Great addition to the Vera Boyett series. Loved everything about it!

Thank you #netgalley and #thomasandmercer for the eARC.

Vera Boyett Is back in author Debra Webb’s newest mystery/suspense Closer Than You Know, the second book in her exciting Vera Boyett series.
In Book one we learn of the tragedy that cost her her career and the secrets buried on her family farm...and the lengths she will go to protect her sisters. Now in book two Vera comes face to face with the impossible....The monster from the biggest case that started her career seems to be back and has his sights on her...but how is that possible? He has been incarcerated all this time and still sits in his cell! Did she make a mistake all those years ago? Self doubt nags at her as she determinedly pushes forward to solve this puzzle and once again keep her sisters safe.
Debra Webb has created an intriguing character in Vera Boyett. A blend of strength, caring, insecurity, and determination (as well as a little hard headedness).
As usual Debra Webb has created a must read, fast paced, exciting story filled with amazing fully developed characters. I truly know that when I pick up a Debra Webb book I will be totally engaged from beginning to end and this one did not disappoint!

I started reading this book because of the beautiful fall-themed cover, and I finished it because of said cover. But the interior was disappointing for so many reasons. There were too many characters: 100 detectives, 20 possible serial killers, 5 cases, 10 backstories, I could go on.
The main character Vera was unlikeable. She was standoffish and kept vital information from her detective partner. I don't know why he liked her when she was constantly dishonest.

This was my first Debra Webb book, and I'll definitely be reading more from her! I enjoyed the way she developed the characters in the book while also keeping some things hidden, making you question things from the character's past. The overall plot kept me reading, with a few unexpected turns. I was slightly disappointed in how quickly Webb wrapped up the main storyline and felt like she could have thrown one last twist near the end, but overall it was a good read!

Thank you to Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Debra Webb for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Vera Boyett is a police officer turned private consultant working with local law enforcement to solve the mystery of a string of abductions around her home town. But things take a turn for the worst when Vera starts recognising the telltale signs of a killer she put away years earlier.

I really enjoyed this book! It was gripping and fast paced, with plenty of twists and turns. Not only is Vera hunting a deadly criminal, but she struggles to keep dark family secrets buried and to protect those she loves from being punished for their deeds. I loved the way the author expanded on some plot lines from the first book and wrapped up loose ends. The ongoing family drama and ghosts from the past helped to heighten the suspense and raise the stakes.

I do suggest reading the first book, Deeper Than The Dead, in order to have the full picture and get the most enjoyment out of this story. I recommend this book to those who like crime, detective, or mystery novels, and if another Vera book is released, I’ll be reading it!

Good mystery with the main character as the focus in the investigation. Read like it was a sequel from another book but was able to piece it together while reading. With the added romance, sister and family mix to her career and past you will become glued to the story. Recommend.

Thank you NetGalley and Debra Webb for this ARC in exchange my honest review.
Okay, so I just finished reading "Closer Than You Know" by Debra Webb, and let me tell you, it was a wild ride! I absolutely loved how she kept me guessing the entire time, twisting and turning the plot in ways I never saw coming. The characters were super engaging, and I found myself really rooting for them, even when they were making some seriously questionable choices. It's definitely a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and I can't recommend it enough if you're a fan of suspenseful thrillers. Highly recommend.

Debra Webb's detective Vera Boyett is a mess, a brilliant mess. But in Closer Than You Know, the 2nd book of the Webb's new series, Vera brings a lot of unresolved "baggage" back home with her. Having not read the first book in the series, I struggled at times with all the references to her past that came into play in this story. But over time, Webb filled us in on her history as the stakes rose. Tense and exciting, I look forward to more books in the series.

This story follows the life of Vera Boyett. You will learn all about Vera’s family and her family secrets. It’s an exciting thriller with many twists and turns. This is my first story by Debra Webb and it won’t be my last. Once I got into the story, I was excited to keep reading to see what happened with Vera.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer Publishing for early access to read this book.

Closer than You Know, Vera Boyett book 2, by Debra Webb

This was a fantastic ending to this duet. It tied up all the loose ends from book one plus a completely new case that gets fully solved in this book. I feel like there are still more stories to be told for these characters but also that things concluded enough that the series could end here.
This was a very fast paced book. I flew through it and enjoyed trying to solve the case alongside Vera and Bent. Excellent book.

#bookreview #2024 #thriller #serialkiller #torturer #sisters #love #netgalley

This book felt repetitive as if we were covering old ground from the first book in the series. Unfortunately, I found it challenging to remain engaged.
Vera’s career as a deputy police chief ended badly.

Returning home to be closer to her sisters, she is soon asked by her ex, the local sheriff, Gray “Bent” Benton, for help on an urgent case. A serial killer is at large and they have set their sights on Vera. Now her family is in danger. The pacing and twists create a nice flow to the story however, I wanted more from the storyline and more from Vera (depth, romance, etc).

This was a very good suspense. It is the 2nd book of a series, but I did not feel like I was missing out, there was more than enough context to figure things out, so it definitely works as a standalone. That being said, I am going to read the first book, as I felt this was a very good read. Definitely plan to read more by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are my own.

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.