Secrets You Can't Keep

Secrets You Can't Keep by Debra Webb
12/9/25; 319 pages
Thomas & Mercer
Vera Boyett , #3

Secrets You Can't Keep by Debra Webb is a highly recommended procedural and the third book in the series featuring Vera Boyett, following Deeper Than the Dead and Closer Than You Know. It can be enjoyed as a standalone novel.

Valeri Edwin, personal assistant to wealthy business man Thomas Wilton, arrived at his estate before an important phone call and neither Wilton nor his second wife Alicia were there. As Valeri searched, she found them   murdered along with two other people at a cabin on the property. When Sheriff Gray “Bent” Benton arrived it is discovered that Alicia is still barely alive. Bent calls in crime analyst Vera Boyett to examine the crime scene for clues he and his team may have missed. 

At the same time a horrible accident has happened at Vera's pregnant sister Luna's house where she was finishing preparing the nursery with her mother-in-law. Luna left for more paint and when she returned her mother-in-law was dead at the foot of the stairs. She immediately called Vera, who then contacted Bent. It looks like Luna is the perpetrator, but knowing the two, that seems highly unlikly, so Vera needs to uncover what really happened.

This well-written procedural presents two interesting cases to investigate and solve. The Wilton triple murder case provides a complicated tangled case to solve. Webb does give readers a chapter early on letting them know the characters that clearly are involved, but then provides all manner of other clues and red herrings pointing to others being responsible. While waiting for Alicia to come out of a coma and hopefully provide the clue they need, the largest hurdle to overcome is figuring out all the lies and subterfuge along the way which are slowing down Bent and Vera from solving the Wilton case. 

Luna's case is more nuanced. From all initial appearances, Luna may be guilty. Her mother-in-law was a real shrew, and her sister is on the warpath to charge Luna. Vera knows Luna, as well as all the others involved, and understands that something else is going on and she needs to find the clues and facts to prove this. There is no clue or chapter suggesting what happened on this case, leaving readers in total suspense.

The character development and the relationship between the characters provides strong reasons to read this book and series. Vera and Bent's professional and personal relationship is strong and continues to develop. Vera's relationship with her sisters, Eve and Luna also continues to grow. 

Secrets You Can't Keep is a great choice for those who enjoy procedurals. Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.