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Charli Cross #6

Dark Obsession

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When love turns into obsession, the result is deadly.

Being sidelined after her last assignment has allowed Savannah Detective Charli Cross too much time to think. So when she’s called to a new murder case, she’s relieved to trade her preoccupation over the threatening letters she’s received for a double homicide investigation.

Her relief doesn’t last long.

Nothing could have prepared Charli for the gruesome scene she and her partner find at a local park. A teenage couple have been slain, their throats slit and their naked bodies posed on a blanket. The motive remains unclear...until they discover one of the victims had a stalker.

Case closed?

Maybe not.

When another couple—this one newly engaged—is brutally murdered, Charli knows that not all is as it seems. But if their suspect isn’t their killer, then who is targeting young lovers? And why?

And more importantly, can she catch this maniac before they strike again?

Puzzling and engrossing, Dark Obsession is the sixth book in the Charli Cross Series from bestselling author Mary Stone—guaranteed to make you believe that happily ever after is only a fairytale.

297 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 19, 2022

701 people are currently reading
261 people want to read

About the author

Mary Stone

218 books2,136 followers
To download my FREE BOOK, click here: https://authormarystone.com/free-book...

Nestled in the tranquil Blue Ridge Mountains of East Tennessee, Mary Stone has transformed her peaceful home, once bustling with her sons, into a creative haven. As her family grew, so did her writing career, evolving from childhood fears to a deep understanding of real-life villains. Her stories, centered around strong, unconventional heroines, weave themes of courage and intrigue.

Mary's journey from a solitary writer to establishing her own publishing house marks a significant evolution, showcasing her commitment to the literary world. Through her writing and publishing endeavors, she continues to captivate and inspire, honoring her lifelong fascination with the mysterious and the courageous.

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5 stars
1,999 (71%)
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640 (22%)
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148 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs'.
2,772 reviews43 followers
December 17, 2022
This grabbed me like all books by this author (and her co-authors). It was a nice easy read with lots of twists and turns and the result was just brilliant great reason for the murders. Finished this book in one afternoon as just had to keep reading.

And as always with a Mary Stone book there was a cliff hanger right at the end to keep you intrigued for the next book.
Profile Image for DianaRaven.
1,314 reviews8 followers
December 19, 2022
DARK OBSESSION is the sixth installment in the Charli Cross series by Mary Stone and Donna Berdel. These two authors make a great team and do an amazing job capturing your attention in the first few pages of their books.

Definition: Obsession is an idea or thought that continually preoccupies or intrudes on a person's mind.

This story dives into one obsession: LOVE.

Detectives Charli Cross and Matthew Church are called to another crime scene. This time it's the gruesome murder of two young lovers. Evidence starts pointing towards a school mate that appears to have been stalking the female victim. When the suspect is released to his home and father, another couple is murdered a few hours later. Did the only suspect do it or, could there be someone else.

It's going to be difficult waiting until the next book. Whoever has been stalking Charli is still at it and they are stepping up their messages. The cliffhanger has me on pins and needles waiting for the next book. Keep them coming Mary and Donna!

If you haven't started yet and you enjoy a great mystery/thriller this series is for you. The collaboration between these authors is superb.

I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review. I definitely recommend all their books.
Profile Image for D.L..
182 reviews2 followers
December 29, 2022
Love and Death

Dark Obsession starts out with a young couple in love. They are in a wooded area making out when something spooks the girl. Love turns deadly as someone decides they shouldn’t have the joy of love.
Charli who has been on administrative leave for a few days was finally back at work. She and her partner, Matthew are assigned the case. They discover that the girl had a stalker and he is now a suspect in the murders. When a second couple is murdered, Charli and Matthew begin to question who else has a motive for killing young couples.
The book has plenty of twists and turns and emotional feelings to keep you interested until the end. Who is killing young couples in love?
Charli is also dealing with threats from the person who may have killed her childhood friend, Madeline. Charli comes home to find her house trashed and a message for her on a mirror. The ending leaves you with a cliffhanger ensuring you will want to read the next book.
133 reviews2 followers
December 19, 2022
Dark obsession starts with big Boom!!! And ends of course with a cliff hanger. The story of the passion jealousy loss and insanity takes you again on the journey full of surprises and twists. At some point you think, no you are convinced, that you know who did it. We’ll surprise surprise , you change your mind few times. Charli is first relieved to get to investigate a new case, but seeing the crime scene and getting no clues or evidence changes her mind and gets her frustrated. Author makes the story flow and with humor and intensity keeps your attention to the very end.
I read this story in one session, as I could not stop reading.
There are more gruesome scenes than usual, but Charli’s wit and jests will entertain you enough to get over it.
I love all the series, this one definitely keeps my attention going. Bravo
1,161 reviews26 followers
December 20, 2022
This is an ARC read from Mary Stone. This follows Charli Cross and her partner. This time they get a call about the murder of two young people who are found with their throats cut and naked. As they search for a reason for these murders, they come across a young man who was obsessed with the murdered girl, but was he capable of committing such a crime. As Charli and Matthew keep searching, they keep hitting dead ends. Then another couple is found murdered the same way. So what are the connections between these couples and can they find the killer before he kills again? The ending will surprise you and it sets up for the next book and the case she had worked on involving the Mafia. well worth the read
Profile Image for Dawn.
377 reviews2 followers
December 19, 2022
Dark Obsession is the latest instalment in the Charli Cross series and worth the read. Charli and Matthew are hard at work chasing down another killer. In this episode the killer is murdering couples. What do they have in common? Is there another serial killer in the area? How are the couples related? Due to some clues, there seems to be a religious component so maybe that's another route to explore? As the case unfolds both Charli and Matthew, separately, begin to explore possible romantic options in addition to spending most their time on the case. This helps further both of their characters. Another good one by the team of Mary and Donna! 4 1/2 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,378 reviews7 followers
April 25, 2023
MS and her co-authors come up with the best characters. Charlie Cross and her series is no different. Strong and dedicated she does not stop no matter what else is occurring. The blend of personal and professional was smooth and fascinating as the story progressed. I am intrigued to see who/if Matthew ends up dating one of the three women mentioned in this book. The botanist witness was my favorite out of the non main characters. The crime was dark and had many twists as the team worked to find out how the couples were connected. The ending has some huge moments of concern, clarity and friendship. . . Also a heck of a cliffhanger with arriving at her house like that.
590 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2025
Looks like going to Savannah is out as they definitely have too many murders especially by serial killers. Yikes. But remember that both Matthew and Charli are on the cases and will risk life and limb (well maybe Matthew won’t) to catch their man. You got that right, I haven’t seen a woman killer yet but since I can’t face reality, I will continue to follow this dynamic duo through more adventures.

I must admit that I figured out who the bad guy was beore the ending. Also, I haven’t read where so many characters are over the top with their relationshis. I guess that sort of stuff can happen in books.

Enjoy!
378 reviews
December 18, 2022
I always enjoy Mary Stone's books. Realistic, action packed and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Charli Cross is preoccupied with a case headed to court when her and Matthew are sent out to a case involving young couples. Who is murdering the young lovers, if not the suspect who had been stalking the first young woman.
Hold your breath, Mary Stone will not disappoint you.
All the series Mary has written have been ones I cannot put down. I received this book as an ARC from the Author for an honest review.
Profile Image for Mary Rowe.
2,622 reviews8 followers
December 24, 2022
another great read from Mary Stone

After reading several lackluster “legal” “thrillers” that left too many loose ends and unanswered questions, both Kendra Elliott and Mary Stone are refreshing, welcome gems.

Two sets of double homicides, just a few days apart, mystify the detectives; the high school couple murdered were “good kids” without an enemy - but the girl had a stalker.

The second couple were slain on the evening of their engagement.

Finding the obscure link between the killings takes time and patience.
Profile Image for stephen g. carroll.
49 reviews
December 28, 2022
Dark Obsession (Charli Cross Book 6)

In this book, Charli and her partner are tasked to solve the murders of a young couple found in a park. They're not exactly on the same page as to who the killer could be. Is it Jeremiah a strange boy who idolized the young woman and stalked her or the religious fanatic that screams about how evil sex is in the same park? Or is it a serial killer when another couple is found dead in the same park?
I enjoyed this read, but admit I figured out who the murderer was early on. I definitely recommend this book as a great 'escapist' read.



117 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2024
Obsession is as dangerous as Hope

Its hard to lose someone. Its even harder when you blame yourself. Everyone grieves differently and some seek vengeance. Charli and Matthew lead us through the hunt for another killer whom is picking couples as his retaliation of a love lost.
Meanwhile, Charli continues with her own guilt and grief of losing her childhood friend. She is consistently questioning what she could have done differently and what can she should be doing now. However, is someone watching her? Is the kidnapper closing in or is the Mafia just scaring her?
71 reviews
February 16, 2025
Can Charli ever catch a break?

Another fast paced, keeps you reading Charli Cross book. Her partner, Matthew, still has a tendency to get tunnel vision when it comes to suspects. Good thing Charli is able to keep a clear head and move forward.... well, mostly. When a couple of teenagers are the target for this books crazy killer, Madeline is front and center on Charli's mind. Thankfully, she clears her head enough to find the clues that eventually catch this killer. Here's hoping that maybe in the next book, she can get closure.... or at least be able to start.
Profile Image for Becky .
597 reviews15 followers
December 17, 2022
Jealousy and envy can make one obsessed, especially when denied what they want the most. Charli and Matthew are trying to find who is killing couples and posing their bodies. Some gruesome scenes greet them at each occurrence. Hopefully they can catch him before another couple gets murdered.
I enjoyed the moments of humor. They help break up the intense drama. And Janice, ah Janice. She's a hoot!
Profile Image for Sammye.
4,391 reviews30 followers
December 21, 2022
Book #6 in the Charli Cross series is another thrilling addition. Lots of twists and turns, drama and suspense. I keep wondering if Matthew and Charli will ever get romantically involved. And, I keep wondering what will ever happen between Matthew and Janice. Very intriguing!! I really like this series. It keeps me on the edge of my seat! *this was a complimentary copy and this is my honest review*
1,633 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2023
Another great story in this series. Charli still dealing with her demons and Michael with his daughter issue. In spite of all of their personal problems they throw themselves into the lastest murders. The murderer was a surprise and of course there is a cliff hanger at the end of the book. Unfortunately the next book in the series isn't set to release until January 2024, will be in suspense for a long time. I guess I read faster than the author can write.
40 reviews
December 19, 2022
Charli and Matthew search for a killer who targets young couples in love. The backstory for our killer was tragic, but that didn’t stop Charli from doing her job. I like how she is giving Preston a lifeline. Looking forward to more of those two. Meanwhile, Matthew can’t keep the women away. The cliffhanger was unexpected. I cannot wait for the next book.
154 reviews
December 20, 2022
Once again Mary Stone and Donna Berdel have written a masterful story in the latest Charli Cross series. In Dark Obsession the authors have created a mystery that is very intricate with many twists and turns. I love all the characters in this series and really enjoyed trying to solve the case.
And as always a killer cliff hanger!!
221 reviews1 follower
December 21, 2022
Dark Obsession is a great book in the Charlie Cross series. It grabs you from the beginning & leaves you wanting more at the end. The characters work well together & each book leaves you with more in depth into their private lives. As always, the murders have twists & turns, keeping you guessing who the murderer is til the end. A must read!
179 reviews
December 22, 2022
Excellent

Stone delivers again with a deep Charli Cross. Newly engaged couples are being killed and Charli must figure it out before more are attacked and killed. Is it true the killer doesn’t remember doing it? Too many memories of her best friend haunt her in this one. Great read!
Profile Image for MsRoman.
1,135 reviews4 followers
December 23, 2022
Dark Obsession (Charli Cross Mystery Series Book 6) By Mary Stone and Donna Berdel . This is not a story you rush and read. It’s so twisted , heartfelt, suspenseful. Charli wished the ending was the same for her best friend. Unfortunately, the end is tossed upside down with the mess in her home. Can’t wait for the next book. I recommend this series…..
417 reviews4 followers
January 9, 2023
Dark Obsession(Charli Cross Mystery Series Book 6)

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!! Amazing, fascinating and scary. I loved everything about this book, I can't wait for the next one. I truly didn't know who the murderer was until the very end. I was totally surprised and dismayed at the same time. Who could actually kill couples at once, crazy.
247 reviews3 followers
April 7, 2025
Obsessive

I personally can relate to obsessive grief and guilt, after the death of a loved one. I held my dad's right hand when he took his last breath. This installment of the Charli Cross Mystery Series was one of the better ones. Now the readers can see the real turmoil in Charli. Thank you, Mary and Donna for Charli to life. I look forward to finishing the series.
137 reviews1 follower
December 18, 2022
ONCE YOU START YOU CAN'T STOP TURNING PAGES TILL THE END, THEN THE AGONY OF WAITING FOR THE NEXT BOOK. WELL-WRITTEN, ORIGINAL, AND HAS A GREAT STORYLINE. THE CHARACTERS ARE GREAT AND YOU FEEL LIKE YOU KNOW THEM. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THE WHOLE SERIES.
179 reviews
December 18, 2022
Another great book by Mary Stone and Donna Berdel. Keeps you hooked from the beginning to the end. Can't wait until the next installment in the series. I am an ARC member & this is my honest review.
101 reviews
December 18, 2022
Charli and Matthew of the Savannah PD had to find a killer of a young couple. Before they get it solved another young couple are found dead. They are now in the serial killer range. It really gets exciting as the plot thickens!! GREAT READ
162 reviews1 follower
December 18, 2022
As good as always! Keeps you turning the pages until long after bedtime. Usually I can’t figure out the “bad guy” until the final twist, but this time I had them determined about half way through. Keep them coming Mary.
Profile Image for Lynn Mcdonnell.
158 reviews
December 21, 2022
Dark Obsession is the latest installment in the Charli Cross series. The story was a fast paced, entertaining page turner, and with every episode it just keeps getting better and better.
I received a arc copy of this book for my honest review.
Profile Image for Paula.
217 reviews3 followers
December 24, 2022
#6 in the Charlie Cross series and book is better than the last. There is a story with lots of twists and turns, a mystery to solve, and a surprise ending that leaves you anxious for the next book in the series. If you are looking for a mystery thriller, I highly recommend this book.
1,507 reviews7 followers
December 25, 2022
Dark Obsession

This is a great mystery. I have enjoyed every book in this series. I think every one gets a little more exciting. I can't wait for the next book in this series. I highly recommend this book and series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews

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