Author Bert A. Haagenstad has released a new mystery novel titled 'Dream Walker: A Detective Thomas Blade Investigation' that explores themes of resilience and healing during the Thanksgiving season. The novel follows Detective Thomas Blade, a decorated Army Ranger turned Chicago detective who must investigate a series of chilling deaths connected to the powerful Tircorp Syndicate while confronting his own nightmares and past trauma.
The story balances crime thriller elements with deeper explorations of personal healing, second chances, and the courage to confront inner demons. Haagenstad's protagonist navigates the tension between professional duty and personal recovery, creating a narrative that emphasizes how strength and redemption can emerge even from dark circumstances. The author's sharp suspense writing combines with emotional depth to craft a story that resonates with human experience.
Haagenstad's personal journey parallels his protagonist's perseverance. The author began writing at twelve years old, capturing vivid dreams before they faded, and spent years balancing farm work, family responsibilities, and his passion for writing before achieving his dream of becoming a published author. This dedication reflects what the author describes as the Thanksgiving spirit: gratitude for support, resilience through challenges, and joy in sharing connecting stories.
Thanksgiving serves as more than just a seasonal backdrop for the novel—it becomes a thematic lens through which the story's messages about gratitude, connection, and healing are amplified. Just as families gather during the holiday to honor relationships and express thankfulness, Blade's journey demonstrates that healing often begins with facing difficult truths and accepting support from others. The novel suggests that in a world where shadows loom large, resilience emerges from reflection and second chances deserve embrace.
Readers of mystery and crime fiction will find the investigation compelling, but the novel also invites broader reflection on personal lives, relationships, and the quiet strength that comes from choosing hope. Through evocative writing and a detective whose psychological battles feel authentic, Haagenstad creates a story that lingers with readers beyond the final page. The book is available through major retailers including Amazon where it's positioned as both a suspenseful mystery and a meaningful seasonal read about renewal.
