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Winchester, Tennessee #6
Before He Vanished
His disappearance changed her life forever.
Twenty-five years ago, Halle Lane’s best friend vanished from their Tennessee town. When a childhood photo brings Liam Hart to Winchester, Halle is certain the man is the same child who vanished. Now Liam seeks out Halle to help him investigate the circumstances of his mysterious past. Can Liam and Halle uncover the truth before a killer buries all traces of the boy Halle loved—and the man he may have become—forever?
Twenty-five years ago, Halle Lane’s best friend vanished from their Tennessee town. When a childhood photo brings Liam Hart to Winchester, Halle is certain the man is the same child who vanished. Now Liam seeks out Halle to help him investigate the circumstances of his mysterious past. Can Liam and Halle uncover the truth before a killer buries all traces of the boy Halle loved—and the man he may have become—forever?
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2020
149 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Debra Webb
551 books2,446 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 89 reviews
March 5, 2020
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
BEFORE HE VANISHED (Winchester, Tennessee Book #6) by Debra Webb is a March 2020 Harlequin Intrigue romantic suspense that had me hooked from page one and that is why Debra Webb is an automatic buy for me when I see her name on a book cover. This book is a part of a series, but is easily read as a standalone novel.
What if your best friend disappeared 25 years ago and the feature article you write on the anniversary brings a man to your office who looks like the grown version of that friend, but goes by a different name and does not remember you?
When Halle Lane was seven years old, her best friend, Andy disappeared on his way home from school.
Now 25 years later, Halle has written a feature story for the paper she writes for about her missing friend. Halle is the only reporter to get an exclusive from Andy’s mother after all these years, but Halle feels she has not been told everything.
Liam Hart is a successful vineyard owner in California. He receives a copy of a newspaper article in the mail from Winchester, Tennessee about a missing boy from 25 years ago who looks just like his childhood photos. He feels compelled to go to Winchester.
Despite Liam’s belief he is not Halle’s friend, Andy, Halle is positive that he is her missing friend. As they search for the truth, people connected to Andy are being killed. Someone wants to keep this 25-year-old mystery a secret.
I could not put this book down! The mystery/suspense kept me turning the pages well into the night. You think you have it figured out and then Ms. Webb would throw in another surprise twist. The climax was a complete surprise and I did not even consider that scenario. I loved both Halle and Liam and how they worked through everything together. The slow unfolding of Liam’s memories and the increase in their mutual attraction was paced perfectly for a novel of this length.
I highly recommend this Intrigue for a great, fast-paced read that completely satisfies!
BEFORE HE VANISHED (Winchester, Tennessee Book #6) by Debra Webb is a March 2020 Harlequin Intrigue romantic suspense that had me hooked from page one and that is why Debra Webb is an automatic buy for me when I see her name on a book cover. This book is a part of a series, but is easily read as a standalone novel.
What if your best friend disappeared 25 years ago and the feature article you write on the anniversary brings a man to your office who looks like the grown version of that friend, but goes by a different name and does not remember you?
When Halle Lane was seven years old, her best friend, Andy disappeared on his way home from school.
Now 25 years later, Halle has written a feature story for the paper she writes for about her missing friend. Halle is the only reporter to get an exclusive from Andy’s mother after all these years, but Halle feels she has not been told everything.
Liam Hart is a successful vineyard owner in California. He receives a copy of a newspaper article in the mail from Winchester, Tennessee about a missing boy from 25 years ago who looks just like his childhood photos. He feels compelled to go to Winchester.
Despite Liam’s belief he is not Halle’s friend, Andy, Halle is positive that he is her missing friend. As they search for the truth, people connected to Andy are being killed. Someone wants to keep this 25-year-old mystery a secret.
I could not put this book down! The mystery/suspense kept me turning the pages well into the night. You think you have it figured out and then Ms. Webb would throw in another surprise twist. The climax was a complete surprise and I did not even consider that scenario. I loved both Halle and Liam and how they worked through everything together. The slow unfolding of Liam’s memories and the increase in their mutual attraction was paced perfectly for a novel of this length.
I highly recommend this Intrigue for a great, fast-paced read that completely satisfies!
March 4, 2020
I am a huge fan of romantic suspense, therefore when the chance came for me to read and review Before He Vanished, I didn’t hesitate. This is the sixth book in the Winchester, Tennessee series, but there is no need to read the previous books prior to reading this one.
Halle is an investigative reporter who has been down on her luck. She lost her cushy job in Nashville and was forced to return home to Tennessee. She secured a job with the local newspaper; however, it could not compare to what she lost in Nashville. However, change came when she got the opportunity to write an article relating to the disappearance/kidnapping of her best friend, Andy Clark, twenty-five years ago.
Liam Hart received a copy of Halle’s article along with pictures of seven-year-old Andy Clark from an anonymous source. This had him flying to Winchester to seek answers regarding his resemblance to the boy in the pictures. What followed was a series of events that would not only place him and Halle in danger, but have him questioning his true identity.
Liam and Halle were wonderful characters. I enjoyed seeing them work together to solve a twenty-five-year-old mystery.
I felt for Liam. His frustration and denial leapt off the pages. It could not have been easy for him to discover that the life he had been living may have been based on lies.
This book hit all the right spots as far as the suspense aspect of the story was concerned. Mystery, intrigue and suspense permeated the pages, and it held me captive from start to finish. There was no mystery regarding Liam’s identity, however I kept turning the pages as I needed to know what happened all those years ago and who was preventing them from discovering the truth. I had my suspicions, which were close, but the revelation of the motives behind it all was shocking. Greed, power and jealousy are great motivators for criminal acts.
The mystery wrapped up nicely but the romance fell flat for me. It played a minor role which was not a problem, however I had a hard time believing the authenticity of the relationship given the situation they found themselves in and the time frame in which the events transpired. Furthermore, they had zero chemistry.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, an enjoyable read and one I would recommend to fans of romantic suspense.
Halle is an investigative reporter who has been down on her luck. She lost her cushy job in Nashville and was forced to return home to Tennessee. She secured a job with the local newspaper; however, it could not compare to what she lost in Nashville. However, change came when she got the opportunity to write an article relating to the disappearance/kidnapping of her best friend, Andy Clark, twenty-five years ago.
Liam Hart received a copy of Halle’s article along with pictures of seven-year-old Andy Clark from an anonymous source. This had him flying to Winchester to seek answers regarding his resemblance to the boy in the pictures. What followed was a series of events that would not only place him and Halle in danger, but have him questioning his true identity.
Liam and Halle were wonderful characters. I enjoyed seeing them work together to solve a twenty-five-year-old mystery.
I felt for Liam. His frustration and denial leapt off the pages. It could not have been easy for him to discover that the life he had been living may have been based on lies.
This book hit all the right spots as far as the suspense aspect of the story was concerned. Mystery, intrigue and suspense permeated the pages, and it held me captive from start to finish. There was no mystery regarding Liam’s identity, however I kept turning the pages as I needed to know what happened all those years ago and who was preventing them from discovering the truth. I had my suspicions, which were close, but the revelation of the motives behind it all was shocking. Greed, power and jealousy are great motivators for criminal acts.
The mystery wrapped up nicely but the romance fell flat for me. It played a minor role which was not a problem, however I had a hard time believing the authenticity of the relationship given the situation they found themselves in and the time frame in which the events transpired. Furthermore, they had zero chemistry.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, an enjoyable read and one I would recommend to fans of romantic suspense.
February 15, 2020
The author pulled me into this story from the first page, and kept my attention right to the end, and I loved the epilogue!
A family’s worse nightmare, I can’t even imagine, and I don’t want to! In the wake of devastation, a young woman, actually seven at the time of the loss, goes on with her life, but in reality, for twenty-five years she has grieved the loss of her best friend.
Putting the shoe on the other foot can you imagine Liam/Andy, now wondering, and unbelieving he could be the lost boy.
As we go through this journey for answers and horrible things begin happening, you will wonder and guess how things turn out, but will they be the answers you want?
There are so many bomb shells dropped here, and most I never saw coming, this one will keep you page turning!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.
A family’s worse nightmare, I can’t even imagine, and I don’t want to! In the wake of devastation, a young woman, actually seven at the time of the loss, goes on with her life, but in reality, for twenty-five years she has grieved the loss of her best friend.
Putting the shoe on the other foot can you imagine Liam/Andy, now wondering, and unbelieving he could be the lost boy.
As we go through this journey for answers and horrible things begin happening, you will wonder and guess how things turn out, but will they be the answers you want?
There are so many bomb shells dropped here, and most I never saw coming, this one will keep you page turning!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.
February 29, 2020
Halle Lane has managed to have a decent life. However, she never got over the loss of her best friend when she was a child. It is now twenty-five years later and Halle wants to figure out what happened once and for all. Meanwhile, Liam Hart, a very successful man with a profitable vineyard gets a photo that all but shatters him.
When Liam goes to Winchester, Tennessee to ask questions about why he would receive a photo that eerily reminds him of himself, imagine Halle's reaction when she sees Liam. She is more than positive that this stranger in town, Liam, is not a stranger at all - he is Andy Clark, the missing boy.
Despite Liam's strong beliefs that this must be some type of mistake, he and Halle start working together to uncover the real truth. For starters, what were the circumstances behind Andy going missing? Why did Liam receive the photograph? Halle loved Andy Clark. Is it possible Liam is actually Andy Clark? If so, where does their future lie?
Before He Vanished delivered an excellent mystery. This book had some twists and turns that truly kept me guessing. As I have read a few of Debra Webb's books, I was sure that this one would be a good read. I definitely was not disappointed. This book is the sixth in the Winchester, Tennessee series. I only read the fifth book, Witness Protection Widow, but this did perfectly well as a standalone. If there are going to be future books in the series, I am more than eager to read them.
Many thanks to Harlequin Intrigue and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
When Liam goes to Winchester, Tennessee to ask questions about why he would receive a photo that eerily reminds him of himself, imagine Halle's reaction when she sees Liam. She is more than positive that this stranger in town, Liam, is not a stranger at all - he is Andy Clark, the missing boy.
Despite Liam's strong beliefs that this must be some type of mistake, he and Halle start working together to uncover the real truth. For starters, what were the circumstances behind Andy going missing? Why did Liam receive the photograph? Halle loved Andy Clark. Is it possible Liam is actually Andy Clark? If so, where does their future lie?
Before He Vanished delivered an excellent mystery. This book had some twists and turns that truly kept me guessing. As I have read a few of Debra Webb's books, I was sure that this one would be a good read. I definitely was not disappointed. This book is the sixth in the Winchester, Tennessee series. I only read the fifth book, Witness Protection Widow, but this did perfectly well as a standalone. If there are going to be future books in the series, I am more than eager to read them.
Many thanks to Harlequin Intrigue and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
January 18, 2020
Halle Lane's best friend Andy, disappeared 25 years ago. He had never been found. Now she works as a reporter in Winchester, Tenn. and, has decided to write a follow up story about "the lost boy".
Across the country, Liam Hart receives a newspaper article with a picture of a young boy and, he has no idea why he received these things. Something tells him though, that he really needs to go to Winchester to find the reporter and, ask her why she sent this to him and what she thought to prove by doing it.
The day that Halle meets Liam, she realizes that this man is vitally important to her and, she believes she knows the reason why. On the other hand, Liam refuses to admit to or deal with what his brain is trying to tell him!
The closer they both get to the truth, the more dangerous things get and, the more explosive their feelings become toward each other.
Will they ever find the truth??!!
Across the country, Liam Hart receives a newspaper article with a picture of a young boy and, he has no idea why he received these things. Something tells him though, that he really needs to go to Winchester to find the reporter and, ask her why she sent this to him and what she thought to prove by doing it.
The day that Halle meets Liam, she realizes that this man is vitally important to her and, she believes she knows the reason why. On the other hand, Liam refuses to admit to or deal with what his brain is trying to tell him!
The closer they both get to the truth, the more dangerous things get and, the more explosive their feelings become toward each other.
Will they ever find the truth??!!
March 3, 2020
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest voluntary review. I just started reading Debra Webb's books a few months ago and I'm so glad I did. Webb draws you into another world where there are mysteries, intrigue, adventure, love, and, sometimes, sorrow. Her stories take you to Winchester, TN (or wherever) and you feel as if you have lived there your whole life and know the characters intimately. I cannot stress how much I recommend her books to others. Pick up Before He Vanished and see what I mean. You won't regret it. Enjoy! 📚
February 27, 2020
This was a perfect romantic suspense with more emphasis on the suspense. Debra Webb has outdone herself. I loved this book more than the earlier one.
Andy had vanished 25 years ago while walking home from school. Halle was his best friend. Now she was a reporter and she wrote one article about her friend which reached Liam as an anonymous letter. The two got to investigatiing the truth.
The intrigue in the story could be felt from the first few pages. The curiosity got the better of me. And what was supposed to be only a few pages before work turned out to be the complete book before work. It was that addictive. The author had combined the mystery of the disappearance and the attraction between the two main characters so well that I couldn't stop reading.
There was a sense of familiarity and comfort in the words. There was enough suspense to pique my curiosity. There was enough romance and friendship without going overboard to keep my interest going in the book. Being not well for so many days, I felt this was the perfect book where the mystery with its twists soothed my thriller-y brain and the romance, my heart.
All in all, well worth being late to work.
Andy had vanished 25 years ago while walking home from school. Halle was his best friend. Now she was a reporter and she wrote one article about her friend which reached Liam as an anonymous letter. The two got to investigatiing the truth.
The intrigue in the story could be felt from the first few pages. The curiosity got the better of me. And what was supposed to be only a few pages before work turned out to be the complete book before work. It was that addictive. The author had combined the mystery of the disappearance and the attraction between the two main characters so well that I couldn't stop reading.
There was a sense of familiarity and comfort in the words. There was enough suspense to pique my curiosity. There was enough romance and friendship without going overboard to keep my interest going in the book. Being not well for so many days, I felt this was the perfect book where the mystery with its twists soothed my thriller-y brain and the romance, my heart.
All in all, well worth being late to work.
March 5, 2020
Before He Vanished by Debra Webb has Halle Lane back in Winchester, Tennessee and working at the Winchester Gazette. Her best friend, Andy Clark disappeared twenty-five years ago on his way home from school. Andy’s mother, Nancy has never talked to a reporter. Halle is given the assignment of interviewing Nancy for an article. Halle is pleased when Nancy agrees to an interview and the article is picked up by other papers. Liam Hart gets an envelope in the mail with a copy of Halle’s article. The pictures of young Andy Clark look just like his childhood photos. Liam arrives in Winchester looking for answers. Halle is shocked when she looks in Liam’s eyes and sees those of her missing friend. Halle and Liam begin digging into the past searching for answers. Before He Vanished has such an intriguing premise (it is why I picked up this book). You cannot help but wonder what happened to Andy Clark. Is Liam really Andy or just a look alike? There is suspense, murder, mystery, romance and intrigue. The mystery moves the story forward as they search for the truth. The story moves back-and-forth between the past (then) and present (now). Before He Vanished has a clever mystery with surprising twists (my type of mystery). There is romance (of course) as Halle and Liam search for the truth. I liked the epilogue that nicely wrapped up the story. Before He Vanished can be read on its own if you have not read the other novels in A Winchester, Tennessee Thriller series (this is the sixth installment). This is the second book I have read by Debra Webb and I am looking forward to reading more. Before He Vanished is an intriguing romantic suspense with a kidnapped child, a resolved reporter, a mystified man and a curious crime.
February 15, 2020
Before He Vanished by Debra Webb is filled with a mystery that was unpredictable until the last page. This novel will grip readers long past when they should put their books down.
Halle was a mostly likeable reporter. I liked her better when she was a child and reminiscing about her and Andy. She has moved back home after losing her job in Nashville as a reporter. I actually like how the author made that a very realistic situation. Halle decides to write a story about her best friend who went missing 25 years ago.
Someone sends Liam the article and he has an uncanny resemblance to the lost boy photos. Between her article and Liam’s appearance someone wants to shut them all down.
I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery. Recommended to readers of complicated mysteries with a sprinkling of romance.
Sexual content –2 one physical scene
Violence – 3 a couple deaths, and kidnappings.
Drinking-2 Liam runs a family winery
Language 2, D@mn 14 times, b@start used twice,
I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
Halle was a mostly likeable reporter. I liked her better when she was a child and reminiscing about her and Andy. She has moved back home after losing her job in Nashville as a reporter. I actually like how the author made that a very realistic situation. Halle decides to write a story about her best friend who went missing 25 years ago.
Someone sends Liam the article and he has an uncanny resemblance to the lost boy photos. Between her article and Liam’s appearance someone wants to shut them all down.
I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery. Recommended to readers of complicated mysteries with a sprinkling of romance.
Sexual content –2 one physical scene
Violence – 3 a couple deaths, and kidnappings.
Drinking-2 Liam runs a family winery
Language 2, D@mn 14 times, b@start used twice,
I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
February 13, 2020
The Sixth book in her A Winchester, Tennessee Thriller series, once again Debra Webb gives us an incredible story. A 25-year disappearance is once again brought to the forefront as a journalist writes the story of Adam, whom was her best friend until he disappearred. This book is so well written, action packed with lots of twists and turns. If you enjoy romantic suspense you definitely will want to read this amazing book.
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from NetGalley and Harlequin and this is my fair and honest review of the book.
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from NetGalley and Harlequin and this is my fair and honest review of the book.
February 18, 2020
Keeps you guessing on the edge of your seat. Really looking forward to number 7 in this series. Superb writing that keeps the action flowing. After finishing this book I had to go back to the beginning of the series and read them all. The plot is fresh; the characters well developed; and the ending is a cliff hanger.
February 27, 2020
Halle Lane has recently returned home to Winchester Tennessee after breaking off her engagement as well as losing her job at the paper in Nashville. She is working for the local paper trying to make a name for herself. When she suggests a story about a missing boy in the 25th anniversary, her editor gives the go ahead for her to try and get an interview with the boy's mother. That is the easy part, as Halle was the missing boy's neighbour and best friend before his disappearance when they were only seven years old. When Liam Hart receives an anonymous copy of Halle's article in the mail, he realizes that he looks like the boy in the article. At his sister's insistence, he heads to Winchester to talk to this reporter and find out why someone sent him the article.
Wow, this was a great story. I was hooked from the first page and was gripped until the end. I agreed with Halle that this was Andy, her missing friend, but how and why did he end up in California? When other people end up dead, the mystery ratchets up as well as the suspense. As Liam and Halle work together, Liam begins to remember things and he and Halle realize that the feelings they had when they were little, are quickly developing into something more serious. They seem to be racing against the clock to find out what is going on before someone else ends up dead. This was a relatively short book, but the plot and characters were well developed. I felt the tension as more clues were revealed and another twist occured. I loved the ending and epilogue of this story. After everything Liam and Halle went through, they deserved a happy ending. I definitely recommend this one to those who enjoy a mystery, a romantic suspense or a story with just enough twists to lead the reader on an enjoyable search. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
Wow, this was a great story. I was hooked from the first page and was gripped until the end. I agreed with Halle that this was Andy, her missing friend, but how and why did he end up in California? When other people end up dead, the mystery ratchets up as well as the suspense. As Liam and Halle work together, Liam begins to remember things and he and Halle realize that the feelings they had when they were little, are quickly developing into something more serious. They seem to be racing against the clock to find out what is going on before someone else ends up dead. This was a relatively short book, but the plot and characters were well developed. I felt the tension as more clues were revealed and another twist occured. I loved the ending and epilogue of this story. After everything Liam and Halle went through, they deserved a happy ending. I definitely recommend this one to those who enjoy a mystery, a romantic suspense or a story with just enough twists to lead the reader on an enjoyable search. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
April 13, 2022
A good, well written suspense, mystery and investigation Mills and Boon. From their intrigue series. I almost figured out who did what and where near the end, but had a few details wrong. So, there are lots of twists and turns in the story - plenty to make me intrigued enough to read in the book in one go.
If you are looking for any actual romance in this romantic suspense book, you'll be sorely disappointed. Everything is behind closed doors, even though Liam and Halle are together most of the time. I may have given it five stars if it had even a small whiff of steam. Lol. ❄ So I class it as slow burn, but without any burn and I felt no connection between the H/h at all. Not sure why any romance was even bothered with.
I think it also suffered from a very quick and underwhelming ending. Sadly.
This is my first book by this author and I'll be reading more. Just go in not expecting romance and you'll be fine. 😍
If you are looking for any actual romance in this romantic suspense book, you'll be sorely disappointed. Everything is behind closed doors, even though Liam and Halle are together most of the time. I may have given it five stars if it had even a small whiff of steam. Lol. ❄ So I class it as slow burn, but without any burn and I felt no connection between the H/h at all. Not sure why any romance was even bothered with.
I think it also suffered from a very quick and underwhelming ending. Sadly.
This is my first book by this author and I'll be reading more. Just go in not expecting romance and you'll be fine. 😍
March 23, 2020
This really is an intriguing read, with great characters, an excellent plot and a surprising twist!
Halle Lane is a journalist who has returned to her Tennessee home town after a disastrous end to her marriage also resulted in the end of her job there. She’s working on the local bi-weekly paper and hopes to be able to carry out more investigative journalism. She suggests they do a feature regarding the disappearance of her childhood best friend and neighbour, Adam, as this will be the twenty-fifth anniversary of that event. Little did she know just what she’d trigger or the surprises in store for her!
A copy of the article she wrote is sent to Liam Hart and he’s astonished to see photographs of his younger self included in it. How could he be that missing child? What is the explanation? He’s determined to find out and travels to speak with the journalist concerned.
Halle is convinced that Liam is the same person she knew as a child. He can’t believe it. However, he has flash backs to memories and wants to know more. As the two work together to uncover the truth, there will be unexpected consequences, including murders and kidnapping. The childhood friendship and connection is still there but will that be enough to help them solve the mystery and live to tell the tale?
This story is a real page turner that had me engrossed from the start. The characters are well developed and easy to relate to and the romance grows as the story progresses. There are plenty of leads to be followed but all are not what they purport to be, placing them both in danger. This is another fantastic read by Debra Webb and I have no hesitation in highly recommending it to anyone who enjoys reading intriguing romantic suspense!
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and being unable to put it down until I’d finished it!
Halle Lane is a journalist who has returned to her Tennessee home town after a disastrous end to her marriage also resulted in the end of her job there. She’s working on the local bi-weekly paper and hopes to be able to carry out more investigative journalism. She suggests they do a feature regarding the disappearance of her childhood best friend and neighbour, Adam, as this will be the twenty-fifth anniversary of that event. Little did she know just what she’d trigger or the surprises in store for her!
A copy of the article she wrote is sent to Liam Hart and he’s astonished to see photographs of his younger self included in it. How could he be that missing child? What is the explanation? He’s determined to find out and travels to speak with the journalist concerned.
Halle is convinced that Liam is the same person she knew as a child. He can’t believe it. However, he has flash backs to memories and wants to know more. As the two work together to uncover the truth, there will be unexpected consequences, including murders and kidnapping. The childhood friendship and connection is still there but will that be enough to help them solve the mystery and live to tell the tale?
This story is a real page turner that had me engrossed from the start. The characters are well developed and easy to relate to and the romance grows as the story progresses. There are plenty of leads to be followed but all are not what they purport to be, placing them both in danger. This is another fantastic read by Debra Webb and I have no hesitation in highly recommending it to anyone who enjoys reading intriguing romantic suspense!
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and being unable to put it down until I’d finished it!
February 9, 2020
This is the 6th book in the Winchester, TN series and I have to say (in my opinion) this was one of the best so far.
I love this series!!! There are great characters, investigating reporting, kidnapping, with lots of thrills, twists, turns, and page turning.
If you've never read anything by Debra Webb, do yourself and favor and start with this series, you won't be disappointed.
#Halle #Liam #Andy #Intrigue #Loved it
I love this series!!! There are great characters, investigating reporting, kidnapping, with lots of thrills, twists, turns, and page turning.
If you've never read anything by Debra Webb, do yourself and favor and start with this series, you won't be disappointed.
#Halle #Liam #Andy #Intrigue #Loved it
November 29, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. Never expected what the end would be.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
February 18, 2020
Halle Lane’s best childhood friend, Andy disappeared when they were 7. Now, twenty five years later she is a journalist who wants to write a story about the disappearance. After her story is printed a man bearing a striking resemblance to Andy comes to town.
Halle is convinced he is actually Andy.
I knew this story had a twist and I thought I had it figured out, but I only guessed part of it. This is a romantic suspense book that will have you turning the pages to find out what happens. I read it in one sitting. Thank you to the author for an advanced copy for a fair review.
Halle is convinced he is actually Andy.
I knew this story had a twist and I thought I had it figured out, but I only guessed part of it. This is a romantic suspense book that will have you turning the pages to find out what happens. I read it in one sitting. Thank you to the author for an advanced copy for a fair review.
February 16, 2021
When Halle Lane writes a story about the disappearance of Andy Clark 25 years ago she sets off a chain of events no one saw coming. Now when her next door neighbor is brutally murdered, who also is the mother of the boy who disappeared she is determined to find out what happened to Andy Clark.
January 7, 2022
Great suspense book ,with an awesome romantic ending. Debra Webb is one of my top 5 favorite authors,she never disappoints
January 27, 2020
4.5 stars
This is another in the Winchester, Tennessee, series by Debra Webb and one of the best ones. Deb weaves a tale that draws you in until the very end. The plot has a surprise twist with a happy ending.
This is another in the Winchester, Tennessee, series by Debra Webb and one of the best ones. Deb weaves a tale that draws you in until the very end. The plot has a surprise twist with a happy ending.
March 17, 2020
E-Galley from Harlequin Intrigue and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Halle Lane has been haunted by the disappearance of her best friend when they were seven years old. Now, twenty-five years later, Halle is an investigative reporter. She writes an article about the unsolved case and that is the beginning of a new round of crimes connected to the story. Liam Hart, a California winemaker, receives a mysterious letter that contains a copy of Halle’s article. He’s intrigued enough to fly to Tennessee to look into the case. He didn’t expect to find out that his life has possibly been a lie. Can Halle convince him to help her solve the case before more people are hurt? This is a fast-paced mystery seasoned lightly with romance (closed door). A quick read that I enjoyed and recommend to fans of Debra Webb and the Harlequin Intrigue imprint.
Halle Lane has been haunted by the disappearance of her best friend when they were seven years old. Now, twenty-five years later, Halle is an investigative reporter. She writes an article about the unsolved case and that is the beginning of a new round of crimes connected to the story. Liam Hart, a California winemaker, receives a mysterious letter that contains a copy of Halle’s article. He’s intrigued enough to fly to Tennessee to look into the case. He didn’t expect to find out that his life has possibly been a lie. Can Halle convince him to help her solve the case before more people are hurt? This is a fast-paced mystery seasoned lightly with romance (closed door). A quick read that I enjoyed and recommend to fans of Debra Webb and the Harlequin Intrigue imprint.
March 10, 2020
⁹Thank You Debra for sharing this book with me because love the intriguing story that you have given to me. I love when you let us return to Winchester, Tennessee 25 yrs ago a little boy went missing . Hallie Lane a reporter wanted to find what happend to here friend Andy Clark and report the story the true at what happen. Hallie was in a meeting with all the other reporters and just shouted out ,'the lost boy' and Audrey the owner of the newspaper said, ' you think you can get something go ahead'.Andy and Hallie had been childhood friends so she was sure she would get something. No one else could get anything but Hallie was the one who was able to get something . She went and saw Mrs. Clark and they talk and Hallie got the story she needed. Then a young gentlemen in California got the artical thought it was strange he didn't know the boy but then he looked alot like him. Liam Hart was his name and he looked alot like Andy Clark he thought his sister was playing a joke one him so he asked her and told him it wasn't her. She told him to go and look and got the reporter and ask her. So he got intrigue to find out who sent this and why. He looked at all the family photos and none of him at the age at that age so he began to wonder so he went to Winchester like she had suggested and she hadn't sent it. Then he was beginning to remember things and it wasn't because of Hallie telling him and going over things it was the places the people. Hallie and Liam started to looking around and investagating people who where involed in the case when Andy went missing. They where find the information they thought where helpful! But Hallie wondered was Andy gone forever or had she found the best friend she loved.
Wincherster, Tennessee has always made me feel like you will always find what you are looking for but you have to keep reading to find the ending of the story. Debra did a fabulous job with book and I hope you enjoyed it as much as i did,
Wincherster, Tennessee has always made me feel like you will always find what you are looking for but you have to keep reading to find the ending of the story. Debra did a fabulous job with book and I hope you enjoyed it as much as i did,
March 4, 2020
Once again, Debra Webb has woven a mesmerizing tale of romantic suspense that made me keep reading late into the night. Halle Lane is a reporter who has moved from Nashville to Winchester, Tennessee after a debacle in her career. There she is reminded of her loss of her childhood friend Andy Clark who disappeared on his way home from school one day when the friends were only seven years old. The way the author used two time periods, “now” and “then” was absolutely masterful, drawing me into the story quickly as I wanted to know what happened to Andy. When Halle writes a story about Andy, she draws the attention of Liam Hart, a winery owner who lives in California but who was mysteriously sent a copy of the article. The twists at the end of the book were totally unexpected, but the happy ending was a normal part of the Harlequin Intrigue series. I thoroughly enjoyed this book of kidnapping, subterfuge and investigative reporting, and I am convinced that fans of romantic suspense will not want to miss out on this one!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book 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.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book 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.”
January 12, 2020
Thank you Debra Webb for the ARC of Before He Vanished that I read and reviewed on my own.
I loved this book from start to finish and all I can say about the curve that Webb threw in at the end is I did not see that coming at all and I loved it. Halle and Liam were two characters that as a reader you had no choice but to fall in love with and root for. I loved their story in this book and how it was told in both past and present as they are trying to figure out if Liam is really Andy, the lost boy, that Halle was best friends with as a child and has missed for the past twenty five years.
I am not going to go into this book much more because it is one that you have to read yourself. If you are looking for a great book that will take you on an emotional ride this book will do it.
Before He Vanished gets five out of five stars.
I loved this book from start to finish and all I can say about the curve that Webb threw in at the end is I did not see that coming at all and I loved it. Halle and Liam were two characters that as a reader you had no choice but to fall in love with and root for. I loved their story in this book and how it was told in both past and present as they are trying to figure out if Liam is really Andy, the lost boy, that Halle was best friends with as a child and has missed for the past twenty five years.
I am not going to go into this book much more because it is one that you have to read yourself. If you are looking for a great book that will take you on an emotional ride this book will do it.
Before He Vanished gets five out of five stars.
January 21, 2020
When Liam Hart sees a photo of a little boy who could be his twin, he’s headed to Tennessee to find out who this child could be. Halle is certain this grown man is her long-lost childhood friend, Andy, who disappeared 25 years ago. Follow Andy and Halle as they face great danger to uncover secrets of the past while discovering again their love for each other. Another awesome book by Debra Webb!
February 18, 2020
Another outstanding visit to Winchester Tennessee...
These last two intrigues are so good...
Edge of your seat, mystery and suspense. I really enjoyed Halle & Liam’s story was so good...
These last two intrigues are so good...
Edge of your seat, mystery and suspense. I really enjoyed Halle & Liam’s story was so good...
January 10, 2020
This book is well worth reading. It is full of suspense. I can usually figure out mysteries. This one I could not. Characters are loveable. You must read.
May 3, 2021
Thank you Debra for another fantastic book. I would recommend this book I was unable to put it down.
May 4, 2020
Before we start out, I’m getting this out of the way because I will forget to do it if I don’t. I got a review copy from the publisher so I could do my read and review thing. In other words. Per FTC guidelines so I won’t get fined, I’m telling you, the reader, that I got a free book to read from the publisher so I could review it! This doesn’t influence me in any manner because I am an opinionated woman who doesn’t know how to not speak her mind. But I don’t feel like paying the government money for not mentioning the free book thing, so here we are, stuck in this never-ending cycle of having to mention this. I got a free book to read from the publisher so I could talk about whether I liked it or not. Shocking, I know.
We’re returning to Winchester, Tennessee once again today with Before He Vanished and I am actually pretty excited to tell you that Debra Webb delivers two of my favourite tropes to me on a silver platter and I enjoyed every page of it! I’m talking about best friends to lovers and traumatic forgotten childhoods. Oh, my gods, that sounds so bad, but honestly, it’s a “samesies” relatable thing, I swear. Halle Lane and Andy Clark were best friends attached at the hip their entire childhood until Andy disappeared one day when they were seven. Twenty-five years later, Halle is an investigative reporter at the Winchester Gazette and takes the opportunity to launch an investigative series of articles on the anniversary of her friend’s disappearance. And somebody (I love mysterious somebodies) sends her article to Liam Hart in Napa, California. Liam and his sister, Claire, are both surprised to see little Liam’s face in an article about a missing kid from Tennessee twenty-five years ago. Liam’s steadfast that it’s a joke, but Claire’s more open to the idea and suggests he go to Tennessee. I like Claires. They’re always so astute. I need a Claire in my life, please.
The thing that really rubbed. Halle and Liam vacillate between their past and present relationships, Halle likens Liam to Andy every time you turn a page, understandably, but I do wonder if the romance is between Halle and Liam or Halle and Andy. Yes, they're the same guy, but does she love adult Liam because he's Andy and she never got to see that childhood first love thing through or not? I don't really see that explored in the book. The same goes for Liam. Halle was Andy's #1 everything, and twenty-five years later, he has her in his face again and is he Andy or is he Liam? Does he like Halle or did Andy and he's just seeing it through? And this really bothered me, okay?
Before He Vanished was a joy to read in that Webb spins the story in a way that you expect and then she hits you from behind with another twist and you sit there trying to figure out how you got there. I know I said in my previous Winchester review that I was a bit disappointed in the ending, but this time, Webb tied my ends up nice and neat for me, and she gave me cute childhood memories to boot! Before He Vanished has low-heat romance and a couple murders to be solved, oodles of intrigue, and just a splash predictability.
Now, as per usual, I have content warnings for you! If you feel that forewarned is forearmed, all you need to do is click the reveal button and you have the content and trigger warnings. As always, please practise care in your readings if any of these might be problematic for you, and if you have any questions about them, please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about them, I'll try my best to remember the details if I can't look them up! Please note that these warnings do contain spoiler materials.
Overall, I’m going to be giving Before He Vanished 4 stars and just 1 flame for heat. I’ve enjoyed finding Winchester, Tennessee and I’ve actually bought the The Undertaker’s Daughter series to read in my down-time so I’m obviously recommending this to y’all. This book is available wherever Harlequin romances are sold, so go check it out for yourself.
This has been a review from Once Upon a Time, I Read a Book, if you liked this, y'all should really check out my blog for more of my weirdness.
We’re returning to Winchester, Tennessee once again today with Before He Vanished and I am actually pretty excited to tell you that Debra Webb delivers two of my favourite tropes to me on a silver platter and I enjoyed every page of it! I’m talking about best friends to lovers and traumatic forgotten childhoods. Oh, my gods, that sounds so bad, but honestly, it’s a “samesies” relatable thing, I swear. Halle Lane and Andy Clark were best friends attached at the hip their entire childhood until Andy disappeared one day when they were seven. Twenty-five years later, Halle is an investigative reporter at the Winchester Gazette and takes the opportunity to launch an investigative series of articles on the anniversary of her friend’s disappearance. And somebody (I love mysterious somebodies) sends her article to Liam Hart in Napa, California. Liam and his sister, Claire, are both surprised to see little Liam’s face in an article about a missing kid from Tennessee twenty-five years ago. Liam’s steadfast that it’s a joke, but Claire’s more open to the idea and suggests he go to Tennessee. I like Claires. They’re always so astute. I need a Claire in my life, please.
The thing that really rubbed. Halle and Liam vacillate between their past and present relationships, Halle likens Liam to Andy every time you turn a page, understandably, but I do wonder if the romance is between Halle and Liam or Halle and Andy. Yes, they're the same guy, but does she love adult Liam because he's Andy and she never got to see that childhood first love thing through or not? I don't really see that explored in the book. The same goes for Liam. Halle was Andy's #1 everything, and twenty-five years later, he has her in his face again and is he Andy or is he Liam? Does he like Halle or did Andy and he's just seeing it through? And this really bothered me, okay?
Before He Vanished was a joy to read in that Webb spins the story in a way that you expect and then she hits you from behind with another twist and you sit there trying to figure out how you got there. I know I said in my previous Winchester review that I was a bit disappointed in the ending, but this time, Webb tied my ends up nice and neat for me, and she gave me cute childhood memories to boot! Before He Vanished has low-heat romance and a couple murders to be solved, oodles of intrigue, and just a splash predictability.
Now, as per usual, I have content warnings for you! If you feel that forewarned is forearmed, all you need to do is click the reveal button and you have the content and trigger warnings. As always, please practise care in your readings if any of these might be problematic for you, and if you have any questions about them, please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about them, I'll try my best to remember the details if I can't look them up! Please note that these warnings do contain spoiler materials.
Overall, I’m going to be giving Before He Vanished 4 stars and just 1 flame for heat. I’ve enjoyed finding Winchester, Tennessee and I’ve actually bought the The Undertaker’s Daughter series to read in my down-time so I’m obviously recommending this to y’all. This book is available wherever Harlequin romances are sold, so go check it out for yourself.
This has been a review from Once Upon a Time, I Read a Book, if you liked this, y'all should really check out my blog for more of my weirdness.
March 10, 2020
Romantic suspense virtuoso Debra Webb is back with a nail-biting page-turner which once again kept me reading all through the night: Before He Vanished, the latest stand-alone instalment in her fabulous, Winchester, Tennessee series.
Halle Lane never imagined that her life would turn out like this. Back home after she was let go from her job and the breakdown of her marriage, Halle is eking out a living working as a journalist in a small town where she is relegated to covering stories her colleagues are not interested in. Halle would love nothing more than to be back in the field chasing exciting leads and writing thrilling copy like she used to in Nashville before things went south for her. However, could being back home end up giving Halle not just the story of a lifetime, but the chance to solve a decades old mystery involving her childhood best friend who had vanished off the face of the earth twenty-five years ago? Halle finds herself bringing to the fore long-buried secrets and old demons that had lain dormant for nearly three decades, but is she ready to go down dark and twisted roads that could plunge her into all manner of danger and jeopardy? Halle must tread with caution because one wrong move could end up ruining everything and she could end up paying the ultimate price for her curiosity…
Liam Hart had always believed that he had the perfect childhood. Adored by his parents and brought up in a safe and loving environment, Liam had always thought that he knew who he was and where he came from – until he received a newspaper cutting that ends up shaking the foundation of his entire world. Liam is flabbergasted when he sees his childhood photo staring up at him from a newspaper article from twenty-five years ago about a missing child. As all manner of questions come to the fore about a past which seems shrouded in mystery and secrets, Liam realizes that the only way he can find the answers to his questions is if he goes to Winchester himself and speaks to the reporter investigating this story, Halle Lane.
Halle is convinced that Liam is her childhood friend and as together they begin to piece the shattered fragments of what really happened twenty-five years ago, they find themselves developing an attraction to one another. As their feelings for each other intensify, Liam and Halle realize that if they want to get to the truth about what happened twenty-five years ago, then they must work together because they do not have a lot of time on their hands as a dangerous killer is on the loose determined to keep the past buried.
Debra Webb certainly knows how to make her readers’ hearts pound and she does this and more in her latest novel, Before He Vanished. Expertly intertwining romance, emotion, danger and suspense, Before He Vanished is a captivating, thrilling and immensely enjoyable tale that will keep readers on the edge of their seats throughout.
Halle and Liam are two terrific characters who are wonderfully written, brilliantly rendered and sure to have readers cheering for them as they find themselves totally caught up in their mesmerizing story.
When readers pick up a novel by Debra Webb, they know they are in good hands and Before He Vanished is another phenomenal read from this outstanding storyteller.
Halle Lane never imagined that her life would turn out like this. Back home after she was let go from her job and the breakdown of her marriage, Halle is eking out a living working as a journalist in a small town where she is relegated to covering stories her colleagues are not interested in. Halle would love nothing more than to be back in the field chasing exciting leads and writing thrilling copy like she used to in Nashville before things went south for her. However, could being back home end up giving Halle not just the story of a lifetime, but the chance to solve a decades old mystery involving her childhood best friend who had vanished off the face of the earth twenty-five years ago? Halle finds herself bringing to the fore long-buried secrets and old demons that had lain dormant for nearly three decades, but is she ready to go down dark and twisted roads that could plunge her into all manner of danger and jeopardy? Halle must tread with caution because one wrong move could end up ruining everything and she could end up paying the ultimate price for her curiosity…
Liam Hart had always believed that he had the perfect childhood. Adored by his parents and brought up in a safe and loving environment, Liam had always thought that he knew who he was and where he came from – until he received a newspaper cutting that ends up shaking the foundation of his entire world. Liam is flabbergasted when he sees his childhood photo staring up at him from a newspaper article from twenty-five years ago about a missing child. As all manner of questions come to the fore about a past which seems shrouded in mystery and secrets, Liam realizes that the only way he can find the answers to his questions is if he goes to Winchester himself and speaks to the reporter investigating this story, Halle Lane.
Halle is convinced that Liam is her childhood friend and as together they begin to piece the shattered fragments of what really happened twenty-five years ago, they find themselves developing an attraction to one another. As their feelings for each other intensify, Liam and Halle realize that if they want to get to the truth about what happened twenty-five years ago, then they must work together because they do not have a lot of time on their hands as a dangerous killer is on the loose determined to keep the past buried.
Debra Webb certainly knows how to make her readers’ hearts pound and she does this and more in her latest novel, Before He Vanished. Expertly intertwining romance, emotion, danger and suspense, Before He Vanished is a captivating, thrilling and immensely enjoyable tale that will keep readers on the edge of their seats throughout.
Halle and Liam are two terrific characters who are wonderfully written, brilliantly rendered and sure to have readers cheering for them as they find themselves totally caught up in their mesmerizing story.
When readers pick up a novel by Debra Webb, they know they are in good hands and Before He Vanished is another phenomenal read from this outstanding storyteller.
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