I received an ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

I love a good mystery, thriller, and a little romance thrown in. Add in a serial killer and some forensics and I am good to go. This book kept me captivated and on the edge of my seat. Definitely one I would recommend.

Vera Boyett is a crime analyst in Fayetteville, Tennessee. She often works with sheriff "Bent" Benton, her ex-boyfriend from twenty years ago. An old case of Vera's surfaces, maybe a copycat, and now they're after Vera and her family.

This is the second book in the series. There's a lot of history there, and I would have benefited from reading the first book. This book worked well on it's own, though. The mystery is great and the tension stays up until the very last page. This is an edge of your seat thriller with lots of action and violence. I did not really like Vera, or her family for that matter, but she sure was tenacious and determined.

Vera moved home after her career was destroyed. She is working on her own as a crime analyst. The local sheriff reaches out for her help on an active case. She decides to help him look for a missing reporter. Then she notices links back to a serial killer named the Messenger. Vera’s sister Eve is kidnapped, but the Messenger is out for Vera.

I tried to guess who was behind the crimes. I kept guessing but the answer was well disguised. It was well paced thriller. This is the second book in the series but you can read it as a standalone.

Thank you to Debra Webb, Thomas Mercer, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Debra Webb brings crime analyst Vera Boyett back in a high-stakes, emotionally charged thriller that’s packed with twists and non-stop action.

After tragedy derails her law enforcement career, Vera returns to her Tennessee roots, rebuilding her life as a crime analyst. When Sheriff Gray “Bent” Benton—an old flame—asks for her help with a missing reporter, Vera agrees, only to discover the case is tied to a serial killer she put behind bars years ago.

Now dying, the killer wants one final act of revenge—and Vera is his true target. When he pulls her sister into the twisted game, the stakes skyrocket. Vera must outsmart a killer and save her family before time runs out.

This story is a thrill ride, with strong characters, emotional depth, and heart-pounding suspense. Debra Webb is a master of keeping you on the edge of your seat! Highly recommended!

If you're a fan of Criminal Minds, you'll love this book! I felt like I was watching an episode from start to finish. Despite being the second book in the series, Debra Webb did a wonderful job outlining what happened in the previous story so you don't feel like you're missing big pieces of the puzzle. This could definitely be read as a stand-alone if the first one doesn't interest you. With that being said, I am definitely adding the first book to my TBR list!

Pulse pounding suspense with complex, fascinating characters. This one kept me guessing. I love this author and am excited whenever there is a new book. Vera is unique and I felt like I was right there with her unraveling the mystery. And I adore Bent. This author writes stories that keep you coming back for more.

Closer Than You Know is the 2nd book in the Vera Boyett series. As with most of Debra Webb's books once started its hard to put down until you finish. Vera is back home after many years working in the big city, helping out the local sheriff whom happens to be her first love until he leaves her heartbroken. A missing reporter, brings out a search for him and what follows is a twisted story line. You will find some romance in this book, but its more a suspense thriller. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone. I received and ARC from NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer the publisher, I am leaving my review voluntarily.

Vera Boyette is living in Fayetteville settling into her life as a criminal analyst. Asked by the sheriff to help with a case of kidnappings, Vera agrees, realizing that being in close proximity to her first love, Benton, just might not be a good idea.
But what seems like perplexing kidnappings soon take a turn when they become personal and lead to a killer that Vera put in prison. Stalking, murder and a ruthless psychotic killer turn up the heat for Vera and she needs to find the killer before he finds her. Great characters and high tension makes this one of the author’s best books. I voluntarily read this arc from Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer Publishers. This review is my honest opinion of this very enjoyable book.

I read the ARC on Netgalley.

Wow what a book. I am surprised that there isn't a Netflix series on this one. The main character is a really strong, intelligent woman, for that matter all main characters are really well fleshed out. The plot is also really great.

The ghosts of her past catch up to vera as a serial killer whom she had caught 15yrs ago reappears.

Outstanding book!

This latest book by Debra Webb offered a decent suspenseful read. The premise was interesting and kept me somewhat engaged. While the story had its moments, it didn't fully grab me and I had a hard time connecting with the characters. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.

★★★★★

“I see you.
I'm intrigued by you.
I'm going to enjoy killing you."

It’s been seven months since Vera’s return to Fayetteville, TN, and she’s enjoying her role as a consultant. Bent, the local sheriff, requests her help with a missing person case. It appears to be connected to a string of unsolved disappearances in the area—and the most recent victim is the local reporter who had been investigating the case. Suddenly, Vera uncovers evidence suggesting a serial killer might be behind it all: The Messenger, whom she put behind bars twelve years ago...

Oooh, this one was twisty—I couldn’t put it down! This was my second book by Debra Webb, and I really enjoy her writing. The character development is phenomenal. I feel like I am right there in Fayetteville, solving crimes alongside Vera and Bent.

Their personal history is a big part of the series, but it’s never overly dramatic and doesn’t take away from the investigation. When Vera’s former partner, Eric, joins the case, the three work together well and don’t let personal feelings get in the way. Let’s leave the drama to the serial killer—and what an unhinged character he turned out to be!

It’s great to hear how much fun Debra Webb is having with the Vera Boyett series, because I am having a lot of fun reading it and I am hoping for many more installments! Thank you NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Debra Webb for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

This was such a fun, intense read. I got pulled in right away and kept flipping pages because I had to know what was going on. Vera is a really interesting main character, as she’s dealing with a lot, There were some genuinely surprising twists, and I was guessing right up until the end.

I didn’t read the first book, and while this one stands on its own, I think I would’ve enjoyed it even more with that extra backstory. It was overall a solid thriller I would recommend to others.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read the ARC

Loved this book! I’m grateful that I was given the chance to read an ARC copy of this, beautifully written !

4 stars!!!

Closer Than You Know is the second book in the Vera Boyett series. This can be a stand-alone read, but I believe it is best to read the first book since there is quite a bit of history which sets the stage for this one.

Vera gets a call from 'Bent' about a new case. She is feeling a bit lost after her career was destroyed by tragedy. She jumps at the chance to use her skills. It soon becomes clear that the killer has his sights set on Vera he begins a game of cat and mouse. When Vera's sister Eve goes missing, Vera will have to dig deep and use all here talents to find the Messenger and stop him before it is too late.

The story is a wonderful addition to the first book. The characters are wonderfully written as well as dynamically three dimensional. It is fascinating to watch the story unfold as if you had a front row seat.

It‘s the second book with crime analyst Vera - a good read that entertains with storyline and writing style!
I‘m always short in reviews of crime books - no spoiler!

Thanks a lot to the publisher for the ebook!

In CLOSER THAN YOU KNOW by Debra Webb there have been three unexplained disappearances around the county and someone calling himself the Time Thief sends Nolan Baker, who is looking for a story to help his career as a reporter, a message to tell his side of the story regarding the disappearances. When Nolan goes to meet the Time Thief, he is unexpectedly drugged. Vera Boyett, who had spent 15 years as a Memphis cop and resigned as chief of police for the Memphis Police Department, joins the search for the Time Thief’s latest victim, Nolan Baker. Vera is now a crime analyst and no longer a police officer, but the victim’s mother knows Vera and asks her to get involved. Nolan, left unconscious at the scene, may be in more trouble than expected. Can Nolan be brought to safety? Who is the Time Thief, and what is his story. What part will Vera play? I have many questions and read on.

I like that the plot gets a good start in the first couple of chapters. Overall, the plot is good but a little long-winded. The characters are interesting, and I immediately want to know more about them. I am interested in reading future books in the Vera Boyette series. Thank you, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of CLOSER THAN YOU KNOW.

Closer Than You Know
by Debra Webb
Pub Date: May 6, 2025
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
From USA Today bestselling author Debra Webb comes the riveting return of crime analyst Vera Boyett, fighting for justice—and her life—amid her Tennessee roots.
A compelling, thrilling mystery. This book did not disappoint! I loved this rapidly moving investigative thriller. If you're looking for a thriller to immerse yourself in, this one might be for you!
Do yourself a favor and read the first one in the series before you read this one!

Easy to read msytery with a lot going on. This 2nd book in the series contiues build on the history of the sisters but with that storyline and the main mystery it was a lot to keep straight. You can definitely read this as a standalone if you want.

My Review
☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️

Closer than you know.

Well written, phenomenal story.

Will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Vera Boyett has a sadistic killer out taking the lives of those around her. Saving the ones she loves. Will be a challenge. But Vera working close with the sheriff nothing can stop her.

Some secrets come to life within the story from the past.

I love how this second book in the series. ties into the first book. Simply a fabulous read.
This author's work is a absolutely must-read.

Simply the perfect read.

Debra Elaine Webb

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

I read the first book in this series last year and I was very excited to see the second one on NetGalley. Unfortunately I did not enjoy this one quite as much as the last. I had a hard time remembering who characters were from the previous book and there wasn't much recap in this one to jog my memory as I went along, leaving me a bit confused at times with what was being referenced. The storyline was also very slow and predictable, taking me longer to read the book in it's entirety than I usually do.

This book was still enjoyable enough and I might have liked it more if I read the series in succession instead of spaced months apart, as I would have been much more aware of the backstory.