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Obsession: A haunting psychological thriller that will leave you questioning everything
Not yet published
Expected 18 Jun 26Grief never loosens its grip. But for some, it becomes an obsession that refuses to stay hidden.
Teddy was once a loving husband and devoted brother. He's now locked inside a psychiatric facility, haunted by his memories and accused of multiple murders.
To Dr Flack, the ambitious psychiatrist assigned to his case, Teddy is more than a patient — he's an opportunity. He's a chance of professional recognition that could define her career. Because she alone believes she can cure him.
But Teddy's story is darker than she could ever imagine.
Three years ago, Teddy found his sister Hannah dead. Since then, his life has unravelled — plagued by grief and disturbing images he can't escape. When women who resemble Hannah begin to appear in his life, the past refuses to stay contained. Even his wife, Olivia, fears how far he's slipping away. But Teddy insists he's in control.
Now, the deeper Dr Flack pushes, the more dangerous finding the truth becomes. Because once obsession takes hold, it can destroy everything.
Perfect for fans of Alex Michaelides and Caroline Kepnes, Obsession is a chilling psychological thriller about grief, control and the fine line between sanity and madness.
Teddy was once a loving husband and devoted brother. He's now locked inside a psychiatric facility, haunted by his memories and accused of multiple murders.
To Dr Flack, the ambitious psychiatrist assigned to his case, Teddy is more than a patient — he's an opportunity. He's a chance of professional recognition that could define her career. Because she alone believes she can cure him.
But Teddy's story is darker than she could ever imagine.
Three years ago, Teddy found his sister Hannah dead. Since then, his life has unravelled — plagued by grief and disturbing images he can't escape. When women who resemble Hannah begin to appear in his life, the past refuses to stay contained. Even his wife, Olivia, fears how far he's slipping away. But Teddy insists he's in control.
Now, the deeper Dr Flack pushes, the more dangerous finding the truth becomes. Because once obsession takes hold, it can destroy everything.
Perfect for fans of Alex Michaelides and Caroline Kepnes, Obsession is a chilling psychological thriller about grief, control and the fine line between sanity and madness.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 18, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This story was very different from what I expected. I initially thought the focus would be more on the psychiatric treatment itself, but instead the novel mainly explores the events leading up to it, following Teddy’s disturbing journey and revealing how he comes to target women who resemble or remind him of his younger sister, Hannah, who died years earlier.
The story is told largely from Teddy’s perspective, which made it both unsettling and compelling. Alongside him is Abbie, a mysterious and manipulative figure whose motives remain unclear for much of the novel. I kept questioning what she truly wanted and what she gained from helping Teddy in such horrific ways.
Olivia, Teddy’s wife, was another interesting character. She genuinely wants to support her husband, but becomes increasingly troubled by the dramatic changes in his personality and behaviour. Meanwhile, her friend Molly is extremely outspoken and impulsive, and at times I found her quite irritating. Her brash approach seemed likely to put both herself and Olivia in danger, especially as they begin trying to uncover the truth behind Teddy’s actions and the cryptic letter he leaves behind.
Dr Flack, Teddy’s psychiatrist, was also a fascinating character, though not a particularly likeable one. She comes across as arrogant and more concerned with career advancement and professional prestige than genuinely helping her patients, which added another unsettling layer to the story.
The novel explores a very interesting and unusual subject, and it felt different from anything else I’ve read. I did feel that some sections could have been shortened to improve the pacing, and I would have liked more focus on Teddy’s actual treatment and sessions with Dr Flack. Unfortunately, I also worked out much of what was happening fairly early on, including aspects of the ending, which reduced some of the suspense for me.
Overall though, this was still an intriguing and disturbing psychological thriller with an original premise and plenty of darker themes to keep me engaged.
I received an ARC from Bloodhound Books for an honest review, thank you, and all thoughts are my own.
The story is told largely from Teddy’s perspective, which made it both unsettling and compelling. Alongside him is Abbie, a mysterious and manipulative figure whose motives remain unclear for much of the novel. I kept questioning what she truly wanted and what she gained from helping Teddy in such horrific ways.
Olivia, Teddy’s wife, was another interesting character. She genuinely wants to support her husband, but becomes increasingly troubled by the dramatic changes in his personality and behaviour. Meanwhile, her friend Molly is extremely outspoken and impulsive, and at times I found her quite irritating. Her brash approach seemed likely to put both herself and Olivia in danger, especially as they begin trying to uncover the truth behind Teddy’s actions and the cryptic letter he leaves behind.
Dr Flack, Teddy’s psychiatrist, was also a fascinating character, though not a particularly likeable one. She comes across as arrogant and more concerned with career advancement and professional prestige than genuinely helping her patients, which added another unsettling layer to the story.
The novel explores a very interesting and unusual subject, and it felt different from anything else I’ve read. I did feel that some sections could have been shortened to improve the pacing, and I would have liked more focus on Teddy’s actual treatment and sessions with Dr Flack. Unfortunately, I also worked out much of what was happening fairly early on, including aspects of the ending, which reduced some of the suspense for me.
Overall though, this was still an intriguing and disturbing psychological thriller with an original premise and plenty of darker themes to keep me engaged.
I received an ARC from Bloodhound Books for an honest review, thank you, and all thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If someone ever tells you “I can fix him,” hand them a copy of Obsession.
This book was an absolute spiral in the best way. Teddy is the kind of character that makes you uncomfortable, concerned, and weirdly invested all at once. One minute I felt bad for him, the next I was thinking, “sir, absolutely not.” Ms. Dexter really knows how to write a character who is completely unraveling while still keeping you glued to the page.
I’ll admit, I figured out part of the twist fairly early, but honestly? It didn’t matter. Watching everything crash together was still ridiculously addictive. The real fun was seeing how far Teddy would go, what was up with Dr Flack and whether anyone in this story had a single stable thought left. Spoiler. probably not.
Dr. Flack especially fascinated me because her ambition almost felt as dangerous as Teddy’s obsession. Their scenes together had this constant tension where you just knew things were heading somewhere bad, and you are so invested.
Dark, creepy, chaotic, and impossible to put down. Definitely my favorite Jocelyn Dexter book so far. Perfect for anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers that make you question every character’s sanity
This book was an absolute spiral in the best way. Teddy is the kind of character that makes you uncomfortable, concerned, and weirdly invested all at once. One minute I felt bad for him, the next I was thinking, “sir, absolutely not.” Ms. Dexter really knows how to write a character who is completely unraveling while still keeping you glued to the page.
I’ll admit, I figured out part of the twist fairly early, but honestly? It didn’t matter. Watching everything crash together was still ridiculously addictive. The real fun was seeing how far Teddy would go, what was up with Dr Flack and whether anyone in this story had a single stable thought left. Spoiler. probably not.
Dr. Flack especially fascinated me because her ambition almost felt as dangerous as Teddy’s obsession. Their scenes together had this constant tension where you just knew things were heading somewhere bad, and you are so invested.
Dark, creepy, chaotic, and impossible to put down. Definitely my favorite Jocelyn Dexter book so far. Perfect for anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers that make you question every character’s sanity
Review of advance copy received from Author
There are only certain authors that give me goosebumps and make the hair on my neck stand on end, Jocelyn Dexter is one of them.
Can you possibly 'fix' a person with a troubled mind, with love alone?
Teddy's wife Olivia hopes so.
Teddy has always suffered from mental illness and has a need to control everything in his life.
So when at the age of fifteen his sister Hannah is born, his life turns into chaos, but as the years go by he takes Hannah under his wing to make her the perfect person possible.
But tragedy strikes when Teddy finds his sister dead in the bath at only twenty years old.
Teddy can't cope with his sisters death and Olivia doesn't know how to reach out to him.
When Teddy meets Abbie, they hit it off immediately and Teddy finds that he can talk to her more than Olivia.
When Teddy starts to see his dead sister Hannah everywhere, Abbie encourages his obsession to get rid of the world of fake Hannah's.
You will hear from Teddy's psychiatrist Dr. Flack without this book and to be honest, she definitely needs some help herself!
A brilliantly written psychological thriller with Jocelyn's unique take on things.
Can you possibly 'fix' a person with a troubled mind, with love alone?
Teddy's wife Olivia hopes so.
Teddy has always suffered from mental illness and has a need to control everything in his life.
So when at the age of fifteen his sister Hannah is born, his life turns into chaos, but as the years go by he takes Hannah under his wing to make her the perfect person possible.
But tragedy strikes when Teddy finds his sister dead in the bath at only twenty years old.
Teddy can't cope with his sisters death and Olivia doesn't know how to reach out to him.
When Teddy meets Abbie, they hit it off immediately and Teddy finds that he can talk to her more than Olivia.
When Teddy starts to see his dead sister Hannah everywhere, Abbie encourages his obsession to get rid of the world of fake Hannah's.
You will hear from Teddy's psychiatrist Dr. Flack without this book and to be honest, she definitely needs some help herself!
A brilliantly written psychological thriller with Jocelyn's unique take on things.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
If "I can fix him" was a trope (is it a trope? I don’t know, but it should be), then this book would be a perfect embodiment of it!
WHAT IS REALLY HAPPENING HERE? This is what I kept asking myself as I was reading it.
What. Is. Going. On. There.
Why. Is. Everyone. So. Weird. What. The. Actual. Duck.
I was kind of hoping it would have more of the psych hospital setting, but it wasn’t – it was more of spiraling, various timelines, memories, events, all coming CRASHING together.
The book blurb doesn’t really tell much about the amount of MADNESS happening there. The chaos, the absolute mayhem, and the promised obsession too turn out to be not quite one I expected at first.
Although it ended up being a different-ish story than I was expecting, it was also a better one. It was so unique. It was so weird. It was so crazy. The book crazies were unlike those that are usually there in the psych thrillers. And the actual craziness too was different.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Jocelyn Dexter’s Obsession is an altogether more unsettling breed of psychological thriller. It doesn't just try to clever you into a corner; it actually gets right under your skin.
Dexter doesn’t treat grief like a cheap plot device—she treats it like a genuine haunting. The atmosphere is claustrophobic and deeply disorientating, mimicking a mind unravelling. The real chill, though, lies in the sharp cat-and-mouse game between a shattered patient and a dangerously ambitious therapist, leaving you constantly questioning who is actually holding the cards.
Written with a cold, precise elegance, it's a slow, agonizing psychological burn that shifts into a frantic, breathless scramble. If you want a thriller that is intelligent, deeply dark, and genuinely uncomfortable, this is definitely for you.
Dexter doesn’t treat grief like a cheap plot device—she treats it like a genuine haunting. The atmosphere is claustrophobic and deeply disorientating, mimicking a mind unravelling. The real chill, though, lies in the sharp cat-and-mouse game between a shattered patient and a dangerously ambitious therapist, leaving you constantly questioning who is actually holding the cards.
Written with a cold, precise elegance, it's a slow, agonizing psychological burn that shifts into a frantic, breathless scramble. If you want a thriller that is intelligent, deeply dark, and genuinely uncomfortable, this is definitely for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story shows how the mind can take you to a dark and scary place, it's unthinkable really and terrifying!!!
The story takes us back and forth from the past to the present. We begin with Teddy locked up in a psychiatric hospital accused for multiple murders. Teddy is a loving husband to Olivia who have a lovely life together but his life changes when he finds his beloved sister dead in her bathtub. He can't get on with his life and the grief is unbearable.
Dr Flack is his psychiatrist who thinks she can save him from his torture. Is she doing this for him or for herself?
I don't want to say much more and give anything away other than you need to read this book, it's dark, tense and scarily brilliant. I couldn't put it down until I'd finished it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well that was mind blowing!!
Jocelyn Dexter is one of my favourite authors. And once you’ve read this, I highly recommend you devour her other deliciously dark stories.
If you enjoy thrillers that delve into the dark depths of the human mind, then this needs to go to the top of your list. Teddy’s journey is dark, twisted and utterly fascinating. I absolutely could not stop turning the pages.
Dr Flack is the epitome of the perfect ‘love to hate’ character. What is she up to? You’ll have to read to find out…
The writing is flawless and the twists will leave you reeling. This is a challenging subject and the author writes with such authenticity and skill.
Buckle up for an unexpected, creepy, tense rollercoaster of a ride.
This book will be your new obsession. Outstanding!
Jocelyn Dexter is one of my favourite authors. And once you’ve read this, I highly recommend you devour her other deliciously dark stories.
If you enjoy thrillers that delve into the dark depths of the human mind, then this needs to go to the top of your list. Teddy’s journey is dark, twisted and utterly fascinating. I absolutely could not stop turning the pages.
Dr Flack is the epitome of the perfect ‘love to hate’ character. What is she up to? You’ll have to read to find out…
The writing is flawless and the twists will leave you reeling. This is a challenging subject and the author writes with such authenticity and skill.
Buckle up for an unexpected, creepy, tense rollercoaster of a ride.
This book will be your new obsession. Outstanding!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Once again Jocelyn Dexter has delivered a dark and disturbing novel - her darkest yet. She challenges one's perception of morality with amoral characters destined to blur the fine line between good and evil.
I fell for Teddy immediately - despite the unfolding revelations about his past. I often find myself falling for the bad guys in dark stories like this one. But perhaps he occasionally deserved a little bit of empathy from me?
Jocelyn Dexter explores a world where mental health has faltered and failed and irrevocable tragedy is sure to follow. She seemlessly weaves together past and present in a plot that is both chilling and addictive.
This novel places Jocelyn Dexter in the elite coterie of whydunit authors alongside Patricia Highsmith, Barbara Vine, Donna Tartt and Val McDermid.
I fell for Teddy immediately - despite the unfolding revelations about his past. I often find myself falling for the bad guys in dark stories like this one. But perhaps he occasionally deserved a little bit of empathy from me?
Jocelyn Dexter explores a world where mental health has faltered and failed and irrevocable tragedy is sure to follow. She seemlessly weaves together past and present in a plot that is both chilling and addictive.
This novel places Jocelyn Dexter in the elite coterie of whydunit authors alongside Patricia Highsmith, Barbara Vine, Donna Tartt and Val McDermid.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Diagnosis can be deadly.
Psychological thriller to blow your mind.
Dr Flack has a new patient.
Teddy is more than a patient, more madder than most, and she is not afraid of him, and makes great strides to curing him.
A dark deep story, totally freaked me out reading.
The author has done her homework taking this book into a mind of a man who's troubles turn him into someone else imaginable, a killer with a whole lot more inside.
I was gripped right into the chapters, its definitely a one to read and learn of what goes on in the mind, he's hardwork.
A totally different Psychological that I have ever read.
A totally top read.
Psychological thriller to blow your mind.
Dr Flack has a new patient.
Teddy is more than a patient, more madder than most, and she is not afraid of him, and makes great strides to curing him.
A dark deep story, totally freaked me out reading.
The author has done her homework taking this book into a mind of a man who's troubles turn him into someone else imaginable, a killer with a whole lot more inside.
I was gripped right into the chapters, its definitely a one to read and learn of what goes on in the mind, he's hardwork.
A totally different Psychological that I have ever read.
A totally top read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Obsession grabbed my attention early and kept me fully invested. The tension in this book is relentless — there were moments where the suspense was killing me in the best way. I had an inkling about one element as things unfolded — not a full reveal, just that quiet “hmm…” feeling — and it actually made the experience more fun because I wanted to see if my instincts were right.
And when everything finally snapped into place at the end, it felt like pure kismet. Dark, inevitable, and exactly the kind of payoff I love in a psychological thriller. Another amazing read by Jocelyn, and one that delivers steady unease throughout!
And when everything finally snapped into place at the end, it felt like pure kismet. Dark, inevitable, and exactly the kind of payoff I love in a psychological thriller. Another amazing read by Jocelyn, and one that delivers steady unease throughout!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another great rollercoaster read from this author.
She definitely finds the characters to keep you hooked.
Teddy was grieving with his wife supporting him. But isn’t it strange how the mind works and supports you too.
Jump to the Drs support and things really open up.
The story goes from now to the original dates of things beginning and back again. Between the characters a full build really kept me intrigued and wondering what next.
Not confusing, completely needed and such a good way to unravel as their life goes on.
Great read.
She definitely finds the characters to keep you hooked.
Teddy was grieving with his wife supporting him. But isn’t it strange how the mind works and supports you too.
Jump to the Drs support and things really open up.
The story goes from now to the original dates of things beginning and back again. Between the characters a full build really kept me intrigued and wondering what next.
Not confusing, completely needed and such a good way to unravel as their life goes on.
Great read.
May 23, 2026
Teddy is clearly disturbed. It's quite chilling how the mind can rule your very existence. A twisty storyline which alternates from present to past, cleverly constructed and menacingly deep.
Although I realized quite early on in the story what was actually occurring it still had me hooked....I needed to know how it would all pan out.
I didn't like some of the characters, until I did, then I didn't....
Very entertaining, as I new it would be. Can't go wrong with a book by Jocelyn Dexter.
Although I realized quite early on in the story what was actually occurring it still had me hooked....I needed to know how it would all pan out.
I didn't like some of the characters, until I did, then I didn't....
Very entertaining, as I new it would be. Can't go wrong with a book by Jocelyn Dexter.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Well, well…
This has got to be one of the best, most haunting and absolutely brilliant books that I’ve read in a long time.
I don’t know if I was more terrified or overwhelmed by each page i read of this outstanding book by Jocelyn Dexter.
All I can say is that I absolutely loved this book and I can’t wait to read more of Jocelyn’s work.
Thank you to Lexi & all at Bloodhound for this early copy.
This has got to be one of the best, most haunting and absolutely brilliant books that I’ve read in a long time.
I don’t know if I was more terrified or overwhelmed by each page i read of this outstanding book by Jocelyn Dexter.
All I can say is that I absolutely loved this book and I can’t wait to read more of Jocelyn’s work.
Thank you to Lexi & all at Bloodhound for this early copy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A dark and realistic reminder of how scary and horrific our minds can be. Teddy is grieving with his wife's support and then coming in is the Dr. This is a pacy plot that packed a punch. It has my mind spiralling and I love the realism combined with the terrifying.
May 18, 2026
This book was brilliant. It wasn’t as I expected and all for the better! Twists and turns and utter suspense. Highly recommend reading it
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was a dark creepy read with some good twists and although I guessed them I still enjoyed this one, would recommend
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I read a review of this book from a friend who stated ‘they had never read a book like this before’ I would concur with her
Highly original and unique it was one that once started HAD to carry on reading until finished as although had my own idea (s) what was ‘going on’ I needed to know
The book goes from now to the past as we meet the characters at various stages of the story and begin to build a picture, a picture of Teddy and why he is in a psychiatric unit and why the death of his Sister Hannah ( 3 years previous ) affected him so
We meet Dr Flack, ( the present ) I instantly loathed her and her bullying ways but what a great ‘love to hate’ character she was, who is trying to treat him….. throughout the story we also meet his poor wife Olivia who is getting more and more desperate to help Teddy and find out just exactly what he does when he goes out all day
It is a tingly chiller, it gets to you and as the creeping feeling of unease gets stronger you realise Teddy is not just obsessed he is embracing all that that obsession brings
Another winner from this author
Highly original and unique it was one that once started HAD to carry on reading until finished as although had my own idea (s) what was ‘going on’ I needed to know
The book goes from now to the past as we meet the characters at various stages of the story and begin to build a picture, a picture of Teddy and why he is in a psychiatric unit and why the death of his Sister Hannah ( 3 years previous ) affected him so
We meet Dr Flack, ( the present ) I instantly loathed her and her bullying ways but what a great ‘love to hate’ character she was, who is trying to treat him….. throughout the story we also meet his poor wife Olivia who is getting more and more desperate to help Teddy and find out just exactly what he does when he goes out all day
It is a tingly chiller, it gets to you and as the creeping feeling of unease gets stronger you realise Teddy is not just obsessed he is embracing all that that obsession brings
Another winner from this author
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews