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Manufactured Identity #3
The Human Obsession
A year before retirement, Chief of Police Frank Murphy wants nothing more than to spend his golden years on HGTV marathons and endless tee-off times. What he gets is a string of abductions that makes Ted Bundy look like an amateur. The Human Obsession is the sequel to Heath Sommer's 2009 breakout psychological thriller The Manufactured Identity, where Murphy and hapless lovers Addy and John Joe scramble against inhuman odds and unpredictable twists to solve the riddles of murder, obsession, and human weakness. Focusing on the trial of Cameron Bo, alleged murderer and loony from Sommer's The Grand Delusion, The Human Obsession takes readers even deeper into the minds of Sommers' belovedand twistedcharacters. In the end, no one could have seen why those meant to protect and serve may be in the greatest danger of all.
316 pages, Perfect Paperback
First published December 1, 2010
4 people are currently reading
2197 people want to read
About the author
Heath Sommer
5 books567 followersDr. Heath Sommer is the author of The Manufactured Identity psychological suspense series and runs a developmental disability and mental health clinic in southern Idaho.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 15, 2011
This was brilliant. Writing at its best!
January 12, 2011
I have just reread this series for the third time. I am still troubled, to be honest by the whole concept, but like a car accident that secretly captivates me, I find myself thinking again and again about the themes in the book. Sommer first published manufactured identity in 2009, and I first heard of this book from a friend who had him in Child development last year at ISU. Then, another friend of mine held a massice book club to raise awareness of the series. I kinda joined with skeptacism becuase I have had bad experiences with these kinds of things before. But this series did seem different. In the first book (TMI) you are introduced to a cadre of characters who all seem hapless. This progresses and you realize this is exactly what the author is going for. I've worked with a lot of mental health pros in the past and it seems this book, which was very suspenseful, is really about life. the good the bad, and the ridiculous. it seems Sommer want to mess with your mind by building up an argument then tearing it down. you keep waiting for the resoultion of the moral crises, only to realize the point is to have no clarity from him but to force you to take a side along the way, which feels impossible to avoid.
The stories themselves are brutal and esclaating, but not offesnive. Somehow even the murders and numerous terrible atrocities he showcases seem soft lit and palatable, although the terror of human life becomes instantly obvious.
Though i didn;t expect it, I found myself reading more and more intensively through the night, and wound up finishing the trilogy in 3 days, then faced the startling reality I had attached to the characters, and really felt their pain and loss, and their triumphs. I don't know, I really liked these books, but like schindler's list they alos left me not knowing how to feel, and it only deepend the more i review the issues brought up.
Definetely a new favorite author and restored my faith in the book club concept! Recomended reading for those psychologically minded and open minded.
The stories themselves are brutal and esclaating, but not offesnive. Somehow even the murders and numerous terrible atrocities he showcases seem soft lit and palatable, although the terror of human life becomes instantly obvious.
Though i didn;t expect it, I found myself reading more and more intensively through the night, and wound up finishing the trilogy in 3 days, then faced the startling reality I had attached to the characters, and really felt their pain and loss, and their triumphs. I don't know, I really liked these books, but like schindler's list they alos left me not knowing how to feel, and it only deepend the more i review the issues brought up.
Definetely a new favorite author and restored my faith in the book club concept! Recomended reading for those psychologically minded and open minded.
November 14, 2011
What really amazed me about this series after reading this one is the fact the books are entirely different from each other. The contain a few of the same characters, but each one has a different feel. They also have each provoked different emotions.
I wasn't expecting The Human Obsession to be so dark and gritty. But, the author decided to take us farther into the mind of someone willing to commit acts that most humans can't even begin to imagine. It was actually really hard for me to read at times because it effected me personally. I have 2 little girls ages 5 and 3, which also fit the profiles of some of the victims in the story. It's one of those things that we don't want to ever think about, but happens way more than we care to admit.
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I felt sorry for Murphy. He's gone through so much. Not only does he finally have to go through the trial of Cameron Bo, but also deals with a dieing son. On top of that, the murders begin and an outrages community wants a suspect. It's amazing he doesn't completely crack. I did find his changing views on what makes a person "crazy", to be really interesting.
Once again, I find that heavy psychology in this story to be fascinating. I liked the trial portions that dealt with Cameron Bo and whether he really knew what he was doing or not. I also liked being in the mind of the killer, no matter how hard it was for me to read.
I'm kind of hoping there might be a 4th book. While I feel the story is done, I was left wondering about a couple of things. First the boy found in the forest doesn't get the ending I though he deserved. I wanted to know what happened after that, not to mention John Joe's involvement. I also wanted to know more about the killer. We've learned so much about all the other characters, I felt a little cheated when it came to him.
I wasn't expecting The Human Obsession to be so dark and gritty. But, the author decided to take us farther into the mind of someone willing to commit acts that most humans can't even begin to imagine. It was actually really hard for me to read at times because it effected me personally. I have 2 little girls ages 5 and 3, which also fit the profiles of some of the victims in the story. It's one of those things that we don't want to ever think about, but happens way more than we care to admit.
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I felt sorry for Murphy. He's gone through so much. Not only does he finally have to go through the trial of Cameron Bo, but also deals with a dieing son. On top of that, the murders begin and an outrages community wants a suspect. It's amazing he doesn't completely crack. I did find his changing views on what makes a person "crazy", to be really interesting.
Once again, I find that heavy psychology in this story to be fascinating. I liked the trial portions that dealt with Cameron Bo and whether he really knew what he was doing or not. I also liked being in the mind of the killer, no matter how hard it was for me to read.
I'm kind of hoping there might be a 4th book. While I feel the story is done, I was left wondering about a couple of things. First the boy found in the forest doesn't get the ending I though he deserved. I wanted to know what happened after that, not to mention John Joe's involvement. I also wanted to know more about the killer. We've learned so much about all the other characters, I felt a little cheated when it came to him.
March 25, 2011
What really amazed me about this series after reading this one is the fact the books are entirely different from each other. The contain a few of the same characters, but each one has a different feel. They also have each provoked different emotions.
I wasn't expecting The Human Obsession to be so dark and gritty. But, the author decided to take us farther into the mind of someone willing to commit acts that most humans can't even begin to imagine. It was actually really hard for me to read at times because it effected me personally. I have 2 little girls ages 5 and 3, which also fit the profiles of some of the victims in the story. It's one of those things that we don't want to ever think about, but happens way more than we care to admit.
I felt sorry for Murphy. He's gone through so much. Not only does he finally have to go through the trial of Cameron Bo, but also deals with a dieing son. On top of that, the murders begin and an outrages community wants a suspect. It's amazing he doesn't completely crack. I did find his changing views on what makes a person "crazy", to be really interesting.
Once again, I find that heavy psychology in this story to be fascinating. I liked the trial portions that dealt with Cameron Bo and whether he really knew what he was doing or not. I also liked being in the mind of the killer, no matter how hard it was for me to read.
I'm kind of hoping there might be a 4th book. While I feel the story is done, I was left wondering about a couple of things. First the boy found in the forest doesn't get the ending I though he deserved. I wanted to know what happened after that, not to mention John Joe's involvement. I also wanted to know more about the killer. We've learned so much about all the other characters, I felt a little cheated when it came to him.
I wasn't expecting The Human Obsession to be so dark and gritty. But, the author decided to take us farther into the mind of someone willing to commit acts that most humans can't even begin to imagine. It was actually really hard for me to read at times because it effected me personally. I have 2 little girls ages 5 and 3, which also fit the profiles of some of the victims in the story. It's one of those things that we don't want to ever think about, but happens way more than we care to admit.
I felt sorry for Murphy. He's gone through so much. Not only does he finally have to go through the trial of Cameron Bo, but also deals with a dieing son. On top of that, the murders begin and an outrages community wants a suspect. It's amazing he doesn't completely crack. I did find his changing views on what makes a person "crazy", to be really interesting.
Once again, I find that heavy psychology in this story to be fascinating. I liked the trial portions that dealt with Cameron Bo and whether he really knew what he was doing or not. I also liked being in the mind of the killer, no matter how hard it was for me to read.
I'm kind of hoping there might be a 4th book. While I feel the story is done, I was left wondering about a couple of things. First the boy found in the forest doesn't get the ending I though he deserved. I wanted to know what happened after that, not to mention John Joe's involvement. I also wanted to know more about the killer. We've learned so much about all the other characters, I felt a little cheated when it came to him.
January 28, 2013
Wow! I read this book for the first time right after I'd had my first child, which made its serial-killer antagonist all the more thrilling (see: terrifying) for me. This is the second time I've read the book, and it had the same impact. I had to go into my daughters' room just one more time each night I was reading to check on them. That said, Sommer has a knack for writing some seriously hairy stuff in a way that won't leave you scarred for life. This could be considered a bad thing, but I didn't have to put the book down or throw it across the room or shove it upside-down into a drawer. As an adult in my 30s, however, I no longer consider that a bad thing. I like it. I don't want to be scared THAT much.
Sommer writes page turners. Anybody who likes psychological thrillers/suspense/mysteries will be hooked from the first few pages. And he doesn't let you down. The entire story is fast paced, with quick chapters and no slogging middle. The mystery is tight and surprising.
You can tell that Sommer works in mental health, because I've never read a psychological thriller that gets to the "heart" of the mind the way Sommer does. The characters in this novel are alive and interesting and sad and desperate. The surroundings are vivid. Sommer utilizes all the senses.
There is somewhat of a spiritual element to THO, as with Sommer's other books, but it is minimal and really quite touching the way it is used. I highly recommend any of Heath's books to anyone interested in thrillers, suspense, mystery or psychological novels. Brilliant!
Sommer writes page turners. Anybody who likes psychological thrillers/suspense/mysteries will be hooked from the first few pages. And he doesn't let you down. The entire story is fast paced, with quick chapters and no slogging middle. The mystery is tight and surprising.
You can tell that Sommer works in mental health, because I've never read a psychological thriller that gets to the "heart" of the mind the way Sommer does. The characters in this novel are alive and interesting and sad and desperate. The surroundings are vivid. Sommer utilizes all the senses.
There is somewhat of a spiritual element to THO, as with Sommer's other books, but it is minimal and really quite touching the way it is used. I highly recommend any of Heath's books to anyone interested in thrillers, suspense, mystery or psychological novels. Brilliant!
February 13, 2013
The Human Obsession is another masterpiece of suspense and psychology from Dr. Sommer. All of the remarkable aspects from the first two books in this trilogy are found once again, but this time they are even more sophisticated, profound, and relatable. As a reader you are more invested in the characters which makes the scenes more intense, thrilling, and heart-wrenching. The chapters are brief and the ability to move quickly through them complements the anticipation building in the storylines.
As in the first two novels, The Human Obsession has a strong basis in reality which makes every thematic element interesting. Especially intriguing is the ongoing implicit and explicit concept of living in a society that is neither black nor white but gray. Other concepts explored are attachment, socialization, judgment, and many others that, as human beings, we have all experienced at some point in our lives.
The author’s expertise in the field of psychology is again easily discovered throughout the book, from the titles of each Part down to individual sentences and words. This lends to further interest in and discovery of the psyche, human development, and the progression and purpose of life in general. Heath Sommer references ethos, pathos, and logos in his book as keys “to effective lawyering;” it is clear that he has implemented these in his writing and that they are keys to much more than just effectiveness in the legal profession. This author has drawn me in and I will be looking out to read all of his other pieces.
As in the first two novels, The Human Obsession has a strong basis in reality which makes every thematic element interesting. Especially intriguing is the ongoing implicit and explicit concept of living in a society that is neither black nor white but gray. Other concepts explored are attachment, socialization, judgment, and many others that, as human beings, we have all experienced at some point in our lives.
The author’s expertise in the field of psychology is again easily discovered throughout the book, from the titles of each Part down to individual sentences and words. This lends to further interest in and discovery of the psyche, human development, and the progression and purpose of life in general. Heath Sommer references ethos, pathos, and logos in his book as keys “to effective lawyering;” it is clear that he has implemented these in his writing and that they are keys to much more than just effectiveness in the legal profession. This author has drawn me in and I will be looking out to read all of his other pieces.
July 20, 2011
I started out this book confused some, but I truly did get into it and understand it. When I first looked at it to read it there were claims that you didn't have to read the book(s) before it. I was thinking that was a mistake, but as I got to understand the characters more and the story line, I did enjoy it quite a bit. The title makes it sound like this book is gruesome, but it is not. Good book!
January 16, 2011
I had a really hard time with John in this book series. I am still not sure how to think of him. It seems in one novel I love himm, another I hate him. and now I am just more confused then ever.
Great but hard, honest look at life series.
Great but hard, honest look at life series.
January 16, 2011
had never heard of this author before reading this series in the ten guys book club....started a little slow then addicting and thought provoking. This is a new author i will be following some more. Not for you though if you have a weak stomach for blunt
December 15, 2010
loved it
December 15, 2010
awesome. best one
December 22, 2010
Of course I loved it!
December 23, 2010
My favorite of Sommer's books. Loved it, loved it, loved it.
January 6, 2011
Freak :( I ain't having kids.
Best novel so far in series
Best novel so far in series
January 7, 2011
Holy Crap. Poor Thomas!
January 8, 2011
book club Book: By far the best of the series, but still a lot of psychology. I am not a big fan of too real in novels.
January 8, 2011
high-blood pressure read. I held my kids a little too close last night when I finished!
January 9, 2011
Wow, this has really turned out to be a great series. I very much enjoy reading books in a series and this 3rd book has got me wanting more.
January 12, 2011
this...book...ROCKED!
January 13, 2011
super cool
January 16, 2011
this series continues to build
January 16, 2011
absolutely loved this series....course I'm a shrink!
January 16, 2011
Ultimately I enjoyed the sychology more than the story, although both were great. Recomended read
January 16, 2011
Unbelievable. This is such a good series! I will be very angry if there is not a fourth!
January 24, 2011
Ok....this was RIDICULOUSLY good. I am dying to see where this goes next!
January 29, 2011
i liked this one, but there was a little much for me at the end. Still, pretty cool book. my least favorite of the three
January 30, 2011
soooo goooood!
March 9, 2011
usually dont like these types, but this was really good
Want to read
April 25, 2011Book club for November
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews