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Book Review
Reviewed: 20 May 2025

Closer Than You Know

by: Debra Webb

Vera Boyett - Book 2

  • Rating: full starfull starfull starfull starstar outline (4/5)

The past doesn't always stay in the past

What to do when your old work follows you into your new life? Vera is starting to settle into her new/old life back in her hometown having returned after a career setback. She is working now as a criminal analyst instead of a cop. She is also working with her first love who has become the new Sheriff after returning home from military service. 

This story starts fast and keeps the pace kicking things off with an early morning visit from Sheriff Bent. In addition to solving the case of the Time Thief there is all of the interpersonal emotional baggage. Oh and did I mention secrets? There are a lot of them going around.  With so many of them being resolved in this story, curious where things will go next. 

There is a lot going on, a lot is resolved and I was happy to go along for the ride. A great follow up to Deeper Than the Dead. If you didn’t read the first one, you won’t be lost but you may have the urge to go back to it just for a good read. There are several strong themes running through that are handled delicately without watering down the mystery/thriller.  It may cause thoughts about gaslighting, nature vs nurture, what you might do in the protection of those you love, and so much more. 

Looking forward to the next Vera Boyett adventure.

Happy Reading!

Release Date: 6-May-2025
Audiobook, Read-and-Listen, Mystery, Female-Led, Thriller

Plot Summary

Vera Boyett is a master at cracking a case.

After tragedy destroyed her career as deputy police chief, she felt lost. Moving back home near her sisters, she put her skills back to use as a crime analyst, and now her star is finally back on the rise. Vera’s work really begins to heat up after the local sheriff, Gray “Bent” Benton, calls to ask her for assistance with a pressing case.

Pushing aside their complicated past, Vera agrees to help Bent search for a missing reporter. But their investigation uncovers an improbable connection to the Messenger, a serial killer she put behind bars twelve years ago. The killer, who is dying of cancer, wants his final revenge. And the reporter is merely a distraction—Vera is his true target.

When the Messenger pulls her sister Eve into his twisted game, Vera vows to stop him for good. But can she find Eve and the reporter before it’s too late?