Obsessed    by Ted Dekker Order:  USA  Can Thomas Nelson, 2005 (2005) Hardcover     Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth Ted Dekker's Obsession is his latest in a long line of books written in four years – ten so far! The story incorporates two time periods – a 1945 German concentration camp, and 1973 in Los Angeles. The son of the concentration camp commandant is sure that his father has lost the power he had while brutalizing women prisoners – the power to take over their souls. Roth, the son, is concerned that his own power is slipping also. Hence, a trip to Los Angeles to acquire David's stones – that is, the stones David used to slay Goliath, worth many millions of dollars. Stephen Friedman is also looking for the stones. But he's even more interested in tracking down the whereabouts of a woman who was born at the same time as he was at the infamous camp. This woman becomes his obsession. One small note on character names. Keeping Roth and Ruth straight at times was disconcerting. I have found many authors use similar names, or names starting with the same first letter, not realizing how confusing it can be for the reader who is racing from page to page, following action. And these characters are, sadly, as dour as their roles. There's no joy in their lives. But the plot is intricate, skipping back and forth between the years, never losing its thrust. The action moves quickly and surely. Unspeakable things occur, definitely not for the squeamish. Though at times, the plot seems to run past reality and leave it behind, Obsession is a page-turner for sure. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews