What do you think?
Rate this book
Popular crime blogger Lara Franklin will stop at nothing to find the facts in a case--even putting herself in the position of the victim. When Lara submits her DNA to a genealogy site as part of an upcoming segment, she gets a lot more than she bargained for. Can she find the true facts in the biggest case of her life before it's too late? The only thing stopping her is...THE LIE.
Don't miss this brand-new series from the bestselling authors of the STORMWATCH and BREAKDOWN series! Coming in December 2020 in ebook and paperback!
THE LIE Debra Webb (December 2)
BLOOD STRANGERS Vicki Hinze (December 9)
SAVAGE BEAUTY Peggy Webb (December 16)
DEADLY REFLECTIONS Regan Black (December 23)
FATAL DECEPTIONS Cindy Gerard (December 30)
Don't miss this brand-new series from the bestselling authors of the STORMWATCH and BREAKDOWN series! Coming in December 2020 in ebook and paperback!
THE LIE Debra Webb (December 2)
BLOOD STRANGERS Vicki Hinze (December 9)
SAVAGE BEAUTY Peggy Webb (December 16)
DEADLY REFLECTIONS Regan Black (December 23)
FATAL DECEPTIONS Cindy Gerard (December 30)
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2020
About the author
Debra Webb
554 books2,477 followersDEBRA WEBB is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 180 novels, including reader favorites the Finley O'Sullivan and Devlin & Falco series. She is the recipient of the prestigious Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Romantic Suspense as well as numerous Reviewers Choice Awards. In 2012 Debra was honored as the first recipient of the esteemed L. A. Banks Warrior Woman Award for her courage, strength, and grace in the face of adversity. Recently Debra was awarded the distinguished Centennial Award for having achieved publication of her 100th novel.
With more than ten million books in print in numerous languages and countries, Debra’s love of storytelling goes back to her childhood when her mother bought her an old typewriter in a tag sale. Born in Alabama, Debra grew up on a farm. She spent every available hour exploring the world around her and creating her stories. She wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the Commanding General of the US Army in Berlin behind the Iron Curtain and a five-year stint in NASA’s Shuttle Program that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has expanded her work into some of the darkest places the human psyche dares to go. Visit Debra at www.debrawebb.com.
With more than ten million books in print in numerous languages and countries, Debra’s love of storytelling goes back to her childhood when her mother bought her an old typewriter in a tag sale. Born in Alabama, Debra grew up on a farm. She spent every available hour exploring the world around her and creating her stories. She wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the Commanding General of the US Army in Berlin behind the Iron Curtain and a five-year stint in NASA’s Shuttle Program that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has expanded her work into some of the darkest places the human psyche dares to go. Visit Debra at www.debrawebb.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 2, 2020
A fast-paced thriller with characters that are unbelievably smart, intuitive and likable! The story is the unusual tale of a young woman named Lara who writes a popular true crime blog, only to find herself in the middle of an investigation into the career of a prolific serial killer. With the help of FBI agent and friend Nate, Lara sets out to discover the truth about the identity of the Butcher. There are some really creepy scenes in this book and the descriptions of the kill scenes are not for the faint of heart, but they certainly kept me mesmerized and reading late into the night. Lara is determined to discover who the Butcher is and Nate is equally determined to protect her from the long reach of a man who has killed throughout the U.S. for decades. In her quest, Lara will have to face the truth of her own family background and how her own mother may have lied to her to protect her from the truth. The line between lies and truth is a narrow one that fascinated me throughout the book as I read with great anticipation the story of a young woman living with a lie. Fans of thriller and suspense will enjoy this book as it provides a great escape into the world of crime and family drama.
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.”
February 9, 2023
“Normal is what you believe. It is what you have lived. Uncovering the secrets and lies can change everything. A new normal must be reconciled.”
Lara Franklin writes a popular true crime blog and is so meticulous in her investigations that she has helped solve 2 cases with the police. Now she wants to solve a personal case – who she is and more information about her ancestry. Her mother recently died, and her father passed when she was very young under hushed circumstances. When the results comes back, she is shocked to hear that she is potentially related to The Butcher, a serial killer who has been quiet recently. She also finds out that her mother was not forthcoming with information about her father. DNA results indicate she could really be related to this murderer based on samples found at two homicide locations. Who then is the person buried as her father? Along with her friend from the FBI Nate, they return to her mother’s home to uncover any new information and discover a person who might have known both her parents. Devin Wynwood was a army buddy of her father’s and who offered some additional information about Lara’s father and mother. At the same time, Lara begins to receive cryptic emails to her blog account that are creepy. Who is keeping the biggest lie? And how will it play out in Lara’s life now? The story keeps you guessing and intrigued throughout the book.
“The decision to dig into your past is not one to take lightly. You may discover that there are some secrets best left buried.”
Lara Franklin writes a popular true crime blog and is so meticulous in her investigations that she has helped solve 2 cases with the police. Now she wants to solve a personal case – who she is and more information about her ancestry. Her mother recently died, and her father passed when she was very young under hushed circumstances. When the results comes back, she is shocked to hear that she is potentially related to The Butcher, a serial killer who has been quiet recently. She also finds out that her mother was not forthcoming with information about her father. DNA results indicate she could really be related to this murderer based on samples found at two homicide locations. Who then is the person buried as her father? Along with her friend from the FBI Nate, they return to her mother’s home to uncover any new information and discover a person who might have known both her parents. Devin Wynwood was a army buddy of her father’s and who offered some additional information about Lara’s father and mother. At the same time, Lara begins to receive cryptic emails to her blog account that are creepy. Who is keeping the biggest lie? And how will it play out in Lara’s life now? The story keeps you guessing and intrigued throughout the book.
“The decision to dig into your past is not one to take lightly. You may discover that there are some secrets best left buried.”
November 7, 2020
The Lie is the first book in the Behind Closed Doors: Family Secret series each book a stand alone written by different authors. The first book is written by Debra Webb, and was a action packed suspenseful read. Can a DNA test change your life? Lara is searching for answers after everything she has believed her whole life changes as the results of a test. I loved this book and would suggest it to everyone.
I received an ARC from one of the authors, but was under no obligation to leave a favorable review all opinions expressed here are my own.
I received an ARC from one of the authors, but was under no obligation to leave a favorable review all opinions expressed here are my own.
December 10, 2020
First I have to say I am a big fan of Debra Webb and love every book she has ever written that I have read.
Love books based in Tennessee from this author..
Lara, Has taken a trip home for her moms funeral. Sad trip but this one has to be done..
Selling moms place soon.
Finding secrets....thats been kept for Years.
Lara, And her mother were always close... But there were things her mother didn't tell her things she will find out.
Lara thinking her Dad Died before she was born.
He was sent home. In a Box.
He was a military man.
Because that's what's mom has always said .
The Truth will come to light.
With it . Things will not Be as they seem.
I Loved the Twist this Story has..
I know you will. Grab your copy
Soon.
Coming December 1st.
2020....
Love books based in Tennessee from this author..
Lara, Has taken a trip home for her moms funeral. Sad trip but this one has to be done..
Selling moms place soon.
Finding secrets....thats been kept for Years.
Lara, And her mother were always close... But there were things her mother didn't tell her things she will find out.
Lara thinking her Dad Died before she was born.
He was sent home. In a Box.
He was a military man.
Because that's what's mom has always said .
The Truth will come to light.
With it . Things will not Be as they seem.
I Loved the Twist this Story has..
I know you will. Grab your copy
Soon.
Coming December 1st.
2020....
February 26, 2021
Loved this! Gripped by the mystery, interesting twists and turns. I also loved the relationship!
November 17, 2020
Debra took me back to Tennessee for another amazing story that kept me reading it.
Lara Franklin was a blogger and blogged about solving crimes. She made a friend in the FBI who helped her if she had questions. They had become friends of 5 years. When she was younger she was told by her mother that her father had died after being deployed. Then her mother died and she has to go to Tennessee to take her family home and while she is there she buys a little cottages and lives in it for a while. She continues her blogging from there and decides to a DNA test to find out more about yourself all she could find was her mother and her mothers parents and grandparents. Then one night she fell asleep with a glass of wine in her hand dropped and scared her so she went to get up and step right into it. Went and cleaned and bandaged her toe and where ever she got the glass in it. She heard the door slam shut. So after she is cleaning up the mess on the porch. She was looking out the window out the water and when she turned around there was a man on her porch. She couldn't go anywhere so she went to the door and answered it. He answer hello Lara we need to talk. She could tell who this was he was an FBI Agent Nate Decker and what did he want and how did he find me ! He told her they need to talk and she said come on in. They talked what he was there and asked if she would help catch The Butcher. Yes only on her terms and she gave them and relayed them. This is a very suspenseful story I could read it over and over again.
You made this one a very powerful and very suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat and couldn't put it down. I loved loved it Debra this is one I will be buying for my birthday because it comes out right before it .
Lara Franklin was a blogger and blogged about solving crimes. She made a friend in the FBI who helped her if she had questions. They had become friends of 5 years. When she was younger she was told by her mother that her father had died after being deployed. Then her mother died and she has to go to Tennessee to take her family home and while she is there she buys a little cottages and lives in it for a while. She continues her blogging from there and decides to a DNA test to find out more about yourself all she could find was her mother and her mothers parents and grandparents. Then one night she fell asleep with a glass of wine in her hand dropped and scared her so she went to get up and step right into it. Went and cleaned and bandaged her toe and where ever she got the glass in it. She heard the door slam shut. So after she is cleaning up the mess on the porch. She was looking out the window out the water and when she turned around there was a man on her porch. She couldn't go anywhere so she went to the door and answered it. He answer hello Lara we need to talk. She could tell who this was he was an FBI Agent Nate Decker and what did he want and how did he find me ! He told her they need to talk and she said come on in. They talked what he was there and asked if she would help catch The Butcher. Yes only on her terms and she gave them and relayed them. This is a very suspenseful story I could read it over and over again.
You made this one a very powerful and very suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat and couldn't put it down. I loved loved it Debra this is one I will be buying for my birthday because it comes out right before it .
December 2, 2020
Lara Franklin writes a True Crime blog that is amazingly successful. She had to come home to Maple Ridge, TN. when her mother died to deal with the estate and choose to either keep or, sell her mother's house. Instead, she buys a cottage on the lake because, it is quiet and peaceful. Lara wants to go back to New York but, is not ready. Lara loved her mother but, never really knew her father as her mother told her he died in the war. She has been friends with Nate Decker, an FBI agent who has e-mailed and texted with her for 5 years.. He suddenly tells her he is coming to visit because he needs to discuss something with her.
When Nate arrives and, tells Lara he has her DNA results from a test she sent in and, who she is related to by blood, the hunt is on.
This is a story you don't want to miss or, put down until you've finished!
When Nate arrives and, tells Lara he has her DNA results from a test she sent in and, who she is related to by blood, the hunt is on.
This is a story you don't want to miss or, put down until you've finished!
December 3, 2020
DNA doesn't lie.
Lara a crime blogger discovers a terrifying truth while doing a simple activity for her own blog and finding out the consequences of her search brings disastrous results. With the help of an FBI friend of 5 years, she starts to learn truths about her life that were better left alone. Discovering the lies that she always believed to be true turns her life and those around her in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Debra Webb weaves a tale that could happen to anyone of us in a way that brings you to invest in the characters and the story. You are kept on the edge of your seat with each turn of the page. This first book in the Behind Closed Doors series is a standalone book that is an amazing thrill ride you don't want to miss.
If you have never read any Debra Webb books and you love a great thriller than you must pick up this read!
Lara a crime blogger discovers a terrifying truth while doing a simple activity for her own blog and finding out the consequences of her search brings disastrous results. With the help of an FBI friend of 5 years, she starts to learn truths about her life that were better left alone. Discovering the lies that she always believed to be true turns her life and those around her in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Debra Webb weaves a tale that could happen to anyone of us in a way that brings you to invest in the characters and the story. You are kept on the edge of your seat with each turn of the page. This first book in the Behind Closed Doors series is a standalone book that is an amazing thrill ride you don't want to miss.
If you have never read any Debra Webb books and you love a great thriller than you must pick up this read!
September 4, 2024
Crime blogger Lara Franklin, has an uncanny understanding of murderers. A serial killer is on the loose. With the advent of DNA and its use in solving crimes, Lara narrows in on the "Butcher" being back on the scene. She had personal experience of a killer when she was kidnapped in NYC. Lara managed to escape. Lara is living in an old cottage on her mom's property to get away from the memories. Her mother is gone now but Lara feels comfort from being near her mom's house and the lake nearby.
Nate, a friend through phone calls and emails, shows up on her doorstep. He is an FBI agent who has given her help for her crime blogging. His presence is welcomed but the reason for his visit is not. DNA has been discovered at two different sites from where the "Butcher" struck. He needs to prepare Lara for the results.
A fast-paced thriller that will keep you on the edge up until the very end.
Nate, a friend through phone calls and emails, shows up on her doorstep. He is an FBI agent who has given her help for her crime blogging. His presence is welcomed but the reason for his visit is not. DNA has been discovered at two different sites from where the "Butcher" struck. He needs to prepare Lara for the results.
A fast-paced thriller that will keep you on the edge up until the very end.
December 2, 2020
Absolutely five star writing. Debra Webb writes The Lie, book 1 of 5 the continuing series Behind Closed Doors: Family Secrets. I really enjoy Debra Webbs books all of them. This one gives a new twist to something that’s happening in the world now - finding killers through DNA. This book kept me on the edge throughout. Keeping you page turning late into the night wondering and fearing what’s next, but also sharing a new relationship growing with characters you can really like FBI agent Nate and famous blogger Lara. The author keeps you in suspense throughout and with an element of fear as well. Knowing there is an evil that walks free and could be after Lara. Now I have to get to Book 2 by Vicki Hinze Blood Strangers.
November 6, 2020
This book is the first book in the Behind Closed Doors: Family Secrets series which consists of stand alone books by top romantic suspense authors. The Lie by Debra Webb kicks off this star studded series.
I can loved this book. Lara and Nate were fun to read about together and this story about a true crime blogger who finds out that her DNA is the match of a serial killer is a great story line. It is almost the worst nightmare for everyone who runs their DNA on those sites. I loved how this story unfolded and how you never really knew who the killer was.
This is another great story by Debra Webb and it gets five out of five stars!
I can loved this book. Lara and Nate were fun to read about together and this story about a true crime blogger who finds out that her DNA is the match of a serial killer is a great story line. It is almost the worst nightmare for everyone who runs their DNA on those sites. I loved how this story unfolded and how you never really knew who the killer was.
This is another great story by Debra Webb and it gets five out of five stars!
December 1, 2020
The Lie is the fist book in the Behind closed doors, family secrets series.
Every book in this series is written by a different author.
The Lie is a suspenseful intriguing story!
Lara goes home for her mother’s funeral and that’s when she finds out the secrets.
about her past. I don’t do spoilers so uou just have to pick up this book and read it, you won’t be disappointed! I absolutely loved it! Another great book written by Debra Webb. Definitely 5 stars!!
I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series,
I received this arc from the author and this review is my honest opinion.
Every book in this series is written by a different author.
The Lie is a suspenseful intriguing story!
Lara goes home for her mother’s funeral and that’s when she finds out the secrets.
about her past. I don’t do spoilers so uou just have to pick up this book and read it, you won’t be disappointed! I absolutely loved it! Another great book written by Debra Webb. Definitely 5 stars!!
I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series,
I received this arc from the author and this review is my honest opinion.
December 2, 2020
The Lie
Debra Webb
I am speechless! This was brilliant. I can not get over how you took us on a twisted path of lies that kept us twisting and turning until BOOM! you think it is concluded, but no it wasn't. I am still trying to get my head around it. I loved the characters, the concept of how keeping secrets can be detrimental to your family members, but how having good friends can help. I can't wait to finish the rest of the books.
Hands down this has to be at the top of my favorite list.
Debra Webb
I am speechless! This was brilliant. I can not get over how you took us on a twisted path of lies that kept us twisting and turning until BOOM! you think it is concluded, but no it wasn't. I am still trying to get my head around it. I loved the characters, the concept of how keeping secrets can be detrimental to your family members, but how having good friends can help. I can't wait to finish the rest of the books.
Hands down this has to be at the top of my favorite list.
January 20, 2021
Always enjoy a Debra Webb book and this was a good one!
Lara Franklin is a crime blogger and when she submits her DNA to a genealogy site, it comes back that she is "The Butchers" daughter. She couldn't believe it. All those years her Mother told her that her father was killed in the service. Now, she is the daughter of one of my infamous serial killers?
But she needs to find out the truth and if, indeed the DNA is of the Butcher.
A good story that will keep you reading and guessing~!
Lara Franklin is a crime blogger and when she submits her DNA to a genealogy site, it comes back that she is "The Butchers" daughter. She couldn't believe it. All those years her Mother told her that her father was killed in the service. Now, she is the daughter of one of my infamous serial killers?
But she needs to find out the truth and if, indeed the DNA is of the Butcher.
A good story that will keep you reading and guessing~!
August 2, 2023
Interesting book until it wasn’t…
The main, ‘good guy’ characters in this book were well-developed, believable, and easy to like. As story progressed, I found it interesting and sometimes surprising. I looked forward to learning how the author was going to resolve the unknowns, but unfortunately, there were no explanations or resolutions — only a weak, abrupt ending. I felt as thought I had wasted my time reading a great book only to discover that the author just decided to stop writing and that the end was really no ending. Ugh!
The main, ‘good guy’ characters in this book were well-developed, believable, and easy to like. As story progressed, I found it interesting and sometimes surprising. I looked forward to learning how the author was going to resolve the unknowns, but unfortunately, there were no explanations or resolutions — only a weak, abrupt ending. I felt as thought I had wasted my time reading a great book only to discover that the author just decided to stop writing and that the end was really no ending. Ugh!
November 29, 2020
Great start to a multi-author series!!
One simple DNA test can change your whole life, can make you doubt what you've been told your whole life, and can answer questions you never knew you even had.
This is another edge of your seat, page turner, with lots of twists / turns (you don't even know are coming), wonderful characters, and non-stop action.
I'm looking forward to the other books in this series
I was given an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.
#Laura #Nate #DNATest #Lies
One simple DNA test can change your whole life, can make you doubt what you've been told your whole life, and can answer questions you never knew you even had.
This is another edge of your seat, page turner, with lots of twists / turns (you don't even know are coming), wonderful characters, and non-stop action.
I'm looking forward to the other books in this series
I was given an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.
#Laura #Nate #DNATest #Lies
November 30, 2020
When Lara Franklin, a popular true crime blogger, submits her DNA for an upcoming story that she is working on, she gets news that no one would want to hear. How can her Mother have kept this secret from her, or is she innocent and was lied to also? This is the first book in the Behind Closed Doors: Family Secrets series. What a book to start the series! Another fast paced page turner that you can't put down. Can't wait for the second book in this series.
May 22, 2022
A good start to a new series!!
This is another series that is written by several different authors. Similar but separate storylines. This one was intriguing. She thought her father died before she was born but is that true? How will the results of a DNA test change her life? A little light romance mixed with the mystery, danger and suspense. Like the saying goes "You can choose your friends but not your family". Don't miss this outstanding book. Highly recommended.
This is another series that is written by several different authors. Similar but separate storylines. This one was intriguing. She thought her father died before she was born but is that true? How will the results of a DNA test change her life? A little light romance mixed with the mystery, danger and suspense. Like the saying goes "You can choose your friends but not your family". Don't miss this outstanding book. Highly recommended.
November 24, 2020
Fascinating book! Webb definitely knows how to evoke suspense and intrigue in the mind of the reader. She will lead you down a dark path and spring a surprise you never saw coming! Great beginning to a new multi-author series.
I received an ebook ARC from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received an ebook ARC from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
December 2, 2020
When I see Debra Webb's name with a new series , I immediately know it's going to be a thrill ride! Laura is a True Crime Blogger who finds herself not only blogging about crimes but just may be related to a serial killer .This is a fast paced read , great characters, great first read for this first in a series.Look forward to reading the rest .
December 2, 2020
It was just one little DNA test. A lark for her blog. It blew up her life. When you sit down to read make sure you have time to finish. Classic Webb and a great start to another classic series from 'the girls". Smooth writing, superb plots, and well developed characters are a given when reading Debra Webb.
December 3, 2020
Crime blogger Lara Franklin decides to send in her DNA for part of an upcoming show. What she learns turns her world upside down. What is the truth? Along the way she encounters some startling facts. Just when she thinks she knows the truth her story takes another turn. Thank you to the author for an advanced readers copy.
December 7, 2020
Debra Webb has done it again. I could not put this book down. It held me enthralled from the first page to the last. Lara and Nate are amazing characters that I fell In love with. The mystery of The Lie will hold the reader spellbound. Get your copy and be ready to miss sleep until the suspenseful end. Debra Webb at her all time best. This is a great story. I loved this book.
December 26, 2020
I couldn't put this down, I wish it were a little longer but it was pretty awesome. I look forward to the rest of these in this series. DNA matches always fascinate me when it comes to serial killers and unsolved crimes. The blend of facts and fiction is awesome. You are kept on pins and needles to the last page so good.
August 21, 2021
A strange and confusing story.......
The author got lost in this convoluted tale that wound up with no real explanation of the characters relationships, interactions, or activities. At the end ,the reader is left with the feeling that there just wasn't much sense to the whole plot and you wonder why the story was even published.....
The author got lost in this convoluted tale that wound up with no real explanation of the characters relationships, interactions, or activities. At the end ,the reader is left with the feeling that there just wasn't much sense to the whole plot and you wonder why the story was even published.....
November 13, 2021
DNA doesn’t lie?
What a great spin on DNA testing, crime and genetics. The mystery is fast paced and provides hints at perfect intervals. There is a dash of romance and a fun use of a true crime blog. The writing was engaging and the storyline had me captivated. Great blend of suspense, mystery, crime, romance and new science!
What a great spin on DNA testing, crime and genetics. The mystery is fast paced and provides hints at perfect intervals. There is a dash of romance and a fun use of a true crime blog. The writing was engaging and the storyline had me captivated. Great blend of suspense, mystery, crime, romance and new science!
July 28, 2022
The Lie is not a satisfying read and it definitely doesn't measure up to Debra Webb's usual standards as a writer. The characters aren't memorable, the storyline could have been good with a little more tweaking and the ending was a complete dud. Highly recommend Debra Webb---but not this book. Be sure and skip it.
November 21, 2020
Just WOW! Another Debra Webb winner. From very beginning where Lara finds out she may be related to a serial killer to surprise ending when she finds the truth are pages of suspense. Follow Lara and Nate as they unravel the clues and find each other at last. I recommend this book!!!
December 2, 2020
Another Winner by Debra Webb. A real page turner that you will not want to put down.
A True crime blogger Lara Franklin and her friend become embroiled in a case together.
Wonderful plot twists and turns. This book will keep you guessing until the last page.
Bravo Debra Webb
A True crime blogger Lara Franklin and her friend become embroiled in a case together.
Wonderful plot twists and turns. This book will keep you guessing until the last page.
Bravo Debra Webb
December 3, 2020
Debra Webb Took you back to Tennessee for another heart stopping book. I was so heartbreaking to wait for this one to come out but it definitely was worth the wait!!
A must read for any Debra Webb fans as well as ones who love a good book that you just don't want to put down to the very last page!
A must read for any Debra Webb fans as well as ones who love a good book that you just don't want to put down to the very last page!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews