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Why We Don’t Die in Dreams: Book One Kindle Edition

4.8 out of 5 stars 119 ratings

Gavin McLean is an astute, accomplished and dedicated homicide detective. His days are filled with solving brutal murder cases, delving into the psyches of the worst humanity has to offer. His work comes first, to the detriment of his personal life.

His sleeping hours are plagued by a reoccurring dream of a beautiful naked woman with long brown hair. He's mesmerized by her shapely backside, which is all he can see in the vision. The dream is erratic, with no patterns to help discern frequency or cause ... with one complicated exception. She is always suspended by her hands, from a meat hook, on the ceiling, and pleads for her life.

With his personal life in turmoil and dreams shortening his sleep, he struggles to keep his world in operating order. He distracts himself by having an encounter with a frequent lover. Then fate steps in when a woman is found naked and dead, in a dumpster.

Is Gavin's dream becoming his reality. SOMETIMES NOTHING IS AS IT SEEMS.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

KIRKUS REVIEW A Boston detective's recurring dream of a bound woman begging for help predicts a murderer who targets female victims in this psychological thriller.
The specifics in homicide detective Gavin McLean's recurrent dream are generally the same. An unknown woman in a dungeonlike room, tied to a meat hook, tells Gavin, "Don't let him kill me." But after he and his new partner, Lucinda "Lou" Barnes, catch the case of Eden James, whom someone brutally raped, murdered, and left in a dumpster, the dream changes significantly. This time, the woman says, "You let him kill her," leading Gavin to surmise Eden was the first target of a potential serial killer. Sadly, more victims follow, and it's quickly evident that Gavin somehow knows each one. Thinking the murderer's watching him, he fears for the women in his life, including Lou, his mom, and his baby sister. The detectives' subsequent discovery of the likely murder room--a torture device-filled chamber akin to Gavin's dreams--takes the investigation into the world of S&M. A sudden plot turn, however, pushes Gavin (and the story) deep into his psyche, and before long, his waking life and dreams are nearly impossible to distinguish. Although the twist does shift the narrative's focus, Gavin's relationships, particularly with Lou, provide a constant. Inevitable romance between the detectives sparks explicit sex scenes bursting with affection, as they're generous partners. S&M is likewise treated favorably--it's a therapeutic act and not at all perverse, as some may believe. The novel's surreal second half (readers may suspect Gavin's dreaming even if he doesn't) temporarily sidelines the murder mystery, and suspense consequently wanes. Meanwhile, Zello's (
Romancing Broadway, 2015, etc.) straightforward but confident prose eases readers through further twists that ultimately become a bit predictable. But the ending throws everything, from characters to the serial-killer plot, into a glorious tailspin that offers both resolution and the hint of a sequel.
A police procedural melds into an illusory journey that's just as riveting, if not more so.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08W4KMQHL
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 6, 2021
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.0 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 461 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1533794871
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 2 ‏ : ‎ Why We Don’t Die in Dreams
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 119 ratings

About the author

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Debbie Zello
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Debbie has always been an avid reader, but writing never occurred to her. That was until an illness gave her the time and inspiration needed to begin her journey in words. After writing down a few chapters of a story that had whispered into her head, she gave it to a few friends to read. The rest became her first book, The Kiss Me Chronicles.

Debbie freely credits her stories to her muses, the characters themselves. They occupy her thoughts and dreams, presenting her with their narratives on their lives and loves. On occasion, she has tried to put her own take on their story, only to be quickly corrected by the true authors.

Debbie has traveled extensively and has a deep love of American history. Her novels are often based on historical events as well as places she has visited. She is also an amateur genealogist, having traced her own family roots.

Debbie currently has fifteen published books with many more in various stages of production. She is also branching out of the romance/historical romance genre to include a teenage appropriate story based on Dorothy's(The Wizard of Oz) great-granddaughter, Dee, and her shoes.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
119 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book engaging, with one review highlighting its murder scenes and another noting its brilliant mystery plot. Moreover, the writing quality receives positive feedback, with one customer describing the author's mind as pure genius. Additionally, customers appreciate the character development and the book's artistry, with one review specifically praising the good-looking homicide detective character.

13 customers mention "Suspenseful"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book suspenseful, describing it as a brilliant mystery that grabs readers from the first page, with one customer noting its engaging crime scene descriptions.

"...She’ll hook you with murder scenes, steamy sex scenes, and glimpses of gritty day-by-day detective work that are so real it’ll seem like she has..." Read more

"...The story Why we don't die in Dreams by Debbie Zello is a thrilling/erotica/paranormal book. This is an amazing story that I loved reading...." Read more

"...Carefully, very carefully. I refuse to give anything away. This is a mystery, suspense, erotic Romance that, at some point, will throw you down the..." Read more

"...The story has some amazing twist and turns and the suspense will keep you on your toes and wondering what’s fixing to happen next...." Read more

6 customers mention "Readability"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable and brilliant, with one describing it as a thrilling story.

"...This is an amazing story that I loved reading...." Read more

"...The writing is impeccable. The plot development is …. Brilliant. The character development, well, LOL, yeah, beyond brilliant. Just one click...." Read more

"...This book was amazing and the author's mind is pure genius...." Read more

"...This is a must read. The character development is amazing in this brilliant mystery! Thank you Ms Zello! I can wait for more." Read more

5 customers mention "Writing quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, with one customer noting the author's pure genius.

"...This is an author who truly is an amazing writer and creates amazing characters...." Read more

"...The writing is impeccable. The plot development is …. Brilliant. The character development, well, LOL, yeah, beyond brilliant. Just one click...." Read more

"...This book was amazing and the author's mind is pure genius...." Read more

"...Well written, relatable characters and a solid story line made this an easy 5 star in my book. Oh!..." Read more

3 customers mention "Art quality"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the art quality of the book, with one describing it as a work of art and another noting its good-looking homicide detective character.

"...This is a work of art. This author is brilliant. She takes the phrase, “Nothing is as it seems,” and, well, I’m not telling...." Read more

"Gavin McLean is a good looking homicide detective, who like many of the homicide detectives, puts his all into his work leaving little time sleep..." Read more

"...I'm dying to know...who is the real Gavin McLean?! Highly recommended creative,sassy, and suspenseful read!!" Read more

3 customers mention "Character development"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book.

"...I love the character of Gavin McLean...." Read more

"...This is a must read. The character development is amazing in this brilliant mystery! Thank you Ms Zello! I can wait for more." Read more

"...Well written, relatable characters and a solid story line made this an easy 5 star in my book. Oh!..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2017
    Why we don't die in Dreams
    By: Debbie Zello
    5 out of 5 stars

    The story Why we don't die in Dreams by Debbie Zello is a thrilling/erotica/paranormal book. This is an amazing story that I loved reading. It takes you on a journey that has plenty of mystery and there are times I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. I love the character of Gavin McLean. He is a wonderful character that you can get behind and you want him to succeed in finding all the answers to the questions that have been placed before him. Gavin is a man that is having a dream, a nightmare really. He is baffled as to why he has this dream and what it means. His concern is that in this dream is a woman who is in trouble and asking him for help. Will Gavin find the reason that he is having this dream? There comes a time when the dream starts to change. What are the reasons for this change? Is the woman real and if so will Gavin be able to save her? As the story progresses Gavin also finds more and more puzzling things happening in his life that he can’t find a reasonable explanation for. What is happening to Gavin? Reading this story sparked my imagination as each clue that you are given only leads you to more questions. This is a story that kept me guessing what would happen next and I didn’t want to put it down until I had read the final page. This book also has some very steamy love scenes that will have you turning on a fan and reaching for a glass of ice water. There are other supporting characters in the book who love, socialize and work with Gavin and I enjoyed reading about them. This is an author who truly is an amazing writer and creates amazing characters. I have read several of her books and I have never been disappointed in any of them. This book does end with a cliffhanger. I can’t wait to read what happens next. This story does have mature subject matter which includes descriptions of an alternative lifestyle, steamy love scenes, and also descriptions of crime scenes. It would be recommended for those 18 years of age or older.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2016
    Hahahahahahaha. What did I just read and HOW am I to write a review? Carefully, very carefully. I refuse to give anything away. This is a mystery, suspense, erotic Romance that, at some point, will throw you down the rabbit hole, lock you down there, then, when you are completely disoriented, it throws you into the twighlight zone. And then it ends because this is a very cruel and sadistic author. LOL. There is another one coming. I hope it’s soon, like before I use up all my crayons as I sit here in the corner blabbering. Just remember that screaming is actually therapeutic. It helps release stress. LOL. I usually hate cliffys but this one is brilliant, and its needed.

    This is my first book by this author and it will not be the last. Her mind is twisted and she obviously enjoys torturing her readers, but it’s actually fun. There is mystery and I’m warning you now. Don’t even try. It will make it that much harder for you when you get tossed into the rabbit hole. This is a work of art. This author is brilliant. She takes the phrase, “Nothing is as it seems,” and, well, I’m not telling. One click now and you will completely understand.

    The writing is impeccable. The plot development is …. Brilliant. The character development, well, LOL, yeah, beyond brilliant. Just one click. You will not be disappointed. I wish there was a support group for this book. There should be a support group…

    I very much recommend this experience. You don’t only read this book. No you experience it. I’ll see you down the rabbit hole!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2017
    Debbie Zello isn’t sadistic. She’s merely a master (make that mistress) of her craft; a mistress who will tantalize you with hints that make you think you’ve identified the murderer of several young women and then punish you with the realization you’ve got it all wrong. Handsome homicide detective Gavin McLean is so real you’ll think you’ve known him all your life till, suddenly, he’s not himself any more. Literally. You realize something paranormal is going on during this serial murder investigation when Gavin keeps having the same dream of a brunette suspended from a meat hook saying, “He killed them. Don’t let him kill me.” And suddenly he wakes in a cold sweat, sometimes in his own bed, sometimes in another, sometimes—even—in another incarnation. This investigation is doing something to his head. And yours. When you pick up Why We Don’t Die In Dreams it’s as good as putting on a collar and pledging to let Ms. Zello dominate you till you put it down. She’ll hook you with murder scenes, steamy sex scenes, and glimpses of gritty day-by-day detective work that are so real it’ll seem like she has been there. But I’m not accusing her of anything; at least not anything more than being a mast..er, that is, mistress of her craft. For your final torturous punishment, it’s a cliff-hanger! And the sequel hasn’t been released yet! And no movie plans have been announced! Cruel. Five stars for the book. Five lashes for the author.
    One person found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Bel Kenzie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling - intense and just the right amount of wittiness
    Reviewed in Germany on January 3, 2017
    Why we don't die in dreams is yet another compelling book of Debbie Zello's. It's spellbinding, hot and has just the right amount of wittiness included. One moment it's serious and your wheels turn because the plot is so intense and the next you crack up for second. Refreshing and amazing. I've loved every single one of her books and highly recommend this one. Five stars.
  • Johanne Poirier
    5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read
    Reviewed in Canada on August 21, 2016
    Deborra Zello is an amazing writer and she makes you live the story through her words.

    In this book you will find the story of Gavin McLean and Lucinda Barnes aka Lou.

    You find yourself in a twisted story that takes you in different cities like Boston and California. You do find yourself following those characters in different jobs and you are wondering what will happen to them.

    From chapters to chapters you never know what Deborra is throwing at you and you want to read more and more to find out what Gavin and Lou are up to. You will get confused at times and then on the edge of a cliff, wondering if you will fall or not.

    I can tell you that you will get enough thrills and puzzle pieces to fill your imagination till the end and even there you’re not expecting or foreseeing it at all.

    Breath taking read
  • Nean
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Twists - Five Star Read
    Reviewed in Australia on August 22, 2016
    I thought this was going to be a basic Thriller the same as others and that was where I was wrong. The story as a mix up of romance and the twists and turns that were not what I expected. The author hooks you in thinking that you know exactly where the book is leading and then you get a twist that you just didn’t see coming – can’t wait to read more by Debbie Zello
    This starts off with Gavin waking up from a dream, the same dream he has been having and trying to make sense of but everything he tries isn't working.
    Gavin didn't want to be a lawyer like his parents and work at their law firm. He decided to work for the homicide division of the Boston police department His boss wants some answers from an unsolved case that has been open a while and they seem to be getting evaded at every turn. As a result of Gavin being a workaholic his personal life is suffering, he gets along well with his partner Lou and thinks she has curves in all the right places.
    Gavin gets an early call as there has been another body found and organises to pick Lou up on his way explaining she may not cope with seeing her first dead body and he was right. Gavin's dreams continue each one a variance from the last but never giving him enough to go on.
    After a few rough cases he's friends with benefits, Jules gives him a call and it's just what he needs with everything going on. Gavin and Lou continue following up on clues and suspects to try to find the killer all the while their friendly flirting continues. Jules his long term lover rings and makes Gavin an offer that he can't accept even though their best friends and love each other and Gavin makes a counter offer.
    Everyone is pushing Gavin to have a relationship, his mother is begging for grandchildren and his best friend’s wife plays match maker with her neighbour Marisa, but Gavin can’t focus on that while he is still having the dreams. Gavin continues to have the dreams which are giving no answers although do have some slight variations, and he still in no closer to closing the case. Finally, Gavin makes a connection to the cases but it wasn't one I was expecting. Gavin continues having the dreams and his partner Lou helping him to try to solve the case starts to get to Gavin. The dreams continue with Gavin seeing them as real he begins to have trouble seeing what is real and what is not.
  • Sandra Loves Reading
    5.0 out of 5 stars MUST READ!!!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 20, 2018
    I'd seriously like to give this more than 5 stars!
    I was kept enthralled from start to finish in this mysterious tale.
    Gavin McLean is a homicide detective with it all going for him. Except he's plagued with nightmares. Are his nightmares real though? Will they come to pass or is it all just a horrible dream???
    There aren't many books where you can't make a guess at what's going on. But this is one of them. It's a total mystery.
    So now I HAVE to read the next book.
    MUST READ!!!
  • Angela Hayes
    5.0 out of 5 stars much like hidden landmines
    Reviewed in Australia on November 13, 2017
    5 Stars

    Why We Don’t Die in Dreams is a superb read by the very talented Debbie Zello. This story is a detective murder mystery- with drama, suspense, thrills, and mystery. It’s a bit of a psychological MIND-BLOWING story with paranormal elements, police investigational procedures, a serial killer, romance, and erotic situations. Nothing I can say here (without giving away spoilers -which I won’t do) will be able to do the story justice, or convey the clever, multi-layered and complex storyline- which held some epic twists that Ms. Zello deftly buried, much like hidden landmines, for us to stumble over, and have detonate in our face.
    I started this book after really liking what I read on the blurb. Once I started reading I soon realised that this book is a little different from the other books of Ms. Zello’s that I had read- I went from being intrigued, to totally fascinated, then quite astounded by what I was reading. There was NO way I was going to be able to put the book down till I could figure out what was going on- well that didn’t happen, as Ms. Zello kept me on tender-hooks, guessing the whole way through the story. So, I ended up reading the book in one sitting, reaching the end of this mind-bending story in complete shock and awe at what I had read. I may have cursed Ms. Zello a little (OK, a lot), for twisting my mind so completely and leaving me hanging at the end….. do you know how badly I NEED the next book now, just so I can try and piece this story together. One word sums it all up beautifully- WOW!
    Her best book yet!

    Thank-you, Ms. Zello!

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