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Darkwater Cove #11

Dark Water Pines

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Evil returns to the pines of rural North Carolina.

Darcy Haines returns to the FBI to pursue a killer she captured 10 years ago.

When three people vanish from Asheville, Darcy suspects escaped murderer Damon Haldane is behind the disappearances. And now a man resembling Haldane is teaching art at a local community college.

As Darcy and the FBI search for Haldane, the serial killer sets his sights on a broken family. He is drawn to their suffering.

Can Darcy save a mother and daughter before a psychopath strikes?

If she is too late, Damon Haldane will kill again.

In this heart-pounding thriller, Amazon bestselling thriller author Dan Padavona delivers a terrifying tale of suspense, mystery, and the danger of looking evil in the eye. Perfect for fans of domestic suspense and FBI procedurals with strong female leads.

247 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 3, 2026

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About the author

Dan Padavona

100 books624 followers
Author of the Wolf Lake and Darkwater Cove series.

Want a free thriller and mystery book? Please join my VIP thriller readers club at
www.danpadavona.com.

I'm a father, husband, dog lover, and an advocate for animals and the homeless.

My kryptonite is ice cream, and my super power is cranking heavy metal.

More than anything, I love a good story. Let me tell you one.

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5 stars
162 (72%)
4 stars
46 (20%)
3 stars
11 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Profile Image for Rosemary.
4,021 reviews73 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 4, 2026
Dark Water Pines - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

Former FBI profiler Darcy Haines is still undergoing therapy with her husband Julian and suffering night terrors, months after a shocking end to her previous case. Now another serial-killer is targeting victims closer to Darcy's new location - and others will die before the final showdown.
The action skilfully alternates between non-stop, suspenseful or quieter, as the twisty trail of red herrings is laid...and the next victim is stalked. 
Chapters are varied in length and dynamics to keep you turning the pages, as Deep Water Pines by Dan Padavona grips you firmly by the imagination throughout. 

Grab a copy today - and don't forget your stab vest!
Profile Image for Angela.
3,543 reviews33 followers
April 7, 2026
A definite must read book and series!!

Just when you think it's over, another unsub pops back up from the past, or another new one shows up trying to surpass those who have come before them. However, with Damon Haldane, he's one of the very few whose murders are committed because of a different perspective. He's also one of the very few who have escaped from Federal prison, twice. Haldane and the FBI know that there's only one person who's capable of catching him, the only person who knows him almost as well as he knows himself, and that's Darcy Haines. Unfortunately, she's still trying to heal from the last case she was involved in, the one where Haldane escaped. Can the FBI convince her to help them again? It's certainly going to be an interesting story!

The first time I read one of this author's books, I chose it because the title and book cover sounded/looked intriguing. What I found though was another favorite author. I was absolutely hooked before I reached the halfway point! I have read every single book by Mr. Padavona since, and I'm always eagerly awaiting his next new release. I've yet to find one book that I didn't absolutely love, and considering that I read between 5-9 novels a week (I read every single day and have for the last 20 years), that's saying something.

If you haven't already, I would highly recommend reading all of this author's work. The stories are unique, passionate, intelligent, creative, intriguing, as well as so much more. The characters are very relatable and down to earth, and you can't help but get emotionally involved. All of the stories/series are amazing, and you definitely won't be disappointed!

I would definitely recommend this book, series, and exceptional author.
64 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 5, 2026
I had the please of reading an ARC copy of Dan Padavona’s upcoming book Dark Water Pines. This is part of a series going back some time. FBI agent Darcy Gellar has suffered an emotional collapse, the toll taken on her by one of the most evil serial killers she has ever faced, specifically one Damon Haldane. He is a viciously sick sociopathic killer who takes his victims from troubled lives and in his fantasy, poses their bodies as works of art, often modeled after true masterpieces. His sick mind believes he is saving them from misery and preserving them for eternity in beauty. Darcy is asked to come out of self-exile to once again track down this most heinous of serial killers, as he now appears to be active again in her home area, threatening her family. Against the protests of her loved ones, she again goes on the hunt along with agent Deraco in an intense non-stop rush to bring down Haldane for good. But he is one of the most clever and resourceful foes of her career and it will take all her effort and skills to both battle her own weaknesses and face up to the penultimate evil of Damon Haldane. There are twists in this book you will never untangle until the end, the very nail-biting sleep depriving end! Enjoy.
286 reviews3 followers
April 8, 2026
Worth waiting for

Dan's latest book is a thrilling literary journey that grips readers from the first page. Like an expertly crafted roller coaster, the narrative builds tension with precision, climbing steadily through escalating dramatic moments. Each chapter propels the story higher, introducing increasingly intense and suspenseful elements that keep readers on the edge of their seats. When the plot reaches its peak, the momentum is breathtaking, creating an exhilarating reading experience. The descent is equally compelling, with a conclusion so captivating that readers are compelled to stay engaged until the very last word. This book is a masterful blend of storytelling and suspense that will leave readers breathless and thoroughly entertained.
Profile Image for Dawn Myers.
1,306 reviews2 followers
April 9, 2026
I loved Dark Water Pines! In my opinion it was on the edge of your seat page turning suspense. I loved the way Dan Padavona has created a character that is not perfect. As Darcy searches for Damon Haldane she is dealing with her doubts and nightmares. In my opinion this is a great continuation of the Dark Water Cove Series. In my opinion Dan Padavona is a master of mind twisting thrillers. I figured out who Damon was before everybody else did. Darcy comes to a crossroads at the end. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader's copy.
188 reviews
April 16, 2026
Excellent book

Riveting and thrilling until the very last page. Punches you in the throat chapter after chapter. Dan Padavona proves his worth in words.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews