Dissonance

by Tabitha Winters

Maverick psychologist Ellie Brynne has a head full of trauma and an empty desk, relegated to the research department of an inept criminal task force whose greatest accomplishment was getting cornhole approved as an officially sanctioned police activity. When a cult begins murdering the faculty at her university, she thinks she's hit the all the gore you could want, and oddball suspects galore. Turns out murder is a great distraction when you're trying to avoid your own mounting pile of psychoses.

Hopelessly outmanned, the task force calls in the esteemed Inspector Gérard Renault to lead the charge. Ellie's new partner may look like a romance novel on wheels, but he acts like a one-man wrecking shadowy and sullen one moment, smoldering the next. The broken detective's razor-sharp mind has been dulled by one too many secrets, and it's up to Ellie to coax him out of his tortured stupor before the bodies start to pile up. Between her tenuous grasp on reality and his ever-expanding web of lies, can this unlikely duo unravel a conspiracy that penetrates deep into the roots of a sleepy New England town where the only constant is dissonance?

443 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 18, 2025

About the author

Tabitha Winters is a practicing LMHC with a master's degree in clinical psychology and a PhD in sarcasm. A sought-after lecturer on the psychology circuit, she currently works within her state's mental health litigation division, and before she knew better? She served as co-leader of the Murderer's Support Group, which is exactly as glamorous as it sounds. To hear Tabitha speak more about herself in the third person, please visit her website.

Reviews

[The Book and Bubble · Rating 4 out of 5]

You start it for the mystery, and suddenly you’re questioning your mental health and really enjoying the detective who probably hasn’t smiled in a decade.

This book is smart, dark, and honestly? Hilariously unhinged. Ellie’s internal monologue is so relatable. Half the time I was like, “Girl, same,” and the other half… “Wait, should I be worried?”

If you like your mysteries with some fun characters, twisty twists, some emotional damage, all while they are barely holding it together trying to stop a cult — 😂!! This book is worth the ride.

4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5

[Jithendra Jithu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review 📚

Dissonance: A SPKS Novel by Tabitha Winters

Rating:5/5

Review:

👉Wow… just wow. Dissonance is one of those rare books that doesn’t just pull you into a story — it drags you headfirst into the tangled minds of its characters and leaves you breathless, intrigued, and wanting more. Tabitha Winters has created a story that feels like walking a tightrope between psychological depth and razor-sharp wit, and it’s an absolute triumph.

👉Dr. Ellie Brynne is not your typical heroine. She’s raw, vulnerable, sarcastic, and undeniably brilliant — a psychologist burdened with trauma and stashed away in a laughably ineffective task force. But when her old university becomes the center of a series of chilling cult-related murders, everything shifts. This is her moment to shine — and unravel.

👉Enter Gérard Renault — a name that sounds like romance, and a man who wears his past like armor. He’s intense, mysterious, and layered in secrets, and yet somehow, he becomes Ellie’s reluctant partner in a case that’s as emotionally challenging as it is deadly. Their dynamic is magnetic — not in the sugary romantic way, but in the gritty, slow-burn, soul-deep kind of connection that keeps you glued to the page.

👉The true beauty of Dissonance lies in its balance. The story delivers shocking twists and suspenseful turns, but also takes the time to explore the weight of mental health, grief, vulnerability, and human connection. Ellie’s internal dialogue is full of biting humor and emotional honesty. Renault’s quiet pain is just as gripping as the investigation itself. Together, they make an unforgettable duo.

👉And the writing? It's simply stunning. The prose flows effortlessly between dry comedy and poetic insight. The pacing is spot-on — fast enough to keep the tension high, yet deep enough to give every moment emotional resonance. The world Winters creates — this quiet New England town with secrets buried in every corner — feels atmospheric and alive.

👉By the time I reached the final chapters, I was fully invested not just in the mystery, but in these beautifully broken characters. Dissonance isn’t just a crime novel.

Happy reading 😁😁

#bookreview

[Books_reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚𝐵𝑂𝑂𝐾 :- ❞ 𝑫𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 ❞

👨‍🦱𝐴𝑈𝑇𝐻𝑂𝑅 :- 𝑻𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒂 𝑾𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔

🌌𝑴𝒀 𝑹𝑨𝑻𝑰𝑵𝑮𝑺:- 𝟓/𝟓 🌟

𝑹𝑬𝑽𝑰𝑬𝑾:- Tabitha Winters' Dissonance is a delightfully twisted psychological thriller that grabs hold from page one and refuses to let go. With biting humor, gritty suspense, and deeply flawed yet fascinating characters, this novel is a standout debut in the SPKS series.

At the center is Ellie Brynne, a psychologist with more emotional baggage than office files. Relegated to the research division of a hopelessly inept criminal task force—whose proudest achievement involves cornhole—Ellie is caught in a life of tedium and unresolved trauma. But when a mysterious cult begins murdering faculty at her old university, she’s unexpectedly thrust into a case that offers all the gore and distraction she never knew she needed.

Inspector Gérard Renault soon joins the chaos, and he’s every bit the tortured antihero readers love to unpack—brooding, brilliant, and barely keeping himself together. His chemistry with Ellie is intense and unpredictable. Watching these two deeply damaged individuals attempt to navigate a murder case—and each other—is as thrilling as the mystery itself.
Winters’ writing sparkles with wit and psychological insight. The dark humor adds levity to a storyline steeped in violence and trauma, while the pacing keeps readers engaged without sacrificing depth. Each chapter peels back more layers of the characters’ psyches, making the book feel as much like an emotional excavation as a suspenseful investigation.
Set in a sleepy New England town hiding a sinister secret, Dissonance explores themes of mental health, trust, obsession, and the strange places people find meaning. It’s a clever, emotionally resonant, and thoroughly entertaining read.

For fans of thrillers with intelligence, heart, and a twisted sense of humor, Dissonance is a must-read. I’m already counting down the days to the next SPKS novel. Tabitha Winters is a voice to watch.

[Kaashi ~ thedigitalcupid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying WOW. I’m still reeling from this book.From the very first page, Dissonance sinks its claws into you and refuses to let go. It's not just a thriller; it’s an experience. An unsettling, emotional, razor-sharp experience that pulls you into a world of dark secrets, cult murders, broken minds, and unforgettable characters.

Let’s talk about this hauntingly brilliant cover first. A bloodied, broken mask. Crime scene markers. Ominous rune tiles. Everything about it screams mystery, drama, and depth. You just know this story will mess with your head and your heart. ❤️‍🔥🩸

📚 The SStory Set in a quiet New England town that’s anything but quiet, Dissonance weaves a chilling tale of two people haunted by the past.

🔹 Ellie Brynne: an unhinged psychologist who is messy, hilarious, raw, and painfully human. Her voice is like a punch of dark humor mixed with unfiltered trauma.
🔹 Inspector Gérard Renault: a smoldering detective with secrets of his own. Think dark academia meets brooding noir. 😮‍💨💼

The chemistry? Off the charts. The emotional tension? Deliciously unbearable.
Their banter, their breakdowns, their baggage it all feels so real.

📖 My Emotions While Reading:

First 10 pages: 😳 Wait what?!
Flashbacks: 😢 Oh no, not that...
Ellie’s chaotic inner monologues: 😂 She did NOT just say that!
Renault’s secret moments: 🫣 Please don’t be evil...
Plot twist: 😱 I need a moment.
Final act: 😭🔥 My heart. My brain. Everything hurts.

There were moments I had to literally pause, take a breath, and stare into space. It's THAT kind of book. One minute you’re laughing, next minute your heart’s in your throat.

Tabitha Winters, You Genius:For a debut? This is criminally good. Your writing is so vivid and layered it felt like I was walking through every shadowy street, feeling every drop of rain, and hearing every broken whisper. You’ve created characters that are alive in my head and a plot that twisted around my soul. Thank you. 🙌💙

[Kajol Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dissonance by Tabitha Winters isn’t just a book you read–it’s one you survive. From the opening page, it grabs you by the throat and drags you into a world of cult killings, shattered minds and emotions you weren’t ready to feel. It’s equal parts thriller, psychological deep dive and emotional gut punch.

Let’s start with the cover, it goes so well with the plot because wow. A fractured, bloodied mask. Crime scene markers. Runes that feel like they’re staring back at you. It’s the perfect warning: this story will get under your skin and stay there.

The quiet New England town at the center of the story is anything but quiet. Winters weaves the lives of two unforgettable characters into a tense, twisting plot that hums with danger.

Ellie Brynne is messy, sharp-witted, damaged and utterly magnetic. She’s not a “likable” heroine in the traditional sense,she’s better. Flawed, unfiltered, and brimming with raw humanity.

Inspector Gerard Renault is a brooding noir energy with an undercurrent of vulnerability that sneaks up on you. He’s as much a riddle as the case he’s working.

The dynamic between them? Pure electricity. The banter, the unspoken moments, the push and pull of two people carrying too many ghosts ,it’s honestly too addictive.

Reading Dissonance felt like riding a storm.What makes this debut remarkable isn’t just the murder mystery : though the cult storyline is chilling and expertly crafted. It’s the way Winters dissects the human psyche. The unraveling of the characters is just as gripping, if not more so than the crime itself.

Dark academia atmosphere. Crime noir grit. Emotional wreckage. Vivid writing that puts you right in the rain-soaked streets and the shadowy corners of broken minds.

Dissonance doesn’t let you sit back and watch instead it pulls you in, shakes you apart and leaves you staring at the last page long after you’ve finished it.

[Sakshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: Dissonance
Author – Tabitha Winters
Genre – Psychological Thriller / Dark Mystery
Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Dissonance was such a wild ride, and I honestly wasn’t ready for the mix of chaos, dark humor, and emotional damage packed into this book 😭. It’s not your regular thriller it’s part crime novel, part therapy session, part dark comedy, and somehow Tabitha Winters makes it all work perfectly. I devoured it in no time because once I started, there was no way I could put it down.

Ellie Brynne instantly became my favorite character. She’s sharp, sarcastic, and deeply flawed in a way that felt so real and relatable. Her humor is the kind that makes you laugh while also reminding you she’s using it to cover up her own pain. Inspector Gérard Renault, on the other hand, is the definition of broody brilliance grief bottled up in human form. Separately, they’re disasters, but together they’re addictive. Their banter, their messy partnership, and the way they navigate the cult murder investigation kept me hooked from start to finish.

What really stood out to me, though, was the psychological depth 🖤. Winters dives into themes of trauma, obsession, repression, and the strange ways people cope. One chapter had me laughing at the dark humor, and the next left me staring at the wall questioning how fragile the human mind can be. The thriller elements were twisted and engaging, but it was this psychological exploration that truly made the story shine for me.

Overall, Dissonance is gritty, raw, witty, and absolutely addictive. It’s the kind of book that messes with your brain in the best way possible and leaves you wanting more. By the time I turned the last page, I felt wrecked, entertained, and already craving the sequel, Deception. Tabitha Winters just earned herself a permanent spot on my must-read list ✨.

[Madhura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this book completely knocked me off balance. From the very first page, Dissonance pulls you in and doesn’t let go. It’s not just a thriller it feels like an experience that’s dark, emotional, and unforgettable. The mix of cult murders, broken minds, and raw emotions makes it impossible to look away.

The cover itself sets the mood perfectly a broken mask, splashes of blood, crime markers, and mysterious rune tiles. Just one look at it and you know this story is going to be intense and chilling.

The story takes place in a small New England town that is far from peaceful. At the heart of it are two unforgettable characters. Ellie Brynne is a psychologist who is messy, hilarious, and brutally honest, carrying all her scars in plain sight. Inspector Gérard Renault, on the other hand, is brooding, secretive, and yet magnetic. Together, their chemistry is electric their banter, their pain, their moments of weakness it all feels so real.

Reading this book was a rollercoaster. In some scenes, I was laughing at Ellie’s sharp humor, and in the next, I was left heartbroken by painful flashbacks. Renault’s quiet, hidden moments made me both suspicious and emotional. And when the plot twists came, they hit me so hard I had to put the book down just to catch my breath. The final act especially left me drained in the best possible way.

For a debut, Tabitha Winters has done something incredible. Her writing is so vivid that I felt like I was walking through the rain-soaked streets myself, hearing every whisper and carrying every secret. These characters don’t just exist on the page they stay in your head and heart. This book is intense, heartbreaking, and absolutely brilliant.

Rating: 4.4/5

[Gee Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dissonance is a psychological thriller novel written by the author Tabitha Winters, published in May 2025. At 443 pages, it is the kind of debut that grabs you by the brain and refuses to let go. Set in a sleepy New England town that’s anything but quiet, this psychological thriller dives deep into cult murders, mental health, and two gloriously damaged leads you can’t help but root for. Winters writes with razor-sharp wit and psychological precision. Ellie Brynne, our delightfully unhinged psychologist, is equal parts brilliant and broken—her voice is raw, hilarious, and unsettlingly relatable. Add in Inspector Gérard Renault, the smoldering, secretive detective who could moonlight on a book cover, and you’ve got a duo that simmers with tension and emotional complexity. The plot unravels like a slow-burning fuse—meticulously layered, twisted in the best way, and peppered with flashbacks that deepen the mystery and keep the stakes sky-high. And yet, despite the darkness, there’s levity: unexpected humor, offbeat banter, and side characters (Marcus!!) who steal the scene with chaotic energy. This is more than a thriller—it’s an immersive experience. The kind of book that lingers long after the last page. I’d hand it to any teen or adult who enjoys character-driven mysteries that aren’t afraid to get a little messy. As the first in the SPKS series, Dissonance sets a wickedly high bar. Highly recommended from my side.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
A darkly brilliant debut that balances chaos, charm, and cults—seamlessly.

Final Verdict: A knockout debut—gritty, smart, and weirdly funny. Tabitha Winters is absolutely one to watch. Bring on book two!

[L♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review – Dissonance by Tabitha Winters

Okay, so Dissonance isn’t your regular thriller...it’s what happens when a crime novel, a therapy session, and a dark comedy walk into a bar. Tabitha Winters gives us Ellie Brynne, a psychologist who probably needs therapy more than half her clients, and Inspector Gérard Renault, the definition of “broody-but-brilliant with 99 problems.” Together? Absolute chaos, but the kind you can’t look away from.

As a psych student, I loved how messy these characters are. Ellie is basically a masterclass in repression and sarcasm-as-a-defense-mechanism. Renault is grief bottled up in human form. They shouldn’t work as a duo, but somehow their brokenness makes the story even sharper. Honestly, reading them felt like analyzing case studies that accidentally got wrapped up in a cult murder investigation.

The cult plotline is wild, but what really hooked me was the psychological depth. Winters doesn’t shy away from trauma, obsession, and the weird ways people cope. One chapter you’re laughing at dark humor, the next you’re rethinking how fragile the human mind can be. It’s giving… Freud would be shook.

Bottom line? Dissonance is dark, witty, and addictive. Perfect if you want a thriller that’s less about who did it and more about what’s going on inside their heads.

Finished the last page and immediately reached for Hello Panda snacks to ground myself because wow… this book really does mess with your brain in the best way possible 🐼✨.

[Mantasha Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book didn’t just mess with my mind—it unpacked it, rearranged the furniture, and set it on fire. And weirdly? I liked it.

Dissonance pulled me in from the first chapter. It’s where murder meets memory, and trauma doesn’t sit quietly in the background—it breathes, talks back, and keeps slipping into every scene. Ellie Brynne felt like someone I’d instantly click with—sharp, sarcastic, a little chaotic, and very much done with everyone’s nonsense. I loved how real she felt, even in all her dysfunction.

She’s part of this barely-functional task force that seems like a joke… until things start turning bloody. And then Gérard Renault enters. Quiet, unreadable, and layered in the kind of silence that says more than words. Figuring him out made me as restless as Ellie.

The writing? It’s the kind that makes you feel. The structure shifts between emotion, tension, and wit so seamlessly that I didn’t even realize how deep in I was. Some pages punched. Others held me still. And then there were moments where I just had to stop and feel everything.

It has the moodiness of dark academia, the chaos of cult crime, and the rawness of unresolved grief—all wrapped in sharp dialogue and even sharper emotional hits.

Dissonance doesn’t ease in gently—it roars. And maybe that’s what made it stay with me.

If you're into messy people, layered writing, and stories that cut close to the bone—this one's going to hit you right.

[Chhaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wait...what did I just read?

I mean, it was the perfect amount of chaos, humor, mystery, and emotional damage.

It was one of those books that you just can't stop reading, and it pulls you into the story. You start relating with characters, and especially when it's a mystery thriller, you feel like you're the one actually solving the cases and mysteries. It is a twisted, tangled, chaotic (in a fun way), dark, and gritty psychological thriller, and the addition of cult murder elements makes it more engaging.

Tabitha did an amazing job writing the book and meticulously plotting the story with twists and turns. I was engaged throughout the story and was unable to put it down. Ellie and Gerald were well-written, along with other characters. Their chemistry is undying, and the banter is the most fun part. Ellie is brilliant, and her humor was chef's kiss. She is my favorite character and the character I related to most.

Overall, I really loved the book, and if you're someone who enjoys dark psychological thrillers that are gritty, raw, and have amazing plot twists with suspense and cult murders with a touch of humor and banter in between, then you're going to love the book. I can't wait to read the next book, Deception, by Tabitha Winters.

[bookhaven__ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a book by Tabitha Winters, and I was instantly captivated by the gripping storyline. Ellie Brynne, a psychologist with a sharp wit and biting sarcasm, quickly became a character I adored.

A string of murders shakes Claremont University, with faculty members turning up dead. Benjamin Prescott, who had served as the university’s chancellor for the past three years, is found with his throat slashed from ear to ear. While the wound appears to be the cause of death, there's a possibility he was drugged beforehand. Inspector Gérard Renault takes charge of the investigation.

As the plot unfolds, the university community is stunned by the death of Dr. Donnelly. Ellie herself comes under suspicion due to her strained relationship with Donnelly, adding to the intrigue.

Tabitha Winters has done an impressive job with this debut novel. Ellie Brynne stood out as my favorite character, and the entire cast was well-developed. The title fits the story perfectly. With its fast-paced narrative and constant suspense, the book never has a dull moment. I am going to pick Book 2 to meet Renault and Ellie again.

[Readers Choice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dissonance marks the gripping debut in the SPKS series, centering around psychologist Ellie Brynne and inspector Gérard Renault. The story kicks off when Ellie conducts an emergency evaluation of a patient named Sonny. Known for his manipulative mind games and penchant for psychological terror, Sonny unexpectedly reveals a deep fear of Gérard Renault—sparking Ellie’s curiosity.

As Ellie digs deeper, she discovers that Renault is a highly decorated member in the Department of Global Intelligence, renowned for his expertise in abnormal crimes. When a string of murders rocks her university campus, Ellie teams up with Renault, using her intellect to navigate a web of chilling clues. Together, they must unmask the mastermind behind these calculated killings.

I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this book. Just when I thought I had cracked the mystery, another twist threw me off. The writing is fluid and compelling, making it impossible to put down—I devoured it over a single weekend. I’m excited to dive into Book 2: Deception, which seems to have even more surprises. A fantastic debut by Winters!

[Shweta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is chaos in the BEST way possible.

We’ve got Ellie Brynne, a psychologist dealing with her own trauma, sunk deep in her research department, which does no wonder for her career, and while she is dealing with her own demons, a cult starts killing off faculty at her university. Just the meaning she needed in her life! Suddenly she has a case to deal with her troubling dark psyche.

On the other hand, Gérard Renault is tall, broody, and full of contradictions himself. He has razor-sharp intelligence but hides huge emotional baggage. These two broken yet brave people are paired up, each barely gripping on their own realities, making it a vulnerable partnership!

The raw, real and messy protagonists combined with dark humour, cults, gothic vibes and conspiracy make this narrative addictive until you turn the last page. This isn’t your typical “detective thriller”. It brings out the ugly parts of being human while still giving you that edge-of-your-seat mystery.

Dissonance is a twisted ride through trauma, secrets, and conspiracies. Pick this up now if you love moody detective vibes with a dose of sarcasm.

[Readbymansi · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ My Thoughts on Dissonance

Dissonance by Tabitha Winters is more than just a thriller, it feels like an experience you live through. From the very first page, it pulls you into a dark world of cult killings, broken minds and secrets that refuse to stay hidden. The story is chilling but also deeply emotional, mixing mystery with psychology in a way that keeps you hooked. 🔥

Ellie Brynne is messy, sarcastic and full of flaws, but that is exactly what makes her unforgettable. Her pain and trauma feel real, like they are breathing through every page. Gerard Renault, the inspector, is brooding and difficult yet strangely addictive to read. Together, their connection is full of tension and spark, and it makes the story even more gripping. ✨

What makes this book so special is how Winters doesn’t just write about solving crimes, she writes about survival and the fragile human mind. The dark academia mood, the noir atmosphere and the raw emotions make it a book that stays with you long after you finish.

Dissonance is haunting, intense and beautifully human. A storm of emotions that will leave you shaken and amazed. 🌙

[_sassy_39 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Dissonance" by Tabitha Winters marks the gripping start to the SPKS series. The story centers around Ellie Brynne, a psychologist who was given the approval by Dr. Donnelly to do an emergency evaluation of Sonny Bonaventure—a man who claims to have murdered over fifteen women in a year. Sonny is terrified of Inspector Gérard Renault and insists on being admitted to Hopkins State Hospital to stay hidden from him.

Things take a darker turn when both the chancellor and Dr. Donnelly are found dead at Claremont University. Ellie is then partnered with Inspector Renault to investigate the string of murders haunting the campus. With bodies continuing to appear, she must act quickly to unravel the truth and stop the killer.

This is a suspenseful, twist-filled read that I’d highly recommend to thrill-seekers and mystery lovers alike. The author's storytelling is engaging, and I found myself hooked right up to the final page. I’m already looking forward to diving into Book 2: Deception.

[Bookreviewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dissonance impacted me more than I thought it would what a book i mean.!!!
The intro chapter shows us that it is not an easy read where the reader can relax and enjoy the novel, but a hand grabbing situation that drags u into the nightmare of the person.
The thrill n murders were enough to keep me invested but it was the characters that killed me.

I mean characters are so much like i could not take my eyes off of that character lol She is not slick or likeable, she is all too human, and so she becomes memorable..
and then another character he is the kind of guy you wanted to see as a bad guy but you just became his rooting interest.

Very well written and vibe- atmosphere of this book is dark academia meets crime noir - wraps around you, and it is impossible not to feel every scene And at the end of it I did not only read a mystery, I lived through it! Definitely reading the next part soon;)

[Anjalii · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dissonance by Tabitha Winters isn’t just a thriller — it’s a deep dive into the chaos of the human mind.
Ellie Brynne is smart, scarred, sarcastic, and wildly relatable. Gérard Renault? The kind of brooding, emotionally-closed detective I shouldn’t be attached to… but here we are.

The story is layered with cult murders, academic secrets, and deeply flawed characters who feel real.
What stood out most is how Winters weaves trauma and psychology into a gritty, emotional ride that never lets up.
The pacing is intense, the writing is razor-sharp, and the atmosphere? Dark academia meets crime noir.

If you're into clever plots, raw characters, and emotional undercurrents that cut deep — you’ll devour this in one sitting (and then need a nap).
Highly recommend!

[Whatavablog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dissonance is not a comfort read it's a confrontation. A reckoning. A reminder that the mind is not a fragile thing, but a battlefield full of ghosts, memories, and unexpected power.
Tabitha Winters hasn't just written a book she's created an experience. One that haunts. One that heals. One that dares to go where most fiction fears to tread.
If you crave stories that don't flinch, characters that don't conform, and writing that echoes long after the final page, Dissonance is not just recommended it's essential.

[Trisha Jaiswal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thrilling mystery I’d recommend.

Ellie isn’t your typical heroine — she’s brilliant, broken, and barely holding it together, which makes her impossible not to root for.

Gérard Renault is equal parts storm cloud and slow-burn heartache — a mystery within the mystery.

The murder mystery hits hard, but it’s the psychological unraveling that truly grips you.

Dissonance doesn’t entertain from a distance — it drags you in, kicks up the dust, and leaves you staring at yourself.

It’s not about solving a mystery. It’s about surviving it.

[dewscribes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dissonance is a story that lingers. Tabitha Winters writes with a rhythm that feels both emotional and sharp. The characters are messy in the best way, real enough that you care about where they’re headed. It’s not just a book you read, it’s one you sit with after closing the last page. What stood out most to me was how raw the emotions felt. Some moments break you, moments that give you hope, and moments where you don’t quite know how to feel and that’s the beauty of it. Winters doesn’t hold back, and that honesty makes the book unforgettable.

[Joseph Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

DISSONANCE is an amazing debut novel from an incredible talent. The cast of characters is wild…and in a good way! Couple a psychologist with a team known as SPKS as they all investigate a series of grisly murders on a college campus and you’ve got the makings for an amazingly detailed plot. And our heroine has a past the creeps up on her at the most inopportune times in the form of disjointed flashbacks. This poor woman has had a hard life to now and this tour of duty isn’t getting any easier.
There is so much to love about this book and the inhabitants of Geyer’s Lake. It twists and turns like a snake and, just when you think you’ve figured things out, Winters drops a bomb and things go sideways.
And wait until you meet Marcus: the Tasmanian Devil of the group!
This is the first in a continuing series and sets the table for all to come. This is the kind of breakthrough book that has so much inside it cries for a mini-series. Hey Amazon, Netflix, Paramount, et.al.: you listening?
In the humble opinion of this humble author: Tabitha Winters is a mighty force to be reckoned with in the literary world of psychological thrillers! I cannot wait to see what comes next!
Highly recommended, which is why it gets five stars. Honestly, I would give more if that were possible.

[Srishti Naranng · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me hold my breath and process. And also I had to make up my mind before diving back into it..