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Deadly Obsession: Mason Investigations Book 1
Lilly Mason has always run from her problems, this time, she’s running for her life…
When word of a family bereavement reaches Lilly, she flees an abusive relationship in California and returns to Kansas to face her fears – the family she abandoned and the man she ran away from four years ago.
Donnie O’Malley knows that Lilly is hiding something. She’s terrified, on edge, and she’s got bruises she can’t explain.
Lilly’s new chance at life is threatened when her past refuses to let her go and she and her family are forced to fight for their lives against the enemy that threatens to end them all...
When word of a family bereavement reaches Lilly, she flees an abusive relationship in California and returns to Kansas to face her fears – the family she abandoned and the man she ran away from four years ago.
Donnie O’Malley knows that Lilly is hiding something. She’s terrified, on edge, and she’s got bruises she can’t explain.
Lilly’s new chance at life is threatened when her past refuses to let her go and she and her family are forced to fight for their lives against the enemy that threatens to end them all...
252 pages, ebook
First published December 1, 2017
About the author
Sarah O'Neill
1 book6 followersSarah is an indie author from a small town in Co. Carlow, Ireland, where she lives with her family.
She loves to read stories about crime, dysfunctional families, and thrillers but will read fantasy and romance just as much.
You can find her actively on Instagram @sarahoneillauthor
She loves to read stories about crime, dysfunctional families, and thrillers but will read fantasy and romance just as much.
You can find her actively on Instagram @sarahoneillauthor
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 15, 2021
Family, family, family. That’s probably my greatest fascination in fiction. I love stories that centre on the theme of familial trauma, schisms, redemption, or disintegration. In fact, I struggle to recall a work of true brilliance which is not informed, at least in part, by that cog in the societal machine that’s as old as humankind itself: family.
Enter Sarah O'Neill's Deadly Obsession: Mason Investigations Book 1: Volume 1.
As with so many thrillers (and my first horror novel, For Rye) this story is set into motion by a troubled woman’s return to her hometown after a family bereavement. What’s different in this story is that she is both running from a threat (in this case a toxic and violent relationship) and in some ways heading straight for another, this time a psychological one: the need to confront the family, friends, and lover she abandoned years ago, and facing up to past decisions she now regrets.
But the role of family in fiction doesn’t always need to be about those related by blood. DEADLY OBSESSION centres around not only family in the literal sense, but also those people who enter our lives, unconnected by genes or blood, but who prove through their support and loyalty to hold just as close a familial bond as a brother or sister ever could.
This first part in the ‘Mason Investigations’ series is brilliantly written and solidly constructed. Sarah certainly has an eye for detail in the composition of her scenes, as well as that crucial ability to characterise the various players of her story in such a convincing way that the reader may find themselves feeling like they’ve known these people forever. Familiarity mixed with unpredictability: maybe these are the two key components that led to this novel being so hugely captivating.
DEADLY OBSESSION will appeal to demographics of all ages and tastes, so it’s safe to say that I don’t think you can go wrong with this one. Amazing work, Sarah!
Enter Sarah O'Neill's Deadly Obsession: Mason Investigations Book 1: Volume 1.
As with so many thrillers (and my first horror novel, For Rye) this story is set into motion by a troubled woman’s return to her hometown after a family bereavement. What’s different in this story is that she is both running from a threat (in this case a toxic and violent relationship) and in some ways heading straight for another, this time a psychological one: the need to confront the family, friends, and lover she abandoned years ago, and facing up to past decisions she now regrets.
But the role of family in fiction doesn’t always need to be about those related by blood. DEADLY OBSESSION centres around not only family in the literal sense, but also those people who enter our lives, unconnected by genes or blood, but who prove through their support and loyalty to hold just as close a familial bond as a brother or sister ever could.
This first part in the ‘Mason Investigations’ series is brilliantly written and solidly constructed. Sarah certainly has an eye for detail in the composition of her scenes, as well as that crucial ability to characterise the various players of her story in such a convincing way that the reader may find themselves feeling like they’ve known these people forever. Familiarity mixed with unpredictability: maybe these are the two key components that led to this novel being so hugely captivating.
DEADLY OBSESSION will appeal to demographics of all ages and tastes, so it’s safe to say that I don’t think you can go wrong with this one. Amazing work, Sarah!
October 15, 2020
Deadly Obsession by Sarah O'Neill is a fantastic book. The story is absolutely brilliant and completely unexpected. Based on the title and the genre I was expecting a straight up detective but it's so much more than that. It read like a Karen Rose, and I love Karen Rose's books. I stayed awake much later than I should have done two nights on the trot because I simply had to read one more chapter. I loved Lilly, she's such a well thought out, balanced character. I loved the Mason team! It was a little bit confusing at first as to who's who because you do get introduced to 5 or 6 people all in one go but it only takes 1 or 2 chapters for you to feel like you know the whole gang. On top of the great characters, Sarah has given us a great storyline and the pacing is so so good. It's exciting and every chapter is a cliffhanger leading perfectly into the next chapter. I can't wait for book 2 to be released, I'm desperate to know where the author is going to take the gang next!
February 19, 2021
Four years ago an older man broke Lilly's heart and she fled across country to attend university, falling into the lap of a rich charmer, who turned out to have an abusive streak. Fleeing in terror, Lilly returns to her family, who may or may not be happy to great the prodigal daughter. Facing one ex may be hard enough, but the other is on her tail and his agenda is worse than they can possibly imagine.
Whilst O'Neill's crime drama would benefit from a further editing pass, the narrative is already compelling and this reader found the pages turning ever faster as it weaved its spell.
The Mason found family, made up of ex servicemen with ropey pasts and a morally questionable line of investigative work, is both entertaining and engrossing, and the forbidden romance works well.
The set up is strong enough to carry more books in the series.
A fabulous four stars for drawing me in.
Whilst O'Neill's crime drama would benefit from a further editing pass, the narrative is already compelling and this reader found the pages turning ever faster as it weaved its spell.
The Mason found family, made up of ex servicemen with ropey pasts and a morally questionable line of investigative work, is both entertaining and engrossing, and the forbidden romance works well.
The set up is strong enough to carry more books in the series.
A fabulous four stars for drawing me in.
January 1, 2021
I COULDN'T put it down
I read this on new years eve and although I dislike ebooks I quickly got so caught up in the Story I forgot I was holding my tablet I didn't realise it was a ebook. Its been too long since I sat and read a book in a single day & I'm gald to say this was the book that broke that cycle.
I read this on new years eve and although I dislike ebooks I quickly got so caught up in the Story I forgot I was holding my tablet I didn't realise it was a ebook. Its been too long since I sat and read a book in a single day & I'm gald to say this was the book that broke that cycle.
October 26, 2020
Following a death in her family, Lilly Mason returns home after four years to face the family she abandoned and the man who broke her heart. But the abuser she fled isn’t ready to let her go, placing her fresh start and family under threat.
Deadly Obsession is a perfect blend of thriller and romance, but for an added twist, O’Neill has centred the romance around the taboo of an older guy falling for a younger girl. There’s also the matter of Lilly’s family business; Mason Investigations. They’re not exactly operating on the right side of the law, and this too adds yet another enticing layer to the story, especially when one of her brothers is a cop.
Lilly’s return home comes with a frosty welcome. With a clatter of family, O’Neill does a great job of pacing character introductions as we get to learns who’s who, and who’s the least and most happiest to have Lilly home. Well placed flashbacks reveal Lilly and Donnie’s history and had me rooting for them from early on. But will grumpy Uncle Marty ever approve?
O’Neill keeps the thriller and romance aspects of the book constantly simmering. Her writing style reads easily with narration and dialogue nicely balanced, although I feel editing would be of benefit. She writes the gritty, honest truth about Lilly’s abusive relationship, the impact of the family’s business on its individuals and how Lilly’s relationship with each of her family members differs. I really feel this is where the book shines. O’Neill brings great insight of human behaviour and for me, it brought real-life authenticity.
Deadly Obsession is O’Neill’s debut and holds much promise for subsequent books in this series. Her great cast of characters have lots more stories to tell and I for one am looking forward to their next adventure.
Deadly Obsession is a perfect blend of thriller and romance, but for an added twist, O’Neill has centred the romance around the taboo of an older guy falling for a younger girl. There’s also the matter of Lilly’s family business; Mason Investigations. They’re not exactly operating on the right side of the law, and this too adds yet another enticing layer to the story, especially when one of her brothers is a cop.
Lilly’s return home comes with a frosty welcome. With a clatter of family, O’Neill does a great job of pacing character introductions as we get to learns who’s who, and who’s the least and most happiest to have Lilly home. Well placed flashbacks reveal Lilly and Donnie’s history and had me rooting for them from early on. But will grumpy Uncle Marty ever approve?
O’Neill keeps the thriller and romance aspects of the book constantly simmering. Her writing style reads easily with narration and dialogue nicely balanced, although I feel editing would be of benefit. She writes the gritty, honest truth about Lilly’s abusive relationship, the impact of the family’s business on its individuals and how Lilly’s relationship with each of her family members differs. I really feel this is where the book shines. O’Neill brings great insight of human behaviour and for me, it brought real-life authenticity.
Deadly Obsession is O’Neill’s debut and holds much promise for subsequent books in this series. Her great cast of characters have lots more stories to tell and I for one am looking forward to their next adventure.
March 21, 2021
Deadly Obsession is many things: an action thriller and a psychological thriller, a love story, and an abusive and obsessive relationship story, a murder mystery and a story about family and loyalty. There is the theme of revenge, at its worst, and a theme of healing, between people and of one’s self. And the intensity pretty much never takes a break, with increasing urgency as we reach the end of the book.
Lilly returns home from California to her family in Kansas, escaping a dangerously abusive relationship. She left 4 years earlier, at 17, cutting herself off from her family and the love of her young life, an older man, Donnie, who works for her Uncle Marty in their investigative business. The team, called Mason Investigations, is headed by Lillie’s Uncle, with her brother Jack a member, and they are her core family. She and her brother were raised by her uncle when their parents died in a car accident and they grew up in the business.
It was because Lilly’s relationship with Donnie ended in a way that broke her heart that she decided to go to college in CA. Once in CA, in a vulnerable state, she was seduced by Sam, a wealthy and charming man who turned out to be very different than she thought. When a loved one dies back home, it gives Lillie the strength to flee Sam and return home.
There she has to face the family she loves but hasn’t seen in 4 years, and the man she loves who hurt her so badly. Now Sam is on her tail, there are murders taking place in her home town, and passions, conflicts and miscommunications lead to charged moments with family members and Donnie. Why did he break her heart? How this love relationship is resolved is the driving force weaving through the whole book. This is book one in the Mason Investigations series. I very much enjoyed it.
Lilly returns home from California to her family in Kansas, escaping a dangerously abusive relationship. She left 4 years earlier, at 17, cutting herself off from her family and the love of her young life, an older man, Donnie, who works for her Uncle Marty in their investigative business. The team, called Mason Investigations, is headed by Lillie’s Uncle, with her brother Jack a member, and they are her core family. She and her brother were raised by her uncle when their parents died in a car accident and they grew up in the business.
It was because Lilly’s relationship with Donnie ended in a way that broke her heart that she decided to go to college in CA. Once in CA, in a vulnerable state, she was seduced by Sam, a wealthy and charming man who turned out to be very different than she thought. When a loved one dies back home, it gives Lillie the strength to flee Sam and return home.
There she has to face the family she loves but hasn’t seen in 4 years, and the man she loves who hurt her so badly. Now Sam is on her tail, there are murders taking place in her home town, and passions, conflicts and miscommunications lead to charged moments with family members and Donnie. Why did he break her heart? How this love relationship is resolved is the driving force weaving through the whole book. This is book one in the Mason Investigations series. I very much enjoyed it.
October 14, 2022
A riveting tale of redemption, romance and retribution.
After an initial scene setting of Lilly’s troubles, the author takes us along on a gripping rollercoaster with every chapter progressively ramping up the stakes.
Having abandoned her home near Kansas four years earlier, a bereavement gives the opportunity for Lilly to flee from Sam, an abusive partner in California. She’s not overwhelmingly welcomed back amongst her family of misfits and thugs ... and those are the good guys. Sam’s not terribly happy about her escape either.
I won’t give any more away. Deadly Obsession is a riveting tale of redemption, romance and retribution ... and it’s well worth a read.
After an initial scene setting of Lilly’s troubles, the author takes us along on a gripping rollercoaster with every chapter progressively ramping up the stakes.
Having abandoned her home near Kansas four years earlier, a bereavement gives the opportunity for Lilly to flee from Sam, an abusive partner in California. She’s not overwhelmingly welcomed back amongst her family of misfits and thugs ... and those are the good guys. Sam’s not terribly happy about her escape either.
I won’t give any more away. Deadly Obsession is a riveting tale of redemption, romance and retribution ... and it’s well worth a read.
November 17, 2021
Excellent book
This book grabbed me from the beginning and didn't let up till the last page! Want an action filled suspense then this is the one to read. Lilly ends up in an abusive relationship with no end in sight. Then she gets news about a dear friend that passed away, so she sneaks away for home. Only thing her abuser follows her then all hell breaks loose.
This book grabbed me from the beginning and didn't let up till the last page! Want an action filled suspense then this is the one to read. Lilly ends up in an abusive relationship with no end in sight. Then she gets news about a dear friend that passed away, so she sneaks away for home. Only thing her abuser follows her then all hell breaks loose.
April 6, 2019
This book is fantastic from start to finish. It sucks you in and leaves you wanting more.
So well written, interesting, exciting and full of suspense. 100% recommend.
So well written, interesting, exciting and full of suspense. 100% recommend.
November 21, 2021
First read from Author
This is not normally the kind of book/genre that I read. Having said that it was great. The Plot was interesting.
This is not normally the kind of book/genre that I read. Having said that it was great. The Plot was interesting.
April 23, 2021
I just love a story that pulls you in by the heartstrings and has you rooting for love from the very beginning and Deadly Obsession did that for me. We follow Lilly as she struggles through the life of an abused girlfriend, her family and friends cut from her life and living in fear that every little thing will set off the monster inside her boyfriend.
When Lilly receives a voicemail from her brother about the death of the woman who they considered family, she finds the strength to escape the tortured life she lives in California and heads back home.
At home she is thrust back into the life of her family who live the dangerous life of mercenaries solving cases that would otherwise go cold. Among these men is Donnie, the man who rejected her four years earlier causing her to to pack her things for what she thought would be a better life in California.
It is apparent from the beginning that there are still feelings between them, but something keeps holding Donnie back.
When her monster ex finds her and begins taunting not only herself, but her family as well, Lilly realizes her coming back home may have placed a more dangerous target on the entire family.
As they struggle to solve the mystery of of three other missing girls and keep Lilly safe, the magnetism between Donnie and Lilly grows making it evident to everyone around them that the love between them never died.
Will Lilly figure out why Donnie is holding back? Will they find her evil ex before he gets his hands on her again? Will they ever figure out what ghost is responsible for the disappearing girls?
You'll have to start turning the pages to find out for yourself, but I can promise you this book will take you on your own journey of page turning obsession!
When Lilly receives a voicemail from her brother about the death of the woman who they considered family, she finds the strength to escape the tortured life she lives in California and heads back home.
At home she is thrust back into the life of her family who live the dangerous life of mercenaries solving cases that would otherwise go cold. Among these men is Donnie, the man who rejected her four years earlier causing her to to pack her things for what she thought would be a better life in California.
It is apparent from the beginning that there are still feelings between them, but something keeps holding Donnie back.
When her monster ex finds her and begins taunting not only herself, but her family as well, Lilly realizes her coming back home may have placed a more dangerous target on the entire family.
As they struggle to solve the mystery of of three other missing girls and keep Lilly safe, the magnetism between Donnie and Lilly grows making it evident to everyone around them that the love between them never died.
Will Lilly figure out why Donnie is holding back? Will they find her evil ex before he gets his hands on her again? Will they ever figure out what ghost is responsible for the disappearing girls?
You'll have to start turning the pages to find out for yourself, but I can promise you this book will take you on your own journey of page turning obsession!
March 6, 2021
Deadly obsession is a gripping thriller that leaves you hanging for more. An intricate web of events unfolds as we follow the main character Lilly fleeing an abusive partner who refuses to let her go, while reconnecting with the past flame who originally broke her heart. Growing themes of troubled romance are set against a strong backdrop of an investigation into the disappearance of a young women, in a town where a killer is also on the loose. You'll soon find that Deadly Obsession's main strength is its ability to weave together an interesting series of plots and character dynamics.
While I did enjoy this title overall, I do feel like the book could have benefited from some more editing. My only other qualm is that the story would flow better if we were 'shown' more and 'told' a lot less. Nonetheless this remains a worthy debut, and I trust further installments will only get better. And special thanks to the author for agreeing to my proposition to trade honest reviews with each-other.
While I did enjoy this title overall, I do feel like the book could have benefited from some more editing. My only other qualm is that the story would flow better if we were 'shown' more and 'told' a lot less. Nonetheless this remains a worthy debut, and I trust further installments will only get better. And special thanks to the author for agreeing to my proposition to trade honest reviews with each-other.
September 21, 2020
I had chills from the start. From the first chapter you know a deadly storm is brewing. O’Neill paints a very realistic picture of Lilly’s abusive relationship. The character development and world building was so strong you would never guess that the author is from South Wicklow, Ireland - not Kansas! The story came full circle and I hope book two takes us on another investigative adventure where Lilly steps into the “family” business.
April 30, 2021
Deadly Obsession
I won a signed copy of this book in a giveaway. It sucked me in from the very start, leaving me wanting to find out more with each page turn. You feel a connection with every one of the Mason family instantly. Their strong family/friend bond, as they work together to solve multiple mysteries. Love it! Great read.
I won a signed copy of this book in a giveaway. It sucked me in from the very start, leaving me wanting to find out more with each page turn. You feel a connection with every one of the Mason family instantly. Their strong family/friend bond, as they work together to solve multiple mysteries. Love it! Great read.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews