The Secrets of Second Beach

by D.D. Black

She lived life online, her final post a cry for help. But the mists of Second Beach answered only with silence.

When the body of a beloved social media star washes up on the rocky shores of Second Beach, panic spreads through the surrounding coastal community. What was once a peaceful haven is now shrouded in fear, and the locals demand answers.

But what begins as a tragic mystery quickly spirals into something far more sinister. Beneath the surface of Washington’s sleepy beach towns lies a hidden underworld—a secretive criminal syndicate that has operated in the shadows for years.

Are they involved? Or is something even darker lurking in the mist?

As Detective Thomas Austin uncovers secret after long-buried secret, he discovers a chilling truth that’s been hiding in plain sight for decades. And the deeper Austin digs, the closer he comes to a devastating revelation that could rock the entire Pacific Northwest.

Series List (can be read in any order):
Book 1: The Bones at Point No Point
Book 2: The Shadows of Pike Place
Book 3: The Fallen of Foulweather Bluff
Book 4: The Horror at Murden Cove
Book 5: The Terror in the Emerald City
Book 6: The Drowning at Dyes Inlet
Book 7: The Nightmare at Manhattan Beach
Book 8: The Silence at Mystery Bay
Book 9: The Darkness at Deception Pass
Book 10: The Vanishing at Opal Creek
Book 11: The Secrets of Second Beach

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Fiction, Audiobook, Murder Mystery, Detective

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 10, 2025

Reviews

[Tina S Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a book !!

I love Thomas Austin. He is one of my favorite DD Black characters. This book had so many , twists , turns and surprises I literally read it in one day ! I definitely could not put this one down . I highly recommend this book and of course the entire series. I’m anxiously awaiting the next book.

[Kathy Hagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series never disappoints. D.D. Black writes in a way that allows the reader to be fully immersed in the story. Even though these books are under 300 pages, he packs a ton of detail into each one. They are murder mysteries with great characters running throughout each book.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betrayal

This was another adventure with the author taking us down the tabbit hole with him once again.Who is the culprit here and just when you think you know.....

[Linda Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

love the Austin series!

D. D. Black is one of my favorite authors. This book was a good read, never dull or disappointing. Often when I follow an author, their books either all start sounding alike or they start going off on oddball tangents. Black has not fallen into this trap. Each book remains fresh and exciting.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storytelling!

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters are well drawn, the pace is perfect, the mystery is truly engaging. And I hated that it came to an end. Excited for the next book in the series.

[Joanne Bandfield-Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

This installment of the Thomas Austin series was just as thrilling and exciting as the others. A little sad at the end. Sounds like big changes are coming.

[Karen Harbeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series

Can’t wait for the next book. Great cast! Looking forward to the next S.W.O.R.D book coming out soon. Write faster lol

[John Reimschisel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another good book in the series, and I will be reading the next one.

[Pat K · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Micheal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Austin is one of my favorite murder mystery detectives. D D Black’s style of writing is fast paced very descriptive. Intertwining everyday life with wicked crime drama. Austin’s years of experience as a NYPD detective has honed his skills of observation and people reading.

Thomas delves into the world of Social Media and Influencers (which he has no concept of) when a young influencer is found dead under mysterious circumstances, he doesn’t understand how you can make a living posting videos… but he believes that everyone deserves justice no matter their lifestyle or beliefs.

His investigation uncovers a group of fisherman who run the fishing industry like a cartel and its existence thought to be a myth.

When Lucy (a colleague) and his girlfriend Sy are dealing with pregnancy and the changes it will cause. Decisions will have to be made and Thomas will have to make a decision between being a detective (his life passion) and the Cafe he is so proud of… in order to be a good father.

Thomas possesses exceptional powers of observation and deduction which make him an exceptional detective.

Great story, plot and characters not to mention action packed! Straight forward and a easy read!
I love this character and the series.

Highly recommended for murder mystery fans!

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Excellent Mystery

DD Black has done it again. Well-plotted, believable characterization, wonderful sense of place—like all of his novels. Waiting as patiently as possible for the next one…

[Ricki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Det Thomas Austin is asked to speak to a possible suspect regarding a body found floating near Second Beach (another jurisdiction). What seems odd is that Thomas is constantly asked to "assist" another jurisdiction in some sort of case. It's his calling and he just can't stop. That said, pregnant girlfriend Sy is giving vibes that she would like him behind a desk- it's just not him.

The dead girl at first seems connected to a group called the Collective but as they investigate, it really is a more personal reason. She is an "influencer" who regularly posts snippets of inane info but her more recent posts hint at her real desire to be a journalist.

It takes a while to unravel the murder and seems a bit convoluted at times plus Thomas has things weighing on his mind/thoughts/dreams. About a 3.5 for me.

[Jeff Benham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one takes Austin a long way from home, to Second Beach, on the coast. That means leaving Sy, who is now pregnant, and of course, Run. The young woman who was murdered was an influencer, a woman with such a big social media following that people trust what she said. She was investigating illegal fishing of rare and exotic fish. Apparently somebody didn't like it, but there is no evidence to connect any group to the crime. The deeper Austin digs, the more dangerous it becomes.

[Carey Mundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 11 in this great mystery series that takes place on the Olympic peninsula of Washington state. When a woman is found dead off Second Beach, Austin is called in to assist the local police. The woman was an influencer and they believe she stumbled on a local mystery involving The Collective. But there is a lot more to this mystery than meets the eye and the ending was a bit of a surprise. Love this series

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good entry in the series. Thomas helps find the murderer of a social media influencer in Second Hand Beach. This book has a look of Thomas reflecting on his life and the changes in it. I found the mystery well written. I continue to love the characters. It is great to see where they are going personally as well as having a solid mystery. I would recommend this book but think it would be best enjoyed if the series is read in order.

[Tamara Rickman · Rating 5 out of 5]

keeps getting better

No plot summaries here just enthusiastic recommendation that you read everything this guy writes! I was born in the PNW so his settings resonate with me but if you weren’t blessed to have been born in the greatest state in this country, Mr. Black’s writing will take you there for the length of the novel and the price of a beer at your local pub. Enjoy!

[Mike Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action from start to finish

I like it when a story doesn't take an hour of reading before you start enjoying it. This book became a good read quickly, even with new characters’ backstories to learn about. The thrilling crime mystery becomes a crime and character mystery with surprises and twists throughout.

[Warren Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 11th of this series, writing and character development so engaging that binge reading is required.

Having lived and worked in the PNW, including coastal communities, the description of climate and locations is as compelling as the story (which I will not spoil for anyone)…don’t ask, don’t delay…find book one and join the crime fighting adventures.

[Kathy Savoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this series, wish it continued on.

not sure why it wasnt listed as book 11 of thomas austin properly and really not sure why half of them dont list the audible audiobooks. i did listen to these and did enjoy, they are leaving the free audible plus catalogue ones nov 4th so hurry to get them all in before they are gone because they only get better and better with each story.

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Format: Audiobook)
" Most men aren't monsters "

Time for Austin to chose-to continue his life in law enforcement or settle into domesticity -Mmm, I wonder which it will be?
This has been an excellent series. But one thing is sure, I certainly wouldn't want to live Here: its not just the murderers etc, it is the attitudes of most of the ordinary people.

[Myra J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent

Austin investigates a murder that turns into an organized crime situation. He has Jimmy and Lucy to help him, with some new characters on the scene. And his life changes in several different ways. Well written!

[Brie Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first of the series where my suspicions were correct. All I took was one little thing that linked everything, and I was so proud of myself. The ending is sad but hopeful. Not the tear jerking kind of sad but like the disappointing kind of sad. But it's okay.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life and hope

Life and hope with a twist of evil. It is a book with twists and guesses as to what will happen next and how. It tells of the struggles between who you are and who you are meant to be. Always something happening around the next corner. A good read.

[Deborah Hough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Ending, as always

I love every character in Mr. Black’s books; I enjoy seeing where their lives are headed. I am always surprised at the end; AND I always need a box of tissues next to my chair when I finish one of his delightful books. Thank you D.D. Black.

[SheReaps - Teresa Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Story

I really love this series. The stories are intriguing. I have a big problem when continuity is not maintained. Book one named Ripley - Ripley Calvin. Now he is Governor Ripley. Not Governor Calvin. Intentional or not, it bugs me.

[Lori A. Kaspar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every spare minute

I have read all 10 in this series and enjoyed reading every one, looking forward to the next one. Hurry up DD finish it up!
at 93 never know how long I'll be around
Henry

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts two months after the end of the previous book. While we do eventually get some details from the revelation at the end of the previous book, I would have liked more. While I enjoyed the story, I wasn’t happy with some of the characters.

[Katy Bristow · Rating 5 out of 5]

great story again but my favourite part…

The sub story you get from reading in order! Absolutely brilliant characters, great character building! Sometimes the sub story is just as important as the main story. I highly recommend the series! The author as well!!!

[Renee Jardine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did audio, and I didn’t like the narrator from the beginning, really flat tone, no emotion. The plot was ok, nothing too special, maybe if I read instead of listened, I could’ve been more involved.

[Jan Mosby · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK, not sure what happened to most of the characters.