From the author of the bestselling Faces of Evil series comes another chilling story of deception and betrayal.
Jill Ellington’s twin sister hasn’t spoken a word since she allegedly murdered her husband and her three-year-old son is missing. No one in the small, idyllic town of Paradise saw or heard a single thing. The chief of police already has Jill's twin convicted and her nephew dead and buried. Jill is going to need a miracle to uncover the truth.
Dr. Paul Phillips has a gift or a curse depending upon how sober he is when ask. He agrees to review Jill’s case to settle an old debt but five minutes in Paradise and he knows he has made a monumental mistake. This is the kind of case that broke him once before and he has no desire to go down that dark path again. But there’s something about Jill Ellington that won’t let him walk away. Paul’s ability to sense what others cannot once made him a legend…but he’s not that man anymore. Yet somehow Jill makes him yearn to be the miracle she desperately needs.
As they unravel a web of shocking lies that go back three generations, they uncover bone deep secrets that will rock the town of Paradise—if they can survive long enough to tell.
DEBRA WEBB is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 170 novels, including reader favorites the Finley O'Sullivan and Devlin & Falco series. She is the recipient of the prestigious Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Romantic Suspense as well as numerous Reviewers Choice Awards. In 2012 Debra was honored as the first recipient of the esteemed L. A. Banks Warrior Woman Award for her courage, strength, and grace in the face of adversity. Recently Debra was awarded the distinguished Centennial Award for having achieved publication of her 100th novel.
With more than four million books in print in numerous languages and countries, Debra’s love of storytelling goes back to her childhood when her mother bought her an old typewriter in a tag sale. Born in Alabama, Debra grew up on a farm. She spent every available hour exploring the world around her and creating her stories. She wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the Commanding General of the US Army in Berlin behind the Iron Curtain and a five-year stint in NASA’s Shuttle Program that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has expanded her work into some of the darkest places the human psyche dares to go. Visit Debra at www.debrawebb.com.
In this first book in the 'Bone' series, a man is dead and a toddler is missing.
*****
Attorney Jillian Ellington grew up in the idyllic town of Paradise, Tennessee, then moved to Mississippi for college and law school. This 'desertion' angered Jill's parents and allegedly 'killed' her father - so Jill hasn't been back for years. Now, big trouble in Paradise has drawn Jill back.
Jill has an identical twin sister Kate, who is suspected of stabbing her husband to death.....and the couple's three-year-old son is missing.
Moreover, Kate can't explain what happened because she's in the hospital.....beaten, bruised, and catatonic - unable to move or speak.
Stunned by this occurrence - and desperate to help her sister and find her nephew - Jill has returned to town. At the suggestion of her former law professor, Richard Lawton, Jill has engaged the services of former FBI profiler, Dr. Paul Phillips. Paul, who has psychic abilities, was once a top FBI analyst, but quit after a case went bad.
The profiler is now a lonely, hard-drinking depressive who rarely takes a job. In fact Paul only agreed to help Jill because he owes Professor Lawton a favor.
Jill and Paul don't hit it off right away but a romantic attraction soon has them working together. Once the duo start asking questions, though, they run into hostility from EVERYONE in Paradise, including: Jill's mother; the police chief; the mayor; the senator; and much of the local populace. It's pretty clear that the town has a secret no one wants revealed.
Paul's paranormal talents give him insight into what's going on, and he and Jill start to suspect that Paradise's medical research facility - which is very important to the town - had something to do with the death of Kate's husband and the disappearance of the toddler.
In fact, Jill and Paul fear the laboratory is engaging in unethical Nazi-like research. During their investigation, the twosome look up the experiments of the Nazi doctor, Josef Mengele - and there are graphic descriptions of the disgusting monster's horrific 'research.'
Though Jill and Paul face fierce opposition - including threats (and worse) - they carry on to uncover an almost unbelievable conspiracy. 😮
I enjoyed the suspense/mystery part of the story, which is interesting and well-done. Nevertheless, the book has some problems (IMO):
- First, it's hard to believe that Jill's decision to attend college in another state would rip her family apart. This rings a false note.
- Second, Jill's mother behaves very oddly. She actually gets angry because Jill is trying to find Kate's vanished child. Who would believe this? 🤨
- Third, the romance between Jill and Paul doesn't ring true. It's hard to accept that an attractive successful attorney would instantly fall in love with a gruff loser who's almost an alcoholic. In addition, Jill and Paul's romantic thoughts about each other are adolescent and goopy. And finally, the initial 'consummation' of the couple's love is laughable, and a picture I don't need in my mind. 😝
All that said, I'd mildly recommend the book to fans of romantic suspense. Other mystery fans can probably find books they'd enjoy more.
What a ride! Well-passed, intense, smart written crime mystery with a touch of psychic. It became slightly dystopian toward the end, but still 'nice' played.
Unfathomable.
I won't spoil a thing 😉
Likable MCs, safe, the romance wasn't very prominent but still well developed.
Up to the 2nd book. It's a shame this series has only 2 books!
And to keep those secrets the way they are killing is the only way to guard them. Jill has been called to her hometown by her mother to help her twin, they're charging Kate with the murder of her husband and the disappearance of her son. But that's impossible Kate's the rational twin,Jillian is the trouble maker, suddenly paradise isn't what she's expecting, conspiracies,lying and killing are the subjectivity in this case, and to top her already filled up plate is Paul a burnt out FBI investigator he's something she isn't needs but her sister's could .
Really enjoyed this one and stayed up to 1:30 in the morning to finish. It's a little out there and requires a bit of suspension of disbelief, but it worked for me.
I did move onto the second in the series, which unfortunately, did not live up to this first one.
The heroine drove me nuts and the audiobook narration was really annoying and nearly ruined it for me. The mystery plot kept me interested enough to finish it.
This story held me captive from the opening page! Webb expertly draws the reader into Jill's impossible situation - her sister's accused of murder, her nephew is missing, and everyone in her hometown wants Jill to leave. Relying on a washed-up expert for help seems like a poor choice, especially as the road blocks and body count rise, but he is her only ally.
The intrigue, the twists and turns, and the all-too-real possibilities combine for a chilling adventure readers will love!
Mrs. Webb totally wowed my with this book. Paul and Jill work together to unravel a mystery that is so sinister it is hard to believe it has happened in the small town of Paradise. This page turner will have you hooked and waiting on pins and needles to see what happens next. This story is the X-Files meets Criminal Minds. Don't miss it!!
Bone Deep by Debra Webb is a Pink House publication. This book was released in 2013. I picked this one up in the Kindle lending library.
Jill's twin sister, Kate is in the hospital, horribly beaten, catatonic, and accused of killing her husband and hurting her child. But, Jill, an attorney, is certain there must be a mistake. Calling on an old friend for help, she is introduced to Paul. Paul is gifted with the extra sensory perception that enables him to get a feeling about what is going on with people. But, he is tormented by a mistake that cost people their lives. He no longer works for the FBI, but does his old friend a favor by meeting with Jill. Returning to her hometown, Jill is reminded of why she left in the first place. Her mother hasn't left her home since her father died, the mayor can't stand her and everyone else always confuses her with Kate. The entire town seems on edge, as though they know something about Kate and her son they aren't willing to share. Even Jill's mother behaves as if Jill should just drop the whole thing and quit making waves. The only person that seems to think Jill has a point, is Paul. However, the two of them don't really get off to a good start with one another.
But, when Jill's probing gets the town stirred up, Jill finds she is in danger. One way or another Jill has to be shut up.
This was a taut suspense novel that reminds us that we should never forget the past. History can repeat itself and often does. So, before you begin to think the plot is so much science fiction, go back and do a little research about experiments on twins in the Nazi concentration camps. The premise was chilling. It is possible that some private organizations could fund such experiments today. Catering to those desperate for a child or to those who want the perfect child and are willing to pay for it, this novel opens up a plethora of very real possibilities. Even the name of the town, Paradise, seems to suggest some allegory.
The suspense area of the book was fantastic. The romance however, was just not happening for me. The scene when the two finally act on their feelings was just flat out silly. These two had been through unbelievable sorrow and fear. It just didn't seem right for them to behave in such a manner and was out of character for both of them. They deserved a more romantic scene. The ending was rushed also, in my opinion. While the author leaves us with a very unsettling thought, some things weren't not explained well enough for my satisfaction. Otherwise this would have been a five star rating. It still gets an A.
Bone Deep is a thought provoking and compelling read by Debra Webb. It is a book that I believe will stay with me; it is extremely well written, and a bit unsettling. Attorney Jillian Ellington returns to her childhood home in Paradise, TN, after a call from her mother, informing her that her twin sister Kate is the primary suspect in the murder of her husband, Karl Manning, CEO of a medical research company, and that their son Cody is missing. Upon the advice of Jill's former college professor and lover, Richard Lawton, Jill seeks assistance from a former FBI agent and forensic psychologist, Dr. Paul Phillips. Phillips reluctantly agrees to help, and their search uncovers nightmares that have laid dormant for years. Paradise is not the idyllic town it appears to be. What kind of research is taking place: altering genetics, genetic mutations, cloning??? The answers come, yet at a precious and precarious price for Jill, Kate, Paul, Paradise and beyond. Bone Deep is suspenseful, somewhat disquieting, intriguing, a very satisfying read.
This is a surprising story about a young woman who returns home to help her twin sister who is accused of murdering her husband and possibly her son. Jill knows her gentle sister could not have committed such vicious crimes but something does not seem right in the small town she grew up in. Her sister refuses to speaks and her mother is acting strange and distant. She accepts a friends offer to send someone to help her unravel the mystery. Paul is a tortured soul with secrets and a special gift that makes him the right person to help solve the mysteries surrounding the murder case. They set out to determine what is seems no one in the town wants them to know. A good mystery, fast paced, with a love story and a twist. I could not not put it down.
Let me first say I truly enjoyed this book. It kept me at the edge of my seat the whole way through. The subject matter around the mystery was both disturbing in a sense and thought provoking. I definitely understood and applaud the reasoning after reading Debra's note at the end of the book. Thank you for another great read!
I read this book pretty quickly because I needed to return it in order to borrow another. So, that maybe affects my rating. But, I don't think so. The plot was pretty spelled out and a few of the key plot clues were repeated enough that a goose could figure out the flow of the drama. And some of the details in character development were contrived and poorly enough explained, that they weren't believable to me. Jill is ostracized by her family strictly because she went to Old Miss and wanted a life of her own? And that lead to the downfall of her entire family structure? Nope. Not believable. Because of this fact and none other she doesn't return home and visit and her father dies suddenly and she's to blame. Nope. Not believable. So, a lot of the plot was really contrived to me. And Paul mentions ONCE about a nightmare he has about a tunnel and it's all so eery and then we jump to that at the end of the book--because for about 4 words there he fights the impulse to give up. Really contrived. Finally, the entire romance between Jill and Paul is super contrived and completely not believable at all. He comes as a favor to Richard and she hates him. But then for no reason except for desperation she is glad for his help. Okay--I'll buy that one. But then mid-way through the book you can tell that the author has decided to add the romance between the two as a plot development. And not only is there no foundation for it, or anything that sparks it or any emotions discussed to make it believable--it is just ridiculous. Paul looks at Jill and he can't live without her from that moment on. No reason why. Well, lucky girl, order me that perfume. Anyway, at that point it was confusing what kind of book was this? A romance? I checked the amazon store again and that was even part of the description. I felt that the author had lost the purpose of the book and was meandering. Anyway, for the most part the book was okay--but I was glad to be done when I was. I'm sorry to say that. I usually always highly recommend books. I just can't on this one.
Wasn’t sure what to expect from the first couple of chapters, but then things picked up! Attorney Jill Ellington is back in her hometown of Paradise, TN, after fastidiously avoiding it for several years. The reason that she is back is not a happy occasion...her twin sister is in a semi-catatonic state after supposedly killing her husband. Oh, and Jill’s nephew is missing but no one seems to care...not even Jill’s mother. Jill hires a former FBI profiler to help, at the suggestion of her law school mentor...and former lover. Except, when Jill meets Paul Phillips, she isn’t impressed and plans to send him away. However, after reviewing case notes and minimal investigation, Paul Phillips agrees that something is off...and Jill reluctantly joins forces with Paul. Lots going on in this idyllic town...almost like Stepford. Good story that keeps you interested, once you get past the first couple of chapters.
I love Debra Webb's series, Faces of Evil, so I decided to read her latest, Bone Deep. I really enjoyed it. Jill Ellington's twin sister is in the hospital accused of murdering her husband, the CEO of a major corporation. Her nephew Cody is missing. Jill doesn't believe her sister could do something so horrible, so she enlists the help of her college professor/mentor, who recommends Dr. Paul Phillips, a forensic psychologist. As they delve into the secrets of her sister, they uncover some deadly secrets of Jill's hometown. Thanks, Debra for a great read!
Kate and Jill are twins. as soon as she was old enough, Jill left Paradise, TN behind and didn't look back, that is until.she gets a call tha Kate murdered her husband and presumably her son who is missing. Jill knows in her heart something is wrong but will she be able to figure it out before it's too late for everyone? I would give more stars if I could. Debra Webb truly is a master at romantic suspense. This book shows that as well.as her others. read this book. You won be sorry!!!
Interesting plot - but there sure were some things that happened that should have set alarms off for the people of the town - or other towns - house fires, whole blocks exploding shortly thereafter (same block that the house fire was on), family members all murdered days apart... but overall a good story
This book had such a different concept, that it was already interesting. By the time all of the characters were introduced, I thought I had guessed at what might happen. But this story had so many twists and turns, that it stayed interesting until the end. Definitely a fan.
I fell in love with Debra Webb through the intrigue series and decided I had to find this one. Jill and Paul trying to find the truth in Paradise brought more than they thought. Jill's twin sister accused of murdering her husband and the missing child led them to believe a bigger picture. What they found was so much bigger than anyone could imagine lots of cover ups, twists, and turns.
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
Wow! Bone Deep is terrifying to say the least. What happens when evil people play God? This book grabbed me on the first page and kept me riveted. Two days saw me awake at 3:00 am. I simple could not put this book down. Thank you Debra Webb. You have excelled at keeping the suspense so strong that your readers can’t wait for the next hair raising turn.
If you have never read Debra Webb what are you waiting for?? She really knows how to grab your attention and keep it. Her Faces of Evil series is especially thrilling. I cannot wait for what comes next.
I have a new heroine authoress. Debra Webb has sealed her self as a great writer. She can wind a story around and around to keep you on the edge of your seat.
I liked the characters, the plot, the writing style and substance. Not five stars simply because this author spent too much time repetitively dragging readers through the obsessive thinking Jill goes through.....agonizing and so much of it unnecessary to detail.
I believe this is a first read for this author for me. I was pleasantly surprised that I liked it. I would say not quite four stars but closer to four than 3 1/2 for me