What Goes Around

by Debra Webb

A Nashville homicide detective makes a chilling connection between her past and a series of unspeakable crimes in a gripping novel of psychological suspense by USA Today bestselling author Debra Webb.

When Detective Olivia Newhouse finds evidence of foul play at the home of Carl Fanning, a pedophile recently released from prison, she suspects the motive is revenge.

But as she interviews Fanning’s past victims, Olivia is stricken with severe migraines, blackouts, and the gut instinct that something bad is coming. Then there are the muddy clothes she doesn’t remember wearing, the injuries she can’t explain, and the hours of lost time…

As she races to locate Fanning, Olivia is further shaken to discover that her late father, a psychiatrist, had been visiting him in prison for years. She knows the connections are buried somewhere in her lost memories—but can she survive the truth?

Revised Previously published as There Once Was a Child, this edition of What Goes Around includes editorial revisions.

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication June 30, 2026

About the author

DEBRA WEBB is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 180 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 ten 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

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

First let me say...

My mind is blown! 💥💥💥

I feel like a broken record, every single time I read a book by this author I think WOW...that was her best. These characters...etc.

Then I move on to her next and 💥💥💥

I have to say that I did figure it out fairly early but knowing what I thought I knew didn’t matter. This book had me sitting on the edge of my couch. It kept me turning the pages non stop. I tried to put it down to do anything to prolong this book. But I kept going back. I read it in a matter of a couple hours. And as I sit here I’m just floored.

Debra Webb is a master...read it again. A MASTER in this genre. She writes a gripping novel, with characters that you either love or hate but she sucks you in. You feel, you walk in the characters shoes. You are absolutely riveted by the story. You cringe at the depravity of the villain. You cry for the victim...the hero and heroines make you cheer. And damn skippy does she write a strong female lead!

This book is EPIC. It’s dark, it delves into depravity at its worst and it lifts you up with the knowledge that the human spirit can triumph.

If you are a fan of dark, twisted, gripping mysteries. YOU MUST READ! And even though this is a dark read, it is also a book that stays with you long after you finish because the human spirit endured and can even move on after tragedy. AND flourish. And for me...it hit a special cord. Because...flourish I have.

What Goes Around was first released as There Once Was a Child, but after a total revision and newly added scenes it’s a new and heart pounding thriller. (2018)

[Sarai Mulvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the advanced listening copy.

What Goes Around was a dark, twisty thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. Detective Olivia Newhouse is investigating the disappearance of a recently released convicted pedophile when strange events begin happening in her own life—blackouts, unexplained injuries, and missing time. As the investigation unfolds, Olivia discovers shocking connections to her late father and a past she can't fully remember.

This story is packed with twists, multiple points of view, and plenty of suspense. The pacing was excellent, and I was never bored. Every new revelation raised more questions, and I genuinely didn't see the final twist coming.

I also loved the partnership between Olivia and Walt. Their father-daughter dynamic added warmth and heart to an otherwise dark and disturbing story. Be sure to check trigger warnings, as some of the subject matter is heavy.

The audiobook narrator did a fantastic job, giving each character a distinct voice and making the story even more immersive.

This was not my first book by Debra Webb, and it definitely won't be my last. A gripping thriller that will keep mystery fans guessing until the very end.

[Beth Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an emotional read that keeps you engaged from the start. This is told in the first person character with many twists and turns and a surprising ending. This one had me kept guessing and was surprised in the end. Joseph Fanning kidnapped and abused many kids. He was recently released from prison and has gone missing. Detective Olivia Newhouse and her partner, Walt Duncan, have a duty to find him. You are taken inside the minds and thoughts of the characters and of ‘The Child’. Olivia and Walt both are having their own personal issues to deal with, all the time vowing to themselves not to let their partner down, especially when they need them the most. This was so heartbreaking but an enjoyable, emotional read. Thank you, Debra Webb, NetGalley and the publisher for my honest opinion.

[Justice Timblin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debra Webb does it again with What Goes Around! At this point, she has to be the queen of crime thrillers. From the very first chapter, she pulls you into a tense, fast-paced story packed with twists, secrets, and just enough suspense to keep you guessing until the very end.

One of the things I love most about Webb's books is how she builds the tension. Every clue feels important, every character has something to hide, and the final reveal never disappoints. What Goes Around is another fantastic addition to her lineup and a reminder of why she's one of my go-to authors when I'm craving a great thriller.

If you love gripping mysteries, strong characters, and endings that make all the pieces click into place, this one is a must-read. Highly recommend!

[Lindsay Wendt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew this was going to be a good one!! Detective Liv has secrets, some secrets that she can't remember. The twist at the end had my jaw dropping. As the story came together... I couldn't stop listening. I had to stop folding my clothes to listen. I loved how things were explained at the end to leave no question unanswered. Even acknowledgement of the first baby. I love when thrillers have complete endings. I like when things are not left to interpretations. The author did a great job wrapping this story up. Not all thrillers make me smile and excited for the FMC! GO LIV!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

🎧 - single narrator

Thanks NetGalley for the ALC!!

This is a great story filled with twists and turns! The pacing of the story was great! I was never bored! The narrator did an amazing job making each character distinct.

There are various points of view from the FMC (Olivia) and her partner Walt, to the various victims.

Olivia is a homicide detective who is partnered with Walt, the most beloved and seasoned officer on the force. They have a great father / daughter chemistry.

Overall, this was a fun mystery that may keep you guessing right up to the end!

[Sammy Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 🌟 🎧 - ALC

Thank you NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing & Debra Webb for this opportunity to read and review this novel in advance.

This is my first 5 star thriller of 2026 or maybe ever 🤔. I could read a thriller like this every day for the rest of my literary reading lifespan and be the happiest person. This had everything I look for; fast paced, an amazing plot twist, multiple POV with great narrators, a raunchy a*s villain that we love to LOATHE and some trauma that hits you straight through the heart. I also LOVE the title name and how the story interconnects 😈🫰🏼

Well done 👏🏼. I'm excited to add more Debra Webb to my TBR and convince people to do the same.

[DeeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT GOES AROUND by Debra Webb
Release date June 30, 2026
Previously published as(there once was a child)

Wow, you talk about the edge of your seat!
Detective Olivia Newhouse along with her partner detective Walter Duncan are working on this case together.
It brings to light some issues that Olivia didn’t understand. These two are not only coworkers. They’re very good friends. And this story shows how close that friendship is.

The case they’re working on is finding the whereabouts of a pedophile named Joseph Fanning. He’s a felon that is now out of prison and no one knows where he is.

This is a definite mystery that had me thinking! And I loved every bit of it, considering this disturbing plot that surprised me! This is one I definitely will have to reread someday!

[Beatrice Followill]

Twisty and Intriguing, This author is the queen if suspense and twists and turns .A known felon has co.e up missing, Kiv and her partner are trying to find him before someone else gets hurt, for Liv it takes a toll on her personal life for reasons that trinkle throughout the story ..Really good read, finished in two sittings .