The Network

The Dream Traveler, Book Two

Fiction - Crime
256 Pages
Reviewed on 11/12/2018
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Amy Raines for Readers' Favorite

In The Network: The Dream Traveler Book Two by Ernesto H Lee, Detective Constable Sean McMillan is arrested for the murder of his prime suspect in a case from the past. He has at his disposal a very odd gift that allows him to travel through time within his dreams, but this gift can only assist him so far without the trust and support of his fellow officers and colleagues. With the evidence stacked against him getting worse all the time and the knowledge that his own partner is involved somehow, the likelihood of being exonerated of the charges is all but nonexistent. While awaiting his trial, Detective Constable Sean McMillan finds himself in over his head with a prison thug’s deadly and time sensitive deadline looming nearer. Can McMillan find the information and evidence of the mobster group that calls themselves ‘The Network’ before either they or the prison thugs that want his blood can destroy all his hopes of finding the truth, along with his life?

The Network has a very exciting plot that takes the reader on a page-turning ride through time as Sean McMillan attempts to clear his name from the murder rap he faces. Every single character has their own surprising and unique past that distinguishes The Network from any other story I have ever read. I love how Ernesto H Lee made me think I knew who the mastermind was, then shocked me with the truth with a very precise and interesting explanation that took the story to a deeper level of excitement. The Network is action packed from beginning to end as the author keeps the reader asking ‘what’s coming next?’ I would recommend this book to anyone that loves action, adventure and misadventure all rolled into one. I would not be surprised to see a movie trailer for The Network in the future and I, for one, would love to see it. I loved this book and I can’t wait to see what other amazing stories Ernesto H Lee has in store for readers to get caught up in.

Ruffina Oserio

Ernesto H Lee’s The Network is the second entry in the crime series The Dream Traveler and a promising hit for readers who enjoy extraordinary characters. In this story, we encounter Detective Constable Sean McMillan, a man fighting a war on different fronts. It seems he has lost the trust of his boss and he suffers a painful betrayal from his partner. He is arrested for a murder he never committed, the murder of his number one suspect in a crime. Someone is bent on sinking Sean and the person seems to be pulling just the right strings. Unsure of whom to trust, Sean must match wits with his enemies and make choices that are hard and that can change not just his life but the lives of those he cares about. This time around can he outsmart his enemies, prove his innocence, and protect his witnesses?

Fast-paced and engrossing, The Network is an intricately plotted novel with a lot of intrigue and much to keep the reader turning the pages. There are moments when the reader feels some sympathy for the protagonist. The author makes him deeply human and vulnerable, which adds to the realism that makes the story irresistible. The unpredictability of the plot makes for a great read. I found myself suspecting the characters, wondering what could happen next as I turned from page to page. While this is a gripping crime novel, it can also be read as a tale that explores the psychology of choices and I loved how the protagonist gets put into a dilemma, unsure of his next step, yet trusting his guts. Ernesto H Lee writes well and creates characters that are compelling, scenes that are intense and focused, and a world that readers can easily find themselves in. It was a great read for me.

Jack Magnus

The Network: The Dream Traveler is a paranormal police procedural mystery novel written by Ernesto H. Lee. Detective Constable Sean McMillan knew things were pretty bad and figured they were probably going to get worse. His skill at time-traveling through his dream states had gotten him so close to bringing his quarry to justice. He had hoped to prove himself to his boss in the Cold Case Squad, but his partner’s betrayal had cast him in the worst possible light. Sean had no idea, however, just how bad it could get. He was stunned by the rough awakening he was receiving at the hands of the police -- in his own apartment. Before he knew it, he was face-down and being handcuffed, and his partner, Catherine, was identifying him for the arresting officers. Then she read him the charges and his rights, while he tried to assert how wrong they really were. When Sergeant Bellmarsh came into his bedroom bearing the blood-stained knife, Sean knew he had been well and truly fitted up.

The Network: The Dream Traveler is the second book in this paranormal sleuth series, however, Lee provides ample background information for it to be enjoyed as a standalone. That said, I’d advise starting with the first book in this original series, Out of Time, to get the full experience of the story. Sean McMillan is the consummate hard-boiled detective, one whose paranormal gift renders him even more isolated than your typical noir hero. Watching as he navigates time streams to bring down an enduring and evil conspiracy and apprehend a murderer is grand fun indeed. Lee’s story works so well as both a police procedural and a paranormal adventure, and his characters are credible and finely honed. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series. The Network: The Dream Traveler, Book Two is most highly recommended.

Deborah Lloyd

Arrested on the charge of suspicion of murder, Detective Constable Sean McMillan refuses to answer questions in his own police station and is sent to prison. Although Sean’s partner, Catherine Swain, and his boss have turned against him, Sean knows he has been framed and devises an intricate plan to prove who the real murderer is. Although he is not certain who can be trusted, he has no choice but to make seemingly illogical requests to acquaintances to obtain needed items. Sean has a special gift – he can dream travel. Unfortunately, this gift does not take away the real dangers of prison life, nor the threatening actions of those in power. Author Ernesto H. Lee has written another incredible murder mystery in The Network: The Dream Traveler Book Two. Although Sean is confined to a prison cell, with corrupt prison guards, he manages to “escape” on a regular basis while dreaming to find ways to prove his innocence.

This book is well-written; it moves at a fast pace, even though there are many interesting complications and setbacks. How Sean’s character is depicted is a study in complexity - he can be fierce or compassionate; fearless or scared; confident or humble. Every other character in the book is also described well. The idea of utilizing the gift of dream travel by a police officer is truly unique, and this series of books will enchant any reader of the crime genre. The Network: The Dream Traveler Book Two written by Ernesto H. Lee is a gripping read. The ending is the perfect ending!

K.C. Finn

The Network is a fascinating work of supernatural crime fiction by author Ernesto H Lee, and is the second book in The Dream Traveler series. In this sequel to Out Of Time, we are once again introduced to Detective Sean McMillan, a detective with the unique ability to time travel in his dreams and discover clues to solve his day job cases. After a disastrous coup that sees him betrayed and thrown into detention for the murder of his own prime suspect, DC McMillan must re-learn the system and find new allies to trust as he tries to lift his own arrest and pinpoint the culprit in time.

Author Ernesto H Lee has a great concept and strong character going with Detective Constable Sean McMillan. The themes of trust and betrayal keep the mystery and suspense of the plot flowing nicely, and I found his descriptions to be lively and cinematic, particularly in McMillan’s dreams. The uncovering of clues was well paced and didn’t give too much away whilst readers themselves are trying to figure out what’s going on, and I like the fact that McMillan is an imperfect hero who doesn’t always get things right. There is some violence to the plot, but overall it’s an appropriate read for adult fans of all taste levels. I definitely think many readers will adore Sean for his unique gifts, and fall into page after page of this enticing read like I did. Overall, The Network is a fantastic continuation of a highly original concept series.