Book overview Michael Bennett, Book 15 James Patterson and James O. Born

Obsessed (Michael Bennett #15) — Complete Book Guide

Name: Obsessed
Author: James Patterson and James O. Born

Warning: This guide contains spoilers for the entire novel.

Quick Facts

Attribute	Details
Series	Michael Bennett (#15)
Author	James Patterson (with James O. Born)
Publication Year	2023
Genre	Crime fiction
Setting	New York City (Manhattan, Bronx, Yonkers, Hudson River)
Narrator	Third-person limited (Michael Bennett's perspective)
Main Characters	Michael Bennett, Terri Hernandez, Kyle Banning, Allie Pritz, Perry Martin, Jaden Banning

Short Summary (100–200 words)

When the body of a young woman in a gown is pulled from the Hudson River, NYPD detective Michael Bennett finds himself juggling a serial-killer investigation with raising ten children and supporting his wife’s fertility treatments. The victim, nursing student Estella Abreu, is quickly linked to a string of murders of college-age women who all used a secret escort network called “The Girlfriend Experience.” Bennett pursues wealthy suspect Kyle Banning, but the trail leads to Wolfson Academy’s football coach, Perry Martin. A sting operation goes sideways when Martin kidnaps the escort operator Allie Pritz. After a rooftop confession, Allie shoots Martin, killing him. Bennett resolves the case while confronting bullies who threaten his sons, reflecting on the balance between duty and family.

Full Summary (800–1,500 words)

Case Begins
Michael Bennett rides an NYPD boat to recover a body from the Hudson River. The victim, Estella Abreu, is a nursing student killed by a single puncture wound. Bennett partners with Bronx detective Terri Hernandez, who has a similar unsolved homicide of Juilliard student Emma Schrade. Analyst Walter Jackson identifies Estella, and Bennett notifies her grief-stricken family. A hidden designer gown in her closet suggests a secret life.

The Girlfriend Experience
Bennett learns of a missing friend of his daughter Juliana — Suzanne Morton — whose body is later found in New Rochelle. While investigating Suzanne’s room, Bennett finds a photo linking her to Kyle Banning, a wealthy investment advisor. Bennett interviews Banning at his office but is rebuffed. Through informant Ronald Higdon, he obtains Banning’s name, and analyst Walter Jackson finds Banning’s past domestic-violence arrest that was squashed.

Bennett’s family life: he coaches his daughter Fiona’s basketball team and deals with his sons being bullied by older teens with a gun. He seeks advice from his grandfather Seamus and juvenile sergeant Kathy Figler.

The Banning Family
Bennett enters the Banning apartment under false pretenses to question Kyle. Kyle’s father dismisses the murders, and Bennett notices younger brother Jaden’s disturbing interest in victim photos. Bennett later learns Jaden was hospitalized during the murders, giving him an alibi. He focuses on Jaden’s school, Wolfson Academy, an elite boarding school for troubled boys.

At Wolfson, Bennett meets coach Perry Martin and secretary Michelle Finnegan, who reveals Jaden brought an escort from “The Girlfriend Experience” to a school dance. The escort was victim Emma Schrade.

The Girlfriend Experience Exposed
Researching the term, Bennett visits tech analyst William Patel, who cross-references phone numbers to identify Allie Pritz, a former NYU student running the network. Allie cooperates, providing a client list. The list includes veterinarian Thomas Sloan, who attacks Bennett with ketamine when confronted. Sloan later trades information: the Wolfson Academy football coach Perry Martin gave him the service’s number.

The Sting and Confrontation
Bennett and Hernandez set up a sting: Allie will meet Martin at a bar while police surveil. The operation goes awry when a bar fight distracts the team; Martin takes Allie out a back door. They chase him through subways to a dilapidated hotel. Bennett kicks in the door and finds Allie safe. Perry Martin emerges from the bathroom. Allie accuses him of murder, and a brawl ensues. Martin flees to the roof, where he confesses to killing four women: Cheryl Savage (accidental), Emma Schrade (rough sex), Suzanne Morton (blackmail), and Estella Abreu (with a kitchen utensil). As Bennett talks him down, Allie grabs a detective’s gun and shoots Martin, killing him.

Aftermath
Bennett recovers and, with Figler, arrests the bullies who threatened his sons, finding a firearm. Weeks later, he returns to coaching, celebrating a basketball victory with his family. Mary Catherine continues fertility treatments without a firm decision. Bennett reflects on the advice “life goes on” and the importance of being present for his family.

Main Characters

Michael Bennett: NYPD homicide detective, father of ten, balancing investigation with family.
Terri Hernandez: Bronx detective who partners with Bennett, providing undercover support.
Kyle Banning: Wealthy investment advisor and initial suspect; cleared by alibi.
Allie Pritz: Operator of the Girlfriend Experience escort network; later kills Martin.
Perry Martin: Wolfson Academy football coach and the actual serial killer.
Jaden Banning: Kyle’s troubled younger brother; cleared because hospitalized during murders.

Key Themes

Family vs. Duty: Bennett repeatedly prioritizes his children’s safety and wife’s fertility treatments over the investigation.
Justice and Vigilantism: Allie Pritz’s revenge killing questions whether the legal system can deliver justice.
Privilege and Impunity: The Banning family uses wealth and legal connections to obstruct the investigation.
Commodification of Women: The Girlfriend Experience treats young women as purchasable companions, reflecting a system that devalues their lives.
Fatherhood and Protection: Bennett’s role as a father shapes every decision, from confronting bullies to risking his life to stop the killer.

Important Symbols

The Hudson River: The opening location where Estella Abreu’s body is recovered; symbolizes the disposal of victims and Bennett’s professional dread.
Basketball: Coaching Fiona’s team represents normalcy, family bonding, and a temporary escape from violence.
The Girlfriend Experience: The website and escort network symbolizes transactional relationships and the vulnerability of young women.
Wolfson Academy: The elite boarding school for troubled boys symbolizes institutional privilege and hidden darkness.

Ending Overview

The novel concludes with Bennett resolving both the murder case and the bullying subplot. Perry Martin is killed by Allie Pritz before he can be taken into custody. The bullies are arrested by Sergeant Figler. Bennett returns to coaching basketball, and his family celebrates a victory. Mary Catherine leaves the decision about fertility treatments open. Bennett accepts that life goes on and that his family needs him present.

Chapter-by-Chapter Summary

Below is a concise summary of each of the 111 chapters. Click the chapter title for a detailed breakdown.

Chapter	Summary
1	Bennett recovers a body from the Hudson, fearing it is Suzanne Morton.
2	The victim is not Suzanne; puncture wound and formal wear noted.
3	Bennett briefs Grissom and recruits analyst Walter Jackson.
4	Victim identified as Estella Abreu; family-work balance discussed.
5	Mary Catherine calls about fertility appointment; Bennett updates her.
6	Bennett and Hernandez notify Estella’s family in East Harlem.
7	Hidden gown found in Estella’s closet suggests secret life.
8	Autopsy reveals single puncture wound; killer’s strength noted.
9	Bennett returns home; Fiona’s basketball ambition discussed.
10	Sons Ricky and Eddie attacked by bullies; parenting conflict.
11	Interview Schrade family; Emma’s parents grieving.
12	Lauren Schrade plays piano; insight into Emma’s life.
13	Informant Ronald Higdon offers help; debt collectors arrive.
14	Bennett confronts men threatening Ronald; standoff.
15	Ronald’s friends subdue thugs; police authority challenged.
16	Bennett visits Grandfather Seamus; Suzanne Morton’s body found.
17	Bennett meets Suzanne’s parents; learns about detective “Suicide” Stanton.
18	Bennett meets Stanton; suspects serial killer; rushes to coach basketball.
19	Bennett coaches girls’ basketball; struggles with grief.
20	Sons bullied again; one bully displayed a gun.
21	Brian offers to help with bullies; Bennett declines due to parole.
22	Bennett gets missing-persons files from Avram.
23	Sergeant Figler advises on bullying; budget cuts discussed.
24	Bennett follows leads; attacked by father of missing Cheryl Savage.
25	Bennett interviews Savage parents; avoids confirming death.
26	Stanton transfers Suzanne Morton case to Bennett.
27	Persephone Garland provides a tip photo of Estella with a man.
28	Bennett meets tipster Ivan Mirotic; gets club date.
29	Bennett sends photo to informants; keeps surprise element.
30	Bennett coaches basketball; tries to confront bullies but misidentifies them.
31	Ronald identifies suspect as Kyle Banning.
32	Jackson finds Banning’s domestic violence arrest; cover-up suspected.
33	Bennett interviews Banning’s victim Celia Cartwright at museum.
34	Celia explains she accepted $20,000 to drop charges.
35	Bennett and Hernandez plan surveillance at bar Rain.
36	Hernandez goes undercover; Banning approaches.
37	Bennett surveils Banning; sees a familiar dangerous man.
38	Spotting ex-con Robert Hatcher; moral dilemma.
39	Hatcher leaves; Hernandez throws drink in Banning’s face.
40	Family dinner; discussion of bullying online vs. in person.
41	Seamus shares bullying story; Bennett decides to confront Banning directly.
42	Bennett visits Banning at Lancet Financial; Banning refuses to talk.
43	Bennett finds iCloud photo of Suzanne Morton with Kyle Banning.
44	Team reviews evidence; Banning’s juvenile record discovered but insufficient for warrant.
45	Bennett plans surprise interview at Banning home; Ronald arranges entry.
46	Bennett coaches Fiona’s first game; distracted by case.
47	Bennett enters Banning apartment via service entrance.
48	Bennett shows photos; Banning claims innocence; father arrives.
49	Mr. Banning dismisses victims; Bennett bluffs about juvenile arrest.
50	Bennett fixates on Jaden; researches Wolfson Academy.
51	Family Sunday; touch football and church dinner.
52	Bennett tours Wolfson Academy undercover as prospective parent.
53	Bennett meets Coach Perry Martin; avoids distraction.
54	Michelle Finnegan shows photo of Jaden with Emma Schrade.
55	Bennett learns “Girlfriend Experience” is an escort network.
56	Tech analyst Patel identifies Allie Pritz as network operator.
57	Bennett handles bullying incident involving his sons.
58	Juliana reveals Suzanne talked about Allie; address near NYU.
59	Financial irregularities in victims’ accounts point to escort work.
60	Bennett and Hernandez find Allie; she flees via fire escape.
61	Allie caught; Bennett reveals homicide investigation.
62	Allie explains network: burner phones, no contact among girls.
63	Allie provides client list; Bennett believes killer’s number is among them.
64	Bennett accompanies Mary Catherine to fertility clinic.
65	Family dinner; Ronald calls for help with burglary.
66	Bennett confronts burglars; recognizes older man.
67	Sal Ventri recognizes Bennett; calls off debt collection.
68	Team reviews burner phone records; six new names.
69	Bennett and Hernandez split suspects; lawyer William Dexter becomes person of interest.
70	Dexter provides alibi; Jaden Banning hospitalized for overdose.
71	Bennett drives to hospital, resisting distraction of bullies.
72	Nurse reveals Kyle stayed at hospital every night; Jaden on psychiatric hold.
73	Bennett eliminates Banning brothers; Seamus offers perspective.
74	Bennett reviews files; focuses on veterinarian Thomas Sloan.
75	Bennett and Hernandez plan interview with Sloan.
76	Bennett interviews Sloan; Sloan becomes hostile.
77	Bennett links Sloan to Girlfriend Experience and Wolfson Academy.
78	Sloan injects Bennett with ketamine and flees.
79	Bennett pockets vial; collapses as Sloan is arrested.
80	Bennett wakes in ER; ketamine confirmed; Mary Catherine orders others out.
81	Bennett recovers at home; Mary Catherine suggests retirement.
82	Sloan’s lawyer negotiates reduced charge for information.
83	Sloan reveals coach Perry Martin gave him the service number.
84	Michelle Finnegan identifies names of football fathers; Martin low salary.
85	Detective Horvath flags William Tassick as suspect.
86	Bennett examines social media; Martin’s ex-fiancée works at Bronx youth center.
87	Bennett interviews ex-fiancée; eliminates Martin as suspect too early.
88	Sergeant Pagan reveals Martin’s past assault allegation.
89	Team discusses Martin’s burner phone pattern during football season.
90	Bennett learns of stolen money from Wolfson Academy.
91	Allie agrees to help with sting; Bennett terrified.
92	Team briefs Allie on undercover operation at The Hockey Stick.
93	Mary Catherine worries about Bennett; fertility doubts.
94	Allie arranges meet with Martin; Bennett authorizes sting.
95	Stakeout begins; Martin approaches bar.
96	Martin flirts with Allie; distraction erupts in bar.
97	Bar fight blocks view; Martin and Allie vanish.
98	Bennett searches alley; transmitter provides faint signal.
99	Signal leads to subway station; team pursues.
100	Bennett subdues hostile commuter; GPS shows train moving north.
101	Bennett and Hernandez board train; lose signal briefly.
102	Track GPS to Malloy Arms hotel; kick in door.
103	Allie safe; Martin emerges from bathroom; confrontation.
104	Brawl; Martin flees to roof.
105	Standoff on rooftop ledge; Bennett fights acrophobia.
106	Martin confesses to four murders; Allie arrives.
107	Allie grabs gun and shoots Martin; he falls to death.
108	Bennett and Figler arrest the bullies; gun found.
109	Bennett returns to coaching; family celebrates basketball victory.
110	Promotional section for author newsletter.
111	Author biographies: James Patterson and James O. Born.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is “The Girlfriend Experience” in the book?
It is a secret escort network run by Allie Pritz, where young women are hired as dates for events, with sex optional. The victims in the case were part of this network.

2. Who is the serial killer in Obsessed?
Perry Martin, the football coach at Wolfson Academy, murders four young women: Cheryl Savage, Emma Schrade, Suzanne Morton, and Estella Abreu.

3. Why did Allie Pritz shoot Perry Martin?
Allie kills Martin out of revenge for murdering her friends (the victims). She feels the justice system might fail and takes matters into her own hands.

4. Did Kyle Banning kill anyone?
No. Kyle Banning is initially a suspect due to his connections to two victims, but he is cleared because he was at the hospital with his brother Jaden during Estella’s murder.

5. What happens to the bullies that threatened Bennett’s sons?
Bennett works with Sergeant Figler to identify the bullies via security footage. They are arrested after a revolver is found on one of them.

6. Does Mary Catherine decide to have another baby?
She decides to continue her fertility medication but does not make a final commitment. The issue remains open at the end of the novel.

7. How does the book end?
Bennett returns to coaching Fiona’s basketball team, the family celebrates a win, and he reflects on the importance of being present for his children despite the demands of his job.

8. Is there a deeper meaning to the title “Obsessed”?
The title reflects Bennett’s obsessive dedication to catching the killer, as well as the killer’s obsession with control and violence, and the broader societal obsession with status and privilege.