The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word CHRISTIE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
C
H
R
I
S
T
I
E
More clues leading to the result CHRISTIE
- Famous crime writer’s serial killer
- Crime writer to emerge after penning note on chapter
- Serial killer caught by personnel is secure
- Hallowed figure that is the source of many mysteries
- Thriller writer‘s chief character ultimately is Bond
- Skier’s turn in hospital
- Teller of many a story — companion gets uplift lapping it up
- Novelist is thrice misquoted
- God! That is a famous author!
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Serial killer" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case serial killer = christie.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does CHRISTIE mean?
CHRISTIE noun- A high-speed ski turn in which the skis are kept parallel.