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The Crime Beat: A Complete Series of Nine Thriller Novellas

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Nine cities. Nine murders. One unthinkable crime.

On the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a billionaire tech mogul is assassinated with a single shot. The killing is audacious, calculated—and only the beginning.

Crime reporter Jane Cole is clawing her way back after her husband’s tragic death. Suspended NYPD cop Robert Warren has nothing left—except his integrity and a slim chance to clear his name. Both see the case as their way out of the shadows—but neither is prepared for what comes next.

When a second high-profile murder rocks Washington, D.C., Cole and Warren are thrust into a chilling Nine cities. Nine victims. And a conspiracy that ties the world’s elite to a chilling plan, threatening millions of lives.

From New York’s unforgiving streets to Paris’s glittering skyline, from Miami’s sunlit sprawl to Tokyo’s neon labyrinth, Cole and Warren chase a conspiracy with limitless reach. As the body count rises, so do the risks. And each revelation shatters what they thought they knew, drawing them closer to a truth—and a danger—they may not survive.

Originally published as nine novellas, now expanded and refined, The Crime Beat brings the complete, smash-hit series into one sweeping, epic volume. Perfect for fans of Michael Connelly and James Patterson, this 700-page thriller delivers high-stakes crime, unforgettable characters, and a finale that will leave you reeling.

This volume includes all nine novellas of this completed
The Crime Episode 1 – New York City
The Crime Episode 2 – Washington, D.C.
The Crime Episode 3 – Miami
The Crime Episode 4 – Las Vegas
The Crime Episode 5 – London
The Crime Episode 6 – Paris
The Crime Episode 7 – Tokyo
The Crime Episode 8 – San Francisco
The Crime Episode 9 – Los Angeles

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A high-stakes plot that spans continents, The Crime Beat is both smart and exhilarating. Perfect for fans of fast-paced mysteries and thrillers.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Definitely as good as his Thomas Austin and S.W.O.R.D. series, but with the broader setting and more of an international thriller flair."


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I devoured all nine novellas in a weekend. It's like traveling the world chasing criminals, all from my cozy reading chair."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A masterful blend of mystery and heart-stopping excitement. Flawed but likeable main characters and a plot I never would have imagined. I loved it."

738 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 26, 2025

413 people are currently reading
102 people want to read

About the author

D.D. Black

64 books501 followers

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5 stars
306 (68%)
4 stars
114 (25%)
3 stars
26 (5%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
89 reviews
May 31, 2025
Very well done

This crime series is a masterful narrative that captivates readers from the first page, offering an exhilarating journey through intricate plot lines and ingenious detective work. The author's skillful storytelling weaves complex investigations with unexpected twists, creating a compelling and immersive experience that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Each carefully crafted chapter reveals new layers of mystery, making it impossible to put the book down. For enthusiasts of crime fiction seeking a truly exceptional read, this novel stands out as a must-read that brilliantly demonstrates the art of suspenseful storytelling.
592 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2025
Wow. I haven't read a 700 plus page book in a hell of a long time but couldn't help myself. All sorts of intrigue and relevant happenings in terms of technology and ideology. Jane and Warren were characters with human flaws that I was rooting for the entire time. Thank you DD Black. It was quite the adventure.....

With the insanity of the new administration I have had to have a place to hide and I have found it in mysteries. I normally pride myself on reading current events, and informational books. I have not abandoned our democracy, just need an outlet when I am not protesting....
Profile Image for Sue Sandifer.
139 reviews2 followers
March 19, 2025
Jane Cole and Warren are thrown together because of an article she wrote about him. He is a cop that is currently on suspension and she is a journalist who wrote about the incident that caused his suspension. Thru some strange happenings they build a working relationship to right some wrongs. They begin to look into a person who bout nine rifles in a black market sale. This first clue starts them on a world wide search for the mastermind behind that purchase and how the rifles will be used. Fast and thrilling!
85 reviews2 followers
March 25, 2025
World Dominaton

It took a reporter and an NYPD officer on administrative leave to discover and tackle the plot of 9 assissinations and the goal of one man to dominate the world. His goal was to eliminate all his competitors and thereby create a world where he controlled media, politicians and world economy. Determination and intense investigative worked led both Cole, the reporter, and Warren, the NYPD officer, around the world trying to stop the next target. The story is intense, engaging and entertaining.
Profile Image for Joanne Hurley.
479 reviews10 followers
March 3, 2025
Can a renegade reporter and a former NYPD Officer hope to stop the most audacious terrorist attack the world has ever known? Will anyone believe them in time to put an end to the plot? Nine guns. Nine assassinations....

A rollercoaster of a ride that speeds across cities and countries to an absolutely explosive climax.

Like me, you won't be able to put this down until you find out how it all ends. Bravo. Bravo.
1,309 reviews
June 11, 2025
Fantastic Journey

Two unlikely people are pulled into a conspiracy started on the dark web. There are nine rifles purchased for nine high profile murders in nine different cities across the world. Will Cole and Warren be able to stop any of them before it's too late? I thought this was an interesting book that used to be nine novellas. It was worth the time it took to read it.
1,654 reviews1 follower
October 15, 2025
What a great collection of novellas, each building on the prior tale. The characters are well defined and have very interesting interpersonal relationships. The people seem real, focused and the plot is well executed. This was a hard book to put down, but the length made it impossible to read in one sitting, but I sure gave it a go. I have read both the Austin and SWORD series and enjoyed them and was happy to discover this older set of tales. This author had not disappointed yet.
140 reviews9 followers
March 4, 2025
Sticks the landing

Fun book for people who like good old-fashioned detective stories.
While the "big bad" is a little too cartoonishly one dimensional, the main characters are perfectly flawed yet easily likeable. The pacing is good and the writer tells a very human story without devolving into stereotypical tropes.
Kept me engaged and I'll miss Cole and Warren.
117 reviews
April 7, 2025
A must read !!

I have read all of DD Black’s books and I love his writing style and his characters so much , they are always very interesting and this was absolutely no exception. I could not put this one down . If you love crime thrillers you must try this one. you will not be disappointed.
136 reviews4 followers
March 7, 2025
Excellent

Another top notch D.D. Black novel. This stand-alone book is extraordinarily complex and detailed. Set in multiple locales, with the author’s excellent characterization. Unusual and unique plot, obviously very well researched. Highly recommended.
14 reviews
March 7, 2025
Great book, highly recommend it!

This is up there as a favorite book of mine. I like that he put it together in one book.
Great characters and story line. Thanks for entertaining me again!
279 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2025
phenomenal

Best book he’s written yet and it’s alarming in its portrayal of contemporary society and the looming dangers of AI. Grab a copy and dig in for the long haul; I couldn’t put this book down. Dude has outdone himself with this one!
5 reviews
March 21, 2025
D. D. Black Never Disappoints

Engaging characters - I'd love to see them again in future books.

Great plot that snags your attention from the beginning and continuing on every page.
Profile Image for Deborah.
171 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2025
Enthralling!

Love this author! This was a great read. Wonderful characters, storylines, action, etc. I read everything he writes and am never disappointed.
Profile Image for Jane Fowler.
341 reviews
March 11, 2025
This was a doozy of a read!! Great plot, characters and a wild ride of a story!
4 reviews
March 30, 2025
Thrilling Read

This was an excellent read. I loved how all the novels were combined. The stories were full of mystery and excitement and flowed from one right into the next.
34 reviews
April 5, 2025
crime Beat

Compelling! Twists and turns keeps you up all night wanting to find out what happens next.
Great characters! I”m ready for more!
2 reviews
June 29, 2025
a great read!

Twist and turns, subterfuge and conflict - this story has it all - loved the compilation of all books to make it ongoing. Could not step away!
21 reviews
July 10, 2025
Different! I wasn’t sure this book was for me, but it kept me wanting more and more. The length scared me but it was’nt even thought about as I read.
1 review
September 28, 2025
fun and quick read

Good character development and interesting plot. I enjoyed the read. I plan on reading ,More of his works on Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Robert Tessmer.
149 reviews12 followers
November 2, 2025
(3.5) Short chapters, no horrible language, no gratuitous sex or violence, but at little unbelievable. A good book for when you are tired. You read a short chapter, kinda smile and then fall asleep.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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