Genre: Mystery

If you’ve ever wished for the ability to foresee the future, Dreams and Illusions may make you think twice. Rebecca Olmstead introduces us to Gabrielle Dorian, a woman whose dreams once held power—until they failed her at the worst possible moment. As Gabrielle wrestles with grief, guilt, and an estranged sister in trouble, she’s forced to question whether her ‘gift’ is a blessing or a curse.

Throughout history, people have had a rather complicated way of looking at prophecy. The Oracle of Delphi, Nostradamus, and countless other biblical figures were feared and revered in equal measure. Why? Because foreknowledge is a double-edged sword—you can be a saviour or a pariah. This is something Gabby finds out for herself when her knowledge usually leads to her being suspected rather than thanked.

Grief, Guilt, and Ghosts (Both Literal and Figurative)

What makes Dreams and Illusions stand out from a typical mystery novel is its emotional depth. This is not just a whodunit; it’s an exploration of loss and what it means to be left behind. Gabrielle’s parents were taken from her in a car accident—an event she never saw coming despite her supposed abilities. Imagine being known for your intuition, only to have it betray you when it matters most.

Grief is like an uninvited guest, lingering in the corners of her boutique, Belle Femme, and whispering in her dreams. If trauma had a scent, Gabrielle would bottle it next to her high-end perfumes. Every small town has its ghosts—some metaphorical, some quite possibly real.

A Town Too Small for Secrets

Set in the fictional town of Whitman, Washington, Dreams and Illusions plays on the tension of tight-knit communities where everyone knows everyone else’s business. But does that mean they tell the truth? The town feels reminiscent of real-life cases where secrets fester for years before finally boiling over. Take the infamous murder case of Kathleen Peterson—so many theories, so much town gossip. Gabrielle finds herself caught in a similar web of whispers and sideways glances, unsure of whom to trust.

Kate, Gabrielle’s fashionable and fiercely loyal best friend, provides much-needed levity in the form of sharp wit and well-timed snark. But even Kate’s million-dollar instincts can’t protect Gabrielle from the danger creeping ever closer.

The Science Behind the Supernatural

Gabrielle’s dreams are more than just plot devices—they tap into something deeply ingrained in human psychology. Studies suggest that 60% of people have experienced déjà vu, and up to 38% have had a precognitive dream. But is it mere coincidence, or something more? Gabrielle’s gift (or curse) aligns with scientific theories on pattern recognition—our brains constantly searching for meaning in the chaos of everyday life.

And yet, despite this rational explanation, there’s something undeniably chilling about a laugh echoing through Gabrielle’s nightmares, carrying a warning she can’t quite grasp.

Final Verdict: A Mystery That Lingers

Dreams and Illusions isn’t just about solving a crime—it’s about untangling the complexities of family, faith, and fate. It’s for readers who love a slow-burn thriller with an undercurrent of something otherworldly. It’s for those who appreciate mysteries where the biggest question isn’t just ‘Who did it?’ but ‘What does it mean?’

For those who have ever woken up from a dream feeling like it meant something—this book is for you.

Content Warning: This novel contains themes of grief, loss, and psychological distress. While there is no explicit content, some readers may find the exploration of death, trauma, and supernatural elements unsettling.

Spotlyts Story Award

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