Closer Than You Know

After leaving the Memphis PD under a cloud following a stellar career as Deputy Chief, Vera Boyd is trying to settle back into life in her hometown of Fayetteville, Tennessee. Working as a crime analyst, she is enjoying living in her old family home and reconnecting with her two younger sisters: Eve, a local mortician, and Luna, the deputy librarian.

Vera is shocked to learn that her ex–high school sweetheart, Gray Benton (aka “Bent”), is now the sheriff. He left her without an explanation 17 years ago to join the Army, but she is gradually rebuilding a friendly working relationship with him. Still keeping each other at arm’s length, a slow-burning tension is building between them.

Bent has requested Vera’s help in searching for a missing local reporter, Nolan Baker. He was working on a story involving a kidnapper nicknamed the “Time Thief,” who had previously abducted three people, holding them sedated for two days before releasing them unharmed. Baker may now have become the Time Thief’s fourth victim. However, when he isn’t released after two days, Bent and Vera become concerned—especially when their investigation leads them to clues linked to a serial killer Vera put behind bars twelve years earlier.

The serial killer was nicknamed the “Messenger” because he would leave his victims a message before abducting them and then slowly torturing them to death. However, he is still in jail, so although it seems unlikely, Vera is concerned they could be dealing with either a copycat or perhaps an accomplice they never found. Whoever they are, Vera will soon find herself firmly in their sights as she is drawn into playing a game of cat and mouse with them.

This is a complex, well-plotted thriller that draws the reader in with a plot that builds steadily toward a gripping end. The characters are well written, and there are some twisty red herrings along the way. It’s not essential to have read the first book in the series, as sufficient background to Vera and her family is given. The family dynamics between the three sisters once again play an important role—especially after Vera discovers they have been keeping an important secret from her that endangers them all. It all makes for a fast-paced, immersive read with a terrific conclusion.

With thanks to Thomas & Mercer for a copy to read.