5 twisted, suspenseful stars for In My Dreams I Hold a Knife, Ashley Winstead’s debut thriller! I devoured this book and couldn’t get enough of the juicy secrets, flawed characters, and impeccable writing.

The premise follows a group of former friends when they return to the prestigious Duquette University for their 10 year class reunion. Our main character, Jessica Miller, is determined to impress her former friends and classmates with her post grad successes, her perfect looks, and her high-powered law career in NYC. But someone else has plans for the infamous East House Seven, the moniker given to the once tight-knit group of friends…

During their senior year at Duquette, their friend Heather was found brutally murdered. Her boyfriend Jack was initially blamed but there wasn’t enough evidence to convict him. After the horrible tragedy, the East House Seven drifted apart and went their separate ways but now that they’re back on campus, dark secrets are about to be uncovered.

Told in present day and flashback chapters, the non-linear timeline unfolds to reveal what really happened all those years ago. I couldn’t get enough of the drama, secrets, and lies these characters were hiding and I was guessing who the killer was right up until the end. I love a good twist and did not see this one coming! Bravo to Winstead for crafting such a masterful, intricate storyline.

One of the best thrillers I’ve read in years, I highly recommend this book! Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I flew through this - I love a good campus novel, especially one with a reunion. This was crazy but not TOO crazy and kept me guessing until the very end. Would definitely recommend to thriller fans.

I guess I am in the minority here but I just did not like this book. I thought it adolescent.

On the positive side, it was well written and the dual timeline was an effective device.

On the other side, I found the characters so unlikable I could barely finish the book; I really had to push myself to get through it. They are all shallow, self possessed, narcissistic. Ten years after college and you would have thought they had matured a bit…but, no.

Today is Pub Day for so many amazing books, including In My Dreams I Hold a Knife by Ashley Winstead. I finished this book on the last day of July and I’m still thinking about it! IMDIHAK has cemented itself as one of my top thrillers this year and it will likely be one of my top books of 2021. As I’ve said before, Ashley Winstead wrote a captivating thriller and I will read whatever she writes next.

The college campus setting was incredibly atmospheric and created the perfect backdrop to this dark academia thriller. Winstead’s ability to describe the surroundings with such detail transported me to Duquette University and I felt like a fly on the wall witnessing the drama enveloping the “East House Seven.” The contrasting timelines, Then and Now, resulted in a gripping story that left me stunned at the end.

My favorite thing about IMDIHAK is that we have an ensemble cast of characters. Each character was fully developed and added depth to the story overall. I have to say I loved to hate every character at some point, except for one (#TeamCoop). Winstead created the perfect balance of unlikeable characters and circumstances that allowed me to empathize with each one.

I read A LOT of thrillers and have gotten pretty good at figuring out the plot twist early. That was definitely NOT the case with this book. I was shocked at the revelations and left with my jaw on the floor and saying WHAAATTT?! 🤯

I will be recommending this book to literally EVERYONE! Even those who aren’t thriller readers because it was seriously that good. Run, don’t walk, to pick up your copy today! I will absolutely be getting a physical copy to add to my shelves.

This tightly plotted, twisty murder mystery comes out tomorrow, and I was excited to read it early. It was written in a propulsive style and wove together timelines and events from the perspective of different characters, which Winstead uses to great effect for her many reveals. I inhaled it.
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At the center of the story, the East House Seven are friends who made their name after a hilarious Homecoming stunt in their freshman year of college at Duquette University. Now, at their 10th reunion, the group is back though diminished: missing are Heather, who was brutally murdered during senior year, and Jack, her boyfriend who was accused of her murder.
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The characters are all flawed and full of secrets, and that was undoubtedly what held my attention the most throughout the book. Jessica, the (unlikable) main character, comes to reunion with the proverbial something to prove, and seeing her friends again – her ex Mint, now married to mean girl Courtney, her best friends Caro and Coop, who are engaged, and Frankie, a college football star now playing in the NFL – brings back layers of memories for her, some joyous but many more filled with the anxiety and desperation of not measuring up.
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As the story jumps back and forth in time, it was clear that Winstead had plotted the story carefully, which was satisfying as a reader. The milieu of Duquette, focused on football & Greek life, is an interesting take on dark academia, miles away from the more familiar trope of brooding students studying archaic subjects.
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I thought the ending was excellent and quite chilling, and if you’re a fan of twisty thrillers, this is a great escapist book to spend a few days racing through.

Two can keep a secret ... if one of them is dead.

This fast paced thriller unfolded secret after secret and read like a Pretty Little Liars episode. I truly had a hard time putting it down as I couldn't wait to discover more answers, dig up more truths.

When a group as tight as the East House Seven loses one to murder the remaining six drift apart as they each hold secrets related to that night. Ten years later and the murder still unsolved they are together once again. Confronted with their past and secrets being revealed they slowly unravel at the seams.

The question everyone had would finally be answered; who murdered Heather?

Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks for providing a review copy.

IN MY DREAMS I HOLD A KNIFE - PUB DAY REVIEW! 🔪

Bitsy’s paw of approval: 🐾🐾🐾🐾.5/5

A huge thank you to @netgalley, @ashleywinsteadbooks and @bookmarked for the early digital copy! This amazing college campus thriller is released TODAY, and let me tell you you’re going to want to add this one to your list.
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A college reunion turns dark and deadly in this chilling and propulsive suspense novel about six friends, one unsolved murder, and the dark secrets they’ve been hiding from each other- and themselves- for a decade.
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What a way to come onto the scene with an incredible debut like this one!! 👏🏻 I started this early yesterday morning and literally could not put it down until I had all of the answers. This story revolves around the idea of striving for perfection, and for some, at any cost. Every character was so well developed, with layered stories that had me gasping as secrets were revealed. I did have a tiny issue keeping the characters and timeline straight, but other than that this was one kick ass debut book. I’m so glad I was able to read it early, and that I can recommend it to all of you!

"One of you is a monster, hiding behind a mask."
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and Netgalley for my eARC of In My Dreams I Hold A Knife for review!
This standout of summer thrillers starts off slow, laying down the setting and atmosphere of Duquette University and introducing us to Jessica Miller, part of the East House Seven.
Dual timelines and unreliable narration take us through the relationships of this group of friends, uncovering secrets and lies that led to the murder of one of their own, Heather Shelby. By one of their own.
The slow pace of the first part of the book then gives way to a pure thriller that unweaves toward an ending I definitely didn't see coming!
I'll for sure be keeping an eye out for future books from debut author Ashley Winstead - recommended!
Released today, Aug. 3.

This book defied my expectations. I originally requested it for the amazing cover and the imaginative title. What I didn't expect was a finely crafted tale of suspense, brimming with menace and mean girls.

Jessica Miller has been invited back to Duquette University, her alma mater, for an alumni event, ten years after graduation. She's crafted herself into a glossy, glamorous woman, and she's ready for all her old classmates to see her shine. Unfortunately for Jessica, this event won't be her crowning glory. Someone has been dwelling on the murder of her old college roommate, Heather. Gathering evidence for ten long years. Digging up dirt on Jessica and her friend group from college, the East House 7. And this captive audience is along for the ride while the killer is unmasked.

This book was definitely better than I expected. The vicious gossip, backstabbing, and scheming were fun to explore, if a bit over the top. And while some of the dialogue was cheesy and juvenile, in other places there were quotes so beautiful I read them over and over. It's this mix of inexperienced and polished that's really intriguing, but Ashley Winstead is no amateur at building tension. There were some good twists, unforeseen reveals, and aha! moments that kept the story flowing, too. The dual timelines were used to great effect in doling out little breadcrumbs. I can't help but think this debut author has big things in her future. Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the chance to review this advance copy. This book is now available for sale.

The story begins with a 10 year college reunion at Duquette University where 7 friends formed a tight bond during their college years but were fractured when one of their members is murdered during their senior year and another accused of killing her. Jessica wants to show everyone that she has become a successful, confident women in the years since graduation and has moved past the horrible events of senior year.

Not everyone in the group has moved on including the murder victims brother, Eric, who still works at the university and is determined to solve his sister’s murder using the reunion to ramp up the unsolved case.

The story is told in past and present chapters with the story unfolding with gripping intensity. The story tells of the dark side of campus life, enduring friendships, and the secrets friends keep from one another. It was very intense and definitely a page turner to the end.

Guys I found my new favorite book! I love everything about this book starting with the cover and title. I read this book over the weekend and was having a hard time putting it down but when I had to I was running back to it lol. I really liked reading the pov of the other characters revealing all their dark secrets. Also out of the East House Seven Coop is my favorite!! The author did an amazing job with each chapter I was hooked from begging to end. Ashley Winstead you have a new fan!!

When I first learnt about In my dreams I hold a knife months ago I was immediately drawn to the title and cover, even before I read what it was about. Then I read the synopsis and I knew I had to read it cause I love stories set in college. I was declined on NG for an eARC but the author kindly offered to reach out to her publicist to see if I could get an early copy and she sent me one! I was ecstatic! I just loved it. It is such a fantastic debut!

The East House Seven are back to their university for the 10 year college reunion, but now they’re only 5, cause 10 years ago during senior year one of them was murdered and another one accused of it and exonerated. With the case never closed someone is decided to force out the killer and reveal everyone’s secrets during their reunion.

The story is told in dual timelines and, in my opinion, it works like a well oiled machine. The author explores toxic relationships, the insecurities and expectations young people face while in college and the different ways they impact them. Sometimes with these kind of stories we find that only 2-3 characters are well developed while for the others we’re just given merely brushstrokes. That’s not the case here, each and every one of them is clearly distinctive, with their own voice, and I could feel like they were a group of real people, relating to so many of their experiences in college. I read somewhere about the author’s writing process, and I remember she said that previous to writing the story she wrote extensively about each character and their relationships with each other, and that clearly shows in the finished work.

The first third is more a presentation of the characters and the establishing of the setting. Once they’re all back in the reunion secrets and revelations in both lines won’t let you go until you’ve reached a very intense resolution, with surprises coming until the very end. That last revelation caught me completely unaware but looking back one realizes it fits perfectly with what we’ve been told all throughout the story.

Ashley Winstead perfectly conveys the dark side of college life, where ambition and obsession can make you crumble to pieces.

Binge worthy dark academia thriller called to be one the this summer thrillers that marks its author as one of the names to watch in the genre.

Thanks to Ashley Winstead, NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks for the ARC.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5 stars

It’s been a bit since a book has made me not be able to look away and I missed the feeling. In My Dreams I Hold a Knife is the best of what is “dark academia” and I absolutely loved it. The mixture of coming of age, romance, murder, and mystery was perfect and I was so invested in this cast of characters. The differing timelines were so well done and it is definitely one of my top summer reads.

In My Dreams I hold a Knife tells the story of six friends at a college reunion turned deadly. They were once a group of seven until a tragic (and unsolved) murder of one of their own. Now they are together again and come to realize the truth - one of them is a murderer.

I cannot express how glued to this book I was. A whole day by the pool flew by because I was so absorbed in these characters and this mystery. I love a book where you are excited for other reader friends to read it because you know how much they will love it. I will definitely be recommending this one to everyone this summer. All the stars.

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

OH MYYY....... Ashley Winstead where have you been all my life?!

Hot DAMN...... this book was FIRE in so many ways.

In My Dreams I Hold a Knife is a compelling, dark, entertaining thriller that will take you for a ride.

SLAM... you hear that?! That's me getting hit by a mack track by this thriller. I LOVED IT!!!

Ten years after graduation, Jessica Miller reinvented herself to the woman she wanted to be- successful, bold, and daring. Heather Shelby's murder shattered the lives of 6 college friends... but not everyone can let the murder go. When the 6 friends are reunited after all these years... they are forced to confront what happened that night.

I couldn't get enough of all the juicy drama and suspense. I was kept on the edge of my toes the entire time and the ending came together so smoothly with an addictive twist and finale.

What a phenomenal debut! Ashley girl... you got me a fan for life haha ;).

5/5 stars

Thank you so much to Bookmarked and Ashley Winstead for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

Pub date: 8/3/21
Published to GR: 8/1/21

Wow. Ashley Winstead absolutely nails her debut novel. Full confession that the boarding school/college atmosphere is not typically my favorite setting, but I may be on a path to changing my mind after reading In My Dreams I Hold a Knife. A locked-room-mystery-esque setting, but the entire Duquette campus as the room is a fresh take on the who-did-it that left me spinning until the last page. I was convinced at some point that every single major character was the killer, making this possibly one of my favorite books of the year. I already can't wait to see what Ashley is crafting next,

Wow. I absolutely could not put this book down. It's only the second book this year that I read in one sitting, and it was well worth it. I really enjoyed the shifting narrative, how it bounced back and forth between the present and the past, and how each character's motivations were revealed little by little. At points, everyone is a suspect and has motive to have committed the murder, which keeps the reader guessing until the end. There weren't any moments I would say were overwhelmingly shocking or any major twists; instead, the story just unfolded and developed, and mounted to a well-crafted climax and a satisfying ending. I would highly recommend it for fans of mysteries and/or psychological thrillers.

This is a dark and fascinating look at 6 college friends who come back for their 10 year reunion, There we’re 7 of them in their original group, and they all had their roles to play at Duquette, a la Breakfast a club, Jessica has the most to prove since she was kind of on the outskirts during college, but has become extremely successful, beautiful & confident on the outside, but insecure and full of secrets on the inside. As all the friends discuss the last time they were all together, they all bring a different story to the table about what happened to their friend Heather, who died that night, and it’s up to the reader to figure out the truth, especially since the murder has still gone unsolved, 10 years later.
This gave me Pretty Little Liars or Riverdale vibes. I was able to read it all in one day.
Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review

It is hard to believe that this is a debut novel! Ashley Winstead is definitely a author to watch. I loved everything about this book. It's done in dual timelines; present and ten years before when the characters were all in college together. ALL of the characters are so fleshed out that you feel you know all of their secrets. Jessica is hard to like but I found myself rooting for her at times and at other times I wanted her to get her comeuppance. I was so involved in finding out who did what I stayed up till 4 am to finish it. This is a treasure trove of twists and turns! You really don't want to miss this one. The ending is a complete surprise which always makes for a great read.
Thanks to Net Galley for allowing me to read this amazing arc for my honest opinion.

You know those friends you were close to in college but really didn’t keep in touch with? We all have them, right? Well, the thing is, one of Jessica Miller’s friends committed murder and she’s going to her 10 year reunion to hang out with these people.
Jessica always tried to better herself. She was always just mediocre, but when she went away to college she realized she could be whatever she wanted to be. She wanted to make the people see there was more to her than they thought, and she’s not even the one hiding the darkest secrets.
When she gets back to school, she’s cornered by the brother of the girl who was murdered. He corrals all the friends and tells them he knows one of them is the murderer, and he will find out who it is.
Honestly, this book could have gone 7 directions. Everyone had a bit of motive. Jealously, fear of secrets being revealed and pure hatred. I didn’t know who the killer was until right before it was revealed. You think you’re messed up? These people take the cake honestly.
I enjoyed this read and the little twist of fate that was thrown in there at the end. Sometimes we have to man up and let it all out to get over the past and strive in the future. 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Ashley Winstead, Sourcebooks and Netgalley for an early copy.

Wow what a book! This was a page turner for sure! I loved that every chapter end had a twist or something that said, you need to read the next chapter! This was such a twisty book with SO many secrets! I questioned everyone and believed no one. Everyone had an agenda and had a skeleton in their closet which made it so hard to figure out who had done it! I will say as much as i loved this book, the ending was a little too long. You find out the who and then still have a little bit to go before the ending so it made it feel a little dragged out toward the end. I did like the little twist at the end tho. All in all, i loved this book and would definitely recommend it!