Lukas Novak, a celebrated architect, is haunted by more than blueprints-he’s tormented by PTSD after surviving multiple assassination attempts by Beatrice Hirsch, a sociopathic NYC crime boss and obsessive art collector. Her fixation? A rare painting by William Adolphe Bouguereau, Girls with a Red Ball, and the man who dared to stand in her way.

Once denied the painting by Novak, Hirsch’s obsession twists into vengeance. She vows to unleash her criminal network to steal the masterpiece and exact a slow, brutal death on the man she blames for her loss.

Now a star witness in a federal case linking Hirsch to the grisly murder of two of Novak’s closest friends, he finds himself the target of a relentless hunt. Though shielded by the FBI, U.S. Marshals, and NYPD, Novak remains a marked man.

But the most powerful protection may come from those who love him: Stevie Ling, a brilliant Vietnamese architect, and his psychologist, Mia Martin, who risk their lives to keep him alive. A dangerous combination of loyalty, love and sacrifice forms beneath the looming shadow of Hirch’s madness.

In a deadly cat-and-mouse game where obsession is the greatest weapon of all, Novak must confront not only a ruthless enemy but also the ghosts of his own trauma and the love that might save him.

A New York City crime boss, Beatrice Hirsh, is consumed by revenge, vowing to torture and murder Lukas Novak – a man who prevents her from possessing a treasured Bouguereau painting, Girls with a Red Ball. Determined to see justice served, Novak agrees to testify against her in federal court, potentially sentencing Hirsch to life in prison. He finds himself under the intense protection of the FBI, U.S. marshals, NYPD, his loyal friends, and his lover, all committed to keeping him alive as Hirsch’s deadly plans close in. A high-stakes struggle unfolds between reprisal, loyalty, and survival.

“Larry Preston has crafted a fast-paced, exceptional story of intrigue and mystery in the fine art world.

“There is plenty of danger and many a plot twist that keeps the reader guessing whether architect Lukas Novak is truly safe or not. His characters are well-developed and interesting and I found myself worried that my favorite ones might not be all they purport to be.

“I loved learning more about the famous works of art in the novel. Mr. Preston’s knowledge and love of art – coupled with his experience as a lawyer -- gives the reader a simultaneous “right brain/left brain” experience.

“I could not read Art of Obsessions: Art, Revenge, Love fast enough; it thoroughly held my interest and stayed with me long after I finished the last page.”