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FBI Task Force S.W.O.R.D. #4
Beneath Hemlock Skies
How do you shine light on a killer who knows only darkness?
Deep in Washington State's Hoh Rainforest, a young women is found dead, a single sprig of hemlock in her pale, lifeless hand. The killing suggests a ritualistic obsession. The crime scene leaves investigators without a lead.
As Special Agent Claire Anderson and FBI Task Force S.W.O.R.D. dig into the case, an early breakthrough hints at a motive too twisted to believe. But public pressure mounts as the media turns the Hemlock Killer into a nationwide sensation, fueled by damning leaks from inside Claire's own investigation.
Who is leaking the details? And why?
With the killer always one step ahead and FBI Task Force S.W.O.R.D. fracturing under the strain, Claire must tread carefully. But each new discovery pulls her deeper into a darkness that feels endless.
Can her team stop the Hemlock Killer before another victim is claimed? Or will the darkness consume them all—including FBI Task Force S.W.O.R.D. itself?
Series
Book 1: The Fifth Victim
Book 2: We Forget Nothing
Book 3: Widows of Medina
Book 4: Beneath Hemlock Skies
Deep in Washington State's Hoh Rainforest, a young women is found dead, a single sprig of hemlock in her pale, lifeless hand. The killing suggests a ritualistic obsession. The crime scene leaves investigators without a lead.
As Special Agent Claire Anderson and FBI Task Force S.W.O.R.D. dig into the case, an early breakthrough hints at a motive too twisted to believe. But public pressure mounts as the media turns the Hemlock Killer into a nationwide sensation, fueled by damning leaks from inside Claire's own investigation.
Who is leaking the details? And why?
With the killer always one step ahead and FBI Task Force S.W.O.R.D. fracturing under the strain, Claire must tread carefully. But each new discovery pulls her deeper into a darkness that feels endless.
Can her team stop the Hemlock Killer before another victim is claimed? Or will the darkness consume them all—including FBI Task Force S.W.O.R.D. itself?
Series
Book 1: The Fifth Victim
Book 2: We Forget Nothing
Book 3: Widows of Medina
Book 4: Beneath Hemlock Skies
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2025
About the author
D.D. Black
28 books619 followersD.D. Black writes crime fiction set in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. He is the author of the Thomas Austin Crime Thrillers and the FBI Task Force S.W.O.R.D. series. When he's not writing, he can be found strolling the beaches of the Pacific Northwest, cooking dinner for his wife, and throwing a ball for his corgi over and over and over.
source: Amazon
source: Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
January 26, 2026
Never disappoints!
I absolutely love all of the books I have read by this author. They are captivating and it takes a lot of willpower for me to put one down when it’s time for bed.
I absolutely love all of the books I have read by this author. They are captivating and it takes a lot of willpower for me to put one down when it’s time for bed.
April 25, 2025
I’ve read all four books in the series & this was my least favourite. The plot was so so & the characters were boring. For a star FBI agent, Claire seems to miss some obvious connections. I’ll probably read the next book but hope it is more complex.
May 25, 2026
In 3 days, I read the 5 books in this series - one after another. I'm not going to write a review for each of them. I will just post this review for each one. They are entertaining, with a good bit of action and interesting crimes. However, they are also a bit annoying, as the writing could use a good bit of editing - the author repeats descriptive phrases and the adverbs and adjectives don't always fit the action being described. These were all free to read for Audible members.
Book 1 -- Claire Anderson is set to retire early from the FBI when her boss convinces her to take one last case. There is a serial killer who is leaving the scenes of the murders drowned in color. Claire's is given a team of misfits to solve the case -- Fritz is a profiler, Violet is a computer geek, Jack is inclined to ignore the rules, Kiko is just starting her career, and Ranger is a castoff sniffer dog. After solving the case, Claire decides to stay on and lead the team, now called SWORD.
Book 2 -- With no active serial killer to pursue, SWORD takes on a cold case - a serial killer who killed redheads - when a nurse at a nursing home swears the guy is in the facility where she works. And then it looks like a copy cat has been activated as another red head is killed in a similar fashion, 20 years after the last one.
Book 3 -- Is Suzanne Hartley a serial killer of her husbands? Or did her husband's prior wife or the fired tech wizard kill her third husband?
Book 4 -- Someone is killing young women and leaving them in the forest with hemlock in their hand. Then the primary suspects are also killed. What is going on?
Book 5 -- Mind control. A CIA cold war project is abandoned by the CIA but taken up by a very rich guy. Exceptional children are trained to act when hearing certain phrases and are embedded in the system. SWORD is making headway on uncovering the program but is thwarted at every turn.
Book 1 -- Claire Anderson is set to retire early from the FBI when her boss convinces her to take one last case. There is a serial killer who is leaving the scenes of the murders drowned in color. Claire's is given a team of misfits to solve the case -- Fritz is a profiler, Violet is a computer geek, Jack is inclined to ignore the rules, Kiko is just starting her career, and Ranger is a castoff sniffer dog. After solving the case, Claire decides to stay on and lead the team, now called SWORD.
Book 2 -- With no active serial killer to pursue, SWORD takes on a cold case - a serial killer who killed redheads - when a nurse at a nursing home swears the guy is in the facility where she works. And then it looks like a copy cat has been activated as another red head is killed in a similar fashion, 20 years after the last one.
Book 3 -- Is Suzanne Hartley a serial killer of her husbands? Or did her husband's prior wife or the fired tech wizard kill her third husband?
Book 4 -- Someone is killing young women and leaving them in the forest with hemlock in their hand. Then the primary suspects are also killed. What is going on?
Book 5 -- Mind control. A CIA cold war project is abandoned by the CIA but taken up by a very rich guy. Exceptional children are trained to act when hearing certain phrases and are embedded in the system. SWORD is making headway on uncovering the program but is thwarted at every turn.
May 4, 2025
Outstanding!
This is a very well-written, intellectual and thought-provoking mystery novel that will hold you captive till the end. Perhaps, the best one that D.D. Black has published so far. With an intricate story-line that weaves a web of deceit, it showcases layers of content, depth of character and thrilling entertainment.
The story focuses on one “mad” scientist whose victims succumb to his experiments in which he is out to prove what is better left to one’s own spiritual beliefs. Yet, there is much more to this series, as well, that draws you in to the world of S.W.O.R.D. and its team that will keep you coming back for more…I am grateful for the opportunity to read and offer my honest and voluntary review.
This is a very well-written, intellectual and thought-provoking mystery novel that will hold you captive till the end. Perhaps, the best one that D.D. Black has published so far. With an intricate story-line that weaves a web of deceit, it showcases layers of content, depth of character and thrilling entertainment.
The story focuses on one “mad” scientist whose victims succumb to his experiments in which he is out to prove what is better left to one’s own spiritual beliefs. Yet, there is much more to this series, as well, that draws you in to the world of S.W.O.R.D. and its team that will keep you coming back for more…I am grateful for the opportunity to read and offer my honest and voluntary review.
July 2, 2025
Quantum Leap….
EXCELLENT‼️ D.D. Black delivered a Quantum Leap of superior writing, characters (both protagonist & antagonist), plot development & storyline continuity for book four (4) of the S.W.O.R.D. series‼️If your vibe is an intellectual intense bureaucratic murder mystery 🤯🔥🧪….then ”Beneath The Hemlock Skies (FBI Task Force S.W.O.R.D. - Book#5” an amalgamation of forensic science, analytics, technology, philosophy, criminology etc. is just the book & or series for you. You won’t be disappointed (confused definitely 🤭) but thoroughly entertained‼️ …Thereafter, I’m looking forward to the fifth and final book of this S.W.O.R.D series to be tentatively released in September 2025 🤩🍿‼️
EXCELLENT‼️ D.D. Black delivered a Quantum Leap of superior writing, characters (both protagonist & antagonist), plot development & storyline continuity for book four (4) of the S.W.O.R.D. series‼️If your vibe is an intellectual intense bureaucratic murder mystery 🤯🔥🧪….then ”Beneath The Hemlock Skies (FBI Task Force S.W.O.R.D. - Book#5” an amalgamation of forensic science, analytics, technology, philosophy, criminology etc. is just the book & or series for you. You won’t be disappointed (confused definitely 🤭) but thoroughly entertained‼️ …Thereafter, I’m looking forward to the fifth and final book of this S.W.O.R.D series to be tentatively released in September 2025 🤩🍿‼️
April 29, 2025
Can a person "devour a book"? I feel as if I did exactly that. I was a bit obsessed to determine the outcome and was not disappointed. I have to smile as this new fascination with mysteries is new and as I have mentioned before, the result of the world at large with the asshole in charge forcing me to fantasy. (He is exhausting to say the least.)
Claire, Jack, Kiko, Violet, Fitz, and Roger did not let me down. The story line was "deep" and a topic that for centuries has been controversial. I enjoy that sort of interaction with a book and reality. Now I have to wait for my final installment. Aaaarrrggghhh.
Claire, Jack, Kiko, Violet, Fitz, and Roger did not let me down. The story line was "deep" and a topic that for centuries has been controversial. I enjoy that sort of interaction with a book and reality. Now I have to wait for my final installment. Aaaarrrggghhh.
September 2, 2025
I stumbled across this series a few months ago on Kindle Unlimited, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Each installment delivers gripping suspense and high-stakes thrills as Claire and her S.W.O.R.D. FBI task force race against time to catch the killer. Book 4 is no exception—Beneath Hemlock Skies kept me on edge from start to finish.
D.D. Black has a knack for crafting murder mysteries that are both chilling and compulsively readable. The pacing is tight, the twists are sharp, and the tension never lets up. Claire continues to be a compelling lead, and the dynamics within her team add depth to the story.
Anxiously anticipating Book 5—can’t wait to dive back in!
D.D. Black has a knack for crafting murder mysteries that are both chilling and compulsively readable. The pacing is tight, the twists are sharp, and the tension never lets up. Claire continues to be a compelling lead, and the dynamics within her team add depth to the story.
Anxiously anticipating Book 5—can’t wait to dive back in!
May 15, 2025
Pacific Northwest Serial Killer
This book is the fourth in a series that would be best enjoyed when read in order. Each book is a complete story, but the interpersonal relationships grow with each book. This series is what I would call clean books. There is no foul language, no intimacy, no gore, and minimal violence. None of these stories has weirded me out or caused nightmares. But the stories are fascinating and very plausible. This series could be binge-read with the same appeal as binge-watching a TV series. The next episode is due to be published in a few months, and I can't wait.
This book is the fourth in a series that would be best enjoyed when read in order. Each book is a complete story, but the interpersonal relationships grow with each book. This series is what I would call clean books. There is no foul language, no intimacy, no gore, and minimal violence. None of these stories has weirded me out or caused nightmares. But the stories are fascinating and very plausible. This series could be binge-read with the same appeal as binge-watching a TV series. The next episode is due to be published in a few months, and I can't wait.
July 10, 2025
mysterious, medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
★★★★¼: Enjoyed it quite a bit. I found this book a big improvement over the last installment. I thought the author got back to what he does best.
There are still some un-fleshed out storylines, but he writes 300 page novels and produces them quickly. I'm choosing to overlook it this time, but he does need to stop mentioning things once and then never bringing it back up .
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
★★★★¼: Enjoyed it quite a bit. I found this book a big improvement over the last installment. I thought the author got back to what he does best.
There are still some un-fleshed out storylines, but he writes 300 page novels and produces them quickly. I'm choosing to overlook it this time, but he does need to stop mentioning things once and then never bringing it back up .
July 30, 2025
Ground read!
Beneath the Hemlock Skies is a standout in D.D. Black’s FBI S.W.O.R.D. series—dark, atmospheric, and impossible to put down. This story was so original and wild. I loved watching the growth in Claire and her team. Lots of good personal development in this book.
The pacing is relentless, the twists land hard, and the emotional depth gives it real staying power. I tore through it in one sitting. If you’ve been hooked on the series so far, this one absolutely delivers.
Beneath the Hemlock Skies is a standout in D.D. Black’s FBI S.W.O.R.D. series—dark, atmospheric, and impossible to put down. This story was so original and wild. I loved watching the growth in Claire and her team. Lots of good personal development in this book.
The pacing is relentless, the twists land hard, and the emotional depth gives it real staying power. I tore through it in one sitting. If you’ve been hooked on the series so far, this one absolutely delivers.
January 10, 2026
This case’s concept was so fascinating, especially after reading Dan Brown’s newest book. The theories and study of consciousness and what happens while we die and directly after the moment when we die. The hemlock as the mode of study was unique and I loved the tie-in of the Keating poetry. Another fun, wild ride, with lots of unique plot points—like the TikTok “journalist,” the two-pronged investigation, the romantic ties being formed, and the FBI oversight threats of dissolution of their team. I really enjoyed this one!
April 29, 2025
This story is fantastic. A young woman is found dead in the forest. From the position and condition of the body Claire’s team is confident the murder happened elsewhere. There is no blood on or near her body and she is “staged”, but why?
Claire and her boss do not agree on the direction the case is going, plus someone is leaking facts to a social media account. Hints lead them in one direction only to find more confusion. The story is full of twists and turns.
Claire and her boss do not agree on the direction the case is going, plus someone is leaking facts to a social media account. Hints lead them in one direction only to find more confusion. The story is full of twists and turns.
December 6, 2025
( Format : Audiobook )
"Evil isn't the absence of intelligence,".
4th in the FBI taskforce SWORD series and, increasingly, team leader Claire is out of her depth. An interesting idea but the story seems ineptly covered, He characters well out of their depth and,honestly, the story in plausable given the vast financial requirements of the chief protagonist . Realistically, this book only rated a 3 However , it was a free downloaded on the Audible Plus programme-so thank you, Audible.
"Evil isn't the absence of intelligence,".
4th in the FBI taskforce SWORD series and, increasingly, team leader Claire is out of her depth. An interesting idea but the story seems ineptly covered, He characters well out of their depth and,honestly, the story in plausable given the vast financial requirements of the chief protagonist . Realistically, this book only rated a 3 However , it was a free downloaded on the Audible Plus programme-so thank you, Audible.
April 23, 2025
This was the latest book in the SWORD series and it was a barn-burner. The FBI task force is on the hunt for a serial killer on the Olympic peninsula of Washington. Dubbing him the Hemlock Killer, it appears these deaths are very twisted. Solving these crimes will take all of their talent to expose the killer before more are found dead. Such a great series!
April 27, 2025
I really enjoyed this entry in the series. There is meddling from the top of the FBI in a current case. The team has to band together. Relationships are strained when there is a leak to the press that could have only come from inside the team. I thought the author handled the interpersonal relationships and the mystery really well. I would recommend this series.
August 21, 2025
another very good read
This is the fourth book in the series that I have read and each one gets better and better. I cannot thank D. D. Black enough for keeping me busy reading and reading some more of his books. Can’t wait for the next installment. If you haven’t read any of his books, I would tell you to start now. They are worth every minute of your reading time.
This is the fourth book in the series that I have read and each one gets better and better. I cannot thank D. D. Black enough for keeping me busy reading and reading some more of his books. Can’t wait for the next installment. If you haven’t read any of his books, I would tell you to start now. They are worth every minute of your reading time.
September 14, 2025
another complex chase
Prologue: Clinical observations chronicling the effects of an unidentified substance on a young woman - interspersed with a classic poem - until death.
Who, why and how slowly unfolds with a stunning revelation of the security breach affecting the investigation.
Prologue: Clinical observations chronicling the effects of an unidentified substance on a young woman - interspersed with a classic poem - until death.
Who, why and how slowly unfolds with a stunning revelation of the security breach affecting the investigation.
December 13, 2025
Excellent, as always
I enjoyed the author’s Thomas Austin series, and this series is even better. The stories are entertaining and the characters are remarkably human — complex and nuanced. I love the way he develops the characters and reveals their very human responses to life without over complicating the stories.
A guaranteed good read.
I enjoyed the author’s Thomas Austin series, and this series is even better. The stories are entertaining and the characters are remarkably human — complex and nuanced. I love the way he develops the characters and reveals their very human responses to life without over complicating the stories.
A guaranteed good read.
April 30, 2025
Hemlock Skies
Fast paced, with twists and turns. The story line keeps you captivated while you’re guessing what’s going to happen next.
Great read! Unexpected ending, which is a good thing!
Fast paced, with twists and turns. The story line keeps you captivated while you’re guessing what’s going to happen next.
Great read! Unexpected ending, which is a good thing!
May 3, 2025
Perseverance
Analytical perseverance is what this case consisted of. Each member of the team has his or her strengths. Each are different but they mesh together. Hopefully the closeness of some won't get in the way of their cases.
Analytical perseverance is what this case consisted of. Each member of the team has his or her strengths. Each are different but they mesh together. Hopefully the closeness of some won't get in the way of their cases.
May 15, 2025
Over the top
DD Black has such a variety of stories. I’m already hooked on the Austin books but have also become a fan of the S.W.O.R.D series? This book was over the top for a mystery. The teamwork and comraderie was great.
DD Black has such a variety of stories. I’m already hooked on the Austin books but have also become a fan of the S.W.O.R.D series? This book was over the top for a mystery. The teamwork and comraderie was great.
May 23, 2025
DD. Black delivers again. Intense, interesting, thought provoking. I really like this SWORD team and their characters keep getting better along with their interpersonal relationships. Loog forward to book #5 in this series.
July 1, 2025
Just finished the 4th book of the series and I keep enjoying it. Rhe characters, the plots a d the easy reading.. I really enjoyed the series.. too bad now I have to wait till September for the next book
October 18, 2025
Another good book in this series. The characters are as important as the plot and their interactions with each other add to the story. This is the kind of book once you pick it up, you can't put it down.
November 17, 2025
Well, I've listened to all 4 books in this series and there isn't much difference between. Flat characters, plot that has holes and not believable, not much of a police procedural. All are just average mystery novels.
December 30, 2025
Beneath the Hemlock Skies
Another great book by D D Black but this one was a little complicated for me. The scientific, medical, and literary references were beyond my comprehension but still found it a fascinating book. Ready for book 5!
Another great book by D D Black but this one was a little complicated for me. The scientific, medical, and literary references were beyond my comprehension but still found it a fascinating book. Ready for book 5!
May 28, 2026
Interesting series
Like this continuing saga of the swords
team. They all work well together and I like a little bit of romance that's showing up. I hope you don't stop at book number 5.
Like this continuing saga of the swords
team. They all work well together and I like a little bit of romance that's showing up. I hope you don't stop at book number 5.
June 6, 2026
Challenging and interesting...
This story had a lot of frustrations. There were many unexpected twists. I enjoy the evolution of their one in one relationships, as well as their growth as a team. As always, I enjoy reading stories that are featured in the Pacific Northwest.
This story had a lot of frustrations. There were many unexpected twists. I enjoy the evolution of their one in one relationships, as well as their growth as a team. As always, I enjoy reading stories that are featured in the Pacific Northwest.
April 23, 2025
Amazing story as always. Couldn’t put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews