I really enjoyed this book. It was different than anything else I've read recently. I couldn't put it down! I will keep an eye out for this author's future work!

What a great read.
So many twists and at the end almost all the truths are revealed with some lies interspersed to make it a perfect book.
Good characters, easy writing.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this book.

In the book, Vera, a former police chief, returns home to investigate her stepmother's murder. At the beginning of the book, it seemed slow-paced because of a lot of background information and character introductions. However, later I found out that this book is part of a series, which explains why so much groundwork had to be laid. The story introduces different suspects skillfully, keeping the reader engaged with family secrets and small-town drama. The pace picks up in the second half of the book with new clues and twists. The ending of the book sets up the sequel. Overall, it is an enjoyable read, and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

The first book in a new series by Debra Webb is always a time for great celebration for me because I know I have hours of mind-gripping and spine-tingling entertainment to look forward to. The new Vera Boyett book delivered in spades, with dead bodies, dark caves, sister secrets and a hunky sheriff who used to be Vera’s love interest. When Vera returns home, leaving behind a job that may or may not want her back, she has no idea that she is walking into a hornet’s nest of intrigue in her small hometown. I really enjoyed how the story was laid out so well and with intricate detail, placing me right in the scene with the characters as they discovered and discussed what to do about finding dead bodies on their property. Vera and Eve may not be completely innocent of any wrongdoing, but they are definitely puzzled when multiple bodies turn up in the cave on their daddy’s farm. The suspense mounts quickly as numerous suspects are paraded as possibilities, each one considered and ultimately discarded or set aside for further investigation. I loved being included in the behind-the-scenes discussions between Vera and the other characters, as I could just see the wheels in her head turning as she tried to figure our whodunit and why. Together with Bent, the sheriff of the little community, Vera sets out on a dangerous mission to solve the crimes and clear her family of the crimes of murder. The action was non-stop, the chapters were riveting and flowed from one to the next so that the book was difficult to put down. I couldn’t get enough of the three sisters and their wild antics, the skulking figures threatening the family and the sheriff determined to protect them from harm, no matter what he might have to do to safeguard them. The characters were more than realistic because they became friends and confidantes in the quest to find out what really happened and who was trying to wreck their lives. The intricate plot was masterfully woven around a few truths and many lies, keeping me guessing all the way until the end. Great suspense, characters who were easy to love and relate to, and so many twists that I got whiplash around spending time in their town. I loved every minute I spent with the Boyett family and I am already looking forward to Vera’s next adventure in a new book.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

The book was a cleverly written one that dealt with the secrets that a small town hid.

The story revolves around the Boyett family where the remains of a human body is found from the cave in their property. It's found that the body belongs to Vera and Eve's stepmother and their sister Luna's mother Sheree. The question as to who killed Sheree was still being investigated when the bodies of other women are found.

Al though the story was a great one, it went on a slow pace in the beginning. It was in the second half of the book that the story gained momentum. From then on, it was a suspenseful ride.

From the very beginning, the story cast doubts on Vera and Eve who were clearly hiding something. That said, they too were unaware of the murders of the others which happened in the cave. The story became more interesting to read when it moved past Vera and Eve who were hiding something to the details of the murders. From then on, it became a murder mystery and it was interesting to see how Bent and Vera collected evidence to find the one behind the murders.

Overall, this was a good book and I enjoyed it deeply.

Murder, mystery, thriller, by the great Debra Webb. A skeleton in a cave, brings a daughter home. You find out the killer quite soon, but there are lots more twist and turns. Great book. Can’t wait for the next book

Another action-packed ‘who dun it?’ by a favorite author of mine. I couldn’t find a place throughout to stop for a break. The tension bubbled and kept building so I just had to read one more chapter. It was an interesting take on a blended family of sisters. There’s a considerable age difference between the half -sisters, a widowed father with a much younger new wife. The sisters are all trying to protect each other and the omission of crucial facts and not being honest with the truth only makes circumstances worse. There’s some creepy discoveries as the three sisters navigate what really happened during their perfect childhood. The plot uses some alternating timelines. I don’t believe I ever read anything set in Tennessee before and it was memorable. The twists and turns were sharp and unexpectedly dark. I liked the characters and would definitely read more in this series.
An Uncorrected Proof of “Deeper Than the Dead” Vera Boyett #1, by Debra Webb, Published by Thomas & Mercer, expected publication 08/06/20024, was provided by NetGalley. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.

Debra Webb never fails to create a story that will not only keep you guessing but draw you into the lives of the characters completely. When Vera gets a call they find the remains of her long lost step-mother she must return home to help her sister and step-sister deal. On top of trying to tell their father who has been in a home because of his dementia. Vera is a well-known detective with many a solved case under her belt now she needs to make sure this crime is not solved.
Vera has to be involved in the investigation but is unhappy to find she will need to work with the new Sheriff who was once the boy who ran out on her. She has a lot to hide and she can't let him solve this one. She must keep one step ahead and keep her heart from breaking all over again. A must-read as all of Debra Webb's books are. Debra is a master of weaving a story that keeps you interested. Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer, Seattle for this eARC.

Small town murder mystery. Vera Boyett is on a mandatory leave from her job as a deputy police chief. She returns to her hometown to visit her sisters and dad but the remains of her missing stepmother are discovered which brings up memories from the past that Vera would like to stay hidden. Great start to a new series. Fantastic characters that I could see following from book to book.

Deeper Than the Dead
by Debra Webb
Pub Date: August 6, 2024
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Crime analyst and newly disgraced deputy police chief Vera Boyett doesn’t visit home often, and she certainly doesn’t venture back into the cave on her family land. But when the remains of her long-missing stepmother are discovered, Vera will have to face a past that threatens all she is.
Having never read anything by Debra before, I went into this one with a completely open mind and really enjoyed it.
Although the story was character driven, the plot was full of twists and ever-changing theories. Every time I thought I’d figured it out, things would change and I’d be back at square one. If you like playing detective, I definitely think you’ll like this one.
A few things that I didn't like
* the romance thrown in that wasn't even alluded to in the blurb. I don't usually mix genres when reading.
* the way dementia was depicted seemed stereotypical.
4 stars f0r me

This reviewer loves the Finley O'Sullivan trilogy by Debra Webb and was excited to begin her new Vera Boyett series with Deeper Than The Dead. The author did not disappoint with this novel's unique, very well written mystery. The book was unlike any other thriller I've read, and that made the reading experience even more pleasurable.

Crime analyst Vera Boyett is an imperfect protagonist who returns to her home in Tennessee under a cloud of scandal and disgrace, hoping to clear her name with her police unit when the dust settles. But the discovery of a body on her family property creates new problems and fresh scandal for her and her sisters. As if she didn't have enough trouble, the new sheriff investigating the circumstances of the dead body happens to be her first love and the man who broke her heart. The plot continues to deepen, with many twists and turns along the way to make this book a compelling, entertaining read. I'll be looking for book two! Recommended.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for providing an advance copy of this book to read and review. This review will post to Bayside Book Reviews at https://baysidebookreviews.com and its Instagram page on release day. Follow us! *NetGalley Top Reviewer*

All family’s have secrets right? Not like this family! Secrets and lies and bodies just keep piling up! Someone knows more than they are saying and now you gotta figure out who? Family? Friends of family? Or just random strangers? Everyone is a suspect. To protect your secrets and your family you gotta figure it out before the sheriff does. This is definitely a keep you on your toes book. It was a wonderfully suspenseful thriller. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it. Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.

I love the authors writing style. An addictive plot with well developed characters and the ending was well executed

Vera Boyett is packing up her office as a Deputy Police Chief when she gets a call to come back to her childhood home. A body has been found in a hidden cave on the property.
As she nears home she fears who it is, what happened and if her sister can keep a secret.
That’s not all that’s in the cave. This is going to be a lot bigger than she imagined.
As the suspect list grows Vera can’t help but get involved with the investigation.
This is full a twists and turns with an end you didn’t see coming.

Thank #NetGalley #DeeperThanTheDead #Thomas&Mercer for this ARC

The first half of this book is deadly boring. I was skipping most of the dialogue as it kept bringing up the same issues. I was about to stop reading it but was intrigued but who put the remains in the cave. It got better in the 2nd half as stuff finally started happening & pieces of what happened started coming out. I still feel like it’s incomplete. I really want to give this a 2.5 star but can’t.. #DeeperThanDead #NetGalley

amazing, this book had everything, especially shock, never trust little old ladies lol! it was so well written, i felt sure it was a man that had committed the murders, such a page turner, definitely left me wanting more

This was a great book. I loved every paragraph, every sentence and every word of this masterpiece! I read it in 12 hours, which is a lot for me to do! It had everything and more laid out in the novel! I sure hope There is more to come from this author! I am totally hooked!

I will leave this short since I loathe negative reviews. I picked this up and put it down so many times, never really fully able to invest in the story. It started off confusing to me, like i missed something and I honestly went and checked to see if this is a second book to a series. As it continued, it just seemd discombobulated at times making me lose interest again. This is a seasoned author so my conclusion is that this just isn't my personal preference. Do yourself a favor and read the description and if it piques your interest, give it a try. Three stars.

Vera Boyett left her life in Fayetteville - after a difficult adolescence - for Memphis. Rising to the title of deputy chief, she's suddenly on leave for situations in her department that were mostly out of her control. Now, back in Fayetteville, she's called by her sisters, Eve and Luna, as the remains of her stepmother were found (Luna's Mom). Eve and Vera have secrets - and it doesn't help matters that Gray Benton (Vera's old boyfriend) is now the sheriff. As always with Debra Webb's novels. there are so many twists and turns and wonderful characters... it's a pleasure to dive into Vera's life and watch her unravel not only what happened to her stepmother, but also to the other bodies buried with her. Thank you to Thomas & Mercer for an advanced reader of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.

Great beginning to a new series. Wild plot, interesting characters, and an ending that made me catch my breath!