A brutal serial killer, at large in the Southeast for 12 years, begins killing in Knoxville,TN, leaving only one clue at the scene of each murder, the words "Wayne's Dead" written in the victim's blood, using a severed body part as the writing instrument. Jackson Daniels, investigative detective with the Knoxville Police Department, is called to the scene of a murder at a ritzy hotel, where a dead man lies on the bed, above whose mutilated body the words "Wayne's Dead" have been written. Jackson and his team of detectives ascertain fairly quickly that they are faced with a brutal serial killer who has been on the loose in the Southeast for the past twelve years, choosing married, middle-aged attorneys as prey, seducing, then mudering them, mutilating the body afterwards, always leaving the same message at each killing. Frustrated over the lack of evidence found at each scene, Jackson and his team frantically search for their killer, who eventually leads them to the dead body of the psychologist who had been treating the murderer for multiple personality disorder, never suspecting that the person they are trying to find has been with them from the start in the form of another personality. Excerpt The small child hovers in a corner of the room in the dark, her knees drawn up to her chest, her face covered by her hands, trembling, tears running down her face. "Please, don't let him hurt me; please, don't let him hurt me," she prays to no one, to anyone. She hears his heavy tread on the steps, begins shaking her head violently side to side, whispering, "No, no, no," over and over again. Then sobbing softly, wondering why her mother doesn't stop him. Doesn't she hear, doesn't she know what he is doing to her. She has to, has to.

Professional Reviews
Review by Barbara Buhrer, Myshelf.com
This is a distinct departure from French's first novel, the romantic comedy, Chasing Horses. Wayne's Dead definitely falls into the suspense category and is proof tht French is an author to be reckoned with.



This is a well-crafted story with true-to-life characters, fully-developed relationships between the characters, and a rapid pace, continuously building the suspense. Much attention is given to mental illness and childhood abuse being possible reasons behind serial killers.



What will be the next gem we may expect from CT French? I, for one, eagerly await its arrival.

Review by Laurel Johnson, Midwest Book Review
Ms. French has created a tidy thriller here, beginning with the prologue and ending with the epilogue's last line. The characters are believable and carry this story along swiftly with gritty realism. That the reader suspects from the beginning who the murderer might be does not dilute the suspense.



Jackson Daniels - Jack to hs friends - is a lonely police detective whose empty life has worn him down. When a serial killer stalks sucessful lawyers in Knoxville, there are few clues to help Jack and his partner Marvin break the case. Each crime scene they encounter is awash with the sght and scent of blood, every victim has been mutilated. And above each death bed the murderer has scrawled, "Wayne's Dead". Every facet of the investigation leads to a dead end.



Jack meets and is immediately attracted to the beatiful and chldlike Gillian. Starkly sexual one minute and innocent enough to break Jack's heart the next, her changeability keeps him off center and bemused. All Jack knows is that he can't remember loving or being loved so thoroughly in the past, and can't imagine life without her.



The author interweaves Jack's love story with a serial killer's handiwork in ways that make "Wayne's Dead" a fast and fascinating read. This is not a story for children or sensitive adults due to realistic dialog, violent scenarios, and mature themes. But those who enjoy adult thrillers will find it worth their while.

Review by Louise Riveiro-Mitchell, Book Reviewer for Book Review Cafe
There's a killer on the loose who seems to have a distinct M.O. on each victim. When a prominent male in the legal profession signs into a hotel's registry as "John Wayne" he is found murdered in a bizarre way.

It's up to Detective Jack Daniels and his team to piece together what little evidence they have and hope to catch this killer before he or she strikes again.

With each new homicide, the police are no closer to the killer and each man has a different theory as well as many suspects. To make matters worse, Detective Daniels can't seem to keep his mind on the cases since he met and became involved with a young woman named Gillian.

Follow Detective Daniels and his team as they are always two steps behind the killer and try to understand Jack's feelings when he finally catches them!

I totally enjoyed "Wayne's Dead" and I felt I was reading a "Law and Order" script. This would be an excellent episode for the series. Suspense, drama, and strong characters are all in the story. I recommend it highly.

Reader Reviews for "Wayne's Dead"

Reviewed by T. Emilie Dybevik (Reader)	7/14/2003
I downloaded the free preview from page 92. I must say THIS is a book I WANT to go buy! The details and descriptions made me feel just like I was there as a silent witness to the crime itself! I could NOT take my eyes off of the pages. Each line had my eyes hungry for the next word to come. I wanted to know what the violently smooth woman was going to do next. It is thrilling and exciting. I too cannot wait to get this book! This sounds like one of the best made for TV movies to come. I am VERY excited to read this book. One hot book and one BRILLIANT author. I appreciate an author that can write like this! Christy French has a new fan. Emilie Dybevik
Reviewed by David E. Meadows	7/7/2003
A riveting book that keeps the reader turning pages as you chase the action. Well Done, Christy. CAPT David E. Meadows, U.S. Navy author of the SIXTH FLEET and JOINT TASK FORCE series.
Reviewed by Ronald Dondiego	4/7/2003
The premiss of this story sounds absolutely brilliant, and judging from the excerpt, so is the style. Looks like a must buy and read book to me!
Reviewed by Doug Boren	3/12/2003
Another PA book on my list to buy! Seems very frightening, and VERY well written. Wow!
Reviewed by Janet Terry	1/17/2003
Interesting preview.
Reviewed by Janet Terry	12/4/2001
This novel looks like it's full of suspense! From reading the excerpt, I think it will be on my "to purchase" list for books to read. I think the author is well educated and did her homework on multiple personality disorder, which will add life to the novel. I think it would make a great movie... Erika Michelle, author Heaven's Fury On Hell's Cafe
Reviewed by Evelyn Horan	11/19/2001
Oh, I feel empathy for the little child and the direction her abuse will take her. WAYNE'S DEAD points out the horrid evil that attacks some children and destroys prospects for a normal future. Reminds me of the THREE FACES OF EVE and her unfortunate multiple personalities. A topic not often approached by weak writers. Christy French has the skill and the ability to present this theme in all its aspects. A thoughtful and chilling presentation for hearty readers!
Reviewed by Lynn Barry	11/9/2001
Scary. The detail is so creepily(don't know if it is a word, but it fit in my mind) executed it brought chills and I was looking over my shoulder while shaking. WOW!!!
Reviewed by Gloria Marlow	10/24/2001
I can't wait to get this book!
Reviewed by Victoria Murray	10/15/2001
Christy French is one of my many favorite Authors here at Authors Den, her books are always well worth the read the stories are well thought-out, and executed leaving 'we readers' anxiously turning the pages wanting more! One HOT BOOK by one HOT AUTHOR! Victoria Taylor Murray 'Thief Of Hearts' 'Forbidden'

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