A Body In The Rhine: An Erica Banks Suspense Thriller

by Bill Black

Series Optioned For TV!

A coup is brewing in China, and the fuse runs straight through the world’s central bank.

To stop it, Erica Banks, the world’s top assassin-for-hire, goes to Basel with orders from her client, the President of China. Make his sworn enemy, Jin Xuechen, head of the bank, vanish without a trace.

If Erica fails, Jin will execute the President and his allies, and the world will descend into financial chaos. If Erica succeeds, she must disappear before Jin’s network, and his ruthless right hand, can exact their revenge.

She has spent most of her life doing the unthinkable with chilling ease. But this time, there’s a she can’t pull this one off alone.

So, the President drags in the last man Erica should ever trust. He’s Harry Barnes, an ex-SEAL turned New Orleans fixer. She had crossed paths with Harry before, and Erica had narrowly escaped with her life.

In Basel, they have one shot to get it right, and no time to negotiate the past. What happens when the job demands trust they don’t have time to build, and the people they’re up against don’t leave loose ends?

If you loved watching Michael Clayton or The Talented Mr. Ripley, or are a fan who devours New York Times bestselling thrillers, be ready for a twisty, unforgettable ride.

Here’s what verified purchasers said of Two Bullets In A Bayou, Bill Black’s recent

“I couldn’t put it down. It kept me up until the wee hours.” Kathy P.
“A great read for genre enthusiasts.” Alejandro Soto.
“Anyone who enjoys a good mystery and suspense story will love this one.” Octavia McGee.

So, go ahead. Click on the “Buy” button above and join Erica in her latest compelling thriller.

370 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2026

About the author

At home in New Orleans, I am a member of the Mystery Writers of America and the International Thriller Writers. Previously, I was a book publisher with stints in NY, London, LA, Paris, DC, Shanghai, San Juan, Zurich, and Havana. My on-the-spot experiences heavily influence each of my books. When I am not writing, editing, or researching, I'm a golfer, a martini lover, and the family cook.

Reviews

[Elin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast-paced and exciting, audiences will find A BODY IN THE RHINE hard to put down. The fourth novel in the Erica Banks series, this latest installment is strong enough to stand on its own while also enticing readers to check out the earlier books.

Harry Barnes, the smooth talking and slightly corrupt lawyer from New Orleans is hot on the trail of an illustrious female killer after an umpire is found dead, and two powerful factions are vying for control in China, but what do the two events have in common? Harry and his partner Genny are ultimately swept up in the intrigue and are forced to make a deal with the devil, but can they work with the dangerous assassin Erica Banks to ultimately save the world?

Both men and women will love this novel filled with action, adventure, intrigue and just the right amount of sex. While Barnes is the book’s central figure, he is supported by a parade of powerhouse female characters. Author Bill Black is an expert when it comes to character development and I couldn’t get enough of the series' assassin, Erica Banks. A BODY IN THE RHINE kept me on my toes from start to finish with complex and interesting plot lines, fantastic dialog, and trips to exotic places.

I loved this book and will absolutely be buying the remaining books in the Erica Banks series.

[Vikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll definitely be looking into the rest of the series.

A Body in the Rhine was an exciting, fast-paced thriller that kept me invested from start to finish. Between the political intrigue, espionage, and constant sense of danger, there was always something happening to keep the story moving.

The plot did jump around a bit at times, so I occasionally had to reorient myself as the story shifted between perspectives and events. Thankfully, it never became difficult to follow, and everything came together in a way that made sense by the end.

One of the biggest strengths of the novel was its characters. Erica Banks is a capable and compelling lead, and the supporting cast felt well-developed enough that I found myself invested in what happened to them. Their interactions added weight to the action instead of simply moving the plot from one scene to the next.

Overall, this was an enjoyable thriller with strong pacing, engaging characters, and enough twists to keep me turning the pages. If you enjoy international thrillers with espionage, political conspiracies, and plenty of action, this one is worth checking out.

[Katherine Wacker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Assassination is a dirty job, but Erica Banks has to do it, especially when the world’s economic system depends on it. In Bill Black’s A Body in the Rhine, the President of China has requested Erica’s services to liquidate a rival who threatens the balance of world power. Banks is determined to follow orders; however, little goes according to plan. Will she successfully carry out her mission? Or will Erica become a casualty herself?

A Body in the Rhine is a fast-paced thriller in which unlikely allies are thrown together in a common cause. The novel has page-turning action, and the suspense is sustained until the end. The characters are multifaceted, but it is hard to know who to root for because none seem to be good. The plot was well thought out, however, the extra-curricular activities of the characters well as the foul language seemed to distract from an engaging story. All in all, A Body in the Rhine was okay, but it could have been great

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good reads giveaway. DNF. In all fairness I don’t think I should be giving a review, but as a Goodreads giveaway winner it’s kinda the agreement. I made it through the first 4 chapters and found the book boring and honestly hard to follow. I don’t know if it’s because it wasn’t the first in the series or what, but I just could not get into the book or care about the characters. With reading so little of the book I don’t feel right giving it a DNF 1 star so the 3 is the middle of the road as other reviewers absolutely love the book. Overall, this book is just not for me.

[Mailmanr5 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story with great characters and dialogue. Part of a series.

[Deanna]

This one just wasn’t for me.

[Dana P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love this series. And a surprising plot twist, how clever! If you have not read any of the series, I highly recommend it.