Closer Than You Know by Debra Webb
I really enjoyed this page turner! It was a fast paced, a riveting mystery involving a serial killer.
Vera and Bent are a formidable team as they potentially face a former monster that Vera put behind bars, The Messenger.
The dying man wants his revenge.
This gets complicated with family secrets and some serious mental health issues.
Vera’s sister Eve gets pulled into the plot to draw Vera in further and distract the investigation. There are twists everywhere.
The character building was well done and the book, although second in a series, works great as a stand-alone novel.
I applaud the author for her writing style and creative ability to draw a reader in, even without reding the first in the series. This was a great story! I really enjoyed it! 4/5⭐
I would like to Thank NetGalley for the opportunity to review an ARC of this title.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are mine.

This is a book about second chances that folls Vera who's personal tragedy was her career being destroyed but her redemption is in the form of a new case that is linked to something sinister. Well written ,thrilling and definely will keep you reading.

This was a really good read. When I started it, I actually decided to go back to the 1st Vera Boyett book (which I luckily already had on my Kindle) because I felt like I was missing a lot of Vera's backstory, and I'm so glad I did! This book was twisty and mysterious, an overall suspenseful ride through family secrets, small-town drama, and crime. I really enjoyed the investigative aspect, and how Vera kept getting pulled in different directions, but always knew something was amiss throughout the book.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.

Thank you to the author, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My apologies for the delay in posting, I have had continuing familial health challenges to contend with in the past months.

This is the seond book in a new series by this author - I read the first and so was interested to read the second. The author does a great job of setting the scene and making it atmospheric, and I love the strong female main character. However, there are some problems with the pacing, it often felt as though the plot was moving at a crawl, and the characters did not feel properly fleshed out, which made it hard to care about what happened to them. And the romance subplot was so lovesick-teenageresque that I couldn't take it seriously. As with the first book in the series, I would say it was an okay read, not bad - but not gripping enough to get me excited about it.

I didn't love Deeper Than The Dead - the first book in this series - but thought I would give this one a chance anyway. I really enjoyed Debra Webb's Finlay O'Sullivan series, but I won't be reading any more of the Vera Boyett books. This book was also slow and it was way too easy to put it down. It took me almost a month to get through it. Crime analyst Vera Boyett has become an expert at cracking tough cases. She's now moved back to Tennessee and her high school boyfriend Bent, the local sheriff, asks her to help him with the case of a missing reporter. Vera soon discovers that this case has a connection to a serial killer she put in prison 12 years ago when she was a deputy police chief. Vera puts herself and her family in grave danger as she solves this mystery. I don't know if Debra Webb is finished with the Vera Boyett series, but I definitely am. Thanks to #netgalley and #Thomas&Mercer for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first book by this author, and easily read on its own. She easily weaves the web of Vera's past and family dynamic wonderfully as she returns to her hometown in this book. From the very beginning this book drew be right in, from her relationship to her sister, her history with the small town sheriff, and everyone else in the town. I hated to put this book down. There were twists I didn't see coming, some I did, but with some surprises. I loved it!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Debra Webb’s "Closer Than You Know" is an enthralling psychological thriller that operates on multiple levels—intimate, investigative, and relentlessly unpredictable. It’s a novel that takes the familiar tropes of domestic suspense and breathes new life into them through emotionally charged storytelling and deeply layered character dynamics.

From its opening pages, "Closer Than You Know" grips the reader with an overwhelming sense of unease. Webb masterfully crafts a world in which secrets are buried deep, and the past refuses to stay forgotten. The pacing is razor-sharp, threading moments of escalating tension with quieter, introspective beats that allow the reader to form an emotional bond with the characters. She expertly avoids the pitfall of overly telegraphed twists; even the most seasoned thriller aficionados will find themselves second-guessing as the plot unfolds.

What elevates "Closer Than You Know" beyond a standard thriller is Webb’s ability to create characters whose inner turmoil feels wholly organic. The protagonist wrestles with personal demons, and her journey is one of resilience amidst unraveling uncertainty. Relationships—both fractured and flourishing—are explored with nuance, making every interaction feel weighted and significant. Webb does not rely on archetypal "damaged detective" or "haunted protagonist" formulas; instead, she crafts figures that are refreshingly complex and startlingly real.

Webb has a keen ability to turn setting into an active force within the novel. The environment—whether physical or psychological—is steeped in tension, amplifying the stakes at every turn. Shadows seem to stretch longer, silence feels heavier, and even moments of reprieve are laced with an undercurrent of unease. This immersive sense of atmosphere is integral to the novel’s success, placing the reader directly in the protagonist’s shoes.

"Closer Than You Know" isn’t just a story about uncovering truth—it’s a meditation on the cost of secrets, the fragility of trust, and the resilience required to confront one’s past. Debra Webb has crafted an electrifying thriller that pulses with emotional depth while delivering all the high-stakes suspense expected from the genre. It’s a novel that lingers, not just for its twists and revelations, but for its profound exploration of fear, memory, and survival.

Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers or just looking for a read that balances compelling storytelling with genuine emotional weight, "Closer Than You Know" is well worth diving into.

This was outrageously good. Vera Boyett, a former homicide detective who has transitioned to a criminal analyst, has to bring all her knowledge, expertise and cunning to this game to catch a serial killer who is coming for her and her family. In this second installment Debra Webb has raised the intensity bar to nail biting thriller gone crazy. Building on past history and relationships, having read the first installment was a definite plus. Many of the characters from Deader Than The Dead (Vera Boyett #1) make an appearance and their roles and behavior are solidified. Members of the press are presented in less that a positive light with heavy pressure on getting the story at all costs. There are also some stereotypical characteristics attributed to old acquaintances that are easy to identify. You remember that girl who was always out to belittle you whenever she could, yeah, she’s in the mix loud and clear. The plot is evil incarnate with some of the most horribly depraved bad guys in motion. The story moved forward and then slid sideways and twisted and turned which kept me guessing what was going to happen next and what the ultimate resolution would be.

I have read and enjoyed most of Debra Webb’s books and admit to being a fan. I will be on the lookout for the next installment in this series. My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for a copy.

This book was hard for me to get into, but the second half rolled out so easily for me! For fans of the show Psych, this book gave me Yin and Yang vibes.

Vera consults for the police and is known to have stopped a pretty despicable serial killer, over 12 years prior. She is returning to work on a case in which victims have been kidnapped, but continue to be released unharmed a few days later—until that all changes. With the MO changing, it becomes clear that the killer she caught is either sending her a message that he’s back and ready for revenge, or a copycat killer is here to play games of their own. With complicated romantic histories and layers upon layers of family secrets, this case takes twists and turns that can only lead in bloodshed.

This book was probably one of the best at keeping me on the edge of my seat, making me feel the creepiness that emanated from the story’s cracked windows and secret death threats. The mood was well created and the plot well developed, too. The connections between backstory and present day served well to create an unhinged detective story that left me scrambling to uncover the truth.

Immensely intriguing and rapidly developing in the latter half, but overall interesting and a good read!

I normally don’t read books that scare me a bit. But this book I couldn’t put down. It is the first book I read of Debra Webb. I am defenitly reading more of her in the future.

Closer Than You Know is the second book in the Vera Boyett series. Vera moved back home in the 1st book and helped solve a crime. She is back at it in this book. An old case that has haunted her appears to have resurfaced even though the killer is in prison.

Vera is a take no prisoners, smart woman. I’m glad to see she is starting to open up on her personal life and an excited to read more about this in the next book. I loved the pace of this book and the characters. There are quite a few characters that help the story along and I can’t wait to read more about them as well. Let me tell you one thing, you don’t want to be the bad person Vera is trying to catch as it won’t end well for you!

The second installment in the Vera Boyett series is even better than the first, with ties back to Vera's past -- not only to a serial murderer but also to her personal life -- Closer than You Know is a true page turner that I couldn't put down. While this tale ended with a satisfactory ending, I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series to find out happens next!

Debra Webb has quickly become one of my favorite mystery thriller authors, so I was excited to dive into the second book of the Vera Boyett series—and it didn’t disappoint!

I really enjoy reading about Vera and her sisters, and of course, the hot sheriff Bent adds extra fun to the story. This book is full of suspense, twists, and emotional moments. Vera is such a strong character, and I love following her journey as she faces both personal challenges and dangerous cases.

The plot kept me hooked, especially with the return of a serial killer Vera thought was gone for good. The stakes are high, and I couldn’t stop reading to find out what would happen next.

If you like strong female leads, family drama, and thrilling mysteries, this is a great series to get into!

Vera Boyett has moved back to her childhood town. She helps with cases from time to time. There is a case that needs her expertise. People are being kidnapped and then released after a couple days.
I enjoyed this one.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC and to the publisher Thomas and Mercer.

Closer Than You Know is book 2 in the Vera Boyett series by Debra Webb. I was drawn into this book at the very start. It's a hard book to put down the further you get into it so be prepared. Vera is back in her hometown as a crime analyst as she wants to be close to her 2 sisters. The local sheriff, Gray Benton "Bent" has requested her help with a case. Vera and Bent have known each other since they were kids and they have a complicated past. They're investigating a case in which people are taken, kept for a few days, and returned without remembering much at all. All of them remember being drugged, but no one knows what the kidnapper looked like. When a reporter goes missing, Bent thinks it's going to be the same, but he never comes back. His parents are wealthy and putting lots of pressure on Bent to find their son.

As Vera and Bent are investigating the missing reporter, there are clues that lead them to one of Vera's old cases. When Vera was a police chief she sent the Messenger, a serial killer, to prison. He's still in prison and dying of cancer. Did Vera miss something back then? Was there a partner? Is there a copycat? Is the Messenger controlling this from inside prison? When it becomes clear that the real target is Vera, things ramp up. There are threats to Vera, her sisters, and anyone she cares about. The person orchestrating this has a lot of information about Vera and they know what will make her suffer. Someone has been in Vera's house and left her a message. When Vera's sister, Eve, vanishes it becomes all too close. Vera is terrified that someone will hurt Eve to get to her. Does this same person have the reporter?

Closer Than You Know is a fantastic thriller that keeps you flipping pages way too fast and reading late into the night. I love this series and can't wait for the next one. Debra Webb does a great job of making you feel like you're right there. Your heart will race as you get closer to knowing the truth. I rate Closer Than You Know 5 stars with my highest recommendation. If you love a good thriller, this is the book for you! Closer Than You Know is available now and should not be missed! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced copy of Closer Than You Know in exchange for a fair review. #CloserThanYouKnow

This is the second book in the Vera Boyett Series. In this book, Vera has been asked by her former boyfriend, who is now Sheriff, to help find a missing reporter. As they are looking for him, strange messages start showing up that relate to a case that she solved 12 years ago. Then her sister goes missing, and in order to save her, she needs to stop the messenger once and for all, or die trying.

This is a great installment in this series! The characters and plot keep your interest and suspense through the entire book. I highly recommend this series.

A suspenseful tale with great characters and great dialogue. I always enjoy her well thought out characters and edge of your seat suspense.
A riveting thriller with lots of action and a great storyline. The plot was extremely well woven and the characters are extremely well rounded.
This book is a page-turning, can't put down, and keeps you guessing thriller.

Vera is no stranger to revenge, when it's directed at her, she goes full on to stop it dead in its tracks. This is the second book in this series , Love Vera , she's a great character and crime solver , definitely look forward to the next one .

This is the second in the Vera Boyett trilogy and picks up where the first leaves off. Even if you haven’t read the first book, the story and the characters hold together with enough information to keep you engaged in the story. It’s a quick read with just the right amount of drama, a couple of love stories and small-town prejudices. It’s a good read for a rainy afternoon.
4.5 Stars

ARC provided by NetGalley


Closer Than You Know by Debra Webb is the second installment in the Vera Boyett series, blending suspense, mystery, and emotional depth. The plot follows Vera Boyett, a former deputy police chief turned crime analyst, as she investigates a missing reporter and uncovers unsettling connections to a past serial killer case.


While Webb excels in creating tension and building complex characters, this book is outside of my typical reading preferences, and I found the execution of the narrative point of view a bit difficult to navigate at first. The book includes a mix of third-person narration and inner thoughts from the characters, but this approach didn’t quite work for me. It felt disjointed, making it hard to tell whether I was reading a narrator’s account of the events or gaining insight into the characters’ inner thoughts. This shift in narrative styles didn’t flow as smoothly as I’d hoped, which affected my connection with the characters.


However, once I got past the initial writing style, the story began to pick up around Chapter 18. The action and suspense became much more engaging, and I found myself not wanting to put the book down. The pacing improved, and the twists and turns of the plot kept me on edge. I couldn’t imagine where the story was going next, and the surprises along the way made the read much more exciting.

While reading the first book in the series, Deeper Than the Dead, isn’t required, it may help with understanding the characters more deeply. That said, Closer Than You Know can absolutely be enjoyed on its own, and once the story gains momentum, it’s a thrilling ride.


Overall, Closer Than You Know is a well-written thriller that picks up speed as it goes. Once the pace quickens, the twists and emotional stakes draw you in, making for an engaging and satisfying read.


Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.