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Dreams and Reality #6
Butchered Dreams
The Butcher is on a rampage. He's working his away across the state of Missouri, in a reign of terror, righting the wrongs he believes have been committed against his family and himself. In his wake, he leaves a blood bath; a string of mutilated victims that seem to have no pattern.
With The Butcher, it's personal. Both Aislinn Cain and Malachi Blake have ties to this monster. As a result, neither the SCTU nor the VCU can assist in his capture and the job is given to two untrained FBI agents. When one is murdered, Cain and Blake are forced to join the hunt, as consultants.
Both of them will have to battle their own demons to catch The Butcher. Demons that will show exactly how much monster they each have inside themselves. A truth that neither of them are ready to face.
With The Butcher, it's personal. Both Aislinn Cain and Malachi Blake have ties to this monster. As a result, neither the SCTU nor the VCU can assist in his capture and the job is given to two untrained FBI agents. When one is murdered, Cain and Blake are forced to join the hunt, as consultants.
Both of them will have to battle their own demons to catch The Butcher. Demons that will show exactly how much monster they each have inside themselves. A truth that neither of them are ready to face.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2014
34 people are currently reading
180 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 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 15, 2021
** Reread May 2021 **
Adjusted rating from 5 to 4.5 stars. I absolutely loved this book! And YES ... I'm STILL churning through these books.
Another stunning read from author Hadena James! I'm churning through these books - what will I do when I've read them all?
Butchered Dreams was a return to the hectic pace of her earlier novels.(Even Aislinn agreed the previous case was anticlimactic! ) A gripping plot that tied up loose ends from previous books; it was deliciously visceral.
It was wonderful to see a case where Aislinn & Malachi interacted as partners - I think Ace enjoys tasering Malachi altogether too much!
I can't wait to read the next installment. The SCTU team obviously misses Ace's serial killer catching skills, & I wonder how she will deal with the newest member of the team, Fiona.
Adjusted rating from 5 to 4.5 stars. I absolutely loved this book! And YES ... I'm STILL churning through these books.
Another stunning read from author Hadena James! I'm churning through these books - what will I do when I've read them all?
Butchered Dreams was a return to the hectic pace of her earlier novels.(Even Aislinn agreed the previous case was anticlimactic! ) A gripping plot that tied up loose ends from previous books; it was deliciously visceral.
It was wonderful to see a case where Aislinn & Malachi interacted as partners - I think Ace enjoys tasering Malachi altogether too much!
I can't wait to read the next installment. The SCTU team obviously misses Ace's serial killer catching skills, & I wonder how she will deal with the newest member of the team, Fiona.
September 11, 2015
The more I read this series, the more I love it. The characters are just incredible. They are so well developed. The story lines are amazing. I find myself unable to put the books down. They just keep getting better and better.
November 18, 2015
So, so sad
I'm starting to read each book a little slower than the one before! I'm going to savor every single chapter, page, paragraph, sentence and word so on can make the series last longer.
I love every single character in all of the books. What will I do when I have read the last word? I see my self seeking therapy for Aislinn Cain withdrawal!
These books are well developed, intellectual and so entertaining. Did I mention addictive? Thank you Hadena James for this fabulous ride.
Now on to the next book in the series...
I'm starting to read each book a little slower than the one before! I'm going to savor every single chapter, page, paragraph, sentence and word so on can make the series last longer.
I love every single character in all of the books. What will I do when I have read the last word? I see my self seeking therapy for Aislinn Cain withdrawal!
These books are well developed, intellectual and so entertaining. Did I mention addictive? Thank you Hadena James for this fabulous ride.
Now on to the next book in the series...
March 28, 2018
Ace is my new favorite heroine! She does things and finishes business with finesse and calm. If you have read the other books, by mow you know that ace is definitely born to be a sociopath. What a family tree. She now knows she is Nyleena’s sister and the “Butcher” is her grandfather. Yet she is still able to maintain her form of humanity. I find myself wondering if there is any possibility this could be a crime drama show. How great this would be!
August 2, 2018
A bit anticlimactic, much like Mercurial Dreams, but still lovable! James makes it hard to hate Aislinn’s grandfather and this book gave an insight into Aislinn’s relationship with Malachi that was much needed! I hope I continue to see more of their history in the coming books.
March 23, 2025
Was a good read.
This book helped me with my reservations about Patterson being the Butcher. Last book I wasn't sure how I felt about it, I was expecting someone who had some kind of twisted romantic interest in Aislinn.
But with this book, I actually enjoyed that it was Patterson, he's really fascinating and he reminds me much of Aislinn.
This book didn't have any of the team in it really, so it was strange, but it was definitely made up for with all the Malachi we got, especially with Aislinn. (We know by now I adore these two.)
We get to learn more about Aislinn, how much Nyleena means to her, we got to see her learn more about herself. We also got to see her be bad ass as always
this is a really little thing but I love the moments Aislinn gets with temporary characters, Like the scene at the house where she gets that really bad migraine and the captain helping her, than when Rollins gave her the hangover stuff, the moment with her nurse, the marshal at the end checking on her, it's little things that make the world feeling a little more full.
Things I'm looking forward too now that the butcher segment is closed (at least for now), Callow. I definitely find the more we learn about that time curious
The plaque person
Onto the next book!
This book helped me with my reservations about Patterson being the Butcher. Last book I wasn't sure how I felt about it, I was expecting someone who had some kind of twisted romantic interest in Aislinn.
But with this book, I actually enjoyed that it was Patterson, he's really fascinating and he reminds me much of Aislinn.
This book didn't have any of the team in it really, so it was strange, but it was definitely made up for with all the Malachi we got, especially with Aislinn. (We know by now I adore these two.)
We get to learn more about Aislinn, how much Nyleena means to her, we got to see her learn more about herself. We also got to see her be bad ass as always
this is a really little thing but I love the moments Aislinn gets with temporary characters, Like the scene at the house where she gets that really bad migraine and the captain helping her, than when Rollins gave her the hangover stuff, the moment with her nurse, the marshal at the end checking on her, it's little things that make the world feeling a little more full.
Things I'm looking forward too now that the butcher segment is closed (at least for now), Callow. I definitely find the more we learn about that time curious
The plaque person
Onto the next book!
May 14, 2023
This may not have been my favorite James novel, but it was still good. Every book is filled with action, and this was no different. The storyline itself was a touch less believable than before it, but it's this storyline that allows James to delve further into the working mind of Cain. And it was certainly interesting to have that dive into how Cain views herself and her somewhat of an identity crisis. As per James's norm, this intricate storyline is interspersed with random, actual facts (yes, I often fact check some of the more curious details and have thus far found each one to be accurate, though admittedly I don't check everything), and it's these finer details that bring the whole thing together. Another excellent read.
March 10, 2019
Not my favorite in the series
I have read all the books thru number 6 (this one). I've enjoyed them all but so far
I've liked this one the least. I appreciate having the back story of the main character but it just seemed to move a little slower and was a little confusing when it came to her family. It certainly won't deter me from continuing the series and I'm looking forward to reading number 7.
I have read all the books thru number 6 (this one). I've enjoyed them all but so far
I've liked this one the least. I appreciate having the back story of the main character but it just seemed to move a little slower and was a little confusing when it came to her family. It certainly won't deter me from continuing the series and I'm looking forward to reading number 7.
November 9, 2020
I read it in one sitting... not a long book but still interesting.
I think this one, more than any so far in the series should not be read without first reading the others. On its own, it's ok but as closure to the previous 5, it's much better.
Less annoying typos this time, but still too many to not be distracting.
That said, I'm going to try to forgive the typos and keep going with the series.
I think this one, more than any so far in the series should not be read without first reading the others. On its own, it's ok but as closure to the previous 5, it's much better.
Less annoying typos this time, but still too many to not be distracting.
That said, I'm going to try to forgive the typos and keep going with the series.
October 11, 2017
Dreams and reality
Loved this book as it gives you an insight to how Aislinn turned out way she did. If you like being hooked from start to finish you will love
This series. A must read
Loved this book as it gives you an insight to how Aislinn turned out way she did. If you like being hooked from start to finish you will love
This series. A must read
November 2, 2018
*****
You get to know a lot more backstory in this book only in snippets but I like the reasoning behind who when and why Patterson did who / what he did.
You get to know a lot more backstory in this book only in snippets but I like the reasoning behind who when and why Patterson did who / what he did.
April 7, 2019
Fast mover
This one moves fast, not lacking in action or plot . I'm hooked pin this series and I love the characters
This one moves fast, not lacking in action or plot . I'm hooked pin this series and I love the characters
January 4, 2020
Exceptional!
I love this series from Hadena James! It is so original and fascinating.....
I am now a dedicated fan. Well done and keep up the great work.
I love this series from Hadena James! It is so original and fascinating.....
I am now a dedicated fan. Well done and keep up the great work.
March 21, 2021
My favorite out of the series. I keep coming back to this book because I have an unhealthy obsession with Malachi.
February 1, 2025
Loved it like the others
June 18, 2025
ending was so predictable and anticlimactic, it was like being edged the whole book and then NOTHING.
March 3, 2021
The more I read Hadena James the more I forget about other Authors,she has a way of making you feel like you are there in the story with the SCTU .
December 20, 2014
The latest installment of The Dreams and Reality series is nothing short of AMAZING! Delving deeper into Aislin's relationships and what makes her tick this book is a page turner and one of the best in the series!
July 18, 2020
aislinn has quite a family. exceptionally dysfunctional. psychopathic. this series is strangely addictive. Re-read in August, 2017. Still an addictive series. Re-read yet again in july, 2020. Still fascinating.
November 23, 2016
The best so far
Loved this book. Hadena James continues to thrill with this one. Twists and turns that I didn't see coming. Her character of Aislynn gains even more depth, personality, and understanding of herself. This one caused me to buy the rest of the series.
Loved this book. Hadena James continues to thrill with this one. Twists and turns that I didn't see coming. Her character of Aislynn gains even more depth, personality, and understanding of herself. This one caused me to buy the rest of the series.
July 18, 2021
Loved it!! Hadena James keeps interested and always entertained while reading this series. Here's to the next ones...cheers!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews