The Death Dealer

The Death Dealer
Heather Graham

The Poe Killings: A string of homicides is mirroring the author's macabre stories. And Genevieve O'Brien's mother is next. Genevieve knows all about nightmares. She herself survived two months as a psychopath's prisoner. And now this new menace stalks the city.Spooked by the bizarre slayings, she turns to P.I. Joe Connolly, her past rescuer, friend and… hopefully something more, if he would just quit avoiding her. At first Joe isn't even sure there is a case. But the body count rises, and it's clear that a twisted killer is on the loose.Even more unsettling is the guidance he starts receiving from beyond the grave. People he knows to be dead are appearing, offering him clues and leads, and warning of some terrible danger ahead. But can even the spirits stay the hand of a madman bent on murder?

Praise for the novels of New York Times bestselling author HEATHER GRAHAM

“A sinister tale sure to appeal to fans across multiple genre lines.”

—Publishers Weekly on The Death Dealer

“Mystery, sex, paranormal events. What’s not to love?”

—Kirkus Reviews on The Death Dealer

“The intense, unexpected conclusion will leave readers well satisfied.”

—Publishers Weekly on The Dead Room

“An incredible storyteller.”

—Los Angeles Daily News

“A seamless plot and diverse characters…a tasty serial killer subplot.”

—Romantic Times BOOKreviews on The Dead Room

“Graham peoples her novel with genuine, endearing characters.”

—Publishers Weekly on The Séance

“Graham’s rich, balanced thriller sizzles with equal parts suspense, romance and the paranormal—all of it nail-biting.”

—Publishers Weekly on The Vision

“Another top-notch thriller from romance icon Graham.”

—Publishers Weekly on The Island

“There are good reasons for Graham’s steady standing as a best-selling author.”

—Booklist on Ghost Walk

“Graham builds jagged suspense that will keep readers guessing up to the final pages.”

—Publishers Weekly on Hurricane Bay

HEATHER GRAHAM

THE DEATH DEALER

To the New World School of the Arts, especially Ms. Graham, teacher of creative writing and English, who knows enthusiasm is the biggest part of the game; and Mr. Jim Randolph, “The God of Theater,” who keeps himself and his kids real, who knows there’s a big bad world out there but keeps a thumb on caring.

And for Beth Fath, a parent with quiet dedication; and Debbie Benitez, who has helped keep me sane and informed on more than one occasion!

Quoth the raven, “Nevermore!”

—Edgar Allan Poe

CONTENTS

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

INTERLUDE

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18