to spend more time in Ned’s world. Crime fans will love the mystery of the students and investigating with Ned, dark academia fans will love the descriptions of the university setting and 80s fans will love being transported back to the past.

Notes on an Obsession has knocked The Guilty Couple off the top spot as my favourite C.L. Taylor book to date. 10/10, no notes… just the ones on an Obsession.

And that’s all I’ll say. No spoilers, remember! Notes on an Obsession will be published in February and I can’t wait for my pre-order to land!

Thank you to Headline Books for the proof copy which I won during Theakstons Crime.

[Paula Sterling-Stead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's just start by saying this is probably one of the best books I've read this year. Sheer brilliance. Set against the intriguing, majestic backdrop of Oxford University, the story follows Ned Marlowe, our protagonist, who witnesses a student fall to his death. Convinced it wasn't suicide but murder, possibly at the hands of a serial killer, Ned sets off on a quest for the truth. It's the third unexplained death at the university, and all three victims were psychology students. As his suspicions harden into certainty, so does his obsession, until he becomes convinced, he might be next.
His fear sharpens when he meets the elusive Celia, who shares his theory about the deaths. Together, the two race to uncover who's really behind it all, before they're either expelled for spreading malicious gossip or murdered themselves. Suspects are everywhere, especially within the Rosenhan group, who have taken a distinctly unhealthy interest in Ned. Even his own mother and his professor seem to be working against him, as she pushes him to abandon his studies and come home.
The story unfolds across dual timelines, Ned's past in 1988 and his present in 1995, building a fractured, unsettling portrait of a man consumed by insecurity and psychological trauma. Taylor's skill in transferring that paranoia straight to the reader is nothing short of genius; you feel the panic and urgency pulsing through Oxford's corridors and through Ned's turbulent teenage years abroad. That unease extends to his friends, too: second-year students orbiting a PhD candidate, their motives never quite settled.
This is a psychological thriller that will have you questioning your own grip on reality. The suspense never lets up, Taylor holds her cards close and refuses to tip her hand until she's good and ready, and the tension only builds because of it.
If you're after a high-octane, unputdownable read, this one comes highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for the ARC and the chance to read this ahead of publication.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this advance copy.

I’ve seen quite a few reviews from people saying they predicted the ending, but I honestly didn’t. Maybe it was just me, but I genuinely had no idea where the story was heading, and that’s exactly what kept me turning the pages.

For me, it took until around the halfway point before I was completely invested. Up until then, I was enjoying it, but once the story really found its rhythm, I couldn’t put it down. The tension seemed to build chapter by chapter, and I could actually feel the pace increasing as everything spiralled. I reached the point where I just had to know how it was all going to end.

One of the things C.L. Taylor does so well is make you feel what her characters are experiencing. I really felt Ned’s anguish, panic and desperation as the story unfolded, and that’s a real testament to her writing. It wasn’t just that I wanted to know what would happen, I found myself emotionally invested in how everything would play out for him.

The ending genuinely caught me by surprise, and I always appreciate a psychological thriller that can do that.

While this wasn’t my favourite C.L. Taylor novel, and I didn’t love it quite as much as some of her previous books, I still really enjoyed it and flew through it in just two sittings. If you enjoy psychological thrillers that build steadily before delivering an ending you won’t necessarily see coming, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a try.

[TheVeePages · Rating 3 out of 5]

👀 Advanced Reader Copy Book Review 📚

Notes on an Obsession by @cltaylorauthor
Pub date: 25 Feb 2027

Vee's Verdict:
🌟 🌟 🌟 💫
3.5/5

Huge thanks to @netgalley, @headlinebooks and of course CL Taylor for the opportunity to review this early copy.

Synopsis:
Three student deaths in three weeks can't be a coincidence. Ned Marlowe doesn't think so, but no one wants to listen to him: not his professor or the clique of elitist psychology undergraduates he supervises.

Then Celia, a student in a nearby building, tells Ned what she saw the night of the last death, and his suspicions deepen into obsession.

Someone is trying to stop him from getting to the truth. The less he knows, the better.

My thoughts:
I really did enjoy this book, but not so much that it kept me gripped throughout. I think the switching of timeliness in the chapters left me a bit lost at first but then I got into it.

However, from 60% onwards, the book became very difficult to put down.

And that plot twist?? I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING AT ALL.

Key themes:
• Student life
• Suspicious deaths
• Mysterious theories
• Grief and loss
• Relationships

You'd like this if you enjoy:
• Slow burn thrillers
• Romance mixed in with thrills
• A shocking plot twist at the end that leaves you gob-smacked

The only reason for the lower rating is that it wqs a bit slow and confusing for me due to the timelines.

I cannot wait to read more by this author. Drop any recommendations into the comments.

#CLTaylor #Notesonanobsession #arcreview #advancedreadercopy #thrillerbooks

[Alyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent story. The book is set mainly at Oxford University in 1995, where psychology student Ned Marlowe witnesses a student jump to his death from the tower of the college. But this not the only death. There have been three in as many weeks and Ned becomes convinced that they are connected. When another student , Celia tells him she saw someone push the student from the tower, Ned becomes determined to investigate the truth.

The story is also told in flash backs to 1989 when Ned and his girlfriend Alice first get together an then travel round Europe on interrail for the summer after A levels and before university. The dual timeline increases the tension and increases the unease. Both story arcs are important to understand Ned and who he is and what he is doing as he becomes increasingly convinced that people are out to silence him and others and there is a dark underworld lurking at the college. He becomes ever more paranoid, shutting himself away and suspicious of everybody.

The twist, or reveal, when it comes is like a bolt from the blue, totally unexpected and very cleverly done.. This is a real psychological thriller in all senses of the word and kept me guessing right until the very end.

With thanks to Netgalley, the author and Headline Books for an early copy in return for an honest review.

[Georgia Debbie Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

C.L. Taylor knows how to build tension, and while this one took a little bit to get its hooks in me, once it did, I couldn't put it down.
The story opens in 1995 with three student deaths in three weeks at Oxford University. Ned Marlowe is convinced there’s something darker going on, but nobody—neither his professor nor the smug psychology students he supervises—wants to listen. Then Celia steps forward with what she saw the night of the last death, and Ned’s digging turns into a full-blown obsession.
Here is what worked for me and what didn't:
* The 20% Mark: The start was definitely on the slower side. For the first fifth of the book, I was wondering when the pace would pick up, but around the 20% mark, the story clicked and completely took over.
* Dual Timelines: I loved the dual timeline structure, but I definitely found myself favoring the past over the present.
* The Setting: Never having been to university myself, I couldn't always personally relate to the campus dynamic, but watching Ned try to untangle the secrets of that elitist Oxford clique kept me hooked anyway.
Expect the unexpected with this one. Once the momentum builds, it's a tense, gripping read that keeps you guessing until the end. Solid 4 stars!

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This being the fourteenth book I’ve read by C L Taylor, it’s fair to say I’m a fan. I loved the premise from the start - Oxford university 1995, three student deaths in as many weeks and Ned Marlowe doesn’t believe that’s a coincidence. As he tries to gather evidence to support his theory that the deaths weren’t suicides, only one student Celia, believes him. Meanwhile, his growing paranoia over the deaths becomes all-consuming ….

The narrative unfolds through dual timelines, alternating between the present day, 1995 and the past,1988, gradually revealing the characters’ histories, and I particularly enjoyed the 1980’s storyline, which included numerous musical and social references to that decade.

As with all her books, the author makes you feel as though you’re living the story alongside her characters, and I enjoyed discovering the twists and clues along with the protagonists, and being drawn into their world. This gripping thriller builds and explores the different concepts of fear and paranoia, and I found myself questioning everything I was being told throughout.

All in all, this is a cracking addition to an already impressive back catalogue and one that I can definitely recommend.

Many thanks to @netgalley and @headlinebooks for the ARC.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

An Academia psychological thriller from a favourite author. It has dual time lines set in 1995 and the late 80’s.

At Oxford university three student deaths in three weeks seems too much of a coincidence to Ned Marlowe. When he talks to Celia his suspicion is further aroused only no one is interested in listening to his suspicions so he decides to become a sleuth.

I found the pace slow in the first half, it took me a long time to get invested. There’s a constant air of uncertainty. The setting and time are well cemented. The reader also gets the student backpacking gap year experience too. The build up of tension in that segment that was excellent.

Ned’s seemingly constant tension with his panic attacks which border on paranoia is palpable, It left me feeling unsettled.

Once it had me hooked I was very invested. Quite late in I was sure that I had sussed out the premise and couldn’t wait to see if I was right. Well I was wrong, but I must say I preferred that concept over the actual one which felt a little weak in comparison.

I really enjoyed it, particularly the 2nd half.
This will appeal to academia thrillers readers as well as those who want nostalgic reminiscences with their thriller experience.

I had this book from NetGalley

[Jackie Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essentially this is a psychological account of a teenage tragedy and its enduring impact on an individual.

This is difficult to review without revealing elements of the resolution to the overall plot. But it’s essentially a narrative with a sense of chaos and impending danger. For instance I found the switching of tenses in various segments jarring. And that is discounting the dual time line that is woven throughout. But they are all part and parcel of the storytelling.

Set in a fictional Oxford University college, the main character is Ned Marlowe. In 1995 he is a student in psychology. In the earlier timeline, 1988-1989, he is a private school pupil where the boys are segregated from the girls. In that story line he enters a relationship with Alice. They both sneak out of their respective schools to meet alone. When they finish school they tour Europe for the summer. Ned’s parents are based in Germany as his father is in the forces.

I wish I’d have read this in a short space of time rather than in the piecemeal fashion I did over several days because I think the chaotic story lines would have lent a more thriller type atmosphere too.

It is not easy to rate but I would recommend to anyone who likes psychological thrillers, unreliable narrators. 3-4 stars.

[Amanda Varley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set at Oxford University in 1995, the story follows psychology student Ned Marlowe as he becomes convinced that three student deaths in three weeks are connected. When Celia, a student who witnessed something suspicious on the night of the latest death, shares what she saw, Ned becomes determined to uncover the truth.

As his investigation deepens, the story moves between past and present, slowly revealing secrets and building a growing sense of unease. Ned’s fear and paranoia intensify as he realises that someone is determined to stop him from discovering what really happened.

The story is skilfully told through two chronological narratives, moving between the past and present to gradually reveal events from Ned's life.

Ned is a particularly interesting character, one that a reader can connect with and care about. The narrative captures his growing fear, paranoia and increasingly fragile state of mind. As his obsession with uncovering the truth grows, you are drawn into his mission to answer the many questions he has about events and the suspicions he has of his peers and teachers at the college.

The twist is completely unexpected, incredibly clever and skillfully revealed. As a psychological thriller fan, this is a book that genuinely kept me guessing.

[Ebony · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to pick up C L Taylor’s newest book, and I have to say, it surprised me. It felt completely different from her previous novels, but not in a bad way!

I saw C L Taylor mentioning that she wanted to create a character readers would genuinely care about to make the emotional moments hit even harder, and she absolutely succeeded. I found myself completely invested in Ned and his past and present.

This is a slower burn type of thriller, there isn’t a huge cliffhanger at the end of each chapter but each chapter gradually pulls you deeper into Ned’s thoughts as you learn more of his story. The tension builds so naturally that I found myself completely engrossed.

When I reached the final chapters, everything just clicked into place. I loved the moment when all the pieces of the puzzle finally come together. It was such a satisfying ending and one that felt well earned, although, I can see how this ending could be slightly predictable.

If you’re a fan of atmospheric, character-focused thrillers that take their time before delivering a rewarding payoff, this is definitely one to pick up.

Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for the advanced reader copy.

[Amanda C · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of this author, I was excited to pick this one up, and once again I really enjoyed her distinctive writing style. The premise immediately intrigued me: a series of potential suicides at Oxford University, with questions surrounding whether the deaths are truly unconnected or whether something more sinister is going on.

The story unfolds across two timelines, one in 1995 and the other in 1989. Although both were interesting, I found myself much more invested in the 1989 storyline. There was something especially compelling about that timeline and I was always eager to return to it.

I did manage to predict parts of the ending, but this didn’t lessen my enjoyment. There were still plenty of details to uncover, and I enjoyed seeing how the different threads came together.

At times, the writing felt slightly detached and the narrative was a bit jumpy in a way that made it difficult to fully connect with certain characters or moments. However, having now reached the end, I can understand why the story was written in this way.

Overall, I enjoyed this and would recommend it.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I really enjoyed Notes on an Obsession. C. L. Taylor is brilliant at taking something that seems fairly ordinary and gradually making you question what is really going on, and this was no exception.

The story is unsettling from the start, with obsession, secrets and the feeling that someone knows far more than they should. I loved the growing sense of unease and the way the tension builds as more is revealed. There were plenty of twists and moments where I found myself changing my mind about what I thought was happening.

I did guess some of the twists, and a couple of the characters frustrated me at times, which is why this was a four star rather than five star read for me. However, I was still completely invested and wanted to keep reading to find out how everything would unfold.

Another gripping psychological thriller from C. L. Taylor, with plenty of secrets, obsession and twists to keep you guessing.

[Almu Santalices · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main story is set up in Oxford in 1995 where Ned is studying Psychology. There has been three murders in three weeks or so it seems. Ned is shocked as he witnesses on of the deaths and he is determined to find out what really happened. He encounters Celia, and together they look for clues and culprits.
But... at the same time we are taken to Ned's past, 1989 while he is at an only boys boarding school. He meets Alice during a school dance... she is his first love...
We are taken back and forth as both stories develop. We feel for Ned as he is faced with bad situations that make him be constantly scared. Having these constant past and "present" stories keeps you on your seat as every time something unexpected and interesting, the timeline changes!
The stories develop in a way that you start questioning everything and everybody. You try desperately to predict the possible twists and possible culprits, everything becomes a question. twists and makes you wonder, think and question yourself and the possible outcomes of the story.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of a free of charge copy provided by NetGalley.

Ned is studying at Oxford University when three students die in as many weeks. Refusing to believe it is a coincidence, he sets out to find answers. His growing connection with fellow student Celia turns early suspicions into a consuming obsession.

Notes On An Obsession is a fantastic read. Split across two interconnected timelines—the late 80s and 1995—both strands are thoroughly immersive. Switching between them was genuinely frustrating at times, purely because I was so invested in whichever era I was currently reading. The exploration of Ned and Alice’s relationship is superb, grounded in a keen observation of the human psyche that works brilliantly alongside the backdrop of academic psychology.

The setting is wonderfully evocative, packed with nostalgic details like grunge, 'Worms', and PC Solitaire. Then there is the ending… While Taylor builds towards it meticulously, I still never saw it coming. Just brilliant.
Anyone who enjoys thrillers or dark academia will love this.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tragedy invades the rarefied air of an Oxford college when three students commit suicide within a short space of time. But post-grad student Ned Marlowe suspects foul play. Scarred by tragedy in his own past, he sets out to discover the truth, aided by fellow student Celia.
This was a tightly woven plot wth two threads - Ned's teenage romance with girlfriend Alice, and his present day investigation into what may be the murders of three students.
This book had me torn two ways. I enjoyed the retrospective story with teenage Ned and Alice, but I found the general atmosphere of the present-day story claustrophobic, with unpleasant characters I couldnt relate to.
However, the back story kept me engaged and as it threw light on Ned's development, I began to understand why he reacts the way he does now to more tragedy in his life. I can't say any more without spoilers.
Despite my reservations, I would still say this is a page-turner, perfect for fans of Donna Tartt's A Secret History.

[Sarah Higginbottom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Notes on an Obsession by C.L. Taylor. I’ve read everything this author has written, and I honestly love her books so much. She’s one of those authors whose thrillers I know I can pick up and get completely absorbed in.

This book was no exception. The twists and suspense were the highlights for me, keeping me hooked and constantly wondering what was really going on. C.L. Taylor has a brilliant talent for creating tension and that uneasy feeling that makes you want to keep turning the pages.

I loved the way the story unfolded, with secrets, suspense, and twists that kept me guessing right until the end.

Another fantastic read from an author who never disappoints. If you enjoy psychological thrillers packed with suspense and unexpected turns, I highly recommend Notes on an Obsession.

📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, C L Taylor and Headline📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚

[Jessica Gilmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nineties set dark academia. One Oxford college, one clique of the young, entitled and beautiful, three suicides and one outsider. So Taylor expertly sets up this twisty thriller.
PhD student Ned knows something isn’t right. Three suicides in as many weeks, suspicious behaviour from a group of psychology undergraduates, even more suspicious behaviour from his supervisor. The only person he can trust is the elusive Celia. Meanwhile, memories of his teenage relationship with Alice come back to haunt him. There is no way it can all be linked, can it?
Paranoia, mistrust and tension ratchet up as Ned desperately tries to seek the truth. He’s sure the suicides are linked, that they might be murder, and he had a horrible feeling that if he doesn’t solve the mystery he might just be next.
Clever, expertly plotted with a gorgeous sense of place, Notes on an Obsession is unputdownable. Recommended,

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is set in two timelines, 1989 and 1995.
1989 Ned Marlowe meets Alice, and together, they backpack around the Greek islands.
1995, Ned Marlowe is at Oxford University, where there have been three deaths in three weeks. Ned thinks it's suspicious, and when he meets Celia, she encourages him to look further into their deaths after telling him that one of them was pushed.
I did wonder how the two timelines married up, and it all becomes clear towards the end.
I can't say I particularly liked this one by Cally. I've read all her books, and this is definitely my least favourite.
I did guess about two-thirds of the way through the book, but there were still loose ends to tie up.
I'm not sure I would class this as a thriller
At no time did I find it suspenseful or any tension. I found myself just willing to get to the end.
This one was not for me.
Thanks to Netgalley and Headline for the ARC in return for an honest review.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set mainly at Oxford University in 1995, the story follows psychology student Ned Marlowe, who witnesses a student fall to his death from the college tower. But this isn’t the only death—three students have died in as many weeks, and Ned becomes convinced that there’s a connection between them.

When another student, Celia, tells him she saw someone push the student from the tower, Ned becomes determined to uncover what really happened.

I’ll admit, this one took me a little while to get into. The pacing felt slow at first, but once the mystery started to unfold, I found myself much more invested in the story and the characters.

The ending genuinely surprised me, which is always a big plus for me when it comes to psychological thrillers. I definitely didn’t see the final twists coming, and I love a book that can keep me guessing until the very end. Overall, a slow-burn mystery with an ending that made the journey worthwhile.

[McBreakneck · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first psychological thrillers I ever read were The Escape and The Fear and I’ve been hooked on the genre and C.L. Taylor’s writing ever since.

Oxford University, 1995. Three student deaths in three weeks. Psychology student Ned Marlowe doesn’t believe the deaths are a coincidence. He’s determined to uncover what’s really going on and will risk everything to do so.

Notes On An Obsession is brave, bold and fairly dark. I was transfixed. Like a lot of the best thrillers it might divide opinion. Love it and will become an obsession. Deeply psychological dark academia with a great feel for the era. It’s got a real transcendent buzz sucking you in until nothing else matters. Read it as fast as you can, can’t stop thinking about it, probably read it again to catch everything you missed the first time.

One of C.L. Taylor’s very best books.

Thanks to Netgalley and Headline

[Nom · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was gifted an advanced copy of Notes on an Obsession by C. L. Taylor from Headline books to review.
I really enjoyed some aspects of this story, but some not so much. I think it was the psychology talk as the story is based in 1995 Oxford University and a group of students. So some of the conversations I think I didn’t find the easiest to understand and then I feel stupid. That makes the story not quite as an easy read for me unfortunately.
I enjoyed that there was dual timeline which follows the main character Ned Marlowe both in 1989 and 1995. I enjoyed the overall story it just didn’t flow great for me in some places.
I don’t think I’ve read any of this Author’s other books but would definitely give another one a try.
Definitely give this book a go if you’re in to psychology as a subject or if you’ve enjoyed other books by the Author.

[Toni · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I love a psychological thriller so I was excited to get the opportunity to read an ARC of Notes on an Obsession.

Set in two timelines (80s and 90s) and focused on a student Ned Marlowe, the earlier timeline charts his relationship with first love, Alice. The second timeline appears unrelated, and you see three student suicides at Oxford University, which the authorities don't seem to be taking seriously.

Convinced that the deaths are related, Ned starts looking for perpetrators, motives and connections linking these tragedies together, with some near misses as he feels he's getting closer to the truth.

I could relate to the timeline as I was at school in the 1980s and at university in the 1990s and it was an enjoyable read, however, I wasn't as gripped as I would expect to be with a thriller. Though I did have a big "a-ha" moment at the end!

Thanks to CL Taylor, Headline and NetGalley for this ARC in return for an honest review.