Dead Run

I bought this hardcover at a bargain book sale - and WHAT A BARGAIN!! I love Nora Roberts, Iris Johansen, Kay Hooper and other mystery/romance writers and now I love Erica Spindler!! The book begins with Pastor Rachel Howard peering out her window wondering if "they" are out there and rushing to her car, driving and crashing. We get the sense that she is very scared and very desperate. The next chapter introduces Liz Ames, her sister. Liz has a weird message on her answering machine from Rachel telling her that Rachel has found something going on and that someone is watching her. Liz believes her sister is in fear of her life. Liz bugs the police in Key West but no one is interested and the police believe Rachel left on her own. Three months later Liz has made arrangements to bring her social worker practice to Key West and opens a small storefront on the "main" street in town. Except for the police, Liz does not intend to tell anyone she is Rachel's sister so that she can get some answers. Lt. Valentine Lopez tells Liz that even Liz's congregation at Paradise Christian Church said she had been acting strangely so he believes it is no wonder she ran away. Even after Liz tells him about the phone message from Rachel, Lt. Lopez is just not buying into any sinister happenings. In the meantime, a vice president at a local bank jumps (falls?) to his death from his third story bedroom window and another bank employee is missing. The new pastor, Pastor Tim, of Rachel's congregation does not seem very cooperative to Liz and on top of that a young teenage girl that Rachel had counseled and Liz had begun to see is found murdered in a ritualistic style after the infamous "New Testament" killer currently incarcerated. An ex-Miami cop who owns a bar, the young boyfriend of the murdered teen, and a shop owner enter the picture and provide support and clues as Liz struggles to find out what has happened to her sister and who is committing these murders and is SHE now in danger too?? Very exciting with lots of plot twists and turns and surprises and some fun romance as well. A great read!!

I thoroughly enjoyed Dead Run. I thought the chemistry between the characters was great! Each character brought their own piece to solving the mystery, and I didn't solve it until about the last 5 chapters of the book, which only made the end more appealing, finding out the whodoneit! Spindler's novel keeps you guessing throughout and keeps you thoroughly entertained. She mixes the right amount of romance, the right amount of mystery, the right amount of suspense and even a dash of comedy to come up with a delightful dish in Dead Run. My opinion is if your a Spindler fan (like I am) READ THIS BOOK, you won't be dissatisfied.

this book was awesome.thrilling-where you cant put the book down-i read it in one sitting.the heroine isnt perfect ,you can feel for her as you turn every page.the bad guys were someone you wouldnt suspect.there were some pleasant suprises too.this was a 5* book.

If you want a book that will keep you turning pages for hours on end, one that has surprises around every corner, and one that will undoubtedly have you on the edge of your seat, then Dead Run would be perfect for you! This is my first [time] at reading a book like this, a "chilling thriller" as advertised on the book spine, and I know for sure it won't be my last!Dead Run tells the story of Liz Ames, a family counselor from St. Louis, who receives a phone call from the Key West Police Department -- her sister, Rachel, pastor of the Paradise Christian Church there, is missing. Soon after, Liz moves to Key West and sets up her practice, determined to find out what really happened to Rachel. But the police aren't very helpful, leaving Liz to do the sleuthing all by herself. And then more people go missing -- even some are found dead. And what happens after is bar none the best twisty-turny story I've ever read.I believe "chilling thriller" is an understatement. Erica Spindler did not leave one thread untied, and I was completely mesmerized by the storyline. I caught myself many times smiling because I couldn't believe my luck at finding such a good book to read! I am definitely reading more books by Erica -- she's got a new fan in me!

The Key West, Florida Police Department has quite a sterling record for closing out recent cases. Paradise Christian Church Pastor Rachel Howard vanished, but the cops conclude she went over the edge and just ran away. Island National Bank Vice President Larry Bernhardt is found dead, but ruled a suicide by officials. Others are either missing or dead, but law enforcement seems more laid back than usual in the Conch republic.Rachel's sister Liz Ames comes to town to learn what really happened to her sibling. She runs up against official stonewalling and begins her own inquiries. Only bartender and former Miami cop Rick Wells listens to her. He sees links to a former South Florida case involving the incarcerated New Testament serial killer. As they work closely together, they fall in love and begin believing in second chances, but paradise contains a serpent that will kill both of them if they step any closer to the truth.Already gaining a strong following for her terse thrillers, Erica Spindler has written her most tense tale to date. DEAD RUN is more a taut chiller than a romantic suspense though love between the lead "investigators" is intertwined cleverly into the prime plot. The who-done-it will draw serial killer fans to the novel as clues are provided, but guessing the culprit remains difficult until Ms. Spindler reveals the identity. Fans of romantic suspense and serial killer dramas will take immense pleasure from this rousing cross genre novel.Harriet Klausner