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A Thomas Austin Crime Thriller #10
The Vanishing at Opal Creek
Lights. Camera. Murder.
Amidst the rugged beauty of Oregon’s Opal Creek Wilderness, a contestant from a reality survival show is found dead at the base of a cliff, his body shattered against the rocks. The show's producers are spinning it as a tragic accident, but local police suspect murder.
While enjoying a leisurely tour of the Oregon wine country with friends and colleagues, Detective Thomas Austin is drawn into the mystery when he learns that the deceased man is a well-known author who lived minutes from his own home. As the cameras capture every grim detail, Austin must navigate a maze of conflicting stories from the show's crew and contestants along with environmental protestors, celebrity-seeking paparazzi, a local tribe, and even a group of Bigfoot hunters.
In a world in which everyone is performing for the camera, the lines between truth and fiction blur. And when another contestant vanishes, the investigation takes a turn more twisted and sinister than Austin could have imagined.
Series List (can be read in any order):
Book 1: The Bones at Point No PointBook 2: The Shadows of Pike PlaceBook 3: The Fallen of Foulweather BluffBook 4: The Horror at Murden CoveBook 5: The Terror in the Emerald CityBook 6: The Drowning at Dyes InletBook 7: The Nightmare at Manhattan BeachBook 8: The Silence at Mystery BayBook 9: The Darkness and Deception PassBook 10: The Vanishing at Opal Creek
Amidst the rugged beauty of Oregon’s Opal Creek Wilderness, a contestant from a reality survival show is found dead at the base of a cliff, his body shattered against the rocks. The show's producers are spinning it as a tragic accident, but local police suspect murder.
While enjoying a leisurely tour of the Oregon wine country with friends and colleagues, Detective Thomas Austin is drawn into the mystery when he learns that the deceased man is a well-known author who lived minutes from his own home. As the cameras capture every grim detail, Austin must navigate a maze of conflicting stories from the show's crew and contestants along with environmental protestors, celebrity-seeking paparazzi, a local tribe, and even a group of Bigfoot hunters.
In a world in which everyone is performing for the camera, the lines between truth and fiction blur. And when another contestant vanishes, the investigation takes a turn more twisted and sinister than Austin could have imagined.
Series List (can be read in any order):
Book 1: The Bones at Point No PointBook 2: The Shadows of Pike PlaceBook 3: The Fallen of Foulweather BluffBook 4: The Horror at Murden CoveBook 5: The Terror in the Emerald CityBook 6: The Drowning at Dyes InletBook 7: The Nightmare at Manhattan BeachBook 8: The Silence at Mystery BayBook 9: The Darkness and Deception PassBook 10: The Vanishing at Opal Creek
258 pages, Paperback
Published September 29, 2024
1251 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
November 26, 2024
D.D.— You ended it like that?! The audacity. Anyways, Chloe was a great supporting character in this one. Sheriff Barker is definitely someone I would want to have as a sheriff, however he was complacent in Chloe’s situation. Like, dude, just arrest the father. I’m glad she got a happy ending. I also love birds just like her and Margaret. I love the references of Bigfoot in the beginning with the teens. Also, Jimmy was so sweet when it came to Lucy and that whole thing. He was ready to just teleport if it was an option. I was so ready for that article to be written by Anna when it came down to the last few chapters; she definitely would have done that. I AM LOVING SY SO MUCH. Kendall should be the godmother, imo. Solving this case couldn’t have happened without Rid and his connections. I can’t wait for Dec 23rd any longer for the next book.
October 3, 2024
One minute you are relaxing with Thomas and friends and sipping wine and the next you are off to help solve a possible accident that could be murder. Thomas and Lucy send Jimmy, Sy and Run home and off they go to the start of great mystery which will have you guessing and being wrong several times. (or at least that was me) Oh yes, surprise, surprise ending! Thank goodness I am retired and can sit and enjoy this book in one day.
August 18, 2025
I am in love with this series and proably Thomas as well. This was a perfect additon to the series.
October 1, 2024
Black has done it again with his latest installment of the Austin series! From start to finish (all today!) I was riveted as usual. In Oregon for a wine tasting trip with his girlfriend and friends, he stumbles on a mystery and can’t help but get involved. A famous author has died from a fall while filming for a reality show at Opal Creek in Oregon. As the investigation ramps up, so do suspects, but there is so much more to this tale. Loved it and can’t wait for book 11 coming out soon (I hope!)
October 3, 2024
This book is part of an enjoyable series and it had some unexpected twists and turns. I like Thomas Austin, but not really sure about his relationship with Sy-- not quite sure if she is the right match for him, but I will definitely read the next installment!!! A very relaxing but thoughtful read.
October 9, 2024
I generally love D. D. Black and the Thomas Austin series. But not this one! It was very quick (too quick) to read and I didn’t think the characters or the plot was very well developed. To me, it felt like a slapdash piece of work that he released to his publisher much too quickly. I’d rather wait longer for the next book than slide through another like this.
October 9, 2024
Not much investigating - read on KU
There wasn't much investigating in this book. And the twist was pretty obvious quite early on. They get called out by the media for not considering the twist, and I'd have to agree. If all the books in the series were like this one, I wouldn't read any more of them. It just wasn't that interesting.
There wasn't much investigating in this book. And the twist was pretty obvious quite early on. They get called out by the media for not considering the twist, and I'd have to agree. If all the books in the series were like this one, I wouldn't read any more of them. It just wasn't that interesting.
October 11, 2024
I knew it!!!!
Congratulations Lucy and Jimmy and Austin and Sy! This is perfect and just the way I'd hoped things would go. I liked the reality TV touch at it is currently all the rage, whether the show is good or not, but the twist was unexpected and very good. I look forward to more gritty and gruesome crimes for Austin to solve going forward. Good read.
Congratulations Lucy and Jimmy and Austin and Sy! This is perfect and just the way I'd hoped things would go. I liked the reality TV touch at it is currently all the rage, whether the show is good or not, but the twist was unexpected and very good. I look forward to more gritty and gruesome crimes for Austin to solve going forward. Good read.
December 25, 2024
okay I guess
This book was slow moving and I never felt really invested in the characters or the plot. The detectives didn't seem all that smart, I saw the twist coming a mile away. It was good enough to finish but took me over a week because i just didn't get drawn in.
This book was slow moving and I never felt really invested in the characters or the plot. The detectives didn't seem all that smart, I saw the twist coming a mile away. It was good enough to finish but took me over a week because i just didn't get drawn in.
October 2, 2024
The mystery death of an author in the midst of reality-TV show-filming sets the stage in the Pacific Northwest outdoors, Black’s books’ home turf. Drone footage adds to the scenic spread as do the young teens cutting class as key observers. But was the death an accident or murder? Figuring this out carries the story via painstaking puzzle-pieces of evidence that have to match up.
There is more working with people in this Austin book, which makes for page-turning drama rather like a well-paced stage play. Momentum is gratifyingly brisk, chapter cliffhangers click (cue the cliffhanger ending!), the characters breathe & bleed, the TV-production storyline sucks me in, and the text flows really smoothly.
“Pre-show interviews, candid moments, and dramatic interactions had to be built into a cohesive narrative that would grip viewers for weeks…” — like writing a thriller! The meta-fiction crossings of TV show and novel creation struck me strongly. Like Lucy, I wondered “what’s true and what’s fiction.” Yes, we find out!
I was glad Black shared photos of the “lovely old bridge” from a breathless scene in the book—as Austin found it a personal challenge as well as part of the chase. That personal touch, within a character or between characters is a huge plus since most murder mysteries just stick to clues.
Cultural connections Black is known for are here via The Epic of Gilgamesh and add depth to what is going on.
Superb read, Thomas Austin just keeps getting better!
There is more working with people in this Austin book, which makes for page-turning drama rather like a well-paced stage play. Momentum is gratifyingly brisk, chapter cliffhangers click (cue the cliffhanger ending!), the characters breathe & bleed, the TV-production storyline sucks me in, and the text flows really smoothly.
“Pre-show interviews, candid moments, and dramatic interactions had to be built into a cohesive narrative that would grip viewers for weeks…” — like writing a thriller! The meta-fiction crossings of TV show and novel creation struck me strongly. Like Lucy, I wondered “what’s true and what’s fiction.” Yes, we find out!
I was glad Black shared photos of the “lovely old bridge” from a breathless scene in the book—as Austin found it a personal challenge as well as part of the chase. That personal touch, within a character or between characters is a huge plus since most murder mysteries just stick to clues.
Cultural connections Black is known for are here via The Epic of Gilgamesh and add depth to what is going on.
Superb read, Thomas Austin just keeps getting better!
October 10, 2024
Things are not always how they first appear…
I’ve loved the developing character of Thomas Austin from the very beginning of this series. He has put himself and his readers through a symphony of emotions. At last, the coarseness of his journey has smoothed itself out with a viable relationship.
While Thomas much appreciates and prefers nature and his coastal home environment as compared to the city and pop-culture, he is drawn into an investigation of a neighbor’s death during a reality TV show production. The mystery was okay but it lacked the depth and intrigue of other investigations mainly due to the shallowness of other characters and the all-too-familiar story line of a reality show with little or no content. Sadly, it felt more like a “cozy” and did not hit the five- star mark for me. However, I wouldn’t hesitate to read more of D.D. Black’s writings which are among my favorites…I am grateful for this opportunity to read and review this novel honestly and voluntarily.
I’ve loved the developing character of Thomas Austin from the very beginning of this series. He has put himself and his readers through a symphony of emotions. At last, the coarseness of his journey has smoothed itself out with a viable relationship.
While Thomas much appreciates and prefers nature and his coastal home environment as compared to the city and pop-culture, he is drawn into an investigation of a neighbor’s death during a reality TV show production. The mystery was okay but it lacked the depth and intrigue of other investigations mainly due to the shallowness of other characters and the all-too-familiar story line of a reality show with little or no content. Sadly, it felt more like a “cozy” and did not hit the five- star mark for me. However, I wouldn’t hesitate to read more of D.D. Black’s writings which are among my favorites…I am grateful for this opportunity to read and review this novel honestly and voluntarily.
August 5, 2025
I enjoy reading D D Black’s books they are very straight forward with interesting plots. I especially like the character of Thomas Austin ex NYPD detective, he’s not huge like Reacher or a trained assassin like Evan Smok or Dudley Do Right like Joe Picket. He is very similar to D W Ulsterman’s Corcoran O’Connor.
Just a conscientious person with a passion for law enforcement, a keen sense of observation and a willingness to leave no stone unturned! I enjoy how the relationships with recurring characters grows from book to book.
In the midst of dealing with a devious couple out to make a fortune Thomas finds the time and effort to help a young girl with an abusive father.
It’s fast paced, descriptive and has a nice twist!
I recommend the series to crime mystery readers!
I also suggest you start with the first book and enjoy them chronologically so you can experience the character development and the backstory!
Just a conscientious person with a passion for law enforcement, a keen sense of observation and a willingness to leave no stone unturned! I enjoy how the relationships with recurring characters grows from book to book.
In the midst of dealing with a devious couple out to make a fortune Thomas finds the time and effort to help a young girl with an abusive father.
It’s fast paced, descriptive and has a nice twist!
I recommend the series to crime mystery readers!
I also suggest you start with the first book and enjoy them chronologically so you can experience the character development and the backstory!
October 10, 2024
Thomas, girlfriend Sy and colleagues Lucy & Jimmy are wine tasting in the Oregon coastal area. After almost a week, Thomas & Lucy are bored and can't wait to get back to work. The are near the Opal Creek Wilderness when they see a news report of a prominent author participating in a survival show having fallen off a cliff and died, yet there are few remains.
The local sheriff asks for Thomas & Lucy's help in determining if this was an accident or suicide. There are a lot of secrets on the survival show, a bitter ex-wife to be and then another murder.
The result was as I suspected however, it was disappointing that experienced Det. Austin didn't figure it out quicker.
A quick mystery read.
The local sheriff asks for Thomas & Lucy's help in determining if this was an accident or suicide. There are a lot of secrets on the survival show, a bitter ex-wife to be and then another murder.
The result was as I suspected however, it was disappointing that experienced Det. Austin didn't figure it out quicker.
A quick mystery read.
March 7, 2025
Another solid entry in the series. Nice that it was current time and not something that happened years ago. Weird that it was legal for the literary agent to be digging through his house immediately after his death. A number of characters were cliche - the author was an awful person, the literary agent over the top, his wife was awful, the producer scroller his phone - just take it away for the interview. I did guess early on what happened. But Sy was certainly a surprise though hints have been dropped. I was bummed Austin did not reach out to his long time customer at the cafe who had read all the author's books vs random people in a local book club
October 2, 2024
Okay....I gave this a 5 star as I have been waiting for this to come out and read in little more than a day. The writing is not fantastic but the characters, including the corgi Run, make me smile and want to know that they are good. Not sure that makes a ton of sense but since I read so much "literature" and political content, this is my ice cream with chocolate sauce. What can I say.
Now I go through the torture of waiting for the next installment, put the date on my calendar, and voila.....
Now I go through the torture of waiting for the next installment, put the date on my calendar, and voila.....
October 4, 2024
Another exciting edition to the Thomas Austin series. The crew is down in Oregon for a wine tasting vacation. Sy hopes to turn her hobby into a career. There is a wilderness reality show filming and one of the contestants fall off a cliff to his death. It is ruled an accident, but sheriff Baker gets a tip that it isn't. Thomas and Lucy are asked to stay and help to investigate. Evidence points to the wife, but there are plenty of other possibilities. It will take everyone's help to sort everything out
October 16, 2024
D.D. Black has crafted another wonderful story in the world of Thomas Austin. The characters are realistic and relate well to each other—until they aren't supposed to. There is plenty of action to hold this reader's attention, and Mr. Black once more leaves me wanting more. I can't wait to see what is coming with the next story. I highly recommend this series.
I received a review copy from the author at my request and this review reflects my honest opinion.
I received a review copy from the author at my request and this review reflects my honest opinion.
January 7, 2025
Deception
A Reality TV show is the basis of Austin’s newest crime to solve. A local author, who is a participant in the reality show and is captured on film falling from a cliff. What originally appears as a fall, is then considered a murder. Suspects are investigated and one lie leads to another and another. Good characters, interesting plot and good story development. Consuming this series as quickly as possible.
A Reality TV show is the basis of Austin’s newest crime to solve. A local author, who is a participant in the reality show and is captured on film falling from a cliff. What originally appears as a fall, is then considered a murder. Suspects are investigated and one lie leads to another and another. Good characters, interesting plot and good story development. Consuming this series as quickly as possible.
November 10, 2024
This is an interesting series. Thomas Austin is an interesting character and the rest of the regular characters fill in the storyline. Their differing personalities and interpersonal relationships make for an interesting and fast paced storyline. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
January 29, 2025
Entertaining series
I like this series and its characters. The plots are good as well. If I have any criticism it’s the interplay between Lucy and Jimmy. The name game they play becomes tedious. It’s not enough to seriously distract me as a reader, but the books would be better without it IMO.
I like this series and its characters. The plots are good as well. If I have any criticism it’s the interplay between Lucy and Jimmy. The name game they play becomes tedious. It’s not enough to seriously distract me as a reader, but the books would be better without it IMO.
February 18, 2025
Great Pacific Northwest stories
D D Black makes his characters come alive in stories that are filled with
suspense. He creates characters that we can relate to and care about as they move through his stories. I've read each of his books, and eagerly get each new one as soon as it comes out. Highest recommendation!
D D Black makes his characters come alive in stories that are filled with
suspense. He creates characters that we can relate to and care about as they move through his stories. I've read each of his books, and eagerly get each new one as soon as it comes out. Highest recommendation!
March 20, 2025
Austen and the gang end up in Oregon for this investigation, helping a local sheriff untangled a web of deception covering the disappearance of a mystery author from a survival reality show.
Sasquatch hunters, pot-smoking teens dodging classes, hikers, TV fans, Hollywood producers and kidnappers, stir things up in the forests southeast of Portland.
Loved the local sheriff!
Sasquatch hunters, pot-smoking teens dodging classes, hikers, TV fans, Hollywood producers and kidnappers, stir things up in the forests southeast of Portland.
Loved the local sheriff!
December 15, 2025
I love this book series but I have to admit that the ending chapters of this one left me a little unsure as to whether I liked them or not. The working relationships have always been a big boost to the story but the new directions those relationships are taking leaves me unsure of how the change in relationships will affect the storylines and the appeal of the characters.
October 3, 2024
Completely enjoyable
There just something about a Thomas Austin book. It's rare for me, as a reader, to feel like I actually can see myself in a story. There is an inviting feel to the books. A small town vacation spot where you feel like you belong.
There just something about a Thomas Austin book. It's rare for me, as a reader, to feel like I actually can see myself in a story. There is an inviting feel to the books. A small town vacation spot where you feel like you belong.
October 4, 2024
Great book as always!
Mr. Black's book series is awesome as always. This novel does not disappoint. I am looking forward to seeing where novel eleven takes us. Keep up the great work.
Mr. Black's book series is awesome as always. This novel does not disappoint. I am looking forward to seeing where novel eleven takes us. Keep up the great work.
October 5, 2024
Great Read!
Austin has his hands full in this story that takes place in beautiful Oregon. The death of a famous writer is only the start of an epic set of untruths that Austin is determined to unravel.
Austin has his hands full in this story that takes place in beautiful Oregon. The death of a famous writer is only the start of an epic set of untruths that Austin is determined to unravel.
October 10, 2024
I’ve enjoyed all of the books in this series. This particular one threw me off a bit with the storyline being in Oregon. A good mystery unfolded with new and familiar characters. Loved the last page!!
November 6, 2024
Page turner
As with the last books I couldn't put it down, and can't wait for the next one to be available! Being g from the Pacific Northwest now living in Fl its like being brought back home to visit!
As with the last books I couldn't put it down, and can't wait for the next one to be available! Being g from the Pacific Northwest now living in Fl its like being brought back home to visit!
December 21, 2024
Another Homerun
This was a great ride through uncharted territory for Austin, Lucy, Jimmy, Sy, and Run. Lots of twists and turns with a look into Austin’s ‘teddy bear’ side. I’m sod it’s over but so glad I read it.
This was a great ride through uncharted territory for Austin, Lucy, Jimmy, Sy, and Run. Lots of twists and turns with a look into Austin’s ‘teddy bear’ side. I’m sod it’s over but so glad I read it.
January 14, 2025
Accidental death or murder?
Another well written thriller. A vacation changed into death investigation. Enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. What is the truth or what is the lie?
Another well written thriller. A vacation changed into death investigation. Enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. What is the truth or what is the lie?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews