The Horror at Murden Cove

A Thomas Austin Crime Thriller #4

by D.D. Black

A triple homicide. A blind witness. What is the sound of evil?

Late one night, two young couples walked to a park in an affluent Bainbridge Island neighborhood to celebrate the sale of their tech startup. The next morning, three mutilated bodies were found.

One witness was left alive. Blind from birth, she didn't see anything. But she heard everything. The killer took his time, butchering her friends as she listened to every sadistic moment. What she heard left her broken, traumatized, and barely able to speak.

Private investigator Thomas Austin is the only person who can get her to open up. And when she does, the suspect list is shocking: the murders were committed by one of five people, all of whom the witness was dating.

Stranded on the island after a rare summer storm closes the bridges and ferries, Austin must crack the case before the storm ends and the killer escapes forever. But when another massacre occurs—this one more gruesome than the first—he realizes the killer's motive is not what he imagined.

This killer is more depraved than any he's ever seen.

This is the stuff of nightmares.

The fourth book in this twisty, fast-paced mystery series, The Horror at Murden Cove locks you on a storm-battered island with a killer whose motive is so deranged, you'll have to read the book twice to believe it.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Adventure, Science Fiction Fantasy, Space, Crime, Science Fiction

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 6, 2023

Reviews

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

These characters might have grown on me.

I love mysteries located on islands, especially the isolated ones. This had even storm so even better - I really loved the setting & atmosphere.

This was intriguing to read and I enjoyed.

[Joanne Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a little darkers than the others in the series so be minful of that.
Another gate addition to the series.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a powerful and tense thriller.

[Micheal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! That was quite a story! Mesmerizing characters with twist and turns, old school and new tech combine to solve a gruesome murder during the worst summer storm the island of Brainbridge had ever seen!

I love the character of Thomas Austin with many complicated layers and experiences of a man who just wants to throw a ball for his corgi ‘Run’. Being a highly decorated NYPD detective he’s called on to “CONSULT” for the local police department… and that’s when things go sideways… these aren’t simple crimes with simple motives… D.D. has got a great imagination when it comes to what really drives someone to commit a heinous or gruesome murder!

I enjoy a good mystery and D.D. Keeps you guessing through most of the book ( but you’re never really sure until it’s revealed)

He’s descriptions make you feel like you are actually in Hanville, WA, sitting in Thomas’s cafe eating one of his gourmet burgers!

Enjoying the series and recommend to crime solving mystery readers!

[Monty Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good mystery. A Few things didn't quite add up but I can overlook small things if the plot is good. I can read more from this author.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

can’t stop reading

I can not stop bing reading about Thomas Austin! I look forward to the next one! Highly recommend to everyone!

[Ronny Bunich · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled between 3 & 4 stars. I really like this mystery writer who happens to live and write about a place I’ve lived in for 50 years. This is the 4th in the series featuring Detective Thomas Austin who was a NYC police officer. He moved to Washington State to the very small town of Hansville where he does some consulting work for the local police department. He also bought a small restaurant and tackle shop. The only issue I have is that plot was a little implausible which is the case in his other Austin books as well. But when it comes to developing characters Black is excellent. I can’t wait for the next book just to know what will happen with these recurring characters. That to me is a sign of a very good writer.

[Jan Lehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scary story good Mystery

Love this series. Great characters , great setting,and topical issues, help make this series a winner. Black's writing is concise and on point especially regarding the action part of the story,however the characters are more super hero like, than actual functioning people, it makes it harder for the reader to empathize and relate. This being said,I still look forward to the next book in the series!

[mary kerran · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Horror at Murder Cove

What an interesting murder mystery. You will not want to put it down. You will want to keep reading well into the night. Enjoy!!!

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

easy read, especially if you've read the other three

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was decent, but a little predictable. It didn’t capture me as much as some of his other Thomas Austin books.

[Twobchelm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Horrific murders, terrible storm and an unusual plot.

[Lisa Berkley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 4th book in this DD Black series……this was my favorite of the four. The setting was on Bainbridge Island with which I am very familiar. Again, this was an audiobook so even though audiobooks are not my favorite, this series is keeping me interested on my infrequent long drives. 3 1/2 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫

[Alan McIlroy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My fifth in this series. (I read one from later in the series accidentally. This is book four.) It’s my comfort zone when I need a mystery to entertain me. For me it’s a strong four: Not life-changing, but sure to please. If this is not your genre, it’s a three.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

D. D. Black's 4th in the Thomas Austin series, "The Horror at Murden Cove," is tightly plotted around a harrowing secret, combining elements of mystery, social horror, and current cultural concerns into a gripping story.

I liked having a map of the island and references to its history, adding to the atmosphere of the novel. Black's thematic use of “Moby Dick” references is a stroke of genius, tying the story together with an extra layer of meaning.

One of the standout moments in the book is Danielle's final decision, which is both striking and unexpected. The author's clever turns of phrase and allusions to old TV shows are a delightful bonus, adding a piquant sauce to the narrative.

Though 4th in the series, this can be read as a standalone. Black sneaks in references to the backstory from the three previous books, showing his attention to detail and love for the characters. It is a rare treat for writers to bother with this level of continuity, and readers appreciate it.

"The Horror at Murden Cove" is a good—and scary—read. You’ll love it!

[Stephen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Scattered

Unlike the first three novels this story lacked structure and momentum. Disjointed and messy, I was unable to read it to the end. The workshop scene was pointless since the foundation of the story had never credibly been laid. A shame.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

**This series just isn't doing it for me**

I gave it a chance. I really did. I loved the first entry and felt confident that it would get stronger with what I personally crave from crime thrillers. But after the previous three entries have delivered more of the same ol' lackluster features, I honestly don't see what more the author can do to truly win me over. He likely doesn't have it in him, and that's okay. But it's okay for someone else.

On the plus side, I like the quick pacing. I can get through these entries remarkably easily, even when I'm not as wholly invested as I know I'd be in stories by stronger authors. I also do enjoy the characters, be them already established or new ones. I think this author does very well with his characters. I love when I'm being made to care. That's ALWAYS good.

But alas, I can no longer deal with what this series continues to deprive me of: the rush of thrills. Yet again, for the fourth entry in a row, the crimes taking place in these books are all following the beat of the same drum, with me being told who the villain is, or a villain being cooperative, or Austin being the magical solution, or any random detail being handed to me without fuss or muss. Unearned.

Things always start out great and I'm intrigued, but as the case progresses, the mysteries, thrills, and angsts do not show their faces in a glorious fashion. Presentations are very plain as day. I'm not being challenged or surprised as a reader, not tagging along in a high-stakes ride like I want to be. I'm just watching things being laid out with all pieces intact and nowhere for me to "participate."

It's no longer enough to just be placated by the same ol' same ol' stuff. These stories are indeed decent, but they're not shining brightly enough. I want more. I NEED more, and I don't think I'll find it here. Sadly, this is where I part ways from this series and author.

Farewell.

[Liz Nichols · Rating 1 out of 5]

I agree with comments about the locations of this series. I read somewhere that his plots are as if manufactured, rather than his own original thought-out stories. I agree completely. I had to stop reading this series for that reason. Also, I feel that his writing style lacks personality, that he hasn't developed a personal writing style yet and is phoning it all in, rather like he's using an online plot generator and slamming through books since he's putting them out for purchase so fast. It takes a long time and a lot of hard work to develop style and plot, and he's not there yet. Usually there's a lot of research that his stories lack. In the case of this book, there was so much repetition of clues that I kept falling asleep, so I jumped to the end, then set the series aside to give to someone else. I believe he can become a decent writer if he takes more time with his craft. I've read that his Thomas Austin series is the next best to Michael Connelly. Hardly. Authors like Connelly have spent many years and many books working hard at writing, plus his training and writing background. There are levels of craft and Black is still under the middle, Connelly is at the top. To sum up, this series is average, and I'd rather spend my reading time on more elevated authors.

[CHud · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Test of Faith

This story is about a blind women who was raised inside the confines of a cult and was forced to marry the leader. Unhappy, she found a way to runn away. In her new life she joined up with some friends forming an AI company. Celabrating the hig dollar sale of the company, the group of four traveled to an island B and B. Little did they know that murder was waiting for 3 of the 4 friends.

Auston becomes embroiled in the case with his friend David.. While on a fishing trip on the island at the time of the murders, storms move in isolating the island so that the police could not get there right away. Auston and David are asked to start the investigation. Little did they know it would lead to more pain and sorrow for them. By the end of the ordeal, Auston changes his view of life, and what he might need to make him happy.

If you want to know what all happens while they are all on the island, you will need to read the novel, as I am not going to provide any spoilers.

[Judi Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four friends that just became millionaires and they are on Bainbridge Island celebrating. One of the friends, Danielle, is blind and she just left the celebration to go to the restroom. While there, she heard shouts, screams, power tools and she knows that something has gone wrong. Feeling the murdered close by, she fears for her life, but he leaves. Did he know she was blind and couldn't see what happened.

This is the case that Austin is thrown into this time. His best friend, David, had came to the island for some fishing and camping, but a storm was predicted to hit. When the three people are found dead, Austin has been asked to help on the case. But, this time, he might have gotten into more then he had ever imagined. The island has been stranded because of the storm and the ferry can't cross. That leaves the murderer on the island. Who will he come after next?

Another thriller featuring Thomas Austin!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 4 THE HORROR AT MURDEN COVE (Thomas Austin Series by D.D. Black). There is lots of action, much of it involving power tools. A huge storm blows up shutting down the ferries and keeping everyone trapped either on the island or on the mainland for several days. Four friends have arrived on the island to celebrate the sale of their start-up company and their new multi-millionaire status. Three of them are murdered. The plot revolves around the survivor and around the NYPD best friend visiting Austin for some fishing. The storm ends their fishing fun and they wind up working on solving the murder. The storyline is excellent and would deserve 5 stars except for the gruesome murders using power tools. Ugh! Too much even for me and I like murder and mayhem. I still recommend this book. It gives some insight into the mind of former NYPD detective Austin.

[Teresa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a mesmerizing thriller that latches on to the reader within the first few pages and it never lets go until the very end. Mr. Black includes it all in this book: action, suspense, an unrelenting element of horror, terrifying storms, wonderful, relatable characters (except for the "bad guys"), and touches of humor, romance, and heartbreak. Mr. Black has created a story that wraps itself around the reader's heart and mind to the point it becomes almost unforgettable. It is the best of this series, and that's saying something because this series is almost flawless. I can't wait to see what comes next. I highly recommend you check out this series if you haven't already.
I received a review copy from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion.

[Ricki · Rating 2 out of 5]

So not a fan of anything cult.

Austin's friend/partner from NYCPD is visiting for some fishing and seems to be in a bad way. Back to drinking, estranged from his wife and kids. He is also here to bring Austin info on an investigation his murdered wife Fiona was conducting that he knew nothing about.

They are on Bainbridge Island in a B&B and are asked to help in a triple homicide with torture on a beach as Lucy and the other Kitsap police can't get there due to a storm. It's grusome. The more Austin and DMJ investigate the more strange it gets.

Someone is after Danielle and all her lovers of which she has many and for some reason they are all on the island. Again, not a fan of any cult books and this one is just that.

[Sagar Hirani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good, but it made me sad. I've been reading the Thomas Austin series because it never got too dark or depressing, yet remained interesting, thrilling, and mysterious. But this one got dark.

Something I've not seeked in entertainment for a long time now. I used to look for it and enjoy it, but haven't been able to in the last few years.

That's why the 4 stars.

Also, because some things that DD Black writes just wouldn't happen in real life. Like an off duty NYPD police officer doing the things he does in this book without instantly being reprimanded and held back, no matter how much of a "loose cannon" he is. Especially when he is on vacation, and not even in the same STATE that he works in.

Otherwise, good enough story to have kept me reading.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Austin and his friend from the NYPD are on a fishing trip to Bainbridge Island when the rain starts. So, he's available when Lucy sees his help with the "Horror at Murden Cove". Actually it's a triple murder at Murden Cove. Lucy leaves him "in charge" because she has to testify in the case they recently solved. Unfortunately, a terrible storm leaves Lucy stranded inland and Austin, his friend and the local police on their own! They are tasked with protecting the lone survivor while interviewing possible assailants. Danielle, a young, blind woman was on the island with her partners, the three victims, celebrating the sale of their tech company.
The novel will give you insight into living in a cult and polyamory.
You may think you figured out who the killer is early on but, keep reading!

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some couples went to the beach . They had just made lots of money designing a computer program. One if the guys friends is blind. She goes off to find the porta potty on her own. While in there she hears screams and weird noises and stays inside the potty for awhile. Things started happening then. As some visiting investigators help find out what was happening ( shortage of extra cops) Danielle was the one in the porta potty.She used to be in a cult and was polyamorous ( meaning she had 5 boyfriends and 1 girlfriend. They all seemed different in their own way and none were jealous of each other. What a mess with all those different people to question and check out about the murders.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

An old friend from the NYPD is visiting Austin and he has information to share about Austin's wife, Fiona's, death. They are supposed to be fishing but there is a brutal murder with Austin and his friend trapped on the island where it occurred. Austin has to run the investigation. The case is very odd with components that Austin doesn't feel he understands. His friend. DMK is drinking and is a lose cannon. This was a fascinating story. The plot was well done. The characters continue to engage. The conclusion to the case was satisfying. Another good entry in the series. I highly recommend.

[Debbie Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justice but at a price

The Horror at Murden Cove was more somber and dark than the previous reads but on reflection it needed to be. It is a story of survival, personal growth and reflection. When the lone witness to 3 murders was intentionally left to survive,after hearing the murders and torture of her boyfriend, there are more questions than answers. With their witness being blind, traditional investigation needs new parameters to solve. Austin is aided by his friend, David who is visiting from New York and a former coworker with the NYPD. The witness is involved in a polyamorous relationship and all of her lovers are suspect. Or is it someone else?

[Melody T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! The mystery was gripping and kept me guessing all the way through. Every time I thought I had it figured out, a new twist pulled me in a different direction. The setting at Murden Cove added a great eerie atmosphere that really fit the tone of the story.

One thing that held it back a bit for me was the lack of updates or development around the main characters. I was hoping to see more growth or backstory, especially since the plot gave them plenty of opportunities to evolve. Despite that, the pacing was solid, and the tension kept me turning the pages.

If you're in the mood for a moody, twisty mystery, this one is definitely worth picking up.

[Jim Bean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Up and Down, In an Out

I gave the book a three star because of thr number of deaths and how they were committed. I gave the closing of thebook five stars because of justice served and a closed. Hence, an average four star overall rating.

In the first three books of the Thomas Austin series, there were breaks of humor and joy. Not so in book four. From the first chapter until near the end of the book is non stop suspense under a natural storm and gloomy weather. Tension throughout.

The mystery was good but this was not a relaxing read. Still Austin is great.