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Dreams and Reality #5
Cannibal Dreams
When pairs of feet start turning up in Columbia, Missouri, it becomes apparent that a serial killer is prowling the streets. However, the feet are not giving away many secrets and without bodies, it is impossible to identify the victims. The investigation stalls and the killer is free to slaughter as many victims as he can find. When Aislinn Cain and the SCTU shows up, Aislinn realizes that this isn’t a new serial killer. He’s terrorized her hometown before. Her father worked the case the first time with only an exotic bite mark as a clue. Now, Aislinn will start the manhunt of her life as she becomes determined to catch the monster that eluded her father. As she sinks further into the hunt, she'll uncover a horrifying past that proves skeletons should stay locked in closets.
384 pages, Paperback
First published August 26, 2014
31 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
Hadena James
45 books247 followersHadena James began writing at the age of eight. As a teenager, she had several short stories published in literary magazines. She completed writing her first novel at the age of 17.
Hadena graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in European History with minors in German and Russian studies. She has always wanted to be a writer so she also took several classes in creative writing.
Hadena’s primary literary genre is action/thriller. She currently writes two series, both use action/thriller. “The Brenna Strachan Series” uses fantasy and the “Dreams & Reality Series” uses murder mystery as its secondary genre. She continues to explore and expand her writing and hopes to soon produce a comedic action/thriller.
When she isn’t busy writing or running her business, Hadena enjoys playing in a steel-tip dart league. She also loves to travel throughout North America and Europe. Her favorite cities are Chicago, Illinois and Berlin, Germany. She is an avid reader, reading everything from the classics like Jane Austen to modern writers like Terry Pratchett. One of her all-time favorite books is “Good Omens” by Neil Gaimen and Terry Pratchett. She writes all of her books while listening to music and the bands tend to get “honorable mentions” within the pages.
Hadena graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in European History with minors in German and Russian studies. She has always wanted to be a writer so she also took several classes in creative writing.
Hadena’s primary literary genre is action/thriller. She currently writes two series, both use action/thriller. “The Brenna Strachan Series” uses fantasy and the “Dreams & Reality Series” uses murder mystery as its secondary genre. She continues to explore and expand her writing and hopes to soon produce a comedic action/thriller.
When she isn’t busy writing or running her business, Hadena enjoys playing in a steel-tip dart league. She also loves to travel throughout North America and Europe. Her favorite cities are Chicago, Illinois and Berlin, Germany. She is an avid reader, reading everything from the classics like Jane Austen to modern writers like Terry Pratchett. One of her all-time favorite books is “Good Omens” by Neil Gaimen and Terry Pratchett. She writes all of her books while listening to music and the bands tend to get “honorable mentions” within the pages.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 14, 2021
** Reread May 2021 **
I have amended my rating from 5 stars to 4 for this read. I was a bit overenthusiastic with my ratings at the beginning on my Goodreads journey. 😊
What a stunning read! It had absolutely everything you could want in a thriller with serial killers.
We see a new member join the team after the death of Michael, but he doesn't seem to "click" with the group, & seems to have nefarious reasons for joining the team.
Some questions are answered concerning one of Aislinn's current stalker fans; a whole lot more is discovered about her dysfunctional family members. It seems her psychopathy & sociopathy are inherited traits.
Such a gripping, roller coaster ride of a read! I literally couldn't put it down. I'm downloading ALL of the series of these books.
I have amended my rating from 5 stars to 4 for this read. I was a bit overenthusiastic with my ratings at the beginning on my Goodreads journey. 😊
What a stunning read! It had absolutely everything you could want in a thriller with serial killers.
We see a new member join the team after the death of Michael, but he doesn't seem to "click" with the group, & seems to have nefarious reasons for joining the team.
Some questions are answered concerning one of Aislinn's current stalker fans; a whole lot more is discovered about her dysfunctional family members. It seems her psychopathy & sociopathy are inherited traits.
Such a gripping, roller coaster ride of a read! I literally couldn't put it down. I'm downloading ALL of the series of these books.
January 1, 2019
This case has got the Serial Crimes Tracking Unit (SCTU) of the US Marshalls completely stumped. Feet are turning up, just the feet with socks on and sometimes shoes as well. But disturbingly there appear to be teeth marks on the ankle bones. Teeth marks that look like they were made by a big cat - not the domestic variety.
In between investigating the case the narrative fills in a lot of Aislinn's background and family history. And yes, its a pretty dysfunctional family but it all explains a lot. As the case progresses it becomes clear that big cats are not the only things chomping on these bones. The book title might give you a clue. When they find the killer's lair they also make a heartbreaking discovery. I should probably leave it there. Except to say - if you can handle some gruesomeness it an excellent series.
In between investigating the case the narrative fills in a lot of Aislinn's background and family history. And yes, its a pretty dysfunctional family but it all explains a lot. As the case progresses it becomes clear that big cats are not the only things chomping on these bones. The book title might give you a clue. When they find the killer's lair they also make a heartbreaking discovery. I should probably leave it there. Except to say - if you can handle some gruesomeness it an excellent series.
August 28, 2014
Another great read from Ms James. I was privileged to get this book as an advanced read for Ms James. The 5th book in Ms James series Dreams and Reality, grabbed me at the very beginning (which is the way most of Ms James books do!) and I couldn't wait to get thru it! I ended up reading it in 3 sittings! Ms James really brings things into focus and her writing makes you relate to everything! The first thing was the city of Columbia, MO. I'd love to go try the Pizza and subs that she describes as her favorite places! They both owe her pizza and subs for life for the advertising!
Aislynn Cain (or Ace) is a member of the US Marshalls team that track serial killers. She is also a serial killer herself. The book starts out as they are finishing a case and are diverted to Columbia on the way back to Kansas City. Ace grew up in Columbia, so the team wants to see where she got her start, grew up. As they are checking it out, they spot a pair of socks on a utility line and Ace's keen nose picks up decomp. The socks have feet in them. As they learn when they report it, this is not the first set of feet that have been found. Another case. This is a different case tho. This case involves more than just cannibalism. It involves voraphilia. It will totally shock you at the end, which I was not expecting, but will explain everything. The team tracks this killer from a case that Ace's dad worked to current. We learn more about Ace's past, her stalker and her family. If you have never read any of Hadana James's book, please read this series, Dreams and Reality! You will not be sorry! Hadena does not just write about serial killers, but each case involves a writing style like no other I have read. I can't wait to see how much more Hadena grows in future books! I am honored to be able to read her books. Don't Miss Them!!
Aislynn Cain (or Ace) is a member of the US Marshalls team that track serial killers. She is also a serial killer herself. The book starts out as they are finishing a case and are diverted to Columbia on the way back to Kansas City. Ace grew up in Columbia, so the team wants to see where she got her start, grew up. As they are checking it out, they spot a pair of socks on a utility line and Ace's keen nose picks up decomp. The socks have feet in them. As they learn when they report it, this is not the first set of feet that have been found. Another case. This is a different case tho. This case involves more than just cannibalism. It involves voraphilia. It will totally shock you at the end, which I was not expecting, but will explain everything. The team tracks this killer from a case that Ace's dad worked to current. We learn more about Ace's past, her stalker and her family. If you have never read any of Hadana James's book, please read this series, Dreams and Reality! You will not be sorry! Hadena does not just write about serial killers, but each case involves a writing style like no other I have read. I can't wait to see how much more Hadena grows in future books! I am honored to be able to read her books. Don't Miss Them!!
January 31, 2017
The 5th part of the story didn't disappoint. It was interesting, tense, with unexpected but welcone twists, and I was immersed into it with pleasure. But I can't get around the fact that multiple times it felt like the book was dictated to a voice input machine and was very poorly proof-read afterwatds. It's the 5th book in the series that contains so many spelling mistakes that a great part of the joy of reading it is gone, hence the only 3 stars...
March 22, 2025
It was a good book. not one of my favorites but fun and informative on Aislinn's family.
Aislinn and Grabriel are my favorite duo outside of Aislinn and Malachi, definitely warmed my heart when Aislinn talked about what Gabriel means to her
And John.
The next book is definitely going to be interesting.
Aislinn and Grabriel are my favorite duo outside of Aislinn and Malachi, definitely warmed my heart when Aislinn talked about what Gabriel means to her
And John.
The next book is definitely going to be interesting.
Read
December 20, 2019This is one of my favorites in the series because we get so much background on Aislinn. And honestly a lot of it is a hoot! The gang is chasing what they believe to be a cannibal, which is pretty close but not exactly. Aislinn learns every day a little more about her kin and I love the story as much as the chase of the serial killer. There is a new player in the group this book and we have to find out if he is going to fit in with the psychopaths/sociopaths or if he might have some kind of other agenda.
November 9, 2020
Good book but the typos continue. They are distracting and the author is desperately in need of an editor to proofread them.
One aspect that has started to ramp up and is getting a bit tedious is the relative frail health so many of the characters seem to have... it doesn't add to the story really; in fact, it distracts from it that someone seems to always be "out sick."
Anyhow, I still enjoyed it and still read it in one shot over an afternoon.
One aspect that has started to ramp up and is getting a bit tedious is the relative frail health so many of the characters seem to have... it doesn't add to the story really; in fact, it distracts from it that someone seems to always be "out sick."
Anyhow, I still enjoyed it and still read it in one shot over an afternoon.
May 12, 2023
It's been a while since I have read one of James's books. And right now I am wondering why it took me so long to pick up another one. As with every story before, James has done an impeccable job. The storyline is unforgettable and un-put-down-able. Every page was filled with anger, fear, excitement, or anxiety. James truly brings the story to life. I was addicted from moment one, and if life didn't always get in the way, I would never have set this book down.
April 7, 2019
Wow
The twist and turns in this book leave wanting to read every page. This book moves without feeling rushed , gives you enough details without being to much. The people in this book will have you going threw emotions.
The twist and turns in this book leave wanting to read every page. This book moves without feeling rushed , gives you enough details without being to much. The people in this book will have you going threw emotions.
October 1, 2018
Review
Awesome continuation of the series. Delves deeper into why Aislinn is the way she is.As well as piecing together her family tree. Very ending was a shocker!
Awesome continuation of the series. Delves deeper into why Aislinn is the way she is.As well as piecing together her family tree. Very ending was a shocker!
November 1, 2018
Ewwwww
Who needs family .... memories and lies have kept and killed in this book an evil I don't know where the ideas come from but are totally gross.
Fantastically written..
Who needs family .... memories and lies have kept and killed in this book an evil I don't know where the ideas come from but are totally gross.
Fantastically written..
September 27, 2022
Sllooowww
This book was definitely nothing like a book I would read. It was not as good as 1 & 2. But I wanted to read the series. Not to bad as a series.
This book was definitely nothing like a book I would read. It was not as good as 1 & 2. But I wanted to read the series. Not to bad as a series.
February 7, 2018
Totally Hadena James. Creepy good fun, twisted thrill ride. Love the continuing characters added to a great story line makes this another winner.
July 18, 2020
aislinn finds out just how psychopathic her family is...her cousin is a voraphile...likes to watch people being eaten. his mother aids him. they both import and kill very rare animals. aislinn' s grandfather is the serial killer known as the butcher. her new teammate tries to get her killed. Last read in 2015. Re-read in 2029 and still held my interest.
November 9, 2015
My heart is racing!
Hadena James has once again made me think! The characters in this series are incredible and each book is so thrilling experience. I have recommended this unbelievable author to all my friends and family. Do not hesitate to buy and utterly enjoy the (Dreams & Reality Series)
Hadena James has once again made me think! The characters in this series are incredible and each book is so thrilling experience. I have recommended this unbelievable author to all my friends and family. Do not hesitate to buy and utterly enjoy the (Dreams & Reality Series)
September 9, 2015
Omg! One of my favorites so far in this series! I did not want this book to end. So many edge of the seat moments.
And I knew there was a reason I didn't like John. I hope he gets what's coming to him.
And I knew there was a reason I didn't like John. I hope he gets what's coming to him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2014
Cannibalism is disturbing on so many levels, but the way Hadena James writes, this book is a page turner and I literally could not put it down!
September 29, 2015
Best!!!
Love the people in this series!! Can't wait to read the next ones! The characters are so lovable....even the psychopaths! Lol
Love the people in this series!! Can't wait to read the next ones! The characters are so lovable....even the psychopaths! Lol
April 29, 2017
Another good book in the series!
July 17, 2021
Can't get enough of this series! I mean wow! who saw that one coming? Another well done and most thrilling read from Hadena James. Off to the book store for the next!
March 25, 2016
Mind boggling
Great plot to bring the family together. Makes you question your own families traits. Could not put this book down
Great plot to bring the family together. Makes you question your own families traits. Could not put this book down
October 24, 2016
The best so far
Loved this book. By far this has been the best in the series bums. James. I am truly looking forward to see wheat happens next!
Loved this book. By far this has been the best in the series bums. James. I am truly looking forward to see wheat happens next!
February 15, 2019
Holy Cow!!! This book was great. I have loved all Hadena James books so far. They are well written and just so interesting, thrilling, creepy, just great! Absolute page turners!! Can't wait to start the next one!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews