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Dream Wide Awake: Was she born with a gift or a curse?
Six-year-old Mikala Daly dreams of three little boys locked in a damp, dark cellar.
"I picked this up and could. Not. Put. It. Down. I kept thinking about it for weeks afterward." – Alex, Amazon Reviewer.
A kidnapper scribbles quotes on three abduction notes. His fourth mentions Detective Jack Daly’s daughter Mikala. Jack crumbles the note in the palm of his hand and slips it into a pocket.
He can't let a soul know she’s dreaming.
In this page-turning psychic crime thriller, four words on Christian stationery force a father to work alone while narrowing a web of suspects and identifying a kidnapper.
Years before, Jack married into a family rumored to have a sixth sense. He had no idea his daughter might inherit that “gift.” Now three boys are missing, and his world spirals into mayhem as he juggles two conflicting finding the boys and protecting his daughter.
Can he risk her life to save the boys? Who took them and how does he know Mikala?
"Think you have it figured out? You don't." – Janet, Amazon Reviewer.”
"I picked this up and could. Not. Put. It. Down. I kept thinking about it for weeks afterward." – Alex, Amazon Reviewer.
A kidnapper scribbles quotes on three abduction notes. His fourth mentions Detective Jack Daly’s daughter Mikala. Jack crumbles the note in the palm of his hand and slips it into a pocket.
He can't let a soul know she’s dreaming.
In this page-turning psychic crime thriller, four words on Christian stationery force a father to work alone while narrowing a web of suspects and identifying a kidnapper.
Years before, Jack married into a family rumored to have a sixth sense. He had no idea his daughter might inherit that “gift.” Now three boys are missing, and his world spirals into mayhem as he juggles two conflicting finding the boys and protecting his daughter.
Can he risk her life to save the boys? Who took them and how does he know Mikala?
"Think you have it figured out? You don't." – Janet, Amazon Reviewer.”
- GenresMystery
359 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2022
67 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Zahner
10 books679 followersCyndie "CJ" Zahner is a digital-book hoarder, lover of can't-put-down books, wife, mother, grandmother, runner, and author of seven novels.
On April 1, 2025, her memoir, The House That Loved, was released. The story is about a drug prescribed to millions of pregnant women, including her mother. Uniquely, the novel's POV is a house, signifying the millions of homes, worldwide, that shelter DES children. Zahner is a DES daughter.
Her other books include four thrillers, The Suicide Gene, Dream Wide Awake, Project Dream, The Dream Diaries, and three chick lit novels in her Awkward Mothers You Hate Loving series, Friends Who Move Couches, Don't Mind Me, I Came with the House, and PLease Post Bail, Love Mom.
Her novels were inspired during long runs on Presque Isle State Park in the town where she grew up, Erie, Pennsylvania, and others on the trails surrounding her new home near Raleigh, NC.
Before becoming a novelist, CJ worked as a grant and freelance writer. Her articles varied from business to women’s health to the paranormal.
In 2015, she began looking at life differently when her brother and his wife were diagnosed with dementia and early-onset Alzheimer’s. At that time, her husband pulled her aside and said, “Quit your job. You’re a writer.” After twenty years of service, CJ picked up her purse at work one day and quietly walked away.
Now, she rises before dawn, writes, runs, and smiles much.
A hard worker and story lover, CJ Zahner is determined to read, write, and run happily ever after.
On April 1, 2025, her memoir, The House That Loved, was released. The story is about a drug prescribed to millions of pregnant women, including her mother. Uniquely, the novel's POV is a house, signifying the millions of homes, worldwide, that shelter DES children. Zahner is a DES daughter.
Her other books include four thrillers, The Suicide Gene, Dream Wide Awake, Project Dream, The Dream Diaries, and three chick lit novels in her Awkward Mothers You Hate Loving series, Friends Who Move Couches, Don't Mind Me, I Came with the House, and PLease Post Bail, Love Mom.
Her novels were inspired during long runs on Presque Isle State Park in the town where she grew up, Erie, Pennsylvania, and others on the trails surrounding her new home near Raleigh, NC.
Before becoming a novelist, CJ worked as a grant and freelance writer. Her articles varied from business to women’s health to the paranormal.
In 2015, she began looking at life differently when her brother and his wife were diagnosed with dementia and early-onset Alzheimer’s. At that time, her husband pulled her aside and said, “Quit your job. You’re a writer.” After twenty years of service, CJ picked up her purse at work one day and quietly walked away.
Now, she rises before dawn, writes, runs, and smiles much.
A hard worker and story lover, CJ Zahner is determined to read, write, and run happily ever after.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
July 30, 2021
What amazing psychological thriller this is! I admittedly haven’t ventured far from my preferred genre of Historical fiction, but I am so glad I decided to try something new. From the first page until the last, this book gripped me. The characters were fantastic, and I especially loved Mikala and found the entire concept chilling, captivating and unique. Extremely well done and I highly recommend!
September 24, 2018
An Innovative Thriller. My favorite character in Dream Wide Awake is Lisa, who is married to Jack Daly, a detective working on the case of three missing local boys. Lisa was clairvoyant from a young age and shares that gift with her grandmother, her sister, and her daughter. I especially enjoyed her relationship with her grandmother, which is shown to us in flashbacks. While the first half of the book is certainly enjoyable, it is the second half that had me reading faster and faster and faster to find out what happens next. The book is full of interesting characters with just the right amount of red herrings to keep you constantly guessing. A wonderful whodunnit and a great thrill ride.
September 25, 2018
CJ Zahner takes you into the world of ESP and insight at multiple levels in this suspense thriller. It keeps the reader guessing the outcome until the last sentences.
November 23, 2018
Dream Wide Awake is one of the best books I’ve read this year.
From the first chapter that grabbed my attention to the final epilogue that ended like the perfect movie, this yarn kept my attention to the end.
It’s the perfect blend of cat-and-mouse with a psychic kidnapped being tackled by another psychic. But this is not just any psychic; it’s a little girl called Mikala from a family of “witches”. It contains the backdrop of government projects too!
I enjoyed the characters, their backstories, and everything fit together well.
Highly recommended.
From the first chapter that grabbed my attention to the final epilogue that ended like the perfect movie, this yarn kept my attention to the end.
It’s the perfect blend of cat-and-mouse with a psychic kidnapped being tackled by another psychic. But this is not just any psychic; it’s a little girl called Mikala from a family of “witches”. It contains the backdrop of government projects too!
I enjoyed the characters, their backstories, and everything fit together well.
Highly recommended.
December 30, 2018
Not sure why I bought this book, but am so glad I did. A fantastic story, and the author did a superb job in developing all the characters, male and female, child and adult. Mikalia was my favorite.
There was also a well developed sense of "family" among family members as well as the children used as part of the government's project.
Read the author's synopsis to get a sense of what the book is about; I'm afraid I'd give too much away if I tried to explain what takes place.
I will say that you won't be able to figure out who is behind the disappearances. I thought I had it figured out, but no. Almost.
There was also a well developed sense of "family" among family members as well as the children used as part of the government's project.
Read the author's synopsis to get a sense of what the book is about; I'm afraid I'd give too much away if I tried to explain what takes place.
I will say that you won't be able to figure out who is behind the disappearances. I thought I had it figured out, but no. Almost.
October 15, 2018
There is no greater fear than a parent has for the well-being of their child. Not since I read Pet Sematary, many, many years ago have I read a book that made me worry, and hope that everything would work out in the end. Dream Wide Awake, starts like a freight train, and carried me along with it. The characters are well drawn, and I thoroughly recommend this book.
This author, is one I will be following from now on.
This author, is one I will be following from now on.
December 5, 2020
Stunned
Wow, this book had me guessing the whole time. I thought it was one person then changed to another then back again. Never saw this ending. Great, great great
Wow, this book had me guessing the whole time. I thought it was one person then changed to another then back again. Never saw this ending. Great, great great
August 1, 2019
He is scared someone is after his daughter as she has visions. She tells him about three missing boys and he tries to find them while hiding where he got the information. Can he find them? Can he keep her safe? See what will happen
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 29, 2018
A must read thriller! This was a page turner from start to end. Just when you thought you had it figured out, guess what you don't! This unpredictable, can't put it down novel is an excellent choice. Can't wait from more from this author!
July 27, 2021
Oh My Goodness!!
This is the first thriller I have read. I absolutely loved it!!! The tense feelings, the wondering, being scared, and then relief. I loved it all!! Mikala is a very special girl with a Mom and Aunt that have special gifts! This book will envelop you; you won't be able to put it down. I was so taken; I had to finish reading to see if the abducted boys made it out alive. You won't be dissolved with this story!!
This is the first thriller I have read. I absolutely loved it!!! The tense feelings, the wondering, being scared, and then relief. I loved it all!! Mikala is a very special girl with a Mom and Aunt that have special gifts! This book will envelop you; you won't be able to put it down. I was so taken; I had to finish reading to see if the abducted boys made it out alive. You won't be dissolved with this story!!
May 1, 2019
Excellent read, this is a book that stands out as something special. Great story, well plotted and unmissable. If I had a hard copy, it would probably be dog-eared by now. I really liked this book, it has a great twist to it that I haven’t read before.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 29, 2019
Was hooked from the first page ! Loved this book.
December 18, 2019
Very interesting mystery. I read it in one day. I just couldn't stop until I finished. I will keep reading books by this author.
August 2, 2021
This is one hell of a page turner! Well put together!
October 23, 2021
This book was intriguing, interesting, suspenseful, easy to read, mysterious and kept guessing. However, I had pretty good idea who did it before end of book through most of book I was kept engrossed.
I recommend and Will read again.
I received a copy of this book for my honest opinion. This review is my honest opinion.
I recommend and Will read again.
I received a copy of this book for my honest opinion. This review is my honest opinion.
January 17, 2021
This story will definitely keep you on your toes from start to finish. I could not put it down once I started it and read it all in one sitting. The story line is very original and the author wrote it perfectly!! Characters are all well developed and you are able to see them clearly in your mind.
October 6, 2019
This is a gripping tale of a young psychic girl trying to rescue some boys before they die. But in this case the kidnapper has a stronger gift than her. Will she save them?
I was given this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
I was given this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
September 16, 2019
CJ Zahner has a way of painting with words.
She envelops you with complete descriptions
of the situation and feelings of her characters.
She writes a full picture for the minds eye,
and one is impressed by her dialogue and descriptive enhancements.
I was drawn in quickly. You feel like you are right there,
in the story, with the characters.
It is hard to put down, it is that good.
She envelops you with complete descriptions
of the situation and feelings of her characters.
She writes a full picture for the minds eye,
and one is impressed by her dialogue and descriptive enhancements.
I was drawn in quickly. You feel like you are right there,
in the story, with the characters.
It is hard to put down, it is that good.
October 4, 2019
This is a totally cool book with an amazing storyline! If you like the supernatural then this is for you. An intriguing case that deals with the psychic world and an extremely brave little girl! I loved every aspect of this book and the twist at the end. A fantastic read that I highly recommend!!!
October 1, 2019
I loved it. A fast-paced, action packed thriller that grabs you from the first page and doesn't let go until the very surprising end. This is the first book I have read by this author, but it won't be the last.If you like James Patterson, you will love Dream Wide Awake. I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
Read
August 9, 2020If you like Stephen King's The Institute, you'll like Dream Wide Awake. Is it fiction? Or could a program like Project Dream exist today? You decide.
When Detective Jack Daly married Lisa, he knew she had a sixth sense. What he didn't count on was his daughter inheriting that gift--curse. Now three boys are missing and six-year-old Mikala can use her dreams to help her father find the boys.
If he allows her to help him, will he risk her life?
What reviewers are saying: "I picked this up and could. Not. Put. It. Down. I kept thinking about it for weeks afterward." – Alex S.
“Think you have it figured out? You don’t.” – Janet V.
When Detective Jack Daly married Lisa, he knew she had a sixth sense. What he didn't count on was his daughter inheriting that gift--curse. Now three boys are missing and six-year-old Mikala can use her dreams to help her father find the boys.
If he allows her to help him, will he risk her life?
What reviewers are saying: "I picked this up and could. Not. Put. It. Down. I kept thinking about it for weeks afterward." – Alex S.
“Think you have it figured out? You don’t.” – Janet V.
November 1, 2018
The teal green cover drew me in, and I'm always curious about dreams. Within just a few paragraphs, I was hooked—not only on the mystery, but because of the fully developed characters. I particularly loved Mikala. It's refreshing to have a strong female child character in an adult book.
Without giving too much away, the book is about some boys kidnapped by a graduate of a government Dream Project who wants to escape his life. These graduates all have the psychic power of being able to dream wide awake to see the future. Some can even talk with the dead. The story was about how other graduates of the program, along with Mikala, worked with police detectives to attempt to solve the crime and find the missing boys.
As a mother, I was a little worried that the book might be too difficult for me to read. However, the book did not focus on the boys' experience too much, and thanks to the dream power, we knew nothing too terrible was going to happen to them the start. The focus of the book was truly on the investigation and the power of the dreams. The author did a fantastic job explaining Project Dream and their powers. It was so logical it allowed me to suspend my disbelief.
I look forward to other books by this new author.
Without giving too much away, the book is about some boys kidnapped by a graduate of a government Dream Project who wants to escape his life. These graduates all have the psychic power of being able to dream wide awake to see the future. Some can even talk with the dead. The story was about how other graduates of the program, along with Mikala, worked with police detectives to attempt to solve the crime and find the missing boys.
As a mother, I was a little worried that the book might be too difficult for me to read. However, the book did not focus on the boys' experience too much, and thanks to the dream power, we knew nothing too terrible was going to happen to them the start. The focus of the book was truly on the investigation and the power of the dreams. The author did a fantastic job explaining Project Dream and their powers. It was so logical it allowed me to suspend my disbelief.
I look forward to other books by this new author.
March 13, 2020
The author gave me a free ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and what an amazing read! I've never read a thriller with a paranormal edge before but the author combines the two perfectly, delivering a fast-paced and addictive thriller with a curious and unique plot. Don't judge it by its cover, which I didn't feel fitted the genre as much as it could've done - this is well in line with the crime thriller genre and is excellently written. This is well worth a read!
You can read my full review here:
https://pagesplacesandplates.com/2019...
You can read my full review here:
https://pagesplacesandplates.com/2019...
June 9, 2020
I really liked this book. It kept the twists and excitement coming. I read the whole book in one sitting. The characters were believable and story was well written. I look forward to reading more about Mikala and her gifts.
I received this book as an ARC and wished to leave a review.
I received this book as an ARC and wished to leave a review.
January 21, 2021
This book was so good. Loved the super natural and the suspense. You think you know who did it but man when you find out you didnt even know. Well written and great characters.
July 29, 2021
Wow! This book is fantastic. If you like psychological thrillers this is one of the best I have read. If that genre is not your usual style this is so well written it might just change your mind. It’s action packed, very tense and full of drama. The tension builds from the first page and continues throughout. There are also lighter moments that bring a smile to your face, the interactions between Mikala and her brothers are really cute and sweet, and these mean the story never gets too intense to enjoy and appreciate. The book maintains a really good pace, that makes it enjoyable to read. I love the way that even as the narrative moves across various times in the characters lives it still feels present and realistic and doesn’t impact the readability of the book.
The world created in this book is intriguing and compelling. The characters made me smile, their little idiosyncrasies made them so vivid that you can almost hear them as you read. I love the concept of using psychic skills to help make the world better and the way that is juxtaposed against the use of a person’s skills for more shady purposes.
The twists and turns mean that the reader’s idea of who the perpetrator is changes throughout and they are kept guessing about who it is until the very end, there is of course still no guarantee that the guess will be right. It is really worth reading.
The world created in this book is intriguing and compelling. The characters made me smile, their little idiosyncrasies made them so vivid that you can almost hear them as you read. I love the concept of using psychic skills to help make the world better and the way that is juxtaposed against the use of a person’s skills for more shady purposes.
The twists and turns mean that the reader’s idea of who the perpetrator is changes throughout and they are kept guessing about who it is until the very end, there is of course still no guarantee that the guess will be right. It is really worth reading.
January 18, 2021
Six year old Mikala was born with a gift, the gift of being able to communicate with the other side. She is trying to help a little boy that keeps coming to her. She desperately wants her dad, a detective in town to follow the clues. But how do you tell people your six year old is feeding you the clues to locate these abducted boys? Trust because an issue for Jack Daly, but he believes in his daughter and will stop at nothing to follow the clues. The problem is, someone knows of Mikayla's powers and wants her out of the way. Now Jack has to follow the leads while protecting his daughter from an unknown evil.
This book will have you turning the pages and keep reading. CJ Zahner is a new to me author that I will definitely be looking more at.
This book will have you turning the pages and keep reading. CJ Zahner is a new to me author that I will definitely be looking more at.
January 1, 2021
As three boys are missing there is one little girl who's dreams might bring them home. I love a good mystery and was expecting one with this read. What I didn't expect was the wild ride that it took you on. From past to present there is so much going on with so many characters. Ms. Zahner did a phenomenal job of keeping it all straight. You could have easily gotten lost but each chapter took you down a different path.
This read has so many unique characters. The mystery of the kidnapper was kept a good mystery. Even though I was trying to guess I was always wrong. A unique read that will keep you guessing and has plenty of nail biting moments.
This read has so many unique characters. The mystery of the kidnapper was kept a good mystery. Even though I was trying to guess I was always wrong. A unique read that will keep you guessing and has plenty of nail biting moments.
January 10, 2024
I had just finished "Don't Mind Me, I Came With the House" by Zahner before I started "Dream Wide Awake" Wow, it's impressive when an author can write two vastly different books and do a great job with both. The former was lighthearted, funny, and had an at times frustrating main character. Dream Wide Awake is a psychological thriller that made my heart race and kept me guessing. Even at the end of the book, I was certain of who did what. But then, Zahner throws in an epilogue, which totally blew my mind. If you're a reader that always has it figured out by chapter six, you should read this one. More than likely, you'll be wrong!
May 2, 2019
Dream Wide Awake is a fascinating, suspenseful page-turner that had me completely captivated from the start. I will admit that I have always been interested in dreams and the interpretations of them so this book really caught my attention. The characters are well developed, the story is well written and this author has created an amazing world that could definitely become a book series or a tv show. If dreams have always intrigued you I highly recommend you read this book. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews