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The Crime Beat: A Complete Series of Nine Thriller Novellas
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."
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."
- GenresMystery
738 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 26, 2025
About the author
D.D. Black
36 books685 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 - 29 of 29 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.
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.
October 2, 2026
DNF. I really enjoy the Thomas Austin series. This compilation of nine novellas just didn't work for me. I understand they were written over time, as separate novellas, but wish they had been seriously edited when compiled. The story is repetitive, and drags along, repeating the same formula in each city the main characters visit. The conspiracy plot just became too unbelievable, and convoluted. Made it to 63% on my Kindle, but gave up when it became so obvious the main characters were being set up / framed, and the whole concept of the group who is plotting the assassinations deviating from their original, well crafted plan (which was clearly succeeding) to use the main characters as patsies just is too ludicrous to bother finishing. Glad it was available for free on Kindle Unlimited - would have hated to pay for it.
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....
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....
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!
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.
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.
March 3, 2026
Needs more than 5****
Get ready for a very, very long ride. I'm usually a reader of a book everyday to day in a half. Certainly not 4 days. But that is what it took to get to the end of this wonderfully written REAL life feeling piece of fiction. This book has so many elements on every single page. It really captured a true vision of what might be behind the real workings of this over socialized, over money driven world of ours. D. D. Black nailed this one with some much reality based fiction. Truly a gifted storyteller. Read it! You won't be disappointed!
Get ready for a very, very long ride. I'm usually a reader of a book everyday to day in a half. Certainly not 4 days. But that is what it took to get to the end of this wonderfully written REAL life feeling piece of fiction. This book has so many elements on every single page. It really captured a true vision of what might be behind the real workings of this over socialized, over money driven world of ours. D. D. Black nailed this one with some much reality based fiction. Truly a gifted storyteller. Read it! You won't be disappointed!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
March 20, 2026
love this author
I went through this 700+ page book very rapidly. The story was layered into more and more suspense and the character began the constant thread throughout the shifting crime trail. Fortunately we had some late wintery days that allow for concentrated reading. DD Black does not disappoint in his depth of story and the characters that have you rooting for their success.
I went through this 700+ page book very rapidly. The story was layered into more and more suspense and the character began the constant thread throughout the shifting crime trail. Fortunately we had some late wintery days that allow for concentrated reading. DD Black does not disappoint in his depth of story and the characters that have you rooting for their success.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
March 9, 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!
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!
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.
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.
March 2, 2025
Nicely done
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.
Love this author! This was a great read. Wonderful characters, storylines, action, etc. I read everything he writes and am never disappointed.
March 10, 2025
This was a doozy of a read!! Great plot, characters and a wild ride of a story!
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.
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.
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!
Compelling! Twists and turns keeps you up all night wanting to find out what happens next.
Great characters! I”m ready for more!
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!
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!
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.
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.
Good character development and interesting plot. I enjoyed the read. I plan on reading ,More of his works on Kindle Unlimited.
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.
April 9, 2026
have to keep reading!!
Wow! What an intense read! It was hard to stop reading to eat or sleep, the adventure just kept going. The fight to stop the bad guys just kept going!
Wow! What an intense read! It was hard to stop reading to eat or sleep, the adventure just kept going. The fight to stop the bad guys just kept going!
July 11, 2026
really intriguing read
D.D. Black never fails. I stayed engaged the entire time. Different from his other mysteries, but still really interesting protagonists and plot.
D.D. Black never fails. I stayed engaged the entire time. Different from his other mysteries, but still really interesting protagonists and plot.
August 11, 2026
The Crime Beat
This is a well thought out series of novellas. They weave themselves into a fantastic story, that is not only interesting but very timely.
This is a well thought out series of novellas. They weave themselves into a fantastic story, that is not only interesting but very timely.
August 25, 2026
Loved it!
I loved this book. I have read all of his books and loved them all. This one is my favorite. I am looking forward to his two new books 📚
I loved this book. I have read all of his books and loved them all. This one is my favorite. I am looking forward to his two new books 📚
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews