Review:

“Nothing is more unforgivable than not playing nice. Nothing worse than a little bit of honesty.”

Some books keep us awake long into the night—not just because we’re hooked, but because we need to solve the mystery. Maya Dead and Dreaming is one such book. Intriguing, layered, and emotionally intense.  A masterfully layered murder mystery that doesn’t just chase clues, it digs into the buried emotions we often try to silence—grief, jealousy, guilt, and the hunger for truth.

Lana Sabarwal’s thrilling murder mystery pulls readers deep into the shadows of a small, sleepy town in Washington—Shogie—where secrets never sleep. Fourteen years ago, seventeen-year-old Maya Hickman, the daughter of one of Shogie’s most powerful families, was found dead. Her death was ruled a suicide. But whispers of something darker have lingered ever since. Now, Maya’s close friend Munna receives a chilling letter—one that reawakens buried suspicions and the haunting presence of Maya’s soul demanding justice. From the question of who sent the letter to the final revelation of who the murderer is, this is one hell of a journey. A journey that’s as emotionally charged as it is filled with shocking discoveries.

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What begins as a reluctant quest becomes a full-blown reckoning. Munna, alongside the sharp-minded Karenina and grounded Andrew, begins peeling back the layers of a story that’s far from over. As they sift through the lies and half-truths, they uncover not only who Maya really was, but what she meant to the people around her, and what they failed to protect. What unfolds is a tangled web of lies, love, loss, and long-buried secrets, where nothing is as it seems, and everyone has something to hide.  What follows is a rollercoaster of revelations, betrayals, and raw emotions.

Lana sets a gripping tone from the very first page. Her crisp, cinematic writing style draws readers in with its vivid descriptions, gripping narrative, and emotionally complex characters. The plot is layered and fast-paced, filled with unpredictable twists that keep you guessing at every turn. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, another revelation unravels the truth all over again. The narrative effortlessly balances suspense with heartfelt moments, weaving themes of love, loss, trauma, betrayal, and hope into a beautifully chaotic tapestry.

What truly elevates this story are its characters. Munna and Karenina are a powerhouse duo — one fierce and determined, the other empathetic and steady — who carry the emotional weight of the plot with strength and grace. Together, they navigate the messiness of grief, friendship, and betrayal in a quest for justice. Their investigation is not just smart and methodical—it’s heartfelt and courageous. Andrew adds another compelling layer, but it’s Mrs. Dingra, who unexpectedly steals the show. Her biting wit and unapologetic opinions bring an unexpected sparkle to the narrative. Sharp, opinionated, and unforgettable—she adds a touch of brilliance to every scene she’s in.

She crafts characters that breathe and ache, who carry the weight of their choices in every word they speak. The dynamics between characters—be it friendship, buried affection, or unspoken rivalries—are handled with emotional intelligence and nuance. There’s an undercurrent of tension throughout, but also a tenderness that balances it beautifully. 

What stands out most is the way Lana captures unspoken emotions—jealousy, guilt, comparison, and longing—with subtlety and grace. The small-town gossip, the emotionally charged dialogues, and the deep-rooted family drama come together to create a vivid, lifelike world.  The story’s pace never falters—it’s fast, engaging, and cinematic in every sense. But more than the thrill of solving the mystery, what lingers is the exploration of identity, memory, and what justice really means. Sometimes, it’s not just about finding the culprit—it’s about restoring the voice of someone silenced too soon. With sharp dialogues, Lana masterfully draws readers into the lives of its characters and the secrets of Shogie.

And then comes the climax—unpredictable, powerful, and deeply satisfying. Just when you feel the pieces are finally falling into place, Lana throws in a final twist that flips the narrative on its head. It’s not just shocking—it’s emotionally charged, hitting you right where it hurts. The final chapters are a masterclass in suspense and emotional payoff, delivering closure while still leaving space for reflection. It’s the kind of ending that lingers- one you’ll want to reread just to feel its impact again.

In all, Maya Dead and Dreaming is a hauntingly beautiful tale with a compelling plot, powerful characters, and an atmosphere thick with secrets and suspense. A must-read for fans of psychological thrillers, murder mysteries, and emotionally resonant storytelling. With compelling characters, heart-pounding tension, and deeply human emotions, it’s a book that stays with you long after the last page is turned.

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