I absolutely loved this book. The characters are intriguing. The relationship between Vera and Eve is relatable. The case kept me reading and wondering what happens next. I’d highly recommend this book.

This is a police procedural involving Memphis detective, Vera Boyett. Though not yet 40 years old, she quits her job due to unfortunate circumstances, and returns to her small home town. Soon she’s faced with strange, threatening messages left inside her house. The messages seem to be from the serial killer she’s responsible for putting behind bars many years ago.

There are added threads to the story including family secrets Vera is trying to keep hidden, and a long lost love affair inching its way back into her life. As is typical of this genre, the majority of the story concentrates on solving the mystery until the ending thrill of a cat and mouse chase. Will she kill the bad guy, or will he kill her? Of course, we know how it will turn out, but that’s ok. That’s why they call it fiction. I think we sometimes wish real life endings could be more like fiction.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this offering.

Thanks to Netgalley for this book.
When I saw that this was from Debra Webb, I was beyond excited. She's been one of my favorite authors from when I first started reading.

Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this book. The plot was predictable and I saw the killer from miles away, probably when he was first mentioned around the 30% mark.

Everything dragged for me after that. Not a bad book, but nothing memorable about it either. Characters were a bit two dimensional for me.

This was a fast paced read. I’m very interested to see what is going to happen in the next book. Debra Webb always manages to suck you in and leave you wanting more.

This is the 2nd installment of the Vera Boyett series. This was just as good as the first. I loved revisit g the characters and diving deeper into Vera & Bent’s past. It is part family drama and thriller. The conclusion was satisfying and I’m hoping there is more to this series.

I loved it! I can't wait for another Vera Boyet novel to come out. Super engaging and addicting. I couldn't put it down!!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

Closer Than You Know by Debra Webb is a gripping thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The author skillfully unravels the story, creating a thrilling mystery with credible characters and an atmospheric locale. The determined characters who persevere through the suspense and tension made the book unputdownable and binge-worthy.

The plot was compelling, and it kept me guessing until the end. The book is part of the Vera Boyett series, and even though it can be read as a standalone, I found that reading the previous book helped me understand certain relationships and past events better.

After tragedy destroyed her career as deputy police chief, she felt lost. Moving back home near her sisters, she put her skills back to use as a crime analyst, and now her star is finally back on the rise. Vera’s work really begins to heat up after the local sheriff, Gray “Bent” Benton, calls to ask her for assistance with a pressing case.

Pushing aside their complicated past, Vera agrees to help Bent search for a missing reporter. But their investigation uncovers an improbable connection to the Messenger, a serial killer she put behind bars twelve years ago. The killer, who is dying of cancer, wants his final revenge. And the reporter is merely a distraction—Vera is his true target.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a thrilling mystery with a touch of suspense and a strong, determined protagonist.

I cannot wait to see what is next in this series with Vera and her family. I would recommend this book and this author.

#CloserThanYouKnowVeraBoyett #NetGalley @AmazonPub

Debra Webb has been a favorite author for many years. The second of this new series fleshes out Vera’s character. Her family history is full of murder and secrets. As with many modern series, this can be read as a standalone. You would really benefit from the background in the first though. The relationships with her sister and half-sister are not ordinary, too many things left unsaid as the past continues to haunt them. I’m always intrigued with sister relationships since I don’t have any. You’ll learn more about where Vera’s life is now that she’s no longer a Memphis detective. She’s moved back to her small hometown working as a PI. Her old flame, Bent, is the local sheriff and those memories cause the undercurrents to simmer. Vera’s not big on following rules now that she doesn’t answer to a boss or have to play politics. An old nemesis known as the Messenger is still in prison. Is it a coincidence, a copycat or him pulling strings as a new string of bodies are left with his signature? Be aware that if you’re averse to descriptive violence this might not be for you. There were plenty of twists and turns along with many plausible suspects. It didn’t take me long to guess, but the plot was still solid.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer (via NetGalley) for providing an Advance Reader Copy of “Closer Than You Know” Vera Boyett #2, by Debra Webb, publication expected 05/06/2025. These honest, personal thoughts and opinions are my own given voluntarily without compensation.

This family man. Vee and Eve have some ISSUES. The first five or six chapters of this book don't flow that well for me, but once we got into the meat and bones of it I was hooked. I enjoyed that there were two mysteries and that I didn't solve either of them! Which is rare for me!

WOW!!! I could not put this down once I started... I love how it all tied together and I was not expecting that ending!

Twisty thriller that had me hooked to find out what happened next. Second book in the series but can be read as a stand alone with first book references. A little bit repetitive and at times had me thinking 'come on get to the point' but overall a good read.

Wow. I need to read the first book in the series! That's how good this book is!

Vera is a reliable character, I can relate to her in some ways and I feel like she's reading my thoughts all the time!

Also, the mystery is gripping. Betrayal, vengence and justice all rolled into one. I loved it.

Will definitely read the first book. I need to know more about Vera!

What a twisty thriller this was. I found myself holding my breath many times. Vera is an amazing character with so much depth to her. Her sister Eve is a fascinating character. She’s very unusual. Kind of a gray character. The writing is deep and incredible. I look forward to the next book in the series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

I love Debra Webb, I have been reading her books for years. I was excited to read this one and couldn’t want for it to come out. Vera Boyett, an ex police officer, she goes back home to do some healing; while there she gets to interact with Bent. Bent, is Lincoln county Sheriff and an old beau. Both are pulled into a new case and it’s just not matching up. Thankfully with the two on the trail, along with some twists—that were surprising and kinda funny—the truth comes out. And that truth is shocking. Any wait to see what Debra has in store for Vera and Bent in their next case.

NOTE: I did not finish this book. I am writing this review with that preface. I liked the storyline, characters, and Ms. Webb's writing. However, other reviews said that I did not need to read the book prior to this one. Shortly into the book, there were references to Vera and her sisters past and that a body or bodies were in the cave on their property in the previous book. Then, frequent references to a past crime that Vera worked on (I am guessing) and someone named "The Messenger" were made. These became more frequent as the book went on. I stopped at 60% read. It seemed like there was alot of back story I had missed. The book seemed to concentrate more on the past crimes than on the current ones Vera was brought in to investigate. To be fair, I will give this book 4 stars. I will go back and read "Deeper Than the Dead", then revisit this book. If my review needs updated, I will do so. I rarely give 5 stars, as I reserve those for the best writing. I will say I requested this book based on all the 5 star ratings, but unfortunately, I just didn't see it.

All I have to say is wow!!! Thank you for this early read from the one and only Debra Webb! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC! This is the second book in the Vera Boyett series.. which you don’t technically need to read the first one to know what’s happening in this novel but there are several cross overs from the first to this book! Face paced, had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next and I just loved every bit of this book! Thank you!!

This was my first Debra Webb book, and I was eager to read it because of the description. Closer Than You Know is the second book in a series but can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed the premise of the story and the well crafted plot. But I was irritated by an excess of internal dialogue/character thoughts inserted during conversations and stumbled over frequent references to what happened in Book 1.

Closer Than you Know is a tale of murder and suspense, centered around Vera Boyett, a former police officer turned consultant.

There are twists upon twists, which often serve their purpose to keep the reader hooked. Other times, the twists seem manufactured simply for the sake of drama, and they end up pulling the reader from the main plot.

Overall, it's an enjoyable read, even if it requires a few leaps here and there.

I have been a Debra Webb fan for years and am always able to connect with her characters. Vera’s life has been, and is, complicated. The secrets she carries continue to pop up while trying to track down a sadistic killer. Can she save the ones she loves and keep her wits about her? This book is full of twists and turns, and I’m sure more are to come. And Bent…well, YUM!

Closer Than You Know by Debra Webb. Vera Boyett Book 2 is an investigation thriller with emotional depth and relentless pacing and numerous twists and turns. The characters and their lives are flawlessly described. Gripping and hard to put down the story keeps the readers guessing and concludes with a surprising reveal of the killer and his motives. Looking forward to book three with Vera, her family and team.
Thank you to Debra Webb, Thomas & Mercer Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.