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A Thomas Austin Crime Thriller #2
The Shadows of Pike Place
Sometimes the past is better left buried.
When the matriarch of a rich Seattle family dies under suspicious circumstances, private investigator Thomas Austin is on the case. This time, the suspect list is easy.
Seven people were in the lakefront mansion with the millionaire when she died: a spoiled son, a jealous brother-in-law, a beloved chef, a rebellious grandson, an arrogant memoirist, and a pair of successful daughters. All had motive. All had opportunity. But which one is the killer?
To solve the case, Austin must look into the past of one of Seattle's most powerful families. With the help of a fiery reporter and a long-lost diary, he uncovers a series of dark secrets that betray the criminal underbelly of old-money Seattle.
But the closer Austin gets to the truth, the more dangerous the investigation becomes. Sometimes, when you dig into a secret past, the past comes out to bury you.
Classic detective fiction meets a Pacific Northwest setting in this crime thriller perfect for fans of Mary Stone, Michael Connelly, James Patterson, and Victor Methos.
When the matriarch of a rich Seattle family dies under suspicious circumstances, private investigator Thomas Austin is on the case. This time, the suspect list is easy.
Seven people were in the lakefront mansion with the millionaire when she died: a spoiled son, a jealous brother-in-law, a beloved chef, a rebellious grandson, an arrogant memoirist, and a pair of successful daughters. All had motive. All had opportunity. But which one is the killer?
To solve the case, Austin must look into the past of one of Seattle's most powerful families. With the help of a fiery reporter and a long-lost diary, he uncovers a series of dark secrets that betray the criminal underbelly of old-money Seattle.
But the closer Austin gets to the truth, the more dangerous the investigation becomes. Sometimes, when you dig into a secret past, the past comes out to bury you.
Classic detective fiction meets a Pacific Northwest setting in this crime thriller perfect for fans of Mary Stone, Michael Connelly, James Patterson, and Victor Methos.
270 pages, Paperback
Published October 28, 2022
5119 people are currently reading
1673 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
August 10, 2023
I was disappointed how little scenes there were with the same group of characters than in the first book. Austin was still a nice main character and there were some new things revealed - intriguing! Anna was okay but I was missing the same group of detectives that were solving the case in the first book.
The case itself wasn't as intriguing & thrilling than in the first book. I love this kind of cases too but this was lacking something. The group of suspects wasn't really interesting and characters should have been more fleshed out. Like this the whole mystery was quite boring.
This didn't feel believable, there were way too many things that were hard to believe and left me so disappointed.
After the brilliant first book this was devastating read.
The case itself wasn't as intriguing & thrilling than in the first book. I love this kind of cases too but this was lacking something. The group of suspects wasn't really interesting and characters should have been more fleshed out. Like this the whole mystery was quite boring.
This didn't feel believable, there were way too many things that were hard to believe and left me so disappointed.
After the brilliant first book this was devastating read.
November 14, 2025
Story 3.5 stars. Narration 4 stars
I really enjoyed the first book in this series quite some time ago. I came across this one by accident and realized it was the second book in the series and of course I had to listen.
The first book was exciting and hard to put down. This book wasn’t for me. It had a few good twists and turns, but other than the two main characters, none really stood out for me. There’s an entire group of suspects, but I could barely differentiate between any of the family members-otherwise known as the suspects. And mostly, I didn’t really care. It just wasn’t that interesting to me. A very rich old woman is murdered. That same day she had not given what each family member wanted for their particular charity they supported. She gave quite a bit, but not the millions they wanted. The hero is an ex-homicide cop from NYC now living near Seattle and running a small restaurant and store near the shore. His wife was murdered in NYC and he’s still trying to figure that out. His close friend and fellow sleuth is a female reporter and was featured in book one as well. I think there could have been a deeper story about the mystery and the suspects. It seemed like all of a sudden they would be following leads that must have gone over my head and couldn’t have been that deeply explored. That happened twice for me and since I was listening I just didn’t rewind. Again, I didn’t care that much about the mystery. I realize this is more of a “me”problem and not the book, but it just wasn’t one for me. It’s a shame because I really do like the two main characters a lot. And maybe I shouldn’t be judging it by how much I liked the first book, but I guess I am.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series quite some time ago. I came across this one by accident and realized it was the second book in the series and of course I had to listen.
The first book was exciting and hard to put down. This book wasn’t for me. It had a few good twists and turns, but other than the two main characters, none really stood out for me. There’s an entire group of suspects, but I could barely differentiate between any of the family members-otherwise known as the suspects. And mostly, I didn’t really care. It just wasn’t that interesting to me. A very rich old woman is murdered. That same day she had not given what each family member wanted for their particular charity they supported. She gave quite a bit, but not the millions they wanted. The hero is an ex-homicide cop from NYC now living near Seattle and running a small restaurant and store near the shore. His wife was murdered in NYC and he’s still trying to figure that out. His close friend and fellow sleuth is a female reporter and was featured in book one as well. I think there could have been a deeper story about the mystery and the suspects. It seemed like all of a sudden they would be following leads that must have gone over my head and couldn’t have been that deeply explored. That happened twice for me and since I was listening I just didn’t rewind. Again, I didn’t care that much about the mystery. I realize this is more of a “me”problem and not the book, but it just wasn’t one for me. It’s a shame because I really do like the two main characters a lot. And maybe I shouldn’t be judging it by how much I liked the first book, but I guess I am.
January 11, 2024
Not quite as good as book one. A bit predictable, but still an entertaining read. The ending sets up the next in the series, so be prepared.
July 9, 2025
Still good, just not as captivating as book 1
April 7, 2025
This series has blown me away!!! It’s got so many twists and turns..mind always keeps wondering!!
November 13, 2025
Great series.
November 4, 2022
The two plots, old moneyed Seattle and Southeast Asia, wound into a family-of-secrets story made this book engrossing and so atmospheric of Seattle. It dealt with several issues that snag interest: seeing them intertwined made for a good read.
I loved the ending—the last two lines--the whole book was full of flavorful turns of phrase! My fave simile: He laced his hands behind his head and leaned back like a fat uncle after a Thanksgiving meal.
The characters in the Seattle family and in the cop shop were so real I felt I could talk to them. Altogether entertaining and thought-provoking: a good read.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC of this book for which I'm giving my honest review.
I loved the ending—the last two lines--the whole book was full of flavorful turns of phrase! My fave simile: He laced his hands behind his head and leaned back like a fat uncle after a Thanksgiving meal.
The characters in the Seattle family and in the cop shop were so real I felt I could talk to them. Altogether entertaining and thought-provoking: a good read.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC of this book for which I'm giving my honest review.
July 1, 2025
Another great instalment in series. Plenty of twist and turns. Thomas is an interesting hero with many layer and a trouble past. I am going to enjoy reading him solving cases and hopefully one of those will be his wifes/
July 29, 2025
Well, ok. Still interesting characters and fairly good plot.
November 11, 2022
THE SHADOWS OF PIKE PLACE is a sleek, sturdy thriller that manages to spin a lot of plates and juggle a lot of pins simultaneously, and while things get a little too busy at times, D.D. Black never lets anything drop to the floor. He's too much of a stone pro for that.
In this second outing for Thomas Austin, a former New York police detective who retires under a black cloud of traumas past and present to the hamlet of Hansville, a world distant but geographically closer to Seattle, the action is rooted this time in the Emerald City. The matriarch of an old-money Seattle family is murdered, and just about everybody close to her is a suspect. It's a stretch to believe that a couple of freelancers — independent crime reporter Anna Downey again is his shotgun rider and occasional driver — from the relative boondocks could have an exclusive inside track of the investigation ahead of the Seattle police, but it cannot be said that Black doesn't not throw himself heart and soul into this deliciously over-the-top conceit.
In the midst of this mystery, Austin learns more about the mysterious circumstances surrounding the murder of his district-attorney wife in New York. And he and Anna continue their slow dance around a budding romance. And you'll be here for all of it, and for all the subsequent volumes in this welcome series.
In this second outing for Thomas Austin, a former New York police detective who retires under a black cloud of traumas past and present to the hamlet of Hansville, a world distant but geographically closer to Seattle, the action is rooted this time in the Emerald City. The matriarch of an old-money Seattle family is murdered, and just about everybody close to her is a suspect. It's a stretch to believe that a couple of freelancers — independent crime reporter Anna Downey again is his shotgun rider and occasional driver — from the relative boondocks could have an exclusive inside track of the investigation ahead of the Seattle police, but it cannot be said that Black doesn't not throw himself heart and soul into this deliciously over-the-top conceit.
In the midst of this mystery, Austin learns more about the mysterious circumstances surrounding the murder of his district-attorney wife in New York. And he and Anna continue their slow dance around a budding romance. And you'll be here for all of it, and for all the subsequent volumes in this welcome series.
December 4, 2022
After listening to the first book in the series I just had to get the next one and when I saw it on kindle unlimited - yeh!!! . This one was good and different but not as good as the first one, but that is setting the bar really high.
All the regular tropes that make a good book but different. Cant wait for the next one.
All the regular tropes that make a good book but different. Cant wait for the next one.
March 14, 2023
I enjoyed the second of the Thomas Austin detective novels but not as much as the first. The writing is excellent and I like the main characters, but this plot was a bit implausible. I’m going on to book 3 with a recommendation that you do the same. The description of the places I grew up in is a big plus for me. I know and love Hansville!
October 25, 2024
DD Black is a local author and I enjoyed the first book in the series. The second book’s setting is in the downtown Seattle area, better known as Pikes Place Market. I enjoyed listening to this book and all the sites in the downtown area. I really like the characters which are well known by the second book. It started off a little slow but picked up speed. And a great surprise at the end made for a wonderful ride. 3 1/2 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
December 6, 2023
This is the second book by D.D. Black that I've read. His books can be read out of order, but there are references in the story that refer to the previous book. This book was a mystery, which kept me thinking even when I was done reading for the day. Very enjoyable with a lot of twists and turns.
August 29, 2024
this was okay- I don't know if I am going to read another though. The main character's back story is that of a murdered wife. This book ended with some information which may lead to solving that murder...this is book two and the story of the unsolved murder was introduced in the first book. I am not interested in this back story and don't want to keep reading about it in however many books ....
September 3, 2023
Another highly enjoyable Thomas Austin! This time, the majority of the action was set in Seattle, and locations that I am very familiar with. The narrative didn't pull me in quite as much as his first book, but it was still engrossing. I started to suspect the reveal before it came, but it wasn't a dead giveaway. Looking forward to the next in the series!
September 21, 2025
Book 2 is a bit more tame with little character development and some surprises that seemed rather contrived (especially the abrupt ending). Still a good read and not particularly gory, which is fine by me considering it's a crime series.
I don't really get why some authors make their male characters able to run around even while suffering serious bodily injuries!
I don't really get why some authors make their male characters able to run around even while suffering serious bodily injuries!
October 2, 2024
Second book of the Thomas Austin series. An action packed book that will keep you entertained throughout the whole story with murder mystery vibes. I liked how the author pursued Austin and Anna's relationship here and how his wife's murder is still a big part of his life. Onto the third book of the series…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2025
I liked the plot of this one a LOT better than the first one. Quick and entertaining weekend read.
July 31, 2025
I am so happy to have found this series. It is well written with interesting characters and story lines that keep me reading.
August 29, 2023
Money and power often lead to many secrets! Interesting read as they reveal the secrets.
July 29, 2025
Good book. Liked the main character. Would read another of this series.
July 2, 2025
This is the second of the Thomas Austin crime series. I enjoyed the twists and turns in this murder mystery that takes place in a family with many secrets. I am not sure about the synesthesia when it comes to crime solving though. I must have missed that in the first book. I have done some reading on it and find it interesting and certainly possible, if rare.
November 27, 2023
Genre/Sub-Genre
Thriller
Overview
The matriarch of an old, wealthy Seattle family dies in her sleep. Later in the day it’s determined that her death was the result of poisoning, and nearly all of the suspects are her relatives.
Doorway
Story
Story
At 82 years Eleanor Johnson had been through a lot. Her husband was murdered, but not before allegations of nefarious activity began to tarnish his reputation. She’s hired a ghostwriter for her memoir, the concerns of her children be damned. Eleanor’s philanthropy has buoyed the coffers of many Puget Sound non-profits and her charity has earned her the right to share her tale.
Investigative reporter Anna Downey hired to write the memoir, but shortly into the process, Eleanor lets her go. So Anna asks Austin to join her on a trip to return Eleanor Johnson’s diaries. It just so happens that the diaries are returned on the evening that Eleanor is murdered. That’s where Anna and Austin meet Eleanor’s offspring, grandchildren, in-laws and servants who are now prime suspects in Eleanor’s murder.
Anna and Austin insert themselves into the hunt, accompanied by Ridley, Lucy & Jimmy from Kitsap County Sherriff’s Office, and begin to turn over the rocks.
Characters
The same great characters that you’ll get in any iteration of the Thomas Austin series, although this one really leans on Austin and Anna Downey to do the heavy lifting.
Setting
Contemporary Puget Sound, this one takes place mostly in Seattle. I love stories set in areas with which I am familiar. It’s just one more way to connect me to the book.
Language
Black is a great storyteller. He does a nice job building suspense, injecting twists and turns to throw us off the scent, but he keeps things moving. I like the energy between Austin and Anna, and I enjoy the back & forth with the rest of the team.
Thriller
Overview
The matriarch of an old, wealthy Seattle family dies in her sleep. Later in the day it’s determined that her death was the result of poisoning, and nearly all of the suspects are her relatives.
Doorway
Story
Story
At 82 years Eleanor Johnson had been through a lot. Her husband was murdered, but not before allegations of nefarious activity began to tarnish his reputation. She’s hired a ghostwriter for her memoir, the concerns of her children be damned. Eleanor’s philanthropy has buoyed the coffers of many Puget Sound non-profits and her charity has earned her the right to share her tale.
Investigative reporter Anna Downey hired to write the memoir, but shortly into the process, Eleanor lets her go. So Anna asks Austin to join her on a trip to return Eleanor Johnson’s diaries. It just so happens that the diaries are returned on the evening that Eleanor is murdered. That’s where Anna and Austin meet Eleanor’s offspring, grandchildren, in-laws and servants who are now prime suspects in Eleanor’s murder.
Anna and Austin insert themselves into the hunt, accompanied by Ridley, Lucy & Jimmy from Kitsap County Sherriff’s Office, and begin to turn over the rocks.
Characters
The same great characters that you’ll get in any iteration of the Thomas Austin series, although this one really leans on Austin and Anna Downey to do the heavy lifting.
Setting
Contemporary Puget Sound, this one takes place mostly in Seattle. I love stories set in areas with which I am familiar. It’s just one more way to connect me to the book.
Language
Black is a great storyteller. He does a nice job building suspense, injecting twists and turns to throw us off the scent, but he keeps things moving. I like the energy between Austin and Anna, and I enjoy the back & forth with the rest of the team.
November 10, 2022
Review of the Shadows of Pike Place by DD Black.
Eleanor Johnson is a very rich woman who gives a lot of money to charity. Her family members and one loyal employee who has been with her for 50 of her 82 years have all summitted requests for a charity that each would like to receive money. Now all of them will be disappointed with her choice. Each member accepts what she has done, but none of them like it. The next morning she is found dead, died of natural causes at age 82.
This is a book in a series of Thomas Austin stories. He is a former NYPD police detective and presently a private detective who really does not want to work as detective in any capacity, but prefers to spend time at his restaurant/bait shop and trying new recipes. If you have not read any stories in this series, you are in for a treat now. If you are familiar with the series, I am sure that you have been anticipating this one!
DD Black is simply marvelous in developing characters that we end up knowing very well. He is also just excellent at describing scenes, you can almost feel the weather, enjoy the smells of a coffee shop, see the stance of a character.
If you like a mystery that is well thought out, realistic, and has turns of fate that catch your interest, this is a book for you. I highly recommend it.
Fritzi Redgrave
Eleanor Johnson is a very rich woman who gives a lot of money to charity. Her family members and one loyal employee who has been with her for 50 of her 82 years have all summitted requests for a charity that each would like to receive money. Now all of them will be disappointed with her choice. Each member accepts what she has done, but none of them like it. The next morning she is found dead, died of natural causes at age 82.
This is a book in a series of Thomas Austin stories. He is a former NYPD police detective and presently a private detective who really does not want to work as detective in any capacity, but prefers to spend time at his restaurant/bait shop and trying new recipes. If you have not read any stories in this series, you are in for a treat now. If you are familiar with the series, I am sure that you have been anticipating this one!
DD Black is simply marvelous in developing characters that we end up knowing very well. He is also just excellent at describing scenes, you can almost feel the weather, enjoy the smells of a coffee shop, see the stance of a character.
If you like a mystery that is well thought out, realistic, and has turns of fate that catch your interest, this is a book for you. I highly recommend it.
Fritzi Redgrave
October 31, 2022
Everything is not what it seems for one Seattle family…
Thomas Austin has this uncanny ability of actually tasting when something is amiss. It helps him to know when to dive deeper and uncover a connection that might otherwise go unnoticed when working a case and meeting with people. This murder investigation is no exception and coincidentally the victim was poisoned – what had she tasted and what was the killer’s motive? Well, when dealing with a very wealthy and prominent family of the community, it would appear that money was the optimal motive. However, secrets begin to surface creating an intriguing mystery with questionable suspects, suspense and some disturbing information that could possibly help Thomas unravel his own perpetual concerns regarding his wife’s fatal shooting back in N.Y.
Well-written and nicely edited, this is an enjoyable read with descriptive detail of the Seattle area that allows you to feel like you are there. Romance could be brewing for Thomas if only he can let go of the past. I am anxious to see what unfolds in future books of this series…I received an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Thomas Austin has this uncanny ability of actually tasting when something is amiss. It helps him to know when to dive deeper and uncover a connection that might otherwise go unnoticed when working a case and meeting with people. This murder investigation is no exception and coincidentally the victim was poisoned – what had she tasted and what was the killer’s motive? Well, when dealing with a very wealthy and prominent family of the community, it would appear that money was the optimal motive. However, secrets begin to surface creating an intriguing mystery with questionable suspects, suspense and some disturbing information that could possibly help Thomas unravel his own perpetual concerns regarding his wife’s fatal shooting back in N.Y.
Well-written and nicely edited, this is an enjoyable read with descriptive detail of the Seattle area that allows you to feel like you are there. Romance could be brewing for Thomas if only he can let go of the past. I am anxious to see what unfolds in future books of this series…I received an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.
November 11, 2022
This is D.D. Black at his best. An excellent private investigator/police procedural that grabs the reader from the first page and doesn't let go until the last page is turned. I practically devoured this book once I started on it and found it very difficult to put down. The characters are three-dimensional and are easy to relate to. One of the most interesting details about the character of Thomas Austin is that he has synesthesia. For him, there is a link between emotions and taste. And in case you're wondering, synesthesia is a real condition, not something from Mr. Black's imagination. I don't know of any other character who has ever had this, so it's an interesting detail that adds a special touch to the story. There is plenty of investigative and "physical" action, twists, turns, and unexpected developments. Just when the reader thinks things are all worked out, there's another curveball thrown.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend this series. I'm looking forward to the next book and I hope there are many more stories to come. I received a review copy from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend this series. I'm looking forward to the next book and I hope there are many more stories to come. I received a review copy from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion.
November 8, 2022
Another great book by D.D. Black in the Thomas Austin Crime series. When the matriarch of a rich Seattle family dies under suspicious circumstances, private investigator Thomas Austin is on the case. And the book takes off! The story has enough clues to keep you guessing. The writing is solid and the characters are well-developed. The story moves at a fast pace to keep you invested and interested in what is going to happen next.
The Shadows of Pike Place is a fun, thrilling ride in a great setting. I would recommend this book and this author.
The Shadows of Pike Place is a fun, thrilling ride in a great setting. I would recommend this book and this author.
May 4, 2023
This is the second book in this series.
Very disappointed. I enjoyed the first book although I had a hard time believing many of the scenarios.
This book was terrible in its total plot.
The characters are so unrealistic and poorly fleshed out. The plot line is not at all believable.
The final chase is ridiculous and outcome is hard to fathom.
It was no surprise that the plot line used the death of his wife to carry into the rest of the series.
Won’t purchase the next book.
Very disappointed. I enjoyed the first book although I had a hard time believing many of the scenarios.
This book was terrible in its total plot.
The characters are so unrealistic and poorly fleshed out. The plot line is not at all believable.
The final chase is ridiculous and outcome is hard to fathom.
It was no surprise that the plot line used the death of his wife to carry into the rest of the series.
Won’t purchase the next book.
January 24, 2025
This high-action novel includes a surprisingly twisted ending. It moves quickly and is easy to follow. Included in the plot line thought-provoking ideas are nicely tucked between the action scenes: Should police use unethical practices for lowlings to overcome the big picture criminals? How does one let go of a love ended through violence? Do obsessions need to rule a person's life?
The characters are believable and interesting. The series is a good crime "thriller."
The characters are believable and interesting. The series is a good crime "thriller."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews