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The Undertaker's Daughter #1
The Secrets We Bury
Doctor Rowan Dupont knows death. She grew up surrounded by it in her family’s Victorian funeral home, and it’s haunted her since the day her twin sister drowned years ago. Between her mother’s subsequent suicide and the recent murder of her father, coming home to run the funeral home feels fitting—even if it leaves her vulnerable to an obsessive serial killer. Rowan refuses to let fear keep her from honoring her family. But the more time she spends back in Winchester, Tennessee, the more she finds herself questioning what really happened that fateful summer. Had her sister’s death truly been an accident? And what pushed their mother to take her own life? The dark lake surrounding Rowan’s hometown holds as many secrets as the bodies that float in its chilling depths. But Rowan is running out of time if she’s going to uncover the truth before somebody sinks her for good.
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First published April 30, 2019
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About the author
Debra Webb
548 books2,363 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
March 3, 2020
This book is part of a continuing story arc and is preceded by a novella that’s essential to read before beginning this one.
Rowan DuPont walked away from a vibrant and successful career as a profiler in a special unit based in Nashville to return home to her family’s business in Winchester after her father’s murder. See, her father Edward DuPont was the town’s undertaker and the funeral home had passed down to successive generations. That’s not the only reason for her decision as she needs healing and answers. The man who killed her father had ties to her and was someone she should have known was a serial killer, active for decades. Now she’s looking for answers, not only about that but her twin sister’s death and her mother’s subsequent suicide many years ago.
There’s a lot to like about this story, especially the continuing plot line involving the serial killer, who I’m deliberately not naming because that’s a secret revealed in the previous book and Rowan’s still a target. After her return home to the family practice, strange events start to occur, which is even more macabre given that she lives in the residential upper floors over the funeral home. And, I learned a lot about the funeral practices and found it beyond interesting, not the turnoff I’d anticipated.
This should have been a page turner but unfortunately that didn’t happen. There’s an incredible amount of repetition that just became annoying, so much that I searched the phrasing to validate the point. It slowed everything down, disrupting the pacing and a very compelling story. Normally, I can get over this once I’ve got a reading rhythm going but I had to do a lot of skimming, which I rarely do. So, while I loved the story, it wasn’t the great reading experience it could (and should) have been. Of course, though, I’m definitely continuing the series with the hope that the next book has cured what ailed this one. 3.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Rowan DuPont walked away from a vibrant and successful career as a profiler in a special unit based in Nashville to return home to her family’s business in Winchester after her father’s murder. See, her father Edward DuPont was the town’s undertaker and the funeral home had passed down to successive generations. That’s not the only reason for her decision as she needs healing and answers. The man who killed her father had ties to her and was someone she should have known was a serial killer, active for decades. Now she’s looking for answers, not only about that but her twin sister’s death and her mother’s subsequent suicide many years ago.
There’s a lot to like about this story, especially the continuing plot line involving the serial killer, who I’m deliberately not naming because that’s a secret revealed in the previous book and Rowan’s still a target. After her return home to the family practice, strange events start to occur, which is even more macabre given that she lives in the residential upper floors over the funeral home. And, I learned a lot about the funeral practices and found it beyond interesting, not the turnoff I’d anticipated.
This should have been a page turner but unfortunately that didn’t happen. There’s an incredible amount of repetition that just became annoying, so much that I searched the phrasing to validate the point. It slowed everything down, disrupting the pacing and a very compelling story. Normally, I can get over this once I’ve got a reading rhythm going but I had to do a lot of skimming, which I rarely do. So, while I loved the story, it wasn’t the great reading experience it could (and should) have been. Of course, though, I’m definitely continuing the series with the hope that the next book has cured what ailed this one. 3.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
September 20, 2019
This small and typically quiet southern hamlet, with an eighty-year-old veterinarian for a coroner, was suddenly overflowing with murder cases, old and new, and lots of peculiar goings-on. This engrossing tale was extremely well crafted, ingeniously paced, and cast with a full slate of quirky and oddly compelling characters. I was instantly and forcefully yanked into the story and the intrigue and creepy sense of impending peril never let up, what with nightmares, cryptic messages from a serial killer, missing memories, and eerily misplaced objects in the funeral home – yikes. I devised and cast off myriad hypothesis and was only partially correct, but my little pea brain would never have come up with a fraction of the deviously clever twists and turns this master storyteller has conjured from her brainpan. But wait, there will be more as the killer is still out there, lurking. Thankfully, I have the next installment locked and loaded on my beloved Kindle.
March 30, 2020
The Secrets We Bury is the second book in The Undertaker’s Daughter series and it picks up from where the prequel left off. At the end of The Undertaker’s Daughter, Dr. Rowan Dupont is reeling from a tragedy that struck close to home. She began questioning her abilities as a criminal psychiatrist for the Metro Special Crime Unit. She returned home to Winchester to take over the operations of the funeral home, which has been in her family for over a hundred years. This change was to help her gain perspective in relation to the recent tragedy and also to obtain answers regarding her tragic past. However, she would find herself embroiled in not one but two murder investigations and as a result danger stalked her at every turn. Do these events have any connection to the serial killer stalking her or were they separate?
The Secrets We Bury had a lot, going on. I can’t go into much details without giving away spoilers, but one thing was certain the story was gripping, intense and suspenseful. The events in this installment had Rowan questioning if the tragic events from her past happened the way she believed it did or was there something more sinister involved.
The author provided readers with additional details into the life and the mind of the serial killer. His obsession with Rowan went deeper than one could imagine. The introduction of new characters helped to stir things up and made for some interesting moments. The story moved at a solid pace and there was never a dull moment. The author tied up the main thread for this installment, but the author left the overall arc for the series hanging as the serial killer is still on the loose.
Conclusion/Recommendation.
Readers who enjoy psychological suspense and fans of Debra Webb may want to grab a copy of The Secrets We Bury.
The Secrets We Bury had a lot, going on. I can’t go into much details without giving away spoilers, but one thing was certain the story was gripping, intense and suspenseful. The events in this installment had Rowan questioning if the tragic events from her past happened the way she believed it did or was there something more sinister involved.
The author provided readers with additional details into the life and the mind of the serial killer. His obsession with Rowan went deeper than one could imagine. The introduction of new characters helped to stir things up and made for some interesting moments. The story moved at a solid pace and there was never a dull moment. The author tied up the main thread for this installment, but the author left the overall arc for the series hanging as the serial killer is still on the loose.
Conclusion/Recommendation.
Readers who enjoy psychological suspense and fans of Debra Webb may want to grab a copy of The Secrets We Bury.
May 22, 2023
Rowan has a childhood friend on the hometown police force who wants to be sure she stays safe. Both have always held an attraction for the other, but neither will admit it, which caused me a bit of frustration as they constantly circled around one another. The question was: can the serial killer change all that and is the small-town police force enough to stop the killings? Rowan moved back to the family home in Tennessee and has taken over the funeral home that's been in her family for years. It's just her and her German Shepherd, Freud, all alone in the big old place with a basement and two upper stories. The more time Rowen spends back in her hometown, the more she finds herself questioning what really happened that fateful summer years ago when her sister died. Had her sister’s death really been an accident...and what pushed their mother to commit suicide? The dark lake that surrounds Rowan’s town seems to hold as many secrets as it gives up. Now Rowan is running out of time if she’s going to uncover the truth before more bones and bodies from the past turn up creating more cold cases for the police to add to the cases they already have. The serial killer is certainly lurking nearby and seems to always be one step ahead. Rowan has lost her entire family...her father, her mother, and her sister, leaving her alone to run the family funeral home. This is a book with a great "creep factor"...and one that you won't want to put down. It will become an imperative that you find out what is going to happen next.
March 31, 2020
The Secrets We Bury finds our protagonist Rowan Dupont aggrieved and resigned to carry the family mantle. But she is determined to bring her father's murderer to justice. A prolific serial killer with a genius mind and a range of MOs in his arsenal, Dr. Julian Addington is obsessed with Rowan. Working as her psychologist he gained her trust and learned her most intimate secrets. Now he's on the run and Rowan is under suspicion. When she comes upon the skeletal remains of a missing girl she has no idea that she has just unearthed part of her family history.
When I sit down to read a mystery I want to be challenged. I want a puzzle to solve. I prefer my female protagonists to be strong smart and sassy. Sprinkle in some persistence and dogged determination and I'm in my glory. As a character Rowan exudes a quiet strength. But her vulnerability and reserve add depth and intrigue to the story. However, there were several times throughout the novel where Webb came back to the same clue within pages of each other as if to say "Reader did you see that? Do you understand the importance of that development? This repetitive clue dropping can be insulting to a seasoned mystery sleuth. At the very least it takes something away from the reading experience.
Overall The Secrets We Bury was a good retreat from the current chaos. I have enjoyed reading the series and I am genuinely interested in finding out what is Rowan's fate.
When I sit down to read a mystery I want to be challenged. I want a puzzle to solve. I prefer my female protagonists to be strong smart and sassy. Sprinkle in some persistence and dogged determination and I'm in my glory. As a character Rowan exudes a quiet strength. But her vulnerability and reserve add depth and intrigue to the story. However, there were several times throughout the novel where Webb came back to the same clue within pages of each other as if to say "Reader did you see that? Do you understand the importance of that development? This repetitive clue dropping can be insulting to a seasoned mystery sleuth. At the very least it takes something away from the reading experience.
Overall The Secrets We Bury was a good retreat from the current chaos. I have enjoyed reading the series and I am genuinely interested in finding out what is Rowan's fate.
July 9, 2020
WTF. So this book starts off with a huge chunk missing...because the first couple of chapters instead of being in the front of the story like they are supposed to be are a novella...Why would you publish the first few chapters of a book (115 pages) half a year before the whole book (I assume because the writer was lazy and didn't meet her deadline) and then when the full book (this one) is finished you put the novella (see first few chapters) at THE END!!!! Again WTF!
So this book starts off with the beginning in the back and the middle in the front. Very poor editing choice. If you are going to include the "novella" ie. the actually first part of your book in said book put it in the front/start where it belongs.
Very repetitive writing with information repeated every other page. This needed heavy editing, beyond the repetitiveness there were misspelled words and just poor word choices in general. Also, the protagonist is one of those people who are so so smart they are dumb, very full of themselves, and live in the land of denial unless literally hit over the head with the reality of what is going on around them. She spends half the time berating herself and the other half thinking how smart she is. She has zero self-preservation and even contemplates this as she goes to meet a killer without telling anyone who she is going to see or even where she's going just in case and refuses a security detail when the killer may be in her house because she wants him close so he can be caught even if she thinks and says repeatedly that he is to smart to be caught....right.
So this book starts off with the beginning in the back and the middle in the front. Very poor editing choice. If you are going to include the "novella" ie. the actually first part of your book in said book put it in the front/start where it belongs.
Very repetitive writing with information repeated every other page. This needed heavy editing, beyond the repetitiveness there were misspelled words and just poor word choices in general. Also, the protagonist is one of those people who are so so smart they are dumb, very full of themselves, and live in the land of denial unless literally hit over the head with the reality of what is going on around them. She spends half the time berating herself and the other half thinking how smart she is. She has zero self-preservation and even contemplates this as she goes to meet a killer without telling anyone who she is going to see or even where she's going just in case and refuses a security detail when the killer may be in her house because she wants him close so he can be caught even if she thinks and says repeatedly that he is to smart to be caught....right.
January 4, 2019
Excellent, excellent, excellent. I love this series and can't wait to see what's next for Rowan and Billy? And where's Julian, questions for next in series. I was sent this book by the author and I highly recommend it. I hard a hard time putting it down and always looking forward to next page. Anxiously awaiting the next in series.. Thanks Debra for writing this books and letting us be a part of a world you created.
April 30, 2019
I. COULD. NOT. PUT. THIS. BOOK. DOWN!
Holy Schmoly...
I enjoyed the novella introducing this series, but sweet baby geebus. This book absolutely rocked, and man did it dive right in. Doctor Rowan Dupont has quite a history and quite a nasty serial killer stalker. 😳
I gotta tell you I love Billy, that is all.
The best part of this book and with all Debra Webb’s series...you have this killer continuing to weave through the series BUT each book on top of that has epic story line. This one was no different. Dr. Julian Addington is especially scary because he’s brilliant and equally demented. I had plans to go out, I couldn’t leave the couch. It was that good!
Creepy, wicked story line intermingled with great characters. Some parts made me sad because some characters you cared for and well...
This author is so dang talented, she manages to surprise me with every series. She is a queen of this genre! I can’t wait for more in this series. This book is gripping and I can’t wait for her creeper to get what he deserves...
This author writes psychological thrillers that leave you breathless & yearning for more. Every dark, twisted journey she takes me on is EPIC!
Holy Schmoly...
I enjoyed the novella introducing this series, but sweet baby geebus. This book absolutely rocked, and man did it dive right in. Doctor Rowan Dupont has quite a history and quite a nasty serial killer stalker. 😳
I gotta tell you I love Billy, that is all.
The best part of this book and with all Debra Webb’s series...you have this killer continuing to weave through the series BUT each book on top of that has epic story line. This one was no different. Dr. Julian Addington is especially scary because he’s brilliant and equally demented. I had plans to go out, I couldn’t leave the couch. It was that good!
Creepy, wicked story line intermingled with great characters. Some parts made me sad because some characters you cared for and well...
This author is so dang talented, she manages to surprise me with every series. She is a queen of this genre! I can’t wait for more in this series. This book is gripping and I can’t wait for her creeper to get what he deserves...
This author writes psychological thrillers that leave you breathless & yearning for more. Every dark, twisted journey she takes me on is EPIC!
March 2, 2019
Title : The Secrets We Bury
Series: The Undertaker's Daughter #1
Author : Debra Webb
Author's website:https://www.debrawebb.com/
Genre: mystery /thriller
Pages :432
Publisher:MIRA
Pub:April 30,2019
Edelweiss+
Book synopsis :
Nothing stays buried forever…
Doctor Rowan Dupont knows death. She grew up surrounded by it in her family’s Victorian funeral home, and it’s haunted her since the day her twin sister drowned years ago. Between her mother’s subsequent suicide and the recent murder of her father, coming home to run the funeral home feels fitting—even if it leaves her vulnerable to an obsessive serial killer.
Rowan refuses to let fear keep her from honoring her family. But the more time she spends back in Winchester, Tennessee, the more she finds herself questioning what really happened that fateful summer. Had her sister’s death truly been an accident? And what pushed their mother to take her own life? The dark lake surrounding Rowan’s hometown holds as many secrets as the bodies that float in its chilling depths. But Rowan is running out of time if she’s going to uncover the truth before somebody sinks her for good.
My thoughts:
Rating:5
Would I continue on with the series : yes
Would I recommend it?yes
Will I read anything else by this author? A big yes
Wow just wow , I couldn't put it down at all , once I started reading it I was hooked , I had to keep reading and find out more about Rowan and her family secrets as well as how they might have ties to a serial killer. And what his ties is and was to Rowan. Plus I love the slight romance feel it gives off between Rowan and a certain police chief , and how her characters come to life the more you read. And when you think you got one thing figured out something pops up and knocks you for a loop , which also make it hard for you to put the book down . What a great way to start a new series ,and because of that I now wish I had the second book already because I need more of it to read.With That said I want to thank Edelweiss+ and MIRA for letting me read and review it exchange for my honest opinion.
Series: The Undertaker's Daughter #1
Author : Debra Webb
Author's website:https://www.debrawebb.com/
Genre: mystery /thriller
Pages :432
Publisher:MIRA
Pub:April 30,2019
Edelweiss+
Book synopsis :
Nothing stays buried forever…
Doctor Rowan Dupont knows death. She grew up surrounded by it in her family’s Victorian funeral home, and it’s haunted her since the day her twin sister drowned years ago. Between her mother’s subsequent suicide and the recent murder of her father, coming home to run the funeral home feels fitting—even if it leaves her vulnerable to an obsessive serial killer.
Rowan refuses to let fear keep her from honoring her family. But the more time she spends back in Winchester, Tennessee, the more she finds herself questioning what really happened that fateful summer. Had her sister’s death truly been an accident? And what pushed their mother to take her own life? The dark lake surrounding Rowan’s hometown holds as many secrets as the bodies that float in its chilling depths. But Rowan is running out of time if she’s going to uncover the truth before somebody sinks her for good.
My thoughts:
Rating:5
Would I continue on with the series : yes
Would I recommend it?yes
Will I read anything else by this author? A big yes
Wow just wow , I couldn't put it down at all , once I started reading it I was hooked , I had to keep reading and find out more about Rowan and her family secrets as well as how they might have ties to a serial killer. And what his ties is and was to Rowan. Plus I love the slight romance feel it gives off between Rowan and a certain police chief , and how her characters come to life the more you read. And when you think you got one thing figured out something pops up and knocks you for a loop , which also make it hard for you to put the book down . What a great way to start a new series ,and because of that I now wish I had the second book already because I need more of it to read.With That said I want to thank Edelweiss+ and MIRA for letting me read and review it exchange for my honest opinion.
December 3, 2019
This is one of the worst books I've ever read. The premise is over-the-top and ridiculous. It is poorly written with lots of filler. And, it NEVER resolves. After reading a third of it, I decided I would skim through the filler and at least find out "who did it" and what happened all those years ago. But you only find out a little bit - not the whole story.
July 29, 2019
RATING: 3.5 STARS
2019; MIRA/HarperCollins Canada
Please note, I suggest that you read the novella The Undertaker's Daughter first as it gives the back story for this book. While it can be read without the novella (Webb does give you some backstory) it just adds to the story.
Debra Webb writes in the romantic suspense genre, and this book is why I love the genre so much. It is heavy on suspense with a nice balance of romance. In this particular book, we get some of the romantic setup but this story is more about families and what that means. Rowan is a strong female character that went out to follow her passion. Instead of taking over her father's funeral home, she decided to become a profiler helping the Nashville Police Department. When she returns home the secrets behind her mother and sister's deaths start to haunt her. This story is a bit of a slow burn but still had me hooked from the beginning. As soon as I finished this novel I was ready for the next book!
***I received an eARC from EDELWEISS***
2019; MIRA/HarperCollins Canada
Please note, I suggest that you read the novella The Undertaker's Daughter first as it gives the back story for this book. While it can be read without the novella (Webb does give you some backstory) it just adds to the story.
Debra Webb writes in the romantic suspense genre, and this book is why I love the genre so much. It is heavy on suspense with a nice balance of romance. In this particular book, we get some of the romantic setup but this story is more about families and what that means. Rowan is a strong female character that went out to follow her passion. Instead of taking over her father's funeral home, she decided to become a profiler helping the Nashville Police Department. When she returns home the secrets behind her mother and sister's deaths start to haunt her. This story is a bit of a slow burn but still had me hooked from the beginning. As soon as I finished this novel I was ready for the next book!
***I received an eARC from EDELWEISS***
January 26, 2020
Dr. Rowan Dupont is getting established again as she is now working at her family's funeral home. Things certainly have not been easy for her. She has suffered the tragic loss of her twin sister and her mother. More recently, however, her father was murdered, and this is what led her to leave her job as a profiler and to work again as an undertaker.
What is more, is that she is a bit of a detective. She not only seeks to discover what really happened to lead to her sister's death by drowning years ago, and also as to what really happened with her mother. This leads to danger coming to her very door. It is for a certainty that there were secrets from years ago and there is someone who will go to any lengths to stop her from uncovering the truth.
What a tense story! There is a serial killer on the loose, so the danger remains constant. I was riveted by this book. In addition to this, there is someone in Rowan's life from before, the town's police chief. Even with everything going on with Rowan, I was rooting for this couple who were blessed with a second chance.
I am glad that I found this series. Needless to say, I quickly went on to read the next book.
What is more, is that she is a bit of a detective. She not only seeks to discover what really happened to lead to her sister's death by drowning years ago, and also as to what really happened with her mother. This leads to danger coming to her very door. It is for a certainty that there were secrets from years ago and there is someone who will go to any lengths to stop her from uncovering the truth.
What a tense story! There is a serial killer on the loose, so the danger remains constant. I was riveted by this book. In addition to this, there is someone in Rowan's life from before, the town's police chief. Even with everything going on with Rowan, I was rooting for this couple who were blessed with a second chance.
I am glad that I found this series. Needless to say, I quickly went on to read the next book.
April 7, 2020
So...I don't normally suggest people avoid books, as we all read them differently, but for this one I am definitely not recommending.
First and foremost, you start at what I'd consider the middle of the book. Then around 75% (give or take) you are thrown into the beginning of the book. Yes, you read that right. The book reads middle, semi end, and then the beginning. I wish I had read reviews before starting it. I guess the "novella" was added to this book, placed out of order. Who the hell writes or publishes like that?! Talk about major confusion.
Second, there is an OVER ABUNDANCE of repetition. It left me feeling as though this book was never going to end.
Third, Ro has to be the dumbest smart person. Ever. And believe me when I say we are reminded constantly of how smart she is. I didn't see it but hey, the author told me she was so it must be true. We seemed to have lacked the show in our little show and tell presentation.
Fourth, it was quite predictable. It won't take you long to figure out a few of the "twists," especially if you read lots from this genre.
Fifth, the only character I connected with was Frued. I only cared if the dog was going to make it through the whole book alive. Spoiler alert, he does.
I gave it 1 star, instead of 0, for two reasons. The dog and I was a little shocked towards the end. I'll admit I didn't see that coming.
This isn't a cliffy per se. It does solve part of the mystery, but at the same time leaves you with more questions. I'm going to attempt to read book 2. Pretty sure I'll end up skimming. I just want to know how it all ends and if my suspicions were correct.
First and foremost, you start at what I'd consider the middle of the book. Then around 75% (give or take) you are thrown into the beginning of the book. Yes, you read that right. The book reads middle, semi end, and then the beginning. I wish I had read reviews before starting it. I guess the "novella" was added to this book, placed out of order. Who the hell writes or publishes like that?! Talk about major confusion.
Second, there is an OVER ABUNDANCE of repetition. It left me feeling as though this book was never going to end.
Third, Ro has to be the dumbest smart person. Ever. And believe me when I say we are reminded constantly of how smart she is. I didn't see it but hey, the author told me she was so it must be true. We seemed to have lacked the show in our little show and tell presentation.
Fourth, it was quite predictable. It won't take you long to figure out a few of the "twists," especially if you read lots from this genre.
Fifth, the only character I connected with was Frued. I only cared if the dog was going to make it through the whole book alive. Spoiler alert, he does.
I gave it 1 star, instead of 0, for two reasons. The dog and I was a little shocked towards the end. I'll admit I didn't see that coming.
This isn't a cliffy per se. It does solve part of the mystery, but at the same time leaves you with more questions. I'm going to attempt to read book 2. Pretty sure I'll end up skimming. I just want to know how it all ends and if my suspicions were correct.
April 10, 2023
The Secrets We Bury
4 Stars
Following the murder of her father, Rowan DuPont, a noted psychologist and police profiler, returns home to Winchester, Tennessee, to take over the family funeral home. While visiting the lake where her twin sister's body was found, Rowen discovers a set of human remains. The identity of the body raises troubling questions regarding Rowen's past and the deaths of her mother and her twin. Was her sister's drowning an accident? Did her mother really commit suicide? And how is this related to the serial killer stalking Rowan?
Series note: The story continues from where the prequel novella ends, and it is, therefore, necessary to read the novella first. Unfortunately, the publisher added the prequel at the end of book #1, which ultimately leads to missing details and even confusion for readers unaware of the initial short story.
The narrative is comprised of two apparently separate threads - the discovery of the bones at the lake and the death of a client at Rowan's funeral home. The twists and turns of the two storylines keep the reader guessing, and the climax and resolution are intense. Although one thread is resolved, the other remains open and will obviously continue into the next installment.
There is also some good character development both in terms of Rowan's attempts to come to terms with the deaths in her family and with regard to her relationship with her childhood friend and current police chief, Billy Brannigan. My only issue here is Rowan's tendency to play her cards close to the vest. She really needs to open up more and give her trust to someone. It will be interesting to see how this develops.
All in all, despite one or two poor word choices and a potential TSTL moment that thankfully does not materialize, this is a solid continuation of the story.
4 Stars
Following the murder of her father, Rowan DuPont, a noted psychologist and police profiler, returns home to Winchester, Tennessee, to take over the family funeral home. While visiting the lake where her twin sister's body was found, Rowen discovers a set of human remains. The identity of the body raises troubling questions regarding Rowen's past and the deaths of her mother and her twin. Was her sister's drowning an accident? Did her mother really commit suicide? And how is this related to the serial killer stalking Rowan?
Series note: The story continues from where the prequel novella ends, and it is, therefore, necessary to read the novella first. Unfortunately, the publisher added the prequel at the end of book #1, which ultimately leads to missing details and even confusion for readers unaware of the initial short story.
The narrative is comprised of two apparently separate threads - the discovery of the bones at the lake and the death of a client at Rowan's funeral home. The twists and turns of the two storylines keep the reader guessing, and the climax and resolution are intense. Although one thread is resolved, the other remains open and will obviously continue into the next installment.
There is also some good character development both in terms of Rowan's attempts to come to terms with the deaths in her family and with regard to her relationship with her childhood friend and current police chief, Billy Brannigan. My only issue here is Rowan's tendency to play her cards close to the vest. She really needs to open up more and give her trust to someone. It will be interesting to see how this develops.
All in all, despite one or two poor word choices and a potential TSTL moment that thankfully does not materialize, this is a solid continuation of the story.
September 11, 2025
The Secrets We Bury by Debra Webb is the first in the Dr. Rowan Dupont series (although GoodReads calls the series "The Undertaker's Daughter".
Okay, not sure why it has taken me so long to get to this series, but here we are.
I enjoyed the prequel, and this first book in the series is really good too.
I really like Rowan and Billy, and can't believe that I hope they end up together. I guess I don't hate romance as much as I thought I did. Anyway, I like the storyline which centers around Rowan's family. Although everyone is dead, their spirits are very much alive in this book, as we get to know Rowan's history. The author did a great job of adding depth to Rowan by telling us more about her sister and parents. Definitely some twists there.
There were also a few twists with the funeral home. I am learning a lot more about the operation of this business, which is interesting.
Speaking of twists, Julian added some information that I hadn't seen coming!
Anyway, I really enjoyed the book. The writing is good, the characters interesting, and the plot intriguing. What more can I want? Looking forward to the next book!
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/
March 28, 2020
Author Debra Webb is "series-prolific," and gifted at maintaining the suspense, excitement, and intrigue throughout each installment. In THE SECRETS WE BURY, Book #1 in THE UNDERTAKER'S DAUGHTER Series (the novella THE UNDERTAKER'S DAUGHTER is #0.5), forensic psychiatrist Rowan Dupont returns to her tiny home town, quiet Winchester, Tennessee, near Nashville. Homecoming is grieving, both for the recent loss of her beloved father, and for the ongoing memories of her lost twin and mother. However, the off-the-charts serial killer stalking her won't let up, instead continuously bombarding her with the unfolding and twisting of her past.
November 3, 2019
I had read the second book in this series first so I had to go back and read this one. A really good start to this series, it kept me turning the pages. I was surprised at the ending. Can’t wait for book three! I enjoyed the book!
April 17, 2019
The Secrets We Bury is the best book that I've read this year!
Debra Webb is always a must read for me, and she has hit it out of the park with this one.
The pages are filled with thrilling suspense, a superb storyline, and mysterious intrigue.
When you begin this journey make sure that you have nothing on your to-do list for the rest of the day. Once you begin, you won't be able to put it down. Highly recommended. Five start just isn't enough!
Debra Webb is always a must read for me, and she has hit it out of the park with this one.
The pages are filled with thrilling suspense, a superb storyline, and mysterious intrigue.
When you begin this journey make sure that you have nothing on your to-do list for the rest of the day. Once you begin, you won't be able to put it down. Highly recommended. Five start just isn't enough!
March 2, 2025
Well, now I have to listen to book 2 if I want to know what happens.
April 15, 2019
Doctor Rowan Dupont returns to her hometown to take over her family's funeral home after an obsessive serial killer murders her father and leaves Rowan questioning so much of her life.
Was her sister's death really an accident? And did her sister's death really drive her mother to suicide? What secrets are hidden within the walls of the old Victorian funeral home that her family had worked and lived in for generations?
Refusing to let fear rule her, she wades through the mystery to unravel the truth, even as it draws the killer closer.
This book is another page-turning thriller from author Debra Webb, a lady who in my opinion KNOWS how to write a thriller! It is part of her newest series, The Undertakers Daughter, and is full of edge of the seat suspense that will have you flying through the pages.
Was her sister's death really an accident? And did her sister's death really drive her mother to suicide? What secrets are hidden within the walls of the old Victorian funeral home that her family had worked and lived in for generations?
Refusing to let fear rule her, she wades through the mystery to unravel the truth, even as it draws the killer closer.
This book is another page-turning thriller from author Debra Webb, a lady who in my opinion KNOWS how to write a thriller! It is part of her newest series, The Undertakers Daughter, and is full of edge of the seat suspense that will have you flying through the pages.
March 12, 2019
Dr Rowan DuPont has returned home to run the family funeral parlor after her Father’s murder. She is the obsession of a serial killer, Julian Addington, the man who murdered her Father, and was her friend for years. Julian was very good at hiding his true self. As the story unfolds we find out more about his obsession.
I really enjoyed this book. I read it start to finish non stop. There is suspense and some unexpected twists in this story. I look forward to the sequel this fall.
I really enjoyed this book. I read it start to finish non stop. There is suspense and some unexpected twists in this story. I look forward to the sequel this fall.
June 17, 2019
The Secrets we Bury...
Doctor Rowan Dupont. Knows Death..its Been with her for a life time. Growing up in a Funeral home.no way around it. But when it's your family it's to close to home your twin sister.... This is Book one ..it Follows The Undertakers Daughter's ... Absolutely must Read... I Love Reading Debra Webb Books... This one is one that you just cant stop reading.. the things that go down will have you. Wondering. Or maybe Ro Will wonder if maybe she's losing her mind.. Wow this is a Fantastic Book.
Doctor Rowan Dupont. Knows Death..its Been with her for a life time. Growing up in a Funeral home.no way around it. But when it's your family it's to close to home your twin sister.... This is Book one ..it Follows The Undertakers Daughter's ... Absolutely must Read... I Love Reading Debra Webb Books... This one is one that you just cant stop reading.. the things that go down will have you. Wondering. Or maybe Ro Will wonder if maybe she's losing her mind.. Wow this is a Fantastic Book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2019
This book started off kind of slow even tho it picks up where the Undertaker's daughter left off. However, I like that it did. Some answered questions, many more still I want to know or need to know really. While I dislike what Juliane has done to Rowan I have to say I still kind of find my self rooting for him he has that Lecture feel about him. I really hope Rowan and Billy get together you can see the sparks with them so I really hope so. When one answer gets answered another 3 questions come up. I look forward to the next book in this series so good so far.
February 12, 2019
Dr. Rowan Dupont moves back to Winchester, Tennessee to take over running the family funeral home after her father was murdered. As she is trying to get into her new surroundings, new murders start happening that are related to the serial killer that is obsessed with her. He has information about her sister that drowned and her mother that committed suicide. Will she be able to find out what really happened to them before he comes after her again? Will she be able to stop him before he hurts any one else she cares about?
Great characters and story line! I can't wait for the next one!
Great characters and story line! I can't wait for the next one!
January 26, 2021
Wow,Debra Webb sure knows how to keep you interested.... I never expected the ending!
April 13, 2019
Debra Webb does it again! The Secrets We Bury is another hit that keeps readers guessing with characters that they get attached too and are not ready to let go.
Dr. Rowan DuPont has come home to run her family’s funeral home after her father was murdered by a serial killer who at one time she trusted. One would hope that coming home would be easy for her but it seems that death is following her in the forms of deaths from her childhood that need to be explained and a number of murders that are taking place in her hometown now. Is the serial killer coming to finish her or is there someone else after Rowan?
Luckily for her she has her best friend to help protect her who also happens to be the sheriff of the town Billy Brannigan will be at her side to get the answers Rowan needs.
I loved this book. Rowan is one of those characters that can relate to right away. She was blindsided by someone she trusted and she still does not know what to do and yet she has all these other things going on around her and her rock is Billy and both of them are blind to see what is going on between them. It is so real. I love it. I also loved that I had no idea who the bad guys were in this book. Webb had me totally going oh my when I read the end.
I really can’t wait to see what happens to Rowan and Billy in the next book. I feel like there is so many ways this story can go my head is spinning and I want the next book so bad. Excellent!
The Secret We Bury gets five out of five stars.
Dr. Rowan DuPont has come home to run her family’s funeral home after her father was murdered by a serial killer who at one time she trusted. One would hope that coming home would be easy for her but it seems that death is following her in the forms of deaths from her childhood that need to be explained and a number of murders that are taking place in her hometown now. Is the serial killer coming to finish her or is there someone else after Rowan?
Luckily for her she has her best friend to help protect her who also happens to be the sheriff of the town Billy Brannigan will be at her side to get the answers Rowan needs.
I loved this book. Rowan is one of those characters that can relate to right away. She was blindsided by someone she trusted and she still does not know what to do and yet she has all these other things going on around her and her rock is Billy and both of them are blind to see what is going on between them. It is so real. I love it. I also loved that I had no idea who the bad guys were in this book. Webb had me totally going oh my when I read the end.
I really can’t wait to see what happens to Rowan and Billy in the next book. I feel like there is so many ways this story can go my head is spinning and I want the next book so bad. Excellent!
The Secret We Bury gets five out of five stars.
July 9, 2019
The Secrets We Bury was a good solid mystery and one I did enjoy. Rowan is a psychiatrist who has returned to her home town to take over the family's funeral home business. When old bones show up near the place her sister drowned years before, she finds herself pulled into a decades old mystery that could bring answers to what really happened to her sister.
As I said, I did enjoy the mystery as well as the characters. I liked Rowan even though she had a couple of TSTL moments. Thankfully, she didn't have many. I also liked her friend, Billy, the Police Chief. I'm not sure if they will eventually hook up as the series goes on, but I could see them together. There was definitely some attraction, at least on Billy's side. I'm looking forward to seeing how that goes. There was a nice twist toward the end of the book that took me by surprise.
My only gripe is that I wish I had known there was a novella that came before this one. I felt a bit lost at times when the serial killer who is stalking Rowan was brought up. I didn't feel like there was enough background given to fill in the gaps that I was missing. I'll have to go back and read The Undertaker's Daughter so I am all caught up. I'm assuming this book probably spoils the novella, so you might want to read it before this one. I'm looking forward to reading the next book, Lies We Tell when it comes out in September.
As I said, I did enjoy the mystery as well as the characters. I liked Rowan even though she had a couple of TSTL moments. Thankfully, she didn't have many. I also liked her friend, Billy, the Police Chief. I'm not sure if they will eventually hook up as the series goes on, but I could see them together. There was definitely some attraction, at least on Billy's side. I'm looking forward to seeing how that goes. There was a nice twist toward the end of the book that took me by surprise.
My only gripe is that I wish I had known there was a novella that came before this one. I felt a bit lost at times when the serial killer who is stalking Rowan was brought up. I didn't feel like there was enough background given to fill in the gaps that I was missing. I'll have to go back and read The Undertaker's Daughter so I am all caught up. I'm assuming this book probably spoils the novella, so you might want to read it before this one. I'm looking forward to reading the next book, Lies We Tell when it comes out in September.
March 20, 2020
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Secrets We Bury by Debra Webb has a lot of potential as a series opener. What initially caught my eye was the series title The Undertaker's Daughter and the fact that this is a suspenseful mystery. Plus, there's the part where the lead character grew up and now lives in the family funeral home. For some reason I had Prodigal Son, which is one of my favorite new shows, in the back of my mind while I was reading this. It's not quite like that in the ways it counts (at least for me) but the lead character was a profiler and there's a serial killer plot in this novel as well. While there's a lot to like here, it wasn't quite what I was looking for. I wasn't all that interested in any of the cast members and it wasn't nearly the page turner I was expecting. Overall, it's not a bad read in the least but just somewhat underwhelming in terms of what I was looking for.
The Secrets We Bury by Debra Webb has a lot of potential as a series opener. What initially caught my eye was the series title The Undertaker's Daughter and the fact that this is a suspenseful mystery. Plus, there's the part where the lead character grew up and now lives in the family funeral home. For some reason I had Prodigal Son, which is one of my favorite new shows, in the back of my mind while I was reading this. It's not quite like that in the ways it counts (at least for me) but the lead character was a profiler and there's a serial killer plot in this novel as well. While there's a lot to like here, it wasn't quite what I was looking for. I wasn't all that interested in any of the cast members and it wasn't nearly the page turner I was expecting. Overall, it's not a bad read in the least but just somewhat underwhelming in terms of what I was looking for.
February 10, 2019
Rowan Dupont has returned to her hometown to run her family funeral home. Winchester is the place where her twin sister drowned at 12, her mother killed herself a few months later and, her father was murdered a month ago by her mentor. Problem is that her mentor, the serial killer, has followed her home and, bodies keep showing up all over town.
Rowan's childhood friend Billy, the Chief of Police, is the only one she can really trust. Then again, she trusted her mentor, too
Strap on your seat belt and keep the lights on because, this story will take you on a thrilling, yet terrifying ride!.
Ms. Webb is fast becoming the queen of murder/mystery stories!
Rowan's childhood friend Billy, the Chief of Police, is the only one she can really trust. Then again, she trusted her mentor, too
Strap on your seat belt and keep the lights on because, this story will take you on a thrilling, yet terrifying ride!.
Ms. Webb is fast becoming the queen of murder/mystery stories!
April 17, 2023
Wow, I am just sick of people talking like they are in a soap opera. They make a statement and it's almost like there's that dramatic pause (with the dramatic music accompanying it in my head) because of course there is an underlying meaning or secret message to that statement. This went on throughout the entire book and was just ridiculous. It absolutely ruined the book for me. 2 stars
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