ARC Review: Midnight Obsession by Melinda Leigh

Midnight Obsession
Author: Melinda Leigh
Series: The Midnight Series (Book 4)
Publication: Montlake Romance (January 3, 2017)

Description: In Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melinda Leigh’s edgy new thriller, Louisa Hancock thought she was safe…but there’s a new killer in town.

When a mysterious package lands on Louisa Hancock’s doorstep, the Philadelphia museum curator can hardly anticipate the nightmare that’s about to envelop her. The package is addressed to her father—an expert in Viking culture—and inside is a ninth-century sword, a chilling thank-you note, and photos of two dead bodies in a tableau evoking a Nordic funeral. The gruesome images match a recent crime scene. But before the police can investigate the killer’s connection to Louisa’s father, Ward Hancock vanishes.

Sports bar owner Conor Sullivan wants nothing more than to spend his life with Louisa. Devoted and protective, he refuses to leave her side after her father’s disappearance. When a troubled young boxer he’s been coaching is suspected of the murders, Conor is pulled in even deeper. Desperate, Louisa and Conor take it upon themselves to find her father, but soon another ritualistic slaying makes it clear there’s a Viking-obsessed serial killer on the loose. And he has a new target: Louisa.

My Thoughts: Louisa Hancock should be sitting pretty. She has a wonderful boyfriend in Conor; her father has returned to her clean and sober and ready to build a relationship. She is overcoming the trauma of her kidnapping and near death. But when her father receives a ninth-century Viking sword, a thank-you note, and a photo of two dead bodies mimicking a Viking funeral, Louisa knows that trouble isn't ready to leave her and the people she loves alone.

In addition, Conor is mentoring a young man who is trying to stay away from the gangs in his Philly neighborhood but they don't want to let him alone. Between gang violence and a murderer who seems fixated on her, Louisa and Conor are in danger.

When Louisa's father is kidnapped, solving the crime and finding the murderer becomes even more crucial.

This was an exciting and action-packed romantic suspense title. The romance sort of took the back seat here. Conor and Louisa are in love and Conor is ready to take the next step. He's just waiting for the right time to present Louisa with a ring. Louisa is also just getting used to being loved and being part of the big Sullivan family. The criminals are making it hard for him to find the right time to propose.

I enjoyed this story. I liked seeing where characters from earlier books were in their lives now in this book. Fans of romantic suspense and especially fans of the earlier books in this series won't want to miss this title. 

Favorite Quote:

After spending most of her years alone, she now had Conor, his family, and a few friends. She even had her very first dog. Her father had returned, clean and sober and wanting to have a relationship with her. She was grateful for everyone who was part of her new life, but the adjustment to caring and being cared about was more difficult than she'd expected. She'd learned young to lock her heart away to protect it. Until Conor had come along, she hadn't known what she was missing.

I got this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.