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The Dreamcatcher Tattoo
For Lisa Lewis, the days of waking up in the morning and looking forward to what the day may bring are long gone. The reason? Her relationship with Peter. Or more precisely, it's a manipulationship. Her motto nowadays is "anything for a quiet life". That is until a new neighbour moves into flat number three.
Kim Henshaw is taking the first of her belongings up to her new flat, which comes with the purchase of a second-hand bookshop on the ground floor when she meets her neighbour for the first time. But is it the first time? There's something tantalisingly familiar about Lisa.
Simmering tension begins from the moment their eyes meet. Kim tries her hardest to break the chains that bind Lisa, but in doing so they find themselves trying to outwit a narcissist with a grudge.
Kim Henshaw is taking the first of her belongings up to her new flat, which comes with the purchase of a second-hand bookshop on the ground floor when she meets her neighbour for the first time. But is it the first time? There's something tantalisingly familiar about Lisa.
Simmering tension begins from the moment their eyes meet. Kim tries her hardest to break the chains that bind Lisa, but in doing so they find themselves trying to outwit a narcissist with a grudge.
346 pages, Paperback
First published August 11, 2023
12 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Anne-Marie Pellow
6 books7 followersAs a child I loved jumping up and down on a pogo stick, scalextric, climbing trees and shooting people with cap guns, believing wholeheartedly that I was one of Charlie's Angels.
I spent my late teens and early twenties in an indie band, and at one point was quite convinced I was going to be a pop star. As you can guess, that never happened, but I did make it my profession for over twenty years and travelled to various countries playing keyboards and saxophone.
Long story short, I'm now following a dream from my childhood, and that's writing stories. I write contemporary romance fiction in between procrastinating with bubble wrap and drinking coffee.
Happy reading x
I spent my late teens and early twenties in an indie band, and at one point was quite convinced I was going to be a pop star. As you can guess, that never happened, but I did make it my profession for over twenty years and travelled to various countries playing keyboards and saxophone.
Long story short, I'm now following a dream from my childhood, and that's writing stories. I write contemporary romance fiction in between procrastinating with bubble wrap and drinking coffee.
Happy reading x
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 22, 2024
4.5 Stars
It was hard getting through the first 50% of the book. I had to stop midway around 34% to gather my wits. I had to recall my therapist’s advise on how to regulate my anger because oh.my.god! The characters were written so well that I couldn’t stop feeling overwhelmed by my angry. I was seething throughout the first 50%.
For me, the story was well written, good pacing and very “art imitates life” sort of thing. I just wish all DV stories ended this way. Unfortunately, the reality is way too bleak.
-lesbian MCs
-TW: DV
-it takes a village
-mental health
It was hard getting through the first 50% of the book. I had to stop midway around 34% to gather my wits. I had to recall my therapist’s advise on how to regulate my anger because oh.my.god! The characters were written so well that I couldn’t stop feeling overwhelmed by my angry. I was seething throughout the first 50%.
For me, the story was well written, good pacing and very “art imitates life” sort of thing. I just wish all DV stories ended this way. Unfortunately, the reality is way too bleak.
-lesbian MCs
-TW: DV
-it takes a village
-mental health
November 16, 2024
The Dreamcatcher Tattoo by Anne-Marie Pellow is a gripping tale that pulls readers into a disturbing world of psychological and physical abuse. While igniting deep emotions within its readers, this story captures the challenging journey of Lisa Lewis as she navigates her tumultuous relationship with her longtime boyfriend Peter West. Lisa’s heartfelt narrative encapsulates the struggle for freedom against mind games, manipulation and abuse, illustrating just what it takes to break free from the chokehold an abuser puts on one’s daily existence. When the arrival of a new neighbor, Kim Henshaw, takes notice of Lisa and begins to offer her friendship, it inspires her to take back her life. This friendship also stirs other things in her, drawing readers into a journey filled with suspense and self-discovery.
The tension between Lisa and Peter is central to this story and everything radiates from that. Lisa’s life is dominated by a relationship that has stripped her of joy and autonomy. Each day for her becomes a battle to survive—mentally and physically. The scenes feel authentic and resonate deeply with readers. Pellow’s portrayal of Lisa’s internal conflict not only evokes empathy but also sparks investment in her journey. Readers cheer her on as she tries to regain control of her life and free herself from Peter. This theme—overcoming the dominance of a manipulative partner—is one that transcends time. Readers are never comfortable with an unjust power balance, and in this case, even more so. The dynamics pull them in immediately. They want to see Lisa reclaim her self-worth and safety.
Kim functions as the motivating force in this story. She inspires hope within Lisa, showing her there are alternative paths she can take. Kim’s determination to help Lisa escape her manipulative relationship is the perfect catalyst to drive this story forward. On top of that, it makes the storytelling compelling and dimensional. Kim offers support and solidarity in Lisa’s times of trouble, and it facilitates subplots within the larger story. Furthermore, this theme of friendship as a source of strength is appealing; it reflects the power of human connection and how it can open doors for people, in this case—love.
Peter is a true antagonist, a dangerous narcissist in every sense. As Lisa and Kim wage war on him and his manipulative tactics, the stakes remain high and the pacing fast. Their continued attempts to outmaneuver and outwit him add an element of suspense that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. This thrilling aspect of the story serves to not only entertain but to showcase just how toxic and ugly these kinds of relationships can be. Pellow is purposeful about it though; she uses the tale to remind readers that even in its darkest moments, there is a path to empowerment and freedom. It is a message that resonates deeply with readers.
Final remarks…
The Dreamcatcher Tattoo offers a captivating exploration of friendship and love amidst the quest for liberation from a menacing and oppressive relationship. The relatable struggles faced by Lisa, combined with the suspenseful dynamics of her relationship with Peter, create a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. This isn’t light reading. Though it illuminates how empowering it can be to find true love and take back one’s life, it comes with a lot of heart pounding, charged moments. It will stick with you long after you turn the last page.
Strengths…
Complex characters
Compelling, suspenseful story
Resonating narrative
Solid story structure
The tension between Lisa and Peter is central to this story and everything radiates from that. Lisa’s life is dominated by a relationship that has stripped her of joy and autonomy. Each day for her becomes a battle to survive—mentally and physically. The scenes feel authentic and resonate deeply with readers. Pellow’s portrayal of Lisa’s internal conflict not only evokes empathy but also sparks investment in her journey. Readers cheer her on as she tries to regain control of her life and free herself from Peter. This theme—overcoming the dominance of a manipulative partner—is one that transcends time. Readers are never comfortable with an unjust power balance, and in this case, even more so. The dynamics pull them in immediately. They want to see Lisa reclaim her self-worth and safety.
Kim functions as the motivating force in this story. She inspires hope within Lisa, showing her there are alternative paths she can take. Kim’s determination to help Lisa escape her manipulative relationship is the perfect catalyst to drive this story forward. On top of that, it makes the storytelling compelling and dimensional. Kim offers support and solidarity in Lisa’s times of trouble, and it facilitates subplots within the larger story. Furthermore, this theme of friendship as a source of strength is appealing; it reflects the power of human connection and how it can open doors for people, in this case—love.
Peter is a true antagonist, a dangerous narcissist in every sense. As Lisa and Kim wage war on him and his manipulative tactics, the stakes remain high and the pacing fast. Their continued attempts to outmaneuver and outwit him add an element of suspense that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. This thrilling aspect of the story serves to not only entertain but to showcase just how toxic and ugly these kinds of relationships can be. Pellow is purposeful about it though; she uses the tale to remind readers that even in its darkest moments, there is a path to empowerment and freedom. It is a message that resonates deeply with readers.
Final remarks…
The Dreamcatcher Tattoo offers a captivating exploration of friendship and love amidst the quest for liberation from a menacing and oppressive relationship. The relatable struggles faced by Lisa, combined with the suspenseful dynamics of her relationship with Peter, create a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. This isn’t light reading. Though it illuminates how empowering it can be to find true love and take back one’s life, it comes with a lot of heart pounding, charged moments. It will stick with you long after you turn the last page.
Strengths…
Complex characters
Compelling, suspenseful story
Resonating narrative
Solid story structure
January 21, 2024
i’ve really been in a rut with my reading recently but this was everything i was looking for in a book and was the book i needed to get me out of my little slump i was in. this story is a fantastic slow-burn with a brilliant plot
October 18, 2023
I really enjoyed this debut novel from Anne-Marie Powell. It's hard hitting, gritty, and deals with some big issues.
Anne-Marie really knows how to write a villain. I won't give anything away - but I despised the villain in this book and I was rooting for the main characters all the more for it.
There are some twists and turns in this, and you'll enjoy the dramatic tension.
There's also a great mum character who I loved! She had such a brilliant turn of phrase and really jumped off the page.
Anne-Marie really knows how to write a villain. I won't give anything away - but I despised the villain in this book and I was rooting for the main characters all the more for it.
There are some twists and turns in this, and you'll enjoy the dramatic tension.
There's also a great mum character who I loved! She had such a brilliant turn of phrase and really jumped off the page.
July 30, 2025
Good reading
This is a very good reading book. I enjoyed the characters, and the settings. Hit close to home with the narcissistic asshole situation, but the hope carried through with the two FMCs made the book. New to me author who now gets moved up the TBR pile.
This is a very good reading book. I enjoyed the characters, and the settings. Hit close to home with the narcissistic asshole situation, but the hope carried through with the two FMCs made the book. New to me author who now gets moved up the TBR pile.
June 20, 2024
This is a book that I needed to read. And I had no idea what it was about before I started it.
It is rare to read a book that shows a woman in a coercive controlling, abusive relationship. And although I don't enjoy reading about the control and the fear I really enjoyed this book.
The story worked.
And it included a book shop and a cruise - though not from a passenger perspective.
Lisa really lacked agency within her relationship and as they had been together 22 years was both resigned to her future and eager to get out.
All she needed was help. Which arrived like the cavalry.
And this book is the beginning of a series -and I do love a series.
Enjoyable, believable characters, you get behind her attempts to remove herself from the situation and start again.
Definitely recommended.
It is rare to read a book that shows a woman in a coercive controlling, abusive relationship. And although I don't enjoy reading about the control and the fear I really enjoyed this book.
The story worked.
And it included a book shop and a cruise - though not from a passenger perspective.
Lisa really lacked agency within her relationship and as they had been together 22 years was both resigned to her future and eager to get out.
All she needed was help. Which arrived like the cavalry.
And this book is the beginning of a series -and I do love a series.
Enjoyable, believable characters, you get behind her attempts to remove herself from the situation and start again.
Definitely recommended.
November 24, 2025
Compelling story!
What a compelling story about Lisa who did not know how to escape her oppressive relationship from het partner Peter, A definite narcissist. As much as I hated him throughout the book, I could not put it down. I did enjoy the progression of the relationship between Lisa and Kim and the ways in which they tried to outmanuever Peter. It was a very well-written, compelling story that may trigger some readers. Their path to freedom was not easy!
What a compelling story about Lisa who did not know how to escape her oppressive relationship from het partner Peter, A definite narcissist. As much as I hated him throughout the book, I could not put it down. I did enjoy the progression of the relationship between Lisa and Kim and the ways in which they tried to outmanuever Peter. It was a very well-written, compelling story that may trigger some readers. Their path to freedom was not easy!
September 12, 2025
3/5
All these characters felt powerless, and I get why,I just wish they weren't. And not just that ,but I can't seem to find the connection between Kim and Lisa,they spent more time talking and fearing about Peter more than anything else ,like hello get to know eachother ,and many things were happening and fast which is not always a good thing
All these characters felt powerless, and I get why,I just wish they weren't. And not just that ,but I can't seem to find the connection between Kim and Lisa,they spent more time talking and fearing about Peter more than anything else ,like hello get to know eachother ,and many things were happening and fast which is not always a good thing
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews