Review of MEMORY OF MURDER by Debra Webb

On September 30, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335690197

Publisher:Harlequin

Publication date:09/30/2025

Series:Colby Agency: The Next Generation , #3

Pages:224

Born to a jailed mother convicted of murdering her husband, Anne Griffin has tried to put her past behind her. The two were always painfully estranged. But when ace Colby investigator Jack Brenner arrives at Anne’s door with new evidence, she decides to help him reexamine the thirty-year-old cold case. One clue is the journal her now-deceased mother kept, vehemently claiming her innocence. But as Anne and Jack come closer to the truth—and each other—danger follows them. Someone wants a secret to stay buried.

My Thoughts

Colby Agency investigator Jack Brenner is on the case, enlisting the help of Anne Griffin, a young woman whose mother was convicted of killing her father. Anne had no idea that her mother might be innocent until Jack showed up with a journal that enlightened her about a lot of things that happened in her mom’s life. Jack and Anne travel to the small town of Crystal Lake, where the crime occurred, to investigate her father’s death and discover the truth about what happened to him, even it it meant that Anne’s mother Mary Morton was actually guilty. There, they stir up a hornet’s nest of lies and secrets that lead to their being in constant danger from an unknown source. With their lives on the line and Mary’s innocence at stake, they continue to pursue the truth wherever it may lead them. I loved the intense drama and the way the mom’s journal was part of the story, giving insight to her life before and after her imprisonment. Many of the characters were not likable since they were suspects in a murder that may have led to an innocent young teacher being jailed for the rest of her life, but all of the characters were dynamic and interesting, adding depth to an absorbing story. As I read, I was totally invested in the story, which read much like a true crime tale from the “Innocence Project.” There were plenty of red herrings to keep me guessing and I was shocked at the big reveal at the end. I loved that I did not figure out what was really going on! This is a fast-paced and compelling story that is brilliantly plotted by an author who knows how to build suspense. Fans of the author and of riveting suspense don’t want to miss this one!
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of the book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

DEBRA WEBB is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 175 novels, including reader favorites Devlin & Falco, Finley O’Sullivan and the Faces of Evil 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.

With more than ten million books sold 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 and 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.

Purchase Links

Review: ALIBI FOR MURDER by Debra Webb

On August 30, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

When Allie Foster becomes the prime suspect in a murder, the small-town loner reaches out to the one person she can trust. Convinced Allie’s innocent, Colby Agency investigating attorney Steve Durham uncovers a shocking connection to a decades-old cold case in her past. The twisting path to the truth unleashes an attraction that plunges the high school friends into deeper danger. Now Steve and Allie must outmaneuver an elusive killer in a case where nothing and no one is what they seem.

Product Details

ISBN-13:9781335690142 Publisher:Harlequin Publication date:08/26/2025 Series:Colby Agency: The Next Generation , #2 Pages:224

My Thoughts

The latest Colby Agency book has so many head-spinning twists and turns that it had me wondering what would happen next, and I loved playing the guessing game as I read. Allie Foster becomes a suspect in the murder of a man she never met before, but he does have a past relationship with her deceased parents. She calls on her friend, Steve Durham who is an attorney with the Colby Agency and he rushes to assist her. In the investigation that the two of them pursue, they discover secrets that have remained hidden for decades and someone wants them to remain hidden. Thus their lives are in danger from an unknown assailant who seems to know where they will be and the clues that they are following. The assailant was a total surprise to me when revealed, even though I will admit that there were numerous clues pointing to him/her hidden among the red herrings that the author masterfully included. The plot is fast-paces, intricately woven together with the past playing an important part in the current problems that Allie is facing. The romance is a part of the story, but the main thrust of the book is the mystery and solving Allie’s dilemma before she is arrested by the FBI. This is part of a series, but it can easily be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, but I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

To purchase your copy, follow this link:

Harlequin and other retailers

Audible

Vickie Approved and Vickie Recommended

Review of ALL THE LITTLE TRUTHS by Debra Webb

On November 2, 2023 By vickleaIn Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781662508844

Publisher: Amazon Publishing

Publication date: 11/07/2023

Series: Finley O’Sullivan , #3

Synopsis

Legal investigator Finley O’Sullivan has dealt with her share of shady characters, but the firm’s latest client has an even darker past than most. In fact, Nashville Metro Police seems to think he’s a murderer.

Finley isn’t so sure. Her investigation into Ray Johnson’s history focuses on the unsolved murder of a teenager who died seventeen years earlier. The case went cold, but questions remain. Months after the girl’s death, people close to her started disappearing—her mother first, then Ray’s brother. But why?

As Finley races to solve a decades-old murder, she uncovers new clues and long-buried secrets that could blow the case wide open. But whoever killed the girl all those years ago may still be a threat—and now the chase is on.

My Thoughts

Finley O’Sullivan is a kick butt and take no prisoners private investigator and lawyer. She wants all the truth, but first she has to methodically weed through the lies. She’s my favorite character in the series because she is damaged but refuses to be broken, vulnerable but not weak, intelligent and intuitive. In the latest Finley novel by Debra Webb, Finley has to try to solve a cold case of a murder and a disappearance that are over a decade old. Lucy Cagle was an intrepid high school student, determined to investigate a crime syndicate and expose the bad guys just like her famous reporter mom did. But Lucy was killed and her murderer was never found. At the same time, Ian Johnson, a younger son in the Johnson crime family, disappeared, never to be seen again. Now it is up to Finley to find out if the two events are related and if so, how since she is helping her employer Jack investigate Ray Johnson for an impending case against him. There are a lot of very satisfying twists in this novel that had me wondering just where the story was going and how it was going to get there. But author Debra Webb never disappoints in weaving a tale that is complicated and that stimulates my imagination as it keeps me mesmerized in the story and the characters. Each character contributed to the story and none was more evident than Finley’s unassuming and kind-hearted father who apparently knew something about Lucy that he wasn’t sharing. I loved the dynamics of the characters and how Finley had to prod and poke at them to get to the truth. This is a book with breath-stopping suspense and sharp, addictive writing that kept me reading and guessing all the way to the end. With well-crafted and cleverly written twists, this book is absolutely brilliant and one of the best suspense books that I have ever read! With a compelling and multi-layered mystery, this novel had me intrigued, only willing to put the book down once I had reached the satisfying conclusion.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley as well as from the author as part of her street team. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

About the Author

DEBRA WEBB is the *USA Today* bestselling author of more than 150 novels, including reader favorites the *Faces of Evil*, the Colby Agency and the Shades of Death 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 this award Debra joined the ranks of a handful of authors like Nora Roberts and Carole Mortimer.
With more than four million books sold 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 and 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.

Available for preorder now! Releases on 11-07-23. Purchase Links:

https://amzn.to/49dJ0Oz (AMZ)

https://amzn.to/3Sj9hFd (Audible)

https://bit.ly/3QDRHuw (Barnes and Noble)

Review of MURDER AT SUNSET ROCK by Debra Webb

On July 24, 2023 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

Murder at Sunset Rock by Debra Webb

My rating: 5 of 5 stars (I would rate this book PG due to content.)

The new suspense book by Debra Webb has everything that I love about suspense. It is fast-paced, filled with false trails and plenty of clues so I could keep guessing my way through the mystery. The main characters are dealing with a former romance gone wrong while they are also trying to solve the mystery of Olivia’s beloved grandfather Willy Ballard. Huck Monroe is a deputy detective assigned to the case, much to Olivia’s dismay since she has a past history with him. I enjoyed all of the twists in the mystery and the romance that was simmering between Olivia and Huck. My favorite thing was that I tried really hard to guess the villain but the author fooled me again with her masterful writing. The characters are well-developed and relatable and the plot is just complex enough to keep me thoroughly engaged. I really did not see that final twist coming and I loved it!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as part of her Street Team. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

View all my reviews

Releases tomorrow! Here are purchase links for you:

https://amzn.to/44ABc71 (Kindle)

https://amzn.to/44Yf4TH (AMZ, PB)

https://bit.ly/474rMly (Barnes and Noble)

https://apple.co/3Z375lx (Apple)

https://bit.ly/3OsszWs (Kobo)

https://bit.ly/46VyZ7H (Harlequin)

https://bit.ly/3Y2pRdm (Target)

https://bit.ly/4737JnF (Walmart)

If you want to know more about author Debra Webb, check out her website at:

Debra Webb

Review of THE NATURE OF SECRETS

On March 14, 2023 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

**Book Details:**
**ISBN-13**: 9781662508820
**ISBN-10**: 1662508824
**Publisher**: Thomas & Mercer
**Publish Date**: March 2023
**Dimensions**: 8.19 x 5.35 x 1.02 inches
**Shipping Weight**: 0.79 pounds

About the Book:

From USA Today bestselling author Debra Webb comes 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.

My Review:

The second book in the Finley O’Sullivan series explained a lot of loose ends and was a totally satisfying read. Finley and Jack are hired by wealthy Ellen Winthrop to represent her when she is suspected of murdering her philandering husband. On the path to investigating Ellen’s case, Finley makes astonishing discoveries about the murder of her own husband Derrick as well as uncovering secrets about Jack and her mother, the Judge who barely speaks to her. The characters were credible and fascinating, with backstories that were riveting and complex. The plot was fast-paced and equally complicated, with brilliantly woven twists and clever details thrown in as clues. I really enjoyed this book, especially finding out more about the characters and how determined Finley is to get at the truth about Derrick’s death. There were sub-plots and secondary characters in the mix, too, all insightfully included into the main plot and giving the plot an edgy feel, with the accompanying misdirection that is appreciated by mystery fans like me. This is a story rich in detail and even has some romance peeking it. Those who enjoy a good whodunit with some breath-stopping suspense will enjoy this book.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and the author via Netgalley. 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, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Rated PG-13 due to content and subject matter.

Available NOW! Purchase Links:

https://amzn.to/3l6PQBn

https://www.powells.com/book/the-nature-of-secrets-9781662508820

http://bit.ly/3TdzLGL (BN)

http://bit.ly/3JcpXIq (Book Shop)

http://bit.ly/3YKjkmm (Target)

http://bit.ly/3YCFx5G (Books-a-Million)

Books in the Series:

THE NATURE OF SECRETS is the second book in the series and may be read as a standalone. I recommend, however, that you start with the first book in the series so you get to know Finley O’Sullivan and what makes her search for the truth in THE NATURE OF SECRETS. Here is a link to the series: Amazon

Review of THE LAST LIE TOLD by Debra Webb

On July 27, 2022 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

Finley O’Sullivan, the protagonist of a new series, is my new favorite heroine. Smart, determined and with a past that could kill a weaker person, Finley is a legal investigator who throws her best efforts into whatever task she is assigned. Working with Jack, the head of the investigative agency and her godfather, Finley is tenacious as well as compassionate with the clients. The realistic portrayal of the characters, with all of their weaknesses and self-doubts, is what makes this author one of the best and one of my go-to authors when I want a good book to read. This book was exceptional in that it introduced a new series with a complicated plot and plenty of suspects to choose from. The twists were innumerable and there were plenty of surprises along the way, too. I liked the relationships that Finley had with Jack and her friend Matt, a man who seems to want more but who isn’t pushy about it. I was captivated by Finlay’s mother, the Judge, because she has few attributes of a mom and all of the characteristics of a woman seeking more power. I am looking forward to finding out more about their broken relationship in future books of the series. The plot is one that is original, with a killer recanting his confession and the repercussions from his actions to all involved in the original murder, investigation and conviction. There are some real lowlifes in the book who genuinely need to be taken behind the woodshed and have some sense knocked into them. But they are integral parts of the story, so I was content just to dislike them. There is a sub-plot, too, in which Finley is trying desperately to find the men who murdered her husband Derrick and left her injured in body and soul. There are quite a few twists in that part of the tale, too! Fans of suspense with a kick butt female protagonist will enjoy this new series as much as I did and look forward to the next book.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Netgalley. 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.” Final note: I pre-ordered my own copy of this book because I love the author’s writing style so much that I have a collection of them.

This book releases on August 1, 2022. It is available to preorder now! Purchase Links:

GET THIS BOOK TODAY AND ON AUGUST 1, YOU CAN MEET FINLEY O’SULLIVAN FOR YOURSELF!

Review of CAN’T GO BACK by Debra Webb

On November 27, 2021 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

The final book in the Devlin and Falco series is a complicated tale in which the present gets mixed up in the past and all of it flows seamlessly to a fantastic conclusion. Kerri Devlin and Luke Falco are partners in the Birmingham PD and are tasked with finding out who or what caused a fire that killed a young mother and her daughter. When the husband, a former police officer, confesses, neither of them totally buy into his confession and are determined to ferret out the truth. In their quest for justice, Devlin and Falco uncover some really dark truths about Falco’s past that he has not dealt with yet. With rogue cops and creepy grandmothers, this book has a lot of red herrings and tons of false trails that kept me guessing almost to the end. I won’t give anything away here, but I will say that I was able to follow the clues and guessed who the villains were, just before they were revealed. The author did a masterful job of weaving a realistic story that kept me engrossed and wanting more. Kerri is a strong female protagonist who is in tune with her partner and his needs. Luke shows his vulnerability in this final installment of the series and that was a perfect addition to his very macho character. I will miss this duo because this is one of the best detective series that I have read. Fans of suspense will really enjoy this book, but the first two should be read first so that you get to know the characters well before delving into the final book.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. 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.”

*Due to content and topics, I would rate this book for PG-13 or higher.*

*Photo and Bio from the author’s webpage on Amazon*Debra Webb on Amazon

This hard-hitting suspense/mystery will be released on December 14, 2021. Pre-order today at one of the links below:

This intensely intriguing book will appeal to fans of mystery, suspense and thrillers and will leave you a fan of Debra Webb for life!

Review of GONE TOO FAR by Debra Webb

On April 25, 2021 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

This riveting second book in the Devlin and Falco series had me on the edge of my seat as the complicated and multi-layered plot was masterfully unraveled by author Debra Webb. Definitely a suspense thriller, the main characters are Birmingham detectives Katie Devlin and Luke Falco who are called in to investigate a double homicide. One of the victims is a deputy district attorney, Asher Walsh who is somehow connected to former detective Sadie Cross. Sadie had left the force after an undercover operation with the Osorio drug cartel went way south and she ended up with a fragmented memory and nightmares. To add to the plot, Katie’s daughter Tori is involved in an incident at her school that resulted in the injury of a “mean girl.” So many interesting twists and turns were in this book! I enjoyed learning more about Katie’s family life and how devoted she is to Tori and I really liked getting to know Sadie. She is broken because of her past, but she is not irredeemable. The characters made the story, in my opinion, because they were varied, active and so realistic that I expected them to leave the written page and share with me the secrets of what was going to happen next. There was lots of fast-paced action and plenty of cerebral detective work going on as well. Although this is the second book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. Fans of suspense thrillers and police procedurals will want to get their hands on this book and devour its mesmerizing pages!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. 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.”

*Because of the mature content in this book, I would rate it a hard PG-13.*

*Photo from the author’s page at* http://www.debrawebb.com

Author’s Biography (from her page at http://www.debrawebb.com)

DEBRA WEBB is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 150 novels, including reader favorites the Faces of Evil, the Colby Agency and the Shades of Death 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 this award Debra joined the ranks of a handful of authors like Nora Roberts and Carole Mortimer.

With more than four million books sold 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 and 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.

This riveting book will be available on Tuesday, April 27, 2021. Pre-order now at these retailers:

Order today and get ready experience a fast-paced detective thriller!

Review of THE LIE:BEHIND CLOSED DOORS by Debra Webb

On December 2, 2020December 2, 2020 By vickleaIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

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.”

This is book one of a new series called **Behind Closed Doors**. *With a new book released weekly, these short books are perfect books to getaway for a little while from the realities of a world gone crazy.*

*With descriptions of graphic violence, this book may not be for everyone, but the suspense and fast pace were wonderfully enticing for me.*

*Photo from Ms. Webb’s website at* http://www.debrawebb.com

Debra Webb is a prolific author who has written more than 150 books. Check out her bio on her website!

Available Today at Amazon:

Amazon

Review of TRUST NO ONE by Debra Webb

On August 1, 2020 By vickleaIn Uncategorized1 Comment

Debra Webb’s latest suspense thriller is a blockbuster for sure! The story of Detectives Kerri Devlin and Falco is spun quickly into a web of deceit and twists that makes it hard to guess whodunit. Perfect read for fans of mystery and suspense! The thriller part comes in with the fast pace and the crimes that are committed against some of the most powerful and wealthy families in Birmingham, Alabama. I read several books at a time, but I have to say that this one was hard to put down. Kerri has a sub-plot involving her ex-husband and her rebellious teen daughter, so that made her life seem very realistic. The beginning is explosive and twists and turns around to bring you right back to where you started. Masterful plot! There were a lot of bad guys and I wasn’t convinced at times that the detectives would be able to solve the crime sprees and find the killers without getting hurt themselves. The case becomes real and personal to Kerri quickly, and Falco joins her in the quest to find the missing women before they are harmed. I loved this book! Best one yet by Debra Webb, and she really knows how to spin a good story. This one was so complex and well-written that I felt like I was actually in Birmingham and helping Kerri solve the crimes. Fans of mystery, suspense and thrillers will want to read this one and then maybe read it again to find the clues that they missed the first time.
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.”