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The Bodies on Horse Heaven Hill
Nothing can stay buried forever…
When the skeletal remains of a long-missing woman are unearthed in the rolling vineyards of Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills, Detective Thomas Austin is pulled into a case with eerie echoes of the past. The land belongs to one of the region’s most prestigious wineries, and the discovery threatens to shake the industry to its core.
Who was she? Why was she murdered? And who buried her beneath the twisting vines of Cabernet Sauvignon?
At the same time, across the Puget Sound, a woman vanishes after boarding a cruise ship heading north from Seattle. No sign of struggle. No witnesses. Just an empty seat and a name on the manifest.
Two cases. No connection.
Until Thomas Austin finds one.
From the misty shores of Kitsap County to the sunbaked hills of wine country, Austin chases a truth that refuses to stay buried. Each answer leads to another question. Each secret comes with a warning.
Some things were never meant to be uncovered.
And someone is watching to make sure they stay that way.
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
Book 12: The Bodies on Horse Heaven Hill
When the skeletal remains of a long-missing woman are unearthed in the rolling vineyards of Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills, Detective Thomas Austin is pulled into a case with eerie echoes of the past. The land belongs to one of the region’s most prestigious wineries, and the discovery threatens to shake the industry to its core.
Who was she? Why was she murdered? And who buried her beneath the twisting vines of Cabernet Sauvignon?
At the same time, across the Puget Sound, a woman vanishes after boarding a cruise ship heading north from Seattle. No sign of struggle. No witnesses. Just an empty seat and a name on the manifest.
Two cases. No connection.
Until Thomas Austin finds one.
From the misty shores of Kitsap County to the sunbaked hills of wine country, Austin chases a truth that refuses to stay buried. Each answer leads to another question. Each secret comes with a warning.
Some things were never meant to be uncovered.
And someone is watching to make sure they stay that way.
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
Book 12: The Bodies on Horse Heaven Hill
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2025
546 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 14, 2026
Loved it! Perfect ending to a geat series. Thank you Mr. Black for many hours of enjoyable reading.
January 21, 2026
Interesting and well-written story
Characters and conversations are great. The team melds nicely. Quirky Run and Ralph stories. Yes, they should marry. Good references to the Seattle area and its sports teams. One star was removed due to inaccurate medical conditions and terminology. All-in-all, a good addition to the series. Definitely want the series to continue.
Characters and conversations are great. The team melds nicely. Quirky Run and Ralph stories. Yes, they should marry. Good references to the Seattle area and its sports teams. One star was removed due to inaccurate medical conditions and terminology. All-in-all, a good addition to the series. Definitely want the series to continue.
December 25, 2025
I’m a huge Thomas Austin fan and I truly enjoy seeing the progression of all the characters develop through the books. When I read the newer books it makes me recall the tragedies Thomas had to endure and how he had to recover both physically and mentally. It solidifies why the “Hansville Cafe, General Store and Bait Shop” is so important to Thomas. It was his solace when he lost his wife, a new beginning and where he’s asked Sy to be part of his life.
While visiting wedding venues in the vineyard rich Horse Heavens Hills, Thomas interest is piqued when they witness a crime scene at the venue! Which propels Thomas into a struggle of responsibility towards his pregnant girlfriend Sy and his duty to solve a crime and save victims.
He unearths evidence of a huge complex, international trafficking organization steeped in violent coercion and run by a criminal mastermind.
The book details the struggle between duty and responsibility and even though he agreed to sell the cafe to have more time with Sy and the new baby… he struggles to let go of the cafe!
I enjoy the procedural part of the investigation and the twist and turns of unraveling a very sophisticated criminal enterprise. The dilemma of wants and needs and the desire to bring order to chaos.
I’ve become so accustomed to Thomas Austin that I’m not sure I want to try some of D D Blacks other crime series. I felt that way about Joe Picket and Corcoran O’ Connor.
I’ve enjoyed the whole series and hope “The Ending at Elliott Bay” is not the last of Thomas Austin.
Recommended to those who enjoy a good mystery and Police Procedure.
I understand D D has had some personal life challenges which makes me all that more appreciative of his dedication.
Thank you D D.
While visiting wedding venues in the vineyard rich Horse Heavens Hills, Thomas interest is piqued when they witness a crime scene at the venue! Which propels Thomas into a struggle of responsibility towards his pregnant girlfriend Sy and his duty to solve a crime and save victims.
He unearths evidence of a huge complex, international trafficking organization steeped in violent coercion and run by a criminal mastermind.
The book details the struggle between duty and responsibility and even though he agreed to sell the cafe to have more time with Sy and the new baby… he struggles to let go of the cafe!
I enjoy the procedural part of the investigation and the twist and turns of unraveling a very sophisticated criminal enterprise. The dilemma of wants and needs and the desire to bring order to chaos.
I’ve become so accustomed to Thomas Austin that I’m not sure I want to try some of D D Blacks other crime series. I felt that way about Joe Picket and Corcoran O’ Connor.
I’ve enjoyed the whole series and hope “The Ending at Elliott Bay” is not the last of Thomas Austin.
Recommended to those who enjoy a good mystery and Police Procedure.
I understand D D has had some personal life challenges which makes me all that more appreciative of his dedication.
Thank you D D.
December 22, 2025
Bad ending
Who would pay for improvement changes to any building before they took title? Very poor ending to a very good book.
Who would pay for improvement changes to any building before they took title? Very poor ending to a very good book.
February 10, 2026
More than expected
A truly enjoyable read. What starts as a discovery of bones at a winery leads to an investigation that began 20 years ago. Austin and Sy in search of a wedding venue, tour the Winery at Horse Haven Hill. Multiple burial sites are found. Austin offers his services as a detective to help the local authorities and it soon spirals into and multi agency investigation that is darker than expected and involves overseas rescue. I hope there are many more books in this series.
A truly enjoyable read. What starts as a discovery of bones at a winery leads to an investigation that began 20 years ago. Austin and Sy in search of a wedding venue, tour the Winery at Horse Haven Hill. Multiple burial sites are found. Austin offers his services as a detective to help the local authorities and it soon spirals into and multi agency investigation that is darker than expected and involves overseas rescue. I hope there are many more books in this series.
December 16, 2025
A Wowzer!
There are no coincidences. Thomas Austin’s personal life coincides with the discovery of a dead body while touring a winery to host his upcoming wedding to Sy. Of course, his curiosity is peaked and he is drawn into what becomes a multi-layered investigation and over-seas rescue. Which raises the question: Can he ever walk away from the work he instinctively likes doing?
I love the fact that we get to observe how Thomas and Sy process their relationship and soon to be parenthood while the investigation encompasses much time apart from each other. While this is apparent, the discovery of more bodies and crimes that spanned over twenty years continues to engage the reader and escalate the intrigue with each new chapter. I just couldn’t stop reading.
Then, too, while Thomas’s head is wrapped around the investigation, he needs to decide whether to sell the heart and soul of his life – his café and bait shop along with all of his fond memories. How will the couple navigate through all of this and how will it turn out in the end? Well, you will have to read this book. One that is very well written and very entertaining for mystery lovers who prefer depth of character, as well. I’ve followed this series from the beginning and I have never been disappointed. I certainly hope that it doesn’t end here, despite the conclusion (be surprised!) … I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to read and offer my honest and voluntary review.
There are no coincidences. Thomas Austin’s personal life coincides with the discovery of a dead body while touring a winery to host his upcoming wedding to Sy. Of course, his curiosity is peaked and he is drawn into what becomes a multi-layered investigation and over-seas rescue. Which raises the question: Can he ever walk away from the work he instinctively likes doing?
I love the fact that we get to observe how Thomas and Sy process their relationship and soon to be parenthood while the investigation encompasses much time apart from each other. While this is apparent, the discovery of more bodies and crimes that spanned over twenty years continues to engage the reader and escalate the intrigue with each new chapter. I just couldn’t stop reading.
Then, too, while Thomas’s head is wrapped around the investigation, he needs to decide whether to sell the heart and soul of his life – his café and bait shop along with all of his fond memories. How will the couple navigate through all of this and how will it turn out in the end? Well, you will have to read this book. One that is very well written and very entertaining for mystery lovers who prefer depth of character, as well. I’ve followed this series from the beginning and I have never been disappointed. I certainly hope that it doesn’t end here, despite the conclusion (be surprised!) … I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to read and offer my honest and voluntary review.
December 6, 2025
Series protagonist Detective Thomas Austin is touring Western Washington wineries with his fiancée to decide on a venue for their wedding, but instead of sticking to the project Austin is pulled into a gruesome discovery of bones that leads to a mystery of disappeared women both in the past and the present.
The scenes pulled me in, the writing is smooth, the story a tense elastic weave of dread that drapes over what should have been a carefree wine-country tour. The plot eerily echoes contemporary news stories, and cracking the case is wonderfully satisfying.
I love the really good writing in this series and always learn something from the books, this time a catchphrase "professional sanitization." And the clue that leads to opening it all up is from a clever discovery that is delightful!
After twelve riveting mysteries, is the series about to close? I hope not, but if it is, going back to the beginning and reading again is an enticing project!
psst: My favorite is #3 The Fallen of Foulweather Bluff … so I'd start there!
The scenes pulled me in, the writing is smooth, the story a tense elastic weave of dread that drapes over what should have been a carefree wine-country tour. The plot eerily echoes contemporary news stories, and cracking the case is wonderfully satisfying.
I love the really good writing in this series and always learn something from the books, this time a catchphrase "professional sanitization." And the clue that leads to opening it all up is from a clever discovery that is delightful!
After twelve riveting mysteries, is the series about to close? I hope not, but if it is, going back to the beginning and reading again is an enticing project!
psst: My favorite is #3 The Fallen of Foulweather Bluff … so I'd start there!
January 10, 2026
Det Thomas Austin & fiancee Sy are in wine country looking at venues. They arrive to police, forensics and a dig. As they tour the facility, he can't help himself, he's got to find out what's happening which of course gets him involved identifying bones & looking for the murderer. Subsequently, more bodies are found in the vineyard and surrounding area, the FBI gets involved and there's a missing person from his own county that he's involved in long distance.
All this leads to human trafficking, numerous suspects all leading to the kingpin and some foreign travel. The storyline is ok, suspects identified one after the other without much of a mystery -just a police type procedural narrative.
There is another in the series but the author hints it may be the last of this series-not definite yet. About a 3.25 for me.
All this leads to human trafficking, numerous suspects all leading to the kingpin and some foreign travel. The storyline is ok, suspects identified one after the other without much of a mystery -just a police type procedural narrative.
There is another in the series but the author hints it may be the last of this series-not definite yet. About a 3.25 for me.
January 31, 2026
As an avid fan of DD black & this series, it pains me to give 3 not 4 stars.
I was very distracted by the either errors or inconsistencies.
Is it so & so’s wife or sister-in-law setting the table.
How can you leave a letter & diary notation at home about an evening you disappear from
If you are 36 but the incident happened 20 years ago. How did it happen when you were 19?
Whose mansion was it in Al-Rashad ? Is subject A as stated
Or Subject B who happens to show up at the wrong time & then has to get on his knees in his own driveway ?
I had to keep going back to see if I read something wrong that was very distracting from the story
I intentionally left out names to not make this a real spoiler for anyone
Lastly wasn’t Sy in Ncis ? She suddenly acts like she knows nothing about his life and what’s important to him. Why is She’s trying to change him
I was very distracted by the either errors or inconsistencies.
Is it so & so’s wife or sister-in-law setting the table.
How can you leave a letter & diary notation at home about an evening you disappear from
If you are 36 but the incident happened 20 years ago. How did it happen when you were 19?
Whose mansion was it in Al-Rashad ? Is subject A as stated
Or Subject B who happens to show up at the wrong time & then has to get on his knees in his own driveway ?
I had to keep going back to see if I read something wrong that was very distracting from the story
I intentionally left out names to not make this a real spoiler for anyone
Lastly wasn’t Sy in Ncis ? She suddenly acts like she knows nothing about his life and what’s important to him. Why is She’s trying to change him
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2025
I’d been waiting forever for this one to land, and then in the epilogue I learned DD Black had been dealing with family losses and serious illness. I felt like a bit of a chump for being impatient — and maybe I was.
But the wait turned out to be worth it. I also learned another adventure is on the horizon… though who knows when, and I guess I’ll just have to practice patience. All my favorite characters are back, tangled up with wineries, dead bodies, and a hunt for the missing. It was intriguing, layered, and the final scenes gave me satisfaction and eagerness for another installment..
But the wait turned out to be worth it. I also learned another adventure is on the horizon… though who knows when, and I guess I’ll just have to practice patience. All my favorite characters are back, tangled up with wineries, dead bodies, and a hunt for the missing. It was intriguing, layered, and the final scenes gave me satisfaction and eagerness for another installment..
December 26, 2025
just perfect
The right amount of action, mystery, humor, romance and dogs (did I mention the dog?) This whole series is terrific and it helps that I am from the PNW- but that’s just icing on the cake to read about Vashon Island where I went to Camp one summer or Laurelhurst Elementary where I went to second grade. I don’t do plot summaries because I can’t do just to the author’s masterpiece so you must start at book one and read them in order to get the full effect of this wonderful story.
The right amount of action, mystery, humor, romance and dogs (did I mention the dog?) This whole series is terrific and it helps that I am from the PNW- but that’s just icing on the cake to read about Vashon Island where I went to Camp one summer or Laurelhurst Elementary where I went to second grade. I don’t do plot summaries because I can’t do just to the author’s masterpiece so you must start at book one and read them in order to get the full effect of this wonderful story.
January 14, 2026
Awesome reading
Again, I could not put this book down. It adventurous, loved how the story intertwined with Austin‘s private life. I was so mad that he had put the café up for sale, but wait for a surprise. DD Black is one of my favorite authors that I found just a few months ago and have been reading constantly his stories. You can sit down and forget the time in your place because they’re that good keep on writing
DD black even though I have to wait until next May to get the next series.🤣🤣🤣
Again, I could not put this book down. It adventurous, loved how the story intertwined with Austin‘s private life. I was so mad that he had put the café up for sale, but wait for a surprise. DD Black is one of my favorite authors that I found just a few months ago and have been reading constantly his stories. You can sit down and forget the time in your place because they’re that good keep on writing
DD black even though I have to wait until next May to get the next series.🤣🤣🤣
February 7, 2026
Crime and cativation
D.D. Black captures the essence of the cativation of the PNW, as well as the compelling characteristics of those who choose to fight for justice within the law enforcement community in this series. The series also portrays the deeply felt camaraderie of those who stand together with their fellow officers as well as the difficulties of work/life balance and the joy of relationships, including those of the canine variety so wonderfully described. I highly recommend all of D.D.Black's books and especially enjoyed this series.
D.D. Black captures the essence of the cativation of the PNW, as well as the compelling characteristics of those who choose to fight for justice within the law enforcement community in this series. The series also portrays the deeply felt camaraderie of those who stand together with their fellow officers as well as the difficulties of work/life balance and the joy of relationships, including those of the canine variety so wonderfully described. I highly recommend all of D.D.Black's books and especially enjoyed this series.
December 5, 2025
This was worth the wait, another great addition to the Thomas Austin crime series. I am curious where this story will go next, left a lot of open options for the next book. As always the plot is engaging and has a few unexpected twists. Most of the important loose threads tied up in a satisfactory manner. Looking forward to reading more in this series and of course looking forward to the next S.W.O.R.D book, another great series by this author.
December 17, 2025
Have been hooked on this series since I started it last year, and I read this latest one in just a day! Thomas and Sy have gone to Washington wine country in search of a wedding venue, but they find a lot more. Dead bodies of missing women are found nearby and Thomas gets pulled into the investigation. What he finds is a 20-year old case of missing women, and as more clues appear, it’s likely a human trafficking case gone wrong. Exciting from start to finish!
December 6, 2025
excellent
Austin gets pulled into a murder investigation when human bones are discovered in a winery. But this investigation goes beyond anything Austin has ever investigated before, taking him to the Middle East. Changes are coming though, perhaps a change in his career. Good story, good writing.
Austin gets pulled into a murder investigation when human bones are discovered in a winery. But this investigation goes beyond anything Austin has ever investigated before, taking him to the Middle East. Changes are coming though, perhaps a change in his career. Good story, good writing.
January 29, 2026
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
★★★★¼: I thought this was an intriguing story, something different than normal - but in a good way.
I marked it down due to some unbelievable plot points...but good story overall.
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
★★★★¼: I thought this was an intriguing story, something different than normal - but in a good way.
I marked it down due to some unbelievable plot points...but good story overall.
December 9, 2025
Heading home
Although this is an amazing book with enough adventure, chills and thrills to fill the entire time to read, it also became a story for me about coming home and what that means. I loved every minute of this book.
Although this is an amazing book with enough adventure, chills and thrills to fill the entire time to read, it also became a story for me about coming home and what that means. I loved every minute of this book.
December 11, 2025
What can I say...
..That hasn't already been said time after time. Sinking into a Thomas Austin book is like taking a vacation from life. The stories capture the reader and places them right in the middle of everything.
..That hasn't already been said time after time. Sinking into a Thomas Austin book is like taking a vacation from life. The stories capture the reader and places them right in the middle of everything.
December 13, 2025
This is book twelve in the Thomas Austin series. When bones are uncovered at a winery at Horse Heaven Hill, Detective Austin is pulled into the case. Lots of drama and mystery. A thrilling read.
December 14, 2025
I'm glad I got some more Claire Anderson cameos. I loved that Sy understood what being a team meant in the end. I love Austin's battle with the business and the badge. I also loved the mentions of Kendall and Ralph. Chapter 24 was my favorite, and the book just sped up from there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2025
Absolutely Wonderful!
Just as promised…. Another FANTASTIC read! I live just below the horse heaven hills and I couldn’t wait to read this book!! I was NOT disappointed! What an amazing adventure! Loved every bit of this book! I can’t wait for the next book!
Just as promised…. Another FANTASTIC read! I live just below the horse heaven hills and I couldn’t wait to read this book!! I was NOT disappointed! What an amazing adventure! Loved every bit of this book! I can’t wait for the next book!
December 27, 2025
The best one so far
This series has been a joy to read. They get better with each one. I am overjoyed that this is not the last one. The characters stay with you long after the book is finished.
This series has been a joy to read. They get better with each one. I am overjoyed that this is not the last one. The characters stay with you long after the book is finished.
January 4, 2026
Thomas Austin Crime Thriller
These characters are memorable. The background and the way the story is told is smooth. I enjoy that the bad language is minimal. Please Mr. Black keep writing these books.
These characters are memorable. The background and the way the story is told is smooth. I enjoy that the bad language is minimal. Please Mr. Black keep writing these books.
January 9, 2026
Never disappointed
Loved this book as much as all the others! The twist to the Middle East was great, added to the suspense. I always love a happy ending so, all in all, I’ll sleep well tonight!! Looking forward to #13! I’m considering a corgie btw!!
Loved this book as much as all the others! The twist to the Middle East was great, added to the suspense. I always love a happy ending so, all in all, I’ll sleep well tonight!! Looking forward to #13! I’m considering a corgie btw!!
February 11, 2026
Excellent!
This was a frightening mystery. Solving the disappearances seemed impossible. It was a great story. Enjoyable reading. I am glad that they didn't sell the business. I like their relationship.
This was a frightening mystery. Solving the disappearances seemed impossible. It was a great story. Enjoyable reading. I am glad that they didn't sell the business. I like their relationship.
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December 6, 2025Incredible book!!!
D.D. Black knocked it out of the park once again! Never a dull moment in his books, and I'm always sad to finish! Want the story to keep going!
D.D. Black knocked it out of the park once again! Never a dull moment in his books, and I'm always sad to finish! Want the story to keep going!
December 8, 2025
Right up there with my favorite Tom Austin of all.
December 8, 2025
This was not the best Dd Black book. Seemed rushed and the story a bit to unrealistic
December 12, 2025
another great one,
Thank you for another great read. I love reading a series, the characters feel like old friends, and your story lines are always exciting.
Thank you for another great read. I love reading a series, the characters feel like old friends, and your story lines are always exciting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews