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A Thomas Austin Crime Thriller #5
The Terror in the Emerald City
An elusive terrorist. A city on razor's edge. Twenty-four hours to stop a massacre.
Former NYPD detective Thomas Austin is enjoying a rare date at a Monday Night Football game in Seattle when the evening takes a horrifying turn.
A team of merciless terrorists has taken over the stadium by force, blocking cellphone signals and sealing the exits.
The terrorists have a single release a high-ranking Al Qaeda operative from a U.S. supermax prison. And they have a simple do so in the next twenty-four hours or they will blow up the stadium, killing themselves along with tens of thousands of innocent victims.
With 60,000 fans in the crosshairs, and the world watching live on TV, Austin must work with security inside the stadium to find a weak point in the terrorists' plans before the countdown ends. But the closer he gets to the attackers, the more he believes their true plan is even more sinister than anyone would believe.
In the ultimate race against time, Thomas Austin will be tested in ways he never has before, and forced to answer the would you sacrifice someone you love to save a thousand strangers?
Series List (can be read in any order):
Book 1: The Bones at Point No Point
Book 2: The Shadows of Pike Place
Book 3: The Fallen of Foulweather Bluff
Book 4: The Horror at Murden Cove
Book 5: The Terror in the Emerald City
Book 6: The Drowning at Dyes Inlet
Book 7: The Nightmare at Manhattan Beach
Former NYPD detective Thomas Austin is enjoying a rare date at a Monday Night Football game in Seattle when the evening takes a horrifying turn.
A team of merciless terrorists has taken over the stadium by force, blocking cellphone signals and sealing the exits.
The terrorists have a single release a high-ranking Al Qaeda operative from a U.S. supermax prison. And they have a simple do so in the next twenty-four hours or they will blow up the stadium, killing themselves along with tens of thousands of innocent victims.
With 60,000 fans in the crosshairs, and the world watching live on TV, Austin must work with security inside the stadium to find a weak point in the terrorists' plans before the countdown ends. But the closer he gets to the attackers, the more he believes their true plan is even more sinister than anyone would believe.
In the ultimate race against time, Thomas Austin will be tested in ways he never has before, and forced to answer the would you sacrifice someone you love to save a thousand strangers?
Series List (can be read in any order):
Book 1: The Bones at Point No Point
Book 2: The Shadows of Pike Place
Book 3: The Fallen of Foulweather Bluff
Book 4: The Horror at Murden Cove
Book 5: The Terror in the Emerald City
Book 6: The Drowning at Dyes Inlet
Book 7: The Nightmare at Manhattan Beach
254 pages, Paperback
Published May 21, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
April 14, 2026
I enjoy stumbling upon great reads at opportune times. When I recently found this series by D.D. Black, I was intrigued and soon found myself hooked. This book takes things in a more terrifying direction to impress readers. It was a pleasure and I am eager to see where the series will go!
Thomas Austin has been enjoying life on Bainbridge Island and the quieter time in the Pacific Northwest. However, as a PI, there are times that chaos searches for him, so when he is offered a chance to see a Seattle Seahawks game with friends, he rushes for the chance to dodge the drama. While enjoying the game, Austin and a stadium full of fans are met with a team of terrorists who take control by blocking outside access and securing all the doors. With bombs located in key locations, they begin to make demands, including the release of a high-ranking operative from a US supermax prison. The clock begins and everyone will stay where they are until the demands are met. While the US does not negotiate with terrorists—except when they do—Austin and his group of trusted law enforcement officers must begin trying to concoct a plan that will neutralise the terrorists and save all those inside the stadium, including a special guest that even Austin did not expect to see. Black delivers a stellar story, full of tension and action until the final climax of geo-political importance.
I love finding authors whose work holds my interest. D.D. Black did that from the opening pages of the series debut and never looked back. The narrative opens calmly but soon turns tense and extremely destabilising. The reader is forced to wonder what Black has in store for his protagonist and close group of series regulars. Short chapters work perfectly to ensure Thomas Austin is in the mix and the momentum overtakes all else. Black explores issues enemy in many thriller novel, while offering the less than ‘current’ Austin as a counterbalance. The story fits well within the previous novels and paves the way for future thrillers.
Characters keep the reader attune to the various aspects of this constantly moving story. Black presents solid characters who help cement the tension and flavour the piece to ensure maximum impact. Thomas Austin remains a protagonist who is able to lead the series, with ongoing backstory revelations that help shape him more completely for the series fan. Secondary characters emerge and prove highly entertaining, flavouring the piece effectively while also offering some development to strengthen the series, needed for great forward movement. A balance of new and returning characters help create needed contrasts, which is another aspect that Black has often made his own.
Plot points offer great suspense in this terror thriller. Black presents many twists, with events to keep the reader unsure what will happen next. It keeps the reader eager to make progress to save the day, alongside Austin. I am constantly seeking a better understanding Bainbridge and its community, though this is more a Seattle-centric piece, with some locals in the stadium. I am hooked with Black’s shorter novels and find myself devouring them with ease, eager to see where things are headed.
Kudos, Mr. Black, for an explosive thriller!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Thomas Austin has been enjoying life on Bainbridge Island and the quieter time in the Pacific Northwest. However, as a PI, there are times that chaos searches for him, so when he is offered a chance to see a Seattle Seahawks game with friends, he rushes for the chance to dodge the drama. While enjoying the game, Austin and a stadium full of fans are met with a team of terrorists who take control by blocking outside access and securing all the doors. With bombs located in key locations, they begin to make demands, including the release of a high-ranking operative from a US supermax prison. The clock begins and everyone will stay where they are until the demands are met. While the US does not negotiate with terrorists—except when they do—Austin and his group of trusted law enforcement officers must begin trying to concoct a plan that will neutralise the terrorists and save all those inside the stadium, including a special guest that even Austin did not expect to see. Black delivers a stellar story, full of tension and action until the final climax of geo-political importance.
I love finding authors whose work holds my interest. D.D. Black did that from the opening pages of the series debut and never looked back. The narrative opens calmly but soon turns tense and extremely destabilising. The reader is forced to wonder what Black has in store for his protagonist and close group of series regulars. Short chapters work perfectly to ensure Thomas Austin is in the mix and the momentum overtakes all else. Black explores issues enemy in many thriller novel, while offering the less than ‘current’ Austin as a counterbalance. The story fits well within the previous novels and paves the way for future thrillers.
Characters keep the reader attune to the various aspects of this constantly moving story. Black presents solid characters who help cement the tension and flavour the piece to ensure maximum impact. Thomas Austin remains a protagonist who is able to lead the series, with ongoing backstory revelations that help shape him more completely for the series fan. Secondary characters emerge and prove highly entertaining, flavouring the piece effectively while also offering some development to strengthen the series, needed for great forward movement. A balance of new and returning characters help create needed contrasts, which is another aspect that Black has often made his own.
Plot points offer great suspense in this terror thriller. Black presents many twists, with events to keep the reader unsure what will happen next. It keeps the reader eager to make progress to save the day, alongside Austin. I am constantly seeking a better understanding Bainbridge and its community, though this is more a Seattle-centric piece, with some locals in the stadium. I am hooked with Black’s shorter novels and find myself devouring them with ease, eager to see where things are headed.
Kudos, Mr. Black, for an explosive thriller!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
June 7, 2023
This one is so good, you will read it in a day!
I love the fact that these books are all set in Western Washington. As a Kitsap County resident, I am familiar with all the locations in Black’s novels. His writing style is fluid and the story line is solid. The characters are memorable and easy to relate to. If you love crime novels, with action, politics, and original plots….read this author!
I love the fact that these books are all set in Western Washington. As a Kitsap County resident, I am familiar with all the locations in Black’s novels. His writing style is fluid and the story line is solid. The characters are memorable and easy to relate to. If you love crime novels, with action, politics, and original plots….read this author!
October 26, 2023
This was a book that started out with potential, but fell apart of its own weight. The idea of some friends getting together to watch a football game, but find themselves in the middle of a terrorist attack. The plot drifts at time’s unnecessary away from the plot. The idea the such a small group of terrorists could quickly get 60,000 people in their seats with all of the stadium employees is a bit of a stretch. The storyline becomes a bit predictable and not believable.
November 19, 2025
Very tense and scary.
September 21, 2023
Disappointing and unbelievable
I enjoyed the first 4 in this series. This was not a good read. Too much over the top tomfoolery. Seriously...a reporter repels out of the stadium on a banner?! Disappointing.
I enjoyed the first 4 in this series. This was not a good read. Too much over the top tomfoolery. Seriously...a reporter repels out of the stadium on a banner?! Disappointing.
September 21, 2023
This is fiction but the reality of what could happen hits close to home and it’s terrifying! Action packed!
November 16, 2023
Let me start off by saying that I didn’t realize that “The Emerald City” was Seattle at first, so I assumed that the book was set in some fictional location. Oops. This matters because the setting is a major part of the story. It doesn’t require knowing Washington’s geography to read and enjoy, so don’t be put off. But, for example, the stadium is so important that she’s almost a character in her own right. In the same way, I had never heard of Dark Symphony before either, but I’m now cueing it on my music player. I don’t need it, I wouldn’t have needed to understand football, etc, but each of those layers adds more to the story. I guess if you were a football fan from Seattle who already liked classical music and knew Dark Symphony, you would get all of the layers at once, and that would be interesting. But the parts that I didn’t know didn’t affect my enjoyment of the story in any way; I didn’t feel like I was missing out.
Similarly, although this is number 5 in a series, there was enough exposition that I was okay without having read the other books. I want to read them now, but the current story stood on its own without needing those other details to prop it up. I definitely need the others just to get more of Run, the corgi.
So, I’ve talked about all of the things you don’t need to read the book, without really touching the book itself. I enjoyed the story and the characters; even the side characters had some development, and the main cast felt very real. If you think Darlene was overdone, let me tell you, if she is Roll Tide, then she was very accurately depicted. I know, I know, but I live in Texas (not ‘Bama), and I still hear “nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs” on a not-infrequent basis.
I loved the character of Rachel and I definitely want to see more of her. I had a little harder time getting a lock on Anna, but that could be because Austin spent most of the book with an unsteady connection to her as well. All in all, it’s a definite recommend.
Similarly, although this is number 5 in a series, there was enough exposition that I was okay without having read the other books. I want to read them now, but the current story stood on its own without needing those other details to prop it up. I definitely need the others just to get more of Run, the corgi.
So, I’ve talked about all of the things you don’t need to read the book, without really touching the book itself. I enjoyed the story and the characters; even the side characters had some development, and the main cast felt very real. If you think Darlene was overdone, let me tell you, if she is Roll Tide, then she was very accurately depicted. I know, I know, but I live in Texas (not ‘Bama), and I still hear “nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs” on a not-infrequent basis.
I loved the character of Rachel and I definitely want to see more of her. I had a little harder time getting a lock on Anna, but that could be because Austin spent most of the book with an unsteady connection to her as well. All in all, it’s a definite recommend.
May 8, 2026
I like these suspense novels set in the Pacific Northwest. I have never been to Lumen Field so it was fun to read about it, even under such dire circumstances. The setting of the huge sports stadium certainly presents a place in which terrorists could produce a massively deadly event. But Austin is there. He and his friends are able to take some action. The danger is great and the suspense high. I liked learning a little more about his family as his mother is there too. I did miss Run, Austin's corgi. I recommend this novel of suspense.
July 28, 2025
This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Austin finds himself at a baseball game when there is a terror attack. Austin being Austin he cannot help but get involved. Lucky for him he was with a few friends at the game.
December 21, 2024
If you’ve read any of my audio book reviews, you will know that I am not a fan, but it is a necessity on long drives. I have been listening to author D.D.Black’s series of crime novels and Terror in the Emerald City was book #5.
The entire book took place at Lumen Field during a Seahawks Monday night football game. I am a true Seahawks fan so I was excited. However, I do not like books or movies about bombs or terrorism. To make matters worse, the male narrator used the following voices very badly:
Middle Eastern male
Middle Eastern female
Southern Accent female
Southern Accent male
and many many more characters. I rest my case. 1 star ⭐️
The entire book took place at Lumen Field during a Seahawks Monday night football game. I am a true Seahawks fan so I was excited. However, I do not like books or movies about bombs or terrorism. To make matters worse, the male narrator used the following voices very badly:
Middle Eastern male
Middle Eastern female
Southern Accent female
Southern Accent male
and many many more characters. I rest my case. 1 star ⭐️
June 29, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up.
June 30, 2025
Enjoyed this. Was a nail biting read. Couldn't put it down
September 28, 2024
A great book but a bit too comic book heroics for me. I can't wait to get the the next one!
December 11, 2024
Change up ,thriller
Great reading, hated to put it down. I felt the whole storyline was a means to move the characters forward and allow the series,to grow and expand. Very clever to preface this change with a terrorist attack. Glad little Run was at home and not involved in this drama!
Great reading, hated to put it down. I felt the whole storyline was a means to move the characters forward and allow the series,to grow and expand. Very clever to preface this change with a terrorist attack. Glad little Run was at home and not involved in this drama!
May 28, 2023
Review of the Terror in the Emerald City
Oh my! To say that this book is a page turner does not do it justice. DD Black has outdone himself with this book! I was able to read the first few chapters at my leisure, but after those few, I was absolutely unable to stop reading. That rarely happens to me, but it certainly did this time.
Thomas Austin, usually just called Austin, had gone to Seattle to see a football game with several friends. They were doing it up big with a tailgate party and it was all great fun until a drunk crashed into the tailgate and dumped the grill and its contents into the dirt. Everyone but Austin had gotten some of the food, so as they entered the stadium and found their seats, he began to look around for a hot dog vender. He spotted one and was trying to catch the vendor's eye, but the vendor didn't seem to trying to sell any of his wares, which Austin found odd, so was watching him closely; then the vender put down his tray and simply left the stadium. Of course, this raised suspicions with ex-detective Austin. He made his way down the stadium and noticed a strange object attached to the tray. He wrapped it carefully in a napkin hoping to get fingerprints. From here on chaos erupts in the stadium and the book becomes impossible to put down.
DD Black's ability to build tension is remarkable and he does it superbly in this story. In addition, he is really good at presenting his characters in such a way that you get to know them very well; that combination adds up one marvelous read.
If you love mysteries and a powerful read, this book is for you. I highly recommend it.
Fritzi Redgrave
Oh my! To say that this book is a page turner does not do it justice. DD Black has outdone himself with this book! I was able to read the first few chapters at my leisure, but after those few, I was absolutely unable to stop reading. That rarely happens to me, but it certainly did this time.
Thomas Austin, usually just called Austin, had gone to Seattle to see a football game with several friends. They were doing it up big with a tailgate party and it was all great fun until a drunk crashed into the tailgate and dumped the grill and its contents into the dirt. Everyone but Austin had gotten some of the food, so as they entered the stadium and found their seats, he began to look around for a hot dog vender. He spotted one and was trying to catch the vendor's eye, but the vendor didn't seem to trying to sell any of his wares, which Austin found odd, so was watching him closely; then the vender put down his tray and simply left the stadium. Of course, this raised suspicions with ex-detective Austin. He made his way down the stadium and noticed a strange object attached to the tray. He wrapped it carefully in a napkin hoping to get fingerprints. From here on chaos erupts in the stadium and the book becomes impossible to put down.
DD Black's ability to build tension is remarkable and he does it superbly in this story. In addition, he is really good at presenting his characters in such a way that you get to know them very well; that combination adds up one marvelous read.
If you love mysteries and a powerful read, this book is for you. I highly recommend it.
Fritzi Redgrave
January 13, 2024
It’s the day of the big game between the Seahawks and 49’ers, and terrorists have rigged the entire stadium to explode. This attack will be ten times as big as 9/11, should the plan succeed. But wouldn’t you know, our six plucky heroes are in the crowd — so of course they’re going to save the day! The question is, how?
The entire story, save a brief introduction and a few epilogue-ish chapters, happens in the space of one fated evening. So there really is a sense of urgency as they race around the stadium, yet somehow unhindered by crowds or chaos or any of the obstacles you might imagine in a sports stadium full of people held hostage by a few dozen terrorists. 🤪
This is yet another book I read based on the author’s previous work, and felt let down. I mean, it definitely wasn’t terrible! But the timing of certain events was off-kilter and the main characters’ heroics went so unopposed that it didn’t feel exciting. And because they spent all their time running around the stadium, we really didn’t see any personal development.
So, I judge this one “not for me.”
The entire story, save a brief introduction and a few epilogue-ish chapters, happens in the space of one fated evening. So there really is a sense of urgency as they race around the stadium, yet somehow unhindered by crowds or chaos or any of the obstacles you might imagine in a sports stadium full of people held hostage by a few dozen terrorists. 🤪
This is yet another book I read based on the author’s previous work, and felt let down. I mean, it definitely wasn’t terrible! But the timing of certain events was off-kilter and the main characters’ heroics went so unopposed that it didn’t feel exciting. And because they spent all their time running around the stadium, we really didn’t see any personal development.
So, I judge this one “not for me.”
November 13, 2023
This one does not hold together well. Far too contrived although the stereotyping holds up. I'll give the next a try and hope it does better.
December 9, 2023
Flat characters, action that makes absolutely no sense, and plot holes you could drive a truck through. And the main character’s own mom calls him by his last name. Really?
February 14, 2024
Sorry I have to say that. This book series is getting worse and worse. Still trying to finish them all. Hope the next one will be better.
July 3, 2025
4.5 Stars
The Terror in the Emerald City completely pulled me in from the very first chapter. D.D. Black continues to impress with his ability to create gripping, emotionally charged narratives, and this installment is by far the most intense and compelling in the series so far.
The storyline is not only suspenseful, but also deeply sad and surprisingly realistic. The emotional weight of the characters' experiences felt very true to life, which made the twists and turns hit even harder. There’s a rawness to the way the story is told—nothing feels overly dramatized or artificial. Instead, the plot unfolds in a way that feels natural and grounded, making the terror and tragedy all the more believable.
The setting—an eerily atmospheric version of Seattle—adds to the tension, and the pacing is perfectly balanced between action, character development, and emotional depth. Each chapter left me wanting more, and I found myself thinking about the characters even when I wasn’t reading.
What really sets this book apart is the emotional complexity. It’s not just a mystery or thriller—it’s also a human story about fear, resilience, and the consequences of choices. One quote that really stuck with me was when the main character says:
"Sometimes survival doesn’t feel like winning. It just feels like enduring.”
That line perfectly captures the emotional tone of the novel and the internal struggles faced by the characters.
Without spoiling anything, the ending left a lasting impression—both heartbreaking and satisfying. It stayed with me long after I turned the final page.
Overall, The Terror in the Emerald City is a standout in the series. It raises the stakes emotionally and narratively, and showcases D.D. Black’s talent for blending suspense with powerful storytelling. I highly recommend it to fans of the series—and to anyone who appreciates a well-written, emotionally resonant thriller.
The Terror in the Emerald City completely pulled me in from the very first chapter. D.D. Black continues to impress with his ability to create gripping, emotionally charged narratives, and this installment is by far the most intense and compelling in the series so far.
The storyline is not only suspenseful, but also deeply sad and surprisingly realistic. The emotional weight of the characters' experiences felt very true to life, which made the twists and turns hit even harder. There’s a rawness to the way the story is told—nothing feels overly dramatized or artificial. Instead, the plot unfolds in a way that feels natural and grounded, making the terror and tragedy all the more believable.
The setting—an eerily atmospheric version of Seattle—adds to the tension, and the pacing is perfectly balanced between action, character development, and emotional depth. Each chapter left me wanting more, and I found myself thinking about the characters even when I wasn’t reading.
What really sets this book apart is the emotional complexity. It’s not just a mystery or thriller—it’s also a human story about fear, resilience, and the consequences of choices. One quote that really stuck with me was when the main character says:
"Sometimes survival doesn’t feel like winning. It just feels like enduring.”
That line perfectly captures the emotional tone of the novel and the internal struggles faced by the characters.
Without spoiling anything, the ending left a lasting impression—both heartbreaking and satisfying. It stayed with me long after I turned the final page.
Overall, The Terror in the Emerald City is a standout in the series. It raises the stakes emotionally and narratively, and showcases D.D. Black’s talent for blending suspense with powerful storytelling. I highly recommend it to fans of the series—and to anyone who appreciates a well-written, emotionally resonant thriller.
May 25, 2023
Keeps you on the edge of your seat…
It really pays to stay in shape since Thomas Austin is truly pushed to the limit on this one incredible night out with friends. Another opportune date with Anna is interrupted when Thomas’s uncanny instinct for trouble kicks into gear at a football game. It all escalates from there. Can he and his law enforcement buddies and girlfriend reporter thwart a terrorist attack on 60k hostages detained by machine guns?
It Doesn’t matter whether you believe this could happen or not. It is one heck of a story that holds your interest. The characters are well drawn and the scenery is well-staged with nearly flawless writing to keep you entertained. It was indeed hard to put the book down. Lots of laboring going on, literally, between needing to alert the authorities outside of the stadium, attempting to takie out the enemy, deactivate explosives and, not to forget the birthing of twins. Could there be additional dangers in the works? Anna’s inquisitive instincts has something to say about that.
The musical aspect at first seemed a bit quirky to me (and repetitive) but it came full circle and shed deeper light on the terrorist’s persona adding another dimension to the story.
This is a wild ride that I enjoyed very much along with those brief moments of thoughtful exchanges among characters that lent meaning and insight into their lives and the choices they make. What would you think about and how might you respond under similar circumstances? I look forward to more Thomas Austin Crime Thrillers (and potential romance) …I received an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.
It really pays to stay in shape since Thomas Austin is truly pushed to the limit on this one incredible night out with friends. Another opportune date with Anna is interrupted when Thomas’s uncanny instinct for trouble kicks into gear at a football game. It all escalates from there. Can he and his law enforcement buddies and girlfriend reporter thwart a terrorist attack on 60k hostages detained by machine guns?
It Doesn’t matter whether you believe this could happen or not. It is one heck of a story that holds your interest. The characters are well drawn and the scenery is well-staged with nearly flawless writing to keep you entertained. It was indeed hard to put the book down. Lots of laboring going on, literally, between needing to alert the authorities outside of the stadium, attempting to takie out the enemy, deactivate explosives and, not to forget the birthing of twins. Could there be additional dangers in the works? Anna’s inquisitive instincts has something to say about that.
The musical aspect at first seemed a bit quirky to me (and repetitive) but it came full circle and shed deeper light on the terrorist’s persona adding another dimension to the story.
This is a wild ride that I enjoyed very much along with those brief moments of thoughtful exchanges among characters that lent meaning and insight into their lives and the choices they make. What would you think about and how might you respond under similar circumstances? I look forward to more Thomas Austin Crime Thrillers (and potential romance) …I received an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.
October 24, 2023
Genre/Sub-Genre
Thriller
Overview
Thomas Austin is back. This time he’s been invited to a Seahawks game to be broadcast for Monday Night Football. Part of the gang is at the game when terrorists take over, demanding the release of one of theirs from a supermax prison, or they’ll blow up the stadium and all of the fans.
Doorway
Story, it moves along quickly
Story
Austin has a rare day off and some of his cop buddies invite him to the Seahawks game. They barely get to their seats before armed men take of section by section and leader gets on the public address system to share their demands/ultimatum. Austin and his law enforcement cronies quickly create a plan and immediately put it into action, doing what it takes to interrupt the terrorists, regain control of the stadium and get everyone out safely while the clock ticks down.
Characters
Austin, Ripley and some of the gang from Kitsap, along with friends from greater Puget Sound and some very unsavory extremists with plans of their own.
Setting
Present-day Pacific Norwest
Language
Black is the consummate storyteller, building suspense, painting his characters into corners, adding red herrings, creating bad guys/heroes and generally, keeping the reader turning pages.
Thriller
Overview
Thomas Austin is back. This time he’s been invited to a Seahawks game to be broadcast for Monday Night Football. Part of the gang is at the game when terrorists take over, demanding the release of one of theirs from a supermax prison, or they’ll blow up the stadium and all of the fans.
Doorway
Story, it moves along quickly
Story
Austin has a rare day off and some of his cop buddies invite him to the Seahawks game. They barely get to their seats before armed men take of section by section and leader gets on the public address system to share their demands/ultimatum. Austin and his law enforcement cronies quickly create a plan and immediately put it into action, doing what it takes to interrupt the terrorists, regain control of the stadium and get everyone out safely while the clock ticks down.
Characters
Austin, Ripley and some of the gang from Kitsap, along with friends from greater Puget Sound and some very unsavory extremists with plans of their own.
Setting
Present-day Pacific Norwest
Language
Black is the consummate storyteller, building suspense, painting his characters into corners, adding red herrings, creating bad guys/heroes and generally, keeping the reader turning pages.
November 15, 2024
A Real Suspenseful Thriller
So far, this is my favorite novel in the Tom Austin series. The novel is action packed through and through. During a SeaHacks game, terrorists take control and threaten to explode the stadium, and the 60 thousand attendees, if a disadent is not released to them from prison. Austin and the others are not about to sit idly by and do nothing! This fast action novel is well worth the read.
One small criticism: towards the end they state that no members of the police and military or the spectators are killed in the efforts fighting the terrosists. However, I could point out two instances in which people other than terrorists die in this story. Read and see if you can find where this happens.
So far, this is my favorite novel in the Tom Austin series. The novel is action packed through and through. During a SeaHacks game, terrorists take control and threaten to explode the stadium, and the 60 thousand attendees, if a disadent is not released to them from prison. Austin and the others are not about to sit idly by and do nothing! This fast action novel is well worth the read.
One small criticism: towards the end they state that no members of the police and military or the spectators are killed in the efforts fighting the terrosists. However, I could point out two instances in which people other than terrorists die in this story. Read and see if you can find where this happens.
April 26, 2025
I’ve been captivated by the character of Thomas Austin, D D Black has done a wonderful job of creating a great character with a good background and tragic story.
I will truly put Thomas Austin in the same company as Walt Longmire, Jesse Stone, Corky O’Connor, Evan Smoke and of course Joe Picket! That’s big accolade’s from me because I am highly critical of my main characters!
I enjoy that the author maintains a technical correctness (though I found no existence of El Sayed’s Dark Symphony).
The plot of the stadium full of hostages has been used before but Thomas Austin and his band of friends, colleagues and Seahawks fans has brought the story to a crescendo of terror with horrible ramifications should the terrorist succeed!
I usually like when Thomas is the well seasoned detective who sees things others overlook but this was a nice glimpse into what makes him tick. Learning more about Anna Downey, Ridley, Lucy and Jimmy and of course the Star of the show Run, Thomas’s Corgi.
As usual with a good writers a few questions are answered and many more raised!
Highly recommended for mystery/thriller lovers!
I will truly put Thomas Austin in the same company as Walt Longmire, Jesse Stone, Corky O’Connor, Evan Smoke and of course Joe Picket! That’s big accolade’s from me because I am highly critical of my main characters!
I enjoy that the author maintains a technical correctness (though I found no existence of El Sayed’s Dark Symphony).
The plot of the stadium full of hostages has been used before but Thomas Austin and his band of friends, colleagues and Seahawks fans has brought the story to a crescendo of terror with horrible ramifications should the terrorist succeed!
I usually like when Thomas is the well seasoned detective who sees things others overlook but this was a nice glimpse into what makes him tick. Learning more about Anna Downey, Ridley, Lucy and Jimmy and of course the Star of the show Run, Thomas’s Corgi.
As usual with a good writers a few questions are answered and many more raised!
Highly recommended for mystery/thriller lovers!
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May 17, 2026🏈💣 As someone who loves football, this book completely hooked me from the first page.
What should’ve been the perfect night — Monday Night Football, a packed Seattle stadium, and a rare date night for former Thomas Austin — turns into absolute chaos when armed terrorists seize control of the arena.
No phones. No exits. Tens of thousands trapped inside.
The attackers demand the release of a dangerous Al Qaeda operative, giving authorities only twenty-four hours before they detonate explosives hidden throughout the stadium. But as Austin digs deeper, it becomes terrifyingly clear that the hostage crisis may only be part of a much darker plan.
This thriller felt like watching the final minutes of a championship game with your heart pounding nonstop. The combination of football atmosphere, ticking-clock suspense, and nonstop action made it impossible to stop reading. Every chapter raised the stakes higher, balancing explosive tension with emotional moments that actually hit hard.
And the moral dilemma at the center of the story? Brutal. The kind that stays in your head long after the final page.
What should’ve been the perfect night — Monday Night Football, a packed Seattle stadium, and a rare date night for former Thomas Austin — turns into absolute chaos when armed terrorists seize control of the arena.
No phones. No exits. Tens of thousands trapped inside.
The attackers demand the release of a dangerous Al Qaeda operative, giving authorities only twenty-four hours before they detonate explosives hidden throughout the stadium. But as Austin digs deeper, it becomes terrifyingly clear that the hostage crisis may only be part of a much darker plan.
This thriller felt like watching the final minutes of a championship game with your heart pounding nonstop. The combination of football atmosphere, ticking-clock suspense, and nonstop action made it impossible to stop reading. Every chapter raised the stakes higher, balancing explosive tension with emotional moments that actually hit hard.
And the moral dilemma at the center of the story? Brutal. The kind that stays in your head long after the final page.
July 14, 2024
The football season opener and Lumen Field is packed with Seahawks & 49ers fans. The night before, though, a group of terrorists set hundreds of charges all around the stadium and they are demanding that a famous terrorist be released from prison. Several local police make a plan to prevent this from becoming "another 9/11".
This book reads like an action movie -- think Die Hard -- and I could not put it down. I read this in one day. This is the first D.D. Black book I've read, so I do not have any attachment to any of the characters. Perhaps had I read others, I would have liked this better. Although the action was non-stop, I didn't really care. It was a nice diversion, and the clear and accurate description of Seattle and Lumen Field was amazing, but for me it was just so-so.
NOTE: D.D. Black is a "neighbor" and he clearly knows the PNW. I loved reading about the area where I live. I'll definitely check out his other books.
This book reads like an action movie -- think Die Hard -- and I could not put it down. I read this in one day. This is the first D.D. Black book I've read, so I do not have any attachment to any of the characters. Perhaps had I read others, I would have liked this better. Although the action was non-stop, I didn't really care. It was a nice diversion, and the clear and accurate description of Seattle and Lumen Field was amazing, but for me it was just so-so.
NOTE: D.D. Black is a "neighbor" and he clearly knows the PNW. I loved reading about the area where I live. I'll definitely check out his other books.
July 30, 2023
I have read all of the Thomas Austin books and I didn't think they could get any better, but The Terror in the Emerald City proved me wrong. This story is the best of the best! It is captivating and grabs the reader from the first few pages and quickly becomes very difficult to put down. There is unbelievably high tension and suspense, unending action. and the group dynamic one has come to expect from Mr. Millen. Any longtime reader of thriller series knows that any time the core group gets a chance to relax that there's trouble brewing on the sidelines and this is no exception. Plus, there's a little touch of romance developing between several couples which is very interesting to watch.
If you haven't read any of this series I highly recommend you do. They are excellent.
I received a review copy from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion.
If you haven't read any of this series I highly recommend you do. They are excellent.
I received a review copy from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion.
May 29, 2023
Wow—this is a scary story! I found myself holding my breath again and again as the fear of terrorism in public places hit me. What saved me is that the murderous ruthlessness of the terrorists was balanced by the relationships between Austin and his family and friends, making a satisfying spin.
I loved the new things I learned — love when a novel teaches me stuff as well as holds me in its grip.
I smiled widely at the fresh turns of phrase like “a skunky smell” or “technology marches on like Sherman through Georgia.”
The intricate plotting and attention to detail create a sense of urgency that is hard to shake off. The ending is especially rewarding, and I left the book with a deep sigh of ahhhhh …
Thank you to the publisher for an ARC copy; this is my honest review.
I loved the new things I learned — love when a novel teaches me stuff as well as holds me in its grip.
I smiled widely at the fresh turns of phrase like “a skunky smell” or “technology marches on like Sherman through Georgia.”
The intricate plotting and attention to detail create a sense of urgency that is hard to shake off. The ending is especially rewarding, and I left the book with a deep sigh of ahhhhh …
Thank you to the publisher for an ARC copy; this is my honest review.
December 20, 2023
Book 5 in Thomas Austin Series by D.D. Black. This one takes place at the football stadium with a game between Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers. Terrorists decide to get back at the USA for being stronger. It could happen. Here they are sitting in the stands when the lights go out and all electronics are jammed. In effect the entire 60,000 attendees are hostages. Austin and Ridley are front and center and manage to figure out what is going on. It is a well written book and is a wake up call to how vulnerable the country is to events such as what happened in this book. Not sure how to fully protect the grids but I hope others smarter than I will continue to protect us from crazy people.
December 30, 2023
Thomas Austin is finally going on the "first" date with Anna. The sheriff, Ridley has arranged tickets for them, and Ridley's pregnant wife wouldn't miss it either. They are attending the Seahawks game, a Monday Night Football game where over 60,000 will be attending. But, it's not to be a usual date for Austin. It seems that terrorists have planned to take over the stadium and blow it up.
Another twist for Austin, they had planned a surprise for him. His Mother is going to be honored in the half time point.
This was a race against time when Austin and his friends try to take on terrorists and diffuse bombs along the way. But, will he get out of this one?
This is one of my favorites and I would not finish it fast enough!
Another twist for Austin, they had planned a surprise for him. His Mother is going to be honored in the half time point.
This was a race against time when Austin and his friends try to take on terrorists and diffuse bombs along the way. But, will he get out of this one?
This is one of my favorites and I would not finish it fast enough!
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