Our Lady of Dreams

Crime thrillers are often predictable, with one-dimensional characters and trite writing. That is not the case with Chanson Duvall’s new novel, “Our Lady of Dreams.” His clever prose and masterful wording make even the most unusual coincidences seem possible, the most outrageous ideas seem plausible, and the most surprising twists appear believable.

“Our Lady of Dreams” purports to be written by Katherine Marconi, neophyte prosecutor in the L.A. District Attorney’s office. When she lands the coveted assignment of a high-profile murder, she is shocked to discover the man brutally killed is her estranged brother, John Paul.

It is a credit to Duvall’s remarkable and often beautiful writing, that the reader feels the agony of Marconi’s loss nearly as painfully as Marconi. The reader longs to help her solve the crime and the mystery behind her brother’s murder.

Duvall’s characters are textured. John Paul, the estranged brother, intended to be a priest and instead became a well known religious guru, perhaps a saint. Falling under his spell is the rising star football player accused of his murder, Thomas.

Much of the novel is written as portions of Thomas’ diary. The reader feels almost as if they are eavesdropping on private thoughts – and intimate secrets.

A layer is added to the story in Thomas’ request that his diary be published within 10 years of his death. You feel the urgency in the words written by Duvall (as Marconi) to share the message in time.

Take the spiritual twists and turns, add a strongly crafted love story between Marconi and the lead detective in the case, pepper in a hidden secret - and Duvall’s masterpiece equals an engaging delight the reader will not be able to put down until the crime – and accompanying mysteries - are solved. The carefully crafted words linger on the readers mind much less like your standard crime drama, and much more like a touching work of art.

“Our Lady of Dreams” certainly makes a lovely summer beach read, but this thought provoking and breathtaking work is much more than a standard thriller. It is elegant, tasteful, and stays with the reader long after the last page has turned. The cover on this book is closed much too quickly.

Chanson Duvall was raised in the Arizona desert. He spent his childhood meditating. He says this is where his visions began at age 6. Chanson says that “Our Lady of Dreams,” is a spiritual fiction that takes the reader on a personal intimate journey through the different levels of conscious from the most mundane to the highest levels of spiritual awareness. Even though none of the characters in his book actually portray Chanson, himself, some of the visions are those of his own. Duvall is now working on his second novel.