In My Dreams I Hold A Knife

Ashley Winstead
47 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Adult
Published in 2021

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Book Brief

Ashley Winstead

In My Dreams I Hold A Knife

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021
Book Details
Pages

345

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Horror & Suspense

•

Mystery & Crime Fiction
Setting

North Carolina • 2010s

Theme
Memory

•

Friendship

•

Coming of Age
First Publication Year

2021

Publisher

Sourcebooks Landmark

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In My Dreams I Hold a Knife by Ashley Winstead is a dual-timeline campus mystery/thriller set at the fictional Duquette University. Ambitious Jessica Miller faces her past at a 10-year reunion, where she reunites with her college friends, the East House Seven, and delves into unresolved memories regarding the murder of their friend Heather Shelby, in a gripping "whodunit" narrative. This book contains depictions of physical and sexual violence.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Dark

Emotional

Gritty

Reviews & Readership

3.8

147,733 ratings

66%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Ashley Winstead's In My Dreams I Hold A Knife has garnered praise for its gripping narrative and complex characters. Critics commend the intricate plot and suspenseful twists. However, some note its pacing issues and a few predictable elements. Overall, it is a compelling psychological thriller that keeps readers engaged.

Who should read this

Who Should Read In My Dreams I Hold A Knife?

Fans of gripping psychological thrillers and dark academia will enjoy Ashley Winstead's In My Dreams I Hold A Knife. This book appeals to readers who loved Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl or Donna Tartt's The Secret History, offering a blend of suspense, complex characters, and a hauntingly atmospheric setting.

3.8

147,733 ratings

66%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

The novel's protagonist and narrator, Jessica is a self-obsessed and ambitious character haunted by the night her friend Heather Shelby was murdered during their senior year at Duquette University.

A popular and wealthy student at Duquette University, Heather is the informal leader of the friend group, the East House Seven, whose mysterious murder drives much of the novel's plot.

Jessica's college boyfriend and president of Phi Delt, Mint is a charismatic and socially prominent figure at Duquette, heir to a real estate empire.

Known as the Duquette “bad boy,” Coop is a motorcycle-riding, green-eyed character with a deep, long-standing affection for Jessica.

The brother of Heather Shelby, Eric is dedicated to uncovering the truth about her murder and works at the university to piece together what happened.

A member of the East House Seven, Caro is often seen as a kind and caring character who feels peripheral in her friend group.

Part of the East House Seven, Frankie is initially perceived as a stereotypical jock but later reveals deeper layers to his character.

Another member of the East House Seven, Jack is characterized as a good-natured individual and has been Heather's boyfriend since freshman year.

Courtney, a beautiful and popular student at Duquette, stands as an antagonist to Jessica within the social dynamics of their friend group.

Book Details
Pages

345

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Horror & Suspense

•

Mystery & Crime Fiction
Setting

North Carolina • 2010s

Theme
Memory

•

Friendship

•

Coming of Age
First Publication Year

2021

Publisher

Sourcebooks Landmark

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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