At first, the book was slow for me, and I found myself reading it slowly. But towards the fourth chapter, I must say, it got so interesting. I got alert and wanted to find out who was behind the kidnappings in town. The words used flowed seamlessly, the MC was definitely a tough and very fun person. I enjoyed reading the book in her POV. We get to see the struggles she has been through, her childhood, even her sad love life, haha!
The quest of finding the kidnapper was tense, and very eventful. I had many guesses and even suspected her friend the cop. Everyone is a suspect in this kind of setting. The chapters took me through different emotions but most of all, satisfaction when he was found. I must say, it was a good twist of event when the kidnapper turned out to be the monster that has haunted the MC all her life. It was surprising but a good shocker. I enjoyed the book and i would love to read more thrillers by Debra Webb.

Vera is becoming one of my favorite cops and FMC. She is so complex, smart, and relatable. This book had just as many surprises as the first book and none were easy to guess. Secrets keep getting revealed and making the story better. I loved that the romantic tension is still growing and not moving too quickly. I hope there will be more in this series!

This is a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat all the way through. Vera has moved back to her hometown and is now a private investigator there. She is working with her high school heart throb and keeps trying to talk herself out of the feelings she has for him. This is the second book in this series but could easily be read as a stand alone. There are lots of tense moments while Vera is trying to figure out what could be a copycat murder she investigated in Memphis. I certainly didn’t see that end coming! There is a bit of romance but it is not the main thing of the book. I received an arc of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Very good book, with excellent characters and a good plot. The pace is better than in the first of the series, and even if this book can be read as a stand-alone, it's better reading the first one first.

Closer Than You Know is book two in the series but can probably be read as a standalone with the understanding that things are mentioned from Vera’s past. Consulting for the police on a missing person’s case, Vera finds the past coming back to haunt her. The case links to a serial killer case from Vera’s past but the killer is behind bars. Vera must face down a killer coming for her as she solves this twisted and page turner of a case. The characters are interesting and the case keeps you guessing for nice little thriller in an ongoing, action packed series that will have you waiting for the next book. My voluntary, unbiased, and non mandatory is based upon a review copy from NetGalley.

Just finished Closer Than You Know by Debra Webb, and wow—this one had me hooked from page one! Vera Boyett is a complex, layered protagonist who’s both a brilliant crime analyst and haunted by a painful past. After a career setback as deputy police chief, Vera returns home, only to get dragged into a dark, twisty investigation by none other than Sheriff Gray Benton—a man with whom she shares a tangled history. As they chase clues about a missing reporter, Vera realizes the case ties back to a serial killer she once put behind bars. The stakes skyrocket when her own sister, Eve, is caught in the killer’s sights, turning Vera’s pursuit into a heart-pounding race against time.

Debra Webb nails the suspense with twists that had me gasping and characters that feel hauntingly real. If you're into psychological thrillers where the past and present collide, Closer Than You Know is a must-read.











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Prior to reading this book, I had read the first book of the series, and I actually enjoyed this one more. For starters, I enjoyed that you got some of Bent’s (love interest) inner dialogue & perspective, as well as Vera’s (main character). I was quite surprised by the twists & turns throughout. I also really liked that the storyline was tied to someone from a former case of Vera’s, rather than just her family ties & history.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was well written and kept me engrossed the entire time. Would highly recommend this author. Thank you to net gallery for the early release to this book.

Vera Boyett (book 2) returns to crack a mysterious case, which might be closer to home than anyone realizes. Her hunt for the killer opens old wounds and puts her family, her relationships, and everything close to her at risk.

"It's the unexpected - the niggling worry haunting the edge of your thoughts - that is almost always closer than you know."

This is a great read if you like Debra Webb or enjoy a good crime-solving story. I thought the book was fast-paced, being both gripping and comedic at the best times.

An investigative thriller that me on the edge, I love the twists and turns with plausible suspects. It didn’t take me long to guess, I found some parts of the story quite predictable but the plot was still solid. The book though part of a Book series, I love that it is a stand alone.

It is my first time reading a book by this author and I will definitely read her other works.

It is a 7/10 for me.

Thanks to NetGalley for the Advance Reader Copy of “Closer Than You Know” Vera Boyett #2, by Debra Webb, publication expected 05/06/2025. These honest review and opinions are my own given voluntarily without compensation.

Closer Than You Know is the second book in the Vera Boyett Series, and while you can certainly read this as a stand-alone, reading the first book will give you more context about the characters and the things that are referenced in this book.

After tragedy strikes and ruins her career as deputy police chief in Memphis, Vera moves back homes to Tennessee and starts freelancing as a crime analyst. Vera’s work really begins to heat up after the local sheriff, Gray “Bent” Benton, calls to ask her for assistance in locating a missing reporter. Their investigation uncovers an improbable connection to the Messenger, a serial killer that Vera 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. When the Messenger pulls her sister Eve into his twisted game, Vera vows to stop him for good.

I'm a huge fan of Debra Webb, and this book did not disappoint! I loved this fast-paced investigative thriller. My only complaint was the, what I felt to be, excessive use of the external monologue. I don't love the characters mumbling to themselves, but that's a personal preference. If you're looking for a thriller to get lost in, this one could be for you!

Crazy Good!!

This was one of those stories that you just can’t put down. So much going on in this suspenseful tale.

Vera Boyett is a consultant with the police. She and her sister have so many secrets it’s hard to keep up. Coming home has not been easy for her. This town has not welcomed her back with open arms that’s for sure.

When a local is kidnapped Bent the sheriff calls on her expertise. The twisted story unfolds and its way more than they bargained for.

I love this series. I thoroughly enjoyed the second installment. I’ll give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ solid stars. Debra Webb has become one of my favorite authors.

This is book 2 in the Vera Boyette series. There have been several kidnappings by the Time Thief. He/she drugged their subjects and let them go within 48 hours never revealing their identity or why.
Nolan Baker is a reporter and wants the big story until he himself is kidnapped by the Time Thief.
While Bent (Sheriff) and Vera investigate (consultant) Nolan’s disappearance, someone has been inside the farm where Vera lives alone and left her a message (“I see you, Detective”) on her bathroom mirror. This wasn’t just any message. The M.O. is identical to the Messenger’s from years ago. Writing the message in dish detergent on a surface like a bathroom mirror.
There’s no way it can be him because he’s in prison. Could it be a copycat? Is it related to the Time Thief?
Vera’s sister Eve has been kidnapped by the Messenger. Vera will stop at nothing to bring Eve back home safe and sound.

Vera Boyett is back in Tennessee now as a consultant for the local sheriff. Not the big-time agent in Memphis anymore but she was content. Closer to her sisters here, however, working with her old love is sometimes a heart challenge. When he calls to help find a missing reporter she's ready to work. When similarities to an old case and weird happening match the perp she put behind bars, she can't help but wonder if maybe he's working from the inside which would not be impossible right?
Once again, thank you Debra Webb writes a winner with Closer Than You Know. It is heart pounding at times and you absolutely can't stop reading! Not only action, mystery, and drama there is even a love interest. There are all the components to a great story! I can't wait for the next one. There is one before this but you can read stand alone. Its also great! Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer, Seatle for this eARC

I enjoyed this book by Debra Webb. I will have to go back and read the first book in the series. This read fine as a stand-alone, but I think it would be even better by reading the previous book.

Vera Boyett, a former deputy police chief, moved back home and is working as a crime analyst. She is enlisted to help Bent, the local sheriff, find a missing reporter. Strange things have been happening, and they must find out what’s going on.

There are some interesting twists that keep you on the edge of your seat.

Thank you to Mercer Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

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!