I enjoyed the first book in this series The Last Lie I Told but was frustrated because a major part of the story was left unresolved. I now know that it was because that storyline would be resolved in this sequel book. Debra Webb’s writing is good and keeps you turning the pages and the characters are well-developed. Former lawyer turned investigator Finley O’Sullivan still hasn’t gotten answers about her husband’s brutal murder when she is brought in to work on a new murder case. Billionaire Ellen Winthrop’s much younger husband has been murdered and she needs to prove her innocence. While investigating the case to try to clear Ellen, Finley learns that there might be something much bigger going on here and maybe Ellen isn’t so innocent after all. Finley also continues to learn more about her husband’s murder and this new information puts her and many close to her in grave danger. I recommend reading this book after reading The Last Lie I Told. Thanks to #netgalley #thomas&mercer and #debrawebb for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I liked this book. I really liked this book. If I could give it more than five stars, I would. This author has written a cannot put down novel with realistic characters. They come alive on the pages. I did not want to finish the book and leave them. The protagonist is a smart, intuitive intellectual who can understand others like few can. She has a cadre of friends and family who keep her going despite losing her beloved husband. Secrets and mystery…intrigue…murder and mayhem…a thriller…who will be next! Who can be trusted? True friends…real enemies…I cannot wait to read the next book in this series by this talented and gifted writer. This book was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review. Thanks to the publisher and the author also. I have to say it again. I really enjoyed reading this mystery novel.

This is book two in the Finley O Sullivan series and can be read as a stand alone. I was completely drawn in from the first page and found the plot to be quite compelling. The characters were well developed and I loved Finley, jack, and matt. Finley is for sure the main character of the story and she bounces back and fourth between being competent and a disaster. Hands down I loved the was the annoying voice in Finleys head. I wish it was a longer book though!

In this second installment we get a lot of answers to questions that were left hanging in the first book.

I really do hope this series continues because I love Finley’s character. She’s super smart and observant seeing things others can’t. An investigator for a high profile lawyer she never backs down. Tough as nails female lead and a mystery you can’t wait to be solved.

It seems like most everything was resolved and I’m hoping things progress into something more.

The second book in the Finley O’Sullivan series explained a lot of loose ends and was a totally satisfying read. Finley and Jack are hired by wealthy Ellen Winthrop to represent her when she is suspected of murdering her philandering husband. On the path to investigating Ellen’s case, Finley makes astonishing discoveries about the murder of her own husband Derrick as well as uncovering secrets about Jack and her mother, the Judge who barely speaks to her. The characters were credible and fascinating, with backstories that were riveting and complex. The plot was fast-paced and equally complicated, with brilliantly woven twists and clever details thrown in as clues. I really enjoyed this book, especially finding out more about the characters and how determined Finley is to get at the truth about Derrick’s death. There were sub-plots and secondary characters in the mix, too, all insightfully included into the main plot and giving the plot an edgy feel, with the accompanying misdirection that is appreciated by mystery fans like me. This is a story rich in detail and even has some romance peeking it. Those who enjoy a good whodunit with some breath-stopping suspense will enjoy this book.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and the author via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

I love Debra Webb's books and especially this series. Finley O'Sullivan is a very complex character and her inner battles and external challenges combine to make a riveting story. I'm glad that this book wrapped up story lines started in the first book, and then set up new ones for the next. I can't wait for #3.

I love Debra Webb and her Delvin and Falco series was so enjoyable I experienced much sadness when the series ended. It sounds sad I know but the series are that enjoyable.
Naturally I could not wait to get my hands into this new venture and I knew I would not be disappointed. Debra's characters are strong spirited and a pleasure to read.
This new series introduces us to Finley O'Sullivan, a legal investigator.
This is book 2 so I strongly recommend you reading book 1, for no other reason than Debra Webb is an amazing author and you would miss out!!!!
In this book, she is hired by Ellen Winthrop, a successful woman accused of her husband's murder.
Finley is still carrying much grief from her own personal life and her own mysteries that need answers.
So much mysteries to solve, such pleasure to follow them through in this series.
Absolutely fantastic and desperate for book 3 ;)

I was captivated by Debra Webb's first Finlay O'Sullivan book - she has created such a tormented, deep, and smart character - I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. Working as an legal investigator, Finlay digs deep into a well-connected, powerful woman's life (Ellen Winthrop) to help protect her from being prosecuted for killing her husband (which she may or may not have been involved with). With many similar ties, Finlay is also still reeling from her husband's murder, her attack, and trying to find peace if she ever really knew Derrick at all... and then there's her mother. The Nature of Secrets... I could not put down! I had to keep going as Ms. Webb has written such a complex and compelling novel with Finlay at the heart of it. It's absolutely addicting! Thank you to Thomas & Mercer for an advance of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you to both Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book – and create a fan of another series – in exchange for an honest review.

I really like author Debra Webb. This is the first book I’ve read in the Finley O’Sullivan series and I’ll definitely read others. This book is about a well-connected woman who stands accused of her husband’s murder.

Finley is an investigator who works for her firm’s clients (her godfather Jack’s firm) and helps to provide evidence of their innocence when charged with a crime. She’s had difficult issues with grief since her own husband was murdered during the prior year. Quite understandably, Finley fell apart after his murder (and her simultaneous rape) and had to leave her position as ADA.

The firm’s client, Ellen Winthrop, has been accused of her husband’s murder. He was killed in their home – and Ellen swears innocence….but is she? The evidence is starting to point in her direction, but Finley’s investigative skills where it comes to Winthrop helps solve the case.

Fun, great characters that you’ll want to visit again, and intriguing plot. It isn’t the kind of book I figured out early on – which made it even better.

WOW Debra Webb where have you been my whole reading life and how am I just discovering your awesomeness now?? This is the second installment in the Finley O’Sullivan series, and I had the pleasure of reading the first installment through my Kindle First Reads. I love how Debra Webb writes. Excellent character development and interesting plots that will make you want to read long into the night. I look forward to reading much more from this author. Big thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for this ARC.

A fast paced who dun it! The main character is interesting and I loved the character development from book one. This is book two in the series and I was invested from the beginning! I found the plot in this one to be well fleshed out, if not a bit redundant. Overall, a fun and fast read that left me wanting more. I can't wait for the next book in the series! 3.5 ⭐️

Finley is an investigator for a defense lawyer, trying to dig up the secrets of their clients before the prosecution can do so. Her boss is hired to defend Ellen Winthrop, a very rich woman whose husband is murdered, which brings up issues surrounding the murder of Finley's husband. I didn't realize this was the second in a series before reading it, but it wasn't much of a problem. I liked the story overall, but what happened with the murder seemed a little hard to follow. Or maybe I was more invested in Finley's story than Winthrop's. 3 stars.

THE NATURE OF SECRETS by Debra Webb is a book you’ll want to add to your TBR (To Be Read) list.

Finley O’Sullivan, who once worked in the district attorney’s office, currently works with her godfather, Jack Finnegan, as an investigator for the Finnegan Firm. Finley and Jack work to prove that their client, Ellen Winthrop, is innocent of murder.

Ellen Winthrop is a women’s advocate and has been featured in TIME magazine for having built the Winthrop Financial Consulting Group, a Fortune 500 financial empire. Ellen has “a hell of a motive” for killing her husband—he emptied their bank account of “seven point eight million dollars.”

Finley works to find out what happened to Ellen’s husband while also attempting to solve her own husband’s murder. And, wow, so many secrets are uncovered along the way!

I am rating this book “4” rather than “5” because I think Finley’s pursuit of her husband’s killer, while interesting, overtakes the main plot.

THE NATURE OF SECRETS comes out March, 2023. Special thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC (Advanced Reader’s Copy).

So much better than the first book!!!! While I still have my issues with Finley, I truly enjoyed this book!

There is something for everyone - badass women, liars, cheats, cons, murder, stalking, evil characters, undercover, and murky waters.

I have high hopes for Findley and maybe I will get the answers in book #3, so looking forward to it!

#Findley #Jack #Judge #Matt #Houser #Murder #Answers #NetGalley

This story was good, but I think it would have been even better if it were a standalone. Too many pages, in my opinion, we’re spent on telling the backstory. The characters were well developed, and I look forward to the next installment in the series.

Loved it! You can't beat a Finley story. If you haven't read the previous ones go do it! This is the best yet! Finley is still coming to terms and plotting her revenge - wait she can't do revenge can she? What's her life going to be like if she doesn't move on from the tragedy of her murdered husband and her own assult? What about Matt who has been by her side through it all? This is a must-read series. Debra Webb is an author that knows how to tell a story. I've read every book she's written and I highly recommend them. Characters you can laugh and cry with. Thank you NetGalley and publishers Thomas & Mercer for this eARC this is my own opinion The Nature if Secrets is definitely a winner!

Is it time for the next book yet? It can't come fast enough. I loved this story. This is quickly becoming my favorite series by this author. Finley is a complicated character and I'm getting very invested in her. And Matt. We get the answers about what happened to Derrick and it blew me away. I also think everyone could use a Jack in their life. The case in this story was full of twists. I had to read this one straight through. It was worth the lack of sleep.

The Nature of Secrets by Debra Webb. Ellen is a mysterious and intriguing character, wondering if she will have a further role in Finley's investigations. Well developed the characters with more details of Finley's family and connections. Jack and Finley's backstory is especially interesting. A bit of a slow start with repetitious information but then the story exploded into a roller-coaster ride of action and suspense.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book

I loved this book! Debra Webb has written a brilliant, deeply layered, and multi-faceted mystery featuring one of the most empathetic protagonists I've read in recent times. Legal investigator Finley O'Sullivan is everywoman, though she's probably smarter than most, and in this book nurses a broken heart while trying to solve two murders.

The intricacies of this complex, but wholly enjoyable, story showcases Webb's amazing talent. I'm so impressed by her plotting and writing skills I regret not having read her earlier books. The Finley O'Sullivan series has now become a must-read for me. The fact that Webb is also the first recipient of the esteemed L.A. Banks Warrior Woman Award makes me respect her even more. The late L.A. Banks was a personal friend of mine and one of the smartest women I've ever known. Don't miss reading The Nature of Secrets! It's truly outstanding and on my top pick list for 2023.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer (who publish great books!) for providing an ARC to read and review. This review will appear on Bayside Book Reviews.com at https://baysidebookreviews.com and its Instagram page on release day. *NetGalley Top Reviewer.

This is the second book in a trilogy, and I hadn’t read the first but I don’t think it’s necessary as the same information seems to be repeated over and over. I loved the Nashville setting, but found the plot pacing too slow for my liking, and as I said too many plot points repeated. I enjoyed the characters who have a lot of depth, but there is nothing about this book to entice me to read the third and last installment.