In the city where he lost everything, he'll stop at nothing to learn the truth.
Former NYPD detective Thomas Austin has spent three long years haunted by his wife Fiona's unsolved murder. Three years searching for answers.
Three years finding little.
Until one lead changes everything.
Back in New York City, Austin picks up the scent of a far-reaching conspiracy involving rogue elements of the FBI, the NYPD, and ruthless Southeast Asian and Columbian drug cartels. Each new clue paints a more sinister picture, suggesting Fiona was caught in something bigger than Austin ever imagined. Something powerful enough to silence her forever. To get justice, Austin must plunge deeper into the corrupt underworld where she spent her final days. A world where the truth comes at a deadly price.
A price Austin may not be willing to pay. Can Austin overcome the nightmares haunting Brooklyn's Manhattan Beach? And if he finally learns the truth, will it bring him the peace he's been yearning for, or shatter everything he thought he knew about himself, his city, and the woman he still loves. Series List (can be read in any order):
D.D. Black’s Thomas Austin series is perhaps the best series I’ve read in a long, long time. Exciting from beginning to end, I just can’t seem to read these books slowly, especially Book 7. Very well-developed stories. Characters are awesome. Location descriptions spot on. So happy I discovered this author.
This was book 7 in the Thomas Austin series and my favorite so far. I love this character. He’s like no other detective in this genre. He’s not alcoholic, he’s thoughtful, kind and makes mistakes which he admits. And one quote from the book was showed what kind of man he is made me teary eyed. “praying that he’d find the Magician and kill him, and that, if there had to be a second grave, it would be for him, not Run.” Run is his Corgi. Can’t wait till book 8!
The Nightmare at Manhattan Beach by D.D. Black was a fairly easy read with clear writing and a straightforward plot. I appreciated how simple it was to follow without getting lost in too many twists. However, I found myself getting a bit bored as the story went on—the suspense and excitement I was hoping for just didn’t quite land. I was especially disappointed because I’ve really enjoyed this series so far, and had higher expectations going in. It’s not a bad book, but it didn’t live up to the standard set by the earlier installments. Still, it’s a decent choice if you’re looking for a light, easy thriller.
A terrific forward moving series in the life of Thomas Austin…
The Thomas Austin Crime Thriller Series has been one of my favorites from the beginning due to fascinating stories, wonderful characters and excellent writing. I’ve always felt drawn into the settings and the intriguing world of Thomas Austin along with the emotional ups and downs. It is really nice to witness the progress as his life appears to be moving forward after finally achieving closure over the death of his wife. It did not come easily. In fact, book #7 is testimony to the persistent struggle and hardship Thomas put himself through in order to know the truth.
Throughout the series Thomas has many close brushes with death but somehow manages to survive. These are not typical cat and mouse chase thrillers. They are well-paced, methodical investigations along with special relationships including his beloved pet Corgi named Run. Besides a good mystery or two, each novel is entertaining and thought provoking while providing more insights into Thomas Austin’s character and the potential for new beginnings. I look forward to more mysteries and life challenges to come…I received an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.
It’s obviously my m.o. is to find a detective/thriller I like that has at least six or seven episodes and then I read them back-to-back to the last one. The books need to have characters I can develop an interest in, interesting or compelling storylines with a decent crime and red herrings scattered through the book, and I have to find myself thinking about the story even after I finish each book. The Thomas Austin series ticks all the boxes.
This particular book captured my interest immediately because it’s such an extension of a major crime mystery that has woven itself throughout all six of the previous books, DDBlack gives enough snippets of back-story to remind his readers of what has already transpired previously without bogging down with re-hash. This one jumps into action almost immediately.
Clear action is on of Black’s specialties. Scenes with action can move so fast as a writer visualizes and creates them that the action can become muddled in the telling. This is not an issue for Black. Each book has action that is easy to follow even as the pace picks up and movements grow in intensity.
Readers don’t need to read the first six first to enjoy this crime thriller, but then, they probably would enjoy watching this action-packed episode develop through the first six. I know I have.
( Format : Audiobook ) "A direction amid the storm."
Book 7 of this increasingly absorbing story series featuring Thomas Austin, a recently widowed ex detective from the NYPD who left his job and moved away from the City to run a bait shop and cafe out in the sticks following his wife's unsolved murder. With his excellent skill for detection and with a taste affliction which mirrors his emotions, he takes on the role consultant when the local rural police find themselves unable to cope But always there is the memory of the death of his beloved wife haunting him.
Book 7 reaches the conclusion of the story arc and is definitely improved by staring at the beginning with Book one, becoming familiar with the characters and rather unusual - cool and steady but dramatic - writing of these unusual mystery thrillers. This is one to look out for into the future. Excellently performed by narrator Joe Hempel, this well written thriller was intriguing from the opening paragraphs to the very end. Recommended
This is another awesome thriller by D.D. Black in the Thomas Austin series. There is action galore, unexpected revelations, heartbreaking moments, and moments that take this reader's breath away. This series has been infallible and I hope it doesn't end for a very long time. The characters in this series now feel like friends one could know in real life and Mr. Black's writing is so good and realistic that when one of the characters is harmed or in danger, this reader feels as if it were a real acquaintance. As usual, the investigative details ring true. There are no exaggerations or superhero moments, which I appreciate. If you haven't read any of the Austin series I suggest you correct that as soon as possible. However, I do recommend that you not start with this book. Read a couple of the others first to get a full understanding of Austin's issues with NYC. I received a review copy from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion.
The seventh book in D.D. Black’s Thomas Austin mystery series finds the retired NYPD detective back in the Big Apple searching for those responsible, years before, for his wife’s murder. There, he faces the challenge of his life as rich, powerful, and dark forces will stop at nothing to remain in the shadows. As he doggedly pursues his investigation, Austin can be certain of only one thing. He is unlikely to get out of this alive.
At the onset, Austin is told that when you set out for revenge, you should dig two graves. One for your transgressor and one for yourself. In this action-packed, twisty, and wonderfully satisfying thriller, D.D. Black’s erstwhile former cop faces death over and over as around him bodies pile up, friends (including his beloved corgi) are endangered, secrets are revealed, and the storm-tossed waters of the East River call for a reckoning. Highly recommended.
We’ve wondered for six books about the unsolved murder of Thomas Austin’s wife, the initial nightmare that drove Austin from Manhattan to the Kitsap Peninsula, and now we get its story. Back east at the scene of the crime, Austin echoes one of Armand Gamache’s four statements that lead to wisdom, “I need help.” Luckily he gets it.
Emotional stories are part of the detecting web in the Austin series, and I love the humanness they infuse into these gritty books. For Austin now, there is more darkness to thrash through before getting to the answers he’s wanted for three years and in the light at the end he makes a new life decision.
Very scary, very anger-making, very satisfying, this book checked all the boxes for me, and I am glad there will be another one coming!!
Book 7 is another riveting book in this marvelous series by D.D. Black. Wow! Austin returns to New York to attempt to solve the murder of his wife, Fiona. The book can be read as a standalone BUT it will be much better if the reader understands the context of his actions. You need to read the first 6 books. Mr. Black is a terrific author and writes with skill about the locations he places his characters in. You can feel the anxiety of Austin as he revisits former sites and even visits Fiona’s parents. Everyone advises him to return to the West Coast and let the murder go but he can’t. He meets up with a former colleague hoping he can use her contacts to get information about some of the names on his list. It is one of those books that you’ll read all night to get to the end. Can’t wait until Book 8 comes out in January 2024. You have time to catch up.
Doorway: Story Story: Three years after Fiona’s death, Austin is returning to NY City to find her killer. He has a few leads, but nothing solid, so it’s going to be an uphill battle. And it seems that no one, including his old “friends” wants him there. As soon as he starts asking questions about Fiona’s death, a friend disappears, so Austin & Sy have to go off-grid for safety. Character: It’s mostly Thomas Austin, Sy Montgomery and few new folks in New York. And Ridley’s running for Governor! Setting: Modern day Manhattan Language: Moves along nicely making the reader want to know what happens next. Mr. Black spins a great tale, I love his characters, he builds suspense, throws in a couple red herrings, ramps up the tension and lets us ramble through Thomas Austin’s world.
This is a very action packed novel. Austin returns to New York, the site of his near death and the loss of Fiona. He has come to seek revenge for Fion, and himself, and to clean New York, and the world of the evil corruption that had caused so much pain. After reconnecting with Sy, and connecting with the one man that was on the inside of what had transpired leading up to Fionas murder. Together, they wove through the wicked trail of the guilty. Death was near for all three during their frightening trail to the end. By the end of the story Austin finds the closure he needs so much, and turns his eyes to a remodeled future in which he has memories, but plans to build a comfortable future for himself.
Thomas leaves Washington and returns to NYC in his ongoing effort to solve the murder of his wife, Fiona. He will face many obstacles and endure physical injuries but, he will push forward. With the help of Kendall, who is charged with the car of Run and Samantha and her boyfriend, he gathers info and begins to track down the culprits. He located a post office box where Fiona left a list of five high ranking individuals she suspected of being involved with the drug cartel. He is reunited with NCIS agent, Seymour and together pursue the bad guys. Each of them is faced with danger but in the end they prevail and The Magician/Nightmare is identified and killed. The question now becomes, what's next for Austin and his band of friends.
Finally, the seventh book in the series brings Thomas Austin to NY to find his wife's (Fiona) killer.
He is holed up in a seedy hotel in Manhattan Beach and thought he was off the radar but he is found by a local reporter. He uses his new friends from Washington State for investigative help and a friend in NCIS -Symone to find the information he needs to get the killer.
There are politically powerful people involved. He's hiding from thugs and Fiona's ex FBI friend is kidnapped in order to lure Thomas to an ambush.
The truth finally brings him some measure of peace and he realizes he must move forward either back in NY as a detective or in Washington State.
This is the 7th in the series and will have to wait until the end of January for another one!! This really ties everything up for Austin. His wife was murdered and he was shot 4 times, but survived and after these years, Austin still is searching for the answers.
Austin leaves New York, for what he thinks might be for good, as he is sure that he is not going to come out of this one alive. He has found some clues left by his wife, that gives him five people, and one of them is the one that had something to do with her murder and a big drug deal.
Really enjoyed this one. Can't wait until the next one comes out!!
I like the pace of this series and it never disappoints for action even if it’s not exact on point or whatever maybe others who are critical of crime books. The point of reading is to let ourselves be in a place where we take our minds off all the other things going on. All I can say is take a chance and if they’re not for you then you can just close and choose another. I have a thing that sometimes you just have to ignore reviews to a point because I know that authors depend upon reviews but if they’re good authors it just takes word of mouth and people being adventurous enough to take a chance what have we to lose in the end.
Continuing to search for his wife’s killer, Thomas Austin finds himself back in New York. He meets with Jorge, a former FBI agent who warns him of the dangers of being in New York and doing what he is doing. Jorge is kidnapped and Austin knows they are coming after him. He is again warned by multiple people. He is reunited with Symone, with NCIS who earns suspension attempting to help Austin with his 3 year search for those behind his wife’s murder. Full of suspense, danger and determination the story weaves a story of persistence and self realization. Definitely a page turner.
It is still a fast paced series. I am glad we have resolved Fiona's death. When he was in the car at the end of the book, the person he is with allows him to make the call and it is on speaker really? And then all hell breaks loose and the phone is not mentioned again. I think his injury could have been different - one of 4 people seems to indicates a long recovery especially the broken leg, not walking through downtown Seattle with a cane, up and down hills after a cross country flight. After the news reports of Fiona and Jorge and Austin goes to her parents house it might have been nice if he told her what Jorge had told him
This one hit a little close to home for me on some topics and well oddly it gave me some closure! I’ve never found a book of fiction that could do that! It’s very well written, the feelings depicted were soooooo real! The characters are so relatable and loveable and well it was just a brilliantly written story! Sometimes crime thrillers are ridiculously violent, while this definitely has violence I felt it an appropriate level and nothing extreme! I honestly love these books and his other series too! Can’t wait to move on to the next! Thanks for the adventure!
I loved this book. It wraps up the mystery surrounding the murder of Austin's wife that has been plaguing him throughout the first 7 books. And.....it may just open up the possibility of a relationship in the future. Austin is relentless in pursuit of criminals. Although he never gives up, he's got a very human side even as his badass shows through. Another winner for D.D. Black. If you love this series, which I do, take a look at his other books written as A. C. Fuller. You will definitely not be disappointed!!
This is one of the best crime thriller series that I have read. Thomas Austin is a bit different in his approach to solving crimes. Love the touches when he describes he Corgi dig, Run, but when solving crimes he is totally focused. The plot moves along quickly and is action filled. I read this straight through in one sitting, just couldn't put it down. This series has not disappointed from the first book through to the seventh book. I can hardly wait for book #8 that won't be released until 2024.
This is a continuation of the first book in this Thomas Austin Series although you could read it as a stand alone. However if you read the first one you would be missing something not to read this one to learn how it continues. Our hero ends up in New York determined to discover who murdered his wife. He does call on some old friends to help him along the way and ends up in some really tight spots but at the end he is closer to being able to start anew then he has ever been since his wife was murdered.
Well written and nicely paced. I enjoyed the book overall but it could have been better. The plot is decent enough but our hero is supposed to be up against some very powerful people with "a long reach", yet manages to prevail at almost every turn relatively easily. He's operating "under the radar" yet so many people track him down with little effort while the bad guys have to resort to kidnapping his friends to try to find out where he is! A little more thought and care and this could have been so much better.
I love this series. Thomas Austin is such a fascinating character. He will not let go of finding out who ordered his wife's murder. He ends up in Manhattan. He is relentless. I enjoyed the resolution of this particular story line. I think the pacing of the conclusion was very well done. It will be interesting to see what is next for Thomas Austin. I can't wait. I would highly recommend this series which I think is best read in order.
Book 7 in the Thomas Austin crime series finds him back in NYC 3 years following his wife’s murder. He has a hot lead and with the help of people he knows he finally gets to the bottom of why she was murdered and who was responsible. An exciting page turner from start to end, and it will Be hard to wait for the next book to be out in 2 months. This series has been all I’ve read for the last 10 days and I can’t wait for the next one!
Tom Austin has enough information about his wife's murder to finally go to New York. He may never come back. It involves a major crime family and a drug organization that uses our own US Navy. Money corrupts and the higher up you go, the more money can be made at the expense of innocent people. So who do you go to when you don't know who the corrupt ones are or how high up it goes? How do you manage to do it without getting killed? Maybe you don't.
This book was awesome! After finishing the previous outstanding book, I had to immediately grab this book and start it. It was completely exciting from the beginning to the very end. It was hard to put down because you was so caught up in the drama of it all. The writer is totally great. There is never a dull moment. You will be kept on the edge of your seat. Can't wait for the next book.
Oh how I've waited for Austin to *finally* learn what happened to his beloved Fiona. This book was jam packed with so much intrigue, excitement, suspense, and more than a few surprises as he follows the clues back to New York. Get ready for intriguing and colorful characters set in a world filled with lots of secrets and layers. Never a dull moment in this series. I enjoyed every moment of this adrenaline packed gem.