This is #3 in the series Devlin and Falco. I like an action packed mystery, I have to 'like' the main characters, they can't be 'perfect', just realistic characters. I don't like a lot of wordy descriptions....less is best. This series hits all those marks with me. Devlin and Falco are detective partners, Devlin is a single Mom, cheater ex and Falco was deeply undercover, came out and works for the dept. I won't go into a lot about their past, read book one and two to get caught up. You don't HAVE to read them but why wouldn't you..they are mysteries that tick all the right boxes. Debra Webb always manages to give an element of surprise, I don't have to have that in a book but what a joy when I think "I didn't see that coming". Looking forward to the next in this series, this series also is making me want to check out Debra's other books. Thank you for letting me read an ARC.

This gripping Devlin and Falco series by Debra Webb is filled excitement and danger as the series comes to a close. After a woman and her child are found dead, and the husband confesses to the murder, detectives Devlin and Falco should be able to wrap the case up quickly. Instead the case begins to unravel something from Falco's past from nearly ten years ago. His partnership with Devlin had been thriving, and now everything could come toppling down.

The investigation that Devlin and Falco undertake is extemely intense with the partners desperate to sort the connection to Falco's past. I have loved both of the previous books in this series, Trust No One and Gone Too Far. Each book in this series could do well as standalone novels. However, if you enjoy continuity as much as I do then I definitely recommend reading this series in order. I do feel a measure of sadness that this series has drawn to a close.

Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

I want to start by saying that I experienced this steady-paced mystery as a stand-alone novel and may have enjoyed it even more if I had read the others in this series first.

Can't Go Back is the final installment in a three-part series featuring Birmingham homicide detectives Kerri Devlin and Luke Falco. The writing is good and it has a twisty plot, so you will need to pay close attention to the breadcrumbs of information along the way.

I suppose in keeping with real-life police work, this homicide investigation sends you chasing lead after lead. Each interrogation digs ever closer to what really happened the night of a local house fire, a tragic incident that claimed the young lives of a mother and her child. A shocking detail found at the scene suggests it may have been foul play.

Could it really have been murder? Who could do such a heinous thing?

The surviving patriarch of this family immediately confesses, adamantly claiming to be responsible, but the facts say otherwise, leaving the detective team to sort through a pile of evidence and a stack of lies to get down to the truth.

I'm a reader who likes to try to figure out the puzzle and occasionally I had to slow down to reread sections in order to keep all the details and the characters straight. In doing so, I still could not predict the big reveal. 3.5 stars.

I'd like to thank the author, NetGalley, and Thomas & Mercer for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Can't Go Back for an honest review.

This was a good continuation and ending to the series.
It gives us some background into Falco’s past.
This story has a lot of twists and turns. Quite a few I didn’t guess at. It was a good mystery.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy

Debra Webb delivers another great read. Detective Kerri Devlin and Detective Luke Falco are more than partners at work they are not quite using the L-word out loud but their hearts speak volumes. This is book 3 however, you can read stand-alone if you haven’t read the first two. I encourage you to get those they are excellent!
Devlin and Falco are called to a double homicide that should be an open and shut case, they have someone claiming to have done it. But the only thing for sure is that the confessor may be lying.
Falco finds that this double murder could somehow be connected to his past. A past he’d sooner forget forever. Falco is forced to deal with what happened years ago, no matter the potential consequences to his future. He must find out if it has anything to do with this double murder. Will he survive this, will their partnership and more importantly, their relationship be able to get beyond what happened in his past? With Debra’s clues, I did figure the ending but there are surprises I didn’t anticipate.
The book is a quick read that I recommend. I like the dynamic between Devlin and Falco and look forward to more of their stories. Thank you, NetGalley, and the publishers Thomas & Mercer for this digital ARC read, this is my honest opinion. The book is well written and has believability. The mix of mystery and romance blended into an interesting story makes a great read.

The final book in the Devlin and Falco series is a complicated tale in which the present gets mixed up in the past and all of it flows seamlessly to a fantastic conclusion. Kerri Devlin and Luke Falco are partners in the Birmingham PD and are tasked with finding out who or what caused a fire that killed a young mother and her daughter. When the husband, a former police officer, confesses, neither of them totally buy into his confession and are determined to ferret out the truth. In their quest for justice, Devlin and Falco uncover some really dark truths about Falco’s past that he has not dealt with yet. With rogue cops and creepy grandmothers, this book has a lot of red herrings and tons of false trails that kept me guessing almost to the end. I won’t give anything away here, but I will say that I was able to follow the clues and guessed who the villains were, just before they were revealed. The author did a masterful job of weaving a realistic story that kept me engrossed and wanting more. Kerri is a strong female protagonist who is in tune with her partner and his needs. Luke shows his vulnerability in this final installment of the series and that was a perfect addition to his very macho character. I will miss this duo because this is one of the best detective series that I have read. Fans of suspense will really enjoy this book, but the first two should be read first so that you get to know the characters well before delving into the final book.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

3.5 Stars

My thanks to Thomas & Mercer Publishing, as well as to NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Can't Go Back!

This book takes place in Birmingham, Alabama, and as in the first two books, features detectives Kerri Devlin and Luke Falco. The detectives are stumped when they arrive at the scene of a house fire, where a mother and her child have died, only to find that nothing about the murder scene makes sense. A woman and her child are dead, and though the husband says he killed them, the evidence says otherwise. Why would a man confess to unspeakable murders he didn’t commit?

There were an astonishing number of twists and turns in this story, as well as many secrets, hidden motives, and side stories. I started getting the impression the book was red herring, after red herring, after red herring, and I felt as though some of it could have been left out.

On the other hand, it's been enjoyable seeing how the relationship between Detectives Devlin and Falco, as well as the blending of their families, have evolved. Also, I was able to figure out who the bad guy was and that never happens to me!

The best of the best! Hate to see this series end .Kerri and Luke are one of the best fictional crime fighting partners out there! This one hits it out of the ballpark! with a murder investigation that hits a personal level , Cant go back delves deep into the past and present , great suspense, great story!

I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review -
A house fire - mother and child dead - husband lying in the yard -
He says he killed them, but he looks beaten up, how could he? Why is he saying he did?
A neighbour watching every move -
Devlin and Falco begin the investigation and find so many twists and turns leading them different directions into the fire - murder? Will they find out who and the reason why?
This was a great book!!!

Can't Go Back by Debra Webb is the third and final book in this very good detective series set in Birmingham, AL. Detectives Kerri Devlin and Luke Falco are dedicated to their jobs, although they both have regrets in their past.
Devlin and Falco are investigating the death of a mother and her child, Allison and Leah, in a house fire. The husband/father, Logan Boothe, is found unconscious out on the lawn. Did he set the fire or is he a victim? After he awakens in the hospital, he tells Falco that he is the one who set the fire. Something is off about the situation because he is clearly grieving the death of his wife and child. Who is he covering for and why? Also, Allison and Logan's mothers are acting suspiciously. What do they know?
Can't Go Back reveals more information from Falco's past when he was deep undercover. He discovers a shocking link from those days when he trusted his LT. The bond between Devlin and Falco deepens as they plan a future together. I regret this is the last in the series.
Publication Date: December 14, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

This is the third and final book in this series. I have enjoyed all three of these books. This book had a lot of twists and turns and you really had a hard time figuring out who the bad guy was.. This was a very good mystery and wonderful characters

Holy Moly…

What a ride! I could not put this book down. And lord love a duck this book had more twists than a back road in PA.

What a fabulous read. Debra Webb is a master of suspense. This book has so many facets. I could go on but I don’t do spoilers! It’s a MUST READ. Every single book in this series got better. I liked book 1, book 2 was great, book 3…BOOM!

I highly recommend you check it out.

After a rocky start, Devlin & Falco have built a great partnership as detectives and are building an even stronger one on the personal front, but this newest case might tear it all apart as Falco is forced to confront his past.
With the clock ticking and plenty of twists and none of the pieces seaming to fit, the two detectives have to dig deep into the dark places of Falco's undercover work in order to bring justice for the victims.
I never saw the end coming on this one!
Debra has truly brought these characters to life for her readers and ingrained them into our hearts.

I am heartbroken that "Can't Go Back" (3rd Devlin & Falco) is the final installment of this series!  Having read several of Debra Webb's books, she's become one of my favorite authors.
The police investigation into the fire at the Boothe home, where a loving wife and young daughter both die, will test the detectives new relationship.
At first the fire appears to be a tragic accident. However, the pieces don't fit. The more people Luke & Kerri question, the more questions arise. Lots of secrets, hidden motives, misdirection, lies & cover-ups in this twisted family drama.
So many lives are impacted by the house fire and deaths. If it was arson, the suspect list is long. There's the distraught husband, Logan (former undercover narcotics), the standard primary suspect. Then there's the feuding mother-in-law & mother, the overly helpful elderly neighbor, the best friend, & a sketchy undercover cop clique.
The book delves deeper into Luke & Kerri's personal lives, past & present. Luke grapples with his former life undercover in narcotics. Kerri is attempting to trust herself to love again. Luke's former lt. O'Grady, inserts himself into the fire investigation & threatens everything Kerri & Luke have worked towards. All this while Kerri & Luke juggle to keep work & personal life separate. The story seems to be wrapping up the complicated relationship between Luke & Kerri.
Everytime I just knew who was responsible for the fire, there was another layer to peel back & another well intending witness holding back critical facts, covering up, or lying.
Debra Webb has delivered another great and suspenseful police procedural mystery. If you've read the previous in series, you won't want to miss this one!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the advance digital copy. I can't wait to read what Debra Webb has planned next! This is my own voluntary opinion.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book Detective Kerri and Luke are asked to investigate a fire where a mother and young daughter were murdered. This book kept me guessing until the end.

I was a bit sad to learn going in this would be the final book in the ‘Devlin & Falco’ series, but what a great way to finish off.
In this instalment, 6 months or so has passed since ‘Gone too far’ book 2 in the series. Devlin and Falco are moving along well, both professionally and personally. They are called to the scene of a house fire that is also a double homicide. Despite the husband confessing to the fire that killed his family, Devlin and Falco know there’s more to it and are determined to find out exactly who is responsible for such a horrific crime.
But while looking into the husband’s life and his motives for killing his family, Devlin and Falco find themselves face to face with Falco’s own murky past as an undercover police officer.
Ive thought reading this series that Devlin and Falco are a bit of an odd pair, complete opposites, but somehow the two work very well together. And somehow their romantic relationship also works well.
I enjoyed reading ‘Can’t Go Back’. This was a good mystery/suspense book that I read quite quickly. My only complaint is that I found the amount of potential bad guys a bit ridiculous. Why so many red herrings? I felt a bit silly trying to keep track of them. I think the story would have been a bit cleaner without the over abundance of suspects.
But overall, a good 3.5 star read for me.

For Devlin the past with a divorce and sharing their daughter has finally even out. Being partner’s with Falco escalated quickly and now seeing if sharing the same space was possible. As long as LT Brooks or Chief Dubose didn’t become aware of their dating. Call from the Chief it was personal, knowing them that died in the fire and wanted Devlin and Falco to head the investigation. No electronic items, nothing seems wrong, except the fire was started. Falco had been undercover 8 years ago what happened will impact this case and for them personally.
The author’s bring their lives, their goals as well as how they work to uncover the motive behind this case. Great story as well as series
Given ARC from NG and Thomas Mercer for my voluntary review and my honest opinion

I read this book as stand alone as thus it has impacted my experience in certain ways.

First of all, the book is completely readable as stand alone and it is very well written in my opinion. The story was like pealing an onion and getting closer and closer to the truth. I have enjoyed almost every chapter and savored them without having to rush through the book. The emotions and pain described were so believable that sometimes it was too hard to read reactions of losing a child in this way. I found Devlin likeable although I didn't feel like I got to know her well.

I loved the book throughout it but not the end. I think the end was rushed and gave a reader no closure. So many things were revealed so quickly that I am still a bit lost and disappointed. Should I really need to re-read the book to get it? Having completed a book I should know why the father was taking the blame instead of trying to find the true killer, that should have been a climax of the story based on the book description but to be honest, I don't remember... (?). I wish the author spent some time re-explaining or re-telling the events and giving more backstory of each person involved and especially the killer(s). Did he/she kill these other people? How exactly did that happen? Why? Instead the end was so abrupt and the last chapter was dedicated to the personal lives of the detectives. I get it, the series fans want to know more about Delvin and Falco and their personal lives. They care about their love. But to be honest, throughout this book Delvin and Falcon were such cardboard characters to me, who were only used to facilitate the discovery but their emotions and their lives seemed so shallow that they did not stir any emotions inside of me. They want to get married? Good for them. Now can we go back to what has just happened?? I could care less about Tori who is some vague character in this book, the trip to the airport or a party to welcome her home. I even thought the author is trying to leave some open-ending where the daughter gets kidnapped or never shows up at the airport. Very unnecessary chapter. All I could think was what has just happened, what happens to the grandmothers, the father, and how could this happen to Allison and Leah. Was the end realistic? I wish the author spent more time on the actual victims and the family impacted to give us a closure. By this point I got myself so annoyed that I want to give 3 stars instead. That is the reason why I am not a big fan of series because they rarely satisfy a new reader as a good stand alone book.

Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy.

Holy Moly…

What a ride! I could not put this book down. And lord love a duck this book had more twists than a back road in PA.

What a fabulous read. Debra Webb is a master of suspense. This book has so many facets. I could go on but I don’t do spoilers! It’s a MUST READ. Every single book in this series got better. I liked book 1, book 2 was great, book 3…BOOM!

I highly recommend you check it out.

Having read the previous books in this series,I was looking forward to more adventures with Devlin and Falco. This is another well-written book with a good mystery with some sizzling romance. I am hoping to read more from this author. I received an e-book from NetGalley in return for an unbiased review.