Shattered Hearts Club

by D.D. Black

The only thing more dangerous that someone with nothing left to lose is a couple who found each other in the darkness.

Complete description coming soon...

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 11, 2026

About the author

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.

source: Amazon

Reviews

[Laur · Rating 3 out of 5]

Someone is systematically murdering people connected to the justice system—a prosecutor, a retired judge, a doctor—and leaving behind the same gruesome signature: two overlapping hearts drawn in blood, one whole and one shattered.

The investigation eventually connects the victims to a single child’s case and a list of eleven names. Three are already dead, leaving the FBI scrambling to protect the others while hunting not one killer, but two who appear to be working together.

There’s certainly no shortage of murder, danger, or disturbing details in this sixth FBI Task Force S.W.O.R.D. installment. Claire Anderson also has her own mystery simmering in the background when something buried in an old case file raises troubling questions about her past.

I liked the premise and the continuing characters, but this one just didn’t hit me as strongly as some of the earlier books in the series.

3 Stars

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shattered Hearts Club

This was an interesting book, but by the end I was left wondering just what the point of the story was. Yes there was the obvious plot, but it was kind of left a bit unresolved.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

D.D. Black’s detective mysteries are easy to read and lose myself in. He does a really good job developing characters and creates interesting relationships all as an underpinning to a complex investigation. In this one, a psychopath stays hidden almost to the end in part because the lead FBI Investigator is dealing with carry-over from the last investigation. It’s a captivating story that kept me reading all day!

Special recognition to Black who has a way of building action and fast pacing that stays clear and manageable in my reader’s eye even as the intensity grows to crescendo. This is a good read.

[Jim Augeri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm honestly not sure what to say about this one! At times I found the story line and the characters difficult to follow and figure out who was doing what to who (or is it whom?). And then there was "the phrase"! I can't count how many times the author used the phrase "Her heart went"! Where exactly did her heart go? I found this usage so incredibly confusing I tried looking it up - multiple times. Everything I found said that these three words were usually part of a larger construct. Yet in this use, there was only context, from which the reader needed to build their own conclusions. Frankly, I found this very odd. Especially since there has been no counterpart to this in any previous books. So, I'm not a fan here! I still found the story line confusing the nearer it got to the end. So much so, I feel like I need to reread the entire story to see if my mind has it all sorted out correctly (which I doubt at this point). IMHO, this book was not up to the standard set in the earlier books.

[Robin Reviewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very dry

I don't remember this series being so dry. The descriptions of actions or thoughts are almost robotic. There were several places where I had to stop and re-read a few sentences to truly understand what the author was trying to convey. It wasn't in a thought provoking way. Those places were awkwardly written. The author left too many places for the reader to have to read between the lines.

The saving grace was the plot was well thought out. It was complicated, in a good way. Although, I don't think the author fully revealed the motivation behind the crime. There was one sentence about the motivation that really needed to be expanded.

I like this team. I don't love the relationship between Claire and Fitz. He isn't my favorite character and their relationship is cold.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

good read

I enjoyed this book much more than the previous books. It finally seems that the procedural aspects have been ironed out and now make sense. The plot was intriguing from start to finish.

Claire’s handling of the information learned in the last book causes this book to read quite differently from any others in the series and it works so well. It’s easy to tell that Claire feels disconnected and in an emotional void just by the short choppy sentences throughout. However, once she started to understand what was going on, the tone of the book didn’t change and it really should have.

My issue with this book is only that the chapters in other POVs were written in the same tone, which they shouldn’t have been, with the exception of the antagonist.

[Liz Krummell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following the clues of the deaths in this book was nicely done. Everything tracked. When we discover why Claire was brought in specifically that was good. At first I was a bit put off by the stiffness/matter of fact of the writing on this book. But I feel it was Claire keeping everything under control afte the ending the last book. How many times was Claire suspended? Though it seemed like they were able to gather a lot of information on the FBI SWOD office that I feel would be public - including Claire's kids. They also noted that Lena had ridden the ferry 9 times since August - I know she picked Claire but this seems early on in the process

[Deborah Hough · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best!!

I was still in a state of shock after finishing the previous Book 5 in the S.W.O.R.D. Series. As I began this one, after a much needed ‘time out’, I was reading mostly through my tears as the story begin. This was one of the best books by DD Black and I highly recommend it. It was a very complicated journey through this Book 6 and a delightful ending. All of DD Black’s series are mesmerizing and you just don’t want them to end. But if they don’t end, then you don’t get to continue on with the next one! Thank you for all your writings DD!

[Jessica Cook · Rating 2.75 out of 5]

This one was just ok for me. As I got further into it there were parts that didn't add up- in my opinion. **** SPOILER***


It just didn't make sense to me why a person who created the whole CPS case for themself based on a lie would then grow up with a list compiled of all those involved in the case seeking revenge later on. (this person wanted to be removed from their parents home, but then upset later they were? ) This person was corrupt since age 11. This one was a stretch for me. Still, I have really enjoyed this author's books and will continue on to the next. :)

[Debbie Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perfect Set Up

Another great thriller that keeps the suspense going and the pages turning. Eleven names on a list and the murders begin. The S.W.O.R.D. task force is assigned to the case to solve and also protect the remainder of the names on the list. It is never as easy at it is supposed to be. Plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. Loyalty and trust are key words. I have read every book in this series and pray there will be more.

[Carey Mundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the 6th book in the SWORD series and was riveting from the start. In the PNW, people are being executed and the killers leave a sign with each in their own blood - two overlapping hearts, one full and the other broken. The thing they have in common is they were all involved in a child’s case, and their names are on a list. THe SWORD task force is on the case and it takes all of their combined skill to bring it to a successful resolution. Great series!

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Wonderful Book

D.D. Black is a superb author. I started reading his novels on Kindle Unlimited. I now buy his novels when publication dates are announced. He’s that good. The S.W.O.R.D. series is excellent. So is the Thomas Austin series. Plots, characterizations, procedural and medical plotting, sense of place, all extraordinarily well written. I pre-ordered the next in each series. Can’t wait to read them.

[DL · Rating 2 out of 5]

Flat, repetitive AI writing

I've read this series and others by this author. I live the characters and the stories. I do not like the flat, repetitive AI writing that is evident in this book. And if you're going to use AI, edit closely for the sentences that just don't line up with what the previous paragraph just described. Come D.D. Black, you have a good writing, don't fall for the shallow flat AI quality, and bring back your own storytelling.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never disappoints

DD Black produced an amazing series here and each book is absolutely better than the one before, even though I thought at the time, they were! What a page turner!!! Just when you think you have it all figured out he comes in for the best ending! Definitely highly recommend! Well done!

[Laura Poppenwimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

D.D Black is up there among my favorite authors. His books are interesting and the characters really add a lot of depth to the plot lines. I have a hard time putting one of his books down once I have started. Can't wait for the next book in this series to be released, already bought the 7th book in this series. I have my fingers crossed there will be more Thomas Austin books as well.

[Barbara Gallo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little disappointing

Love his books and the characters. This book was a little difficult to follow and I kept losing the thread. Thought too much time spent on the bad guys. Am happy to see that a new book is scheduled for release early next year. Probably following Sy's new lead. Looking forward ...........

[Shaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I flew through this one!! I love this investigative crew. How they know and understand each other and how they work together. And this case was so fascinating to me. The actual perpetrator starting the crime at age 11 🤯 And the side plot with the dog just made me grin. Looking forward to the next one!

[Cheryl Eichelberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to the series

I enjoyed this book in the FBI Task Force S.W.O.R.D series as I have enjoyed them all. It had a couple of puzzles that I didn't figure out until almost the end. But, that is part of what makes this a great series. I like the the same quirky characters are in each book, and their development and changes are charming.

[K McGeehan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can’t believe I’m not finishing this book. It’s very rare for me. I’ve enjoyed the others in the series but this one feels like it was written by an entirely different person. The dialogue was flat, repetitive, and disengaging. I might try one more in hopes that this one is just a fluke. It honestly reads like it was heavily AI edited.

[Karen Devine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great writing!

Such an amazing imagination to write this book. It makes you wonder what really happens to these kids when they are in the foster care system but to have a kid start a whole process to get what they want at an early age, wow!!

[Susan Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

DD is consistent in making a team that each with their own background and special talent grow to work well together to support each other in friendship and brilliance to solve some psychological and dark crimes. Always a good read.

[Bruce Clemens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put it down

The only problem was D.D. made me turn the pages too quickly. I still don’t understand it all, but I don’t care. What a great way to pass 24 hours😎… Pure cheeseburger…

[Tina S Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Book !

DD Black has done it again. He never fails to keep me reading every single thing he writes ! He is an amazing author, and I felt this book was exceptionally good. I’m definitely rereading it again , because I loved it so much ! 5+ stars !!

[Roxanne DalPos · Rating 5 out of 5]

as always I totally enjoyed this book

The story was interesting and the stories with in the story were well done. I like Blacks writing style. I read teach book too fast though!

[Marla J Wigon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I love DD Black. This book was another great one. As an aside, if anyone knows where I can find the second and third Silas West books please respond. Thank you!

[Shannon · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF The writing just felt off. It definitely did not flow,

[Cheryl Eichelberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book in the series as much as I have enjoyed them all.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each one gets better. These characters mesh together so well. I don’t want the story to end.

[Sharon Slattery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book

Love reading these books. All the characters are combined into a great mismatched matched family. Including the dog. So glad it ended they way it did.

[JSBL · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read at your own risk

Truly awful. In so many ways. And I’ve read all the other books by this author. Don’t waste your time. The story doesn’t”t advance your knowledge of the characters.