Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.

Start by marking “Tell Me Your Dreams” as Want to Read:

Other editions

Enlarge cover

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Open Preview

Tell Me Your Dreams

Sidney Sheldon

3.94 · Rating details · 40,969 ratings · 1,570 reviews

She had read about stalkers, but they belonged in a different, faraway world. She had no idea who it could be, who would want to harm her. She was trying desperately not to panic, but lately her sleep had been filled with nightmares, and she had awakened each morning with a feeling of impending doom.

Thus begins Sidney Sheldon's chilling new novel, Tell Me Your Dreams. Thre ...more

Get A Copy

Or buy for

Paperback, 384 pages

Published August 1999 by Vision (first published 1998)

More Details... edit details

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Tell Me Your Dreams, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

The Best of Sidney Sheldon

19 books — 524 voters

The Best Sidney Sheldon's Books

18 books — 66 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

Showing 1-30

3.94 ·

Rating details

· 40,969 ratings · 1,570 reviews

Filter

Sort order

Nov 03, 2007 Noni Wardani rated it it was amazing

I'd say that this is sheldon's best book. Among all of his books, this was the one that could drop my jaw down..haaa. I remembered reading this book during my grammar class, since i could not put it down even for a single second.In the end i was kicked out of the class because unconsciously i was gasping very loudly. Sheldon really put the story in a stunning and excellent way. The plot, starting from the beginning,the climax, till the end was really well written. You would never have guessed th ...more

flag 91 likes · Like · see review

Mar 02, 2014 Supratim rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: thriller, favorites, mystery

This was my second Sidney Sheldon novel. I was in high school back then. A friend had an edition which included two novels - Nothing Lasts Forever and this one. I had heard a lot about Sheldon's novel and borrowed the book.

Nothing Lasts Forever did not make much of an impression but Tell Me Your Dreams was the real deal. I was hooked on from the very beginning and became a fan of the author. I agree that this book is not a great piece of piece of literature. But, it is a very entertaining potboi This was my second Sidney Sheldon novel. I was in high school back then. A friend had an edition which included two novels - Nothing Lasts Forever and this one. I had heard a lot about Sheldon's novel and borrowed the book.

Nothing Lasts Forever did not make much of an impression but Tell Me Your Dreams was the real deal. I was hooked on from the very beginning and became a fan of the author. I agree that this book is not a great piece of piece of literature. But, it is a very entertaining potboiler indeed.

Now let's come to the story. There is serial killer out there! Men are just not being murdered but their bodies are horribly mutilated. The killer operates across countries.

Then there are three very attractive young women with different natures and nationalities. They are somehow in the middle of all these.

The book is chilling - I loved the atmosphere of suspense and tension. All the trademark ingredients of Sidney Sheldon novels such as sex, deception, betrayal, dark secrets, ulterior motives, greed, opportunism have been skilfully used. I enjoyed how the author portrayed the dark psyche of human beings. If there are perverts hiding behind a facade of respectability then there are some very decent people as well.

The mystery, the suspense, the tension - all these make the novel a very engrossing read. The author has thrown about a few clues here and there.

It is a psychological thriller. Nowadays readers can very easily connect the dots - the theme has been used a thousand times in novels, TV serials and movies. But, back then - when the story was published, I am sure quite a few readers were stumped.

The added bonus for me was the trial. I enjoyed the way the defense counsel fought to win against a deluge of negative public opinion, ignorance and even a hostile judge.

The ending makes the book even more chilling and terrifying.

The book had introduced me to not only the psychological thriller genre but made me aware of a condition as well. I had come across the said condition somewhere prior to reading this book the first time but couldn't place it in the story. Years later I purchased the book as I wanted it in my collection.

For me re-reading the book for a buddy read was a great pleasure.

Even if you can see through the mystery - I would still say that the story can keep you turning the pages. If you like thrillers and do not mind sex & gore -then you might enjoy the book. ...more

flag 59 likes · Like · see review

Apr 26, 2018 Andrei Bădică rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

"Iar ea își aminti durerea așteptării disperate a lui Jim din gară, cum crezuse în cuvintele lui, având încredere în el. Se răzgândise și nu fusese suficient de bărbat să vină și să-i spună asta. În schimb, o lăsase să aștepte într-o gară, singură."
"-Ai avut mare noroc. Dar, asta e, unii au noroc, unii nu. De multe ori, Dumnezeu se joacă cu destinele noastre, nu?"

flag 48 likes · Like · see review

Jun 15, 2013 Tea Jovanović rated it really liked it · (Review from the author) · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-have-translated, editor-of-serbian-edition

Svakom prevodiocu je zadovoljstvo i čast da dobije priliku da prevodi autora koga voli i čije je sve knjige pročitao... :) Prošlo je 15 godina od prvog objavljivanja ovog prevoda... I knjiga je doživela da je objavi i treći izdavač... Prvo izdanje bilo je Narodne knjige, drugo Alnarija, a najnovije, ovogodišnje Vulkana... a verovatno će ove godine osvanuti i prvo crnogorsko izdanje... :) ali u pitanju je u svim slučajevima isti prevod... :)

flag 38 likes · Like · see review

Mar 23, 2016 Archit Ojha rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: books-we-own

With Sidney Sheldon books, most of the time you can't find right words to write in your review. Because you are so thrilled to speak or write anything.

This book was adorable.

flag 24 likes · Like · see review

Jan 18, 2008 Bee Lubis rated it it was amazing

Shelves: sheldon

This is another masterpiece of Sheldon. This book is full of psychological brain game. Sheldon described the alters with very good tricky ideas. I should use my imagination as good as my logic mind to find out what the issues really were. I still couldn't find another fiction book which tells Multiple Personality Disorder as clear as Sheldon's "Tell Me Your Dreams". It even helped to understand MPD when I took psychology in university! ;p

I own this book for myself, Indonesian version, and had re ...more

flag 20 likes · Like · see review

Mar 15, 2012 Dyuti rated it did not like it

Shelves: crime-thriller-mystery, ebook

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

flag 16 likes · Like · see review

Aug 01, 2012 Salymar rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorite, 2013-read, owned-books

First off, I really don't know how to start, I didn't write a review right away 'cause I was speechless. This is another book you simply cannot put down (even for just a little bit). Anyway, I'll start with the usual. :> Tell Me Your Dreams is a 1998 psychological thriller by the well-known American author, Sidney Sheldon.

The mystery in this novel lies within a woman named Ashley Patterson and her past. It’s better to say less about the story. I might spoil it too much and you wouldn't like i ...more

flag 13 likes · Like · see review

Jan 20, 2009 Stefanie rated it it was ok

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Review originally published at http://www0.epinions.com/review/Tell_...

The novel opens introducing us to the heroine, Ashley Patterson. Although she cannot prove it, she feels and believes that she is being stalked by someone with murderous intentions. She comes home from work (in Silicon Valley) one day to find that all the lights in her apartment have been turned on. Another day she sees that her lingerie drawer has been ransacked.

In the next two chapters, we are introduced to Toni Prescott a Review originally published at http://www0.epinions.com/review/Tell_...

The novel opens introducing us to the heroine, Ashley Patterson. Although she cannot prove it, she feels and believes that she is being stalked by someone with murderous intentions. She comes home from work (in Silicon Valley) one day to find that all the lights in her apartment have been turned on. Another day she sees that her lingerie drawer has been ransacked.

In the next two chapters, we are introduced to Toni Prescott and Alette Peters who work at the same company with Ashley. Toni is six years younger than Ashley, born in England, she is a bit of a wild child with serious maternal issues. She is a wonderful singer, but her inner thoughts keep flashing back to her mother telling her she was no good and would never amount to anything. Toni likes to dress provocatively and go club hopping on the weekends. She despises Ashley because Ashley is everything she herself isn't. Alette is eight years younger than Ashley. Born in Rome, she is a soft spoken, sweet artist who also has maternal issues. Though people around her keep telling her that she is an extraordinarily talented painter, she keeps hearing her mother tell her the contrary.

Though she currently has a very close relationship with her father, Ashley is haunted by the memory of her father forcing her to leave her High School sweetheart, Jim. She had planned to run away and be married to Jim, but he never showed up at the train station. When Ashley attends her ten year reunion, she learns that Jim was viciously murdered and castrated the morning they were supposed to meet. She is stunned and immediately suspects her father. When a man at work who has been bothering her meets the same fate after she complains to her father about him, Ashley is convinced that her father is behind these murders.

On a business trip to Canada, Toni meets her Internet boyfriend for the first time. He presents her with a beautiful emerald ring and is then murdered and castrated. Alette’s artist boyfriend back home in California is also killed in this same fashion. Upon returning home, Ashley finds on her bathroom mirror the message You will die. The deputy assigned to protect her is found the next morning in the alley, dead and castrated. When the emerald ring given to Toni is found in Ashley's jewelry box and her fingerprints and DNA at each murder scene, she is arrested.

At this point, we are a little less than half way through the book. If you haven't guessed from the review (I had already guessed from the novel), Ashley suffers from MPD (Multiple Personality Disorder). Toni and Alette are both alters which had been created by a traumatic experience (when Ashley was six and eight years old).

From this point backward, the novel had been gripping and enticing. I couldn't put it down. After this, I was thoroughly disappointed. Ashley's father persuades a criminal lawyer turned corporate lawyer, David Singer to return a favor and represent Ashley. The second half of the novel deals with the trial, the fighting psychiatrists: (Multiple Personality Disorder is a real disorder, Multiple Personality Disorder isn't a real disorder), and Ashley's treatment and introduction to her two alters in a state asylum. The most interesting part of this section was learning the horrific event that caused her fragile psyche to shatter as it did.

This novel was written in the third person, with insight into the minds of Ashley, Toni and Alette. The focus on MPD was interesting, but slow paced. It was frightening how someone can commit brutal murders, be released to an asylum for treatment and then released upon being deemed "cured".

I could tell that I was reading a Sidney Sheldon novel, but I missed the adventure, the world travels, the intrigue and thrilling plot twists to which I've become accustomed.

...more

flag 10 likes · Like · see review

Nov 06, 2012 Ann Jenelle Rotol rated it really liked it

Shelves: reviewed, psych, mystery-suspense

I have to confess that I'm really not a fan of Sidney Sheldon's works. The thing he writes isn't just my cup of tea. But I can honestly say that I really like Tell Me Your Dreams. That's because there's a touch of psychology in here.

Psychology's holy grail plus murder equals a masterpiece! I can say that Sidney Sheldon is a good writer because of this book.

I remember being amazed of how Sidney Sheldon narrated this novel. Where everything at first is confusing and gradually it all becomes clear ...more

flag 10 likes · Like · see review

Oct 25, 2011 Erin rated it really liked it

This story is about the women, Ashley Patterson, who suffer the multiple personalities disorder. She have a two seperated different personalities, Toni Prescott who is a very aggrasive girl and Alette Peters who is a shy and kind girl. Both of them was created when Ashley was raped by her father, Dr. Steven Patterson, who is famous doctor in the world.

This story is divided in three part. First part is related to the story of murder by Toni and then, in the second part, author narrated that how ...more

flag 9 likes · Like · see review

Sep 03, 2018 Henry Ozogula rated it really liked it

A savage killer whose modus operandi sends a chill down men's spines: viciously stabbing the men to death, and then cruelly slashing off their private part! Apparently a demon straight from hell; yet the truth might be unbelievable. The killer, a woman is charming, courteous, amiable, peace loving. The epitome of a most desirable young woman. And for good measure, her father is a world renowned doctor, who will pull out all the stops for her. And our heroine here is not even aware that she has k ...more

flag 9 likes · Like · see review

Apr 01, 2013 silvia rated it it was amazing

Shelves: novel

I was quite familiar with Sidney Sheldon's novels since I was in the junior high school. By familiar, I mean I've been knowing his famous name with dozens of bestseller book yet didn't have any interest to even try to read some of his books. Not until my husband eagerly introduced it to me and showed me how he'd been impressed by the Sheldon's novels.

So at first, I tried to please him by reading one of the Sheldon's novel he had recommended me, "Tell Me Your Dream". This eventually marks the fi I was quite familiar with Sidney Sheldon's novels since I was in the junior high school. By familiar, I mean I've been knowing his famous name with dozens of bestseller book yet didn't have any interest to even try to read some of his books. Not until my husband eagerly introduced it to me and showed me how he'd been impressed by the Sheldon's novels.

So at first, I tried to please him by reading one of the Sheldon's novel he had recommended me, "Tell Me Your Dream". This eventually marks the first novel of Sidney Sheldon I've read. And my impression was beyond what I'd thought before. I thought I was going to get bored reading it. When I went to the first several pages, I felt the plot was too predictable while I undoubtedly admitted that it's very well-written. Though quite predictable in the first chapters, I so much enjoyed the novel until I was addicted and couldn't stop reading it. The story was cleverly maintained, the characters were strongly built, and the end part was quite realistic.

In brief, the story is about a woman who suffers from the Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD), a mental disorder results in two or more split identities which then controls the individual's behavior. Because of this syndrome, she has to face a trial for the murders she doesn't commit. The story mentions in detail the trial process, how the defender argues for her, how they struggle for win by assuring the judge, the prosecutor, and more importantly the jury that she is not guilty because of insanity. The novel also narrates how people with MPD is being cured with several therapies and how she has to face her alters, the conflicts inside herself, and how she and her alter egos have to cope with her dark past.

In sum, Sidney Sheldon had brought the novel into something brilliant. And I guess he had done some research before, thus from the novel I could get some valuable information about MPD syndrome and the criminal trial process in the State, though the later perhaps wasn't descripted deeply. So I could say that I was as much impressed as my husband, and feel so much confident to read other novels by Sidney Sheldon. :) ...more

flag 8 likes · Like · see review

Jan 14, 2017 Zahra Rhm rated it liked it

Shelves: mystery, crime

اشلی در کودکی دچار آزار جنسی شده و به همین دلیل دچار مشکل چند شخصیتی میشه. شخصیت های سه گانه ی اون علایق و اخلاقیات متفاوت دارن. اما شخص اصلی از وجود شخصیت های تغییریافته ش و حتی اتفاق ناگواری که در کودکی براش اتفاق افتاده بی اطلاعه. هر وقت در مقابل دست درازی مردی قرار میگیره، اون رو به طرز وحشیانه ای میکشه.

کتاب معمایی نیست و فقط جناییه. قاتل از ابتدا مشخصه. کتاب روند دادگاه و اثبات جنون و درمان بیماری اشلی رو دنبال می کنه. روان شناسان زیادی به چندشخصیتی باور ندارن و اونو دلیل موجهی برای اثبات ب ...more

flag 9 likes · Like · see review

Apr 26, 2014 Voldemort rated it did not like it

Recommended to Voldemort by: Jonnu

Shelves: if-bought-dump-in-toilet-quickly

This is what happens when you have a brilliant idea but you’re simply a shitty writer. There was no suspense, no plot twist and I really wanted the story to end quickly so I could read my other “precious” books. Second part felt like an alter of John’s Grisham A time to kill… or The firm…..or his other not so cool law-based books. Lately I’ve seen this Korean drama based on lawyers and prosecutors; I hear your voice. And the way their attorneys defended the supposed victims was goose-bumpy (?) a ...more

flag 7 likes · Like · see review

Oct 18, 2014 Dulfino rated it did not like it

Shelves: 2014

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

flag 7 likes · Like · see review

Apr 27, 2017 Crime Addict Sifat rated it it was amazing

Awesome. Doesn't matter which book of Sydney Sheldon you are reading, it will always make you thrilled.

It is the story of a girl named Ashley Patterson, who is suffering from Multiple Personality Disorder yet she is unaware of it. She has two other alters named Toni Prescott and Alette Peters, who know her but she does not know them. Very nice thriller. Go for it 👌

flag 7 likes · Like · see review

Jul 17, 2014 Mwanamali rated it it was amazing

It was perfect the first time. It was perfect the second time. What more do I need to add? Review to come if I find the right words.

flag 9 likes · Like · see review

Jan 24, 2013 Mary rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommends it for: Anyone who likes contemporary mysteries

Recommended to Mary by: Library Book Sale

Shelves: read-but-unowned, 1990-2009, 96-100, bought-at-a-library-book-sale, contemporary-mystery, hardcover

Ashley Patterson is a brainy and gorgeous "computer whiz" with a cushy job at a fast-growing start-up computer graphics company in Silicon Valley. She is lonely, shy, and lives a life that is unfulfilling to her. She is also absolutely convinced that someone is stalking her. Toni Prescott and Alette Peters are both co-workers of Ashley's, however the similarities end there.

Toni is a saucy, British vixen with a penchant for Internet dating and dancing at discotheques. 'La bella Italiana' Alette ...more

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Aug 04, 2012 Rachita Gupta rated it it was amazing

Shelves: psychology, crime, mystery, totally-un-put-down-able

I picked up this book cuz I am a BIG HUGE SUPER fan of Sidney Sheldon. If you want a book you can't put down, his is the best shelf in the library. So, obviously, I was expecting nothing less than perfect from the book.
And, this novel matched, no, went beyond all the pre-set standards! The story is about a girl with a multiple personality disorder..And she's completely unaware of it. The book goes through three stages: One, the girl, and her multiple conflicting personas, get involved in a horri ...more

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Feb 14, 2015 Ajla rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-own, favorites

I'm out of words! This book blew my mind. It just became one of my all-time favorites.

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Oct 03, 2016 Ana Jupek rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: books-with-review

Well,to be honest i gave it a 3 * just because it is S.Sheldon. And i loved him....when i was around 15... I felt nostalgic when my colleague gave me some old books her mother owned. Six of them are from S.Sheldon. I read 3 of his book (not that many i admit )but i was surprised abouth his writing style. . . Very easy going... like a screenplay in a way. I guess i should read Bloodline again. I was 14 when i tought that was a perfect book. . . I will read all of the books i got of course. .I jus ...more

flag 5 likes · Like · see review

Mar 02, 2015 Kaycee ❤️ rated it really liked it

Shelves: mystery, 4-stars, 2015-reading-challenge, suspense, read-2015, thriller

Tell Me Your Dreams is a very interesting, engaging, nail-biting and heart-pounding read based on the concept of Multiple Personality Disorder or Split Personality. Being a nurse, this book grabbed my attention immediately. And I was hooked from page one up to the last. I won't go into details because I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't read it yet and besides this book needs to be read. If you are Sidney Sheldon fan or Mystery/Suspense lover, you would really have a great time read ...more

flag 5 likes · Like · see review

Aug 08, 2015 Vesna rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: vulkan, 2016

4.5

flag 5 likes · Like · see review

May 25, 2014 Olivera rated it liked it · review of another edition

Actual rating 3.5
CONTAINS SPOILERS
This was such a great book! I couldn't put it down! It was full of twists that just made me gasp.
The characters were great and had depth. I totally believed the whole story. I believed the characters. The writing stil though simple, was really capturing.
But: there are a few things about the plot I did not like.
1. The romance between Gilbert and Ashley wasn't actually shown, even though it was clearly pointed out in some places that the two had feelings for each ...more

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Jan 11, 2017 Reign rated it liked it

I chose to read this one because I learned from some forum that this is about (view spoiler). It's too late to realize that I have spoiled myself on that part. If I didn't know what this was about, it surely would be a mindfuck. And all that happens after, even the ending was a bit predictable already. Yep, it really isn't anyone's fault but me. I've been hearing good things about the author for a while but I only found time to read one now which I immedia ...more

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Dec 18, 2014 Paula rated it really liked it · review of another edition

2015 Reading Challenge: #41 Libro de un autor nunca leído
Primer libro que leo de este señor y me gustó mucho. Al principio era un estilo el psicoanalista pero después cambia de rumbo y me sorprendió porque pude conocer más sobre el tema judicial; planeo leer otras obras suyas.

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

May 30, 2013 Skz rated it it was amazing

The best Sidney Sheldon novel by far, and I have read quite a few in my days, when life was all about sneaking novels into the dorms and reading them under blanket covers. A feat feasible through generosity of friends who were days-scholars and made them available for reading

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Apr 11, 2018 Gehna rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Recommended to Gehna by: Aditya Jain

Shelves: ebook-audiobooks, get-recommendations-by, my-reviews

4.5 stars rounded down to 4!

You know when you are listening a really loud rock song and you become oblivious to the world around you and become a part of an imaginary music video which is only in your head. And then the song finishes and you look at people around you sitting in silence completely unaware of the great music that was jamming in your headphones seconds ago. That is exactly how this book felt. There was so much going on in the book; I would read a bit, completely engrossed, and look ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Nov 21, 2017 Katherine 黄爱芬 rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommended to Katherine by: Yustina Susi

Shelves: thriller-suspense, favorites

Saya gak sangka novel ini keren sekali.

Terbagi dgn 3 bagian cerita, bagian pertama ttg kehidupan Ashley Patterson dan kedua alter ego nya, Toni dan Alette. Toni dan Alette saling kenal, tetapi Ashley sama sekali tidak mengetahui mereka. Hingga terjadi 5 pembunuhan sadis pria dgn penikaman beruntun dan dikebiri.

Bagian kedua adalah ttg si pengacara David Singer dgn segala problemanya menghadapi kengototan ayah Ashley dgn mengungkit hutang budi dan ambisinya menjadi partner di firma tempatnya dia ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
Child Abuse?!	18	195	Oct 21, 2017 02:53AM
Goodreads Librari...: Correct page count	2	12	Oct 05, 2016 09:51AM
حدثني عن أحلامك	2	53	Jan 07, 2013 03:30AM

Readers Also Enjoyed

Genres

Fiction

346 users

Thriller

250 users

Mystery

160 users

Suspense

78 users

See top shelves…

About Sidney Sheldon

Sidney Sheldon

6,270 followers

Sidney Sheldon (1917-2007) was an American writer who won awards in three careers—a Broadway playwright, a Hollywood TV and movie screenwriter, and a best-selling novelist.

His TV works spanned a twenty-year period during which he created I Dream of Jeannie (1965-70), Hart to Hart (1979-84), and The Patty Duke Show (1963-66), but it was not until after he turned 50 and began writing best-selling no ...more