Fatal Obsession

by Casi McLean

From USA Today and Amazon Best Selling Author, Casi McLean comes another gripping Psycological Suspense Thriller...

Atlanta Sportscaster, Elise Sloan, never expected to fall in love with a younger man––especially a jock who happens to be a first round NFL draft pick. But when Deke Madigan sweeps into her life, he mesmerizes her––at least she thought he did until an eerie murder in a condo unit behind hers has her second-guessing everything––including her own sanity.

When her anxiety triggers a full blown panic attack, her best friend, Britt, convinces her to relax by spending a long weekend at her lake house with Deke. Isolated deep in the forest, she typically feels calm at the family retreat, but even with Deke, she can’t shake the creepy feelings crawling over her.

When her dog, Jasper, darts into the dark woods, she chases after him and stumbles upon a sinister secret…a secret that threatens her life as well as Dekes. To save them both, Elise must escape a dangerous man with a fatal obsession lurking in the shadows.

Genres: Thriller, Suspense

214 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2021

About the author

USA Today & Amazon Best Selling Author, Casi McLean, pens novels to stir the soul with romance, suspense, and a sprinkle of magic. Her writing crosses genres from ethereal, captivating shorts with eerie twist endings to believable time slips, mystical plots, and sensual romantic suspense.

Known for enchanting stories with magical description, McLean entices readers with fascinating hooks to hold them captive in storylines they can't put down. Her romance entwines strong, believable heroines with delicious, hot heroes to tempt the deepest desires, then fans the flames, sweeping readers into their innermost romantic fantasies.

With suspenseful settings and lovable characters you'll devour, you'll see, hear, and feel the magical eeriness of one fateful night. You'll swear time travel could happen, be mystified by other worldly images, and feel the heat of romantic suspense, but most of all you'll want more.

Casi's latest series enters the realm of political thrillers with Reign Of Fire, exclusively found in the #1 bestselling, romantic suspense boxset, Love Under Fire. Watch the trailer exclusively on this page.

Her three-book, time slip, romantic suspense, Lake Lanier Mysteries, hit the stands running with book #1, Beneath The Lake, winner of the 2016 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence for BEST Romantic Suspense. Watch the trailer on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvf0I...

Beyond The Mist, book #2 in her romantic time slip treasure chest, is a stunning tribute to the victims and first responders of the 911 World Trade Center terrorist attack. Here is the trailer link: https://youtu.be/Bj6ySTh_7xI

Between The Shadows brings the saga full circle with an amazing time slip to 1865 and a search for the Confederate gold. Don't miss this trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voa2q...

Uniquely qualified to write self-help and inspiration, Casi tops the scale with her powerful memoir, Wingless Butterfly: Healing The Broken Child Within, sharing an inspirational message of courage, tenacity, and hope, displaying her unique ability to excel in nonfiction and self-help as well as fiction.

Discover the magic, with Casi McLean books: http://CasiMclean.com

Ms. McLean weaves exceptional romantic mystery, with suspenseful settings and lovable characters you'll devour. You'll see, hear, and feel the magical eeriness of one fateful night. You'll swear her time travel could happen, be mystified by her other worldly images, and feel heat of romantic suspense, but most of all you'll want more.

Find me:
Website: casimclean.com
Twitter: @casimclean
Facebook: Casi McLean
FB Author Page: Casi McLean-Author
Goodreads: Casi McLean

Reviews

[J.A. Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this kind of thriller, and Fatal Obsession delivers the best. Dangerous secrets, obsession, revenge, murder, and the best elements of psychological thriller are just the beginning of this white-knuckle stunner. Elise Sloan, Atlanta sportscaster used to hunky athletes, is surprised to find herself falling for the younger Deke Madigan, a charming NFL first-rounder who sweeps her off her feet. Then comes a murder in her neighborhood, and she suspects foul play. Increasingly anxious, she confides in her best friend who invites her and Deke to decompress at her isolated lake house. What could possibly go wrong?

The story is unputdownable, full of nonstop, spine-tingling twists, turns and surprises that you won’t see coming. I you enjoy psychological thrillers, this one will leave you gasping. Well done and fabulous – five stars!

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buried secrets unearth a dangerous trap fueled by obsession. Sportscaster Elise Sloan is used to being around hunky professional athletes but when she meets Deke Madigan, an NFL first-rounder, he sweeps her off her feet. When there’s a murder in her neighbor’s condo, she begins to suspect foul play. But who is responsible? With her mind playing tricks on her and her anxiety at an all-time high, she needs to escape. Her best friend offers Elise and Deke a long weekend at her lake house. She tries to relax but she can’t release the eerie feeling of being watched. Deep in the woods, isolated from the world, an innocent dog unearths a secret so depraved, it puts Elise’s life in danger. Can she escape this fatal obsession or will the truth put her six feet under?

Fatal Obsession is a spine-tingling psychological thriller from start to finish. Casi McLean is an award-winning international bestseller who knows how to write unputdownable thrillers. Fatal Obsession is Casi McLean’s latest release and while reading it, I had to have the light on. The plot moves at a great pace with twists I honestly didn’t see coming. There were certain scenes that stole my breath. Yes, Fatal Obsession will leave you breathless. Every emotion Elise feels is brilliantly portrayed through deep emotional narration. If you love psychological thrillers, pick up Fatal Obsession. Fans of thrillers will love Fatal Obsession. Another bestseller for Casi McLean and one not to be missed.

Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.

My Rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by: Mrs. N

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[Tena Stetler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t normally read thrillers, but I never pass up one written by Casi McLean. Fatal Obsession delivers a spine tingling psychological thriller, dangerous secrets, revenge, murder, and like the title says obsession. What more could you want? Yes, I had to read this book with the lights on. Just say’n. The characters are well written and well described scenarios. Yep, gave me the chills.

Elise Sloan, Atlanta sportscaster is surprised to find herself falling for Deke Madigan an NFL first rounder. A murder in her neighborhood sets her on edge. After confiding in her best friend about her increasing anxiety, Elise arranges a romantic getaway at an isolated lake house. Yeah, I had to take a deep breath before reading on. Still I couldn’t put the book down. Was her mind playing tricks on her or… No spoilers here.

If you like your thrillers with a side of nonstop action, heart pounding twists and turns you won’t see coming, you don’t want miss Fatal Obsession by Casi McLean! I highly recommend it!

[Colleen Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Psychological Suspense Thriller from USA Today and Amazon Best Selling Author, Casi McLean.

Elise Sloan, a football sportscaster falls for a rookie who is likely a first round draft choice in the NFL. He’s younger than she is. Elise swore off dating jocks, but this was love at first glance and Deke seems to be the perfect, thoughtful man.

After a murder of a neighbor in Elise’s condo unit, and Deke gone for a month of training, a friend suggests she plan a nice, quiet getaway for the two of them after the stress of being apart, training camp and the murder. It seems the perfect solution.

Fast paced, with many twists and turns that keep you turning the page, nothing about the quiet getaway weekend is what it seems. Everything about Deke is turning her off and her dog also. It climaxes when Jasper, her dog bolts into the woods and Elise follows him. She discovers another dead man and a terrifying secret that puts both her and the man she loves in danger of their lives.

You won’t be disappointed in this fast-paced story with twists and turns that will keep you awake turning the page!

[D.G. Torrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

A taut suspense rollercoaster of a ride. Elise sloan, a sportscaster, falls for the enigmatic NFL footballer, Deke after promising herself she would never again date a footballer. But Deke is different, he is not a philanderer. He is genine and shys away from the parties and fangirling.
They soon entre into a loving relationship and it is not long before Deke proposes and they are married. However, things take a dark turn when Deke is attacked, setting a path forward that Elise struggles emotionally to navigate. Observing them both from the sidelines is a stalker out for revenge.
This is a well- crafted story that weaves suspense through out its entirety, thus keeping the reader on the edge of their seats!
A thoroughly enjoyable read. Highly recommend.

[Margaret Yelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrillers are one of my favorite genres and Fatal Obsession certainly fit the bill. I believe that this was the first book I have read from this author, and she did an awesome job of pulling me in and turning the pages until the very end. This was a action packed book that intrigued me with the storyline from the beginning. We should all listen to that small voice in our head at times that leads us to believe something is wrong. I definitely would recommend this book to everyone that loves this genre.

I received an ARC from BookSirens and the publisher for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Samuel Alexander · Rating 2 out of 5]

This Review Contains Spoilers

This was a hard read for me. When It started off it seemed like something I could genuinely enjoy but the deeper I got into it the more off it seemed. Too many things about it didn’t make sense. I couldn’t quite get on board with how the villain’s mom graduating with a degree and not using it. Running away from home is perfectly acceptable. People do it all the time but they don’t bother with a whole identity change unless they are in danger of being hunted, killed or something along those lines. Their family hating them didn’t seem like a strong enough motive. Even disowned children have zero issues saying who their parents are and why they left to preserve their sanity. It also didn’t help that author states she could’ve had a better life/job with the degree so if it was possible where was the motivation not to take that route? Something about the life she chose didn’t sit well with me. It’s probably me bringing my own single parent raised home baggage into it but I just feel if it was possible she would’ve done all within her power to make it happen.

I almost quit this novel based on the mystery behind why the villain wants revenge. It was clear it was not mentioned to force readers to read until the end to find out with some big reveal. I figured out fairly quickly where the book was going but was hoping I was wrong. Withholding this as a device to keep readers reading, for me at least,made this become my only reason for reading; finding out the why and thus made all the other issues stand out more as I was hoping with each page the stalker would share their motivation but this didn’t happen until the end. Not only that but it played out the way I thought which was why I almost walked away once it became obvious I would not be told why the villain was so hell-bent on revenge.

Spoiler Begins:

Before that, there was a big plot issue involving the dog. After a big fight with Deke Elise storms out after her dog into the woods and finds a Deke double locked in a trailer. Her first thought is how did he lock himself in. She literally just left the other Deke in the cabin. It isn’t physically possible for him to have run out after her, pass her and then lock himself inside a room just to mess with her. He’d have to run extra fast and evidence like sweat and heavy breathing would be present. And he definitely did not have time to change his clothes too. Also, we are given the impression fake Deke is going to the hot tub and there is evidence this happened when Elise returns to the cabin.

Not only was this bit of obvious information forgotten, she then on top of this grills him about if he’s the real Deke and, sigh… As a reader I’m expected to jump on the whole he’s a cheater because of some video her best friend sent her of him, and go through ‘50 questions why’ and her thinking he’s some cheating man trying to mess with her when it’s obvious he must have a twin he doesn’t know about purely based on one fact—he could not have left the cabin, entered the woods beating her and her dog there and also changed his clothes in time to play tricks on her. It’s almost like she forgot she left him behind at the cabin just so there can be some big dramatic almost fall out scene that felt forced. Someone with reporter instincts would not be unintelligible enough to make this many assumptions and mistakes about a situation. Elise was definitely smart enough to figure all this out the moment she saw Deke locked up without all the forced denial.

Readers are also expected to believe that a mother on her death bed would not tell her son anything except you have a twin and this who he is. Not why she gave up his brother. Nothing about why she didn’t use her degree for a better job. Nothing of who his grandparents are. Just this is your brother and that’s it. And then, he spent two years researching him in his present state and nothing of his past and his beginnings? If he was going to replace him, he would need to know everything from medical history to past girlfriends and all sorts of things he might encounter while faking a life to fake it accurately, yet all he seems to know is about Deke’s present existence. Not hardly enough to pretend to be a twin he didn’t know anything about two years earlier. I’m still not convinced he even knew brussels sprouts were Deke’s favourite vegetable.

And there is no comeuppance. Just a whole big ‘I’m sorry I didn’t know’ which he would’ve with proper research, and then Deke even feeling bad for not seeking out his brother. Like he could’ve prevented this. This was another thing that made the mom situation feel weird because his parents told him he was adopted and had a twin which is what the other guy’s mom should’ve done. It’s just so odd she didn’t tell him especially when Deke quite literally could’ve died had she not given him up. He still almost died. That, and his twin is a murderer two times over, why are we feeling sorry for him and why is the murderer turning into mush pie like he’s magically lost all his badguyness.

This book was suspenseful. It was also well written. There’s no denying that, in all fairness, it might very well be excellently written. It had all the makings of a good suspense. But leaning on the ‘cheating’ in romance trope at the end hurt it for me. And that it was connected to the big plot issue of being in two places at the same time in the end just to drag out the discovery scene felt extra forced to an already hard to fall in line with ‘questioning’ of Deke episode; plus the villain not doing nearly enough research to take over someone’s identity; the really mushy all is right with the world and forgiveness washout ending which meant other than being arrested the bad guy getting his due fell flat, all together combined to make what could’ve been an interesting take on the ‘switch’ genre of suspense not really hold up. Add that to the mom’s actions and decisions on what she told and didn’t tell to our villain and there’s a lot of plot decisions that made this story hard to get into. It was clear that things happened because the author wanted/needed them to happen to make the plot work even if on their own these things didn’t make sense and that made it extremely hard for me to enjoy this story.

Full Review Here:
https://readingismydrug.com/2021/11/2...

[Melissa Acquaviva · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Fatal Obsession by Casi McClean is a romantic suspense novel involving a young NFL star and his fiancée , who are being stalked by an obsessive and unknown psychopathic killer. The novel actually starts out really well, with a great build and really intriguing storyline. The main character is attacked. We really aren’t sure by whom, and then the reader just keeps getting glimpses into the mind of this stalker as he lays out surveillance equipment and seems to be having moments of almost split personality and delusions while talking to himself. This part of the book is really well written. The characters of Deke and Elise are interesting and realistic. The anxiety and delusional behavior of the killer is convincingly described and gives you chills as you read it. This paranoia leads to his first murder…..which is where this book completely fizzled out and lost its momentum. There was little to no investigation of the murder, the fiancée, Elise, basically just goes off on a trip no one seems to have any concerns. There is the red herring stranger guy at the apartment complex thrown in for no reason, and then we start getting the overkill clues that Deke isn’t quite Deke. The author really could have used so many different scenarios with this storyline but she chose to just put it all out there quickly at this point without any further mystery or guesswork.

The book gives the game away quickly, the ending is just rediculous with no justice at all and a big push for the insanity plea which would never have happened in this situation in real life. This guy would have done hard time. The whole forgiveness aspect was really melodramatic as well. I really had high hopes for this book and had the ending been as well written as the beginning, it probably would have received five stars. It was like two different people wrote the book as well as starred in it. Really only a two star read for me with this one.

[Linda Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deke Madigan has just secured a first-round NFL draft pick. A Heisman Trophy winner, he’s been attending the QB NFL Combine in Indianapolis. On the final day, Deke’s the last one in the locker room, taking a shower, when an unknown assailant attacks him, rendering him unconscious. He’s found later wandering around the mall area with no recollection of the attack or his attacker. Deke’s fiancée, Elise, an Atlanta sportscaster, is naturally concerned and wonders what prompted this needless assault. Feeling on edge and nervous even though Deke seems unharmed, Elise’s anxiety is heightened when she learns of the murder of a woman who lives in her apartment complex. Causing further tension is the troubling sense of unease she begins to feel when she’s with Deke, an emotion that’s shared by her dog, Jasper.

Thus, author McLean sets up the plot of this exciting thriller which culminates in what is supposed to be a romantic getaway at an isolated cottage on Lake Lanier. Fast-paced and unpredictable, the narrative moves back and forth between Elise and Deke and their nemesis, Daryl, whose motivations and plans remain hidden for most of the novel. Does he want to eliminate Deke so he can have a chance at a first-round draft pick? Or, is Elise the target of his evil machinations? And what is it about his past that has set him on this course of revenge?

Author McLean has written a taut psychological thriller with numerous twists and turns and an ending that will absolutely knock your socks off! A spine-tingling page-turner, don’t be surprised if you are kept up into the wee small hours of the morning, unable to put it down like I was.

Fatal Obsession by Casi McLean is highly recommended for lovers of thrillers, psychological suspense, and dark mysteries.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fatal Obsession is USA Today Bestselling Author Casi McLean’s latest action-packed thriller.

Elise Sloan is an Atlanta Sportscaster who’s recently gotten engaged to a slightly younger man. Her fiancé, Deke Madigan, is a first round NFL draft pick who she met while on the job. Despite the fact that she’d vowed to never date another jock, Elise is drawn to Zeke when sparks fly between them.

But little do they know that they’re both being stalked by someone who’s waiting to seek revenge, although it’s not clear right away which one of them is the intended victim. A murder at a nearby condo in her gated community has Elise spooked. Deke has just returned home from traveling, but when Elise begins feeling overly anxious, Elise and Deke decide to spend a long weekend at the family lake house located deep in the isolated woods near Lake Lanier at the suggestion of Elise’s best friend Britt.

But strangely, she becomes increasingly fearful at a place where she’s always felt safe. When her dog Jasper uncovers a dark secret in the woods near the property, Elise must escape a man with a fatal obsession in order to save her life along with Deke’s.

I’ve loved everything I’ve read from this award-winning author. Fatal Obsession is a fast-paced psychological thriller with a bunch of twists and turns which will keep you guessing until the very end. If you enjoy romantic suspense thrillers with quality writing, not to mention engaging, well-developed characters, this book is a must read for you!!

I’ve participated in a box set including this author in the past, which is when I began reading and enjoying her books. This is my honest opinion.

[S.R. Mallery · Rating 5 out of 5]

***** Not your average thriller…

This book’s prologue begins with a chill: “After his momma’s death, her dying words still haunted him. Now, he would finally have revenge.” Wow. That definitely pulled—no yanked—me in! Who is saying this?

Next, we are introduced to Deke, who is sure to be picked for a first round football draft. He’s also won the Heisman and is engaged to the beautiful journalist, Elise. But then he is attacked. He’s later found, wandering the concession stands around 10 pm with no idea what had happened to him. It’s all a blank.

Who would do this? Did one of his competitors in the draft get violent, to try and keep him out of the running? Meanwhile, Elise notices that after the terrible event with Deke, he is acting a tiny bit different. Nothing too overt, but still, she is concerned and wonders if she is actually pulling away from him because she really doesn’t love him enough to get married. Still, she is looking forward to meeting up with Deke at her family’s cabin, so hopefully they can relax together and re-connect. He’ll have finished his finals and hopefully, all will be well again.

Elise arrives up at the cabin early, looking forward to reuniting with Deke. But her dog dashes off into the forest and she’s worried about it. Deke then arrives, bringing alcohol to immediately imbibe in. Because he’s never drunk that much alcohol before or kissed her so passionately, tiny alarms suddenly ring inside her head. What is really going on?

Great twists, action, continual tension, and ultimately, some definite compassion abounds, IMO, making this book a unique story with atypical characters. Highly recommend!

[Sierra Clothier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another riveting read from Author McLean that takes place mostly at Lake Lanier in Georgia. I've read her other books, and she clearly gets a lot of inspiration from the spooky folklore surrounding the lake. Its man made, sitting on top of a old town abandoned and filled for the sake of societal progress. While this story isn't paranormal in any way, the lake still lends itself well to the fast paced who dun it.

Elise and Fake seem to have it all, but unbeknownst to them, there's a jealous observer just waiting fur the right time to exact revenge. The book is written in alternating first person, and the strongest voice is the villain's. There's something deeply satisfying to get into the mind of a bad guy, and hoping he gets caught. Daryl the bad guy didn't grow up well, and Author McLean lets him use it as an excuse. There's surprise after surprise here, and the pacing is done very well. While some of the surprises may elicit a groan from some readers, I felt that it was all done very well and in an interesting way. They do call them tropes for a reason, and this one is flipped a bit.

The one thing I wasn't all in on was the redemption arc at the very end. I get why the characters did what they did and it does make sense. I just thought it was a bit too neat? Considering the circumstances? But all in all, I loved the book and nothing disappointed me in the slightest. Even the editing was flawless. Author McLean is really masterful is writing characters who MATTER in the middle of beautiful scenery. I'm looking forward to her next Lake Lanier inspired tale.

[Katie Mettner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Casi McLean delivers a fast-paced, gripping tale of deception in her thriller, Fatal Obsession. The book is paced perfectly and doesn’t bog you down with unnecessary details that you find in many thrillers like this one.

Elise is a sportscaster for a local station and when the book opens, she’s recently engaged to Deke Madigan. He’s an up-and-coming quarterback and a first-round draft pick for the NFL. Apart from each other for camp, Elise is looking forward to the day Deke returns, but the person she meets for brunch that day is someone she doesn’t know. Sure, his face is the same, and his voice is the same, but he changed after he was attacked at camp.

Determined that they just need some time away from the pressure of work, Elise plans to suggest they spend a weekend at her lake house on Lake Lanier. Before she can do that, a murder occurs near the condo where Elise lives and that spooks her. Someone is stalking them, but they don’t know who and they don’t know which one of them the murderer is after.

The couple heads to the lake to get away from it all, but little do they know what they’re trying to escape is lying in wait.

It is hard to review this book without giving spoilers, so I will stop here and say if you love romantic suspense and thrillers, then you’ll love Fatal Obsession. With the twists and turns hidden in this book, you’ll need to keep turning the pages to find out the secrets brought into the light.

I highly recommend Fatal Obsession if you love quality romantic suspense with engaging, real-life characters you can relate to.

[Uvi Poznansky · Rating 5 out of 5]

In FATAL OBSESSION, Daryl Quinn leaves his childhood home where he lived with his Mother till she succumbed to her cancer, which robbed her of her life and in a way also robbed Daryl of his. On her deathbed, she imparts with a secret that ends up being half of the truth. The other half will be revealed by the end of the thriller. That secret would Daryl him to obsession with the man who lives the life he, Daryl, thinks he deserves.
At present, Deke Madigan lives a charmed life, or so it seems to Daryl. Having won the Heisman trophy, Deke has a good chance to become a first-round draft pick for the NFL football. When he is attacked and later disappears, his wife, Elise, suspects that perhaps, one of the competitors or the football coaches want him out of the game. She calls Britt, DNA crime scene analyst, trying to gather any clues. Fatal Obsession is about despair brought on by jealousy and how it can drive us to extremes. A quote from Emily Dickinson says it all. “We grow accustomed to the dark when the light is cut away.”
Five stars.
Disclosure: I learned of the author, Casi McLean, when we were both invited to take part in another boxed set, Do No Harm, and since them have read several of her books.

[Eric J. Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

`Fatal Obsession’ by Casi McLean is the new taut thriller from the pen of this multi-genre author. Elise Sloan, a reporter for the sports news on TV-5 Atlanta, is happy. Her boyfriend, Deke Madigan, a football player and prime candidate for a National Football League top pick, has proposed. Her contentment is shattered when she hears that Deke has been attacked by an unknown assailant. Although he is okay, she is worried about the senseless attack. A friend suggests she and Deke spend a weekend away at her lake house to disconnect from the pressure of the police investigation of a murder that happens close by her apartment. She and her dog, Jasper, arrive there first and soon stumble across a deadly enigma, which threatens her future.
This is a character-driven novel playing cleverly with the points of view of the protagonists and antagonists, especially allowing the reader into the mind of the latter as he implements his plan. The novel bounces off unforeseen twists that create tension and anxiety, enveloping the reader in the uncomfortable situation Elise experiences in a masterful piece of writing from this acclaimed author. Highly recommended.

[Marta Moran Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elise was badly hurt by a jock at one point in her life and isn’t about to take the chance again. That is until she runs smack dab into Deke, as a journalist who covers sports it is her job to interview the players and coaches at the games. Deke is star quality; everyone believes he will end up in the NFL.
The love affair that springs between them appears to be a soul connection, until Deke changes.

Who and what happened to make him change? Did he change or is it all in her imagination? When a murder happens close to her home, her nerves go off the rails. Is the murder connected to the change in Deke?

It is no wonder that Ms. McLean is not just an award-winning author, but a mult-genre bestselling one too. This is my first book by Ms. McLean, but I can guarantee you it won’t be. I was transported, held captive, enthralled in this magnificent, thrilling mystery.
I highly recommend this book.

[Valerie Clarizio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fatal Obsession is action-packed and will have you flipping pages to see what happens next and how things could possibly be as they are.

Elise is a sportscaster who recently got engaged to Deke, a first-round NFL draft pick. Deke has everything going for him – looks, charm, personality, and to top it off he’s well-grounded. The one thing Deke has that isn’t so pleasant, is a past he’s unaware of. Deke’s hidden past surfaces, sending Deke and Elise on a chaotic adventure surely to ruin their long-anticipated romantic getaway weekend. Leave it to Elise’s dog, Jaz, to be the first to figure out something is awry.

If you enjoy psychological thrillers, excellent writing, and great character development, then this is the book for you.

I worked with Casi McLean in the past on a boxed set and instantly became a fan of hers.

[Isabel Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as part of the anthology ‘Her Silent Shadow.’ before the set broke apart into individual books. I really enjoyed this story. I liked the setting and concept and the story was gripping. The pace and action make you want to keep on reading. The characters are fascinating and you a drawn into their world. It is a psychological thriller that the deeper you get involved the more your imagination is stirred. I love that your imagination has to do the work, as opposed to graphic, shocking descriptions directing you, your imagination can make it darker or lighter depending on how you think. With twists and turns along the way, you find yourself questioning everything along with the characters themselves.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pleasantly surprised, and highly recommended

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

WOW, I can't believe how quickly I devoured this book. Interesting plot, different ending, and really enjoyable.

A real page-turner, this book kept me engaged and was well told, the characters were likeable, but the dog Jasper definitely stole the show. I loved him and I want him so much :)

I did cotton on to where the author was going quite early, but it did in no means spoil the other tricks that she had up her sleeve.

First time reading this author, and she definitely has me hooked on her writing, so this will not be the last book I read of hers.

Pleasantly surprised, and highly recommended.

[JACKIE K · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Deke Madigan is attacked in the locker room at the NFL Combine, his memory of the incident is shrouded in shadow and he can’t remember anything useful. His fiancé, Elise, is shaken and her anxiety fails to lessen with time. Even her dog, Jaz seems skittish around Deke. While awaiting the results of the Combine, Elise and Deke decide to spend a relaxing weekend at her family’s lake house and what they encounter just might change everything. Casi McLean builds suspense well from,Elise’s first vague misgivings to the discovery of a nefarious plot and the truly terrifying truth of what precipitated it. I really enjoyed loyal Jaz and his attempts to warn Elise that something was not right. Fans of clever canines and subtly increasing suspense should really enjoy this book.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fatal Obsession is about secrets, obsession, revenge, murder, which are the basis of psychological thrillers.

Elise Sloan, Atlanta sportscaster finds herself falling for Deke Madigan, a NFL first-rounder. But she starts to have strange feelings that make her fearful that she can't explain. A murder in her neighborhood occurs and her fears kick into high gear. Deciding she needs to get away for a weekend with Deke so that they can enjoy themselves when he returns from training, Deke suddenly acts different and Elise can't figure out what's changed.

As the story unfolds there are twists and turns that keep the reader turning the page of this fast paced quick read.

I received an ARC from BookSirens for an unbiased review.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fatal Obsession is a Psychological Suspense Thriller by Casi McLean. Daryl Quinn’s Mother has died and he wants revenge. Deke Madigan has it all; a Heisman trophy, scheduled to be a first round NFL draft, Engaged to Elise Sloan , he was living every man’s dream...until he wasn’t! Fatal Obsession is a good thriller with interesting characters. I liked that it was really Elise’s dog, Jaz, that figured out that something was not right. The ending was perfect and showed forgiveness. I enjoyed this book and hope to read another book by Casi McLean. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Tahnia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two years ago, with his momma on her death bed, she tells her son a secret. Now, two years later, Daryl is after the life of the twin brother he never knew. Deke knows he was adopted but between college classes and football, he has never found the time to research who his actual parents are. Elise knows there is something wrong with Deke but she cannot put her finger on what the problem is. Even her golden retriever, Jasper, knows something is wrong. This story is kind of creepy if you think about it. There is plenty of romance and hair-raising moments plus it ends with a HEA. Highly recommended.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Randi Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Ms. McLean's Lake Lanier time travel series and loved it so I was looking forward to this one. The setting is Lake Lanier but it is not time travel. This is a very satisfying character driven short easy to read psychological suspense novel. Atlanta sportscaster Elise is engaged to Deke Madigan who was attacked while at the NFL Combine and isn't quite the same since. Her friend convinces her to spend a romantic weekend at Elise's family home at Lake Lanier. Alone at a house deep in the woods in the off season. What could go wrong? I will leave that for you to find out. My only fault with the book is that the ending felt a little rushed, but it was complete and satisfying.

[pawsreadrepeat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Casi McLean book but will not be my last! I loved everything about this fast-paced psychological thriller.

Elise Sloan and Deke Madigan appear to have it all but little do they know, they are being stalked by someone seeking revenge. What follows is one intriguing ride as these two embark on what they anticipate will be a romantic weekend getaway.

The characters are thoughtfully developed and the writing is excellent. There are so many twists and turns that I had to keep reading.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fatal Obsession, my first read from author Casi McLean. A bit transparent as I'd figured the basic in the first third of the book. Captivating, with well-developed characters coupled with an outstanding storyline with its intricately woven twists and turns. McLean does a good job with her character development; you can like and/or hate these characters. "I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." I'll definitely be reading more from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Starla B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. There was great build up, and I figured out one of the plot twists fairly early. It was getting really good....and then the ending happened. I felt it was a little abrupt, and not quite believable. I still enjoyed the book, but finished feeling slightly unsatisfied. I would definitely give the author another shot, though!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Robin Blanksguster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was obsessed to finish this book. I couldn’t stop reading until the end. Terrific story about someone who seems to have everything going for him (Deke), personally and career wise. Then someone tries to take over his life and even his girlfriend (Elise) is fooled…at first but her dog (Jasper) isn’t. I love the twist near the end of the story. I didn’t see that coming! Terrific story.

Red Robin

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do like this author's writing style and I would read their work in the future. The introduction to this story had me hooked right up until the end. I just found the ending too... well for the lack of a better word... cookie cutter. I can't really describe without giving away the ending but it just didn't fit the book for me.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.