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DARE
"What an ending!" - Early reviews call "DARE" a suspenseful psychological thriller that leaves readers wondering, "What would I do?"
After Jewel Diamond, 28, wakes in the ER with no memory of the trauma that brought her there, she must face the many ways her life will change. Bearing a hideous scar on her cheek that affects her speech, Jewel’s instinct is to isolate and withdraw into her sadness. As memories of the incident that caused her concussion and disfigurement begin to return, Jewel is drawn into the quest to discover who hurt her—the same men who killed a defenseless disabled woman on the bus with her that day.
"DARE" is an emotional fiction that follows Jewel as she heals from physical wounds and the psychological impact of being the victim of an assault. However, her path is not straight or simple. When the legal system fails her, Jewel confronts the nature of justice, actions, and consequences. She dares herself to wonder if sometimes what’s wrong is also right.
After Jewel Diamond, 28, wakes in the ER with no memory of the trauma that brought her there, she must face the many ways her life will change. Bearing a hideous scar on her cheek that affects her speech, Jewel’s instinct is to isolate and withdraw into her sadness. As memories of the incident that caused her concussion and disfigurement begin to return, Jewel is drawn into the quest to discover who hurt her—the same men who killed a defenseless disabled woman on the bus with her that day.
"DARE" is an emotional fiction that follows Jewel as she heals from physical wounds and the psychological impact of being the victim of an assault. However, her path is not straight or simple. When the legal system fails her, Jewel confronts the nature of justice, actions, and consequences. She dares herself to wonder if sometimes what’s wrong is also right.
286 pages, Paperback
Published April 21, 2025
4 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Mimi Wahlfeldt
2 books21 followersAfter an earlier-than-expected retirement, I dove into writing fiction.
My debut novel, "Forks & Knives," was published in August 2024 by Black Rose Writing. The novel offers readers a "what if" view of a marriage marred by alcoholism and codependency. If you've ever wondered what those forks in the road of your life might have looked like if you'd made other choices along the way, I hope you'll find the novel interesting and even empowering.
I published my second novel, "DARE," with my husband Stephen, under a new imprint we launched this year, Little Key Publishing. "DARE" is an emotional fiction that follows Jewel Diamond as she heals from physical wounds and the psychological impact of being the victim of an assault. However, her path is not straight or simple. When the legal system fails her, Jewel confronts the nature of justice, actions, and consequences, daring to wonder if sometimes what’s wrong is also right.
Currently, I'm working on my third book, "Whatever Comes Next." This speculative fiction explores the nature of love and loss between a mother and daughter in the aftermath of the child's death. Told in alternating points of view, from separate spheres of existence, Miriam remains bound to her mother until Rachel can embrace living again. Only then can they each move into whatever comes next. We'll see if I can finish this book by the end of this year or early 2026.
I credit my love of writing to my parents, two of the smartest self-educated people I ever knew, both avid readers. Then, I credit Stephen with the completion of any of my books. His support is gentle and loving, yet he pushes me to *finish!*
Together, we have successfully raised four wonderful children, and we enjoy spending time with them and our grandson. When we're not making stuff up (!), we love to travel, manage our fantasy football teams, see live theater, and read. I'm also a dedicated scrapbooker, and I enjoy listening to music and podcasts while taking long walks.
My debut novel, "Forks & Knives," was published in August 2024 by Black Rose Writing. The novel offers readers a "what if" view of a marriage marred by alcoholism and codependency. If you've ever wondered what those forks in the road of your life might have looked like if you'd made other choices along the way, I hope you'll find the novel interesting and even empowering.
I published my second novel, "DARE," with my husband Stephen, under a new imprint we launched this year, Little Key Publishing. "DARE" is an emotional fiction that follows Jewel Diamond as she heals from physical wounds and the psychological impact of being the victim of an assault. However, her path is not straight or simple. When the legal system fails her, Jewel confronts the nature of justice, actions, and consequences, daring to wonder if sometimes what’s wrong is also right.
Currently, I'm working on my third book, "Whatever Comes Next." This speculative fiction explores the nature of love and loss between a mother and daughter in the aftermath of the child's death. Told in alternating points of view, from separate spheres of existence, Miriam remains bound to her mother until Rachel can embrace living again. Only then can they each move into whatever comes next. We'll see if I can finish this book by the end of this year or early 2026.
I credit my love of writing to my parents, two of the smartest self-educated people I ever knew, both avid readers. Then, I credit Stephen with the completion of any of my books. His support is gentle and loving, yet he pushes me to *finish!*
Together, we have successfully raised four wonderful children, and we enjoy spending time with them and our grandson. When we're not making stuff up (!), we love to travel, manage our fantasy football teams, see live theater, and read. I'm also a dedicated scrapbooker, and I enjoy listening to music and podcasts while taking long walks.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 1, 2025
Mimi Wahlfeldt's 2nd novel, DARE, is a must read! It takes the reader through many different emotions- fear, sadness, anger, physical and emotional pain, with episodes of joy, love, patience, and the understanding of human emotion throughout the story. Her writing style creates the feeling of living through Jewel's story, as if you were right there with her. Highly recommend this amazing emotional, psychological thriller!!
August 19, 2025
3.5/5
This book was sent to me by the author for review, and has not impacted the outcome of the review. The views and opinions presented are mine and mine alone.
Dare had a good introductory sentence and chapter. It draws the reader in and makes them want to find out more about what has happened. I did find it kind of odd that she is just waking up and already the nurses and police know that she doesn't remember what happened to her. Not everyone loses their memory after such events, so it doesn't seem like a plausible assumption. More needed to be done to make them come to that conclusion. That being said, the descriptive writing was expertly done and used to build the story. In turn, this carried into very well developed characters. I love depth in characters and Mimi does this with skill.
One thing that I don't like when I read, is headers telling me how much later something is, or how long its been since something happened. I don't need a header, just tell me that information in the body of writing itself. Its distracting. At parts, Dare, got slow and struggled to keep my attention, there was just too much fluff in the writing. This was things that seemed like filler and was unnecessary. Everything in writing should serve a purpose. However, the concept of the book was really good and the emotional journey is compelling. The main character's frustration with the justice system is also well thought out and expertly put to paper. Without any spoilers being involved, the Covid angle, I felt was distracting from the main storyline. Along that same line, of not giving out spoilers, the twist was kind of predictable, and read as only okay to me. I was looking for something more out of that.
Overall, if you enjoy an emotional book filled with personal struggles and healing, this is probably the book for you.
This book was sent to me by the author for review, and has not impacted the outcome of the review. The views and opinions presented are mine and mine alone.
Dare had a good introductory sentence and chapter. It draws the reader in and makes them want to find out more about what has happened. I did find it kind of odd that she is just waking up and already the nurses and police know that she doesn't remember what happened to her. Not everyone loses their memory after such events, so it doesn't seem like a plausible assumption. More needed to be done to make them come to that conclusion. That being said, the descriptive writing was expertly done and used to build the story. In turn, this carried into very well developed characters. I love depth in characters and Mimi does this with skill.
One thing that I don't like when I read, is headers telling me how much later something is, or how long its been since something happened. I don't need a header, just tell me that information in the body of writing itself. Its distracting. At parts, Dare, got slow and struggled to keep my attention, there was just too much fluff in the writing. This was things that seemed like filler and was unnecessary. Everything in writing should serve a purpose. However, the concept of the book was really good and the emotional journey is compelling. The main character's frustration with the justice system is also well thought out and expertly put to paper. Without any spoilers being involved, the Covid angle, I felt was distracting from the main storyline. Along that same line, of not giving out spoilers, the twist was kind of predictable, and read as only okay to me. I was looking for something more out of that.
Overall, if you enjoy an emotional book filled with personal struggles and healing, this is probably the book for you.
July 24, 2025
Mimi Wahlfeldt has capably followed up her first novel, Forks & Knives: A Marriage at the Crossroads of Addiction and Codependency, with an impressive book entitled DARE. Though these novels are not linked by subject matter, setting or theme, they both have strong, believable, and admirable female protagonists.
In DARE, Jewel Diamond suffered a horrible experience, one that leaves her unable to recall details of the event. Wahlfeldt skillfully takes the reader along with Jewel as she incrementally puts pieces back in place related to the tragedy. While this journey leads to actions that would initially seem out of alignment with Jewel’s nature, Wahlfeldt convincingly crafts an admirable and believable main character. The other characters in DARE are authentic, as well, making a compelling group.
The timing of the book coincides with the initial months of the global pandemic. While this could have been an unnecessary distraction, Wahlfeldt instead masterfully incorporates this in critical moments of the book that weave together in a satisfying manner.
In DARE, Jewel Diamond suffered a horrible experience, one that leaves her unable to recall details of the event. Wahlfeldt skillfully takes the reader along with Jewel as she incrementally puts pieces back in place related to the tragedy. While this journey leads to actions that would initially seem out of alignment with Jewel’s nature, Wahlfeldt convincingly crafts an admirable and believable main character. The other characters in DARE are authentic, as well, making a compelling group.
The timing of the book coincides with the initial months of the global pandemic. While this could have been an unnecessary distraction, Wahlfeldt instead masterfully incorporates this in critical moments of the book that weave together in a satisfying manner.
January 6, 2026
DARE is a gripping psychological thriller that balances suspense with deep emotional resonance. Mimi Wahlfeldt creates a protagonist, Jewel Diamond, who is both strong and vulnerable someone you immediately root for as she navigates trauma, disfigurement, and the quest for justice. The story doesn’t shy away from difficult emotions, showing how pain, fear, and anger intertwine in the healing process.
I loved how the novel explores morality and personal courage. Jewel’s journey isn’t just about finding the perpetrators; it’s about confronting the legal system, questioning what justice really means, and daring herself to take control of her life. The suspense is relentless, with twists that kept me guessing, but the emotional depth is what makes this story truly memorable.
DARE is a powerful, thought provoking read about resilience, the consequences of actions, and finding strength in the face of unimaginable challenges.
I loved how the novel explores morality and personal courage. Jewel’s journey isn’t just about finding the perpetrators; it’s about confronting the legal system, questioning what justice really means, and daring herself to take control of her life. The suspense is relentless, with twists that kept me guessing, but the emotional depth is what makes this story truly memorable.
DARE is a powerful, thought provoking read about resilience, the consequences of actions, and finding strength in the face of unimaginable challenges.
June 22, 2025
A Masterclass in Psychological Suspense and Character Depth!
Wow! Just finished "Dare" and I'm still reeling. This psychological thriller isn't just a page-turner, it's a deep dive into the human psyche. Mimi Wahlfeldt's ability to craft such a complex and compelling character is truly remarkable. You just don't follow the journey, you feel every twist, every unsettling revelation. The plot is rich. A must-read for anyone who loves their thrillers with a heavy dose of emotional intensity and profound character arcs. Highly, highly recommend!
Diana Louise Webb
Eight-time award-winning author
Wow! Just finished "Dare" and I'm still reeling. This psychological thriller isn't just a page-turner, it's a deep dive into the human psyche. Mimi Wahlfeldt's ability to craft such a complex and compelling character is truly remarkable. You just don't follow the journey, you feel every twist, every unsettling revelation. The plot is rich. A must-read for anyone who loves their thrillers with a heavy dose of emotional intensity and profound character arcs. Highly, highly recommend!
Diana Louise Webb
Eight-time award-winning author
July 1, 2025
DARE is an extremely well-written novel that keeps the reader engaged and active in the story. You're constantly wondering "what's going to happen next?" "how will Jewel handle this"? Mimi Wahlfeldt does an excellent job of keeping the reader interested with realistic characters and an ever-developing story line. The characters, especially Teddy, are so incredibly loveable. Reading this book will make you laugh, cry, make you angry, and most importantly, it will make you think. It encourages the reader to look inside themselves and evaluate their moral standings. What would you do if you were Jewel?
October 1, 2025
“Dare” is a gripping psychological thriller that pulled me in from page one, and I stayed up far too late a few nights reading it. It’s not easy to transform a relatively mild-mannered person into a revenge-obsessed character who takes things into her own hands. But the author handles it masterfully through constant, little shifts in Jewel’s mindset that lead up to a logical and dramatic conclusion. It’s harsh but realistic. And both Jewel and her friend Teddy are wonderfully written characters. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes thrillers or stories of healing, overcoming hardship, and redemption.
July 7, 2025
Neatly paced and emotionally charged, DARE is a tale of resilience in the face of trauma. Jewel Diamond’s journey from a disfigured and broken victim with amnesia to a woman seeking truth and justice is both heart-wrenching, empowering, and morally ambiguous.
As her memories return and the law enforcement system fails her, Jewel takes courage from an online support group while grappling with the blurred lines between right and wrong.
Wahlfeldt is not just an expert in healing, identity, and courage; she's a master at documenting the troubles that precede. This is a story of courage!
As her memories return and the law enforcement system fails her, Jewel takes courage from an online support group while grappling with the blurred lines between right and wrong.
Wahlfeldt is not just an expert in healing, identity, and courage; she's a master at documenting the troubles that precede. This is a story of courage!
August 16, 2025
Dare is a terrific novel exploring one woman's' journey after being victimized in a violent crime. The main character, Jewel, is written with insight and sensitivity. We seen her inner journey through a traumatic brain injury, as well as the loss of friends and the life she one knew. We appreciate her frustration as justice falters. Wahlfeldt is able to take us inside Jewel and build the empathy we need as she becomes a woman of action. I hope Wahlfeldt keeps providing us new and interesting characters and stories.
September 1, 2025
A brutal attack leaves Jewel Diamond physically disfigured and emotionally scarred. She navigates a path toward recovery, aided by an unlikely support group, including her 85-year-old neighbor, a cop whose interest in her case might be more than professional curiosity, and the host of a late-night internet-based radio program. Wahlfeldt’s vivid descriptions and expert pacing keep the pages turning as Jewel seeks out the true meaning of recovery, justice, and doing the right thing. This is a great read, and I highly recommend this book!
October 14, 2025
Mimi Wahlfeldt’s Dare is a fine psychological thriller. After suffering an attack on a bus, the protagonist, Jewel, loses her memory. Newly scared, she struggles to regain a sense of normalcy in her life. Jewel slowly regains her memories of the incident, which leaves her emotionally and physically vulnerable. Will the police catch the men responsible in time to save her? A powerful, gripping account of a victim’s battle to find justice, Dare is a real page turner. I highly recommend Dare, and look forward to reading more from this talented author.
September 22, 2025
I was given this book by Mimi through a giveaway, but all of these opinions are my own.
I loved how the book started, how you can feel immersed in the story from the get go. The descriptions of Jewel's thoughts and surroundings makes you wonder "who did this?" The characters feel complex. They constantly feel like they are healing or growing as people even if it's by a small margin.
I noticed the chapter headers having "time since ___" and I didn't like that, cause you can actually spoil yourself a bit if you check the chapter list in the beginning without knowing. (So please take that as a warning.) Though I will say adding the pandemic in the chapters felt distracting from what happened to Jewel.
I loved how the book started, how you can feel immersed in the story from the get go. The descriptions of Jewel's thoughts and surroundings makes you wonder "who did this?" The characters feel complex. They constantly feel like they are healing or growing as people even if it's by a small margin.
I noticed the chapter headers having "time since ___" and I didn't like that, cause you can actually spoil yourself a bit if you check the chapter list in the beginning without knowing. (So please take that as a warning.) Though I will say adding the pandemic in the chapters felt distracting from what happened to Jewel.
September 16, 2025
Sometimes I read late at night to help me get to sleep, but DARE had the opposite effect! I found the story to be so raw, twisty, and unputdownable that it stimulated my brain and my emotions. Elements of mystery, thriller, romance, and women’s fiction are all intertwined as author Wahlfeldt delivers one surprise after another, right up to the final pages. A highly absorbing read.
September 22, 2025
Wahlfeldt's thriller has aspects that elevate it beyond the genre's usual attractions, including great characters and character interactions, emotional impact, and a thorough exploration of complex philosophical questions. These additional aspects got their hooks into me, and I thought about the story long after finishing the book. Good story. Great read.
May 14, 2025
What an ending!
This was a fun book to read, I was immediately immersed into the story and all of the subplots. The book kept my interest throughout and I spent most of a Sunday afternoon reading the book. I felt Jewel’s dilemma and sensed the pain she was living with.
This was a fun book to read, I was immediately immersed into the story and all of the subplots. The book kept my interest throughout and I spent most of a Sunday afternoon reading the book. I felt Jewel’s dilemma and sensed the pain she was living with.
August 24, 2025
Wahlfeldt’s creative mind keeps the reader guessing with every page. The story of Jewel Diamond got me through a cross country plane ride, and I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend for lovers of thrillers and strong female protagonists.
August 24, 2025
Mimi Wahlfeldt's literary talent shines in this well designed, captivating, and thought provoking novel. Jewel is an engaging character--a strong, yet vulnerable woman caught in a whirlwind of emotion and memories. A must read in every single aspect!
September 7, 2025
This fictional story reads more like a biography. The topics are hard and the themes make one think. It's well worth the time invested in reading and the rewards payoff. Strongly recommend it!
November 27, 2025
The inner turmoil of the main character is something we can all relate to. Very well written and makes you want to read more!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews