Across the Pacific Northwest, a twisted killer stalks victims representing ancient archetypes:

The Ruler. The Warrior. The Scholar. The Priest.

Four are dead, leaving FBI investigators puzzled by the macabre, color-coded shrines the killer left behind.

And clues now point to a fifth victim.

With only two weeks until retirement, seasoned FBI Agent Claire Anderson is desperately trying to balance her work and complex home life when she's called in for one last job: lead a special task force to hunt down the enigmatic "Color Killer."That task force is the FBI's

Special-Washington-Oregon-Regional-Detachment

—nicknamed S.W.O.R.D. Now, Claire must marshal the talents of an eclectic crew of agents, including a brilliant criminal psychologist, a street-savvy undercover prodigy, a rugged covert-ops specialist, and a quirky tech savant.Pursuing the killer through the rain-soaked streets and deep forests of the Pacific Northwest, the men and women of S.W.O.R.D. must delve into an ancient lost religion, its shocking view of life and death, and the dark mind of a cunning psychopath. But when clues start intertwining with Claire's own life, she realizes she's up against a predator who's always one step ahead.

The fifth victim is closer than she ever imagined.

Dive into Book 1 of the blockbuster new FBI Task Force S.W.O.R.D Series by D.D. Black, author of the #1 international bestselling series,

The Thomas Austin Crime Thrillers

.Praise from early readers:"????? I've never read about a serial killer this strange, this interesting. And I've never rooted so hard for a group of FBI agents—they're relatable, complex individuals who felt real on every page. Even the golden retriever had an amazing backstory! I couldn't read

The Fifth Victim

fast enough, and I can't wait for the next installment.""????? As good as his Thomas Austin novels, maybe even better.""????? Great use of the Pacific Northwest setting, great characters, and a murder case both psychologically and philosophically fascinating. This is a one of the most enjoyable, satisfying mystery novels I've ever read."

Series List:

Book 1: 

The Fifth Victim

Book 2: 

We Forget Nothing

Book 3: 

Widows of Medina (Available November 2024)

Acapulco’s acclaimed female police detective dives into an ocean of secrets, lies, and murder when she investigates her own lieutenant’s death.“Consistently exciting” – Kirkus ReviewsIn this explosive start to the award-winning mystery series set in Acapulco, Emilia Cruz beat the odds to become the city’s first woman police detective. Now she lives in a pressure cooker of danger and distrust.Famous for beaches, resorts and nightlife, Acapulco is ground zero for the war on drugs. Drug cartels fight over smuggling routes into the United States for fentanyl and cocaine. Human trafficking is on the rise. Missing persons are never found. Homicide rates are exploding and every murder is an unsolved mystery.Even worse, the police department is riddled with corruption.No one is more corrupt than Emilia’s own lieutenant.When he's murdered, Emilia is assigned to lead the investigation and uncovers an ugly mess no one wants exposed. Both the mayor and the head of the police union pressure her to close the case. Their reasons have nothing to do with justice.Meanwhile, another detective is her prime suspect.Feeling like one of Acapulco’s famous cliff divers praying not to smash into the rocks below, Emilia must choose between truth and survival. Either way, she won’t be ready for the impact.Neither will you.Optioned for television, the Detective Emilia Cruz police drama books set in Acapulco are inspired by author Carmen Amato’s real-life counterdrug and espionage experiences during a 30-year career in national intelligence. Every Detective Emilia Cruz police procedural mystery brims with authenticity and intrigue."A thrilling series" -- National Public Radio"A wonderful crime mystery" -- MysterySequels.comReaders who love international mystery series crime fighters including Armand Gamache, Harry Hole, Guido Brunetti, and the Department Q series will also love Detective Emilia Cruz’s complex plots, pulse-pounding suspense, and exotic location.Perfect for lovers of international detective and crime fiction by Ian Rankin, Jo Nesbo, and Peter May, as well as Don Winslow’s Mexican cartel and border thrillers.MEET DETECTIVE EMILIA CRUZEmilia Cruz is the first and only female police detective in Acapulco. She's a good liar, a fast thinker, and a mean kickboxer in a department that didn’t want her and is still trying to break her. Even as she fights to keep what she’s earned, Emilia keeps a record of women who have gone missing--casualties of Mexico’s drug violence--and is always searching for them.The one thing Emilia doesn’t know how to handle is Kurt Rucker, the manager of a luxury hotel in Acapulco. A former US Marine, he has the confidence and leadership qualities she admires. A triathlete, he’s calm under pressure and knows what he wants. But does Emilia?

????? “A fast-paced action-packed adventure which will keep the reader enthralled.” Barbara

Can’t find her.Can’t catch him.Can’t trust anyone.

The first in a gripping new Sheffield-set crime series starring Detective Claudia Nunn.Detective Claudia Nunn’s colleague DS Dominic Harrison has been leading the case against a dangerous serial killer, who hunts his victims using a dating app. But now his own wife has gone missing.Then a large pool of blood is discovered in their garage. And Dominic is the prime suspect.Is Dominic being framed by a serial killer or will Claudia expose an even uglier truth?

Can’t tell a soul how it ends.

Blood Stained

is a dark, twisty and utterly compulsive page-turner that will be devoured by fans of Helen H. Durrant, Rachel Abbott, Angela Marsons and L.J. Ross.

READERS CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF REBECCA BRADLEY:

“An original take on the classic police procedural, I found it pacy, dark and compelling, and was

hooked from the first page to the last

.” Jane Isaac, bestselling author of

The Truth Will Out

“Tense, gripping and intriguing, with

several twists that caught me completely by surprise

.” Emma Haughton, author of

The Dark

“Tense, tightly written and I

couldn’t put it down

until I was done. A definite 5 stars.” Angela Marsons, author of

Twisted Lies

“Honestly one of the most gripping – and thoroughly disturbing – things I’ve read in a while. It’s

like watching a mind slowly unravel

. Highly recommended.” Cass Green, author of

The Killer Inside

“

Terrifyingly authentic

.”

A Chapter in my Life

“

Slick, absolutely fascinating

.”

Damppebbles

“

Compelling, dark

and absolutely a page-turner.”

Crime Book Junkie

“A

clever and emotional

read from an author who deserves to be more well known.”

Steph’s Book Blog

“Rebecca Bradley has the knack of drawing you into a book and then you find it

hard to put down

.” Graham R.“Thoroughly enjoyed this book . . . Kept me guessing all the way through and a great twist at the end.” Nerys

ALSO BY REBECCA BRADLEY

DETECTIVE CLAUDIA NUNN

Book 1: BLOOD STAINEDBook 2: SECONDS TO DIEBook 3: SHE KNEW HER KILLER