A Child's Wound

by Dwayne Kavanagh

In Manhattan, cruising through book stores and cafés, Tim Hadler, an eccentric serial killer, stalks his next victim. He takes pride in what he does and has perfected his craft. Unfortunately for Tim, he has stumbled upon something that never prepared him for what is about to happen. His next victim turns out to be a New York City Detective. Just when Tim thought he had his life under control, he's drawn into a game like no other. Detective Christine Maloan and her partner, Detective Jefferies, are one more murder victim away from losing their case and handing it over to the F.B.I.. They're investigating the third twisted murder by a Serial Killer that stages his victims as if they were works of art. Detective Christine Maloan and her partner are tracking down a killer that leaves clues, which date back to the Egyptian Pyramids. The hidden clues are difficult to put together and the murders have the entire city up in arms. During all the confusion Tim moves closer to his target and throughout the story he uncovers situations in his past that reveal insight into understanding why he does what he does. Will that stop him?

Genres: Fiction, Thriller

321 pages, Paperback

First published August 3, 2009

About the author

Dwayne Kavanagh, as a child, found comfort in the dark corners of his imagination. In 2005, he sat down in a small home-office, let the stories transfer from those lightless caverns to the bright screen of his laptop computer, and has been scribbling every day since. His first book was published in August 2009.
Dwayne creates worlds, where you see more than you read. His descriptive detail leaves some room for the reader to use their imagination but enough to set the landscape and take you on a terror-filled ride. His dialogue is real and relevant to the time period he writes about.
Dwayne Kavanagh was born in Toronto and raised in Burlington, Ontario, Canada.
Dwayne Kavanagh lives with his Fiancée, Nicky and her sports fanatic son Lucas, and with unconditional love for his beautiful daughters Megan and Emily, in southern Ontario.

Follow Dwayne on Facebook, Twitter, and Chapters Community.
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Reviews

[Lauren Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

A twistedly sexy, dark, crime drama with a hint of romance... a flamboyant serial killer, and a controlling serial rapist are responsible for the central conflicts within this world, and a beautiful female detective Christine is their antagonist. Dwayne manages to make rape sexy and justify the behavior of these beautifully damaged characters. Although I wouldn't neccessarily classify Tim as a narcissist I would classify him as being incredibly disturbed, and perhaps prior to meeting Christine he was a narcissist, bordering on antisocial, through his relationship with Christine he becomes too emotionally connected to qualify for either diagnosis. A man in the middle of an identity crisis who is rediscovering parts of himself as he attempts to let go of the past and who he knows himself to be inorder to follow his heart and open himself up to this woman who challenges all of his impulses. Is it love or obsession that drives people? Are we willing to let go of our fear in pursuit of joy?

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A serial killer on the loose, Picasso they call him, a man struggling to control his demons. Add some intriguing subplots, really disturbing characters and terrifying ways to die...I won't say more or I'll give it all away.

I enjoyed this read, and I admit that surprised me. It's rare that I find a new author, this is Dwayne's first book, who hooks me so well within the first pages of the book and kept me interested until the last page.

A Child's Wound is fast paced, I didn't want to stop reading, it held my attention that well, and although it is dark, there are some humorous parts to keep the reader from feeling dragged down. My favorite line is when he describes a woman to have the grace of a 'drunken monkey'. Can I steal that?

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good crime thriller. There's even a bit of romance, twisted as it is. It's worth the read. I'll definitely pick up this author again.

[Kristie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A win from the First Reads program.....Kavanagh has a knack for making you like the bad guy. "A Child's Wound" was raw, honest and engaging. I fell in love with Tim from the get go. Two serial killers revolve around the same detectives in a who can best who first battle. At times, however, I felt that the Picasso Killer story line was bland and could be spiced up more or more intertwined with Christine.....

I enjoyed this book and with the way it ended.....look forward to a sequel?????

[Nicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Great read!! This book had me sitting on the edge of my seat page by page. I couldn't put it down! I felt like I had a front row seat to the action, as the author is very skilled at description. If you like thriller novels then you'll love this book. Go and get it..I know you'll thank me!!

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and was very excited to read it. The story was told from many perspectives including that of Tim, a serial killer, as well as Christine, the Police Officer on the case. It's interesting to see how they interact with each other and watch the growth of their relationship. Each of the characters were so intriguing and you even find yourself kind of liking Tim despite his actions. The situations and characters were so likeable and I found myself flying through this book. Dwayne's writing style was wonderful and I will definitely plan to read his next book: "Through a Child's Eyes" (according to his website). This book kept me wondering what would happen next and the ending was perfect. Not too "happy ending" or "from out of nowhere". Such a great read!

[Lpat]

Dwayne Kavanagh,--A Child's Wound

Why is the number,12,a key to the past of serial killer Tom Hadler? A skilled practioner in the art of wooing and dispatching his victims, Tim has competiton in this gripping tale of multiple murder in all its complexity. NYPD's Christine Maloan is taunted by another killer on the loose; both mass murderers are determined to shake Christine from her relentless pursuit, but which one becomes her lover? The chilling twists and turns of A Child's Wound are heightened by an unpredictable ending---This gripping first novel from Dwayne Kavanagh will surely not be his last. BRAVO!to a talented Canadian authour Pat L

[Darcia Helle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was full of twisted characters doing some pretty twisted things. It definitely held my interest!

Kavanagh does a great job of getting inside the killer's head and sharing that perspective with his readers. There is violence, sex, mystery, and suspense. Some good twists will keep you wondering and you might even find yourself rooting for the bad guy along the way. An entertaining and disturbing read!

[Carol Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dwayne’s got a knack for spinning a story that makes you want to read on and on. This is a creepy page turner that has it all: sex, murder, suspense, and human emotion. You won’t want to put it down.
Watch out for a surprise ending! I’m hoping there will be a sequel.

Carol Davies Hamilton, ON

[Tobyann Aparisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good book! creepy, dark and yet somehow you find yourself being sucked in. I would strongly recommend this book,as a matter of fact I already have and am lending my copy to my brother.

[Jo Wun · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like stories about killers with twisted minds then this is a story for you. If you like stories about killers with twisted minds which contain a fair amount of graphic detail about how those twisted minds carry out their murderous deeds, then you won't be disappointed. If you like stories about killers with twisted minds who have unusual sexual appetites, A Child's Wound caters for you too.

If you want a good description of the story, I see no reason to compete with the blurb which pretty much nails it:

In Manhattan, cruising through book stores and cafés, Tim Hadler, an eccentric serial killer, stalks his next victim. He takes pride in what he does and has perfected his craft. Unfortunately for Tim, he has stumbled upon something that never prepared him for what is about to happen. His next victim turns out to be a New York City Detective. Just when Tim thought he had his life under control, he's drawn into a game like no other. Detective Christine Maloan and her partner, Detective Jefferies, are one more murder victim away from losing their case and handing it over to the F.B.I.. They're investigating the third twisted murder by a Serial Killer that stages his victims as if they were works of art. Detective Christine Maloan and her partner are tracking down a killer that leaves clues, which date back to the Egyptian Pyramids. The hidden clues are difficult to put together and the murders have the entire city up in arms. During all the confusion Tim moves closer to his target and throughout the story he uncovers situations in his past that reveal insight into understanding why he does what he does. Will that stop him?

I read the eBook version on my smartphone, and while I wasn't driven to read it from start to finish to the exclusion of other activities, I readily turned to it when a suitable time-slot arose, even if only a few minutes. Although the plot has some unexpected twists, it's easy to follow so there is no problem resuming where you left off; no having to backtrack more than a paragraph or two to remind yourself what was happening. Often I could pick it up again with no need to backtrack at all.

So why only three stars? Well, despite enjoying the plotlines, the twists and turns, the surprises, being a teensy weensy bit shocked at some of the scenes, and titilated by others, when it came down to it, I simply didn't believe it. I wasn't convinced about some of the things which some of the characters did, or the way they reacted in some of the scenes.

Of course it's perfectly possible that it's just that I haven't met or heard about any real-life people like those portrayed. Perhaps I've led a sheltered life. But my feeling was that some of the actions and reactions were necessary for the plot rather than a true reflection of how people behave. Consequently I had to suspend disbelief in order to enjoy the story. Nevertheless, I did enjoy the story.

[Tracey Yeaman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, so I'm usually a bit of a skeptic about first novels by a new author and I will admit that I was about this one. If I'm not hooked by the first 3 pages then that's it for me. What a delightful surprise this book was! The characters were well written and believable and I never got a sense that the author didn't know his stuff.

I really liked the character Christine and I hope Dwayne writes more about her. A series perhaps??? What a treat that would be. Tim's backstory was appalling and interesting all at the same time.

A little too descriptive at some points but that in no way took away from the story for me, if it had I wouldn't have finished reading the book.

So, all in all I give this novel 2 thumbs up and recommend it to anyone who likes a good thriller.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

After I finished reading A Child’s Wound, it dawned on me that I really liked the villain. His character was very believable and had good insight and depth. This book held my attention to the very end. I was concerned about the integrity issue at the very end, but in real life that happens also. This is a Good Read!