SOLVED. Possible novella about a supernatural serial killer [s]

[William]

I can't remember if it was a novel or novella. The book is about a serial killer in a small town. He kills the police chief. The town's best officer faces off with him, but loses. There is a hitchhiker that witnesses murders at a gas station who teams up with the cop. There is big storm and ,afterward, the town vanishes and becomes a desert. **Spoiler** As it turns out, the main characters are part of an experiment that has people connected to a dream machine. Their lives are not real, but one of them has learned to control the system. He is the killer and is also the relative of one of the experiments leaders. I liked the book, but am at a loss for the title.

[Josh]

It sounds like you are talking about Skin by Ted Dekker. Like.. I'd be willing to bet that is the book you're speaking about.

[William]

Josh,

Thanks!! You are correct. I can't believe I couldn't come up with that.