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Frankie Johnson #2
The Art of Obsession
A mysterious surgeon slicing up women. A steadily growing body count. Can FBI local profiler Frankie Johnson expose an expert with an unhealthy obsession before he claims another victim?
North Carolina. After a near brush with death, FBI special agent Frankie Johnson isn’t sure she's ready to hunt another killer, but when local law enforcement discovers a young woman surgically mutilated and burned to a crisp, she can't say no. A unique scalpel left on the scene leads her to a twisted surgeon she is certain is the culprit, but with no physical evidence and their only witness suddenly dead, she fears she won't be able to stop him before he cuts up another victim.
Frankie bleeds for justice. But to prove her case, and show the ranks she's ready to lead, she’ll have to battle unexpected foes both inside and outside the Bureau. For her rogue ways have left her alone and a man with a fanatical obsession has set his sights on her, and nothing will stop him from getting what he wants.
Will she be able to dissuade his passion before she becomes his final project?
The Art of Obsession is the cutting second book in the FBI Local Profiler thriller series. If you like fascinating characters, quiet creepiness, and shocking twists, then you’ll love Lori Lacefield’s portrait of compulsion.
North Carolina. After a near brush with death, FBI special agent Frankie Johnson isn’t sure she's ready to hunt another killer, but when local law enforcement discovers a young woman surgically mutilated and burned to a crisp, she can't say no. A unique scalpel left on the scene leads her to a twisted surgeon she is certain is the culprit, but with no physical evidence and their only witness suddenly dead, she fears she won't be able to stop him before he cuts up another victim.
Frankie bleeds for justice. But to prove her case, and show the ranks she's ready to lead, she’ll have to battle unexpected foes both inside and outside the Bureau. For her rogue ways have left her alone and a man with a fanatical obsession has set his sights on her, and nothing will stop him from getting what he wants.
Will she be able to dissuade his passion before she becomes his final project?
The Art of Obsession is the cutting second book in the FBI Local Profiler thriller series. If you like fascinating characters, quiet creepiness, and shocking twists, then you’ll love Lori Lacefield’s portrait of compulsion.
236 pages, Paperback
First published October 18, 2021
91 people are currently reading
3490 people want to read
About the author
Lori Lacefield
13 books240 followersI write suspense thrillers, including the Frankie Johnson FBI Local Profiler Series, and the Women of Redemption Series. Each book in the FBI series features behavioral analysis and crime scene investigation as Frankie is called in to profile and hunt a brutal killer. If you like books by Lisa Gardner, Catherine Coulter, Meg Gardiner, Mike Omer, A.J. Rivers, or Alex Kava, you will like this series.
The Women of Redemption series is a theme-based series that focuses on flawed, but realistic, heroines who must face the consequences of their actions when their past circles back in unexpected ways. These women aren't perfect, but perfectly kick-ass when given a second chance. If you like books by L.T. Ryan, L.T. Vargus, John Grisham, John Ellsworth, or Victor Methos, you'll like this series.
I began my writing journey many, many years ago. S.E. Hinton and V.C. Andrews were early influences, followed by Stephen King and Mary Higgins Clark. I have far too many favorite authors today to make mention of them all, but John Grisham, Michael Connelly, and Dennis Lehane are high on the list. I love reading new authors as well as diverse voices.
I'm a lover of coffee, books, music, yoga, wine, travel, and most of all dogs. I currently live in Colorado with two senior Pomeranians and one feisty Papillion.
The Women of Redemption series is a theme-based series that focuses on flawed, but realistic, heroines who must face the consequences of their actions when their past circles back in unexpected ways. These women aren't perfect, but perfectly kick-ass when given a second chance. If you like books by L.T. Ryan, L.T. Vargus, John Grisham, John Ellsworth, or Victor Methos, you'll like this series.
I began my writing journey many, many years ago. S.E. Hinton and V.C. Andrews were early influences, followed by Stephen King and Mary Higgins Clark. I have far too many favorite authors today to make mention of them all, but John Grisham, Michael Connelly, and Dennis Lehane are high on the list. I love reading new authors as well as diverse voices.
I'm a lover of coffee, books, music, yoga, wine, travel, and most of all dogs. I currently live in Colorado with two senior Pomeranians and one feisty Papillion.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 13, 2021
This is the second installment of the FBI Agent Frankie Johnson series. It can easily be read as a standalone.
In this novel, we learn more about Frankie's diverse background and the part it plays in her career. It's not overdone though, just some insight into her character.
Frankie is trying to stop a killer who is intelligent, experienced and highly dangerous. She is hot on his trail through her experience in profiling. But what she doesn't expect, is that he has her in his sights as well.
Frankie can't always count on her team, but she can count on her adorable feline sidekick, Bones.
I definitely enjoyed book as I have with many others by this author.
In this novel, we learn more about Frankie's diverse background and the part it plays in her career. It's not overdone though, just some insight into her character.
Frankie is trying to stop a killer who is intelligent, experienced and highly dangerous. She is hot on his trail through her experience in profiling. But what she doesn't expect, is that he has her in his sights as well.
Frankie can't always count on her team, but she can count on her adorable feline sidekick, Bones.
I definitely enjoyed book as I have with many others by this author.
October 19, 2021
This book had my attention from the very first page. It moved fairly quickly, it had a lot of twists and turns. Several that I didn’t see coming. The mystery was good and I was surprised by the ending. This is my second book by this author and certainly won’t be my last. I enjoyed the story
Thanks to the author for the early copy
Thanks to the author for the early copy
October 13, 2021
I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.
Frankie Johnson has the opportunity to be the lead in her own case, a dream of hers. She can’t afford to mess this one up, especially not in front of her mentor, Ben, and ASAC Vicks. If she does, she may not get the opportunity again. During the course of her investigation, she meets two very interesting characters. Those of Dr. Lawrence Banks and Dr. Kenneth Whitman. She is determined to get to the bottom of things, to “get her man.” She also finds herself attracted to one of these men which cannot happen, not in the course of an investigation. Ben wasn’t lead on this case as he was solving a different one, but as it happens that case is solved in the background and he feels the need to reign Frankie in, feeling she is too close to her own case because of this attraction. This rankles Frankie, but it also makes her think. Was she too focused on who she thought was the guilty party? Was she getting too emotionally involved? The twist of this tale … totally unexpected.
This is the kind of book I like to read. A lot of imagery that makes you “see” the author’s intent in your mind. A detective who gets more personally involved in the case she is investigating than she should. A bit of romance. A lot of mystery surrounding the bad guy. The bringing forth of a subject that is generally not talked about. The planting in the story of some hints that take you down one path only to veer off on another. A book to spend your evening with because you want to find out who the guilty party is. There were even a couple of spots that made me chuckle.
To say I enjoyed this read is an understatement. If you haven’t read Ms. Lacefield’s work before, give this one a shot!
Frankie Johnson has the opportunity to be the lead in her own case, a dream of hers. She can’t afford to mess this one up, especially not in front of her mentor, Ben, and ASAC Vicks. If she does, she may not get the opportunity again. During the course of her investigation, she meets two very interesting characters. Those of Dr. Lawrence Banks and Dr. Kenneth Whitman. She is determined to get to the bottom of things, to “get her man.” She also finds herself attracted to one of these men which cannot happen, not in the course of an investigation. Ben wasn’t lead on this case as he was solving a different one, but as it happens that case is solved in the background and he feels the need to reign Frankie in, feeling she is too close to her own case because of this attraction. This rankles Frankie, but it also makes her think. Was she too focused on who she thought was the guilty party? Was she getting too emotionally involved? The twist of this tale … totally unexpected.
This is the kind of book I like to read. A lot of imagery that makes you “see” the author’s intent in your mind. A detective who gets more personally involved in the case she is investigating than she should. A bit of romance. A lot of mystery surrounding the bad guy. The bringing forth of a subject that is generally not talked about. The planting in the story of some hints that take you down one path only to veer off on another. A book to spend your evening with because you want to find out who the guilty party is. There were even a couple of spots that made me chuckle.
To say I enjoyed this read is an understatement. If you haven’t read Ms. Lacefield’s work before, give this one a shot!
May 12, 2023
Frankie is on the case linking disappearing women who led happy lives to just up and leave with their new beau. After almost dying in the last book, she further endangers herself by going rogue again while trying to catch the killer and having an attraction to two of the suspects. Her partner is beside himself trying to reign her in and that puts a strain on their partnership. Not everything is as it seems when Frankie is thrust into a life and death situation that puts her skills to the test. This book wasn't as good as the first one. Frankie gets on one track and expects everyone else to follow her and not question her profiles and she keeps getting acquainted and attracted to suspects. I will read the next one to see where it leads.
October 13, 2021
I went into this book not knowing what I was reading. Many twists and turns, keeping me guessing the whole way through. Will definitely be reading more of Lori's books.
October 18, 2021
This is the 2nd book in the series but can be read as a stand alone. All I can say is WOW! This storyline had my heart pounding from the very start. I couldn't put it down. It has so many twists and turns and just kept you wanting to find out what will happen next. FBI local profiler Frankie Johnson an expert is on the case and with an unhealthy obsession, wants to solve this before he claims another victim. Frankie bleeds for justice. But to prove her case, and show the ranks she's ready to lead, she’ll have to battle unexpected foes both inside and outside the Bureau. For her rogue ways have left her alone and a man with a fanatical obsession has set his sights on her, and nothing will stop him from getting what he wants. I can't' wait to read more of her books. Thank you for the ARC.
October 19, 2021
The second book in the FBI Agent Frankie Johnson series begins with a heart-pounding scene. A naked woman is trying to escape her captor, and is desperately racing through the woods. Sadly, she becomes the latest victim of the killer.
Frankie searches for clues trying to catch the killer before they strike again. Her search leads her to ask medical staff for help. As Frankie ties multiple victims to the killer, she crosses a boundary and must step back from the investigation. However, she can’t-and puts herself in grave danger as she tries to capture the killer.
This was a quick read, I read it in one sitting. The plot was detailed, with a lot of planning evident to build the back story. Plenty of red herrings thrown in to keep you guessing! I look forward to book 3!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Frankie searches for clues trying to catch the killer before they strike again. Her search leads her to ask medical staff for help. As Frankie ties multiple victims to the killer, she crosses a boundary and must step back from the investigation. However, she can’t-and puts herself in grave danger as she tries to capture the killer.
This was a quick read, I read it in one sitting. The plot was detailed, with a lot of planning evident to build the back story. Plenty of red herrings thrown in to keep you guessing! I look forward to book 3!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 26, 2021
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books
The Art of Obsession is a work of art that combines some of my favorite subgenres. Broad brushstrokes of a fast paced police procedural mixed in with swirls of psychological suspense, then finally some additional details of a medical thriller. It’s the perfect composition for fans of any type of thriller.
With chapters that fly by and no natural breakpoints, you will be flipping pages into the early hours of the morning. Whether it’s the physical danger, emotional turmoil, or psychological uncertainty… this book is tough to put down.
Make sure to check out the full review
The Art of Obsession is a work of art that combines some of my favorite subgenres. Broad brushstrokes of a fast paced police procedural mixed in with swirls of psychological suspense, then finally some additional details of a medical thriller. It’s the perfect composition for fans of any type of thriller.
With chapters that fly by and no natural breakpoints, you will be flipping pages into the early hours of the morning. Whether it’s the physical danger, emotional turmoil, or psychological uncertainty… this book is tough to put down.
Make sure to check out the full review
October 25, 2021
I received an advance copy of this book for an honest review. This is the second Frankie Johnson book and the 3rd I have read by Lori Lacefield. Frankie is a profiler for the FBI and when she pulls out her posterboards and starts writing different possible profiles it is fascinating to me. They find a young girl murdered and it appears there are more similar missing girls so it looks like they are off to find a serial killer. Frankie normally works with her partner Ben but he is on another assignment and she is lead on this case. Like Lori's other books, lots of surprises and twists and once again Frankie does some things on her own I'm sure the FBI would not put up with but it sure makes for an exciting book. I thought I might have guessed what was going on but she surprised me. A good read!
May 6, 2023
Great read
This is the second book in a series and while it does stand alone does reference events and characters from the first book so I'd suggest they are read in order.
Frankie an FBI profiler is called in to investigate a woman who has been murdered after having her breasts surgically removed. Although the killer tried to disguise the body with a fire it was discovered too early leading her to suspect that they may have a serial killer on their hands.
The book is fast paced, well written and the characters are engaging and developed from the first book. I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to reading more by this author.
This is the second book in a series and while it does stand alone does reference events and characters from the first book so I'd suggest they are read in order.
Frankie an FBI profiler is called in to investigate a woman who has been murdered after having her breasts surgically removed. Although the killer tried to disguise the body with a fire it was discovered too early leading her to suspect that they may have a serial killer on their hands.
The book is fast paced, well written and the characters are engaging and developed from the first book. I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to reading more by this author.
October 18, 2021
I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The mystery and suspense will definitely keep you wanting more. All the characters were well thought out and Lori Lacefield is such a talented writer. I can't wait to see what she has in store next for this series.
I love Frankie Johnson's tenacity and over all drive at getting the murderer. Her character is one of the best female leads I've read so far.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The mystery and suspense will definitely keep you wanting more. All the characters were well thought out and Lori Lacefield is such a talented writer. I can't wait to see what she has in store next for this series.
I love Frankie Johnson's tenacity and over all drive at getting the murderer. Her character is one of the best female leads I've read so far.
October 18, 2021
Frankie Johnson wants to be a FBI profiler in the worst way. She assigned this new case to help the local law enforcement figure out who is carving and killing women. Frankie has a hard row to hoe within both law agencies. But can she prove to them she is ready to take the lead and find the killer? I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
January 23, 2024
This one was even better than the first book, I struggled a bit to figure out who the identity of the person was. It started clicking when Frankie went to meet with the foster mom, who it was. I just was not sure how things would play out and if her partner would come to the rescue. I'm excited for the next book in their series. It definitely shows a different perspective on the crimes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2023
I received this book in a giveaway and was pleasantly surprised. It is an intricate thriller with plenty of twists and turns. Frankie Johnson is a resourceful FBI profiler who I couldn't help but root for. Good action and a good mystery that kept me guessing until the end.
October 18, 2021
A good solid mystery with a little twist. I enjoyed this book!
October 20, 2021
different twist---
October 28, 2021
Thank you for the free Arc
The second in this series
Lots of twists and turns
Totally enjoyed it
The second in this series
Lots of twists and turns
Totally enjoyed it
June 28, 2023
Great
Thank you for letting me read your awesome story. This series and Frankie have my 💯 complete attention
Keep up the great work 👍
Thank you for letting me read your awesome story. This series and Frankie have my 💯 complete attention
Keep up the great work 👍
July 6, 2023
Extremely exciting story
The author has developed an amazing and unique plot with lots of variables to go with an imaginative cast of characters making this hard to put down
The author has developed an amazing and unique plot with lots of variables to go with an imaginative cast of characters making this hard to put down
October 7, 2021
I received an ARC for an honest review.
This story begins with the description of a serial killer's last victim. Frankie is called by the sheriff to the scene where this victim was discovered. Frankie normal partner, Ben, was away at another scene so she was on her own. Gathering what information she could from the scene, she began her investigation with few leads. Eventually she determined that this was probably the work of a serial killer and began searching for other scenes where this might have occurred. Her initial piece of evidence that she discovered led her to interviewing two doctors for information. The 1st one was the surgeon who had saved her life earlier.
Frankie was able to identify other sites which matched the killer's M.O. Soon Frankie narrowed her suspect down to one individual, however other people believed that she was wrong. They believed that another individual was responsible based on information that was discovered when another victim meant the same fate and Frankie was taken off the case. Frankie at that point decided that she would go it alone. She made a plan to bring he case to a conclusion.
To discover who the killer was, what caused her partners to suspect someone different and what happened in the end, then you must read this book. It is worth it.
This story begins with the description of a serial killer's last victim. Frankie is called by the sheriff to the scene where this victim was discovered. Frankie normal partner, Ben, was away at another scene so she was on her own. Gathering what information she could from the scene, she began her investigation with few leads. Eventually she determined that this was probably the work of a serial killer and began searching for other scenes where this might have occurred. Her initial piece of evidence that she discovered led her to interviewing two doctors for information. The 1st one was the surgeon who had saved her life earlier.
Frankie was able to identify other sites which matched the killer's M.O. Soon Frankie narrowed her suspect down to one individual, however other people believed that she was wrong. They believed that another individual was responsible based on information that was discovered when another victim meant the same fate and Frankie was taken off the case. Frankie at that point decided that she would go it alone. She made a plan to bring he case to a conclusion.
To discover who the killer was, what caused her partners to suspect someone different and what happened in the end, then you must read this book. It is worth it.
February 7, 2023
WOW
Such a good book; tightly written with twists and turns and parts where you need to turn the page but aren’t sure you want to know what happens. Frankie, the profiler, and her crew leave you breathless. Definitely a must read… with the lights on!
Such a good book; tightly written with twists and turns and parts where you need to turn the page but aren’t sure you want to know what happens. Frankie, the profiler, and her crew leave you breathless. Definitely a must read… with the lights on!
January 30, 2022
Following 99 Truths, we encounter Frances "Frankie" Johnson, an FBI profiler in the Charlotte office. Daughter of a Secret Service Agent, this is the second book in the series. Somewhere back in time (probably will turn into a book in the series) she was a rape victim who gave in -rather than resist and get hurt - and never reported it. Now a profiler, hoping to eventually make it into the Behavior Analysis Unit, she winds up taking on a case revolving around a woman found dead in a burnt out building.
She's prone to impulse and instinct, which doesn't sit well with her superior and mentor - but that doesn't stop her. From the discovery of a dead woman in a burning building, she begins to find more dead woman stretching back in time. Her suspects are doctors - one who seems like a possible romance, and one who seems a most likely suspect.
Lacefield does a a fine job of throwing in plot twists and turns. I thought I had it figured out but I was a bit surprised by her ending. Given that she left Johnson at the beginning of a romance with one of them as the book ended, I'm looking forward to the next volume!
She's prone to impulse and instinct, which doesn't sit well with her superior and mentor - but that doesn't stop her. From the discovery of a dead woman in a burning building, she begins to find more dead woman stretching back in time. Her suspects are doctors - one who seems like a possible romance, and one who seems a most likely suspect.
Lacefield does a a fine job of throwing in plot twists and turns. I thought I had it figured out but I was a bit surprised by her ending. Given that she left Johnson at the beginning of a romance with one of them as the book ended, I'm looking forward to the next volume!
January 31, 2023
Obsessive
The escape of a victim and unexpected witnesses throw a wrench in a cunning killer's lethal plans. It also draws the attention of FBI agent Frankie and her colleagues. Frankie needs all her skills to catch the killer.
Suspenseful read. Frankie acts kind of dumb sometimes, sharing details with potential suspects and not reporting break ins and destroying evidence of the break ins. But sill a good read.
The escape of a victim and unexpected witnesses throw a wrench in a cunning killer's lethal plans. It also draws the attention of FBI agent Frankie and her colleagues. Frankie needs all her skills to catch the killer.
Suspenseful read. Frankie acts kind of dumb sometimes, sharing details with potential suspects and not reporting break ins and destroying evidence of the break ins. But sill a good read.
October 26, 2021
When Ana’s body is found severely burnt, Frankie Johnson is assigned to establish the perpetrator’s profile with her expertise and keen observation as a FBI profiler.
But, instead, she's got muddled in this tangled mass of love, rage and obsession, which would further jeopardy her career, even her life!
The brilliant Lori Lacefield has masterfully crafted this fascinating THE ART OF OBSESSION that compels me to keep turning the pages, and I was stunned by the twisty ending! I highly recommend it to fans of suspense thrillers.
I would like to thank Lori for this engrossing eARC and heart-pounding ride!
But, instead, she's got muddled in this tangled mass of love, rage and obsession, which would further jeopardy her career, even her life!
The brilliant Lori Lacefield has masterfully crafted this fascinating THE ART OF OBSESSION that compels me to keep turning the pages, and I was stunned by the twisty ending! I highly recommend it to fans of suspense thrillers.
I would like to thank Lori for this engrossing eARC and heart-pounding ride!
December 27, 2022
This is the second book in the FBI Agent Frankie Johnson series.
Frankie has been through a lot and in this book we learn more about her past and her determination to find justice.
She is trying to find and stop an evil person who is outsmarting the authorities. She is making progress but doesn’t realize she may be in danger.
Fast past thriller with twists and turns that you will not expect.
This is a great read that I recommend.
Frankie has been through a lot and in this book we learn more about her past and her determination to find justice.
She is trying to find and stop an evil person who is outsmarting the authorities. She is making progress but doesn’t realize she may be in danger.
Fast past thriller with twists and turns that you will not expect.
This is a great read that I recommend.
January 29, 2022
Again, Lori Lacefield did not disappoint in this new Frankie Johnson thriller. It was a roller coaster ride in trying to piece together all of the facts and try to weave them to a conclusion. Just when I thought I knew who the killer was there would be a twist which would run to a surprise ending. Now I wait for Lori's new new read.
November 15, 2022
Page turner.
Twists, turns, and edge of seat page flipping story. Frankie is one for taking risks and she jumps right in once again. Not sure how many times she'll be able to put herself in harms way and keep the series going when risking life and limb to get her criminal. Great characters.
Twists, turns, and edge of seat page flipping story. Frankie is one for taking risks and she jumps right in once again. Not sure how many times she'll be able to put herself in harms way and keep the series going when risking life and limb to get her criminal. Great characters.
February 15, 2022
the art of obsession
Lori lacefield is an amazing writer who keeps the reader enthralled until the end. Excellent writing with twisted plots keep you on your toes guessing who the murderer really was.
Lori lacefield is an amazing writer who keeps the reader enthralled until the end. Excellent writing with twisted plots keep you on your toes guessing who the murderer really was.
January 20, 2023
This book was so good. This is the second book in the Frankie Johnson series and damn I can not wait for the third. This books had me on the edge of my seat wanting to know what happened next. Frankie Johnson will always need to trust her guy because damn she has good instincts.
October 29, 2021
Read in one day
Really enjoyed this book. Lots of twists but I did figure out who the killer was but still liked the way it unfolded
Really enjoyed this book. Lots of twists but I did figure out who the killer was but still liked the way it unfolded
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews