Dreams and Illusions

A Gabrielle Dorian Mystery #1

Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
251 Pages
Reviewed on 09/03/2024
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Foram Vyas for Readers' Favorite

As a big fan of murder mysteries, I have to say Dreams and Illusions by Rebecca Olmstead is a real page-turner! The story centers around Gabrielle Dorian, who’s grappling with a crisis of faith after a series of personal tragedies. Just as she’s trying to make sense of her prophetic dreams and the losses she couldn’t prevent, she’s pulled into a new nightmare—her estranged sister is accused of murder. The plot thickens as Gabrielle races against time to uncover the truth and save her sister from a seemingly inevitable guilty verdict. The tension builds with each chapter, and I found myself deeply invested in Gabrielle’s quest. I was on the edge of my seat, worrying right alongside her as she navigated this emotional and suspenseful journey.

Rebecca Olmstead really knows how to build tension and develop her characters. Gabrielle is a strong, relatable protagonist whose struggles feel real and heart-wrenching. The author’s attention to detail adds depth to the story, making each twist more impactful and the stakes feel incredibly high. I especially enjoyed the mix of emotional highs and lows, which kept the narrative from becoming too predictable. The storyline is well-paced, balancing moments of intense drama with quieter, reflective scenes that add layers to the mystery and complexity to the characters. I found myself second-guessing every clue, and even now, I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment to see where Gabrielle’s journey will take her. If you’re a fan of thrillers with well-crafted characters, intricate plot twists, and plenty of suspense, Dreams and Illusions is definitely a book you should check out! It’s the kind of mystery that stays with you long after the last page is turned.