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 VictimBook 2: We Forget NothingBook 3: Widows of Medina (Available Fall 2024)