This is an entertaining book with excellent characters. The plot is also very good, but it's hampered by the storytelling being a little messy.

This book was well plotted and flowed very well. I liked Finley and felt that the character was very compassionate because of what had happened in her life.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

this is the first book of this author's that I've read and I really enjoyed it. Strong driven characters, written with insight and compassion. Finley having survived a brutal attack on herself and the murder of her husband, is working on the case of a woman accused of murdering her husband. Both men had secrets and the comparisons of their situations drives parts of the story. How does she go on after losing her husband and what if he betrayed her and wasn't the man she thought he was. Well written mystery, asking questions of what is justice and does the punishment fit the crime

This is the second in a series and a lot of events directly follow on from the first so I would recommend reading them in order.

The book deals with a private investigator Finley, her boss Jack, her best friend Matt and her mother a prominent judge. Finley is traumatised due to the murder of her husband a year previously and the fact that he was raped and killed in front of her. Finley juggles investigating her case with trying to find out what happened and get revenge.

The main plot deals with a millionaire Ellen who is suspected of murdering her husband who was a con man.

I enjoyed this book far more than the initial one, I felt that although complicated the characters in the case were far more clearly defined and the motives and psychology was clearly explored. The characters were believable and relatable.

Without giving too much away the ending was very satisfying and fitted all the threads neatly together. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

This is Book 2 in the Finley O’Sullivan series. I am a huge fan of Debra Webb. She never disappoints. It has been a tough year, grieving the loss of her husband and trying to get justice for his murder. Finley now works as an investigator for her “Uncle” Jack’s law firm. The firm is hired to defend a wealthy woman who is thought to have arranged her husband’s death. Enough said. Read the book and I recommend reading Book 1, The Last Lie I Told first. Thanks to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and the Author for allowing me to read and review this book.

Debra Webb does not disappoint in yet another gripping crime thriller. I enjoy getting inside the heads of criminal characters a lot. But I love gritty investigative POVs even more. Add in the legal thriller aspect and this book was a home run. The storyline that perhaps there's a black widow hiding in plain sight was fantastic and presented admirably. These books remind me of the old "Alphabet Crime Series," and are just as enjoyable.

I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

Big cast of characters here but the author skilfully kept them memorable and distinct. Interesting storyline too. The writing is not bad. But I found some parts more engrossing than others.

This series is best read in the right order though I had no problem following the story by jumping right in here. I’d still be interested in reading the upcoming titles to see how things turn out.

Maybe a three and a half star for me here.

The Nature of Secrets is part of a series and though it could probably be read as a standalone a lot of the main characters history would not be understood as well. Former prosecuting attorney, Finley O’Sullivan is still working as a legal investigator for her godfather Jack while still recovering from the murder of her husband and her sexual assault. The latest case involves a widow who was swindled by her murdered husband. Finley cannot help but sympathize after all of the lies her husband was carrying. The grieving widow is a difficult client and Finley knows something else is going on. The past once again smacks Finley as she gets closer to finding her own answers about her husband and the attack. The story twists and turns to leave you guessing every time you think you have it figured out for a good mystery that keeps the pages turning. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from NetGalley.

This is second in the Finley O’Sullivan series by a favorite author, probably better if you’ve read the first, but not necessary. Finley is an investigator for her “Uncle” Jack a criminal lawyer in Nashville. Finley’s husband was murdered and she is still haunted, grieving and angry. Part of the interwoven plot involves her continued effort for justice or closure. Can she live with the results regardless of how it’s achieved?
The spouse is always law enforcement’s first obvious suspect. Ellen Winthrop knows this when she retains Jack as counsel shortly after she discovered her younger husband murdered. Ellen is wealthy, prominent, brilliant and uses her power for the right things. She has surrounded herself with an equally strong group of female friends and employees.
Finley’s job is to be one step ahead of the detectives investigation and uncover potential problems before they happen. This allows Jack to defend the client. But how to defend a client who’s keeping secrets and hiding things? So many secrets and layers of deception to peel away. This story features powerful, tough women and the interesting men in their lives.
The outcome of the legal subjects should leave you with questions. There are degrees of guilt and perhaps the law and justice are not necessarily the same thing. Some of the clues were easy for me to guess without taking anything away from the ending. There were still surprises and plenty of suspense. Legal issues are a favorite of mine and this fed my soul, leaving me with questions of morality and justifiable actions. Fascinating read, can’t wait for the next one in series!
Sincere thanks to NetGalley for the digital advance reader copy of “The Nature of Secrets” by Debra Webb and to Thomas & Mercer. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.

I found it a little difficult to get into this book. It didn't really draw me in. I also didn't realize that it was book 2 of a series. Perhaps that explains it.

I throughly enjoyed this book as I do all of her books ! I look forward to reading more ! I will definitely be ordering this book for my library!

Amazing plot,
Very relatable Characters real depth
I really enjoyed reading this roller coaster of a book.

In the beginning it took me a while to get used to the narrative cause of the pace it chose, but once I got engaged, it really was unputdownable

Thanks NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Debra Webb for an ARC to review.
Second in the series though it could be read as a standalone. Most likely you will seek the first book after enjoying this one.
A powerful ending with couple of unexpected plot twists.
Loved the writing style and the characters drawing
Looking forward to the next one

A solid, energizing mystery. The twists and turns are fast-paced and often stunning. The amazing degrees of cunning, deception and betrayal - as well as love - are key in this novel. I didn’t realize this was part of a series so obviously it survives admirably as a standalone.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read this great ARC.

Debra Webb’s The Nature of Secrets is a gripping, twisty thriller that will keep you thoroughly engaged. Legal Investigator, Finley O’Sullivan is a smart and likable character who immediately engages the reader. You are drawn into both the murder case Finley investigates, along with Finley’s own hell, concerning her murdered husband. The combination of both plot lines makes the story a very compelling novel. Webb’s writing is fast-paced and exciting. This is the second book in the Finley O'Sullivan series but you don't need to read the first one to enjoy it. Highly recommend!

I liked this but sometimes found myself looking for other books to read instead. It wasn’t the type of book that sucked you in and made you finish it as fast as you could and I think I was more in the mood for that type of book. I really did enjoy this one but be ready for a steady slow to medium pace throughout.

This is book 2 in the ‘Finley O’Sullivan series and you definitely need to have read book 1 before starting this one.
In ‘The Nature of Secrets’ the law firm that Finley O’Sullivan works for is hired to represent one of Nashville’s well known millionaires, Ellen Winthrop, who’s husband has been murdered in their house. Ellen is accused of his murder. As lead investigator, it is up to Finley to uncover all of Ellen’s secrets in order to protect her from prosecution. But the more Finley digs the more she begins to doubt Ellen’s story.
And while delving into Ellen’s case, more details of her own harrowing assault and husbands murder come to light. Finley just might get the revenge and answers she’s wanted for the last year.
This was a good, quick mystery read. Glad we got some answers to the questions surrounding Derek’s murder and the rift between Jack and Finley’s mother. 3.5 stars from me.

This book was written with such talent. I was riveted to the pages. There are twists and turns. Just when I thought I knew who the killer was a curveball was thrown. There’s a lot of angst and sorrow. I really loved this book. 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.

Working as an assistant detective for the police department was not the career Finley O’Sullivan envisioned for her life. Leaving the department and organizing a private detective firm seemed to be the answer to her problems. She and another of the detectives went into private investigations.

This book had so many murders and unnatural deaths that I almost lost track! Finley cannot maintain a lasting relationship. She keeps choosing losers that wind up being killed! I began to feel like she has become a black widow and men should run, not walk, away from her.

I prefer more mystery in my mysteries! I felt sorry for any man that decided to go out with the attractive Finley because it put a hit on their lives. I finished the book and applaud the writer for doing the same. Fans of the author will no doubt enjoy the addition to her series. My expectation in a mystery novel, however, is to try to determine who the killer is rather than compile a body count. 3.5 stars – CE Williams

Wow ... just wow!
This is the second book in the Finley O’Sullivan series and it has explained a lot of loose ends and was a pretty good read. I was very excited to be given the opportunity for an early read of this second book in the Finley O'Sullivan saga. This book picks up where "The Last Lie Told" leaves off. Finley is still suffering from her husbands murder a little over a year ago. While she continues to watch the three men involved in her husbands murder and her beating and rape, they are watching her too. There is a lot of suspense and murders and more lies and secrets than you can have imagined and they all lead to a really amazing ending.
Don't miss this book!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for providing an ARC to read and review.