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A Thomas Austin Crime Thriller #2
The Shadows of Pike Place
6 hrs. 29 min.
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.
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.
7 pages, Audible Audio
Published December 20, 2022
About the author
D.D. Black
28 books652 followersD.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
source: Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 329 reviews
April 12, 2026
I’ve often found great reads at the most opportune times. When I stumbled upon this series by D.D. Black, I was intrigued and tried this quasi-police procedural thriller. Before long, I was neck-deep into this second book and loving it. It once more tackles unique crime themes and maneuvers. It was a pleasure reading this piece and I am eager to see what else this series has for me!
After the death of a Seattle socialite under less than natural circumstances, newly-minted private investigator Thomas Austin is called upon to help with the case. The suspect list seems straightforward, as it was a family gathering at the mansion the night that the woman died. Everyone had motive and opportunity, but there can only be one murderer. Working alongside a potential belle and gritty crime reporter, Austin uses the victim’s old diaries to tell the story of the family and some of their secrets. Much of it sheds light on the long-dead family patriarch and his less than legal dealings in Seattle before his death a half century before. As Austin works his way towards the truth, the past comes bubbling up and creates a diversion that could cost everyone something. A gripping story that has me eager to see what else D. D. Black has in store for this series.
I love finding new authors whose work piques my interest. D.D. Black did that from the opening pages of the series debut and never looked back. The narrative begins with a simple case involving a death, but soon moves into a tense family with animosity to fuel their daily lives. Black keeps the tension edgy and does not let the momentum dull the action. Seattle can be seen through numerous lenses as murder is front and centre across different timelines. Short chapters leave the reader begging for a solution, as the pages fly by, with the reader begging for a solution.
Characters enrich the story well and keep the reader curious. Black knows how to present solid characters whose ideas effectively impact the story. Thomas Austin is quite the protagonist and his backstory makes him the ideal force to drive this book along. I am still learning about him, though his present life is also of interest. I cannot wait to see more of his characteristics and how he will interact with those around him. Secondary characters emerge and prove highly entertaining, flavouring the piece well and giving a true Pacific Northwest angle to the series.
Plot points offer great suspense after the story’s initial direction. Black presents many surprises and twists in the novel, using history to add additional layers. It keeps the reader feeling eager to learn truths about the case and how it relates to Austin's previous work, as well as his new role as a PI. All these are essential to better understanding the story’s foundation and direction Black seeks to go. I am hooked by this series already and the shorter novels have me able to devour them with ease. I have the next book ready to go and will surely get to it soon!
Kudos, Mr. Black, as you have me eager to see where things are headed with this collection.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
After the death of a Seattle socialite under less than natural circumstances, newly-minted private investigator Thomas Austin is called upon to help with the case. The suspect list seems straightforward, as it was a family gathering at the mansion the night that the woman died. Everyone had motive and opportunity, but there can only be one murderer. Working alongside a potential belle and gritty crime reporter, Austin uses the victim’s old diaries to tell the story of the family and some of their secrets. Much of it sheds light on the long-dead family patriarch and his less than legal dealings in Seattle before his death a half century before. As Austin works his way towards the truth, the past comes bubbling up and creates a diversion that could cost everyone something. A gripping story that has me eager to see what else D. D. Black has in store for this series.
I love finding new authors whose work piques my interest. D.D. Black did that from the opening pages of the series debut and never looked back. The narrative begins with a simple case involving a death, but soon moves into a tense family with animosity to fuel their daily lives. Black keeps the tension edgy and does not let the momentum dull the action. Seattle can be seen through numerous lenses as murder is front and centre across different timelines. Short chapters leave the reader begging for a solution, as the pages fly by, with the reader begging for a solution.
Characters enrich the story well and keep the reader curious. Black knows how to present solid characters whose ideas effectively impact the story. Thomas Austin is quite the protagonist and his backstory makes him the ideal force to drive this book along. I am still learning about him, though his present life is also of interest. I cannot wait to see more of his characteristics and how he will interact with those around him. Secondary characters emerge and prove highly entertaining, flavouring the piece well and giving a true Pacific Northwest angle to the series.
Plot points offer great suspense after the story’s initial direction. Black presents many surprises and twists in the novel, using history to add additional layers. It keeps the reader feeling eager to learn truths about the case and how it relates to Austin's previous work, as well as his new role as a PI. All these are essential to better understanding the story’s foundation and direction Black seeks to go. I am hooked by this series already and the shorter novels have me able to devour them with ease. I have the next book ready to go and will surely get to it soon!
Kudos, Mr. Black, as you have me eager to see where things are headed with this collection.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
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.
January 2, 2026
Story 3 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.
March 13, 2026
When the matriarch of a wealthy Seattle family dies under suspicious circumstances, private investigator Thomas Austin steps into a mansion full of suspects—and every last one of them has a motive. A spoiled son. A jealous brother-in-law. A loyal chef. A rebellious grandson. An arrogant memoirist. Two accomplished daughters. Nobody’s hands are clean.
To crack the case, Austin digs deep into the family’s past, teaming up with a sharp, no-nonsense reporter. A long-lost diary opens the door to secrets that expose the darker side of old-money Seattle. The tension builds steadily, and the payoff is worth the ride.
Free Audible titles can be hit or miss. A lot of them are free for a reason. But this one? Solid. Strong narration, tight storytelling, and a mystery that keeps you locked in. I’m already on Book 2 in the Thomas Austin Crime Thriller series, and Book 3 is queued up.
To crack the case, Austin digs deep into the family’s past, teaming up with a sharp, no-nonsense reporter. A long-lost diary opens the door to secrets that expose the darker side of old-money Seattle. The tension builds steadily, and the payoff is worth the ride.
Free Audible titles can be hit or miss. A lot of them are free for a reason. But this one? Solid. Strong narration, tight storytelling, and a mystery that keeps you locked in. I’m already on Book 2 in the Thomas Austin Crime Thriller series, and Book 3 is queued up.
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
July 1, 2026
After really enjoying The Bones at Point No Point, I went into this second Thomas Austin mystery with high expectations. While it was still an entertaining read, it didn’t quite capture the same level of suspense or engagement for me.
The premise is intriguing—a wealthy Seattle matriarch dies under suspicious circumstances, leaving a house full of suspects, each with a believable motive. The investigation into old family secrets and hidden betrayals kept me interested, and I enjoyed the glimpse into Seattle’s history and elite society.
Thomas Austin continues to be a likable investigator, relying on persistence and careful detective work rather than unrealistic heroics. The mystery itself is solid, although I found the pacing uneven at times. The middle section slowed considerably, and some of the twists felt more predictable than I had hoped.
Even so, D.D. Black writes engaging mysteries with well-developed settings and believable characters. While this wasn’t as strong as the first book in the series for me, I’m still interested in continuing with Thomas Austin’s next investigation.
Overall, a worthwhile mystery for fans of traditional detective fiction, even if it wasn’t quite as memorable as its predecessor.
3 Stars
The premise is intriguing—a wealthy Seattle matriarch dies under suspicious circumstances, leaving a house full of suspects, each with a believable motive. The investigation into old family secrets and hidden betrayals kept me interested, and I enjoyed the glimpse into Seattle’s history and elite society.
Thomas Austin continues to be a likable investigator, relying on persistence and careful detective work rather than unrealistic heroics. The mystery itself is solid, although I found the pacing uneven at times. The middle section slowed considerably, and some of the twists felt more predictable than I had hoped.
Even so, D.D. Black writes engaging mysteries with well-developed settings and believable characters. While this wasn’t as strong as the first book in the series for me, I’m still interested in continuing with Thomas Austin’s next investigation.
Overall, a worthwhile mystery for fans of traditional detective fiction, even if it wasn’t quite as memorable as its predecessor.
3 Stars
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.
August 12, 2026
Settled on Bainbridge Island, Thomas has left NY after the murder of his wife. He turned in his badge and opened a small coffee shop, which gives him a chance to use his creative skills to create new recipes. He is remodeling and after recent events has acquired his PI license. His new friend, Anna, a crime reporter and aspiring author, asks him to accompany her to Seattle when she hears of the death of a wealthy society matron who she had been hired to write an autobiography for, is found dead after a yearly family meeting. Anna asks Austin to accompany her as she suspects the possibility of a crime. What really happened leads them both into a web of long held secrets. Austin is sharpening his skills and acquiring new enemies! Looking forward to what Austin gets involved in next!
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!
March 15, 2026
It's much better than the first book in the series. Of course, much more character development on the main characters. I will continue on to the next book.
July 19, 2026
The story kept me guessing, and I genuinely didn't see where it was going. For such a short book, the author managed to create strong character development.
July 27, 2026
this is an engaging series. I am looking forward to the next book.
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 329 reviews