Closer Than You Know

Vera Boyett #2

by Debra Webb

From USA Today bestselling author Debra Webb comes the riveting return of crime analyst Vera Boyett, fighting for justice—and her life—amid her Tennessee roots.

Vera Boyett is a master at cracking a case.

After tragedy destroyed her career as deputy police chief, she felt lost. Moving back home near her sisters, she put her skills back to use as a crime analyst, and now her star is finally back on the rise. Vera’s work really begins to heat up after the local sheriff, Gray “Bent” Benton, calls to ask her for assistance with a pressing case.

Pushing aside their complicated past, Vera agrees to help Bent search for a missing reporter. But their investigation uncovers an improbable connection to the Messenger, a serial killer she 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. But can she find Eve and the reporter before it’s too late?

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Thriller, Audiobook, Suspense, Crime

302 pages, Paperback

Published May 6, 2025

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Ahmed Ismail · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first dip into Debra Webb’s world, and -as usual- I went in blind. Unfortunately, I think this time, that tactic backfired. Something just didn’t click. Maybe if I’d read Book #1, the pieces would’ve come together more smoothly, but as it stood, I felt like I’d been dropped into a party where everyone already knew each other, and I was the awkward plus-one. For context, this is Book #2 in the Vera Boyett series, so jumping in midstream probably didn’t do me any favors.
The plot moved at a crawl, and the characters felt distant, like I was supposed to care about them but hadn’t been given a reason to. The romance subplot? Let’s just say it barely flickered on the radar and didn’t really elevate the story in any meaningful way.
It wasn’t a bad read, per se, just not gripping enough to make me eager to turn the pages. If you’re a die-hard thriller fan craving edge-of-your-seat suspense, this one might leave you a little underwhelmed.


𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 @brilliancepublishing 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙜𝙞𝙛𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 @𝙣𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ridiculous

Well, Vera Boyett is up to her ridiculous, careless crime solving antics once again! She hasn't changed from book one in this series, Vee just rushes headlong into one precarious situation after the other. She is supposed to a seasoned, highly experienced homicide detective. I think she would be better off as the local dog catcher, but I love dogs too much! Vee is a very unlikable character. Her teenage love, Bent, the towns hottest cop is almost as bad as Vee. He knows how Vee operates and her knee-jerk reactions to dangerous situations and just goes along with her. And what ex-cop working as a consultant with local law enforcement doesn't carry a gun when there is a crazed serial killer in town!?!? I don't think I can stand reading book three in this series! UGH......

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 stars. Book 2. Serial killer from a case in Vera's past comes back to haunt her. Good mystery, with the last quarter of the book ratcheting up the tension and suspense. Even more Boyett family secrets are revealed here as the story progresses. Count me in for book 3 due out in December.

[Milena Bookish❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy New Release!

A compelling, thrilling mystery. This book did not disappoint! I loved this rapidly moving investigative thriller. If you're looking for a thriller to immerse yourself in, this one might be for you!

Vera moved back to her hometown after she was laid off from her job as deputy chief of police, and subsequently assumed a role as a PI. Her old flame, Bent, is the local sheriff, and those memories ignite the undercurrents of their past relationship. Her family history is littered with murder and secrets... The relationships with her sister and half-sister are anything but ordinary, with too many things left unsaid as the past continues to haunt them. This book can be read as a standalone, but readers would benefit from having the background in the first book

As she looks for a missing reporter and the person behind it, who has ties to her past and seeks revenge, an old nemesis, known as the Messenger, is still in prison. Is it a coincidence, or is this one of his devious games as a new series of bodies emerge? Webb does an excellent job of making this a page-turner from the start... I was immediately hooked from the beginning...There are no dull moments, and there’s a lot of elements that develop that make the story gain momentum right up until the very end. The well-developed characters make the story more captivating, adding a significant amount of depth. A Must Read, I highly recommend it! Releases on May 6, 2025.

Thank you, NetGalley and Publisher, for the eARC.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one that I hated to put down, but I also really didn’t want it to end. I got totally invested in the story and the characters that I wanted it to keep going forever. Vera is challenged this time with a former arch enemy, The Messenger, a serial killer whom she arrested and happily got him in prison previously. Now, his signature method of killing has followed her to her small town of Fayetteville, TN, and she doesn’t understand how he can be in prison and still killing. Protege or copy cat are both possibilities. I kept guessing about who was the real villain until the big reveal, so that was a real bonus to me for the story. I love it when the red herrings are so good and the clues are disguised so well that I get fooled. The characters were well-developed and I found out more about Vera’s sister Eve and her past relationship with Bent, all of which made the plot more absorbing. I was captivated by the family dynamics as well as Vera’s relationships with former colleagues like Eric and her current relationship with Bent. Everything just flowed together in a way that kept me reading and guessing and reading some more. This novel offers a fast-paced thrill ride, with some gruesome descriptions of what the killer does to his victims, but not distasteful, just realistic. The gripping plot and the dynamic characters made this story one of the best that I have ever read and I am already looking forward to the next book in the series. That being said, this novel can be read and thoroughly enjoyed as a standalone. Just don’t miss this one because it is an immersive read with a rich story and a terrifyingly brilliant conclusion!
Disclaimer
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. (In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

[Logan Seng · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Maureen ~Bitch Can Write A Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast paced read. I’m very interested to see what is going to happen in the next book. Debra Webb always manages to suck you in and leave you wanting more.

[Lori Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Closer Than You Know is book 2 in the Vera Boyett series by Debra Webb. I was drawn into this book at the very start. It's a hard book to put down the further you get into it so be prepared. Vera is back in her hometown as a crime analyst as she wants to be close to her 2 sisters. The local sheriff, Gray Benton "Bent" has requested her help with a case. Vera and Bent have known each other since they were kids and they have a complicated past. They're investigating a case in which people are taken, kept for a few days, and returned without remembering much at all. All of them remember being drugged, but no one knows what the kidnapper looked like. When a reporter goes missing, Bent thinks it's going to be the same, but he never comes back. His parents are wealthy and putting lots of pressure on Bent to find their son.

As Vera and Bent are investigating the missing reporter, there are clues that lead them to one of Vera's old cases. When Vera was a police chief she sent the Messenger, a serial killer, to prison. He's still in prison and dying of cancer. Did Vera miss something back then? Was there a partner? Is there a copycat? Is the Messenger controlling this from inside prison? When it becomes clear that the real target is Vera, things ramp up. There are threats to Vera, her sisters, and anyone she cares about. The person orchestrating this has a lot of information about Vera and they know what will make her suffer. Someone has been in Vera's house and left her a message. When Vera's sister, Eve, vanishes it becomes all too close. Vera is terrified that someone will hurt Eve to get to her. Does this same person have the reporter?

Closer Than You Know is a fantastic thriller that keeps you flipping pages way too fast and reading late into the night. I love this series and can't wait for the next one. Debra Webb does a great job of making you feel like you're right there. Your heart will race as you get closer to knowing the truth. I rate Closer Than You Know 5 stars with my highest recommendation. If you love a good thriller, this is the book for you! Closer Than You Know is available now and should not be missed! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced copy of Closer Than You Know in exchange for a fair review. #CloserThanYouKnow

[Donne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been looking forward to catching up with Vera Boyett and her sisters and the rest of the gang in Fayetteville, especially after that last installment. In this installment, Vera partners up with Sheriff Benton, aka Bent, and their smoldering attraction to each other is as present as ever.

The book summary basically introduces the primary storyline of Nolan, the well-known son of a prominent local family and local journalist who goes missing. What the book summary doesn’t say is that Nolan was investigating the “Time Thief, who had previously abducted three people and returned them within 48hrs. Once Bent and Vera start investigating Nolan’s disappearance, it’s discovered that the first three victims all had questionable connections to Nolan. Now Nolan is missing? Hmmm…..that’s not suspicious at all. It's not long before Vera starts getting weird messages left in her house while she is not home, messages that are eerily similar to messages from a criminal that Vera put away 12yrs ago, The Messenger.

Most of the story has Vera and Bent, along with Vera’s former associate and lover, Eric, from Memphis PD, investigating The Messenger leads. Being behind bars, they are trying to determine if The Messenger had a partner 12yrs ago, or if he now has a copycat/accomplice acting on his behalf to carry on his work and go after Vera. By the halfway point, I’ve kind of zeroed in on one person, but wasn’t too shocked to learn I was way off base.

The end seems to come fast and it’s a flurry of activity and scenes that has Vera and the gang in a bunch of scary and intense scenes to rescue Eve from the abductor. Holy crap!!! Vera’s bad@$$ is freaking frightening!!! Can’t wait to see what Webb has in store for the Boyett ladies, especially after some more family drama is revealed.

The continuing character development of Vera and her loved ones (this includes Bent) was good, and the pacing was steady to fast, especially in the second half. The storyline was interesting, it revealed more of Vera’s history, especially with Eric. The writing was good too; Webb is a good writer and storyteller. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.1 that I will be rounding down to a 4star review.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I keep getting introduced to new (to me) authors, and this one is definitely a winner. I wondered if the first book in the series gave more info about the beginnings of the case Vera is working on, that of The Messenger. At any rate, this book really fills in all the gaps and then picks up in the present day. I enjoyed all the characters, and I was pretty worried about Vera and her sister! What an evil nemesis this one is! This is a fast-paced story and it doesn’t let up before the end.

I recommend this one! 4.5 stars rounded up.

I received a copy of the digital ARC via the publisher and NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

[The Bookish Elf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debra Webb's sophomore entry in the Vera Boyett series, Closer Than You Know, delivers a heart-pounding psychological thriller that builds masterfully on the foundation established in Deeper Than the Dead. Released in 2025, this tightly crafted novel plunges readers back into the small-town intrigues of Fayetteville, Tennessee, where crime analyst Vera Boyett continues navigating the treacherous waters of her past while confronting an unexpected nemesis from her distinguished career.

Webb's uncanny ability to weave personal trauma with professional challenges creates a narrative that grips readers from the first page and refuses to let go until the final, blood-soaked resolution. As someone who devoured the first installment, I found this sequel both satisfying and surprising—Webb manages to deepen her characters while raising the stakes considerably.

Plot: A Ticking Clock with Deadly Consequences

Closer Than You Know opens with local reporter Nolan Baker's mysterious disappearance, initially believed to be the work of the "Time Thief"—a serial abductor who has been drugging and releasing victims adorned with strange markings after forty-eight hours. When Sheriff Gray "Bent" Benton enlists Vera's help, the case quickly spirals into something far more sinister.

The true brilliance of Webb's plotting emerges when Vera discovers the case connects to the Messenger—a notorious serial killer she helped capture twelve years ago during her time with the Memphis Police Department. When Vera's sister Eve becomes the next target, the story transforms from professional investigation to desperate race against time.

Webb masterfully employs multiple timelines and perspectives, revealing crucial information at precisely the right moments. The pacing is relentless yet controlled, with quieter character moments providing necessary breathing space between intense action sequences. The novel's final third is particularly outstanding—a white-knuckle confrontation that had me frantically turning pages well past midnight.

Character Development: The Heart of Webb's Success

What elevates this thriller above genre conventions is Webb's meticulous character work. Vera Boyett continues to be a fascinating protagonist—brilliant yet vulnerable, commanding yet haunted by past failures. Approaching her fortieth birthday, Vera grapples with both professional anxiety and personal regrets, making her investigations feel emotionally weighted rather than merely procedural.

The supporting cast receives equally thoughtful attention. Sheriff Bent emerges as a more complex figure than the typical love interest, harboring his own secrets and motivations. Eve Boyett's development is particularly compelling—her mortician's perspective on death and her complicated relationship with her sisters add emotional depth to the narrative.

Even the antagonist, Patrick Solomon—grandson of the imprisoned Messenger—is rendered with uncomfortable humanity. His twisted motivations and psychological damage are explored without excuse but with genuine psychological insight.

If there's a weakness, it's that Webb occasionally relies too heavily on traumatic backstory to explain character motivations. While effective, this approach occasionally feels like emotional shorthand rather than organic development.

Setting: Small-Town Tennessee with Gothic Undertones

Webb transforms Fayetteville, Tennessee into more than backdrop—the setting becomes a character itself. From the abandoned hospital with its ghost stories to the Boyett family farm with its notorious cave, each location pulses with history and atmosphere.

The juxtaposition of small-town warmth with hidden darkness creates a distinctly Southern Gothic atmosphere. When Vera notes how "there was something truly relaxing about the idea of spending the rest of her life in jeans," Webb captures the surface-level comfort of rural life while hinting at the darker currents beneath.

Fayetteville feels lived-in and authentic, populated by interconnected lives carrying decades of history. Webb's familiarity with the region (acknowledged in her afterword) shines through in specific details that transport readers directly into this insular world.

Writing Style: Taut Prose with Emotional Resonance

Webb's prose remains lean and functional without sacrificing emotional impact. She excels particularly in:

- Dialogue: Characters speak in distinctive voices that reveal their backgrounds and relationships without exposition
- Action sequences: The violence is visceral without becoming gratuitous
- Internal monologues: Vera's thought processes are rendered with psychological accuracy and tension

I was particularly impressed by Webb's handling of the cave confrontation between Vera, Eve, and Patrick Solomon—a scene that balances physical action with psychological warfare and sisterly devotion. The moment when Vera tells Eve, "I'm going to kill this piece of shit," carries genuine cathartic power after the terror that preceded it.

If there's room for improvement, Webb occasionally relies too heavily on internal questions as a tension-building device, which can feel repetitive in longer sequences.

Thematic Richness: Family, Secrets, and Redemption

Beyond its thrilling plot, Closer Than You Know explores several interconnected themes with nuance:

- Family bonds versus family secrets: The Boyett sisters protect each other fiercely while harboring devastating secrets

- Rural versus urban values: Vera's Memphis training clashes with small-town politics

- Justice versus revenge: Vera wrestles with her desire to punish the guilty within legal boundaries

- Past versus present: Characters struggle to move forward while haunted by previous traumas

The revelation regarding Eve's mother's death is particularly wrenching, illustrating how even well-intentioned secrets can poison relationships. When Eve finally confesses, "Mama said she couldn't bear the pain anymore," the scene achieves remarkable emotional power.

Final Verdict: A Must-Read Psychological Thriller

Closer Than You Know confirms Debra Webb as a master of the psychological thriller genre. With its compelling protagonist, intricate plotting, and authentic regional atmosphere, this novel satisfies on multiple levels. The integration of personal and professional challenges creates stakes that feel genuinely meaningful rather than manufactured.

While not entirely flawless—a few subplot resolutions feel slightly rushed, and certain supporting characters could use further development—these minor issues hardly detract from the overall experience. Webb has crafted a thriller that respects readers' intelligence while delivering emotional impact and pulse-pounding suspense.

For fans of psychologically rich crime fiction with strong regional identity, Closer Than You Know is an essential addition to your reading list. It stands as both an excellent entry in an ongoing series and a testament to Webb's growth as a novelist. I eagerly await the next chapter in Vera Boyett's journey through the darkness of human behavior and the possibility of redemption.

[Vanessa Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for recommending this book. What a page turner! This is book number two of two and I have read both in quick succession. Book number two refers back to the first one so it’s best to read them in order. Both books are fast moving thrillers following Vera, a detective and her family. Another great from Debra Webb

[Ray Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boyett Faces Threats From Two Directions

The three unexplained disappearances around the county in the past four weeks have garnered statewide attention. The perpetrator has been named the Time Thief, as he injects his victim with a powerful sedative and then releases them 48 hours later with no permanent harm. Someone claiming to have information about the abductions asks to meet a local newspaper reporter, Nolan Baker. He tells the reporter to meet him in a local abandoned and dilapidated hospital. Baker brings a friend. When they enter a room where they had seen a light earlier, Baker hears a thud, and something pricks his neck. From this start, the novel precedes.

This novel consists of three threads. The first thread is the Baker abduction investigation. Vera Boyett is a retired Memphis Police Deputy Chief who is now freelancing for various local law enforcement agencies. Sheriff Gray Benton asks Boyett to assist in the investigation. Very quickly, differences in the MO between this abduction and the previous ones become evident. The perpetrator appears to be a serial killer that Boyett was key in his capture. He has an unbreakable alibi. The second thread covers Nolan Baker’s experiences in captivity. This thread provides some insight into the perpetrator’s thoughts. The third thread presents a most dangerous threat to Boyett and her sisters. A tenacious private investigator calls Boyett as she is looking into Norton Gates's disappearance. The problem is that Boyett’s sister, Suri, had killed him and, with the help of the other sister, Eve, buried him in a cave on the family property. As presented in the previous novel, his body was discovered with others, but the identity of his killer was never discovered. Don’t worry; adequate background is provided so you will have all the pertinent information to understand the events in this novel. So, Boyett must juggle two threats to her safety in this novel; one can lead to her death, and the other to the loss of everything she holds dear. There was no way that I could put this novel down.

This novel provides and expands the background of Boyett and her family, including her suppressed romance with her high school sweetheart, now Sheriff Benton. This does increase the difficulty of Boyett’s professional work with him. Her loyalty to her sisters is shown when their secret erupts into the open. This aspect of the novel enhanced my enjoyment of reading it.

This novel contains some aspects that can cause some readers to stop reading. There are no intimate scenes, and the vulgar, rude, and impious language is at a notable level. Some of the violence also appears in some heightened scenes. On the positive side, while this is the second book in the series, it can be read first.

I enjoyed how well the author weaved two competing threads into one novel. I liked how the author turned the impossible into the feasible in the abduction thread. And I liked how the author put all this into an easily readable novel. I was happy with the ending as all the loose ends from the previous novel surrounded Norton Gates's death. I have read this author’s four previous novels. He is one of my Must-Read authors. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and recommend reading this one. I rate this novel with five stars.

I received this novel's free prepublication e-book version from Thomas & Mercer through NetGalley. My review is based solely on my own reading experience. Thank you, Thomas & Mercer, for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.

[Shelly Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debra Webb is one of my favorite authors. When I want to get a little break from the smutty, mushy romance stuff that I typically read, I love to dive into one of Debra Webb's mystery/ suspense books.

This one was oh soooo suspenseful that I couldn't put it down. I did start to read it a few weeks ago but life got in the way BIG TIME, so I had to set it aside. I started it over again on May 1st and could not put it down!

I love Vera Boyett and Sheriff Benton this series! Her sisters are pretty great as well. I truly enjoy the fact that the sisters are so close and look out for each other. Reminds me of my own sister, that I only get to see once a year.

Bent is a very strong, smart and sexy character. NO one knows Vera better!! Vera is also the 3 S's (smart, sexy and strong!)

The thought process and planning in creating this story line, I assume, would have been intense! But Debra Webb knows what she is doing! Even though I could not figure it out until it was literally right in front of my face.

Such a fantastic story! I know I'll be reading this one again. Thank you Debra Webb for all of your words!!!

[Caroline | dogtailsandcrimetales · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★

“I see you.
I'm intrigued by you.
I'm going to enjoy killing you.”

It’s been seven months since Vera’s return to Fayetteville, TN, and she’s enjoying her role as a consultant. Bent, the local sheriff, requests her help with a missing person case. It appears to be connected to a string of unsolved disappearances in the area—and the most recent victim is the local reporter who had been investigating the case. Suddenly, Vera uncovers evidence suggesting a serial killer might be behind it all: The Messenger, whom she put behind bars twelve years ago...

Oooh, this one was twisty—I couldn’t put it down! This was my second book by Debra Webb, and I really enjoy her writing. The character development is phenomenal. I feel like I am right there in Fayetteville, solving crimes alongside Vera and Bent.

Their personal history is a big part of the series, but it’s never overly dramatic and doesn’t take away from the investigation. When Vera’s former partner, Eric, joins the case, the three work together well and don’t let personal feelings get in the way. Let’s leave the drama to the serial killer—and what an unhinged character he turned out to be!

It’s great to hear how much fun Debra Webb is having with the Vera Boyett series, because I am having a lot of fun reading it and I am hoping for many more installments! Thank you NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Debra Webb for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[Kelsey Dash · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will say I liked the first book better, but this one also had me hooked. I loved the plot of having an old case of Vera’s come back to haunt her. Her and Palmer kind of gave me Clarice Starling and Hannibal vibes in a way which I enjoyed.

All of the characters need to learn that secrets always come out and they need to stop keeping them from each other (especially between Vera and Bent)! Like damn girl I know y’all have a past but come on! Let him in and help you with all the crazy happening in your life, it is his job after all. You don’t need to do the investigation on your own.

Speaking of secrets though… more of Eve’s FINALLY came out! Am I convinced she doesn’t have more? No, but at least Vera knows the main ones now.

I am very curious what the next book will be about.

[George’s Books83 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Vera Boyett series! I pre-ordered this after reading the first book and am now looking forward to book 3 at the end of the year!
I find these great easy reading crime thrillers! Something that could easily be made into a TV series!
In this one there was a lot of focus on her turning 40 which she seemed to think was awful…I didn’t think 40 was too bad nowadays! I also feel that the name Vera makes you picture her older than she is.
I find that I enjoy books where I already know the characters as you sort of jump straight in rather than having to go through introductions again, and that made this easy to settle in to. I also quite like seeing Vee and Bents relationship evolving rather than it going from zero to 100!

[Linda J · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Closer than you know.

Well written, phenomenal story.

Will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Vera Boyett has a sadistic killer out taking the lives of those around her. Saving the ones she loves. Will be a challenge. But Vera working close with the sheriff nothing can stop her.

Some secrets come to life within the story from the past.

I love how this second book in the series. ties into the first book. Simply a fabulous read.
This author's work is a absolutely must-read.


Simply the perfect read.

[Kaleigh Mubasher · Rating 3 out of 5]

crooked cop aside, it was an ok read

The main character breaks the law constantly. Keeps secrets for family and friends who do the same. I’m talking literal murders. It’s annoying but still kept me entertained

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Closer Than You Know is the second book in the Vera Boyett series. This can be a stand-alone read, but I believe it is best to read the first book since there is quite a bit of history which sets the stage for this one.

Vera gets a call from 'Bent' about a new case. She is feeling a bit lost after her career was destroyed by tragedy. She jumps at the chance to use her skills. It soon becomes clear that the killer has his sights set on Vera he begins a game of cat and mouse. When Vera's sister Eve goes missing, Vera will have to dig deep and use all here talents to find the Messenger and stop him before it is too late.

The story is a wonderful addition to the first book. The characters are wonderfully written as well as dynamically three dimensional. It is fascinating to watch the story unfold as if you had a front row seat.

I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.

[Vanessa Renderos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you net galley and Debra for this arc copy! When I seen this was book 2 I rushed to read Deeper Than The Dead to really understand & connect with this one & I’m sooo happy I did!
Debra Webb is hands down an auto buy author for me now I completely was thrown off with the twist and unexpected turns. She’s a great writer & knows how to really reel you in & want you wanting for more. The connections to Deeper Then The Dead were great. I cannot wait for book #3 in the Vera series to be released 12/2025. Once again thank you and I’m huge Debra Webb fan now.

[Anne - Books of My Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
 

Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I got the first book in the  Vera Boyette series through Prime's Amazon First Reads.  Deeper Than the Dead introduces us to Vera Boyette as she goes home to help her sisters when dead bodies are found in a cave on the family farm.  The sisters and many in the small town have so many secrets.  Vera was a deputy chief in Memphis but with two of her team members in a murder / suicide she resigns.  We get her family history and find that her first love is now sheriff.  She is offered positions by the TBI and the FBI but chooses to stay a freelance consultant.  I find it a bit unrealistic that she is made the offers, or is able to get enough work that way but it fits well for the story.

Now her youngest stepsister Luna, is married and her sister Eve, living with her girlfriend, so Vera is home alone on the family farm.  She is working a case with the first love, Benton.  She keeps thinking about him, and is still very attracted to him.  Vera is just about to turn 40.  Neither of them has married.  He left town for 20 years in the military.

Someone has been leaving messages, then abducting people, drugging them and then leaving them unharmed 2 days later.  But this abductee is from a demanding wealthy family so Bent, and Vera, are pulled in to hunt for him the first day. He is a reporter who lives aside his parents.  Now more messages appear that are different and eerily similar to Vera's first big case solved in Memphis - The Messenger.

He is still in prison and there was no indication of an accomplice or partner.  But it either has to be a partner or a connected copycat.   This was exciting and frightening because Vera, and especially her sister, Eve are a wild canon. The pacing was steady with plenty of action.

Vera seems reasonably skilled at her work and tracking down criminals.  But she seems unconventional and takes more chances than necessary.  It certainly adds to the suspense.  I find it a little hard to believe that Bent and other law enforcement just let her work as a consultant.  But she does have a lot of experience and years of success in Memphis.

All the family secrets seem to be out now, so hopefully if there are more stories they can build for the future.  Eve and Luna are happily partnered. It remains to be seen if Vera will be.

Narration:
It wasn't the first time I had heard this narrator but I didn't recognize her other than as the characters here, which is actually a good thing.  Her voices for both male and females were comfortable and kept me in the story.   I listened at my newer 1.75x speed.

Listen to a clip:  HERE

[Lisa Ahlstedt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Vera Boyett is back in her hometown of Fayetteville, TN after working in Memphis for many years. She is now a crime analyst who gets called in to work with police agencies on certain cases. This is a bit tricky when the local sheriff is her first love, Gray "Bent" Benton. She resolves to put aside her still-conflicted feelings when an old high school rival calls and asks her to help find her missing son. The son in question is a reporter, and he's hot on the trail of the Time Thief. This odd criminal abducts people, holds them hostage, and releases them unharmed but with strange messages written on their bodies. Since the reporter is now missing, everyone assumes he's been taken by the Time Thief and will be released soon. But there are soon ominous signs that perhaps his abduction has something to do with an old case of Vera's. She was instrumental in bringing down a serial killer known as the Messenger. He left messages for his victims before abducting, torturing and killing them. Vera finds such a message in her own house. The Messenger is in prison, though, so who is responsible for the latest activities?

This is the second book in the series, and it was hard to figure out since I hadn't read the first one. There were a lot of references to things from Vera's childhood and her family's past, but it didn't really add up. I wasn't sure who some of the characters were and the backstories weren't really filled in. It was all very confusing! I also didn't understand how everyone (from police officers to the incarcerated killer) were forever praising Vera and her investigative skills. She didn't seem particularly gifted in that arena, but all were in awe. It was hard to sort everyone out and lots of questions were never really resolved.

I received a copy of this book from a GoodReads giveaway.

[V · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debra Webb has been a favorite author for many years. The second of this new series fleshes out Vera’s character. Her family history is full of murder and secrets. As with many modern series, this can be read as a standalone. You would really benefit from the background in the first though. The relationships with her sister and half-sister are not ordinary, too many things left unsaid as the past continues to haunt them. I’m always intrigued with sister relationships since I don’t have any. You’ll learn more about where Vera’s life is now that she’s no longer a Memphis detective. She’s moved back to her small hometown working as a PI. Her old flame, Bent, is the local sheriff and those memories cause the undercurrents to simmer. Vera’s not big on following rules now that she doesn’t answer to a boss or have to play politics. An old nemesis known as the Messenger is still in prison. Is it a coincidence, a copycat or him pulling strings as a new string of bodies are left with his signature? Be aware that if you’re averse to descriptive violence this might not be for you. There were plenty of twists and turns along with many plausible suspects. It didn’t take me long to guess, but the plot was still solid.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer (via NetGalley) for providing an Advance Reader Copy of “Closer Than You Know” Vera Boyett #2, by Debra Webb, publication expected 05/06/2025. These honest, personal thoughts and opinions are my own given voluntarily without compensation.

[Kate Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[ChiQuito · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Masha M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you,Debra Webb, for my E-Arc copy of this book.

I give this one 3.5⭐️. This is book 2 in the Vera Boyett series. Vera is a consultant to the police now since leaving her job with Memphis pd and moving back home to Fayetteville. Things are settling in. Then she is asked to help on the Time Theif case when the son of her his school nemesis goes missing. The more she and Sheriff "Bent" Benton investigate, the more things aren't adding up, and things start taking unexpected turns in both Vera's personal and professional lives. Can they find the missing in time and solve the case?
I enjoy the characters and seeing what is happening to them now as this book is set about 7 months after the first ended. I did have some things figured out, but others were a surprise. Fast paced and will keep you reading.

[Martha Avans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debra Webb delivers another edge-of-your-seat thriller in Closer Than You Know, the second installment in the Vera Boyett series. Vera finds herself assisting the local sheriff’s office—and her ex—on a case that takes a series of unexpected twists and turns. But just as the investigation heats up, a chilling case from her past resurfaces, pulling her into a personal nightmare.

With time running out, Vera must rely on her sharp instincts and unwavering determination to protect both herself and someone she holds dear. Webb masterfully weaves suspense, emotional stakes, and complex characters into a story that will keep you guessing until the very end.

This is a gripping follow-up that fans of the series and newcomers alike will thoroughly enjoy. If you’re a fan of fast-paced mysteries with strong female leads, don’t miss this one!