Book details
- Author: Notes on an Obsession
- Genre: Mystery & Thrillers | General Fiction (Adult)
- Publisher: Headline
- Publication date: 25/02/2027
- Format read: eBook
- Source: NetGalley
Short verdict
Notes on an Obsession is a psychological thriller set at Oxford University in 1995, where three student deaths lead Ned, a psychology supervisor, to suspect that something far more sinister is happening. Although the story takes time to find its footing, C. L. Taylor delivers an original twist that significantly changed my opinion of the book. The journey there wasn’t always convincing for me, but the ending gave me plenty to think about.
At a glance
What worked
- An intriguing premise involving a series of suspicious student deaths.
- An original and unexpected twist.
- The revelation adds a new perspective to earlier events in the story.
What didn’t
- The opening felt slow, and the story took time to build momentum.
- Ned’s past relationship with Alice initially felt disconnected from the main investigation.
- Some of the backstory could have been introduced earlier to help the narrative flow.
Final thoughts
Set at Oxford University in 1995, Notes on an Obsession follows Ned, a psychology supervisor who suspects that three student deaths, officially treated as suicides, may actually be murders. When Celia, a student living in a nearby building, claims to have witnessed one of the deaths and believes the victim was pushed, Ned becomes increasingly drawn into the mystery.
The novel alternates between the present-day investigation and Ned’s past relationship with his girlfriend, Alice. I initially struggled to see the purpose of the sections exploring their relationship. While Alice’s tragic death is clearly important to Ned’s character, I felt that some of this background could have been revealed sooner. In retrospect, however, these chapters also help establish Ned’s psychological state and his persistent fear for the safety of those around him.
My main issue was the pacing. The story started slowly, and I found myself questioning whether the earlier sections justified the time spent on them. However, the ending offered a genuinely original twist that forced me to reconsider what I had read.
I had initially been leaning towards a two-star rating, but the ingenuity of the final revelation changed my mind. Although the journey wasn’t entirely satisfying, the payoff deserves credit.
Rating
An initially slow-burning thriller with an inventive twist that makes you reconsider the story.
Disclosure
Thank you to Headline and NetGalley for providing an advance digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.