The Scientology Murders ― A Dead Detective Novel

"The Dead Detective is Heffernan's first novel in seven years, and wherever he's been, he hasn't forgotten how to write a good, gritty police procedural. . . . This edgy police drama succeeds in capturing the hysteria that grips Tampa residents when a celebrity criminal is found dead in a cypress swamp." ?New York Times Book Review on The Dead Detective

While investigating a murder that has also left his much-loved adoptive father seriously wounded, Harry Doyle, known to his peers as the Dead Detective, finds himself faced with what many consider the most powerful and secretive cult in the country?Scientology. Clearwater, Florida, is the spiritual center of Scientology, which is run by a fanatical group of true believers who insist that members remain pure and true to their faith. One senior leader has a young man in his employ, a twisted soul who will stop at nothing to make sure the rules are followed. But Harry Doyle, his partner Vicky Stanopolis, and Clearwater Sergeant Max Abrams are in hot pursuit, forcing the killer to run for cover.

The Scientologists have places to hide in every part of the globe, and Harry finds himself pursuing the killer to the far reaches of Alaska. In a shocking denouement where everyone's life hangs in the balance, Harry and Vicky come face-to-face with death in a form they never expected.

William Heffernan is the Edgar Award?winning author of nineteen novels, including the international bestsellers The Corsican and The Dinosaur Club. He divides his time between his forty-foot trawler in Florida and visiting his children around the country. Prior to turning to fiction thirty-six years ago, Heffernan was a New York City newspaper reporter who was nominated three times for the Pulitzer Prize.