What do you think?
Rate this book
Dead Run
"I'm in trouble, Liz. I've uncovered something.... They're watching...."
That panicked message on her answering machine is the last time Liz Ames hears from her sister Rachel, pastor of Paradise Christian Church in Key West, Florida.
Compelled to uncover the truth about her sister's disappearance, she heads to Key West. Within hours of her arrival a successful banker jumps to his death. Then a teenage girl whom Rachel was counseling is found brutally murdered. The ritualistic style of the killing is hauntingly similar to that used by the notorious "New Testament" serial killer--now on death row. Could the teen's murder be related to Rachel's disappearance? Is a copycat killer at work? And why do the police refuse to help?
For answers, Liz turns to Rick Wells, a former Miami cop who worked the fringes of the "New Testament" investigation. Together they peel away layers of deception to reveal a terrifying adversary--and the unspeakable evil at the heart of this island paradise.
466 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 24, 2002
121 people are currently reading
1495 people want to read
About the author
Erica Spindler
99 books2,544 followersA New York Times and International bestselling author, Erica Spindler's skill for crafting engrossing plots and compelling characters has earned both critical praise and legions of fans. Her stories have been lauded as “thrill-packed page turners, white- knuckle rides and edge-of-your-seat whodunits.”
Erica loves meeting and interacting with her fans, both in person and online. She has a wicked sense of humor, an optimistic spirit and loves coffee, chocolate and red wine, not necessarily in that order.
In 2002 her novel Bone Cold won the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award for excellence. A Romance Writers of America Honor Roll member, she received a Kiss of Death Award for her novels Forbidden Fruit and Dead Run and was a four-time RITA® Award finalist. In 1999 Publishers Weekly awarded the audio version of her novel Shocking Pink a Listen Up Award, naming it one of the best audio mystery books of 1998.
Erica lives just outside New Orleans, Louisiana, with her husband and two sons.
Erica loves meeting and interacting with her fans, both in person and online. She has a wicked sense of humor, an optimistic spirit and loves coffee, chocolate and red wine, not necessarily in that order.
In 2002 her novel Bone Cold won the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award for excellence. A Romance Writers of America Honor Roll member, she received a Kiss of Death Award for her novels Forbidden Fruit and Dead Run and was a four-time RITA® Award finalist. In 1999 Publishers Weekly awarded the audio version of her novel Shocking Pink a Listen Up Award, naming it one of the best audio mystery books of 1998.
Erica lives just outside New Orleans, Louisiana, with her husband and two sons.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
March 22, 2018
I like Ms. Spindler's writing voice and I'm working through a lot of her older works. This one was published in 2002. It seemed like the story just pushed the exploits of the criminals too far without providing proof that they could have done all these actions for so long without getting noticed. It was pretty easy to guess the bad guys although there were a couple of other red herrings. And the drama with Rick believing Liz and then thinking she's just over wrought went back and forth too many times. I seemed to be constantly rolling my eyes. In the end it was just too OTT for my reading preferences.
June 22, 2015
It was a great book. A packed story & I enjoyed it.
June 23, 2015
This might be my favorite so far. Excellent.
September 30, 2013
Dead Run has great characters, a compelling plot, and a fantastic twisted narrative. Too bad it throws it all away for another cliched ending.
It really made me angry, because they were slowly building up to one hell of a an exciting climax, but they threw it all away for religious symbolism.
Read it for the characters and excellent plot, (one of the best of Spindler's plots) but brace yourself for the poor final 20 pages.
It really made me angry, because they were slowly building up to one hell of a an exciting climax, but they threw it all away for religious symbolism.
Read it for the characters and excellent plot, (one of the best of Spindler's plots) but brace yourself for the poor final 20 pages.
September 15, 2015
Great Book! Lots of suspense. Kept me on the edge of my set.
February 14, 2018
Once again, I was thoroughly entertained by Spindler's writing. The back drop of Key West was a nice change from some of the popular places for a story to take place. The story kept me intrigued. Although I enjoyed the plot and locale, the MC was quite annoying. 4 stars
April 15, 2020
2.5 stars. I will read whichever book by Erica Spindler that I can get my hands on. This romantic suspense from 2002 had a story line that was a bit farfetched. The main character, Liz Ames, appeared to be having a nervous breakdown most of the time, which I can't see as a good characteristic for a professional counselor to have. The cop situation wasn't very plausible. But I did clear another book off my shelves.
July 15, 2015
Finished reading: April 14th 2014
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
March 13, 2015
The main character Liz was a little weak, but, the supporting characters made up for it somewhat. The plot was good, the loose ends tied up nicely and it was an overall good formulaic mystery/suspense novel with a little horror and romance thrown in for good measure. I would recommend this book as a quick, fun, and easy read.
September 27, 2017
An enjoyable enough read, with a decent enough story. However I thought the main character, to wishy washy and rather weak. The others characters were much better. Not my fav by this author by far. I'm tending to find her earlier novels are not as 'meaty' or just plain not as good as the later ones.
May 3, 2023
It was a good plot but some of it was super dark so that was a bit random
August 18, 2024
I knew on page 194 ‘who did it”
February 11, 2021
Very different from any thriller/mystery I've ever read. It was interesting, but not that great in the end. I know Spindler can do better.
Might be because I'm not a huge fan of religious themes in books, that this book was not for me.
Might be because I'm not a huge fan of religious themes in books, that this book was not for me.
May 22, 2011
Spindler captured the possibilities of satanism, cults and rituals alongside the traditional religion of Christianity beautiful and had me on my seat the entire read. The second of my Spindler reads I am entirely obsessed with her stories, the powerful way she has readers connecting with her characters and the fast pace throughout with just a dash of romance to broaden her readership and have you swooning for love.
Dead Run begins with Rachel, a woman priest who is trying to escape something that is not explained. In her attempts at leaving her home she leaves someone with a letter for her sister who goes through an adventure of hell to get what was left behind. Without writing any spoilers, Liz, Rachel's sister, meets many questionable characters along her way as she moves to Key West and the church Rachel was last seen.
Suffering from an emotional breakdown after losing her parents, her sister and her husband, Liz offers her counseling services to help the population of the island in Florida much like her sister did. Only this time the woman tells her suspicions to the right and wrong people who struggle to believe her as she links everything back to Rachel in an obsessive way.
If you're a fan of mystery, of intrigue, romance, and are interested in religion this book is a must read. It'll have you looking at everyone in your own life with questions. By the way, the storm in my city reached it's peak last night as I concluded the novel and made it's way for a day of sun and calm without signs of a rapture of any kind. Do you believe?
Thanks for reading,
Sarah Butland
Dead Run begins with Rachel, a woman priest who is trying to escape something that is not explained. In her attempts at leaving her home she leaves someone with a letter for her sister who goes through an adventure of hell to get what was left behind. Without writing any spoilers, Liz, Rachel's sister, meets many questionable characters along her way as she moves to Key West and the church Rachel was last seen.
Suffering from an emotional breakdown after losing her parents, her sister and her husband, Liz offers her counseling services to help the population of the island in Florida much like her sister did. Only this time the woman tells her suspicions to the right and wrong people who struggle to believe her as she links everything back to Rachel in an obsessive way.
If you're a fan of mystery, of intrigue, romance, and are interested in religion this book is a must read. It'll have you looking at everyone in your own life with questions. By the way, the storm in my city reached it's peak last night as I concluded the novel and made it's way for a day of sun and calm without signs of a rapture of any kind. Do you believe?
Thanks for reading,
Sarah Butland
March 18, 2009
Erica Spindler really knows how to write mystery thrillers, and she's well known for the twists she throws into her books. Dead Run is no different, the ending is sure to catch you off guard, and I have to admit, I didn't have a clue the murderer was who it was. The story begins with Liz's sister Rachel, a pastor in Key West, going missing. With the police claiming that she must have just got up and left, Liz heads to Key West to try and find out what happened to Rachel. When people suddenly start dying violently, Liz is positive it must be connected to her sister's disappearance, but with the police brushing her off as a crazy woman, she decides to find out for herself what's happening on the Island with a little help from Rick Wells, a local bar owner who used to be a cop. What they stumble into is a deadly satanic game, and when Liz starts getting death threats, she realises how serious it is.
The story was gripping and was full of action right from the first page. She writes fantastically, the story flows so well and is very easy to lose yourself in. The only reason I gave it a 4.5/5 is because I've read other books by Erica and know them to be even better than this one. I would definitely recommend this to Thriller fans, and would also recommend See Jane Die and Copycat, my two favourite books by this author.
The story was gripping and was full of action right from the first page. She writes fantastically, the story flows so well and is very easy to lose yourself in. The only reason I gave it a 4.5/5 is because I've read other books by Erica and know them to be even better than this one. I would definitely recommend this to Thriller fans, and would also recommend See Jane Die and Copycat, my two favourite books by this author.
April 6, 2009
This is the first Erica Spindler book that I've read and I must say I was totally mesmerized. I couldn't put this book down at all!! I'll be searching for this author's other novels.
From back cover:
"I'm in trouble, Liz. I've uncovered something..They're watching..."
That panicked message on her answering machine is the last time Liz Ames hears from her sister Rachel, pastor of Paradise Christian Church in Key West, Florida.
Compelled to uncover the truth about her sister's disappearance, she heads to Key West. Within hours of her arrival a successful banker jumps to his death. Then a teenage girl whom Rachel was counseling is found brutually murdered. The ritualistic style of the killing is hauntingly similar to that used by the notorious "New Testament" serial killer-now on death row.
Could the teen's murder be related to Rachel's disappearance? Is a copycat killer at work? And why do the police refuse to help?
For answers, Liz turns to Rick Wells, a former Miami cop who worked the fringes of the "New Testament" investigation. Together they peel away layers of deception to reveal a terrifying adversary-and the unspeakable evil at the heart of this island paradise."
From back cover:
"I'm in trouble, Liz. I've uncovered something..They're watching..."
That panicked message on her answering machine is the last time Liz Ames hears from her sister Rachel, pastor of Paradise Christian Church in Key West, Florida.
Compelled to uncover the truth about her sister's disappearance, she heads to Key West. Within hours of her arrival a successful banker jumps to his death. Then a teenage girl whom Rachel was counseling is found brutually murdered. The ritualistic style of the killing is hauntingly similar to that used by the notorious "New Testament" serial killer-now on death row.
Could the teen's murder be related to Rachel's disappearance? Is a copycat killer at work? And why do the police refuse to help?
For answers, Liz turns to Rick Wells, a former Miami cop who worked the fringes of the "New Testament" investigation. Together they peel away layers of deception to reveal a terrifying adversary-and the unspeakable evil at the heart of this island paradise."
September 6, 2011
When Liz gets a panicked message on her answering machine from her sister Pastor Rachel . Saying she,s in trouble they are watching. Than her sister disappears .Liz heads down to Key west. to try to find out what happened. Within hours of her arrival a prominent banker jumps to his death, than a teenage girl whom Rachel was counseling is found brutally murdered. The ritualistic style of the killing is hauntingly similar to that used by the notorious New Testament serial killer now on death row. Is there a copy cat killer on the lose Are the disappearance of Rachel and the murder of the girl somehow linked? And why do the ploice refuse to help? Liz turns to Rick Wells a former cop to help her find answers. Together they peel away layers of deception and evil to reveal a terrifying adversary- and the unspeakable evil at the heart of this island paradise. If you enjoy books about cults serial killings and good versus evil i highly recommend this book.
July 11, 2019
This took me a while to get into but was worth the effort because the twists and turns at the end surprised me. A lot was going on but true to Spindlers' style, it was tied up neatly at the end.
Pastor Rachael is afraid of something or someone on the island of key west. Next thing she's missing and presumed dead. Her sister Liz turns up to find the truth, instead she too becomes scared of what she feels in the town. She feels lonely, weary, and spooked. When liz untangles a web of lies and murderous scandals, she is in fear of being the next person missing and presumed dead.
This story had a lot of religous referencing, usualy this doesn't appeal to me, but it worked in this setting and powered out a chilling vibe.
Pastor Rachael is afraid of something or someone on the island of key west. Next thing she's missing and presumed dead. Her sister Liz turns up to find the truth, instead she too becomes scared of what she feels in the town. She feels lonely, weary, and spooked. When liz untangles a web of lies and murderous scandals, she is in fear of being the next person missing and presumed dead.
This story had a lot of religous referencing, usualy this doesn't appeal to me, but it worked in this setting and powered out a chilling vibe.
April 12, 2021
Let’s just give this a, high, 3.5⭐️.
I am a huge Spindler fan, so I was surprised that it took nearly 200 pages until I finally got into this book, once I did I blew through it, as always.
It may have taken so long to get into due to “over-explaining” things in the beginning.
Overall, it was good.
I am a huge Spindler fan, so I was surprised that it took nearly 200 pages until I finally got into this book, once I did I blew through it, as always.
It may have taken so long to get into due to “over-explaining” things in the beginning.
Overall, it was good.
October 7, 2011
I read this book but was unable to complete it. It was a totally disjointed story. The characters were not well developed and it felt as if she was trying to throw in some action that she was uncomfortable with. It got to be too much trouble to finish. I would not recommend it. It is, however, the only one of hers I had ever read, so I did read another one of her books. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy that one either. Sorry, but this is not an author I would persue adding to my collection.
January 11, 2015
This is an early Erica Spindler but it is a good one. She is able to keep you guessing throughout the entire book about what events are going to take place. The book is captivating. There are murders but you are thrown off in the wrong directions for almost all of the book. The characters are well developed and you know them. It is a good read.
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" "Wesley's Wars" and "To Whom It May Concern"
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" "Wesley's Wars" and "To Whom It May Concern"
July 5, 2010
Extremely well crafted story, expertly structured to incrementally reveal just enough to tantalize and maintain a compelling read. Great character development with enough back-story to add depth to their actions and motivations. The first book I've read by Erica Spindler, but it won't be the last. This lady can write!
November 13, 2013
Well...I'm not getting that time back in my life. Had I not been listening to this book and had I had another book downloaded, I would have put this book down after about chapter 3. No matter the character, the author has but one voice...whiny, naive weakling. This book doesn't quite make the cut to get only one star, but it was awfully close.
February 25, 2011
Rachel the pastor held sermon at the Paradise Christian Church for the flock of Key West until her mysterious disappearance that leads Liz her sister to pack up her belonging and to come to Key West Island to investigate.
March 29, 2015
This was my first Erica Spindler book i read, and i fell in love instantly. the main character grabbed me from the get go and i honestly didn't know how it would end ( which never happens, i'm a good guesser). i recommand this book to anyone who loves a good suspense!!
May 9, 2011
I believe this to be her best novel and my favorite! I have read this book numerous times and still can't wait to pick it up again. Even my husband thought it a great read!
April 4, 2009
This was the first Erica Spindler book I read. The plot was so awesome and I could NOT put it down once I started.
May 16, 2010
I'm a huge Erica Spindler fan, but I have to say that Dead Run doesn't rank as one of her best. I can't put my finger on it, but something about the story didn't quite gel with me.
November 9, 2014
Gripping story with twists and turns left, right and centre. Very well written, easy to get involved with and loveable characters that you feel for. Well worth a read!
May 9, 2015
Brilliant, really enjoyed this book. Erica Spindler is a great author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews