I love Debra Webb, I have been reading her books for years. I was excited to read this one and couldn’t want for it to come out. Vera Boyett, an ex police officer, she goes back home to do some healing; while there she gets to interact with Bent. Bent, is Lincoln county Sheriff and an old beau. Both are pulled into a new case and it’s just not matching up. Thankfully with the two on the trail, along with some twists—that were surprising and kinda funny—the truth comes out. And that truth is shocking. Any wait to see what Debra has in store for Vera and Bent in their next case.

NOTE: I did not finish this book. I am writing this review with that preface. I liked the storyline, characters, and Ms. Webb's writing. However, other reviews said that I did not need to read the book prior to this one. Shortly into the book, there were references to Vera and her sisters past and that a body or bodies were in the cave on their property in the previous book. Then, frequent references to a past crime that Vera worked on (I am guessing) and someone named "The Messenger" were made. These became more frequent as the book went on. I stopped at 60% read. It seemed like there was alot of back story I had missed. The book seemed to concentrate more on the past crimes than on the current ones Vera was brought in to investigate. To be fair, I will give this book 4 stars. I will go back and read "Deeper Than the Dead", then revisit this book. If my review needs updated, I will do so. I rarely give 5 stars, as I reserve those for the best writing. I will say I requested this book based on all the 5 star ratings, but unfortunately, I just didn't see it.

All I have to say is wow!!! Thank you for this early read from the one and only Debra Webb! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC! This is the second book in the Vera Boyett series.. which you don’t technically need to read the first one to know what’s happening in this novel but there are several cross overs from the first to this book! Face paced, had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next and I just loved every bit of this book! Thank you!!

This was my first Debra Webb book, and I was eager to read it because of the description. Closer Than You Know is the second book in a series but can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed the premise of the story and the well crafted plot. But I was irritated by an excess of internal dialogue/character thoughts inserted during conversations and stumbled over frequent references to what happened in Book 1.

Closer Than you Know is a tale of murder and suspense, centered around Vera Boyett, a former police officer turned consultant.

There are twists upon twists, which often serve their purpose to keep the reader hooked. Other times, the twists seem manufactured simply for the sake of drama, and they end up pulling the reader from the main plot.

Overall, it's an enjoyable read, even if it requires a few leaps here and there.

I have been a Debra Webb fan for years and am always able to connect with her characters. Vera’s life has been, and is, complicated. The secrets she carries continue to pop up while trying to track down a sadistic killer. Can she save the ones she loves and keep her wits about her? This book is full of twists and turns, and I’m sure more are to come. And Bent…well, YUM!

Closer Than You Know by Debra Webb. Vera Boyett Book 2 is an investigation thriller with emotional depth and relentless pacing and numerous twists and turns. The characters and their lives are flawlessly described. Gripping and hard to put down the story keeps the readers guessing and concludes with a surprising reveal of the killer and his motives. Looking forward to book three with Vera, her family and team.
Thank you to Debra Webb, Thomas & Mercer Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

I read this book in 2 days. Debra did it again. So many twists and turns. This book kept me hooked the whole time. I didn't want to put this book down. This is the second book in this series

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me engaged and it only took a few days to read. I think this is going to be a good book club option for several clubs. I plan recommending to my book friends and I look forward to reading more by this author.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer Publishing for early access to read this book that comes out May 6, 2025!

Closer Than You Know is an investigation thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat till the last page. This is the second book of the series but you don’t have to read the first one to enjoy this but it would help, I wish I had. It follows Vera Boyett as she searches for a missing reporter and the person responsible, who has ties to her crazy past that wants revenge. Webb does a great job at making this a page turner from the get go. There’s not many slow moments and there’s a lot of things that develop that make the book gain momentum till the very end. The characters are well written and make the story more engaging and added a great amount of depth. There’s some wild twists and developments that I didn’t see coming. 5 stars!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6836141513

Wow! 🤩 I’m not sure I have any other words than that. This ARC was incredible!!! Thank you, Debra Webb, for writing this incredible story. This was my first book of yours and I will be adding many more to my TBR list! The journey you took us on with Vera made it hard to stop reading! The twists and turns!!! Masterful! Thank you again!!!!!

Again, the first 40% of this story is a bit slow. However, then you need to make sure your seatbelt is firmly in place cuz you're going to be in for a wicked ride!
Vera is starting to relax after the bodies found in the cave on her property have been identified and the case is closed until Bent calls her; He needs her assist with another local case where a reporter has gone missing. Things take a turn for the worst when Vera realizes this case is far worse than she thought. The Messenger, a serial killer who's been in prison for 20 years, appears to have popped up in her hometown.
Vera and Bent have to solve this case before the worst happens to her sister or her.
Make sure not to miss this one!
I was given this ARC for an honest review.

Love this book. Read the first one when i was chosen to read this one and I'm glad I found this series. Hoping that she will continue writing books about Vera and her sisters.

I received an ARC of Closer than you think. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Action packed from the very beginning, I did not want to put it down . Looking forward to reading more from this author!

If you are looking for a book that will grab and hold your attention from the first page, this is the book. When I tell you I was hooked from the first page, what I really mean is that I was hooked from the first couple of sentences! Closer Than You Know will have you on the edge of your seat, and you won't be able to put it down. You will also want the story to continue once you finish it. After I finished it, I looked at my husband and asked him "well now what do I do with my life?"

I didn't realize that this was not the first book in the series, but I read it just fine as a standalone. I will be going back and reading the first book though, just to get a better picture of what happened before this story.

The way this author describes her characters and the way their lives are lived is impeccable. She has an amazing way of keeping you guessing as to what is going to happen next and leaves you wanting more.

This is one of those books where the killer is revealed with just enough time for the rest of the story to work itself out, which I found to be a breath of fresh air. I loved that the most about this book.

I highly recommend this book and will be pre-ordering the physical copy as well as buying the first book in the series!

A very refreshing and suspenseful read, this book captivated me from page 1! I loved Vera after the first book so I was excited to read this one.

This book was gripping and hard to put down. It didn't feel like everything else you see out there, it felt very fresh. I really enjoyed this book!

Book two of Crime Analyst Vera Boyer does not disappoint! Vera is fighting for justice and does not relent. Captured from the first chapter the suspense builds from there. Impossible to put down, I raced to the end! Book three cannot come fast enough!

I like this author. When I see a book by her, I want to read it asap. This one did not disappoint. Intrigue and secrets…red herrings…family and friends…this is a page turner written by a talented author. I could not stop reading. Thanks Netgalley

I was so excited to see a new Very Boyett book come out. I am falling for Vera and Bent working as a team and not working! This book kept me turning the pages to see who the killer was. I am also liking that Vera's life in Memphis is merging with new life. I hope to see more of that. Thank you for the opportunity to review this book. I am looking forward to reading more by Debra Webb. Thank you, NetGalley.