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Finley O’Sullivan #2
The Nature of Secrets
A thrilling installment in the Finley O’Sullivan series about a well-connected woman who stands accused of her husband’s murder. She’s innocent—unless Finley proves otherwise.
Legal investigator Finley O’Sullivan has had a difficult year in the wake of her husband’s murder. But in her line of work, there’s no time to grieve. Her job is to protect the firm’s clients and defend their innocence through grueling investigative work.
Ellen Winthrop is a force to be reckoned with in the financial world. In a male-dominated industry, she shattered the glass ceiling by empowering and promoting women. But now her husband is dead, killed in the Winthrop family home—and she stands accused of his murder.
Finley, as the investigator at the firm Ellen Winthrop hired to defend her, has a clear objective: prove that Ellen didn’t do it. But the deeper Finley digs into the Winthrops’ marriage, the more she starts to doubt Ellen’s story. The uncomfortable truth is that Ellen Winthrop may in fact have killed her husband.
And he might not have been the first.
Legal investigator Finley O’Sullivan has had a difficult year in the wake of her husband’s murder. But in her line of work, there’s no time to grieve. Her job is to protect the firm’s clients and defend their innocence through grueling investigative work.
Ellen Winthrop is a force to be reckoned with in the financial world. In a male-dominated industry, she shattered the glass ceiling by empowering and promoting women. But now her husband is dead, killed in the Winthrop family home—and she stands accused of his murder.
Finley, as the investigator at the firm Ellen Winthrop hired to defend her, has a clear objective: prove that Ellen didn’t do it. But the deeper Finley digs into the Winthrops’ marriage, the more she starts to doubt Ellen’s story. The uncomfortable truth is that Ellen Winthrop may in fact have killed her husband.
And he might not have been the first.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2023
2341 people are currently reading
5536 people want to read
About the author
Debra Webb
544 books2,340 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 425 reviews
March 28, 2023
This is one intense series! We met Finley in the first book and found out how she has been put through the wringer. After losing her husband a year ago to a murder and being attacked herself, she quit her job as Assistant District Attorney to join her godfather Jack's law firm as an investigator. Finley is tough and very good at her job as she was as an ADA. Jack acquires an interesting new case that sends them on a twisty and windy course to find answers. This involves the murder of the husband of the owner of an all-women's financial firm, and she is the accused. On the side, Finley is watching two of the men who attacked her and killed her husband. In the first of this series, one of the men is killed. Two are left. I really like Finley, although I feel her life is depressing and she relies on alcohol too much, but she lives a depressing life. I like Jack, her father, and her best friend Matt. I am pulling for them to get together. Her mother, the Judge, is pretty intense and daughter and mother are too much alike to get along. This is a four-star read with a five-star ending that I really enjoyed. Lots of surprises and resolutions. I am hoping that there will be another story for Finley and what is coming next in her life.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts and opinions.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts and opinions.
April 23, 2023
It's just so-so for me. My biggest problem is that, I haven't read the first book in this series, and apparently this is not really a stand-alone.
So, dear other reader, if you want to read this book, please read it in order. I received this second book as an ARC, so that's why I haven't read the first one. I didn't even know at the first place this was a series.
For now, I will stick with 3 stars, but in the future, I will read the entire book of the series (1-3), and who knows, I will change my rating.
HERE'S MY MOOD WHEN I READ THIS BOOK;
#{1%-10%}
>Ow, I was so engrossed in this book. I love the way the author starts this story. (Here is the thing that you need to know about me: I don't like to read crime/mystery/thriller fiction when I need to read at least more than 50% of the book just to get to the synopsis.)
#{11%-30%}
>I started to lose my enthusiasm, and slowly I got bored. (Started to think, "Shall I just DNF it?")
#{31%-60%}
>I fucked up 😵💫(during this part, my mind went blank, and I had toforce motivate myself to finish it)
#{61%-100%}
>Finally, I did it. I passed that dark time, and now things are getting interesting. But still, something is missing.
MY THOUGHTS:
•I do like this series, and I want to see how it ends. And what will happen to Finley and Matt? (Well, I shipped them🤓).
Btw, this book is not ended with a cliffhanger, but the story about Finley and Matt still continues until the third book, which is the last one.
•We have an Outrage'sparty problem in this book like these:
1. "Outrage belted her, but she bit it back."
2. "Another bolt of outrage rushing through her, she flung the cushions from the sagging frame."
3. "Why? What had he been doing? Her outrage sparked."
4. "Some other emotion she refused to name kicked the outrage aside."
5. "outrage simmered inside her."
6. "outrage roared through Finley"
7. "But it wasn’t,” she argued, renewed outrage blasting through her."
8. "A new surge of outrage belted her."
To be honest, there's one more outrage, but I'll leave that out since that's not Finley's outrage😜. Can you see that?
Clearly she had an anger issue if she kept having outrages.
•Jarrod, our dead guy, reminds me of the guy from the N*tflix documentary "The Tinder Swindler." It scarred me how a man like Jarrod actually exists in real life. And yes, they're aiming for smart, independent women. Love and affectation can fool someone.
•I felt Finley's behavior in this book kinda went against her client instead of helping her. To me she more strikes as police officer/detective rather than legal advisior.
•I'm not sure which story the author wanted to highlight more here; the main case is definitely "Winthrop's husband's death", but somehow the author wanted to show more about Finley's past and the real cause of her husband's death.
•And the ending uhmmm... I'm 85% statisfied.
I love this part; this book teaches you to not be greedy. Because you could have ended up with nothing.
Favorite Quote:
OVERALL:
CREDIT:
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer, for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
🐥
Why I said not really stand alone?
Cause, The cases between the first book and the second book are unrelated; however, in order to fully understand our main character's background (Finley), you have to read the first book. Since I haven't read it, I am a bit puzzled and cannot grasp fully to the story itself..
So, dear other reader, if you want to read this book, please read it in order. I received this second book as an ARC, so that's why I haven't read the first one. I didn't even know at the first place this was a series.
For now, I will stick with 3 stars, but in the future, I will read the entire book of the series (1-3), and who knows, I will change my rating.
HERE'S MY MOOD WHEN I READ THIS BOOK;
#{1%-10%}
>Ow, I was so engrossed in this book. I love the way the author starts this story. (Here is the thing that you need to know about me: I don't like to read crime/mystery/thriller fiction when I need to read at least more than 50% of the book just to get to the synopsis.)
#{11%-30%}
>I started to lose my enthusiasm, and slowly I got bored. (Started to think, "Shall I just DNF it?")
#{31%-60%}
>I fucked up 😵💫(during this part, my mind went blank, and I had to
#{61%-100%}
>Finally, I did it. I passed that dark time, and now things are getting interesting. But still, something is missing.
MY THOUGHTS:
•I do like this series, and I want to see how it ends. And what will happen to Finley and Matt? (Well, I shipped them🤓).
Btw, this book is not ended with a cliffhanger, but the story about Finley and Matt still continues until the third book, which is the last one.
•We have an Outrage's
1. "Outrage belted her, but she bit it back."
2. "Another bolt of outrage rushing through her, she flung the cushions from the sagging frame."
3. "Why? What had he been doing? Her outrage sparked."
4. "Some other emotion she refused to name kicked the outrage aside."
5. "outrage simmered inside her."
6. "outrage roared through Finley"
7. "But it wasn’t,” she argued, renewed outrage blasting through her."
8. "A new surge of outrage belted her."
To be honest, there's one more outrage, but I'll leave that out since that's not Finley's outrage😜. Can you see that?
Clearly she had an anger issue if she kept having outrages.
•Jarrod, our dead guy, reminds me of the guy from the N*tflix documentary "The Tinder Swindler." It scarred me how a man like Jarrod actually exists in real life. And yes, they're aiming for smart, independent women. Love and affectation can fool someone.
•I felt Finley's behavior in this book kinda went against her client instead of helping her. To me she more strikes as police officer/detective rather than legal advisior.
•I'm not sure which story the author wanted to highlight more here; the main case is definitely "Winthrop's husband's death", but somehow the author wanted to show more about Finley's past and the real cause of her husband's death.
•And the ending uhmmm... I'm 85% statisfied.
I love this part; this book teaches you to not be greedy. Because you could have ended up with nothing.
Favorite Quote:
"Never bite the hand that feeds you"
OVERALL:
CREDIT:
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer, for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
🐥
February 17, 2023
This is the second of a new series, featuring Finley O'Sullivan, a legal investigator with a fixation for the truth and a traumatic past. The Nature of Secrets by Debra Webb opens with a murder, as Finley’s boss calls her to the police station to begin the potential defence of the dead man’s wife. So begins a dispersed crime novel with Finley’s dead husband’s consequences and their client, Ellen Winthrop’s personal lives paralleling. Whilst the narrative is slow at times, the various strands come together at the end in a feel-good finale. Although not having read the first book, this was an enjoyable multi-layered tale, with a three and a half stars rating. No doubt there will be further Finley adventures and a potential new job. With thanks to Thomas & Mercer and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given.
January 8, 2023
The title says it all, this book is chock full of secrets. Legal investigator Finley O’Sullivan is still dealing with the aftermath of her husband’s murder when she is hired to represent Ellen Winthrop who has been accused of murdering her own husband.
Ellen is a wealthy woman who has discovered that her young husband has been siphoning a lot of money out of her bank accounts. When she comes home and finds him bludgeoned to death, she hires Finley and her godfather, Jack, to represent her. Throughout the investigation, Finley discovers that Ellen is full of secrets as was her husband, Jarrod.
Finley is keeping secrets of her own as she secretly watches the three men who murdered her husband Derrick and raped her a year ago. She purposely puts herself in situations with them that turn out questionably and dangerously. She also questions whether Derrick was keeping secrets from her.
This was a very fast-paced whodunit that was impossible to put down and the ending was quite a surprise. When I read this, I didn’t realize that it was the second book in the series, so I am looking forward to the first one.
I gave this book four stars.
Ellen is a wealthy woman who has discovered that her young husband has been siphoning a lot of money out of her bank accounts. When she comes home and finds him bludgeoned to death, she hires Finley and her godfather, Jack, to represent her. Throughout the investigation, Finley discovers that Ellen is full of secrets as was her husband, Jarrod.
Finley is keeping secrets of her own as she secretly watches the three men who murdered her husband Derrick and raped her a year ago. She purposely puts herself in situations with them that turn out questionably and dangerously. She also questions whether Derrick was keeping secrets from her.
This was a very fast-paced whodunit that was impossible to put down and the ending was quite a surprise. When I read this, I didn’t realize that it was the second book in the series, so I am looking forward to the first one.
I gave this book four stars.
September 27, 2022
Big thanks to both Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of The Nature of Secrets!
Finley is the investigator at the firm Ellen Winthrop hired to defend her and, although she wants to prove that Ellen didn’t murder her husband, the deeper Finley digs into the Winthrops’ marriage, the more she doubts Ellen’s story.
This is book 2 in the Finley O’Sullivan series and can be read as a standalone. I was drawn in from the beginning and found the plot quite compelling. The characters were well developed and I LOVED Finley, Jack, and Matt! Finley is the MC of the story and she bounces back and forth between being competent and an unmitigated disaster! Hands down, my very favorite part of the book was the annoying voice in Finley's head. I laughed every time one would show up!!
Finley is the investigator at the firm Ellen Winthrop hired to defend her and, although she wants to prove that Ellen didn’t murder her husband, the deeper Finley digs into the Winthrops’ marriage, the more she doubts Ellen’s story.
This is book 2 in the Finley O’Sullivan series and can be read as a standalone. I was drawn in from the beginning and found the plot quite compelling. The characters were well developed and I LOVED Finley, Jack, and Matt! Finley is the MC of the story and she bounces back and forth between being competent and an unmitigated disaster! Hands down, my very favorite part of the book was the annoying voice in Finley's head. I laughed every time one would show up!!
March 23, 2023
A riveting read. I'm so glad that the mystery of Finley's husband's death was finally resolved in this book.
March 17, 2023
4.0 stars. So many secrets! Mystery and deception surround Jack's latest client, the prime suspect in the murder of her much younger husband. Finley, as Jack's legal investigator, has her work cut out for her.
As a carry over from book 1, Finley's still struggling with her husband's murder and those responsible make it known they're keeping their eye on her and vice versa.
The pace with Jack's client moves a bit slower, but necessary to keep track of several key players and the story's constant twists and turns. For me though, the more interesting part of this book involves Finley's desperate (and at times reckless) activities as she tries to find the answers to the mystery surrounding her late husband's murder, and the dangerous criminals that invovles. The good news is that by the end of this book, we get the long awaited answers and that all gets resolved.
I had one minor issue near the end. Finley says Jack and Matt (Matt - Finley's long time friend, and hopefully a love interest...oh please! 🫰) painted the inside of her house. That would be impossible as he was elsewhere during this time period (no spoilers). Went back and re-read that part 3 times. Couldn't have happened. Odd.
An entertaining read, and I'm looking forward book 3 due out later this year.
As a carry over from book 1, Finley's still struggling with her husband's murder and those responsible make it known they're keeping their eye on her and vice versa.
The pace with Jack's client moves a bit slower, but necessary to keep track of several key players and the story's constant twists and turns. For me though, the more interesting part of this book involves Finley's desperate (and at times reckless) activities as she tries to find the answers to the mystery surrounding her late husband's murder, and the dangerous criminals that invovles. The good news is that by the end of this book, we get the long awaited answers and that all gets resolved.
I had one minor issue near the end. Finley says Jack and Matt (Matt - Finley's long time friend, and hopefully a love interest...oh please! 🫰) painted the inside of her house. That would be impossible as he was elsewhere during this time period (no spoilers). Went back and re-read that part 3 times. Couldn't have happened. Odd.
An entertaining read, and I'm looking forward book 3 due out later this year.
March 10, 2023
The Nature of Secrets by Debra Webb is a highly recommended investigative thriller and the sequel to The Last Lie Told (2022).
Finley O’Sullivan is a legal investigator for her friend and mentor, attorney Jack Finnegan. She is still recovering from her husband's murder a year ago, which caused her to leave the district attorney's office. Their new client is wealthy businesswoman Ellen Winthrop. She is the head of a financial consulting firm in Nashville, Tennessee. Ellen is accused of killing her new and much younger husband, Jarrod Grady. Ellen had recently discovered her husband had wiped out her bank accounts, which is a clear motive for killing him in their home. The murder weapon was a titanium hammer which was given to Ellen from a friend to mark her breaking into the Fortune 500, so naturally she is the main suspect. It is Finley's job to learn everything about Ellen so the firm can defend and protect her
This complex and engrossing investigative thriller is a sequel to 2022’s The Last Lie Told. There are plenty of secrets people are holding and they aren't all cooperating as much with Finley's investigation. At the same time, Finley is still trying to uncover information about her husband's murder. She knows he was lying to her, but she needs closure to move on. The Nature of Secrets is an intricate, fast-paced thriller that will grab your attention and will hold it throughout. You will root for all the many secrets to be exposed and see the light of day.
The main characters, especially Finley, are flawed, but fully realized. Finley is a wonderful, tenacious character that should appeal to most readers. This holds up as a stand-alone, but reading the first novel will likely provide more background and additional information about the characters and especially Finley's ongoing investigation into her husband's murder. The ending ties up all sorts of loose ends and provides closure.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2023/0...
Finley O’Sullivan is a legal investigator for her friend and mentor, attorney Jack Finnegan. She is still recovering from her husband's murder a year ago, which caused her to leave the district attorney's office. Their new client is wealthy businesswoman Ellen Winthrop. She is the head of a financial consulting firm in Nashville, Tennessee. Ellen is accused of killing her new and much younger husband, Jarrod Grady. Ellen had recently discovered her husband had wiped out her bank accounts, which is a clear motive for killing him in their home. The murder weapon was a titanium hammer which was given to Ellen from a friend to mark her breaking into the Fortune 500, so naturally she is the main suspect. It is Finley's job to learn everything about Ellen so the firm can defend and protect her
This complex and engrossing investigative thriller is a sequel to 2022’s The Last Lie Told. There are plenty of secrets people are holding and they aren't all cooperating as much with Finley's investigation. At the same time, Finley is still trying to uncover information about her husband's murder. She knows he was lying to her, but she needs closure to move on. The Nature of Secrets is an intricate, fast-paced thriller that will grab your attention and will hold it throughout. You will root for all the many secrets to be exposed and see the light of day.
The main characters, especially Finley, are flawed, but fully realized. Finley is a wonderful, tenacious character that should appeal to most readers. This holds up as a stand-alone, but reading the first novel will likely provide more background and additional information about the characters and especially Finley's ongoing investigation into her husband's murder. The ending ties up all sorts of loose ends and provides closure.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2023/0...
March 28, 2023
“All secrets become deep. All secrets become dark. That’s the nature of secrets.”
Finley O’Sullivan is a former lawyer who went into business with her uncle Jack (as a legal investigator with his attorney business) after her husband was murdered and Finley was raped and beaten. The after-effects still linger for her, and she is determined to find out who her husband actually was and bring to justice those who were involved in his murder. Jack has now been retained by Ellen Winthrop, a financial whiz and business woman, whose husband was recently murdered. She and Finley share the loss of spouses by murder and a short-term marriage to them. Adding more interest to the murder of Ellen’s husband is the fact that he wiped out her bank accounts and he was killed by a titanium hammer which was given to Ellen when she broke into the Fortune 500. As such, she becomes the main suspect, and Finley sets out to learn everything about Ellen in order to mount a successful defense.
We follow Finley’s determination and tenacity through the book to find out more information about a myriad of topics related to her life and the murders. This book is the sequel to “The Last Lie Told” and while you can read this book as a stand-alone, by reading the first book, the reader will discover more pertinent background and additional information about the characters with a strong focus on Finley’s ongoing investigation into her husband’s murder.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and especially the character of Finley. She exhibits a great logical mindset when looking at information and synthesizing data, which are beneficial to her as a person and as an investigator.
Finley O’Sullivan is a former lawyer who went into business with her uncle Jack (as a legal investigator with his attorney business) after her husband was murdered and Finley was raped and beaten. The after-effects still linger for her, and she is determined to find out who her husband actually was and bring to justice those who were involved in his murder. Jack has now been retained by Ellen Winthrop, a financial whiz and business woman, whose husband was recently murdered. She and Finley share the loss of spouses by murder and a short-term marriage to them. Adding more interest to the murder of Ellen’s husband is the fact that he wiped out her bank accounts and he was killed by a titanium hammer which was given to Ellen when she broke into the Fortune 500. As such, she becomes the main suspect, and Finley sets out to learn everything about Ellen in order to mount a successful defense.
We follow Finley’s determination and tenacity through the book to find out more information about a myriad of topics related to her life and the murders. This book is the sequel to “The Last Lie Told” and while you can read this book as a stand-alone, by reading the first book, the reader will discover more pertinent background and additional information about the characters with a strong focus on Finley’s ongoing investigation into her husband’s murder.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and especially the character of Finley. She exhibits a great logical mindset when looking at information and synthesizing data, which are beneficial to her as a person and as an investigator.
March 7, 2023
The nature of secrets.
Debra Webb.
This one has the perfect name the perfect cover
It's all about the secrets. The book cover is perfect The Book is full of Secrets. Some Secrets are worth killing for.
Finley O’Sullivan
Legal investigator. Works for jack.
What they do for clients well is to prove there Innocent..but so much more comes from there Investigation.. there was much more than anyone was expecting. This job was bigger than either Jack or Finley was expecting. One dead man.
Turns in to more than just a simple case.
It's bigger than anyone knew. But with Finley O’Sullivan on the case. Things will be solved.
She's fantastic at her job.
Finley,
Is still working on Solving the crime. Of Who killed who husband a year ago. She's definitely got her hands full. A best friend who's always there to help. Matt's a friend to end.
There's more secrets around each bend in the story. So just when you think you have it figured out. A new secret . The Ending was Fabulous.
Another wonderful book by Debra Webb.
Thank you.
Debra Webb.
This one has the perfect name the perfect cover
It's all about the secrets. The book cover is perfect The Book is full of Secrets. Some Secrets are worth killing for.
Finley O’Sullivan
Legal investigator. Works for jack.
What they do for clients well is to prove there Innocent..but so much more comes from there Investigation.. there was much more than anyone was expecting. This job was bigger than either Jack or Finley was expecting. One dead man.
Turns in to more than just a simple case.
It's bigger than anyone knew. But with Finley O’Sullivan on the case. Things will be solved.
She's fantastic at her job.
Finley,
Is still working on Solving the crime. Of Who killed who husband a year ago. She's definitely got her hands full. A best friend who's always there to help. Matt's a friend to end.
There's more secrets around each bend in the story. So just when you think you have it figured out. A new secret . The Ending was Fabulous.
Another wonderful book by Debra Webb.
Thank you.
March 17, 2025
This was a good read. It took me a bit to get into, because I had read the first book so long ago. I will try to read #3 soon.
I liked the characters. Strong females. Good pacing. Discussions and thoughts on the law and justice.
Finley has gone through some extreme drama, as has Ellen. Many triggers in this book. Child abuse, rape, murder, etc.
Finley's inner voice monologuing is annoying and nagging. Just as Finley says! So I took that to be intentional.
Thank you for reading!
I liked the characters. Strong females. Good pacing. Discussions and thoughts on the law and justice.
Finley has gone through some extreme drama, as has Ellen. Many triggers in this book. Child abuse, rape, murder, etc.
Finley's inner voice monologuing is annoying and nagging. Just as Finley says! So I took that to be intentional.
Thank you for reading!
March 17, 2023
The telling had plenty of good points. It is interesting how two different cases are interwoven, but even more so regarding the activities of so-called "officers of the court". The idea of justice outside the legal system becomes a key feature of the story that justifies seemingly unjust behavior.
March 6, 2023
I actually came across this book a couple of months ago and wanted to read it. However, because I’m a fanatic about reading a series in order, I read the first installment and really liked it (4star rating) and looked forward to finally reading this one.
The gangs all back: Finley, Jack, Matt and The Judge (Finley’s mother). The book summary introduces the primary storyline, so I won’t repeat it here. What the book summary doesn’t mention is the secondary storyline, which was the lead in for this installment at the end of the previous installment, is Finley is still working her own investigation of the ones who were responsible for her husband’s murder and her rape. She knows who they are, there are four (one person who hired the other three people) and in the previous book, she saw to the end of the one who actually committed her husband’s murder. In this installment, she focuses on the rest of them.
Most of the story focuses on the investigation of the new client, Ellen, and her husband, Jarrod, and their marriage and background history. There is the introduction of several characters who work for, and are completely loyal to Ellen in her company run completely by women. From the get-go, Finley is convinced that there is something that these women are hiding. There is also the continuing investigation of the secondary storyline of the murder of the guy who killed Finley’s husband. After another murder, the investigators are trying to tie the two together and are looking at Finley. This is all revealed early in the story.
The second half of the story has Finley continuing her background investigation of Ellen and some major clues are revealed that adds a really weird twist to the story. Additionally, Finley’s investigation into the people who murdered her husband and raped her also takes a huge jump forward from some unlikely characters. The ending gets pretty scary for Finley and her loved ones. The final scene is a lead in to the next installment, that I look forward to reading it.
I want to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer, for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
@NetGalley @Thomas&Mercer @TheNatureofSecrets
The gangs all back: Finley, Jack, Matt and The Judge (Finley’s mother). The book summary introduces the primary storyline, so I won’t repeat it here. What the book summary doesn’t mention is the secondary storyline, which was the lead in for this installment at the end of the previous installment, is Finley is still working her own investigation of the ones who were responsible for her husband’s murder and her rape. She knows who they are, there are four (one person who hired the other three people) and in the previous book, she saw to the end of the one who actually committed her husband’s murder. In this installment, she focuses on the rest of them.
Most of the story focuses on the investigation of the new client, Ellen, and her husband, Jarrod, and their marriage and background history. There is the introduction of several characters who work for, and are completely loyal to Ellen in her company run completely by women. From the get-go, Finley is convinced that there is something that these women are hiding. There is also the continuing investigation of the secondary storyline of the murder of the guy who killed Finley’s husband. After another murder, the investigators are trying to tie the two together and are looking at Finley. This is all revealed early in the story.
The second half of the story has Finley continuing her background investigation of Ellen and some major clues are revealed that adds a really weird twist to the story. Additionally, Finley’s investigation into the people who murdered her husband and raped her also takes a huge jump forward from some unlikely characters. The ending gets pretty scary for Finley and her loved ones. The final scene is a lead in to the next installment, that I look forward to reading it.
I want to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer, for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
@NetGalley @Thomas&Mercer @TheNatureofSecrets
February 25, 2023
I rode the struggle bus with this book! First and foremost, I adore Finley O'Sullivan. She is stubborn and careless at times, but she has such a big heart.
The pace of this book was just too slow for me. Everything felt overly predictable and drawn out. I like watching Finley work out everyone's secrets and it was wonderful to get closure on her husband's murder. I think if it had been 50-60 pages shorter I would have enjoyed it more.
Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy of The Nature of Secrets. I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.
The pace of this book was just too slow for me. Everything felt overly predictable and drawn out. I like watching Finley work out everyone's secrets and it was wonderful to get closure on her husband's murder. I think if it had been 50-60 pages shorter I would have enjoyed it more.
Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy of The Nature of Secrets. I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.
March 14, 2023
In this second installment we get a lot of answers to questions that were left hanging in the first book.
I really do hope this series continues because I love Finley’s character. She’s super smart and observant seeing things others can’t. An investigator for a high profile lawyer she never backs down. Tough as nails female lead and a mystery you can’t wait to be solved.
It seems like most everything was resolved and I’m hoping things progress into something more.
I really do hope this series continues because I love Finley’s character. She’s super smart and observant seeing things others can’t. An investigator for a high profile lawyer she never backs down. Tough as nails female lead and a mystery you can’t wait to be solved.
It seems like most everything was resolved and I’m hoping things progress into something more.
March 25, 2023
This is the second book in the Finley O'Sullivan series, and it is even better than the first! I listened to the first book in the series - The Last Lie Told. It gave a lot of background on Finley, all of the major charaters in her world, as well as great thriller/mystery. I highly recommend reading the first book before this one. Also, I really like the audiobook narrator of this series!
Finley works as an invetigator for one of the best criminal defense attorneys in Nashville, Jack Finnegan. She is an invaluable member of his team. This time around they are defending a wife whose husband is murdered. Their goal is to eliminate her as a suspect in the eyes of the police. The wife, Ellen Winthrop, is a very successful and well-connected businesswoman. But as Finley begins her investigation, all is not how it seems. What follows is a story full of twists and turns that lead Finley on a chase to find the truth. She is also continuing to deal with the murder of her own husband, and all of the questions that were left unanswered.
I absolutely adore Finley. She is smart, savvy, and she never takes no for an answer. Her life outside work is also fascinating. She has issues with her Mom, a high profile judge, a wonderful relationship with her father, and then there's her best friend Matt. I really want to learn more about him. Finley's relationship with her boss Jack is also very interesting. I love their conversations, and how they bounce ideas off of one another. Finley is very good at her job and she thrives on finding new clues and putting all of the pieces together. Her trauma is also very real, and the author handles it with great care. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for the advanced reader copy of this book! I am new to Debra Webb's books, and I love finding authors who are new to me. If you love a good mystery/thiller with a real human touch to it, pick up this series!
Finley works as an invetigator for one of the best criminal defense attorneys in Nashville, Jack Finnegan. She is an invaluable member of his team. This time around they are defending a wife whose husband is murdered. Their goal is to eliminate her as a suspect in the eyes of the police. The wife, Ellen Winthrop, is a very successful and well-connected businesswoman. But as Finley begins her investigation, all is not how it seems. What follows is a story full of twists and turns that lead Finley on a chase to find the truth. She is also continuing to deal with the murder of her own husband, and all of the questions that were left unanswered.
I absolutely adore Finley. She is smart, savvy, and she never takes no for an answer. Her life outside work is also fascinating. She has issues with her Mom, a high profile judge, a wonderful relationship with her father, and then there's her best friend Matt. I really want to learn more about him. Finley's relationship with her boss Jack is also very interesting. I love their conversations, and how they bounce ideas off of one another. Finley is very good at her job and she thrives on finding new clues and putting all of the pieces together. Her trauma is also very real, and the author handles it with great care. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for the advanced reader copy of this book! I am new to Debra Webb's books, and I love finding authors who are new to me. If you love a good mystery/thiller with a real human touch to it, pick up this series!
March 25, 2023
This is the second book in the Finley O'Sullivan series, and it is even better than the first! I listened to the first book in the series - The Last Lie Told. It gave a lot of background on Finley, all of the major charaters in her world, as well as great thriller/mystery. I highly recommend reading the first book before this one. Also, I really like the audiobook narrator of this series!
Finley works as an invetigator for one of the best criminal defense attorneys in Nashville, Jack Finnegan. She is an invaluable member of his team. This time around they are defending a wife whose husband is murdered. Their goal is to eliminate her as a suspect in the eyes of the police. The wife, Ellen Winthrop, is a very successful and well-connected businesswoman. But as Finley begins her investigation, all is not how it seems. What follows is a story full of twists and turns that lead Finley on a chase to find the truth. She is also continuing to deal with the murder of her own husband, and all of the questions that were left unanswered.
I absolutely adore Finley. She is smart, savvy, and she never takes no for an answer. Her life outside work is also fascinating. She has issues with her Mom, a high profile judge, a wonderful relationship with her father, and then there's her best friend Matt. I really want to learn more about him. Finley's relationship with her boss Jack is also very interesting. I love their conversations, and how they bounce ideas off of one another. Finley is very good at her job and she thrives on finding new clues and putting all of the pieces together. Her trauma is also very real, and the author handles it with great care. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for the advanced reader copy of this book! I am new to Debra Webb's books, and I love finding authors who are new to me. If you love a good mystery/thiller with a real human touch to it, pick up this series!
Finley works as an invetigator for one of the best criminal defense attorneys in Nashville, Jack Finnegan. She is an invaluable member of his team. This time around they are defending a wife whose husband is murdered. Their goal is to eliminate her as a suspect in the eyes of the police. The wife, Ellen Winthrop, is a very successful and well-connected businesswoman. But as Finley begins her investigation, all is not how it seems. What follows is a story full of twists and turns that lead Finley on a chase to find the truth. She is also continuing to deal with the murder of her own husband, and all of the questions that were left unanswered.
I absolutely adore Finley. She is smart, savvy, and she never takes no for an answer. Her life outside work is also fascinating. She has issues with her Mom, a high profile judge, a wonderful relationship with her father, and then there's her best friend Matt. I really want to learn more about him. Finley's relationship with her boss Jack is also very interesting. I love their conversations, and how they bounce ideas off of one another. Finley is very good at her job and she thrives on finding new clues and putting all of the pieces together. Her trauma is also very real, and the author handles it with great care. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for the advanced reader copy of this book! I am new to Debra Webb's books, and I love finding authors who are new to me. If you love a good mystery/thiller with a real human touch to it, pick up this series!
March 21, 2023
This was not what I was thinking or hoping it would be. Not saying it was a bad story, the author did a good job paralleling the stories of the client and the main character. The pacing was okay. It might have been a little slow in some areas, but it worked for this story.
The main character is Finley O’Sullivan, a legal investigator. As a reader, I did not connect with this character as much as I wanted to. I felt she was a little flat and could have developed a little more. This maybe because this is going to be a trilogy, or a series and the author plans on developing more throughout. What I did like was reading how Finley talked out loud to herself and her employer about the research she found and how it could fit within the client’s case.
The rest of the cast members were okay. Each one held their own and helped move both plots forward. This is where reading book one would have come in handy, as there were some crossing-over to this one and I could not connect with the reactions, because they meant little to me as a reader.
The story was interesting enough to hold my attention. But I feel like it needed some clarification on which plot was the main and which was the sub. This is book two, but it can be read as a standalone. I have not read book one but will go back because there are some twists that might have made sense if I had read it.
If you like crime, thriller, mystery, and suspense, I recommend reading this.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley, and this is my honest opinion.
You can find this and other reviews on my website:
https://www.charliadamswriter.com
The main character is Finley O’Sullivan, a legal investigator. As a reader, I did not connect with this character as much as I wanted to. I felt she was a little flat and could have developed a little more. This maybe because this is going to be a trilogy, or a series and the author plans on developing more throughout. What I did like was reading how Finley talked out loud to herself and her employer about the research she found and how it could fit within the client’s case.
The rest of the cast members were okay. Each one held their own and helped move both plots forward. This is where reading book one would have come in handy, as there were some crossing-over to this one and I could not connect with the reactions, because they meant little to me as a reader.
The story was interesting enough to hold my attention. But I feel like it needed some clarification on which plot was the main and which was the sub. This is book two, but it can be read as a standalone. I have not read book one but will go back because there are some twists that might have made sense if I had read it.
If you like crime, thriller, mystery, and suspense, I recommend reading this.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley, and this is my honest opinion.
You can find this and other reviews on my website:
https://www.charliadamswriter.com
September 12, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review "The Nature of Secrets" by Debra Webb. This is the second book in the Finley O'Sullivan series, and starts up right where the first book left off - with Finley trying to get to the bottom of her personal hell, while investigating the newest case to come to her firm.
When Ellen Winthrop - a financial genius who heads an all-female firm - comes home to find her young husband brutally murdered on their bathroom floor, all signs point to the wife. But she has an air-tight alibi which the investigating officers will try to break, and Jack and Finley will have to investigate, along with all other avenues.
At the same time, there are further developments as to what her late husband may or may not have been up to, along with more retribution.
But, as usual, all is not as it seems, and as Finley delves deeper and deeper into Ellen's late husband, Jarrod, a web of deceit, lies and crimes and misdeeds begins to unravel, leading her to the ultimate conclusion while simultaneously bringing to light past wrongs which have been righted.
At the same time, Finley begins to uncover more evidence which will slowly lead her to the light, as far as what Derrick had been up to, and why 'that night' and its consequences happened. And the evidence points exactly as she thought - bringing this part of her life to a close.
Highly recommended, and you don't really have to read the first book, "Last Lie Told", but it wouldn't hurt for some further background.
When Ellen Winthrop - a financial genius who heads an all-female firm - comes home to find her young husband brutally murdered on their bathroom floor, all signs point to the wife. But she has an air-tight alibi which the investigating officers will try to break, and Jack and Finley will have to investigate, along with all other avenues.
At the same time, there are further developments as to what her late husband may or may not have been up to, along with more retribution.
But, as usual, all is not as it seems, and as Finley delves deeper and deeper into Ellen's late husband, Jarrod, a web of deceit, lies and crimes and misdeeds begins to unravel, leading her to the ultimate conclusion while simultaneously bringing to light past wrongs which have been righted.
At the same time, Finley begins to uncover more evidence which will slowly lead her to the light, as far as what Derrick had been up to, and why 'that night' and its consequences happened. And the evidence points exactly as she thought - bringing this part of her life to a close.
Highly recommended, and you don't really have to read the first book, "Last Lie Told", but it wouldn't hurt for some further background.
December 14, 2023
Rating: 4.5
This was a great continuation to the series! I really enjoy the character of Finley, and the case this time around was just as weird and interesting as the previous one, but a tiny bit less predictable, which was nice.
I look forward to reading the next book, and I wonder if the author will come up with another overarching storyline to replace the one that was wrapped up in this book? I guess that the later books could focus on the relationship between Finley and , that could be nice. That being said, I was actually super surprised by one thing regarding that character.
Onto the next book~
This was a great continuation to the series! I really enjoy the character of Finley, and the case this time around was just as weird and interesting as the previous one, but a tiny bit less predictable, which was nice.
I look forward to reading the next book, and I wonder if the author will come up with another overarching storyline to replace the one that was wrapped up in this book? I guess that the later books could focus on the relationship between Finley and , that could be nice. That being said, I was actually super surprised by one thing regarding that character.
Onto the next book~
March 5, 2023
4.25⭐
Legal investigator Finley O'Sullivan is back a year on from the attack that left her a widow. But she has no time to grieve and her search for answers has to be put on hold.
As she's needed to help defend her boss Jack's latest client Ellen Winthrop. Whose husband Jarrod has been found murdered in the family home. And Ellen is the police's number one suspect.
So it's up to Finley to find evidence that Ellen is innocent.
However, the more Finley digs into Ellen and the Winthrop marriage the more she starts to doubt her innocence. In fact, she starts to believe Jarrod may not be Ellen's first victim.
But it seems Ellen isn't the only one keeping secrets.
And with so many twists and turns. This was an engaging and fast-paced story. That easily kept me reading and even though this is the second in a series, I never felt like I was missing out having not read the first.
I would happily recommend this story and author to others.
I was kindly provided with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Legal investigator Finley O'Sullivan is back a year on from the attack that left her a widow. But she has no time to grieve and her search for answers has to be put on hold.
As she's needed to help defend her boss Jack's latest client Ellen Winthrop. Whose husband Jarrod has been found murdered in the family home. And Ellen is the police's number one suspect.
So it's up to Finley to find evidence that Ellen is innocent.
However, the more Finley digs into Ellen and the Winthrop marriage the more she starts to doubt her innocence. In fact, she starts to believe Jarrod may not be Ellen's first victim.
But it seems Ellen isn't the only one keeping secrets.
And with so many twists and turns. This was an engaging and fast-paced story. That easily kept me reading and even though this is the second in a series, I never felt like I was missing out having not read the first.
I would happily recommend this story and author to others.
I was kindly provided with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2023
This is the second book in the Finley O'Sullivan series. Finley and her partner Jack have a new case. Ellen Winthrop's husband is dead and she has become the prime suspect for his murder. Finley and Jack set out to prove her innocense and discover who actually killed her husband. At the same time, Finley continues to try and figure out if her husband was who he says he was before he was killed. As she chases down leads with the help of her friend, Matt, she is worried she is going to discover that her husband had a dark past that got him killed.
This was a pretty good book. I enjoyed the first one enough I wanted to see how the second was. Mostly because the first ended with a cliff hanger about her husband. This book wraps that story line up for the most part. I understand there is a 3rd book and I expect it will come up again,but the big mystery has been revealed in this book. The writing isn't top quality, but it kept me entertained. I will be reading the third book when it comes out later this year.
March 13, 2023
The second book in the Finley O'Sullivan series and the main character is still a bit lost and trying to deal with her husband's murder and her own rape. When the attorney she is working for is hired to represent a wealthy woman suspected of murdering her new husband, some of what Finley finds feels too close to her own situation. It was nice the way this book was able to use both situations to compare and contrast and help Finley make her way through both crimes. At times I also wondered how long we were going to have to wait for Finley and Jack to learn and/or disclose their own personal mysteries. I was happy to see some resolution since so many series seem to drag that out to the point of annoyance. I will say, there was a hint as to where the 3rd book in the series is going and I hope it was wrong. I like this Finley. But, I am looking forward to reading it to find out!
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
October 4, 2025
Maybe 3.5
I struggled with this one. I think because there were so many characters, and the storyline a bit confusing. Also, I start reading too late in the evening succumbing to sleep too many times. This didn't bode well for me remembering the storylines and characters.
Finley was investigating the murder of Jarrod Grady, murdered in his own home, his wife was suspect number one. Finley was also struggling with the murder of her own husband, a husband she felt betrayed her. I believe this part of the story may have happened in a previous book in the series, but it wasn't necessary to have read the previous story as this one made things vaguely clear.
Having two different murders being investigated at the same time, with Grady's wife and her five business partners in the spotlight, I struggled with this story. But I am sure that is just a me thing. Some chapters were short, others longer. I had a hard time getting through what I thought would be an easy read.
The climax near the end was suspenseful and exciting. I knew at that point I couldn't put the book down until I finished it. Both murders were solved (many players involved there in her husband's murder as well), and everything tied up in a nice little bow.
If you like a good mystery and can sit for an endless amount of time to read (so you won't forget who is who) then you will enjoy this book.
I struggled with this one. I think because there were so many characters, and the storyline a bit confusing. Also, I start reading too late in the evening succumbing to sleep too many times. This didn't bode well for me remembering the storylines and characters.
Finley was investigating the murder of Jarrod Grady, murdered in his own home, his wife was suspect number one. Finley was also struggling with the murder of her own husband, a husband she felt betrayed her. I believe this part of the story may have happened in a previous book in the series, but it wasn't necessary to have read the previous story as this one made things vaguely clear.
Having two different murders being investigated at the same time, with Grady's wife and her five business partners in the spotlight, I struggled with this story. But I am sure that is just a me thing. Some chapters were short, others longer. I had a hard time getting through what I thought would be an easy read.
The climax near the end was suspenseful and exciting. I knew at that point I couldn't put the book down until I finished it. Both murders were solved (many players involved there in her husband's murder as well), and everything tied up in a nice little bow.
If you like a good mystery and can sit for an endless amount of time to read (so you won't forget who is who) then you will enjoy this book.
September 15, 2022
Book 2 in the new Finley O'Sullivan series by Debra Webb. This one started out a little slow for me, especially compared to book 1. However, the author did not disappoint! Once it picked up, this one kept me guessing for a while. Like the first one, it was dark and gritty. I love Finley's character.. I loved the twist at the end, and I can't wait to see where life leads her next!
Thank you #netgalley and #thomas&mercer for eARC.
Thank you #netgalley and #thomas&mercer for eARC.
October 24, 2022
A fast paced who dun it! The main character is interesting and I loved the character development from book one. This is book two in the series and I was invested from the beginning! I found the plot in this one to be well fleshed out, if not a bit redundant. Overall, a fun and fast read that left me wanting more. I can't wait for the next book in the series! 3.5 ⭐️
March 16, 2023
4.5⭐️. I loved this book and all of the feminist vibes. I love Finley O'Sullivan character development throughout these two books and how she finally believe she deserves more and is capable of so much more. I’m excited for book #3!
“There’s a difference between the law and justice.”
“If you have two murders. The victims are both male. Let’s say one was shot by a thief who wanted to steal whatever valuables he had in his home. The other was shot by the wife he had emotionally abused for decades. Are they the same? Should both killers receive the same sort of sentence? Is the wife even guilty of murder when weighed against all that she has suffered?” “The real question should be,” Finley offered, feeling like a student once more, “what is justice?”
“The answer is in the details”
“There’s a difference between the law and justice.”
“If you have two murders. The victims are both male. Let’s say one was shot by a thief who wanted to steal whatever valuables he had in his home. The other was shot by the wife he had emotionally abused for decades. Are they the same? Should both killers receive the same sort of sentence? Is the wife even guilty of murder when weighed against all that she has suffered?” “The real question should be,” Finley offered, feeling like a student once more, “what is justice?”
“The answer is in the details”
September 26, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the eARC.
I didn't read the 1st book in the series, but really enjoyed this one.
Finley is still reeling from the murder of her husband and is now working with her godfather as a legal investigator. A well connected, succesful woman, Ellen Winthrop, is suspected of murdering her husband, who apparently syphoned off millions of dollars out of her bank accounts. But did she do it?
Finley feels a connection with her because of the similar aspects to the case of her own husband's death.
This is a good read, I liked Finley and the emotional support she's given by the men close to her. There are really 2 storylines, with some good twists and surprises and I can't wait to see how the future goes for Finley. Definitely recommended!
I didn't read the 1st book in the series, but really enjoyed this one.
Finley is still reeling from the murder of her husband and is now working with her godfather as a legal investigator. A well connected, succesful woman, Ellen Winthrop, is suspected of murdering her husband, who apparently syphoned off millions of dollars out of her bank accounts. But did she do it?
Finley feels a connection with her because of the similar aspects to the case of her own husband's death.
This is a good read, I liked Finley and the emotional support she's given by the men close to her. There are really 2 storylines, with some good twists and surprises and I can't wait to see how the future goes for Finley. Definitely recommended!
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