For months, Doctor Rowan Dupont has been staring death in the face. It followed her back to her hometown of Winchester, Tennessee, ten months ago, cloaking the walls of her family’s Victorian funeral home like a shroud. In investigating the mysterious deaths of her loved ones, Rowan has unearthed enough family secrets to bury everything she’d previously thought true. But each shocking discovery has only led to more bodies and more questions; the rabbit hole is deeper than she ever imagined.
Despite settling in to a comfortable life with Police Chief Billy Brannigan, Rowan knows dangerous serial killer Julian Addington is still out there. She can’t let her guard down now. Not when she’s this close to ending his torment once and for all. But with a storm brewing on the horizon, she’ll get only one shot before the impending darkness takes hold, threatening to wipe away every truth she’s uncovered—and everything she holds dear.
DEBRA WEBB is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 170 novels, including reader favorites the Finley O'Sullivan and Devlin & Falco series. She is the recipient of the prestigious Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Romantic Suspense as well as numerous Reviewers Choice Awards. In 2012 Debra was honored as the first recipient of the esteemed L. A. Banks Warrior Woman Award for her courage, strength, and grace in the face of adversity. Recently Debra was awarded the distinguished Centennial Award for having achieved publication of her 100th novel.
With more than four million books in print in numerous languages and countries, Debra’s love of storytelling goes back to her childhood when her mother bought her an old typewriter in a tag sale. Born in Alabama, Debra grew up on a farm. She spent every available hour exploring the world around her and creating her stories. She wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the Commanding General of the US Army in Berlin behind the Iron Curtain and a five-year stint in NASA’s Shuttle Program that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has expanded her work into some of the darkest places the human psyche dares to go. Visit Debra at www.debrawebb.com.
This book is part of a continuing story arc and the preceding books are essential to read before this one.
I decided to binge read the three books following the novella (which you cannot skip!) and I’m so glad I elected to do so. Each book picks up essentially where the last one finished and that continuity added to my enjoyment. And, knowing that this one would end the series ratcheted up the anticipation and suspense. By this point, Rowan has been blown away by the secrets she’s uncovered about her family, particularly her mother, and some friends who were like family. She’s equally mystified by connections to her mother that still don’t make sense and require more investigation. Fortunately, Rowan and Winchester Police Chief Billy Brannigan have finally moved out of the friend zone, deepening a relationship that was always destined to reach this place. And, let’s not forget that pesky serial killer who’s stalking her.
I must admit that I was equally baffled by the curiosities exposed in the last book, finding it difficult to cobble together scenarios that would be plausible. That had me racing through this story, trying to figure things out, who could be trusted and who probably wouldn’t make it to the end. I eventually gave up and just rolled with the story, which was the best thing I could have done because I never would have predicted the outcomes. The revelations are explosive and I misjudged some relationships.
The ending surpassed my expectations, delivering up an exciting, tension-filled conclusion to an interesting series. I also learned a lot about the funereal service, which I never would have imagined I’d not only want to know but would find fascinating. I’m glad I read the books so close to each other as there are lots of dangling threads that needed tying up and could get confusing if I didn’t keep track. This was a satisfying conclusion to a very compelling series.
This is a continuation story revolving around Dr. Rowan Dupont. Book 3 has a long summation of what's happened in Books 1 and 2, but I highly recommend reading the books in order.
Dupont has been stalked by a serial killer all of her life. He has killed dozens, especially those who are close to Dupont. He wants to kill her, but not until he torments her with the loss of loved ones.
She's begun a solid relationship with Police Chief Billy Brannigan, but she's afraid to make a commitment until the killer is either caught or killed.
It's action packed with page turning suspense. There are lies and secrets that do back decades...back to the murder of her father and the suicide of her mother. Slowly, Rowan has unearthed several family secrets, but what she finds now is earth shattering. Some secrets are meant to be buried forever.
Many thanks to the author / Harlequin-Mira / Netgalley for the digital copy of this Romantic Suspense / Psychological Thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Rowan DuPont is desperately trying to live a normal life with her boyfriend, police chief Billy Brannigan, and manage her father’s mortuary business. As funeral director and undertaker, Rowan knows how evil people can be. And no one is more evil to Rowan than Julian Addington, her mother’s former associate who was responsible for the death of Rowan’s father, as well as several other people. Presumed disappeared, Rowan knows better than to get comfortable in her life, always on the lookout for Julian to return. When people close to her start dying, and others are put in danger, Rowan knows that Julian has returned. To finish him once and for all, Rowan must confront him and learn the secret he has been trying to tell her for years, even if it means an end to all she holds dear.
“The Darkness We Hide” is the third (and I presume final?) novel in The Undertaker's Daughter series by Debra Webb. I did not read the first novel, but was granted the second one through NetGalley, and this one is much of the same.
The writing is choppy and stilted and I had a difficult time connecting with the plot as a result. I am a huge fan of serial killer fiction, and this storyline would normally be right up my alley, but there was just not enough power in the writing to interest me. The idea of the protagonist being an undertaker is completely unique, and Webb had the beginnings of a great idea—just no follow through.
I predicted the twist in this novel almost right away, but there was still a few unanswered questions that I was curious enough about to continue reading. The idea of a “serial killer club” is fascinating, and I wish that Webb had taken that idea and run with it, instead of focusing on the Rowan-Billy romance.
As mentioned, I did not read the first novel so perhaps there are big plot points that I missed (although Webb does a decent job of updating the reader on events from past novels) and I apologize for anything in my review that would be different had I read the first novel.
I enjoy Ms. Webb’s ideas --her creativity is there and she has some pretty dark storylines that would make me a devoted reader—I just wish her writing flowed easier and was less staccato and broken.
The Darkness We Hide is the finale of The Undertaker’s Daughter series featuring Dr. Rowan Dupont and the serial killer, Julian Addington who has been stalking her for most of her life. This a series that needs to be read in order, despite the author’s references to events from the previous instalments.
Rowan has finally gotten the answers she sought. Answers that were horrific, shocking and difficult to wrap one’s head around them. Readers can relate to the variety of emotions she felt on learning the truth. Despite the horrific nature of the revelations she got the closure needed to move on.
The author introduced a few new players who brought their own share of what the hell moments. These along with the existing characters would have the reader wondering who can and cannot be trusted. Almost everyone appeared suspect.
Readers will enjoy how the storyline involving the serial killer developed. What was of most interest was the manner in which the author revealed his identity to Rowan and how he escaped capture all these years. However, one may find the showdown with the serial killer disappointing. The build-up leading to that moment was intense, but when the showdown occurred it did not deliver as one would hope.
The romance between Rowan and Billy, which was served as a side dish, developed nicely and watching them finally get their happily ever after was a treat.
Conclusion/Recommendation. Overall, The Darkness We Hide is an entertaining, suspenseful and captivating story. It depicts interesting yet gruesome points regarding the mind of a serial killer. Recommended for fans of suspense and thrillers.
Debra Webb has become one of my "go-to" authors when I want to read a good crime fiction novel. Several of her series, and she has several, fall into my top favorites. The Darkness We Hide is the third installment of the Undertaker's Series and was a marvelous conclusion to a story arc that has been building throughout the previous two books.
Dr. Rowan Dupont is the "undertaker" for Winchester, TN like her father before her and his father before and so on. She lives in a beautifully restored Victorian mansion that also serves as the funeral parlor. To say that her life is and always has been unusual is an understatement, and not just because of her eclectic career choice. Rowan's mother hung herself from the chandelier of the mansion, her twin sister was murdered and unusual murders have surrounded her family all of her life. Friends and allies have betrayed her leaving her with more questions than answers and with secrets piling on top of one another until it appears that the final murder just could be Rowan's.
The characters, as with all of Webb's series, are very well written. We know them intimately by this point and can feel their anxiety, fear and anger seeping through the pages. Although I thought I had this one all figured out after the second installment, I was completely off base - good thing I read this one! It was a great crime fiction read and a satisfying end to the story - or is it? Who knows with Debra Webb!! I want to note, again, that this is the third book and it really is necessary that you read the first two in the series before reading this one. You will be lost, confused and frustrated if you don't. Otherwise, I highly recommend The Darkness We Hide.
What a twisted crazy story. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This book is a part of a series and while it was a bit difficult to catch up to the other books and to the theme of the story, the author did do a good job in the first portion of the book summarizing where everything had left off.
I found an immediate connection between the characters and the authors development of them was interesting and well done.
Most of the story reveal revolved around a serial killer and their hunt for this person who is doing it to punish Rowan, our heroine.
The author did not hesitate to paint the dark, grim pictures required of this type of story. There’s plenty of gritty detail that is sometimes a bit difficult to read but yet necessary for the development of the story.
Webb writes with emotion and passion for her story and characters which is evident in the connection between the characters as well as the suspense she brings and climactic ending. I had a difficult time putting this book down which is always a good thing when it comes to a suspense story.
Webb is Definitely an author I will be reading again. She blends in the perfect amount of chills and thrills and tempers it with a bit of romance on the side to make it an awesome experience!
The Darkness We Hide is the rousing conclusion to The Undertaker's Daughter series. Believe it or not my first foray into Rowan Dupont's sinister world of serial killers was The Lies We Tell last summer. Although it is the third book in the series I felt drawn to Rowan's character. I found the mystery of her past to be as intriguing as her current dilemma. So much so that I jumped on the chance to get this book and have spent my time in quarantine curled up with this series. Yes I read them all within the last week. I did not want to miss a beat when it came to uncovering Norah's darkest secrets or discovering what made a psychopath like Julian Addington tick.
I must admit that I usually shy away from romance. However, Webb draws a connection between Rowan and Billy that is deep and abiding. It is a believable love story. One that is selfless and formed out of friendship. Although this is the last installment of this series, readers can look forward to more adventures set in Winchester with Webb's forthcoming novel Before He Vanished.
Special thanks to Lia Ferrone at Harlequin- MIRA Books for sending this galley my way.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Darkness We Hide by Debra Webb is another case of being glad that I decided to stick with The Undertaker's Daughter series. I particularly enjoyed just how twisted this installment was, even I had to work to suspend my disbelief of some scenes a little more than I generally prefer to in a non fantasy or sci-fi story. I also enjoyed that we finally got some downright shocking family secrets out in play. My only complaint is that sometimes the writing can alternate between quite beautiful to somewhat uneven and choppy throughout the course of the novel. Overall, I'm glad I decided to pick this up. If you're interested in a suspenseful series, you may want to give this a series a try.
Doctor Rowan Dupont grew up in a funeral home as an undertaker's daughter. Rowan did not follow in her father's footsteps, however. Instead, she became a profiler with the Nashville Police Department. After the murder of her father, however, she returned home to Winchester, Tennessee, and has been serving as the town's undertaker. In addition to that, Rowan has found love with police chief Billy Brannigan.
Unfortunately for Rowan, despite combined effort, serial killer Julian Addington remains at large. When Julian resurfaces, his efforts to kill Rowan are intensified. Will Rowan and those she loves be able to finally locate Julian before any more brutal murders take place? And, will the secrets Rowan has been uncovering be more than she can handle?
I have read the previous two books in this trilogy, The Secrets We Bury and The Lies We Tell and have been truly captivated. I loved the thread involving the serial killer, especially how he was revealed to Rowan and how he escaped capture and how it all tied together in this last book. Debra Webb is an excellent author and I have enjoyed all of her books that I have had the opportunity to read.
Many thanks to MIRA and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Well, I’ll start this by saying it’s absolutely imperative that you read the other books in this series. This book is not a companion novel, like I was expecting, but a ending to a story arc that spans all of the books.
I really liked Rowan and Billy. They’re both good people with a lot of history. In this book, they’re already in a relationship, so I did miss out on how they got there. I liked Charlotte {and Shorty} and could have easily done with more scenes with her.
Plot wise it was okay. There is a good amount of info dumping and loads of inner monologue. The tension is mild, but I was second guessing everyone, so there’s that. For me, the reveals were interesting, but lacked the punch because I wasn’t as invested.
Overall, it was an interesting story with characters who were easy to root for. I’m definitely interested in the other books and certain this rating would have been higher if I had read the previous books.
**Huge thanks to MIRA for providing the arc free of charge**
The Darkness We Hide by Debra Webb is the third novel in The Undertaker’s Daughter series. The author does provide a summary of what occurred in the earlier books in this series, but I believe it is better to read The Undertaker’s Daughter series in order (it makes more sense that way). The beginning is a little slow, but the pace soon picks up. The Darkness We Hide is a suspenseful novel with twists, turns and surprising revelations. It is a dark tale with gruesome details that will have you cringing (that is a good thing). I was put off, though, by the foul language (I find it offensive). The Darkness We Hide is well written with developed, realistic characters. I could feel the suspense and emotion in this twisty story. The Darkness We Hide provides a thrilling conclusion to the series. All the loose threads (there were so many) are tied up in this action-packed book. You will find your mouth dropping open in disbelief during a certain scene. I was delighted with the satisfying epilogue. I was amazed at the evil, warped characters in this story (this author has a vivid imagination). There are also some truly kind individuals as well. The Darkness We Hide is a dark and twisty suspense with surprising secrets, a perverse predator, a traitorous turncoat, a repugnant agent, and an upset undertaker.
Several months have passed, and Rowan DuPont is eager to deal with the threat posed by serial killer Julian Addington and move on with her life. When the local coroner dies suddenly, a search of his house evokes even more questions pertaining to the buried secrets of Rowan's family and the reasons for the deaths of her mother and twin sister. With the body count increasing, Rowan and police chief Billy Brannigan have their hands full trying to stop Julian and his unknown accomplices from achieving their goal of destroying Rowan.
Series note: As the books in this series follow one story arc, it is necessary to read in order.
While this final installment in the series does provide closure and answers to all remaining questions, the pacing is off, and the explanation is exceedingly far-fetched, to the extent that it borders on the farcical, which is disappointing.
Much of the first third of the novel is spent recapping events from previous books. There is also a great deal of repetition, down to the description of Rowan's work as an undertaker preparing bodies for burial.
The plot eventually picks up and seems to be moving toward an interesting, if somewhat predictable, conclusion, namely that when it suddenly takes a turn into utter ridiculousness with . Forget suspension of disbelief, this is totally unrealistic and completely unbelievable. Nevertheless, the final showdown with Julian is intense and well worth the wait.
The highlight of this final installment is actually Rowan and Billy's romance, which had taken a back seat in the previous books. Here their relationship shines as their feeling for one another come to life, and it is impossible not to care for a couple whose love is both deep and profound.
In sum, this series has its problems, but the basic premise is exceptional. Moreover, the incorporation of a heroine with such a unique occupation is brilliant, and the ending is satisfying overall. One minor caveat pertains to some of the descriptions, which can be quite gruesome and grim - forewarned is forearmed.
Dr. Rowan DuPont is a forensic psychiatrist who assists with homicide investigations. In book 1, The Secrets We Bury, Dr Rowan DuPont finds bones in lake where her sister was found dead. Rowan is adjusting to taking over family funeral business after moving back to Winchester, TN from Nashville. She is still reveling in the mysterious deaths of her sister and mother and eventually her father. The biggest betrayal with which she is grappling is the discovery that her friend/confidante Dr Julian Addington is a serial killer. In book 2, the story continues with Rowan determined to track down Dr Addington who remains on the run.
In this last installment of the Undertaker’s Daughter series, it begins with the untimely death of Burton Johnston who worked as the the Franklin County coroner for four decades.
There was a calm before the ultimate storm of more deaths. The town had hoped that Julian Addington had died and they would be safe again. Unfortunately, there were many people who wouldn’t believe he was dead until they saw his body. Rowan would never feel safe until he was dead or behind bars. She is determined to uncover the secrets from the past which overshadow her mother. Her mother wanted to be a writer but never seemed to produce anything worth reading.
A trip to visit her mother Norah’s grave proves to be more eventual than she wanted. A dead man is found lying on her mother’s grave with a message in his mouth for Rowan. Now, Rowan knows Julian is alive and well back to torment her. Who is this man and how is he related to her mother? Her investigation into her mother’s past and Julian’s murders don’t sit well with Detective Pryor who resents this vigilante.
Rowan and Billy Brannigan have always known each other before she left for Nashville to work as a forensic psychologist. Meanwhile, her childhood friend becomes chief of police of Winchester. Their paths reunite during the chaos of the serial murders and Julian Addington mystery. Eventually, he persuaded her to acknowledge her feelings for him and he moves in with her.
Together Rowan and Billy uncover secrets and lies which have been entangled over the years. The story becomes more complex but eventually all the questions are answered and mysteries resolved. The only question left is what will become of the dynamic duo?
An action packed suspenseful book which gripped me in most parts. But having not read the earlier books, I did not get nuances of the story, though the author had summarized the story. I took it to be the chase of a serial killer.
Rowan had been stalked by a serial killer all her life who tormented her by killing her loved ones, keeping her as the absolute last. Her relationship with police chief Billy was also progressing. But life was uncertain until the killer was caught or killed.
I have read many books by the author, so I knew what I was getting into. The characters took time to be familiarized to, but later I could just follow Rowan as she went about unfurling the secrets which went back decades to her parents’ deaths. The aura was dark and suspense and a sense of danger was found in every corner.
The protagonist was the undertaker which was something new for me. There were twists and turns in the book along with a Serial Killer Club which were fascinating. Overall this was enjoyable, I would have probably loved it more had I the read the previous two books.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Netgalley, and Mira Books for this free copy. All quotes in this review are taken from the Advanced Reader Copy and may change in final publication.
So I was lucky enough that I was able to understand what the series was about – at least the gist of it – without having read the other books, but I recommend reading the first two books and the novella first! I missed out on a lot of the story and background by not reading it prior to this one, but I plan on eventually reading the full series in the future.
Ugh I’m so freaking glad that this terror that Doctor Rowan had to deal with ends up coming to an end because I couldn’t imagine having to go through what she did. It’s not enough that she’s surrounded by death on a regular basis because of the funeral home family business, but then to have a serial killer in the mix that is trying to punish her for whatever it is he feels like she did. I mean, when do they really need a reason to be cruel to people right?
This got intense, it got gritty, it got insane. Seriously this was one of those mystery-thriller novels that kept you up at night with its plot and how psychological the situation was for Rowan. Honestly there were some parts that were a little hard to digest because of the content, but I think that it made sense for the story and it was written well. Webb did an amazing job with this trilogy.
The Darkness We Hide by Debra Webb is the third in the Dr. Rowan Dupont series (although GoodReads calls the series "The Undertaker's Daughter".
Let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Harlequin, and the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I apologize for the very long delay in reviewing. (I lost the book).
Okay, this was a really good ending to the series. Although somewhat predictable, it was another fast and easy read.
The plot continued from the other books, but there was enough repetition that I'm not sure you need to read the others....but I still recommend you do so. Especially since the characters from one book to the next get deeper, and it helps to know the background. There's a lot of action and suspense, and more dead bodies.
I really didn't mind the relationship between Rowan and Billy because they've known each other since they were kids. They work well together, although Rowan continued to keep secrets from him in this book, which really annoyed me (again).
Overall, the series was good (if not great), but I'm glad it has come to an end.
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 from this book), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
This is the third book in the Undertaker’s Daughter series by Debra Webb. I am not certain, but this could be the last book in this series. It certainly did feel like a finale book to me.
Basic premise: Rowen Dupont runs her family’s funeral home business. But there is a killer lurking in the shadows waiting to take revenge on Rowen.
Family is really important in this book. A lot of family secrets are unearthed in this one, so don’t skim over anything and miss some startling revelations! We learn who the killer is and how he is connected to Rowen, what the true legacy of her family was and how much she didn’t know about her mother’s death.
I don’t really want to go into too much detail here considering the more I say, the more likely I will spoil it for you. Just say this…. great pulse-pounding book that you won’t want to put down until it is over. It is not gory, per say, but the subject matter has a bit of gore-feeling. Maybe disturbing is a better word for it. When you get to a certain point you just have one thing on your mind… what the heck is going on here?
Great book! Loving this series. If this is the last, it is leaving off in a good place.
If you love a good mystery/thriller definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
Fantastic ending to this series! I couldn't wait to see how it all ends. Rowan is a great, strong heroine. This author has really grown on me, and I look forward to her future books.
3⭐️ This book was a fun read! Not the most memorable thriller, but definitely not the least! I think I would’ve been a bit more hooked if I had taken the time to read the first two books, but I still was able to follow the story without those! Overall good, but not great!
Having read the other books in this series I had to go back and reread the books to remember who Rowan was but once I started back down the web of the undertakers daughter I couldn't put down the books.
This book will not disappoint readers as they are pulled though the web of a serial killer that has tormented Rowan for years.
The authors ability to create a fear that readers will connect with as well as the moments of clarity show the amazing ability of Debra Webb and her gift for the written word.
The characters come to life as readers are side by side working to find the truth and the killer.
This is a can't be missed book series.
Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy of Debra Webb The Darkness We Hide.
I have been anxiously awaiting this final book in the Undertakers Daughter series. Debra Webb did not disappoint in providing a captivating thriller following Rowan Dupont as she fends off a serial killer targeting her in a very personal way. The story, ripe with twist and turns showcases the crazy mind of Julian Addington. As the bodies pile up, Rowan steps away from her role as the undertaker of Winchester, Tennessee, and works with her boyfriend and Sherriff Billy, to try to find and stop Julian from killing more people in his attempt to get to Rowan.
It's a very cat and mouse game that Julian plays, and it was a crazy ride to discover all the connections he has to Rowan. There's a great cast of characters supporting Rowans fight. We are entirely in her head as assumptions are formed and debunked or proven. The threat Julian imposes pushes Rowan to contemplate what she really wants for her future, and she seems to understand now that keeping secrets only jeopardizes those that she loves. Add in some subterfuge coming out of the FBI investigation, trying to understand what motivates Julian only proves to be convoluted. As the truth slowly unfolds, Rowan comes to terms with new truths about her family.
I'm happy to say that Debra Webb delivered a fantastic conclusion to the series. I'm looking forward to exploring more books from this author. 4.5 Stars and recommendation.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
The Darkness We Hide is the 3rd and final book in the Undertaker's Daughter Series. Having read the first two books in this series, I was thrilled to finally find out more of the storyline surrounding Rowan's mother and how she is connected in the storyline. This book keeps you on your toes as you follow along with Rowan as she searches for the answers. This book as previous ones is action packed, so well written that it leaves you wanting more. I would highly recommend this book to others.
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of the book from NetGalley, and the Publisher and this is my fair and honest review.
I have enjoyed this series and book three was no exception! It was everything you could want out of a serial killer thriller- fast paced, disturbing, twisty, and adrenaline inducing. The ending was a heart pounding finish and I loved it! The character development throughout this series has been excellent and the conclusion of this book was a beautiful testament to that. The author is adept at ramping up the suspense and I was on the edge of my seat in apprehension. 4 ⭐️ Thank you to the publisher for the advance reader in exchange for my honest review.
Wow,what a great series,always kept me on the edge of my seat. I figured out who Julian really was early on ;) guess I’ve been reading a long time. Job well done Debra Webb
The Darkness We Hide by Debra Webb The Undertaker’s Daughter #3
In the finale of this trilogy we finally have the answers that Dr. Rowan Dupont has been looking for. - and that I have been waiting for. By the end of this book many secrets had been revealed and I felt the conclusion had definitely been reached with this series even though it seems there is another series by this author in the same setting. It was a bit slow in the beginning, there was a bit of repetition in Rowan’s thinking at times and it took awhile to get into the story but about midway the pace began to pick up speed and so did my interest.
What I liked: * The twists and turns * That I didn’t always know what would happen next * The twisted thinking of more than one character * Not necessarily knowing who was good and who was evil * The look into the life of an undertaker * Billy – seemed to be a truly good man and he definitely loved Rowan * Rowan – mostly – though sometimes she did some silly things that didn’t seem very wise related to her safety * Charlotte – a good friend to Rowan * The baddies did get there comeuppance
What I did not like: * The twisted evil characters that were in this book/series – they were warped beyond belief * Realizing once again that evil is real and that real people are evil – sometimes fiction is just the tip of the iceberg. * Wondering if there might have been more information in the first book that would have explained some of my lingering questions...
Did I enjoy this book? I think so Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins – Harlequin - Mira for the ARC – This is my honest review.
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
Dr Rowan Dupont grew up in a funeral home and has always been known as the undertaker's daughter. Her twin sister was murdered decades earlier.
After the murder of her father, however, she returned home to Winchester, Tennessee, and has been serving as the town's undertaker. In addition to that, Rowan has found love with police chief Billy Brannigan.
Dr Rowan Dupont choose not to follow in her fathers footsteps, she became a profiler with the Nashville Police Department. In a series of events she has returned to her hometown of Winchester, Tennessee. She had to step into her fathers shoes, and been serving as the town's undertaker. Death has trailed Rowan her whole life, but now the serial killer, Julian Addington remains at large. Rowan’s lifelong friendship with local police chief, Billy Brannigan has developed into something romantic. With only a short time together Billy and her relationship has only just begun with the serial killer resurfaces again. Seeking to kill Rowan, his efforts to decimate the remains Dupont only intensifies. With a combined efforts she is determined to meet this violent, brutal foe head on.
Debra Webb has once again delighted readers with her brilliant writing. Her steadfast fans of series will not be disappointed in this installment. A intense page turner, will have you on the edge of your seat.
Well folks, it’s been a crazy week around the world and it’s no less crazy here in my home. So thankful to be able to participate in the blog tour for The Darkness We Hide by Debra Webb and take all our minds away from the big bad scary world today!
Oh wait…
What was I thinking? It’s right there in the title…
The Darkness We Hide is all about the dark, twisty, scary places and people hidden in plain sight all around us. So if you’re looking for a heartwarming tale to sit back, relax, and drink a glass of wine with then THIS is NOT the book to pick up right now. But if you’re like me and dark & twisty is your thing, then read on my friends…
My Thoughts on The Darkness We Hide by Debra Webb: I went into this book knowing it was the last book in The Undertakers Daughter Series. So I expected to be completely lost at times. But that didn’t happen at all! Information was hinted at and thrown in at just the right time so it didn’t feel like an info dump and kept me in the story. So I definitely recommend this even if you haven’t read the other books!
And boy do I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good suspense novel!
The characters are well-developed and no two are the same! Rowan Dupont, the former undertaker’s daughter, has taken over for her father at the family’s funeral home. There’s a serial killer taunting her and she’s finding out all kinds of secrets the people closest to her have been hiding.
Every time I thought I knew exactly what was going on in this book, it turned out I was wrong! I was wrong about everything people!!! You can’t get higher praise than that for a suspense/thriller, in my opinion!
I looked forward to the conclusion of Rowan’s story for months and I was not disappointed at all! This is a satisfying ending of Rowan’s quest to find the secrets that her family has hidden from her for years. She is joined in her quest by Sheriff Billy Brannigan, a hero unparalleled by others in his determination to help Rowan and to keep her alive. I really enjoyed discovering the secrets along with Rowan and following the twisted turns of this tale of a strange family history that is still affecting Rowan’s present. I was happy to find out more about Rowan’s background, especially her mother. I was angry at how inept the FBI seemed in protecting her, choosing to treat her as a suspect instead. My favorite character was Rowan, of course, because she was the central character, one who showed ingenuity and spirit in the face of grave danger. My favorite secondary character was Charlotte, a true friend to Rowan, who is ready to sacrifice all for her. I highly recommend this book to all readers of romantic suspense. Although it is the conclusion of a series, this book can easily be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley and from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
What a ride this series has been. Dr Rowan DuPont's unsavory family history is finally revealed and the long anticipated showdown between her and serial killer Julian Addington finally comes to be.
This psychological thriller series has kept readers on the edge of their seats since the first novella introduced us to Rowan and her nemesis Julian Addington. Julian has always been ten steps ahead of Rowan and all the law enforcement teams after him. Even with Rowan settling in to running her family's mortuary business and finding love with her childhood friend Chief of Police Billy Brannigan she could never totally let her guard down knowing Julian was still out there and that he would eventually become for her.
With how things wrapped up this seems like it's the last book in the series. I hope the author already has plans for a new thrilling series on the horizon.
We're back in Winchester, Tennessee with Dr. Rowan Dupont. Living in a funeral home is its own creepy story, but Rowan has faced death more outside of the morgue than inside.
Things are peaceful in town at the moment. No Julian sending her bodies or trying to kill her. But Rowan knows it won't last. The man will not stop until she is dead along with everyone she loves. And now that she and Billy are serious she has a lot more to lose.
She has found enough family secrets for more than one lifetime. But she still doesn't know enough. Everything she thought was true has turned out to be false. What was her mother? And why do all of these bodies have her name tattooed on them?
Just when things seem calm, a body shows up on her mother's grave and we are in the thick of it once again. But oh my the shocking end!