A Dream To Die For
Susan Z. Ritz
The setting for this tale is a cold November morning in Riverton Falls, a small town in New England. The main character is Celeste Fortune, a bartender and member of Dreamland a cult. Celeste’s boyfriend has given her an ultimatum its either him or the cult but it can’t be both. Celeste ponders her latest dream, a female at a window, the scent of lilacs blowing in the breeze, and hands tight around her neck. Celeste believes the dream could belong to one of the other cult members. Perhaps she has finally broken through to the combined dreams of Dreamland sect. She heads to her therapist/cult leader to discuss the dream hoping he can interpret it for her. She intends this to be her final appointment with him. She discovers her therapist/ cult-leader lying in a pool of blood; his head has been bludgeoned with a healing crystal. His computer is missing; it contained the private dreams and confidences of most of the town. Celeste is considered the main suspect; she was known to be a defiant part of his sect. Gloria, attempts to help her friend. What they discover puts them both in danger.
The Dreamland cult evaluates, documents and records members dreams. Celeste has dreams she doesn’t understand, and she believes her dreams actually belongs to someone else. The concept of dreaming someone else’s dreams is interesting. Celeste’s friend Gloria is a lawyer and not connected to the cult in any manner. Gloria is an interesting character. Celeste wasn’t as likeable; she appears to be naïve and some of the decisions she makes are ridiculous. I wasn’t quite comfortable with the ending of this tale; I am not into the new-age beliefs.
This is author Susan Z. Ritz’s first book. The concept behind this book is interesting and yet it didn’t quite work for me. Parts of the plot were weird and yet enjoyable. This book falls under the genre of fantasy and suspense more than thriller.

First, I definitely enjoyed the audio of this story. It was a mystery for sure and though I don't know if new-age cozy mystery is a thing, that might best describe it.

Celest Fortune is in a New England community almost completely sucked in by the leader of a cult who claims to bring enlightenment through the analyzing of dreams. Unfortunately, Celest finds this leader dead just after she has a really vivid dream that disturbs this leader enough that he throws her out of the cult. She enlists the help of an old friend who happens to be a lawyer and not under the spell to get her out of this horrifying predicament as most see her as the obvious killer. Secrets are unearthed and danger grows as the truth, and new allies, emerge.

There were a lot of far-fetched aspects of this story for me. The name of the protagonist was the first. I struggled a bit with the level of naivete of Celeste and of her ridiculous decisions. Then I remembered this was a fiction with some far-fetched concepts (seeing past/future through dreams, etc.), and I let the reality aspect go. This helped me enjoy the story much more! I engaged with the murder mystery and the cultish suspenseful atmosphere. The who-done-it was well played and I didn't know who it was until I was meant to. Not a super twisty thriller, but a solid mystery for sure.

I never did quite like Celeste. I loved her friend, Gloria and the other strong female characters in the story. I just couldn't quite sympathize with Celeste. The ending was a bit lofty for me as well. I'm not into new-age crystals and future-telling, so that aspect didn't connect with me at all. This does not, however mean I didn't enjoy the mystery. I find it good to stretch myself and read things that I don't always connect to, and usually come away with some new insight. I do think I should develop more grace for those who, in a vulnerable state, have been taken advantage of and exploited instead of loftily looking down on them from my high perch. If that is my takeaway, bravo, Susan Ritz! An enjoyable rebuke for sure!

Thank you, NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this ALC in exchange for my honest opinion. This book is now available, and I recommend it for mystery fans!

I thought this was an interesting concept of a dream cult. But unfortunately the execution did not work for me. I got to 60% but had no interest in continuing.

Celeste was frustrating to read from. She is determined to leave Dreamland but, everything she encounters makes her waver constantly questioning herself. Even though her best friend and ex-fiance who both had left the cult years before they are not honest with her what secrets they know that pushed them to leave until now. Or are they?

There was a mystery going on with people starting to die. As I did not care about any of the characters I did not feel invested to learn what was going on.

Thank you to NetGalley and OrangeSky Audio for an advanced audionbook for review.

If you're interested in more of a fantasy suspense book this might be for you! I was expecting a bit more of a standard thriller/suspense novel, but this book is anything but standard.

Personally not my favourite genre. My rating might have been higher if the suspense aspect had been a little bit more thrilling. The mystery really isn't all that mysterious and the tech/dream aspect just didn't work for me.

However, this would likely be a 3.5-4 star read when marketed to the right audience.

The audiobook was well done and easy going listening.

Thank you to netGalley & She Writes press for a free audio copy in exchange for a fair review

Bit of a strange story. I enjoyed the psychological aspects of the characters and was intrigued to find out what was going to happen next. The cult-ish elements didn’t really grab me so overall I found this audiobook to just be average.

**please note due to low rating I will not be leaving a public review for this book as I have not paid for it.**

Narrator 2 stars
This narrator has a beautiful life but I absolutely hated listen to her. It felt like she was over acting and the way she did some
characters was absolutely cringe worthy.

Story 2 stars
Interesting premise but the story just never grabbed me. (but this could have been due to the narrator)

This is a weird and creepy read. Not surprising as cults are weird and creepy. Celeste has fallen under the spell of Larry, a truly twisted man who has become a cult leader and therapist. When he is found murdered, his followers go a little wonky and Celeste is threatened by them as well as police who are part of the cult. The divide between the members and non members grows as do the threats. It is only through the help of an old friend does Celeste see the potential of light at the end of the tunnel. It’s an interesting dark who done it with a lot of twists and turns along the way.

Honestly I have never read something like this. So many genres mixed into one story!

If you have you ever woke from a dream wondering what it was all about? Finding this out is the business of the Dreamland cult: analyzing and and recording its members dreams.

Meet Celeste who is a cult member. She has a dream she believes belongs to somebody else and reports this to Larry, the cult leader. Only problem short after this Larry is found dead and Celeste is the last person to have seen him alive, which makes her the the prime suspect.
Of course Celeste is determined to prove her innocence!

The audio version of this book was a pleasure so

thanks a lot #Netgalley #OrangeSky Audio for this advanced audio-copy

A Dream To Die For by Susan Z. Ritz
is a unique psychological thriller with a bizarre premise. Celeste keeps having dreams she feels belong to someone else. She believes she has reached a stage that will allow her to join her therapist's cult...uh, I mean group, famously known as Dreamland. Only one problem. She finds him dead in his office and herself the prime suspect.

With an authentic performance of fear and confusion, narrator Rachel Perry Bregman
brings Celeste to life. I enjoyed the mysterious tone throughout the story. The twisty reveal was a bit confusing for me but that could be a generational thing. A Dream To Die For will keep you awake.

I received free copy of this audiobook from the publisher OrangeSky Audio via #Netgalley for fair and honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

A DREAM TO DIE FOR
By Susan Z Ritz

The small town is rocked by the 1st murder in many years. The death of the well known and rumored dream therapist Larry. Thought to be a crime of passion. The power of Dreams and technology mix together into a new world of images that would change everyone's world. The history of the gifts left by previous dreamers can bring peace to a young girl who only looked for her place.
The audible reader has an enchanting voice bringing the emotion of the characters to her performance.

Thank you OrangeSky Audio, NetGalley and Author for this advance ebook copy in return for an honest review!

A Dream to Die For was such a great audio read! I started this book yesterday and finished it in one sitting!
An engaging page-turner with well developed characters, this unpredictable story is very well crafted and suspenseful!
The characters are complex and wonderful. The whole atmosphere of the book was great!
For this to be Ritz's first novel she did an outstanding job!
The narrator also did an outstanding job reading this story!. Very much enjoyable.

Thanks again NetGalley, Publisher and Author for the chance to read and review this amazing book!
I'll post to my Social media platforms closer to pub date!

𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘲𝘶𝘦, 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘥!

Buckle up and prepare for a really wild ride.
Crazy, weird, twisty and surprising. I’m still trying to order my thoughts with this one.
It’s fast-paced, riveting and will keep you at the edge of your seat questioning what’s real. It was nuts.

Thank you BookSparks, NetGalley, OrangeSky Audio by Findaway and Susan Z. Ritz for this gifted copy.

𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦: 𝘔𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘗𝘴𝘺𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘛𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴.

https://www.instagram.com/booksandcoffeemx/

I found it hard to engage with the audiobook. Maybe I would’ve liked the paper or hardback version better. The narrator’s voice made the book sound like a textbook was being read to me.

EXCERPT: Larry talked right over her. 'I'm serious here, Cel. If ya wanna keep working with me, then ya gotta keep up. How many times do I gotta say it? You go right back to the same old defensive patterns. Look at how you're sitting, all locked up around yourself, keeping that heart all suited up for battle, but afraid to make a move. Am I right?'

Celeste shook her head, staring down. She watched as a fat tear from each eye fell into her lap, and then she hugged herself tighter. How could he still have this much power over her? Do it, goddamn it, she yelled inside her head. Tell him!

'I'm not -'

'Feel the pain,' Pete squawked, drowning out her whispered words.

Larry wasn't listening to her, anyway. 'Like how you still got that ring on.'

Celeste protectively covered the engagement ring with her right hand. Jake had designed it for her before he'd even asked her to marry him - a sapphire, her birthstone, a sky blue Ceylon surrounded by diamond chips in an antique white gold setting - the most beautiful thing she'd ever owned, better than anything she'd ever imagined - though engagement rings had never been something she'd thought much about.

'Jesus, Cel, when are you ever going to let go and move on in your life? Don't you know it's over with Jake? We've gone around and around on this. Your dreams are crystal clear, even if you refuse to believe them. Jake's no good for you; he's holding you back, keeping you from surrendering to the Dreamscape, to Dreamland. Let go of him. The choice is clear. You can't keep living this double life.' Larry shook his head, puckering his lips as if he wanted to spit. 'Jeez, just make your mind up once and for all.'

Celeste felt her face flush red. 'Jake's none of your business, Larry. In fact, I'm . . . this is . . .' She drew in her breath, trying to summon her earlier resolve, but just as she was about to get the practiced words out, Larry exploded from his chair, arms outstretched, hands waving like signals in the air. He suddenly looked like a furious dwarf out of some Grimm's fairytale, bellowing and snorting at her as he shot out from behind his desk on his stumpy little legs.

'No, I'm just your therapist! Are you fucking kidding me? Everything's my business! When are you going to finally get that?'

ABOUT 'A DREAM TO DIE FOR': In Riverton Falls, a small New England town, globe-trotting bartender Celeste Fortune stands in her kitchen puzzling over last night’s frightening dream—a woman at a window, lilacs blowing in the breeze, someone’s hands tight around her neck. Celeste is sure the dream belongs to someone else. Perhaps she has finally broken through to the collective dreams of Dreamland cult. Hoping her therapist and cult leader will help her untangle it, she heads off into the cold November morning to her final appointment with him—or so she hopes. Her estranged fiancé has delivered an ultimatum: Leave the cult of Dreamers, or end their relationship for good.

Instead of help, however, Celeste discovers her therapist dying in a pool of blood, skull stove in by his own healing crystal. His computer, containing the intimate dreams and secrets of half the town, is gone. Suspicion immediately falls on Celeste, known to be a rebellious member of his cult. To clear her name, Celeste enlists the help of her old friend, Gloria. But when the two women discover the power of the stolen dreams, they unwittingly become the killer’s next target.

MY THOUGHTS: A Dream to Die For is much more a story about the 'Dreamers' cult, than it is a murder mystery, which is one of the reasons I didn't like this. I felt very much like tossing this in at the ten percent mark, but figured that it must get better. And it did, briefly. But just before the fifty percent point, I could stand it no longer, and pushed the delete option.

Where do I start explaining why I didn't like this? The characters? They were all weird. Now I don't mind a bit of weird. I find weird quite entertaining. But not here. Celeste had no backbone. Why would a person who is probably on minimum wage and living off her tips pay $150 an hour to talk to this therapist, Larry, simply because 'everyone in town goes to him'? Especially when her friend Gloria, the reason she moved to Riverton Falls, has already warned her against him, as has her fiance Jake. Celeste is the sort of person who would consult her therapist, or a tarot card reader, before she blew her nose, or changed her underwear.

Larry, the therapist, is a totally unbelievable twit. The only thing about him that astounds me is how he lived so long. I don't know why someone didn't murder him earlier.

Jake, the fiance, has been married before to the woman who is Larry's right hand woman in the cult. I completely understand why he broke up with Celeste. But he does behave very strangely . . .

Gloria, Celeste's estranged friend, is an environmental lawyer, but is the only person she can think to call when she is taken into custody at the murder scene.

The supporting cast is made up of 'Adam', the tarot card reader in the park, and the 'Dreamers', Celeste's so called friends who turn on her when they believe she murdered Larry.

And if you're wondering who the Pete in the extract is, he's a parrot.

How can anyone believe that if they are able to dream each other's dreams, or all dream the same dream, it is going to elevate them to a higher plane of being? Puhlease!

I started listening with interest, which rapidly faded, peaked with Larry's murder, then plummeted again. This read is seriously Weird.

And the murder mystery isn't even much of a mystery. It's pretty obvious from very early on who killed Larry, but I did check with someone else who read and enjoyed A Dream to Die For, after I had abandoned it, just to make sure.

I would like to point out that the narrator, Rachel Perry, was excellent, and certainly had nothing to do with my abandoning this book.

I am well aware that I am very much on my own with my feelings on A Dream to Die For, and that it may well be a book that you enjoy, so please check out a selection of the many positive reviews.

⭐

#ADreamtoDieFor #NetGalley

I: @susanzritz @ orangeskyaudio

T: #SusanZRitz #OrangeSkyAudio

#audiobook #crime #cultfiction #murdermystery

THE AUTHOR: Susan Ritz grew up in Minnesota, but she left home to become a wandering scholar; she lived, studied, and worked as a social worker in Kenya, Japan, Singapore, and Indonesia in the 1970s. She worked as a human rights lobbyist in Washington, DC, during the Carter Administration before moving to Dachau, Germany, the setting for her memoir in progress, On the Edge of Dachau. For the past thirty years she has lived with her husband and three children in Montpelier, Vermont, where she has worked as a fund raiser, events coordinator, and philanthropic advisor for a wide range of nonprofit organizations, especially those promoting economic equality for women. Writing, however, has always been her passion, and after receiving an MFA in creative nonfiction from Goucher College, she began writing for local publications, teaching creative writing to adults and high school students, and writing her first novel.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Orange Sky Audio via Netgalley for providing an audio ARC of A Dream to Die For, written by Susan Z. Ritz and narrated by Rachel Perry, for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com

This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage

Celeste is part of a cult group who’s group analyzes dreams. The leader of the group is a Svengali like man named Larry. He influences Celeste in every way and seems to take control of her life her till she wants out. Celeste has a romantic relationship with Jake and he warns her that she must leave the Dreamers or things are over between them.
The story is a combination of murder mystery, romance and science fiction! Celeste renews an old friendship and the two women attempt to solve Larry’s murder and stay alive in the process.
It was interesting story that the author kept me reading with characters I found had a lot of personality. The ending made sense and it tied the story together.
Thank you for the free audio copy

My thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the chance to review this audio. Unfortunately it did not connect with me. I thought this was going to be a cut and dry murder mystery, but it got a bit out there with the dreamscapes, cut stuff, analysis, then the Jake plot. Too many subplots. Hard to focus. Cannot recommend.

Rachel Perry did a fantastic job narrating A Dream to Die For. Unfortunately, I just didn't enjoy the story. I had a difficult time connecting with any of the characters and I had a hard time following the plot.

This was a very unique premise for a whodunnit and a great way to introduce a full cast of characters. Celeste Fortune has been wrangled into the cult of dreamers for a few years now but has been given an ultimatum by her fiancé to leave the cult or their relationship is over. Just as she's on the cusp of getting to know and understand her dreams, she's finally able to confront her therapist (and cult leader) to end their sessions, but someone has killed the therapist and after finding him in his last moments of life she's the number one suspect. There are lots of wonderful characters in this story that lead to a number of potential other suspects that thrill and entertain the reader. You've got to love a mystery that isn't solved until the very end

I'd like to thank NetGalley and OrangeSky Audio for sending me this audiobook! The story itself is interesting, but I had a hard time getting into it and think it may just not have been exactly up my alley in terms of the thrillers I normally gravitate towards. Celeste as a character is somewhat unlikable and from the get-go, the cult element was an ick factor I don't think I could quite buy into. However, if you're looking for an interesting thriller that's different from the rest, this one might be right up your alley!

In A Dream to Die For, Celeste is told by her fiance that she needs to leave the cult of Dreamers or end their relationship. She has been seeing her therapist/cult leader for years to have her dreams untangled for her. When she finally works up the courage to leave the cult, she finds her therapist dying in his office. Celeste becomes the number one suspect.

The concept for this book was really cool. I liked the idea of a cult who shares literal dreams, since I'm not sure I've ever heard of that before. I'm not sure I would have seen the appeal of Larry, since he came off as so condescending and self righteous, but I guess he must have been different at the beginning of their sessions. I found the reasoning behind things a little bit of a stretch and a lot of coincidental things occurred. The narrator for the audiobook did a good job with making Celeste seem very confused about what was going on. I could feel her frustration when other characters kept telling her to trust them while also not telling her what was important for her to know. For me, this was a 3.5/5.

If you like cult reads, dreams that seem to come to life, or a main character surrounded by people who are keeping things from her, this is the one for you.

I received a copy of this audiobook free from NetGalley and OrangeSky Audio in exchange for an honest review.