The Obsession
The Obsession by Linda Joseph follows Adeline, a college graduate with a degree in creative writing, who hasn’t written a single word in three years. Working at a coffee shop to make ends meet, she becomes captivated by a regular customer, Scarlett—a glamorous social media influencer who seems to have it all. But when Adeline witnesses Scarlett with a man who isn’t her boyfriend, cracks begin to appear in the picture-perfect facade. As secrets and obsessions surface, Adeline realizes that nothing about Scarlett’s life is quite as flawless as it seems.
- Adeline - Protagonist; a barista and inspiring writer
- Claire - Adeline’s best friend
- Scarlett - Social media influencer
- Zack - Scarlett’s new boyfriend
- James - Man Scarlett connects with on SugarXSpice
- Adeline admires Scarlett for her seemingly perfect life but the truth is Scarlett is drowning in debt.
- Scarlett meets Zack at the coffee shop where Adeline works and they fall for each other instantly.
- Scarlett and Zack come into the coffee shop every morning and Adeline watches them with longing for the life they have.
- Scarlett turns to SugarXSpice to help with her debt and matches with James.
- Adeline sees Scarlett with James and follows them to a restaurant.
- When Scarlett and James leave the restaurant she forgets her purse.
- Adeline grabs Scarlett’s purse and goes the next day to return it to her.
- Adeline walks in when no one answers the door and finds Scarlett in a pool of blood on her kitchen floor.
- Adeline and Claire are intrigued by the murder and want to solve it so Claire matches with James on SugarXSpice and he invites her out.
- Claire goes on a few dates with James and then he gives her a pair of emerald earrings that Adeline recognizes as Scarlett’s.
- Flashback to the night of Scarlett’s death: Back at Scarlett’s apartment, James pressures her for sex but when she threatens him with a knife he leaves.
- Then Claire knocks on the door pretending to be a new neighbor and gets invited in.
- Claire tells Scarlett how awful she is for cheating on a great guy like Zack and then she stabs her.
- Claire tells Adeline she works in the same office as Zack, that she was in love with him and hated Scarlett for not treating him right.
- Adeline comes up with a plan for Claire to plant the murder weapon and emerald earrings at James' house.
- Claire does so and James is arrested for Scarlett’s murder.
- Adeline finally starts her novel inspired by Claire and Scarlett called ‘The Obsession.’
- Epilogue one year later: Adeline is a successful author.
- Claire and Zack have been hanging out as friends.
- Claire tells the reader she is going to kill someone at the office named Jen who has been flirting with Zack and give Adeline inspiration for her next book.
A good, medium-paced read full of mystery, perfect for readers who enjoy a strong plot without excessive gore. The story kept me guessing, the twist caught me off guard, and the ending was even more of a surprise! This was my first book from Linda Joseph and I am excited to see what she comes out with next!
- Adeline - Alive - Published her first novel and working on her second
- Claire - Alive - Still willing to do anything to get Zack
- Scarlett - Dead - Stabbed by Claire
- Zack - Alive - Still trying to move on after losing Scarlett
- Carl - Alive - No further details
- Mrs. Watson - Alive - No further details
- Stalking
- Murder
- Sexual assault
Publisher: Independently published
ISBN: 9798264981760
Publication Date: October 1, 2025
Note: Details are for the original edition. Other formats, editions, and audiobook versions may be available.
