The Secrets of Second Beach

A Thomas Austin Crime Thriller, Book 11

By: D.D. Black

Narrated by: Joe Hempel

She lived life online, her final post a cry for help. But the mists of Second Beach answered only with silence.

When the body of a beloved social media star washes up on the rocky shores of Second Beach, panic spreads through the surrounding coastal community. What was once a peaceful haven is now shrouded in fear, and the locals demand answers.

But what begins as a tragic mystery quickly spirals into something far more sinister. Beneath the surface of Washington’s sleepy beach towns lies a hidden underworld—a secretive criminal syndicate that has operated in the shadows for years.

Are they involved? Or is something even darker lurking in the mist?

As Detective Thomas Austin uncovers secret after long-buried secret, he discovers a chilling truth that’s been hiding in plain sight for decades. And the deeper Austin digs, the closer he comes to a devastating revelation that could rock the entire Pacific Northwest.

Series List (can be listened to in any order):
Book 1: The Bones at Point No Point
Book 2: The Shadows of Pike Place
Book 3: The Fallen of Foulweather Bluff
Book 4: The Horror at Murden Cove
Book 5: The Terror in the Emerald City
Book 6: The Drowning at Dyes Inlet
Book 7: The Nightmare at Manhattan Beach
Book 8: The Silence at Mystery Bay
Book 9: The Darkness at Deception Pass
Book 10: The Vanishing at Opal Creek
Book 11: The Secrets of Second Beach

©2025 D.D. Black (P)2025 D.D. Black

Why?

This writer is excellent but I hate when they slip into brain fog. Husband and wife do not work together in PD let alone as one being supervisor. A six month pregnant detective will no work in the field. A preemie born at six months is not “doing great”. It should have been mentioned that she is strong and she’s in the best hands.

At no time Austin mentioned that Blake’s GF is the daughter of Frankie Bones? And his supervisor didn’t know either?

I know this is fiction but some things should be more realistic.

Easy to follow

I have read all the Thomas Austin series. Very well done….mystery, suspense and no foul language. Quite a joy to follow the progress of one man’s struggles and his overcoming these struggles. Again well done…
Christopher

Good detective story

Loved the series. Some better than others but overall I love DD Blacks books. There is always a twist that I didn’t see.

Love the characters

Kept me on my toes, always a surprise waiting around the corner ! Characters engaging! Can't wait for the next adventure.

Enjoyable series

I’ve been working through this series for several months and am kind of sad it’s over. Love the narrator’s voice- although he makes some of the characters sound a little southern, which is sort of out of place. I have to say, this time I guessed who did it quickly after they were introduced- but there were still some good plot twists.