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Whispers at Midnight
Some mysteries aren't solved—they're survived.
A key witness in a high-profile federal case vanishes from a government safehouse just hours before testifying, leaving behind no sign of forced entry, no clear escape route, and only one cryptic word scrawled across a
Midnight.
FBI Agent Claire Anderson is tasked with investigating the disappearance off the books. The press can’t find out. The Bureau can’t afford a scandal. And her team—S.W.O.R.D., the Special-Washington-Oregon-Regional-Detachment—has just days to uncover what really happened before the entire case unravels.
Meanwhile, Claire must navigate growing tension inside her own unit, where blurred lines and hidden relationships threaten to erode the trust they need to survive what’s coming.
As the trail leads to a powerful surveillance technology firm, the clues grow darker and the pressure more intense. The silence surrounding the witness starts to feel carefully constructed.
What was the witness about to expose?
What is Midnight?
And how deep does the deception go?
Series
Book 1: The Fifth Victim
Book 2: We Forget Nothing
Book 3: Widows of Medina
Book 4: Beneath Hemlock Skies
Book 5: Whispers at Midnight
A key witness in a high-profile federal case vanishes from a government safehouse just hours before testifying, leaving behind no sign of forced entry, no clear escape route, and only one cryptic word scrawled across a
Midnight.
FBI Agent Claire Anderson is tasked with investigating the disappearance off the books. The press can’t find out. The Bureau can’t afford a scandal. And her team—S.W.O.R.D., the Special-Washington-Oregon-Regional-Detachment—has just days to uncover what really happened before the entire case unravels.
Meanwhile, Claire must navigate growing tension inside her own unit, where blurred lines and hidden relationships threaten to erode the trust they need to survive what’s coming.
As the trail leads to a powerful surveillance technology firm, the clues grow darker and the pressure more intense. The silence surrounding the witness starts to feel carefully constructed.
What was the witness about to expose?
What is Midnight?
And how deep does the deception go?
Series
Book 1: The Fifth Victim
Book 2: We Forget Nothing
Book 3: Widows of Medina
Book 4: Beneath Hemlock Skies
Book 5: Whispers at Midnight
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2026
About the author
D.D. Black
28 books655 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 60 reviews
June 30, 2026
So good!!
Whisper at Midnight is another outstanding installment in D. D. Black’s Thomas Austin Crime Thriller series. Every book has raised the bar, and this one is no exception. By now, these characters feel like old friends, and I looked forward to every new investigation they tackle.
One of the series’ greatest strengths is its exceptional cast. Each character brings intelligence, depth, and a unique perspective to the case, making even the most complicated investigations fascinating to follow. Their teamwork and dedication keep the story engaging!
The mystery is memorable, with plenty of suspense, steady pacing, and enough twists to keep me guessing. The ending delivered an unexpected surprise that was both satisfying and memorable. I do love me a good twist!
I highly recommend reading this series in order. Watching all the characters develop alongside the increasingly complex cases made the experience even more rewarding.
Another five-star winner from D. D. Black.
Recommended to read in order.
5 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Whisper at Midnight is another outstanding installment in D. D. Black’s Thomas Austin Crime Thriller series. Every book has raised the bar, and this one is no exception. By now, these characters feel like old friends, and I looked forward to every new investigation they tackle.
One of the series’ greatest strengths is its exceptional cast. Each character brings intelligence, depth, and a unique perspective to the case, making even the most complicated investigations fascinating to follow. Their teamwork and dedication keep the story engaging!
The mystery is memorable, with plenty of suspense, steady pacing, and enough twists to keep me guessing. The ending delivered an unexpected surprise that was both satisfying and memorable. I do love me a good twist!
I highly recommend reading this series in order. Watching all the characters develop alongside the increasingly complex cases made the experience even more rewarding.
Another five-star winner from D. D. Black.
Recommended to read in order.
5 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 23, 2026
Better and worse
This book has some continuity inconsistencies from previous books i.e. Jack was seriously injured in the previous book but a mere two weeks later its as though it never happened. Diego Vega supposedly died in a car bombing in a parking lot in San Diego hours before he was due to meet Claire, yet we were told it was at least 2 days prior, outside his residence, shortly after their last conversation two books ago.
The real problem is still the procedural inaccuracies. They are FBI, they have national wide jurisdiction, regardless of what state, town, or county they’re in. If you have a federal team as your protagonists, you’d better have done your research and make it accurate. This is an issue that has been consistent throughout this series and it’s frankly ridiculous. Anyone with even cursory knowledge of the FBI knows they can legally go anywhere within the US, and are not beholden to any state or city officials.
The fact it took them so long to even think of checking for bugs in their space is laughable. That was my immediate thought in the previous book where leaks were occurring and again in this one pretty much instantly. Anyone with ANY training, or who’d ever watched a spy movie, should’ve picked this up. It’s standard procedure for FBI offices to be swept for bugs regularly.
HOWEVER, the plot was so interesting and quite timely. And the plot twist, while predictable was very good and could certainly lead to very interesting things for the team.
This book has some continuity inconsistencies from previous books i.e. Jack was seriously injured in the previous book but a mere two weeks later its as though it never happened. Diego Vega supposedly died in a car bombing in a parking lot in San Diego hours before he was due to meet Claire, yet we were told it was at least 2 days prior, outside his residence, shortly after their last conversation two books ago.
The real problem is still the procedural inaccuracies. They are FBI, they have national wide jurisdiction, regardless of what state, town, or county they’re in. If you have a federal team as your protagonists, you’d better have done your research and make it accurate. This is an issue that has been consistent throughout this series and it’s frankly ridiculous. Anyone with even cursory knowledge of the FBI knows they can legally go anywhere within the US, and are not beholden to any state or city officials.
The fact it took them so long to even think of checking for bugs in their space is laughable. That was my immediate thought in the previous book where leaks were occurring and again in this one pretty much instantly. Anyone with ANY training, or who’d ever watched a spy movie, should’ve picked this up. It’s standard procedure for FBI offices to be swept for bugs regularly.
HOWEVER, the plot was so interesting and quite timely. And the plot twist, while predictable was very good and could certainly lead to very interesting things for the team.
July 21, 2026
Developing more and more as author
Very much enjoying the SWORD series. The interconnectiveness of the team as they fight for justice gets more complicated with generational conspiracy. Very much a page turner.
Very much enjoying the SWORD series. The interconnectiveness of the team as they fight for justice gets more complicated with generational conspiracy. Very much a page turner.
May 25, 2026
I read this in audio but no audio edition is listed and since we are no longer allowed to add an edition, I went with the one that appears when you search for the book.
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.
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.
February 18, 2026
Fantastic…What more can I say?
I have read and reviewed so many of D.D. Black’s books that I am at a loss for words. I’ve always had a lot of positives to say. He is one of my favorite writers. The plots are well constructed and keep me entertained and glued to the page. I love his characters and getting to know them throughout the series.
But what makes this book different?
It’s a real wake-up call – not a conspiracy theory. It makes you think about the world we all have been living in and what it takes to change it for the better. So much has continued to go on in the shadows that is unrighteous and corrupt, dare I say, evil, that affects us all in one way or another. This story sheds light on just one aspect that is extremely thought provoking – who and what are we really? Where do our ideas, aspirations and traits come from?
I really liked the psychological perspective that D.D. Black reveals in this writing and the unexpected conclusion that will lead to more intriguing novels to come…I greatly appreciate that I had the opportunity to read and review Whispers at Midnight and offer my honest and voluntary review.
I have read and reviewed so many of D.D. Black’s books that I am at a loss for words. I’ve always had a lot of positives to say. He is one of my favorite writers. The plots are well constructed and keep me entertained and glued to the page. I love his characters and getting to know them throughout the series.
But what makes this book different?
It’s a real wake-up call – not a conspiracy theory. It makes you think about the world we all have been living in and what it takes to change it for the better. So much has continued to go on in the shadows that is unrighteous and corrupt, dare I say, evil, that affects us all in one way or another. This story sheds light on just one aspect that is extremely thought provoking – who and what are we really? Where do our ideas, aspirations and traits come from?
I really liked the psychological perspective that D.D. Black reveals in this writing and the unexpected conclusion that will lead to more intriguing novels to come…I greatly appreciate that I had the opportunity to read and review Whispers at Midnight and offer my honest and voluntary review.
February 13, 2026
An investigation by an FBI team I'd love to meet, an investigation of a missing federal witness, told me right away that everything is serious about this book. Finding out the depths of "witness to what" by Dr. Elaine Mercer drove the story as much as the chase to find her. The book is so well written, drew me in so completely, that I turned pages as revelations of the evil deeds came along without keeping track of the bad guy's motivation. Calls for a re-read!
The personal team dynamics are special to this series and a huge part of what keeps drawing me back to it.
The path to solving the plot trigger, the disappearance of a federal witness, has big scary bumps, and the story is unforgettable for me so far. That the writing is smooth and masterful only adds to the kudos for the book and the series. Tour de force!
The personal team dynamics are special to this series and a huge part of what keeps drawing me back to it.
The path to solving the plot trigger, the disappearance of a federal witness, has big scary bumps, and the story is unforgettable for me so far. That the writing is smooth and masterful only adds to the kudos for the book and the series. Tour de force!
February 22, 2026
Mixed feelings
This was a good story. And good continuation of the development of the characters. But I didn’t want to read it. When it became clear what the was about - I wanted to put it away. But I read it for the characters…I’m invested in their stories.
But it made me heartsick - just like the revelations made daily about how sick and depraved the entire Epstein global corruption is. The belief that the very lives of other people are theirs to manipulate and control that the obscenely wealthy feel they are entitled to is devastating. I would rather have had an escape from that.
This was a good story. And good continuation of the development of the characters. But I didn’t want to read it. When it became clear what the was about - I wanted to put it away. But I read it for the characters…I’m invested in their stories.
But it made me heartsick - just like the revelations made daily about how sick and depraved the entire Epstein global corruption is. The belief that the very lives of other people are theirs to manipulate and control that the obscenely wealthy feel they are entitled to is devastating. I would rather have had an escape from that.
February 12, 2026
This book was worth the wait, everything I expected and more. I had to read it immediately once released and downloaded on my Kindle. The characters have become more well developed and added to the plot. The plot went in directions I didn't see coming and the ending was a total surprised. Can't wait for the next in this series to be released. DD Back has been added to my list of favorite mystery writers, his writing styles draws you into the story and makes you feel you have actually lived the plot.
February 12, 2026
Programming
A witness disappears from a Federal protection safe house. S.W.O.R.D a special FBI task force becomes involved in the search for the missing witness. Claire Anderson and her team undercover crimes that have been decades in the making and involve manipulating the minds of young children to serve a purpose for a later date and specific placement with various organizations. With everything going against them and roadblocks at every turn, the Team fights for justice. The Whispers at Midnight is a great read with layers, complexity and awesome plot.
A witness disappears from a Federal protection safe house. S.W.O.R.D a special FBI task force becomes involved in the search for the missing witness. Claire Anderson and her team undercover crimes that have been decades in the making and involve manipulating the minds of young children to serve a purpose for a later date and specific placement with various organizations. With everything going against them and roadblocks at every turn, the Team fights for justice. The Whispers at Midnight is a great read with layers, complexity and awesome plot.
February 13, 2026
All of D.D. Black’s books are enjoyable, easy reads. This new one included. I didn’t find any surprises or twists to make this story remarkable, so I gave it a 4 because I enjoyed the read and didn’t miss any complications. Cozy-detective books have worth, if only to shut out the political b.s. working to torment the world order into ignoring democracy and scientific truth.
So, thanks, D.D., for a few hours of peace where the good guys win, and characters analyze the validity of their own actions.
So, thanks, D.D., for a few hours of peace where the good guys win, and characters analyze the validity of their own actions.
February 12, 2026
I am a huge DD Black fan and this book was so amazing I read it in a day! SWORD has been tasked with finding out where a key witness in a high profile case has gone. She disappeared from a safe house and left a word clue “midnight” written in the windowpane. Their case takes them across the country and what they discover is frightening in its scope. It will take all of their abilities to solve this case!
February 15, 2026
Loved diving back into this world with this investigative team. The case included mind control, years-long experimentation, children as test subjects, and a few twists that add so much to the story and the tension. I especially love that it takes place in WA State, so I’m familiar with the locations and landscape; adds to my enjoyment of the story. I blew through this one and can’t wait for more!
February 16, 2026
Another strong story by DD Black about the S.W.O.R.D. task force.
A fascinating story line that is scary and believable. What the rich and powerful will do is mind blowing.
This is the 5th in the series and the characters continue to grow and evolve as they should. Interesting characters with good dialogue and some humor. Even Ranger gets some added story lines which is fun.
A good read. Enjoyable.
A fascinating story line that is scary and believable. What the rich and powerful will do is mind blowing.
This is the 5th in the series and the characters continue to grow and evolve as they should. Interesting characters with good dialogue and some humor. Even Ranger gets some added story lines which is fun.
A good read. Enjoyable.
February 19, 2026
Fast-paced, tense, a race against time & it's running out. Claire and her team are given an impossible task to locate a missing federal witness that left a safe house in the forest and vanished. One obstacle after another are thrown in their path and the S.W.O.R.D. department is threatened with closure, permanently! This is the absolute BEST S.W.O.R.D. novel yet. I can't wait for the next installment and am looking forward to seeing some romance along with the intrigue
February 20, 2026
captivating read !
I love the next edition to the S.W.O.R.D series! I read every day and D.D. Black is by far one of my very favorite authors, I always get his books as soon as they are available and highly recommend them to anyone who enjoys these genres. This book is definitely hard to put down, I love what’s going on with the characters in this particular book so much! 5+ Stars !!
I love the next edition to the S.W.O.R.D series! I read every day and D.D. Black is by far one of my very favorite authors, I always get his books as soon as they are available and highly recommend them to anyone who enjoys these genres. This book is definitely hard to put down, I love what’s going on with the characters in this particular book so much! 5+ Stars !!
February 24, 2026
Could it be real?
First another great book by one of my top authors. Exciting, interesting, mesmerizing and hard to believe intrigue. Yet when you've come to the end of this book you might sit back and subconsciously wonder could a program such as this actually be in use today. In our world of all the evilness, deceit, and manipulation could there be a secret program for all of it, put in place years ago. Intriguing?
First another great book by one of my top authors. Exciting, interesting, mesmerizing and hard to believe intrigue. Yet when you've come to the end of this book you might sit back and subconsciously wonder could a program such as this actually be in use today. In our world of all the evilness, deceit, and manipulation could there be a secret program for all of it, put in place years ago. Intriguing?
March 16, 2026
I really enjoy this series. It would be nice though if the author would include last names of people, particularly when they are established character, when they first appear in the book. There may be people reading the book for the first time. Not everyone reads books in sequence. I also think that when introducing an agent to someone that they should be introduced as Agent Greene as oppose to this is Kiko from the FBI.
Read
May 28, 2026I’ve listened to all of DD Black’s books and really enjoy the super easy and quick listens. I don’t give them star ratings cause they are just easy stories that I can multitask with and enjoy. They could easily be a three or five star as they are not earth shattering that leave me thinking deeply, but I find myself wanting to keep listening until they’re completed. And I am looking forward to another in the series.
July 21, 2026
This series has become entertaining without much substance. This book is not the typical case SWORD takes on. This time they investigate a secret program that is has mind controlled a bunch of kids and have sleeper cells everywhere. This is a deep dark high up government conspiracy. Some parts were boring but for the most part keeps moving. The dialogue has gotten better. These are getting better.
August 5, 2026
very fascinating story
I really enjoyed this book. Explored more of the relationships of the SWORD staff including the staff bonding with team dog Ranger. The premise of the book was about mind control practices. They starting with exceptional children at the tender age of 8 to 10 and instilled mind control triggers that surfaced later in life. Produced many dissociative features seen in adult years. Gave me a lot to thing about and good news is Book 6 comes out this month !!
I really enjoyed this book. Explored more of the relationships of the SWORD staff including the staff bonding with team dog Ranger. The premise of the book was about mind control practices. They starting with exceptional children at the tender age of 8 to 10 and instilled mind control triggers that surfaced later in life. Produced many dissociative features seen in adult years. Gave me a lot to thing about and good news is Book 6 comes out this month !!
February 18, 2026
This was the best S.W.O.R.D. Book, yet. It had the pacing of a book like the DaVinci code where you are against the clock looking for obscure clues when you have very little to go on. I really could not put this book down and finished up around 4:30am. It’s very fast paced and it was nice to see Ranger come into his own.
February 23, 2026
Highly recommed
Well thought out. Well written story. Complex and interesting main characters. Plus, the author knows dogs - he selected a bloodhound as a tracker dog. It is the little things that make a good story come alive. Not necessary, but I recommend starting with one of the early books.
Well thought out. Well written story. Complex and interesting main characters. Plus, the author knows dogs - he selected a bloodhound as a tracker dog. It is the little things that make a good story come alive. Not necessary, but I recommend starting with one of the early books.
February 26, 2026
New Findings
The story didn't grab my attention right away, not what I expected with S.W.O.R.D. The questions were not all answered, didn't understand why this happened to so many people, was something also installed in their brains, but I continued to read. The ending grabbed me and I'm ready for the next story.
The story didn't grab my attention right away, not what I expected with S.W.O.R.D. The questions were not all answered, didn't understand why this happened to so many people, was something also installed in their brains, but I continued to read. The ending grabbed me and I'm ready for the next story.
May 26, 2026
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
★★★★¼: Enjoyed it quite a bit. I found the plot real intriguing, unique and definitely something that could happen or be happening now!
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
★★★★¼: Enjoyed it quite a bit. I found the plot real intriguing, unique and definitely something that could happen or be happening now!
August 2, 2026
unspeakably good
Mr. Black writes a compelling story and like all good authors, his work defies an competent summarization by me so you simply must read it to find out how good it is. Start with book one of this series and book one of his stunningly good Thomas Austin crime thriller series.
Mr. Black writes a compelling story and like all good authors, his work defies an competent summarization by me so you simply must read it to find out how good it is. Start with book one of this series and book one of his stunningly good Thomas Austin crime thriller series.
February 19, 2026
Wow! Just wow!
This has got to be the best book of the FBI SWORDS series. Very much worth the wait! DD Black produced an inhibited tactful story using such in-depth knowledge! No amount of words can give this justice! Just incredible!
This has got to be the best book of the FBI SWORDS series. Very much worth the wait! DD Black produced an inhibited tactful story using such in-depth knowledge! No amount of words can give this justice! Just incredible!
February 20, 2026
Whispers at Midnight
Can't find the copyright, but I started this book to escape what is currently going on in our country. Unfortunately, I kept finding parallels to the real realities of our lives today. I read it in one day, enjoyed it, but it was no escape.
Can't find the copyright, but I started this book to escape what is currently going on in our country. Unfortunately, I kept finding parallels to the real realities of our lives today. I read it in one day, enjoyed it, but it was no escape.
February 20, 2026
This was a great book! Having lived in the Seattle area for most of my life, it’s fun to read about places I’ve been to. Can wait for the next book on Claire’s group and how she deals with her history.
March 11, 2026
not my favourite S.W.O.R.D book, took a bit longer for the story to develop but the last bit was WOW.
As usual the characters were well written , from the main characters to the side one, I am enjoying Claire and Fitz. The plot was very very interesting and intriguing but something about this one just didn't click like the others for me.
Overall a good installment
As usual the characters were well written , from the main characters to the side one, I am enjoying Claire and Fitz. The plot was very very interesting and intriguing but something about this one just didn't click like the others for me.
Overall a good installment
March 13, 2026
Excellent book! I have read the entire series so far, and each one keeps me interested and wanting to read ‘just one more chapter’. This one ends with a mystery that will be continued in the next, I can’t wait!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews