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The Undertaker's Daughter #2
The Lies We Tell
In this thriller by the author of The Secrets We Bury, danger continues for a doctor grappling with an enigmatic past and the threat of a serial killer.Doctor Rowan Dupont knows a serial killer is coming for her. Julian Addington has been waiting. Watching. And it’s only a matter of time before he strikes. But what Julian doesn’t know is that Rowan is ready for him. And more than anything she wants answers. How well did the depraved killer actually know her mother? And how many lies have been spun in the years since she took her own life?Working alongside her childhood friend Police Chief Billy Brannigan, Rowan is determined to get to the bottom of her mother’s puzzling suicide once and for all—even if it means exposing an unsettling past. It certainly seems like her family’s Victorian funeral home has borne witness to more than one dark secret, but when a recent double homicide leads to an even grislier discovery, separating the truth from the lies might be the last thing Rowan does.Praise for the novels of USA Today–bestselling Author Debra Webb“Rife with tension. . . . A gripping read.” —#1 New York Times–bestselling author Sandra Brown on The Longest Silence“You will fly through the pages of this action-packed thriller!” —#1 New York Times–bestselling author Lisa Gardner on No Darker Place“Webb weaves incredible twists and turns and a mind-blowing conclusion.” —RT Book Reviews on The Longest Silence
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2019
546 people are currently reading
786 people want to read
About the author
Debra Webb
544 books2,359 followersDEBRA 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.
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.
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September 23, 2019
EXCERPT: With gloved hands, Rowan gently examined the final mask of skin. The edges were clean and fairly smooth, like the others. Whoever had removed the faces had first made a meticulous incision around the entire boundary of the hairline, in front of the ears and then down and beneath the chin, tracing the mandible. Finally, the skin had been removed with painstaking slowness to ensure there were no sudden tears, or thin or uneven spots. The work had been executed with surgical precision. There was, of course, no way to determine if the removal was completed postmortem, or if the victims had still been breathing.
As if that was not grotesque enough, more skin had been removed, presumably from the bodies of the victims, and tanned like leather for use as a binding. Each face was ensconced inside its own book. Each book was unique in texture and varied ever so slightly in colour, maybe due to age or maybe related to ethnicity.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Doctor Rowan Dupont knows a serial killer is coming for her. Julian Addington has been waiting. Watching. And it’s only a matter of time before he strikes. But what Julian doesn’t know is that Rowan is ready for him. And more than anything she wants answers. How well did the depraved killer actually know her mother? And how many lies have been spun in the years since she took her own life?
Working alongside her childhood friend Police Chief Billy Brannigan, Rowan is determined to get to the bottom of her mother’s puzzling suicide once and for all—even if it means exposing an unsettling past. It certainly seems like her family’s Victorian funeral home has borne witness to more than one dark secret, but when a recent double homicide leads to an even grislier discovery, separating the truth from the lies might be the last thing Rowan does.
MY THOUGHTS: I blew hot and cold on this book the whole way through.
Did it deliver what I expected? No. It came close in parts, but was inconsistent.
There were parts that were beautifully written, like the passage I have quoted above. But overall, I was disappointed. There was no depth to the characters. The dialogue is often stilted. The murder-mystery wasn't, a mystery I mean. It was glaringly obvious who was behind those deaths.
The whole thing felt exaggerated. I could not settle into it. It didn't flow. One minute I was thinking, 'Yes! She's got it!' And the next I would be groaning, 'Whaaaat? You have to be kidding. What is she thinking?'
And that is without my even starting on the procedural errors....
I have not read the first in this series, of which The Lies We Tell is #2. I had planned to, but after this experience I will be removing The Undertaker's Daughter from my tbr list. Not a series that I will be following on with.
😕😕.5 reluctant stars
THE AUTHOR: DEBRA WEBB is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 140 novels, including reader favorites the Shades of Death, the Faces of Evil and the Colby Agency 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.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to MIRA via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Lies We Tell by Debra Webb for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system, please refer to my Goodreads.com profile or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
As if that was not grotesque enough, more skin had been removed, presumably from the bodies of the victims, and tanned like leather for use as a binding. Each face was ensconced inside its own book. Each book was unique in texture and varied ever so slightly in colour, maybe due to age or maybe related to ethnicity.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Doctor Rowan Dupont knows a serial killer is coming for her. Julian Addington has been waiting. Watching. And it’s only a matter of time before he strikes. But what Julian doesn’t know is that Rowan is ready for him. And more than anything she wants answers. How well did the depraved killer actually know her mother? And how many lies have been spun in the years since she took her own life?
Working alongside her childhood friend Police Chief Billy Brannigan, Rowan is determined to get to the bottom of her mother’s puzzling suicide once and for all—even if it means exposing an unsettling past. It certainly seems like her family’s Victorian funeral home has borne witness to more than one dark secret, but when a recent double homicide leads to an even grislier discovery, separating the truth from the lies might be the last thing Rowan does.
MY THOUGHTS: I blew hot and cold on this book the whole way through.
Did it deliver what I expected? No. It came close in parts, but was inconsistent.
There were parts that were beautifully written, like the passage I have quoted above. But overall, I was disappointed. There was no depth to the characters. The dialogue is often stilted. The murder-mystery wasn't, a mystery I mean. It was glaringly obvious who was behind those deaths.
The whole thing felt exaggerated. I could not settle into it. It didn't flow. One minute I was thinking, 'Yes! She's got it!' And the next I would be groaning, 'Whaaaat? You have to be kidding. What is she thinking?'
And that is without my even starting on the procedural errors....
I have not read the first in this series, of which The Lies We Tell is #2. I had planned to, but after this experience I will be removing The Undertaker's Daughter from my tbr list. Not a series that I will be following on with.
😕😕.5 reluctant stars
THE AUTHOR: DEBRA WEBB is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 140 novels, including reader favorites the Shades of Death, the Faces of Evil and the Colby Agency 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.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to MIRA via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Lies We Tell by Debra Webb for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system, please refer to my Goodreads.com profile or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
September 21, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
That was the thing about secrets. Secrets never stayed secret forever.
She hadn’t analyzed the realization too deeply in the past. Honestly, this was the first time the thought had fully formed in her brain. Ideas and conclusions so very close to that thought had bobbed to the surface of the ocean of others flooding her life lately.
She closed the bag wondering when she had so thoroughly become her father? He had always chatted with the clients. She vividly remembered walking into the embalming room and hearing him carrying on a conversation with the person on the mortuary table. As a teenager she had thought it was completely bizarre. It was true, she supposed. You did become your parents.
She stared directly at him. Her famous eyes, one blue and one green, were as vivid as if light poured out from them.
Paranoia. It was spreading inside her like a disease she couldn’t stop.
My Review:
As impossible as it may be, I am even more fascinated by this complex and captivating tale than ever, it just keeps turning over and infinitely expanding while tickling my gray matter and provoking my curiosity. This case is as slippery as an eel and ingeniously plotted. In addition to being well entertained, I’ve also gleaned a considerable amount of knowledge concerning mortuary services, a ghastly yet necessary and interestingly evolved process.
Rowan has discovered that her mother’s secrets were much darker than anyone ever imagined and has uncovered unsettling notations in researching her parent’s journals. But that is just a pittance to the disturbing and hair-raising events that take place throughout the various active and intriguingly nuanced storylines.
I am irrevocably enthralled by and enamored with this author’s well-honed storytelling and am currently coveting all her clever words. How has she eluded my notice all this time as she has an impressive backlist of over one hundred forty novels? I am ashamed of myself but determined to make up for my slothful dereliction and have added her to my list of favorite authors.
That was the thing about secrets. Secrets never stayed secret forever.
She hadn’t analyzed the realization too deeply in the past. Honestly, this was the first time the thought had fully formed in her brain. Ideas and conclusions so very close to that thought had bobbed to the surface of the ocean of others flooding her life lately.
She closed the bag wondering when she had so thoroughly become her father? He had always chatted with the clients. She vividly remembered walking into the embalming room and hearing him carrying on a conversation with the person on the mortuary table. As a teenager she had thought it was completely bizarre. It was true, she supposed. You did become your parents.
She stared directly at him. Her famous eyes, one blue and one green, were as vivid as if light poured out from them.
Paranoia. It was spreading inside her like a disease she couldn’t stop.
My Review:
As impossible as it may be, I am even more fascinated by this complex and captivating tale than ever, it just keeps turning over and infinitely expanding while tickling my gray matter and provoking my curiosity. This case is as slippery as an eel and ingeniously plotted. In addition to being well entertained, I’ve also gleaned a considerable amount of knowledge concerning mortuary services, a ghastly yet necessary and interestingly evolved process.
Rowan has discovered that her mother’s secrets were much darker than anyone ever imagined and has uncovered unsettling notations in researching her parent’s journals. But that is just a pittance to the disturbing and hair-raising events that take place throughout the various active and intriguingly nuanced storylines.
I am irrevocably enthralled by and enamored with this author’s well-honed storytelling and am currently coveting all her clever words. How has she eluded my notice all this time as she has an impressive backlist of over one hundred forty novels? I am ashamed of myself but determined to make up for my slothful dereliction and have added her to my list of favorite authors.
March 11, 2020
This book is part of a continuing story arc and the preceding books are essential to read before beginning this one.
The story continues with even more secrets having been revealed about Rowan DuPont’s family. This time it’s her mother, Norah, who committed suicide shortly after her daughter and Rowan’s twin Raven’s death. The body of a man is delivered to the funeral home and a shocking tattoo is revealed when Rowan begins her procedures. Even more distressing are the secrets discovered about the man. All of this, combined with the continuing threat named Julian Addington, has everyone off balance.
It seems that the small town of Winchester has become the murder capital of Tennessee! There are two additional murders that are unconnected to Julian that Rowan is assisting Police Chief Billy Brannigan in investigating. Meanwhile, she’s not being completely open with Billy about her recent discoveries involving her mother and the accusations Julian made about her father. I enjoyed seeing her in action with the murder investigations but was plenty frustrated with her withholding from Billy. It seemed inauthentic though I understood her motivations.
I had lots of issues with the repetition and pacing with the last book and that seemed to disappear in this one. The pacing was great, so much so that I had to stay on my toes to keep up with all the juggling balls in the air. I have some sneaking suspicions as to where all this is leading but don’t have everything worked out yet. It ends with something shocking (yes, again) but it fits with my suspicions. I just don’t know how it was all managed. I can’t wait to get started with the final conclusion. And, I’m glad I stuck with the series. It got good!
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
The story continues with even more secrets having been revealed about Rowan DuPont’s family. This time it’s her mother, Norah, who committed suicide shortly after her daughter and Rowan’s twin Raven’s death. The body of a man is delivered to the funeral home and a shocking tattoo is revealed when Rowan begins her procedures. Even more distressing are the secrets discovered about the man. All of this, combined with the continuing threat named Julian Addington, has everyone off balance.
It seems that the small town of Winchester has become the murder capital of Tennessee! There are two additional murders that are unconnected to Julian that Rowan is assisting Police Chief Billy Brannigan in investigating. Meanwhile, she’s not being completely open with Billy about her recent discoveries involving her mother and the accusations Julian made about her father. I enjoyed seeing her in action with the murder investigations but was plenty frustrated with her withholding from Billy. It seemed inauthentic though I understood her motivations.
I had lots of issues with the repetition and pacing with the last book and that seemed to disappear in this one. The pacing was great, so much so that I had to stay on my toes to keep up with all the juggling balls in the air. I have some sneaking suspicions as to where all this is leading but don’t have everything worked out yet. It ends with something shocking (yes, again) but it fits with my suspicions. I just don’t know how it was all managed. I can’t wait to get started with the final conclusion. And, I’m glad I stuck with the series. It got good!
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
April 6, 2020
The Lies We Tell by Debra Webb continues the story of Doctor Rowan Dupont. It proved to be more twisted than the previous books. Rowan is trying to live her life as normal as possible, however the knowledge that a serial killer has her in his crosshairs makes it difficult. Now when she thought things couldn’t get crazier, a body ends upon her embalming table, which she discovers may somehow have a connection to her mother. A discovery which led to her having more questions about her past. Besides this craziness, she finds herself embroiled in a double homicide, which may or may not be linked to the serial killer.
Everyone Rowan trusted had betrayed her except for her best friend, the Chief of Police, Billy Winters who is determined to protect her with his last breath. Their feelings for each other went beyond friendship, however past and current events proved a stumbling block in allowing it to develop further. In this installment, readers are treated to a ringside view of the transformation of their relationship. However, a note of warning several references were made regarding Rowan’s attraction to Billy from her teenage years. This may prove frustrating for readers who are not fans of repetitive journeys down memory lane. In addition, readers may find Rowan’s deep-seated need to hide things from him frustrating, even though she believed it was justifiable.
The mystery surrounding the murders in this installment was easily solved as not a lot of guesswork was involved. However, the facts proved interesting. The main plot has yet to be tied up and as such the book ended with several unanswered questions and danger still dogging the heroine’s door.
The suspense will not only have readers on the edge of their seats but will have them turning the pages seeking answers. The turn of events at the end will leave one mind boggled and wondering what this could mean for the main characters.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Debra Webb has captivated readers with another twisted and page turning tale. Fans of the author would love this series and for readers who love suspenseful stories this is a must read.
Everyone Rowan trusted had betrayed her except for her best friend, the Chief of Police, Billy Winters who is determined to protect her with his last breath. Their feelings for each other went beyond friendship, however past and current events proved a stumbling block in allowing it to develop further. In this installment, readers are treated to a ringside view of the transformation of their relationship. However, a note of warning several references were made regarding Rowan’s attraction to Billy from her teenage years. This may prove frustrating for readers who are not fans of repetitive journeys down memory lane. In addition, readers may find Rowan’s deep-seated need to hide things from him frustrating, even though she believed it was justifiable.
The mystery surrounding the murders in this installment was easily solved as not a lot of guesswork was involved. However, the facts proved interesting. The main plot has yet to be tied up and as such the book ended with several unanswered questions and danger still dogging the heroine’s door.
The suspense will not only have readers on the edge of their seats but will have them turning the pages seeking answers. The turn of events at the end will leave one mind boggled and wondering what this could mean for the main characters.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Debra Webb has captivated readers with another twisted and page turning tale. Fans of the author would love this series and for readers who love suspenseful stories this is a must read.
September 4, 2019
I wish to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Publishers for the chance to read The Lies We Tell in return for an honest review. This is grim, intriguing story, which I should have enjoyed more, but I felt there were too many gaps detracting from my getting fully drawn in and involved. Rowan DuPont returns to take over business in the family funeral home. Her character and outlook are influenced by tragic events in the past. Her mother committed suicide, and her twin sister and father have both died. Her mother left some cryptic journals which Rowan is puzzling over. There are references to a menacing serial killer from previous books, and I wanted to know more about that case. There are suggestions that her mother may have been involved with this man, and that Rowan has reason to fear him. What was her mother's relationship to this serial killer, and to a man whose body has just arrived at the funeral home bearing a tattoo of her mother's name?
Rowan has a longtime friendship with Billy Brannigan, who is now chief of police. He is very helpful and protective of her as she searches for answers about dark and disturbing family secrets. There are two previous books in the series, The Undertaker's Daughter and The Secrets We Bury. I felt these two novels were essential to fully flesh out the main characters and to understand past events which now connect with the present story. This did not work for me as a stand-alone but is an introduction to an interesting series which I would like to read from the beginning.
Rowan has a longtime friendship with Billy Brannigan, who is now chief of police. He is very helpful and protective of her as she searches for answers about dark and disturbing family secrets. There are two previous books in the series, The Undertaker's Daughter and The Secrets We Bury. I felt these two novels were essential to fully flesh out the main characters and to understand past events which now connect with the present story. This did not work for me as a stand-alone but is an introduction to an interesting series which I would like to read from the beginning.
March 28, 2020
**Update**
Read this for the second time in anticipation of The Darkness We Hide Release: March 31, 2020. Although new murders have befallen the small town of Winchester I was more drawn to the ongoing mystery of the serial killers and their connections to Rowan's mother Norah. Add to this mystery the blooming romance between Rowan and her long time friend Chief Billy Brannigan and The Lies We Tell is a welcome escape from the anxiety and uncertainty we face.
**Original review**
When I requested this galley I did not realize that this was a sequel. Upon starting the book it quickly became apparent that these characters had histories that I was not privy to. Yes, there were some hints. But I still felt out of the loop. There was indeed a knowledge gap. I pressed on because the plot was intriguing and the prospect of a female investigator always tickles my fancy. But at the end I still felt as if I was missing something. It was certainly worth the read but would have been more enjoyable if I had read the series in sequence. My recommendation - Read The Undertaker's Daughter first, then pick this one up.
Special thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin-Mira and Debra Webb for access to this book.
Read this for the second time in anticipation of The Darkness We Hide Release: March 31, 2020. Although new murders have befallen the small town of Winchester I was more drawn to the ongoing mystery of the serial killers and their connections to Rowan's mother Norah. Add to this mystery the blooming romance between Rowan and her long time friend Chief Billy Brannigan and The Lies We Tell is a welcome escape from the anxiety and uncertainty we face.
**Original review**
When I requested this galley I did not realize that this was a sequel. Upon starting the book it quickly became apparent that these characters had histories that I was not privy to. Yes, there were some hints. But I still felt out of the loop. There was indeed a knowledge gap. I pressed on because the plot was intriguing and the prospect of a female investigator always tickles my fancy. But at the end I still felt as if I was missing something. It was certainly worth the read but would have been more enjoyable if I had read the series in sequence. My recommendation - Read The Undertaker's Daughter first, then pick this one up.
Special thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin-Mira and Debra Webb for access to this book.
September 9, 2019
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Rowan DuPont is the new undertaker in her hometown, a town she was once desperate to escape from after the death of her family. Now she leads a relatively quiet existence, preserving the dead and occasionally helping her police officer best friend, Billy, with cases that require her psychological expertise. When her small town is rocked by the murders of two men, and clues are left behind for Rowan, both Rowan and Billy worry that Julian Addington is back. Julian, the killer who has been watching and waiting for Rowan for years, may finally have his chance.
“The Lies We Tell” is the second novel in the series, “The Undertaker’s Daughter”, by Debra Webb. Ms. Webb is not a new author, having more than 100 novels under her belt, but this was the first novel of hers that I have had the chance to read. Although I was thoroughly intrigued by the idea of a serial killer and the daughter of an undertaker, I felt like I was missing something by not reading the first novel.
The novel itself was creative and entertaining but I felt that, with no experience of the first novel, there seemed to be a lot of characters that had previously existing storylines I was not privy to (which is obviously the case). This made it difficult for me to enjoy the story the way I should have, and the way that it likely deserves.
From the character development and creepy setting, it is apparent that Ms. Webb is an experienced storyteller. Rowan and Billy were easy characters to like and root for, and the plot definitely has the right “whodunit” mystery element. This novel ended with a hint toward another novel in the series, but it did provide a relatively satisfying conclusion.
I found the first half of this novel to be a difficult read, as I was trying to bond with characters that had already been developed, with half their stories already told. However, once I had acclimated to the new characters (to me), the second half of the novel took me on a murder mystery thrill ride, full of serial killers and mysterious circumstances.
From this novel alone, I can tell that I will enjoy Ms. Webb’s work, both past and present, and I’ll have to add them to my TBR list. That being said, I probably won’t read the third novel in this series, at least until I’ve caught up and read the first.
Rowan DuPont is the new undertaker in her hometown, a town she was once desperate to escape from after the death of her family. Now she leads a relatively quiet existence, preserving the dead and occasionally helping her police officer best friend, Billy, with cases that require her psychological expertise. When her small town is rocked by the murders of two men, and clues are left behind for Rowan, both Rowan and Billy worry that Julian Addington is back. Julian, the killer who has been watching and waiting for Rowan for years, may finally have his chance.
“The Lies We Tell” is the second novel in the series, “The Undertaker’s Daughter”, by Debra Webb. Ms. Webb is not a new author, having more than 100 novels under her belt, but this was the first novel of hers that I have had the chance to read. Although I was thoroughly intrigued by the idea of a serial killer and the daughter of an undertaker, I felt like I was missing something by not reading the first novel.
The novel itself was creative and entertaining but I felt that, with no experience of the first novel, there seemed to be a lot of characters that had previously existing storylines I was not privy to (which is obviously the case). This made it difficult for me to enjoy the story the way I should have, and the way that it likely deserves.
From the character development and creepy setting, it is apparent that Ms. Webb is an experienced storyteller. Rowan and Billy were easy characters to like and root for, and the plot definitely has the right “whodunit” mystery element. This novel ended with a hint toward another novel in the series, but it did provide a relatively satisfying conclusion.
I found the first half of this novel to be a difficult read, as I was trying to bond with characters that had already been developed, with half their stories already told. However, once I had acclimated to the new characters (to me), the second half of the novel took me on a murder mystery thrill ride, full of serial killers and mysterious circumstances.
From this novel alone, I can tell that I will enjoy Ms. Webb’s work, both past and present, and I’ll have to add them to my TBR list. That being said, I probably won’t read the third novel in this series, at least until I’ve caught up and read the first.
September 19, 2019
This is the first time I have not only read this series but this author as well. A serial killer is on the loose and from what I understand is after the main character for some reason. This is the problem sometimes with starting a series where it’s not the first book. Her mother committed suicide. Her dad and her sister are dead. I will be reading the first book to get the whole story. Her cop friend is making sure she is ok while trying to see if she’s hiding anything. Sparks are flying between the two. I can’t wait to find out more about this story. The twists and turns in the book kept me on the edge of my seat at the end. I feel like I will be more engrossed in the story once I read the first book.
May 11, 2023
The Lies We Tell
4 Stars
Former psychologist and profiler, Rowan DuPont, is settling into her life in Winchester, Tennessee. Running the family's funeral home and occasionally assisting police chief Billy Brannigan, Rowan is determined to get out from under the shadow of serial killer Julian Addington, who still has her in his sights. When the body of her newest client leads to a gruesome discovery in the woods, Rowan is forced to confront the disturbing questions that have arisen with regard to her parents. Is she ready to learn the answers?
Series note: Each installment in this series continues the ongoing story arc. As such, the books must be read in order.
Once again, the story revolves around two separate threads - the mystery surrounding the body stolen from Rowan's funeral home, and the double homicide with ritualistic signs that appear connected to Julian Addington. While these mysteries are engaging and keep the pages turning, there are several inconsistencies and unexplained elements, which undermine an otherwise excellent plot.
To begin with, the ongoing arc focusing on Rowan's mother and her secrets is only partially developed. While the new twists are intriguing, there is actually very little progression in the Julian Addington storyline, which is disappointing.
With regard to the two murders, the explanation is obvious from the start, and it takes the police far too long to figure it out. Moreover, the ritualistic aspects, i.e., are never completely clarified even though it is possible to make an educated guess .
Finally, Rowan and Billy's relationship does progress somewhat, but not enough to classify this book or the previous ones as romantic suspense.
Despite the abovementioned issues, both the series and this installment are well-written with appealing characters, and the questions are sufficiently compelling to want to know the answers in the third and final book.
4 Stars
Former psychologist and profiler, Rowan DuPont, is settling into her life in Winchester, Tennessee. Running the family's funeral home and occasionally assisting police chief Billy Brannigan, Rowan is determined to get out from under the shadow of serial killer Julian Addington, who still has her in his sights. When the body of her newest client leads to a gruesome discovery in the woods, Rowan is forced to confront the disturbing questions that have arisen with regard to her parents. Is she ready to learn the answers?
Series note: Each installment in this series continues the ongoing story arc. As such, the books must be read in order.
Once again, the story revolves around two separate threads - the mystery surrounding the body stolen from Rowan's funeral home, and the double homicide with ritualistic signs that appear connected to Julian Addington. While these mysteries are engaging and keep the pages turning, there are several inconsistencies and unexplained elements, which undermine an otherwise excellent plot.
To begin with, the ongoing arc focusing on Rowan's mother and her secrets is only partially developed. While the new twists are intriguing, there is actually very little progression in the Julian Addington storyline, which is disappointing.
With regard to the two murders, the explanation is obvious from the start, and it takes the police far too long to figure it out. Moreover, the ritualistic aspects, i.e., are never completely clarified even though it is possible to make an educated guess .
Finally, Rowan and Billy's relationship does progress somewhat, but not enough to classify this book or the previous ones as romantic suspense.
Despite the abovementioned issues, both the series and this installment are well-written with appealing characters, and the questions are sufficiently compelling to want to know the answers in the third and final book.
September 24, 2024
Finished reading: September 8th 2019
"Rowan had learned from experience that the one thing you could count on was that life never failed to toss out the occasional surprise."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and MIRA in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
September 17, 2019
Debra Webb continues the intriguing series The Undertaker's Daughter's with this newest book, The Lies We Tell.
Rowen knows that she is in the crosshairs of a serial killer. Julian Addington is out there watching...and waiting. She can feel his eyes on her even though there are no signs to where he might be.
She also knows that he is somehow tied closer to her and her family than she ever knew and that much of her life has been a lie. But just how much, and what part of her sister's death and her mother's suicide did he play? These are all questions that keep Rowen, and the reader, on edge as the mystery deepens. When more bodies are added to the toll and a mysterious stranger shows up in her funeral home with her mother's name tattooed on his back, Rowen has to find out if there is another killer out there and if so, just how is he and the body in her morgue tied to all the mystery surrounding her. In each step of this book, the reader is pulled in deeper as the mysterious events surrounding Rowen and her life spiral down to a pinpoint focus on the evil that is waiting for her.
After finishing this book all I could say is MORE! I am so intrigued by these characters and the events surrounding them that I can't wait for the next book in the series!
Rowen knows that she is in the crosshairs of a serial killer. Julian Addington is out there watching...and waiting. She can feel his eyes on her even though there are no signs to where he might be.
She also knows that he is somehow tied closer to her and her family than she ever knew and that much of her life has been a lie. But just how much, and what part of her sister's death and her mother's suicide did he play? These are all questions that keep Rowen, and the reader, on edge as the mystery deepens. When more bodies are added to the toll and a mysterious stranger shows up in her funeral home with her mother's name tattooed on his back, Rowen has to find out if there is another killer out there and if so, just how is he and the body in her morgue tied to all the mystery surrounding her. In each step of this book, the reader is pulled in deeper as the mysterious events surrounding Rowen and her life spiral down to a pinpoint focus on the evil that is waiting for her.
After finishing this book all I could say is MORE! I am so intrigued by these characters and the events surrounding them that I can't wait for the next book in the series!
October 2, 2019
I had no idea this was a series so I’m bummed that I didn’t start with book one. While book two certainly worked as a stand alone, it sounds like book one was a suspenseful, thrilling ride! Unfortunately, too much was given away in The Lies We Tell for me to go back and read the first in the series.
I enjoyed The Lies We Tell! It was dark, twisty, chilling, and suspenseful! With multiple storylines and fast paced action, this was a speedy read for me because I couldn’t put it down. I’m left with many questions and look forward to book three. 3.5 stars. My thanks to the publisher for the review copy in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed The Lies We Tell! It was dark, twisty, chilling, and suspenseful! With multiple storylines and fast paced action, this was a speedy read for me because I couldn’t put it down. I’m left with many questions and look forward to book three. 3.5 stars. My thanks to the publisher for the review copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 1, 2019
Dr. Rowan Dupont is waiting for Dr. Addington to make his move. When murders start to happen in the sleepy town, Rowan can't help but wonder if they are somehow tied to Addington in an attempt to make her feel like they are her fault. Her and Billy keep trying to find pieces to the puzzle of her family while slowing realizing they are more than friends.
Another great book in the Undertaker's Daughter series! I can't wait for the next installment.
Another great book in the Undertaker's Daughter series! I can't wait for the next installment.
October 16, 2019
Thank you NetGalley and Mira for an advanced copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Lies We Tell
By: Debra Webb
*REVIEW* 📚📚📚.5
I do wish I had known that this book is a second in a series because I would have read them in order. The Lies We Tell is, nonetheless, a gripping suspenseful read. Rowan has been surrounded by murder and death her entire life, and that felt a bit forced to me. That's a whole lot of serious stuff going down with this woman tied to all of it and hard to believe. Beyond that, this is a dark menacing story with a creepy vibe to it. I was interested to see what was going to happen next. Rowan is an undertaker, family business, and it's just a weird scenario. A suspension of disbelief is required to fully appreciate the story. Overall, I liked the story, but some things were over the top for me personally. I don't doubt that fans of thrilling murder mystery will love this story.
The Lies We Tell
By: Debra Webb
*REVIEW* 📚📚📚.5
I do wish I had known that this book is a second in a series because I would have read them in order. The Lies We Tell is, nonetheless, a gripping suspenseful read. Rowan has been surrounded by murder and death her entire life, and that felt a bit forced to me. That's a whole lot of serious stuff going down with this woman tied to all of it and hard to believe. Beyond that, this is a dark menacing story with a creepy vibe to it. I was interested to see what was going to happen next. Rowan is an undertaker, family business, and it's just a weird scenario. A suspension of disbelief is required to fully appreciate the story. Overall, I liked the story, but some things were over the top for me personally. I don't doubt that fans of thrilling murder mystery will love this story.
November 4, 2019
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
After reading the novella and the first book in this series, The Undertaker's Daughter and The Secrets We Bury, there was no way I couldn't go on to read this book! I only got this one for review, but gladly obtained the other titles. Well, Dr. Rowan Dupont was getting way too close to the truth of discovering secrets from years long past. Now she is in a serial killer's crossfire.
By now, Rowan has been working at her funeral home, all the while drawing closer to friend and police chief Billy Brannigan. Rowan cannot let her sister's drowning, and her mother's apparent subsequent suicide go. Then, there was the brutal murder of her father. She knows there was more to it. Things no one ever discovered. Could everything be tied to the very funeral home that she was raised in and that her father ran? Is her working there now going to expose a true barrel of rattlesnakes?
Oh boy! What Rowan unravels is unspeakable. Things went on for years, costing way too many lives. Rowan indeed has the key, no matter the danger facing her. I devoured all three books so far. I love Debra Webb's writing and how she kept me captivated three books in a row. Now, however, I have to wait for the next book, The Darkness We Hide, to be released in March. I will be (in)patiently waiting.
Many thanks to MIRA and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.
After reading the novella and the first book in this series, The Undertaker's Daughter and The Secrets We Bury, there was no way I couldn't go on to read this book! I only got this one for review, but gladly obtained the other titles. Well, Dr. Rowan Dupont was getting way too close to the truth of discovering secrets from years long past. Now she is in a serial killer's crossfire.
By now, Rowan has been working at her funeral home, all the while drawing closer to friend and police chief Billy Brannigan. Rowan cannot let her sister's drowning, and her mother's apparent subsequent suicide go. Then, there was the brutal murder of her father. She knows there was more to it. Things no one ever discovered. Could everything be tied to the very funeral home that she was raised in and that her father ran? Is her working there now going to expose a true barrel of rattlesnakes?
Oh boy! What Rowan unravels is unspeakable. Things went on for years, costing way too many lives. Rowan indeed has the key, no matter the danger facing her. I devoured all three books so far. I love Debra Webb's writing and how she kept me captivated three books in a row. Now, however, I have to wait for the next book, The Darkness We Hide, to be released in March. I will be (in)patiently waiting.
Many thanks to MIRA and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.
March 20, 2020
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Secrets We Bury didn't particularly impress me, but I'm glad I decided to stick with The Undertaker's Daughter series since the first book had quite a bit of potential. Luckily, The Lies We Tell tell begins to pick up the slack where the first left off. I began to get more invested in Rowan and the rest of the cast a little more this time which was a major issue for me in the first novel. I didn't feel quite as out of the loop as if I missed something this time either. I did like the creepiness of this story which really works with considering that the lead is an undertaker. My main issue is that the mystery isn't much of a mystery since it's fairly obvious that who did what. Overall, though, I did enjoy this sequel a little more and I'm looking forward to seeing where book three goes.
The Secrets We Bury didn't particularly impress me, but I'm glad I decided to stick with The Undertaker's Daughter series since the first book had quite a bit of potential. Luckily, The Lies We Tell tell begins to pick up the slack where the first left off. I began to get more invested in Rowan and the rest of the cast a little more this time which was a major issue for me in the first novel. I didn't feel quite as out of the loop as if I missed something this time either. I did like the creepiness of this story which really works with considering that the lead is an undertaker. My main issue is that the mystery isn't much of a mystery since it's fairly obvious that who did what. Overall, though, I did enjoy this sequel a little more and I'm looking forward to seeing where book three goes.
September 17, 2019
Well another great book by Debra Webb... she always has fabulous books I have to say that about all of them because I haven't read one yet I don't love I recommend this one highly.. dr. Rowen DuPont knows the serial killer Julian is still out there somewhere he was once a close friend of the family. the man who murdered her father
Had relations with her mother.. many other secrets this is the second book in the series and my absolute favorite.. this book has so many twists and turns you must read it.. I absolutely love the Undertaker's daughter that is Rowan DuPont....
Rowan Dupont is working close with her childhood friend Billy Branigan chief police to try and solve the things in this town they live in I suggest this book because it's definitely a thriller that will not let you go... this book comes out on the 17th of this month and it's definitely worth it...
I was given this book by the author for my honest review and I absolutely love this book I can't wait for the next one..
Thank you Debra Webb.
Had relations with her mother.. many other secrets this is the second book in the series and my absolute favorite.. this book has so many twists and turns you must read it.. I absolutely love the Undertaker's daughter that is Rowan DuPont....
Rowan Dupont is working close with her childhood friend Billy Branigan chief police to try and solve the things in this town they live in I suggest this book because it's definitely a thriller that will not let you go... this book comes out on the 17th of this month and it's definitely worth it...
I was given this book by the author for my honest review and I absolutely love this book I can't wait for the next one..
Thank you Debra Webb.
September 2, 2019
The Lies We Tell was an intense read! I have been a huge fan of Debra Webb for many years now, reading a abundance of her books. With each new book her storytelling gets deeper, more imaginative and wonderfully complex! Her newest series, is dark, twisty and captivating. The story had me captivated from the very beginning and had my full attention, I never wanted to put my kindle down. So many intriguing turn of events, lots of drama and heart wrenching events , I never wanted the book to end. It was a fantastic read, if you enjoy thrillers! Loving the series and wanting more of it!
#netgalley #thelieswetell
#netgalley #thelieswetell
September 18, 2019
The Lies We Tell starts off well enough, and there is a mystery here, but for the life of me, I'm not quite sure exactly what that mystery was. Is Julian out to get Rowan? Did her mother have some involvement in it all? Was her father the man she thought he was? Oh, and then, we have two murders that have Rowan and Billy running around and asking questions. And exactly why is the undertaker so involved in a police investigation anyway? So, yes, there were questions, loads of questions with very few answers. I suppose this story is several mysteries in one with none of them getting the focus they need.
The thing is this is part of a series, and I'll admit that I didn't know that when I started reading. That said, it didn't take me long to figure it out. I'll just add here, that I would not recommend this book as a standalone. The author does give some backstory, but it's not really enough to get a good feel for what's happened so far and at the same time, it's repetitive. Yes, that left me a little befuddled too, but it is what it is. I'm not even sure how many times we're told that Julian is a prolific serial killer. I get it, this dude has killed a lot of people, and he's obsessed with Rowan. I can remember that without it being repeated. So, it's safe to say that the repetitiveness of this one annoyed me.
Quite often, I'll grab a book in the middle of the series and like what I find enough to go back and start at the beginning - Even if I don't understand everything that's mentioned in said mid-series book. That is not the case with The Lies We Tell. To sum it up, the story is convoluted, and parts of it seem to almost go in circles. I was less than impressed with Billy and Rowan who spend an awful lot of time running in those previously mentioned circles. For a smart woman, she wouldn't even remember to eat if Billy didn't constantly provide meals for her. Basing my opinion on what I've found here, I won't be bothering with earlier books in the series.
At the risk of being spoiler-ish, I'll add that Julian isn't the only serial killer I learned about in this book, so I can only deduce that Rowan is some kind of serial killer magnet. If that seems a little farfetched, I thought so too. On a positive note, one case is solved in this winding road of a story, but I still ended up with more questions than answers, and then it just ends. It's more open-ended than cliffhanger, but it felt like this whole thing was just one big set up for the next book in the series. One that I won't be bothering to check out.
The thing is this is part of a series, and I'll admit that I didn't know that when I started reading. That said, it didn't take me long to figure it out. I'll just add here, that I would not recommend this book as a standalone. The author does give some backstory, but it's not really enough to get a good feel for what's happened so far and at the same time, it's repetitive. Yes, that left me a little befuddled too, but it is what it is. I'm not even sure how many times we're told that Julian is a prolific serial killer. I get it, this dude has killed a lot of people, and he's obsessed with Rowan. I can remember that without it being repeated. So, it's safe to say that the repetitiveness of this one annoyed me.
Quite often, I'll grab a book in the middle of the series and like what I find enough to go back and start at the beginning - Even if I don't understand everything that's mentioned in said mid-series book. That is not the case with The Lies We Tell. To sum it up, the story is convoluted, and parts of it seem to almost go in circles. I was less than impressed with Billy and Rowan who spend an awful lot of time running in those previously mentioned circles. For a smart woman, she wouldn't even remember to eat if Billy didn't constantly provide meals for her. Basing my opinion on what I've found here, I won't be bothering with earlier books in the series.
At the risk of being spoiler-ish, I'll add that Julian isn't the only serial killer I learned about in this book, so I can only deduce that Rowan is some kind of serial killer magnet. If that seems a little farfetched, I thought so too. On a positive note, one case is solved in this winding road of a story, but I still ended up with more questions than answers, and then it just ends. It's more open-ended than cliffhanger, but it felt like this whole thing was just one big set up for the next book in the series. One that I won't be bothering to check out.
May 21, 2019
Another winner by Debra Webb!! Rowan DuPont is searching for answers re the deaths of her twin sister and their mother. Instead of answers, even more questions arise with the body count rising and the clues dwindling. Teaming up with good friend Billy Brannigan, Rowan continues with her undertaking job as she desperately tries to figure out the emerging secrets re her family. Debra Webb on a book I’d guarantee of a great read!!!
September 14, 2025
The Lies We Tell by Debra Webb is the second in the Dr. Rowan Dupont series (although GoodReads calls the series "The Undertaker's Daughter".
Okay, I really enjoyed the first book (and the prequel), and although this was good, it wasn't great.
Note that although the book repeats a lot from the previous book(s), I really don't think this should be read as a stand-alone. Rowan is continuing to research her mother's journals in this one, and Julian is still a threat, but there is a lot in this book that would be confusing if the first (and in particular the prequel) had not been read. So the plot was good, if sometimes over-the-top.
However, there are actually a lot of characters in this book, and it's hard to tell which ones belong to the Julian plot-line, and which are on their own.
I continue to like Rowan and Billy, and even their budding relationship. But I'm not sure Rowan is living up to my expectations. She's keeping secrets, she's lying, she's making poor decisions. She has lost some of her strengths in this book.
So, somehow I was expecting every twist in this book. Not sure why, but it seemed really predictable.
Overall, even with all my complaints, I enjoyed the book. It was a fast read, and I'm looking forward to the next book (next month).
Anyway, until next time....
For a more thorough review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, my own synopsis of the book, its author information and a favorite quotation or two from this book), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
September 25, 2019
This book kept me reading, and had a lot of twists and surprises. The main character is an undertaker, although she used to be a police consultant before her encounter with a serial killer (who is still active and obsessed with her). There were a lot of twists and turns, and I liked the characters. However, the reader should be aware that the ending is pretty much a cliffhanger - although one mystery is solved, the primary events remain unresolved, and there are even more (very interesting) questions.
I appreciate netgalley and the publisher letting me read the book!
I appreciate netgalley and the publisher letting me read the book!
September 14, 2019
What do you do if someone is watching you, someone you rightfully fear but can't find? Everyday essentials such as earning a living mean parts of your life have to continue, especially if you are responsible for burying the dead in your small home town. Doctor Rowan Dupont was always known as the undertaker's daughter until her father was murdered; now everything is down to her.
Thankfully, Rowan's main ally is the local chief of police, Billy Brannigan, who is not only determined to keep her safe but also to finally end the torment dispensed by a serial killer who has had her in his sights since she was a small child. They both have vitally important work to do however, and as the number of unexplained deaths keeps rising their lives become evermore complicated and stressful.
This is a fast moving, exciting and, at times, heartstopping novel which was hard to put down. There are two previous books in this series, one a novella the other I can only imagine is as spellbinding as the third instalment as I haven't read either. I could continue the series without backtracking but I don't think I want to as this was a book I thoroughly enjoyed and I would definitely read again in sequence before waiting anxiously for book four.
Very few books in this genre end on a cliffhanger but this one, although satisfyingly tying up quite a few lose ends, leaves just as many still to be discovered, resolved or laid to rest. It is a very well written, intelligently planned, and beautifully drawn novel with characters you like and worry about. I want to know what happens next, and in many ways that is the highest of praise.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to the publishers and NetGalley in return for an unbiased review and would recommend it without hesitation to anyone already invested in this series or who doesn't mind arriving a little late to the party. If that isn't the case read the first two, as I definitely intend to do. This was my first Debra Webb book; it won't be my last.
Thankfully, Rowan's main ally is the local chief of police, Billy Brannigan, who is not only determined to keep her safe but also to finally end the torment dispensed by a serial killer who has had her in his sights since she was a small child. They both have vitally important work to do however, and as the number of unexplained deaths keeps rising their lives become evermore complicated and stressful.
This is a fast moving, exciting and, at times, heartstopping novel which was hard to put down. There are two previous books in this series, one a novella the other I can only imagine is as spellbinding as the third instalment as I haven't read either. I could continue the series without backtracking but I don't think I want to as this was a book I thoroughly enjoyed and I would definitely read again in sequence before waiting anxiously for book four.
Very few books in this genre end on a cliffhanger but this one, although satisfyingly tying up quite a few lose ends, leaves just as many still to be discovered, resolved or laid to rest. It is a very well written, intelligently planned, and beautifully drawn novel with characters you like and worry about. I want to know what happens next, and in many ways that is the highest of praise.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to the publishers and NetGalley in return for an unbiased review and would recommend it without hesitation to anyone already invested in this series or who doesn't mind arriving a little late to the party. If that isn't the case read the first two, as I definitely intend to do. This was my first Debra Webb book; it won't be my last.
September 11, 2019
Dr. Rowan DuPont knows a serial killer is after her. That however, is not stopping her from trying to find out the truth of her mothers suicide years before. Rowan is learning that the death of her twin might not be the only reason she took her life. From what she has learned so far her mother may have ties to people that kill. Police chief Billy Brannigan a long time friend of Rowan's, more than just a friend really, plans to keep Rowan safe from one of the worst serial killers alive, Jullian .Addington. A real monster who has been stalking Rowan and involved with her family for years it seems. A double murder has happened and Billy is worried. How to keep her safe when she wants her life as normal as possible. Rowan will not hide in fear nor will she allow round the clock protection. Billy must watch out for her as Jullian is close very close. Then Rowan dissapeares and fear grips Billy he must find her before it's too late.
Thank you NetGalley, Debra Webb and Harlequin Mira for allowing me to read this ARC. This is my honest opinion. Read the whole series leading up to this one it will give you a better understanding and they are all a very good read.
Thank you NetGalley, Debra Webb and Harlequin Mira for allowing me to read this ARC. This is my honest opinion. Read the whole series leading up to this one it will give you a better understanding and they are all a very good read.
September 13, 2019
Short Take: Is this how straight guys feel in strip clubs?
(*Note: I received an advance copy of this book for review.*)
Y’all it’s 86 degrees here, and it’s September. WHY is it 86 degrees in September? All my feeds are full of scarves and pumpkin spice, and while I am not into either of those, I am also not into 86 degrees in September. Everyone’s allergies are going nuts, which is just compounding the misery of the heat.
And speaking of misery, let’s talk about The Lies We Tell, shall we?
This is the second (correction - it’s book #2.5, there’s an introductory novella) book in The Undertaker’s Daughter series, and while I genuinely enjoyed the first one-point-five books, Ms. Webb jumped the shark with this blatant cash-grab.
Warning!!! The following contains spoilers for the previous books in the series, so if you haven’t read them yet, tread lightly!
Rowan DuPont’s life has been a rough one. From the drowning death of her twin sister when they were twelve, to her mother’s subsequent suicide, and her own failed suicide attempts, she has finally found a bit of peace when it’s all upended again. In her 40’s, she learns that her best friend and mentor, Julian Addington is in fact a prolific serial killer who has killed over 100 people, and he also was having an affair with Rowan’s mom, and he has just killed Rowan’s dad, leaving her the only surviving member of the family and thus the heir to the DuPont Funeral Home.
Of course her psychiatry background means that she can slide right into the undertaker role, presumably because things like licensing and certification aren’t things in Winchester, Tennessee, and it also qualifies her to jump into investigations with the coroner and chief of police, Billy, with whom she’s been exchanging goo-goo eyes (but nothing else) for over 30 years.
It also means that she somehow, over the course of DECADES, fails to figure out that her bestie is a serial killer who’s obsessed with her, her parents’ marriage was not a good one, her mother had a whole secret life that Rowan didn’t even bother looking at till thirty years after her death, and her most trusted employees are committing all manner of crimes right under her nose. We’re supposed to believe that she has no life because she’s so Committed To Her Investigation Work, but she’s really really terrible at it. She’s so preoccupied with her work that she fails to dress for the weather or buy or eat food ALL THE TIME. We’re told no less than five times at different points that Rowan wishes she had brought a coat or sweater or should probably eat lunch but oops too much more important brain stuff happening. But the brain stuff doesn’t happen. The original serial killer is still alive and well and obsessed, she never really digs into her parents’ stuff other than some journal-reading, other people have to point out the employees’ misdeeds to her.
But she DOES manage to do things like order inventory, and get her assistant’s printer moved, so there’s that, I guess.
In The Lies We Tell, a body brought to the funeral home for processing has a tattoo that seems to connect him to Rowan’s mother. Rowan’s subsequent discoveries somehow manage to be both completely, ridiculously, impossibly over-the-top, and completely pointless at the same time. There are a few juicy hints about Rowan’s mother’s past (again: it’s been 30 years, shouldn’t a brilliant person like Rowan have dissected at least SOME of that by now?), but no answers other than that every person involved in any investigation ever is super inept (SO MANY killers running around doing their thing for decades, like a whole network, it’s ridiculous even for Tennessee).
And in the end, there are no answers, the whole book is just an extended setup for another book, which we all know I hate, almost as much as I hate the Criminal Mastermind cliche. Seriously, if a dude is smart enough to kill dozens of people without getting caught, why is he borderline homeless? Shouldn’t he have figured out how to steal some money along the way?
The Nerd’s Rating: TWO HAPPY NEURONS (and a peanut butter sandwich, so I can also pretend to be a super-busy genius.)
(*Note: I received an advance copy of this book for review.*)
Y’all it’s 86 degrees here, and it’s September. WHY is it 86 degrees in September? All my feeds are full of scarves and pumpkin spice, and while I am not into either of those, I am also not into 86 degrees in September. Everyone’s allergies are going nuts, which is just compounding the misery of the heat.
And speaking of misery, let’s talk about The Lies We Tell, shall we?
This is the second (correction - it’s book #2.5, there’s an introductory novella) book in The Undertaker’s Daughter series, and while I genuinely enjoyed the first one-point-five books, Ms. Webb jumped the shark with this blatant cash-grab.
Warning!!! The following contains spoilers for the previous books in the series, so if you haven’t read them yet, tread lightly!
Rowan DuPont’s life has been a rough one. From the drowning death of her twin sister when they were twelve, to her mother’s subsequent suicide, and her own failed suicide attempts, she has finally found a bit of peace when it’s all upended again. In her 40’s, she learns that her best friend and mentor, Julian Addington is in fact a prolific serial killer who has killed over 100 people, and he also was having an affair with Rowan’s mom, and he has just killed Rowan’s dad, leaving her the only surviving member of the family and thus the heir to the DuPont Funeral Home.
Of course her psychiatry background means that she can slide right into the undertaker role, presumably because things like licensing and certification aren’t things in Winchester, Tennessee, and it also qualifies her to jump into investigations with the coroner and chief of police, Billy, with whom she’s been exchanging goo-goo eyes (but nothing else) for over 30 years.
It also means that she somehow, over the course of DECADES, fails to figure out that her bestie is a serial killer who’s obsessed with her, her parents’ marriage was not a good one, her mother had a whole secret life that Rowan didn’t even bother looking at till thirty years after her death, and her most trusted employees are committing all manner of crimes right under her nose. We’re supposed to believe that she has no life because she’s so Committed To Her Investigation Work, but she’s really really terrible at it. She’s so preoccupied with her work that she fails to dress for the weather or buy or eat food ALL THE TIME. We’re told no less than five times at different points that Rowan wishes she had brought a coat or sweater or should probably eat lunch but oops too much more important brain stuff happening. But the brain stuff doesn’t happen. The original serial killer is still alive and well and obsessed, she never really digs into her parents’ stuff other than some journal-reading, other people have to point out the employees’ misdeeds to her.
But she DOES manage to do things like order inventory, and get her assistant’s printer moved, so there’s that, I guess.
In The Lies We Tell, a body brought to the funeral home for processing has a tattoo that seems to connect him to Rowan’s mother. Rowan’s subsequent discoveries somehow manage to be both completely, ridiculously, impossibly over-the-top, and completely pointless at the same time. There are a few juicy hints about Rowan’s mother’s past (again: it’s been 30 years, shouldn’t a brilliant person like Rowan have dissected at least SOME of that by now?), but no answers other than that every person involved in any investigation ever is super inept (SO MANY killers running around doing their thing for decades, like a whole network, it’s ridiculous even for Tennessee).
And in the end, there are no answers, the whole book is just an extended setup for another book, which we all know I hate, almost as much as I hate the Criminal Mastermind cliche. Seriously, if a dude is smart enough to kill dozens of people without getting caught, why is he borderline homeless? Shouldn’t he have figured out how to steal some money along the way?
The Nerd’s Rating: TWO HAPPY NEURONS (and a peanut butter sandwich, so I can also pretend to be a super-busy genius.)
August 30, 2019
There is a bigger plot that is developing from book to book so these need to be read in order. That being said, you won't want to miss this page-turner! The characters are great. The mystery in Billy's new cases is easy to figure out. However, the biggest mystery revolving around Rowan, her family, and the past is a gripping, suspense filled thrill ride that keeps you coming back for more. Each tidbit that is revealed brings more questions and I can't wait to see how it all plays out. I also love the pacing of Rowan and Billy's relationship. It's slowly becoming something more and that feels perfect for these characters.
September 16, 2019
There is a lot of disturbing history in Rowan DuPont's past. As a child, her sister Raven was murdered, and her mother killed herself shortly after, devastating Rowan and her father. She moved away and ended up qualifying and working as a psychiatrist whilst her father remained in their home town of Winchester running the family funeral home. When her father himself was murdered, she had to come home and suffered greatly at the hands of a man who has taken an unnatural interest in her all her life, unbeknown to her. Not having read the first book in the series I found all the past events referred to a little bewildering and I would definitely say read book one first to make sense of it all. There is still a lot of confusion around who exactly was responsible for which deaths, but at the start of the book we find her father's old trusted employee incarcerated for dealing in body parts and Rowan trying to run the business with help from one employee. She has a hard time knowing who she can trust and is still trying to get over the horrific past events that surrounded her, leading to her giving up her job working with homicide detectives in Nashville's Special Crimes Unit, but the one good guy she can rely on is Billy Brannigan, Chief of Police and childhood friend. Rowan knows she will never be truly safe until her tormentor and serial killer Julian Addington is dead but she needs him to reveal the truth about her mother first. The more she digs, the more she realises how little she actually knows about the family she grew up in. It is a good job there is still an undertaker in Winchester since the bodies soon start to pile up, starting with two homicides which may not be all they seem, and then the discovery of many preserved skinned faces and piles of bones which puts detectives on the track of another killer. All this means Billy has his hands full whilst trying to protect Rowan, and clearly no one around her is safe. This was an enjoyable story with well drawn characters, and feels very much like an episode in a much bigger saga. With more questions than answers and a definite cliff hanger at the end I am looking forward to book three to see what happens next. 3.5/4*
September 4, 2019
What do you do if someone is watching you, someone you rightfully fear but can't find? Everyday essentials such as earning a living mean parts of you life have to continue, especially if you are responsible for burying the dead in your small home town. Doctor Rowan Dupont was always known as the undertaker's daughter until her father was murdered; now everything is down to her.
Thankfully, Rowan's main ally is the local chief of police, Billy Brannigan, who is not only determined to keep her safe but also to finally end the torment dispensed by a serial killer who has had her in his sights since she was a small child. They both have vitally important work to do however, and as the number of unexplained deaths keeps rising their lives become evermore complicated and stressful.
This is a fast moving, exciting and, at times, heartstopping novel which was hard to put down. There are two previous books in this series, one a novella the other I can only imagine is as spellbinding as the third instalment as I haven't read either. I could continue the series without backtracking but I don't think I want to as this was a book I thoroughly enjoyed and I would definitely read again in sequence before waiting anxiously for book four.
Very few books in this genre end on a cliffhanger but this one, although satisfyingly tying up quite a few lose ends, leaves just as many still to be discovered, resolved or laid to rest. It is a very well written, intelligently planned, and beautifully drawn novel with characters you like and worry about. I want to know what happens next, and in many ways that is the highest of praise.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to the publishers and NetGalley in return for an unbiased review and would recommend it without hesitation to anyone already invested in this series or who doesn't mind arriving a little late to the party. If that isn't the case read the first two, as I definitely intend to do. This was my first Debra Webb book; it won't be my last.
Thankfully, Rowan's main ally is the local chief of police, Billy Brannigan, who is not only determined to keep her safe but also to finally end the torment dispensed by a serial killer who has had her in his sights since she was a small child. They both have vitally important work to do however, and as the number of unexplained deaths keeps rising their lives become evermore complicated and stressful.
This is a fast moving, exciting and, at times, heartstopping novel which was hard to put down. There are two previous books in this series, one a novella the other I can only imagine is as spellbinding as the third instalment as I haven't read either. I could continue the series without backtracking but I don't think I want to as this was a book I thoroughly enjoyed and I would definitely read again in sequence before waiting anxiously for book four.
Very few books in this genre end on a cliffhanger but this one, although satisfyingly tying up quite a few lose ends, leaves just as many still to be discovered, resolved or laid to rest. It is a very well written, intelligently planned, and beautifully drawn novel with characters you like and worry about. I want to know what happens next, and in many ways that is the highest of praise.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to the publishers and NetGalley in return for an unbiased review and would recommend it without hesitation to anyone already invested in this series or who doesn't mind arriving a little late to the party. If that isn't the case read the first two, as I definitely intend to do. This was my first Debra Webb book; it won't be my last.
August 31, 2019
THE UNDERTAKER'S DAUGHTER #2 Sometimes the truth will get you killed.
The first book in this series is a novella titled " The Undertaker's Daughter", followed by " The Secrets We Bury". Both books are important to the third.
Dr. Rowan Dupont knows death. Living above her family funeral home she shared her home with it. She knew how to embalm a body before most of us had kissed a boy.
Her story begins as she is working with the Nashville police as a psychiatric consultant. She has a nose for killers and in return, they are very interested in her. But when she fails to recognize that someone very close to her is one, she runs home to Winchester, Tennessee. She is still haunted by dreams of her twin sister's death, her mother's suicide and the serial killer who followed her home.
Along with her life long pal Chief Billy, who I love, she is trying her best to stay out of the crosshairs of Julian Addington, a prolific serial killer who wants her more than anything. But why? When a body comes into the funeral home with a tattoo of her mother's name on his back, Rowan knows this means something, she just isn't sure what. Then the body disappears and the Feds are back to following her around.
This is the main story. Rowan's fight to find the truth about her sister's death and her mother's suicide. Her mothers' journals are cryptic and full of death. Was she obsessed with serial killers or was she one herself? As the bodies continue to stack up, nothing makes any sense. And of course, it doesn't because there is another story inside of the main one.
I would suggest you read the first two books first. Just so you know who all of the players are. I absolutely love this series and Rowan and Billy need to quit dancing around each other and get together. IMHO.
Very Well Done!
NetGalley/Expected publication: September 17th, 2019 by MIRA
The first book in this series is a novella titled " The Undertaker's Daughter", followed by " The Secrets We Bury". Both books are important to the third.
Dr. Rowan Dupont knows death. Living above her family funeral home she shared her home with it. She knew how to embalm a body before most of us had kissed a boy.
Her story begins as she is working with the Nashville police as a psychiatric consultant. She has a nose for killers and in return, they are very interested in her. But when she fails to recognize that someone very close to her is one, she runs home to Winchester, Tennessee. She is still haunted by dreams of her twin sister's death, her mother's suicide and the serial killer who followed her home.
Along with her life long pal Chief Billy, who I love, she is trying her best to stay out of the crosshairs of Julian Addington, a prolific serial killer who wants her more than anything. But why? When a body comes into the funeral home with a tattoo of her mother's name on his back, Rowan knows this means something, she just isn't sure what. Then the body disappears and the Feds are back to following her around.
This is the main story. Rowan's fight to find the truth about her sister's death and her mother's suicide. Her mothers' journals are cryptic and full of death. Was she obsessed with serial killers or was she one herself? As the bodies continue to stack up, nothing makes any sense. And of course, it doesn't because there is another story inside of the main one.
I would suggest you read the first two books first. Just so you know who all of the players are. I absolutely love this series and Rowan and Billy need to quit dancing around each other and get together. IMHO.
Very Well Done!
NetGalley/Expected publication: September 17th, 2019 by MIRA
September 16, 2019
This is a first. In all my years of reading suspense, I’ve never read about an undertaker. It’s a brilliant role, and Ms. Webb created a wonderful character in Rowen. I really enjoyed snooping around in her head. I know so much more about the process and it didn’t entirely creep me out. What did creep me out was this story and how this book ended ( yes, a cliffhanger – it is a mystery/thriller after all) that left me wanting more (in a good way).
Debra Webb created a captivating read putting Rowen firmly in the crosshairs of a serial killer. There’s a great buildup about the past, about Rowen’s parent’s involvement with the serial killer Julian Addington, and Rowen’s return home to run the family business. For her, death literally comes a-knocking. But things get crazy when a series of murders equal break-ins at the funeral home and stolen bodies. There to attempt to protect her is her best friend and Sheriff Billy, from whom she is keeping a few secrets. One or two may be personal, but certainly, a few are related to the cases they face. The FBI’s involvement also creates distress and disharmony as they muscle in on the multiple signs of multiple serial murders. There’s a bit of domestic drama and potential for romance too but overall there’s an atmosphere that is entirely menacing.
The Lies We Tell is the second book in this series and while I haven’t read book 1, I was able to enjoy this story as a standalone. Of course, I am really intrigued to go back to the start and learn more about Rowen so I’ve picked up The Undertakers Daughter. But I am really looking forward to the continuation of this story! 4.5 Stars and recommendation!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review"
Debra Webb created a captivating read putting Rowen firmly in the crosshairs of a serial killer. There’s a great buildup about the past, about Rowen’s parent’s involvement with the serial killer Julian Addington, and Rowen’s return home to run the family business. For her, death literally comes a-knocking. But things get crazy when a series of murders equal break-ins at the funeral home and stolen bodies. There to attempt to protect her is her best friend and Sheriff Billy, from whom she is keeping a few secrets. One or two may be personal, but certainly, a few are related to the cases they face. The FBI’s involvement also creates distress and disharmony as they muscle in on the multiple signs of multiple serial murders. There’s a bit of domestic drama and potential for romance too but overall there’s an atmosphere that is entirely menacing.
The Lies We Tell is the second book in this series and while I haven’t read book 1, I was able to enjoy this story as a standalone. Of course, I am really intrigued to go back to the start and learn more about Rowen so I’ve picked up The Undertakers Daughter. But I am really looking forward to the continuation of this story! 4.5 Stars and recommendation!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review"
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