Crossword Genius

Linking me with shocking crimes is compulsively fascinating (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mesmeric

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'fascinating' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for mesmeric that I've seen before include "Hypnotic, spellbinding" , "Fascinating" , "Hypnotic and compelling" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.
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