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Past Obsession: A Time Travel Thriller
It’s 1942 and talented young artist Emily Torrance is brutally murdered.
Seventy-five years later Jim Mercer, a reporter for the LA Times, covers a J. Paul Getty Museum showing of Emily’s work and is smitten by her self-portrait. Eventually becoming obsessed with the slain artist, Mercer investigates her murder and discovers something the cops of 1942 evidence of Emily’s killer, but more — proof of time travel. Mercer will leap back through time to 1942 to save Emily Torrance, if she can be saved, because he's found proof his future self has already time-travelled.
Seventy-five years later Jim Mercer, a reporter for the LA Times, covers a J. Paul Getty Museum showing of Emily’s work and is smitten by her self-portrait. Eventually becoming obsessed with the slain artist, Mercer investigates her murder and discovers something the cops of 1942 evidence of Emily’s killer, but more — proof of time travel. Mercer will leap back through time to 1942 to save Emily Torrance, if she can be saved, because he's found proof his future self has already time-travelled.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2017
1 person is currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Richard Keith Taylor
13 booksLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 3, 2020
I love time travel and thought the thriller premise of this was interesting. The approach however, was that the protagonist was a so creepy...like that of a stalker. How he develops his obsession, for a woman who has been dead for 75 years was not believable. I don't think this was an intentional representation by the author who I believe was hoping for a hero. As the story went on, he did become the hero but I could not shake the creepy factor that he had.
Would have been 4 stars, but I had to knock one star off for this reason.
Would have been 4 stars, but I had to knock one star off for this reason.
March 24, 2018
Time travel. One of my favorite concepts. Something that captivates me whether it is on the silver screen, the boobtube, or a book. It never fails, and I am always on the look out for a good time travel story. Luckily, I found one here.
Past Obsession might seem a touch like the old Christopher Reeves time travel movie, Somewhere in time. And they do share a common link, both main characters fall in love with a woman in the past from just her photo. Beyond that the similarities end, this one has a just a bit more action, intrigue, and danger.
I always appreciate it when an author can get around paradox problems, and Taylor does this nicely too. Also, the emotions in this book run deep, and you may just find yourself falling for Emily Torrence, too. That is because they are raw unshackled emotions that come from a real place.
It doesn't hurt that Paul Heitsch narrates the heck of of this book. He is like a distant black hole that slowly draws you in. The man is absolutely made to tell this kind of noirish thriller. This story is what I call a rib sticker, because it stays with you for days after you have finished. I can honestly say, this is a book I will listen to again and again.
Even though I did receive a promo code for this review it in no way influenced my considerations of the material, and in fact, inspired me to be more honest. In fact, getting a code generally makes me harsher as a reviewer as I am more often concerned what someone like Me will decide based on my review.
If this review helped, please press the YES below. Thank you immensely!!!
Past Obsession might seem a touch like the old Christopher Reeves time travel movie, Somewhere in time. And they do share a common link, both main characters fall in love with a woman in the past from just her photo. Beyond that the similarities end, this one has a just a bit more action, intrigue, and danger.
I always appreciate it when an author can get around paradox problems, and Taylor does this nicely too. Also, the emotions in this book run deep, and you may just find yourself falling for Emily Torrence, too. That is because they are raw unshackled emotions that come from a real place.
It doesn't hurt that Paul Heitsch narrates the heck of of this book. He is like a distant black hole that slowly draws you in. The man is absolutely made to tell this kind of noirish thriller. This story is what I call a rib sticker, because it stays with you for days after you have finished. I can honestly say, this is a book I will listen to again and again.
Even though I did receive a promo code for this review it in no way influenced my considerations of the material, and in fact, inspired me to be more honest. In fact, getting a code generally makes me harsher as a reviewer as I am more often concerned what someone like Me will decide based on my review.
If this review helped, please press the YES below. Thank you immensely!!!
March 24, 2021
Ok, 2 stars instead of 1 because the ending was pretty good. Spoilers ahead.
The premise behind this book is interesting, if not all that original. Guy goes back in time to save someone's life. But, as other reviews have said, the protagonist is a super creepy stalker who falls in love with a self portrait and goes to incredible lengths to go save the artist. They fall in love in a few days of actually knowing each other and she takes his word that he's a time traveler and actually goes to the future with him. I'd have been far more interested in how Emily adapted to the 21s century, but they don't make it back until the next to last chapter.
Incidentally, why does this man from the 21s century go back in time and somehow ends up adopting 1940s values about sex? He gets super slut-shamey about Emily banging a guy the first time she meets him. Yes, that's pretty scandalous for the 40s, but Jim didn't grow up in that era.
Anyway, I'd call this more of a time travel romance than thriller. It's 11/22/63 without JFK and not written as well.
The premise behind this book is interesting, if not all that original. Guy goes back in time to save someone's life. But, as other reviews have said, the protagonist is a super creepy stalker who falls in love with a self portrait and goes to incredible lengths to go save the artist. They fall in love in a few days of actually knowing each other and she takes his word that he's a time traveler and actually goes to the future with him. I'd have been far more interested in how Emily adapted to the 21s century, but they don't make it back until the next to last chapter.
Incidentally, why does this man from the 21s century go back in time and somehow ends up adopting 1940s values about sex? He gets super slut-shamey about Emily banging a guy the first time she meets him. Yes, that's pretty scandalous for the 40s, but Jim didn't grow up in that era.
Anyway, I'd call this more of a time travel romance than thriller. It's 11/22/63 without JFK and not written as well.
August 30, 2017
My original Past Obsession audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
What would you be willing to do for your true love? How far would you be willing to travel to save your true love? James Mercer, an LA Times reporter is given a bread and butter piece to write about a murdered artist, Emily Torrance, from 1942. Now, seventy years after her death, her work is being recognized.
It is during his research that James falls for Emily and discovers his connection to the night she was found viciously murdered. James must decide what he needs to discover how to travel back to that night and save his true love and prevent her death. Can James save her and at what cost to his future?
Richard Keith Taylor, the author, delivers a powerful tale that will hold listeners captivated. The story line is well-developed focusing on love, murder and the cause and effect rule in the future. Weaving his tale, Taylor plays on the emotions of his readers like a violin – never missing a beat and keeping the suspense and action moving along steadily. His characters are well-developed and realistic. The plot twists are well delivered and timely.
The narrator, Paul Heitsch performed the audio book professionally drawing the listener in with his talented skills of giving each character a voice. The narration appeared to be natural and realistic. Heitsch is definitely a “thriller” type narrator. Excellently done, I hope to hear more works by him.
I enjoyed this thriller very much and listened to it practically non-stop. It’s one of those you can’t put it down or you will miss something. Definitely edge of your seat thriller!
I did not experience any difficulties with the audio production or quality of this audiobook.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
What would you be willing to do for your true love? How far would you be willing to travel to save your true love? James Mercer, an LA Times reporter is given a bread and butter piece to write about a murdered artist, Emily Torrance, from 1942. Now, seventy years after her death, her work is being recognized.
It is during his research that James falls for Emily and discovers his connection to the night she was found viciously murdered. James must decide what he needs to discover how to travel back to that night and save his true love and prevent her death. Can James save her and at what cost to his future?
Richard Keith Taylor, the author, delivers a powerful tale that will hold listeners captivated. The story line is well-developed focusing on love, murder and the cause and effect rule in the future. Weaving his tale, Taylor plays on the emotions of his readers like a violin – never missing a beat and keeping the suspense and action moving along steadily. His characters are well-developed and realistic. The plot twists are well delivered and timely.
The narrator, Paul Heitsch performed the audio book professionally drawing the listener in with his talented skills of giving each character a voice. The narration appeared to be natural and realistic. Heitsch is definitely a “thriller” type narrator. Excellently done, I hope to hear more works by him.
I enjoyed this thriller very much and listened to it practically non-stop. It’s one of those you can’t put it down or you will miss something. Definitely edge of your seat thriller!
I did not experience any difficulties with the audio production or quality of this audiobook.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
November 2, 2021
Really enjoyed the narration. Good vocal characterization. Paul Heitsch has the nearly perfect voice for this story. For me, I did find it best enjoyed at +1.25 speed to keep the story moving. Maybe that is because I am trying to listen to 40 audio books this year.
The story line seemed like a good blend of the book Lightning by Dean Koons and the movie Somewhere in Time with Christopher Reeves. But to fair, that was the type of book I was looking for when I did my time travel science fiction search on Audible. The search engine did not disappoint! I may look for another story by Richard Taylor, especially if narrated by Paul Heitsch.
I must say the main character, Jim Mercer, becomes quite obsessed very early in the story. Almost a man on fire with an obsession for Emily. No slow burn here! The ending was a twist that I did not expect. I will try to give my impression without a spoiler. The why-dunnit confession seemed a little confusing and disjointed in time and description. I had to rewind and listen to it twice. I seriously expected a different ending with a possible endless loop.
I really enjoyed the detail and research required to accurately describe a story in 1942 from the present day. I also learned what a 'snood' is and the early description of Los Angeles before the Southern California sprawl.
The story line seemed like a good blend of the book Lightning by Dean Koons and the movie Somewhere in Time with Christopher Reeves. But to fair, that was the type of book I was looking for when I did my time travel science fiction search on Audible. The search engine did not disappoint! I may look for another story by Richard Taylor, especially if narrated by Paul Heitsch.
I must say the main character, Jim Mercer, becomes quite obsessed very early in the story. Almost a man on fire with an obsession for Emily. No slow burn here! The ending was a twist that I did not expect. I will try to give my impression without a spoiler. The why-dunnit confession seemed a little confusing and disjointed in time and description. I had to rewind and listen to it twice. I seriously expected a different ending with a possible endless loop.
I really enjoyed the detail and research required to accurately describe a story in 1942 from the present day. I also learned what a 'snood' is and the early description of Los Angeles before the Southern California sprawl.
January 30, 2021
Plot. In modern-day LA, a journalist is tasked with writing a feature article on a 1942 artist. Her paintings, some self-portraits, have become priceless. Reminiscent of Matheson's Somewhere In Time, the journalist falls in love with her image. Except this story has a bit more adrenaline - she was brutally murdered and his return to 1942 is to save her life.
LIked. Taylor captures the aura, environment, dress, moralities of 1942. Interesting that people were extraordinarily nice to each other back then, even strangers, for no particular reason - just being decent by nature. Listening, couldn't help make me wonder what in hell has happened to our country....but I digress. Narration is great, no issues.
Not so hot. Slow, bumping up to 1.5 is considerable. But, it didn't take away from the tale. A man falling in love with the image of a woman in a painting...really? That's been done before, and quite well - so creativity lacking. At least he added her image to an old video, too.
Written by Richard Keith Taylor, narrated by Paul Heitsch, just under 12 hours of listening in unabridged format, released in August 2017 by Ransom Green Press.
Recommended time travel romance.
LIked. Taylor captures the aura, environment, dress, moralities of 1942. Interesting that people were extraordinarily nice to each other back then, even strangers, for no particular reason - just being decent by nature. Listening, couldn't help make me wonder what in hell has happened to our country....but I digress. Narration is great, no issues.
Not so hot. Slow, bumping up to 1.5 is considerable. But, it didn't take away from the tale. A man falling in love with the image of a woman in a painting...really? That's been done before, and quite well - so creativity lacking. At least he added her image to an old video, too.
Written by Richard Keith Taylor, narrated by Paul Heitsch, just under 12 hours of listening in unabridged format, released in August 2017 by Ransom Green Press.
Recommended time travel romance.
March 13, 2022
This is an intriguing time travel novel. In present day, reporter Jim Mercer is investigating the mysterious 1942 murder of Emily Torrance a famous artist. He falls inexplicably in love with her. In a bizarre turn of events, he learns that he may have been present in 1942 when video footage of Emily was made.
Jim finds a way back in time where he meets Emily and attempts to figure out who will kill her. Jim is mostly a nice guy, although there are a few instances where his behavior makes me cringe (and think he is being a jerk). Emily is sweet, although a bit passive. (I guess that’s the way it was in 1942.)
I was quite surprised by the turn of events related to Emily’s “murder“. The ending is satisfying and exciting. About an hour after finishing it, I realize there was a temporal paradox left unresolved that made my brain spin in circles (only in the best possible way.)
The narrator Paul Heitsch was quite good.
Jim finds a way back in time where he meets Emily and attempts to figure out who will kill her. Jim is mostly a nice guy, although there are a few instances where his behavior makes me cringe (and think he is being a jerk). Emily is sweet, although a bit passive. (I guess that’s the way it was in 1942.)
I was quite surprised by the turn of events related to Emily’s “murder“. The ending is satisfying and exciting. About an hour after finishing it, I realize there was a temporal paradox left unresolved that made my brain spin in circles (only in the best possible way.)
The narrator Paul Heitsch was quite good.
November 3, 2018
Time travel books always fascinate me. I love how this book is a suspenseful love story that takes place in the 1940’s. I also enjoyed the main character and his personality. Stopping at nothing to protect a woman he deeply cares about. At times I thought that the main character was way to obsessed with his love interest but that’s what made it so interesting. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves time travel books!
January 24, 2019
Very, very enjoyable. One man’s obsession about a murdered artist 75 years pervious, leads to a great time travel adventure. Would love to have read even more.
January 29, 2019
Time travel story. I enjoyed it.
February 4, 2021
I really like the book and so far this year Its my number one
June 1, 2021
Too much romance, too little time travel; also I figured out the ‘whodunnit’ early and easily.
August 22, 2023
I wrote this while reading the book. I finished it long ago. My overall view of the book did not change after reading this. Book was just OK. I have upped my rating to a 3 from a 2. The ending made it slightly better for me.
My review when I was mid-way through the book is below:
I am still reading but I guess I will continue my bad habit of reviewing a book that I am still in the middle of. You can guess what compels me to hurry to write a review before I even finish the book, hint.... it's not because it's sooo good.
I have now read 8 chapters and I cannot believe how this author has chosen to write this story. The premise was great and it promised to have everything that I like in a novel, time travel, romance, mystery, and suspense.
The problem is that the execution is terrible. During the first 6 or 7 chapters an L.A. based reporter has been tasked with writing a piece about a long ago murdered young painter whose work is now worth millions. He falls for the idea of her extremely quickly just by viewing her work one of which is a self-portrait. I believe that he was meant to seem entranced and drawn but actually he just comes across as weird and creepy by spending page after page obsessing and fantasizing about a dead girl.
So far the story moves slowly with tons of examples of how when he finds one more portrait or one more secret video reel he is awestruck and lost in his imagination even going so far as to become jealous of her past lovers.
This all feels to be an extremely unrealistic, creepy thought process from an otherwise logical, well established career man. If an enduring love connection across space and time was meant to be established then it was not written in a way that communicated this well to me. First 8 chapters are boring and repetitive.
Many reviews state that this book will redeem itself in the end. I will try to soldier on because I have used an Audible credit.
At least 2 stars due to good premise and good imagery, only 2 stars due to poor execution. Will update to 3 stars if it gets better by the end. But, by my assessment of the first 8 chapters this book cannot possibly be any better than 3 stars.
My review when I was mid-way through the book is below:
I am still reading but I guess I will continue my bad habit of reviewing a book that I am still in the middle of. You can guess what compels me to hurry to write a review before I even finish the book, hint.... it's not because it's sooo good.
I have now read 8 chapters and I cannot believe how this author has chosen to write this story. The premise was great and it promised to have everything that I like in a novel, time travel, romance, mystery, and suspense.
The problem is that the execution is terrible. During the first 6 or 7 chapters an L.A. based reporter has been tasked with writing a piece about a long ago murdered young painter whose work is now worth millions. He falls for the idea of her extremely quickly just by viewing her work one of which is a self-portrait. I believe that he was meant to seem entranced and drawn but actually he just comes across as weird and creepy by spending page after page obsessing and fantasizing about a dead girl.
So far the story moves slowly with tons of examples of how when he finds one more portrait or one more secret video reel he is awestruck and lost in his imagination even going so far as to become jealous of her past lovers.
This all feels to be an extremely unrealistic, creepy thought process from an otherwise logical, well established career man. If an enduring love connection across space and time was meant to be established then it was not written in a way that communicated this well to me. First 8 chapters are boring and repetitive.
Many reviews state that this book will redeem itself in the end. I will try to soldier on because I have used an Audible credit.
At least 2 stars due to good premise and good imagery, only 2 stars due to poor execution. Will update to 3 stars if it gets better by the end. But, by my assessment of the first 8 chapters this book cannot possibly be any better than 3 stars.
April 14, 2025
Loved it. A bit too much romance. Still enjoyed the story. Did not see the whodunnit coming. Was surprised, maybe I am too simple. Favorite book of the year, so far.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews