What genre does this book belong to?

It is a blend of mystery, suspense, and romantic suspense.

Is Dead Girl Running part of a series?

Yes, it is the first book in the Cape Charade series.

Who is the main character?

Kellen Adams is the protagonist, a former Army officer with a traumatic past.

What themes are explored in this book?

The themes of survival, identity, and the impact of trauma are central to the story.

Should I read this book?

If you enjoy thrillers with complex characters and unexpected twists, it is worth reading.

Summary of 'Dead Girl Running' by Christina Dodd: A Detailed Synopsis

Introduction

What is Dead Girl Running about? This gripping novel follows Kellen Adams, a woman with a scar from a gunshot and lost memories. She takes a job at a secluded vacation resort, seeking safety. However, when she discovers a dead body, her quest for peace turns into a treacherous investigation filled with suspense.

Book Details

Title: Dead Girl Running
Author: Christina Dodd
Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Thriller, Romantic Suspense
Page Count: 368
Published: April 24, 2018

Synopsis of Dead Girl Running

Confessions of Kellen Adams

Kellen Adams has three confessions that shape her life. Firstly, she bears a gunshot scar on her forehead. Secondly, an entire year of her life has vanished from her memory. Lastly, her name is Kellen Adams, and that name conceals a painful truth. Running from her past, Kellen takes up a position as assistant manager at Yearning Sands resort. It’s a remote vacation haven on the North Pacific Coast. Here, she hopes to rebuild her life. Amid storms and crashing waves, Kellen seeks sanctuary. However, she soon finds herself entangled in danger when she discovers a woman’s mutilated body on the resort grounds. Each guest and employee becomes a suspect. What seemed like a peaceful retreat morphs into a web of secrets and lies. Every friendly face may mask a deadly intention. The place she hoped to call home becomes her greatest challenge. As Kellen strives to protect her new life, she questions everything, including her past.

A Search for Identity

Kellen’s journey is marred by trauma. A former Army officer, she fled an abusive marriage, praying her husband is dead. The pain of her lost memories haunts her daily. Unable to remember the critical events leading to her escape, she battles inner demons constantly. Her role as resort manager surprises her. Underneath her confident exterior lies a fractured soul. With pressures mounting, Kellen faces uncertainties about her identity. The struggle to reconcile her past with her present becomes a central theme. Can she confront the truth before it consumes her? As Kellen navigates this treacherous landscape, memories begin to surface. Flashbacks reveal snippets of her traumatic past. Each fragmented memory connects her to the unresolved threats lurking in the shadows. Slowly, she starts reclaiming her life piece by piece, while grappling with newfound fears.

The Murder Investigation

Upon finding the body, Kellen becomes embedded in a murder investigation. The haunting discovery forces her to confront her fears head-on. With every staff member and guest under scrutiny, trust becomes a luxury she can’t afford. No one is above suspicion. Kellen’s instincts kick in, prompting her to investigate further. As secrets unravel, new mysteries arise, including a smuggling ring tied to the resort. With tensions escalating and additional bodies surfacing, Kellen’s survival instincts sharpen. Yet, with her amnesia clouding her judgment, she feels both empowered and vulnerable. The investigation leads her down a tangled path of deceit. Anxiety looms as she tries to navigate truth from lies. The presence of an enigmatic guest named Maximilian Di Luca complicates matters. He seems oddly familiar, stirring remnants of forgotten memories within Kellen. Could the connection offer safety or more danger?

The Unfolding Tension

The suspense continues to build as each chapter reveals shocking twists. Kellen finds herself cornered by dark secrets emerging from her past. The remote setting enhances the feeling of isolation as lurking dangers close in. Her role transforms from victim to reluctant detective. As she races against time, Kellen solidifies her resolve to unearth the truth. Every revelation drives her closer to understanding who she is. The pursuit of justice intertwines with personal discovery, leading to an explosive climax. Her determination fuels an adrenaline-fueled pace that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. In a world transformed by deception, Kellen fights not just for herself, but for those she has come to care about. Her journey is fraught with peril, but her spirit remains unbroken. She emerges as a fierce, resilient protagonist, unwilling to succumb to the past.

A Gripping Conclusion

As the narrative hurtles towards its final act, Kellen confronts the murderer. Amid a shocking revelation, she learns that the killer may be closer than she ever imagined. The final chapters unravel layers of confusion, wrapping up the murder plotline with a powerful emotional charge. Throughout the story, Kellen’s character arc is profound. She moves from hiding to confronting her true self, embodying strength and vulnerability alike. Readers are left with a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead. The gripping conclusion leaves room for possibilities in future installments of the series. Dead Girl Running concludes with a cliffhanger hinting at unresolved tensions. The story paves the way for Kellen’s further explorations as she lives with the scars of the past. Christina Dodd delivers a tantalizing opening to the Cape Charade series, stunning readers with unexpected twists and potent storytelling. The stakes are high, and Kellen’s quest for identity, safety, and love has only just begun.

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Characters

Kellen Adams: A former Army officer, Kellen has a scar from a gunshot and lost a year of her memory. She is tough, resourceful, and on the run from her past.
Maximilian Di Luca: The owner’s nephew sent to provide security at the resort; he shares a mysterious connection with Kellen.
Annie and Leo Di Luca: The owners of the Yearning Sands Resort, who take a vacation leaving Kellen in charge.
Cecilia: Kellen’s past identity and close tie to the traumatic events haunting her.
Various Resort Staff: The supporting cast includes a mix of quirky characters, each with their own secrets and motivations.

Highlights

Strong Female Protagonist: Kellen’s journey from vulnerability to strength is compelling.
Intense Atmosphere: The Pacific Coast setting enhances the suspenseful and eerie mood throughout the story.
Complex Mystery: The layers of intrigue, including smuggling and murder, keep readers guessing until the last moment.
Unexpected Twists: The plot is packed with surprising developments that change the course of the investigation.
Romantic Suspense: While primarily a thriller, romantic elements add depth to Kellen’s character arc.

Spoilers

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Kellen’s Identity: Kellen is revealed to be living under an assumed name to escape her abusive husband, who tried to kill her.
The Murder Mystery: The body discovered on the resort grounds belongs to Kellen’s predecessor, adding personal stakes for Kellen.
A Surprising Reveal: The murderer is revealed in a shocking twist at the end, leaving Kellen feeling betrayed.
Memory Loss: Kellen’s memory loss plays a crucial role; fragments of her past return to her as danger escalates.
Cliffhanger Ending: The book concludes with Kellen still in danger, setting up anticipation for the next installment.

Let us know what you think about this book and the summary in the comment section at the end of the page.

FAQs about Dead Girl Running

What genre does this book belong to?
It is a blend of mystery, suspense, and romantic suspense.
Is Dead Girl Running part of a series?
Yes, it is the first book in the Cape Charade series.
Who is the main character?
Kellen Adams is the protagonist, a former Army officer with a traumatic past.
What themes are explored in this book?
The themes of survival, identity, and the impact of trauma are central to the story.
Should I read this book?
If you enjoy thrillers with complex characters and unexpected twists, it is worth reading.

Reviews

For a deeper look into Dead Girl Running and to explore both the positives and negatives, visit our full review.

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About the Author

Christina Dodd is a bestselling author with over 15 million books sold. Her work spans multiple genres, and she is known for creating engaging characters and suspenseful plots. Dodd lives in the Pacific Northwest and continues to write captivating novels, including the new Cape Charade series.

Conclusion

We hope you found this synopsis of Dead Girl Running enjoyable. Summaries are just the beginning, serving as a glimpse of the full story. If this piqued your interest, the complete book awaits with even more thrilling turns. Ready to explore further? Here is the link to buy Dead Girl Running.

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