Description

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The second installment in the Dead Detective series finds protagonist Harry Doyle embroiled in a multiple-murder investigation involving Scientology executives.

“Heffernan’s style harks back to traditional hard-boiled mysteries . . . The Scientology Murders isn’t likely to make the church’s recommended reading list, but for mystery fans it’s an entertaining tale.” —Tampa Bay Times

A series of murders in Florida have left the police force baffled and Detective Harry Doyle’s much-loved adoptive father seriously wounded. As his investigation becomes personal, Doyle—known to his peers as the Dead Detective—finds he must penetrate one of the most private institutions in the country in order to track down those responsible.

Clearwater, Florida, is the spiritual center of Scientology, a religion that encourages its members to remain pure and true to their beliefs. One senior leader has a misguided young man in his employ, a twisted soul who will stop at nothing to make sure the rules are followed—even if it means shaming the very virtues espoused by the church.

With veils of secrecy surrounding the church’s inner sanctums, the detectives are stonewalled at every turn. Eventually, however, the investigation leads Doyle, his partner Vicky Stanopolis, and Clearwater Sergeant Max Abrams to the far reaches of Alaska, where they come face-to-face with death in a form they never expected.

About the Author

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WILLIAM HEFFERNAN (1940–2020) was the Edgar Award–winning author of numerous novels, including the international bestsellers The Corsican and The Dinosaur Club, as well as The Dead Detective, The Scientology Murders, When Johnny Came Marching Home, A Time Gone By, Cityside, and Beulah Hill. Prior to turning to fiction, Heffernan was a New York City newspaper reporter who was nominated three times for the Pulitzer Prize.

Praise For…

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Action moves from Florida’s Gulf Coast to the wilds of Alaska, where a most satisfying conclusion takes place. Heffernan pulls no punches in taking on Scientology (and, briefly, Tom Cruise) in this long-awaited return of Harry Doyle. Hard-boiled action with a layer of controversy.
— Booklist

The Dead Detective pursues miscreants attached to the Church of Scientology from their Florida headquarters to the Yukon State . . . Highly entertaining.
— Kirkus Reviews

The good guys—Doyle; his detective partner, Vicky Stanopolis; and Clearwater police sergeant Max Abrams—remain entertaining and appealing throughout.
— Publishers Weekly

Many readers will enjoy the peek inside the organization’s hierarchy. Also enjoyable is the spirited romance between Doyle and Vicky Stanopolis, his partner in more ways than one. And the surprise ending is a wowser.
— Mystery Scene Magazine

This is a fun and fast paced novel . . . If you are a thriller or mystery reader and curious about the inner workings of Scientology, then The Scientology Murders is a must read.

— Lit Reactor