Thomas Austin has three weeks until his daughter is born. Three weeks to finish the nursery, keep the peace at home, and finally put the badge away for good.
Then a priest is found murdered inside a confessional at St. Thomas Cathedral overlooking Elliott Bay. His throat has been cut and a decades-old NYPD case file placed beside the body. And on his right palm, a single carved AUSTIN.
The file is from Austin’s first homicide as a rookie cop, the case that sent serial killer Alexi Chronich to prison for life. Chronich walked free six months ago after new DNA evidence ripped apart the original conviction. Now the people tied to that case are dying one by the defense team, the witnesses, even jurors.
Was Chronich innocent, or simply better at hiding the truth than the science was at finding it?
As bodies appear across Kitsap County and Seattle, Austin is forced to relive the case that shaped him. Each answer drags him closer to a past he'd hoped would stay buried. And when the killer’s final target is revealed, Austin must face a truth he's avoided for twenty-five years.
Every story has an ending. The only mystery left is whether Thomas Austin can survive returning to where his began.
D.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.
I wasn’t disappointed in this book. It captivated me from beginning to end and I’m really looking forward to the next book and seeing where Austin’s new step in life is going to take him.
SPOLIERS I have mixed feeling on this book. First of all I am a big fan of Austin books and this was fast paced etc. But...things kept bothering me as I read the book... - Austin does not figure out this is all about him until they search his apt well into the book. His name was literally carved into the priest's palm. He is getting rid of everyone involved and he does not think he is on the list? - I was also concerened for Sy's safety for the monent the journals were delivered(are there not cameras, this is not the first time the cafe has been involved) - Austin is taking the blame because Jimmy was injured. This is on Jimmy, earlier in the book I was thinking how much he matured - then he goes into an apt by himself - that he has been watching so he knows there is likely nothing time sensitive inside. Poor police skills. - Next, they take the cart, with bombs and then still put a lot personal on the chucrch - if there was no cart there is no bomb why would he show up. Then the the priest knows his church is a target but won't let the police do a search, does not do a search himself? Especially when the suspect had access to all the areas not searched
The ending was good
This was well written - “that you chose the case over the people you love, the same way you have chosen every case over every person you have loved, and that is who you are, Detective. You are not a father or a husband. You are a man who runs toward strangers and away from his own.” The words landed and Austin felt them land and he didn’t argue because there was enough truth in them to make arguing pointless. Also well written - Your people are good. But you are here, on the water, and your daughter is being born without you, and that is what I wanted. Except Sy was not induced, yes she had a due date but babies can be early or late
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
D.D. Black is a relatively recent discovery for me, but one that has quickly become indispensable. With each novel, he proves why this series continues to stand out in a crowded crime thriller genre, and this thirteenth installment may be one of the strongest entries yet. Blending a chilling present-day murder investigation with the ghosts of a decades-old case, Black once again places Thomas Austin at the center of a story that is both deeply personal and relentlessly suspenseful.
Thomas Austin is only three weeks away from becoming a father and stepping away from detective work to focus on family life. Those plans are abruptly interrupted when a priest is murdered inside a Seattle cathedral. Austin is summoned to the scene, not as lead investigator, but because a case file bearing his name has been left beside the body. The file dates back to his rookie days with the NYPD, when alleged serial killer Alexi Chronich was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. Yet recent DNA evidence led to Chronich’s exoneration and release six months earlier.
As more victims connected to the original trial begin to surface, Austin is forced to confront uncomfortable questions about the case that helped define his early career. Was Chronich truly innocent, or had science merely failed to expose the truth? As old memories collide with new evidence, Austin joins the hunt for a killer driven by vengeance and determined to settle old scores. The result is a tense, emotionally charged thriller that showcases everything readers have come to love about this exceptional series.
D.D. Black consistently delivers some of the finest crime fiction I have encountered in recent years. One of the series’ greatest strengths is its ability to remain fresh and inventive. Rather than relying on familiar formulas, Black crafts unique investigations that continually challenge both his protagonist and his readers. The novel opens with an intriguing mystery and steadily expands its scope, building momentum through concise chapters and a tightly focused narrative. While Seattle provides an atmospheric backdrop, it is the haunting nature of the case itself that drives the story forward, creating a palpable sense of unease from beginning to end.
Character development remains another cornerstone of the series’ success. Thomas Austin has evolved significantly since the first novel, yet Black never allows him to become complacent. As Austin prepares for fatherhood and contemplates life beyond law enforcement, readers see new dimensions of a character they have followed for years. His experience, instincts, and local connections continue to make him a compelling investigator, while the supporting cast provides depth and balance. The interplay between familiar faces and new personalities enriches the narrative, particularly as Austin is forced to revisit events from twenty-five years earlier and reassess long-held assumptions.
The plotting is masterfully executed, filled with surprises that reward attentive readers while keeping them guessing until the final pages. Black carefully layers clues, revelations, and emotional stakes, creating a story that feels both intricate and accessible. While each novel can function as a standalone mystery, I remain convinced that this series is best experienced in publication order. Black skillfully weaves ongoing character arcs and thematic threads throughout the books, and watching those elements develop over time greatly enhances the reading experience.
What began as a random discovery has become one of my favourite crime thriller series. With this stellar thirteenth installment, D.D. Black demonstrates once again why Thomas Austin remains one of the genre’s most engaging protagonists and why this series continues to deserve a growing audience.
Kudos, Mr. Black, for another stellar addition to the series.
An Ending on Elliott Bay by D.D. Black is a gripping and emotionally charged crime thriller that immediately pulls readers into a world of suspense, secrets, and unresolved darkness from the very first page. The story delivers intense mystery, emotional depth, and powerful twists that make it impossible to put down.
D.D. Black masterfully builds tension around Thomas Austin’s final case, blending personal stakes with a haunting investigation tied to a past that refuses to stay buried. The murder inside St. Thomas Cathedral instantly creates a chilling atmosphere, and the carved word “AUSTIN” raises the suspense to another level.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is the emotional pressure surrounding Thomas Austin as he prepares for retirement and the birth of his daughter while being forced to confront a decades old case that shaped his entire career. The pacing is sharp, intense, and filled with revelations that keep readers constantly questioning the truth behind Alexi Chronich and the horrifying chain of murders unfolding across Seattle and Kitsap County.
The writing style is cinematic, immersive, and expertly crafted, creating vivid crime scenes, emotional conflict, and suspenseful moments that stay with readers long after finishing the book. D.D. Black creates a thriller filled with depth, intelligence, and emotional impact that crime fiction fans will absolutely enjoy.
An Ending on Elliott Bay is highly recommended for readers who enjoy crime thrillers, serial killer mysteries, emotional detective stories, and suspense filled investigations with unforgettable twists and high stakes. It is a powerful and addictive read that delivers everything thriller fans look for in a great mystery novel.
For promotion inquiries and reader engagement support: kevinb.promotions@gmail.com
Thomas Austin (retired NYC Det) now a Det in Kitsap County near Seattle, is also a cafe owner and a father-to-be (in 10 days) when he's called to a murder directly tied to his past in NY.
The case file is left on site and it involves an exonerated serial killer he had testified against when he was 23. Some things of the case felt unfinished causing him to question it over the years. Now new murder cases of people tied to the original case (jurors, forensic people, witnesses) are happening and he's got serious doubts about the original case.
Was he manipulated then or is he being manipulated now? Since he's made the decision to keep the cafe, should he retire as a detective? Can he be present for his new family or will he be pulled in too many directions? There's a lot on Austin's mind clouding his thought processes but can he solve it before it's too late?
A climatic story along Thomas Austin’s life journey…
This is a fantastic series that reaches a turning point in the ongoing character development of Thomas Austin. As a detective dedicated (or one might say “addicted”) to solving crime and about to become a father for the first time, he is torn between commitments. Who woulda thunk that an absolved serial killer released from jail would have such a direct and very personal effect on Austin’s life choices.
A challenging case of several staged murders involves working with the FBI and revisiting all aspects of the supposedly, now, “unsolved” case of the past. This is a very thoughtful and well-written story that will captivate you and keep you on edge till the end. D.D. Black knows how to draw you in and create a very real time experience for his readers. I truly hope that this series continues…I am grateful to have had this opportunity to read and provide my honest and voluntary review.
I have loved every one of the Thomas Austin series. Actually I have loved every series so far. There is nothing to dislike except maybe the fact that I can read faster than Mr. Black can write but that's my problem. If you like fast paced crime solving, wonderful character development & lots of twists & turns, I fully recommend this series & all the others as well. They keep me engaged from the first line to the very last word. I love how the description of people & places is perfect. It's detailed enough so that you can see everything in your mind's eye but not enough to bog you down. I can't wait for the next book whichever series it's from, I really enjoy them all.
An Ending On Elliott Bay - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Detective Thomas Austin and his partner Sy are awaiting the imminent birth of their baby daughter, when a case from his past resurfaces with the murder of a priest, whose long ago actions have now brought nemesis to his confession box. Austin's innermost demons at the time rise again, to see him suspect others of coercing him to carry the (emotional can) back then...and in the killer's eyes now, putting his loved ones in jeopardy.
An Ending On Elliott Bay is a gritty, realistic psychological thriller by D.D Black that I found absolutely unputdownable...grab a copy today to see what I mean!
Another great Thomas Austin story. New murders are seemingly being committed by the person he put away when he was 23 in New York and then recently exonerated. A carefully constructed pattern of patience and more murders by the man who had spent 25 years behind bars planning payment for perceived debt. It becomes a pull for Austin to solve the crime and still be present for his family and the approaching birth of his daughter. A page turner from the very beginning.
I always find myself sobbing at the end of most of DD Black’s stories. It is my guilty pleasure and it feels so good. This story was truly one that made you think quite a few times that you knew where it was going. You didn’t. I love the action and the suspense in Black’s books. Every so often I worry about what is coming. I hold my breath and stop reading for a few minutes. It works for me. I just can’t put his books down once I start one. Thank you so much DD Black for bringing back my guilty pleasure and my love for Corgis.
I have read all of the books by DD Black and have enjoyed each one of them. This particular book really struck me. I love the Thomas Austin character and I feel like we got to know even more about him as his character evolved in this book. There were some lines in this book that were really thought provoking. I read a lot of crime/murder mystery books and rarely do they give me thoughts to ponder and/or bring me to tears. This book did both. There were a lot of emotions contained within the pages and I truly value that in a book of this genre. So glad this series is not ending!
I love this series - the characters and the plot always pull me in and this one was no different. Austin is awaiting the birth of his daughter just 3 weeks away, when he is pulled back into on old case from the start of his career at the NYPD. The accused was released after 25 years on a wrongful conviction charge, and now bodies are piling up In the PNW - the victims are people Affiliated with the conviction. It’s an exciting read from start to finish!
Excellent read. Top 5 of the Thomas Austin series. There is a serial killer on the loose and one of the victims had Austin's named carved in the hand. All of them related to a case he worked in New York. 25 years later, DNA evidence showed the earlier DNA was faulty and the perp walked. Current evidence showed that his old boss may have been doing the recent killings. Most of the book, they were both persons of interest. And then, there is a slight change in the MO. Now there are 3 suspects.
I really enjoyed this book. I haven’t read many of his books but this made me want to read more. It moved at a pace and had some twists that made me want to keep reading, especially as it neared the end.
I loved the ending because, not only was the case solved, but it went on to develop a personal ending for the main character and his family which made the book special.
This is a great addition to the Thomas Austin Crime Thriller series. I could not put the book down actually waiting for next installment in this series ! I have read all his books and absolutely love them all ! For anyone that hasn’t read his work go try it , you will not be disappointed. 5 plus Stars !
A really interesting tale with the usual development of an exciting story that I could not put down. Welcome to the world little Hana Marguerite Austin who has opened up new vistas for her Dad and Mom and of course Run. So glad there will be a book 14 this September 2026. A must read !
This was worth the wait, and interesting plot line with a tangled solution. The pages fly by and you feel immersed in the plot and feel like the characters are old friends. Glad to see this isn't the end, put in my preorder for the next book.
If you haven’t had the chance to read this, put it on your list to read sooner than later. What an amazing series, I will miss the characters and the stories. Good job Mr Black!
Every time I read one of DD Black’s Thomas Austin novels, I think, “this is his best one ever,” then he comes out with the next one in the series, and once again I thought, “THIS IS THE BEST ONE EVER.” Keep them coming DD, I do t think Austin is done yet!
This is an interesting, exciting end to this series of books. While it appears to be the end and wraps up a lot of loose ends, is it really the end? All indications are that it will continue.
Once again we have a page turner of a story! Thomas Austin finds himself dealing with a twenty five year old murder case and new murders. He is also dealing with the pending birth of his child. Why was his name carved into the palm of a victim?
I have enjoyed all of the Thomas Austin series books. Each one has been very satisfying and I’m sorry when they end. I congratulate DD Black for the tuning of his books to just the right frequency to keep me. Keep them coming, please!
This was another amazing book in this series. Such an interesting storyline and very suspenseful. I really love where the characters stories are going.
Another engaging tale in the Thomas Austin series. Always a quick read that holds your interest from the opening chapter until the last paragraph. Looking forward book 14.