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Finley O’Sullivan #1
The Last Lie Told
From USA Today bestselling author Debra Webb comes the thrilling first installment in the Finley O’Sullivan series, featuring a legal investigator haunted by her past and obsessed with the truth.
Legal investigator Finley O’Sullivan searches for evidence the police overlooked, wading through secrets, lies, and betrayal to find answers. With the unsolved murder of her husband still very much on her mind, Finley must confront her own personal trauma on a daily basis. Lies are part of her livelihood, but they’re also the reason she can’t get justice for the man she loved.
When a man imprisoned for murder recants his confession, claiming he cleaned up the mess for his girlfriend—the victim’s own daughter—Finley takes on the case. She discovers the victim had identical twin daughters…and the sisters have very different accounts of the crime.
As she dives headlong into the twins’ traumatic past, Finley will have to contend with her own demons to get to the truth—before it’s too late.
Legal investigator Finley O’Sullivan searches for evidence the police overlooked, wading through secrets, lies, and betrayal to find answers. With the unsolved murder of her husband still very much on her mind, Finley must confront her own personal trauma on a daily basis. Lies are part of her livelihood, but they’re also the reason she can’t get justice for the man she loved.
When a man imprisoned for murder recants his confession, claiming he cleaned up the mess for his girlfriend—the victim’s own daughter—Finley takes on the case. She discovers the victim had identical twin daughters…and the sisters have very different accounts of the crime.
As she dives headlong into the twins’ traumatic past, Finley will have to contend with her own demons to get to the truth—before it’s too late.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2022
12441 people are currently reading
15907 people want to read
About the author
Debra Webb
514 books2,273 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 1,176 reviews
August 4, 2022
This is my first read of prolific author Debra Webb, a crime novel set in Nashville, Tennessee, featuring legal investigator Finley O’Sullivan, suspended as a lawyer after a courtroom meltdown. She is a griefstricken widow who has barely moved on from the murder of her beloved husband, Derrick, in their fixer up home and the horrifying trauma she herself experienced. Nothing has changed in the house that she still lives in, and despite powerful forces arraigned against her she will not be deterred from working with her boss and godfather, Jack Finnegan, in a case representing the Legard women, Sophia and her twin daughters, Cecilia and Olivia. Well known in the music business, Lance Legard had been murdered, and the man convicted of the crime has now pointed the finger at Cecilia.
In a narrative where the truth is only arrived at after wading through a quagmire of lies after lies, the Legard women particularly guilty of this, Finley has to contend with her own PTSD and personal demons, and she is shocked to discover that Derrick might have been less than truthful too. Webb's storytelling requires a considerable level of suspension of disbelief, and whilst I found some of it okay in parts, I have to own up to racing through much of it, and not for the best of reasons, to simply get to the end and be able to move on. This is for readers looking for a undemanding mystery with not as much depth to the characters as I look for, and whilst I think many readers will enjoy this, it was not really for me. That is not to say I did not find some aspects entertaining, I chose to read it as I do like legal thrillers, but will be giving this author and this series a miss in the future. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
In a narrative where the truth is only arrived at after wading through a quagmire of lies after lies, the Legard women particularly guilty of this, Finley has to contend with her own PTSD and personal demons, and she is shocked to discover that Derrick might have been less than truthful too. Webb's storytelling requires a considerable level of suspension of disbelief, and whilst I found some of it okay in parts, I have to own up to racing through much of it, and not for the best of reasons, to simply get to the end and be able to move on. This is for readers looking for a undemanding mystery with not as much depth to the characters as I look for, and whilst I think many readers will enjoy this, it was not really for me. That is not to say I did not find some aspects entertaining, I chose to read it as I do like legal thrillers, but will be giving this author and this series a miss in the future. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
July 3, 2022
Having read all the 5-star raves, I had been hoping for a good legal mystery or thriller. While “The Last Lie Told” shows some promise at the beginning, it goes on to prove itself woefully deficient in many areas.
Initially, main character Finley O’Sullivan seems like she will be an interesting character. The daughter of a powerful judge, the victim of rape during her husband’s murder, and a former prosecutor on suspension because she blew up in court, she now works as an investigator for the top-notch but alcoholic attorney who is her godfather. A strong, determined woman beset by conflict, both internal and external, she seems a character that readers can grow to like and root for.
Additionally, in the beginning, author Debra Webb seems fairly skilled at planting the kinds of questions that keep readers turning the pages to discover the answers.
Unfortunately, the novel quickly loses credibility. The author seems to have very little knowledge of the law, criminal prosecution or defense, or lawyers and the rules they must live by—which is a big problem if you’re writing a novel about the law.
For example, she has the supposedly top-notch attorney agree to represent the wife and daughters, or “family,” of a murder victim. But each of the three family members is a suspect in her own right. Which means that the interests of all three conflict. In the face of such glaring conflicts—conflicts that any first-year law student would recognize—no competent attorney would agree to represent more than one of them.
This is a glaring error—as glaring as twice—yes, twice—referring to an attorney as “council” (meaning a committee or board or commission) instead of using the correct appellation: “counsel” (meaning advisor or advocate) And there are many more.
For instance, Finley, an attorney, thinks she can break laws and ethical rules because she’s working, not as a lawyer, but as a “legal investigator.” Wrong. It doesn’t matter what job she’s doing, she’s still bound by the legal and ethical duties applicable to all attorneys. And, as talented an attorney as she is supposed to be, she would know that. She also thinks that if she's the one to break the rules, her godfather will be shielded from any blowback. As a talented attorney, she surely would know that she is her godfather's agent and that he is responsible for her conduct.
It's also clear that the author knows very little about prisons. Finley seems to be able to waltz in and out of one of Tennessee's state prisons and interview anyone she pleases, either legitimately or by subterfuge. Sorry, prisons just don’t work that way.
Equally disappointing, although Finley is supposed to be a top-notch investigator, her skills beyond interviewing—what makes her special as an investigator—are left unexplored. And although the novel takes place in Nashville and involves the music industry, readers will learn almost nothing about either.
Bottom line? In my opinion, this novel was poorly researched and lacks the necessary understanding of the worlds and concepts it seeks to explore.
I also found the quality of the writing to be very uneven. At times, the prose is clear and straightforward. At others, it’s awkward and graceless and padded with unnecessary and irrelevant descriptions that add nothing to the story. And it’s filled with clichés! Consider the following passage:
"She suspected the DA, the chief, maybe even the mayor wanted her to fade quietly into the sunset. She was a thorn of some sort in their collective sides. 'I’m not asking you to walk around on eggshells forever,' Matt urged. 'Just until I have a handle on what’s going down.'" Webb, Debra. The Last Lie Told (Finley O’Sullivan) (p. 69). Thomas & Mercer. Kindle Edition.
Four, possibly five, clichés in four sentences? That’s got to be some kind of record.
The writing is also way overburdened by descriptions of characters’ physical reactions based on their feelings: guts wrench; heads explode; faces blank; deep breaths are inhaled; stomachs churn; eyes roll; etc., etc.
And for those readers who are offended by profanity, be aware: there’s a lot of it in this novel.
Finally, the solution to the main mystery is neither surprising nor particularly original. It’s telegraphed along the way, and it’s been done before in books, movies, and on TV. Other, more minor mysteries are left unresolved, apparently to be revisited in the next and/or succeeding volumes.
The novel’s “About the Author” section states, among other things, that Ms. Webb has written more than 150 novels. That’s a big accomplishment. But based on this performance, I have to wonder whether quality has been sacrificed for quantity.
Initially, main character Finley O’Sullivan seems like she will be an interesting character. The daughter of a powerful judge, the victim of rape during her husband’s murder, and a former prosecutor on suspension because she blew up in court, she now works as an investigator for the top-notch but alcoholic attorney who is her godfather. A strong, determined woman beset by conflict, both internal and external, she seems a character that readers can grow to like and root for.
Additionally, in the beginning, author Debra Webb seems fairly skilled at planting the kinds of questions that keep readers turning the pages to discover the answers.
Unfortunately, the novel quickly loses credibility. The author seems to have very little knowledge of the law, criminal prosecution or defense, or lawyers and the rules they must live by—which is a big problem if you’re writing a novel about the law.
For example, she has the supposedly top-notch attorney agree to represent the wife and daughters, or “family,” of a murder victim. But each of the three family members is a suspect in her own right. Which means that the interests of all three conflict. In the face of such glaring conflicts—conflicts that any first-year law student would recognize—no competent attorney would agree to represent more than one of them.
This is a glaring error—as glaring as twice—yes, twice—referring to an attorney as “council” (meaning a committee or board or commission) instead of using the correct appellation: “counsel” (meaning advisor or advocate) And there are many more.
For instance, Finley, an attorney, thinks she can break laws and ethical rules because she’s working, not as a lawyer, but as a “legal investigator.” Wrong. It doesn’t matter what job she’s doing, she’s still bound by the legal and ethical duties applicable to all attorneys. And, as talented an attorney as she is supposed to be, she would know that. She also thinks that if she's the one to break the rules, her godfather will be shielded from any blowback. As a talented attorney, she surely would know that she is her godfather's agent and that he is responsible for her conduct.
It's also clear that the author knows very little about prisons. Finley seems to be able to waltz in and out of one of Tennessee's state prisons and interview anyone she pleases, either legitimately or by subterfuge. Sorry, prisons just don’t work that way.
Equally disappointing, although Finley is supposed to be a top-notch investigator, her skills beyond interviewing—what makes her special as an investigator—are left unexplored. And although the novel takes place in Nashville and involves the music industry, readers will learn almost nothing about either.
Bottom line? In my opinion, this novel was poorly researched and lacks the necessary understanding of the worlds and concepts it seeks to explore.
I also found the quality of the writing to be very uneven. At times, the prose is clear and straightforward. At others, it’s awkward and graceless and padded with unnecessary and irrelevant descriptions that add nothing to the story. And it’s filled with clichés! Consider the following passage:
"She suspected the DA, the chief, maybe even the mayor wanted her to fade quietly into the sunset. She was a thorn of some sort in their collective sides. 'I’m not asking you to walk around on eggshells forever,' Matt urged. 'Just until I have a handle on what’s going down.'" Webb, Debra. The Last Lie Told (Finley O’Sullivan) (p. 69). Thomas & Mercer. Kindle Edition.
Four, possibly five, clichés in four sentences? That’s got to be some kind of record.
The writing is also way overburdened by descriptions of characters’ physical reactions based on their feelings: guts wrench; heads explode; faces blank; deep breaths are inhaled; stomachs churn; eyes roll; etc., etc.
And for those readers who are offended by profanity, be aware: there’s a lot of it in this novel.
Finally, the solution to the main mystery is neither surprising nor particularly original. It’s telegraphed along the way, and it’s been done before in books, movies, and on TV. Other, more minor mysteries are left unresolved, apparently to be revisited in the next and/or succeeding volumes.
The novel’s “About the Author” section states, among other things, that Ms. Webb has written more than 150 novels. That’s a big accomplishment. But based on this performance, I have to wonder whether quality has been sacrificed for quantity.
October 22, 2022
2 to 3 stars rounded up.
Just a quick review as I’m short of time! Well, there are plenty of lies that’s for sure, so many that it makes my head spin! In places it’s well written but it’s so uneven with parts that feel a bit flat or there is an overburdening of irrelevant detail.
The central plot is quite good but there are several subplots and it all feel begins to feel a bit much. In addition, there are a lot of characters to get your head round and inevitably some are not fleshed out.
As for the ending, the word that springs to mind is meh! There’s also one big unanswered question which no doubt will be answered in the book two which I somehow doubt I’ll read. Sorry, not my cuppa.
Just a quick review as I’m short of time! Well, there are plenty of lies that’s for sure, so many that it makes my head spin! In places it’s well written but it’s so uneven with parts that feel a bit flat or there is an overburdening of irrelevant detail.
The central plot is quite good but there are several subplots and it all feel begins to feel a bit much. In addition, there are a lot of characters to get your head round and inevitably some are not fleshed out.
As for the ending, the word that springs to mind is meh! There’s also one big unanswered question which no doubt will be answered in the book two which I somehow doubt I’ll read. Sorry, not my cuppa.
June 14, 2024
Finley O’Sullivan is a legal investigator in Nashville, a very good one, working for her godfather and criminal lawyer Jack Finnegan. Previously a prosecutor in the DA’s office, she suffered severe trauma after she was brutally attacked and raped, while her husband Derrick was murdered in what looked like a home invasion. However, she blames herself and a case she was involved in prosecuting for his death, and after a melt down in court, decided she didn’t want to work as a lawyer any more.
Five years ago, Charles Holmes pleaded guilty to the murder of music mogul Lance Legard and has been serving a prison term, but now he is proclaiming his innocence and saying his girlfriend, the murdered man’s daughter, Cecilia Legard, killed her father. Jack has been hired by Legard’s widow to defend Cecilia and Finley will have her hands full wading through the lies and deception she discovers investigating Cecilia and her identical twin Olivia, who each blame the other of their father’s death.
This is a mostly enjoyable legal thriller, but I did find the network of lies and shifting sands of the narrative often made it difficult to grasp what was important and fewer details might have helped even out the plot. Finlay’s backstory is also given gradually and at times I felt as if I’d missed a previous episode in the series and it was also hard to get a feel for her character. I like the idea of a series based on a legal investigator and plan to continue on with the series. 3.5★
Five years ago, Charles Holmes pleaded guilty to the murder of music mogul Lance Legard and has been serving a prison term, but now he is proclaiming his innocence and saying his girlfriend, the murdered man’s daughter, Cecilia Legard, killed her father. Jack has been hired by Legard’s widow to defend Cecilia and Finley will have her hands full wading through the lies and deception she discovers investigating Cecilia and her identical twin Olivia, who each blame the other of their father’s death.
This is a mostly enjoyable legal thriller, but I did find the network of lies and shifting sands of the narrative often made it difficult to grasp what was important and fewer details might have helped even out the plot. Finlay’s backstory is also given gradually and at times I felt as if I’d missed a previous episode in the series and it was also hard to get a feel for her character. I like the idea of a series based on a legal investigator and plan to continue on with the series. 3.5★
July 26, 2022
Only read this if you don’t mind weak writing, unbelievable plot lines, and LOTS of unanswered questions. I’m assuming you need to read the next book(s) in the series to find out:
1.) Why did Finley’s mom and Jack have a falling out?
2.) Why did Derrick lie?
3.) Who killed Derrick?
4.) Why did the rapist whisper, “You take something from me, I take something from you”?
5.) What’s in the backyard?
6.) Why didn’t the Judge visit Finley in the hospital?
7.) Why did the lead investigator on Derrick’s case commit suicide?
8.) Why were people always “watching” Finley? Why didn’t they just kill her (especially since she hardly ever locked her door)?
And then there’s these unanswered questions that I would be willing to guess WILL NOT be addressed in future books:
1.) Why did Bethany say she was “there that night”?
2.) What was the deal with the college roommate?
3.) Why did the twin spy on Finley and say “if I close my eyes I can smell her skin. I want to know her better?”
4.) Who buried the dog, and why was the scent of decay fresh?
5.) Who is Brantley’s father?
This book was a major waste of time. Ugh.
1.) Why did Finley’s mom and Jack have a falling out?
2.) Why did Derrick lie?
3.) Who killed Derrick?
4.) Why did the rapist whisper, “You take something from me, I take something from you”?
5.) What’s in the backyard?
6.) Why didn’t the Judge visit Finley in the hospital?
7.) Why did the lead investigator on Derrick’s case commit suicide?
8.) Why were people always “watching” Finley? Why didn’t they just kill her (especially since she hardly ever locked her door)?
And then there’s these unanswered questions that I would be willing to guess WILL NOT be addressed in future books:
1.) Why did Bethany say she was “there that night”?
2.) What was the deal with the college roommate?
3.) Why did the twin spy on Finley and say “if I close my eyes I can smell her skin. I want to know her better?”
4.) Who buried the dog, and why was the scent of decay fresh?
5.) Who is Brantley’s father?
This book was a major waste of time. Ugh.
dnf
August 18, 2022DNF. Way too many tangents from the main plotline. Feels very unfocused. The protagonist's personal storyline and the main murder mystery don't fit together very well, so the whole narrative feels choppy. A lot of the characters also feel really one-dimensional, which makes it hard to care about them. All around, this one just isn't for me.
July 20, 2022
This is the first of a new series with Finley O'Sullivan and her life in Nashville, Tennessee. This one left my head spinning with all the twists, turns, clues, and suspects. Finley is a lawyer who is working as an investigator for her godfather, Jack Finnegan, whom she is named after. A year ago, her husband was murdered in their home, and she was beaten. No one has been charged but she knows who did it. Waiting her time. That is a side story that is ongoing with a new investigator on the case. After a courtroom meltdown, she is not practicing law right now.
Jack has been asked to represent twins (or one) who are now named for their father's death five years after someone else was convicted. The dead man was involved in the country music scene and so was the convicted man. Finley spends her days tracking down possible suspects and leads and what a ride. Ends with a little shocker, complicated and action-packed, full of politicians. This one is one I am still trying to figure out and there are still answers to be found. Good start and looking forward to the next one.
I read this through the Amazon First Reads program and will be available Aug 1, 2022.
Jack has been asked to represent twins (or one) who are now named for their father's death five years after someone else was convicted. The dead man was involved in the country music scene and so was the convicted man. Finley spends her days tracking down possible suspects and leads and what a ride. Ends with a little shocker, complicated and action-packed, full of politicians. This one is one I am still trying to figure out and there are still answers to be found. Good start and looking forward to the next one.
I read this through the Amazon First Reads program and will be available Aug 1, 2022.
October 5, 2022
great story ... incredibly complicated as there are many plots and everyone lies about all of them ... my way to read a book like this is, if the story keeps my attention, to just keep reading until things sort themselves out ... if the story line is not s=compelling, I just stop
July 27, 2022
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.
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.
July 20, 2022
Webb writes two plot lines, finishing one and leaving the other one hanging to probably be finished in book two. The first plot line is the re-opening of the muder of Lance Legard. There is so much going on with this plot line that it’s hard to focus and actually be interested. The book started off slow, and continued that way throughout. At times, I found it very boring. The second plot line is the murder investigation into Finley’s husband. This felt more like a subplot than an actual plot line as there wasn’t much focus on it at all.
Webb’s writing felt distant. I was never able to connect with any character. Webb also tried really hard to build suspense within the book, but for me it fell flat. I realize that with all the 4 and 5 star reviews, I am an outlier.
The conclusion of the book was foreseeable as the trope was one that has been done many times over. However, one of the twists I didn’t figure out. Additionally, Webb wanted the reader to feel the strain between Finley and her mother, and she did a great job of that by always having Finley refer to her mother as the Judge, since her mother was a courtroom Judge.
I may read the second book as I am interested in what happened to Finley’s husband.
Webb’s writing felt distant. I was never able to connect with any character. Webb also tried really hard to build suspense within the book, but for me it fell flat. I realize that with all the 4 and 5 star reviews, I am an outlier.
The conclusion of the book was foreseeable as the trope was one that has been done many times over. However, one of the twists I didn’t figure out. Additionally, Webb wanted the reader to feel the strain between Finley and her mother, and she did a great job of that by always having Finley refer to her mother as the Judge, since her mother was a courtroom Judge.
I may read the second book as I am interested in what happened to Finley’s husband.
December 9, 2024
This book was full of contradictions for someone the characters' age and with her experience, and it was distracting.
I feel like everyone knows that property records are public records available online, but a former DA would certainly know that. I don't know anyone under 50 who watches the local news, let alone has a favorite weather person
Aside from the unlikeable and not very bright main character, the story itself didn't make much sense. There was a real soap opera flair to it that was irritating.
I feel like everyone knows that property records are public records available online, but a former DA would certainly know that. I don't know anyone under 50 who watches the local news, let alone has a favorite weather person
Aside from the unlikeable and not very bright main character, the story itself didn't make much sense. There was a real soap opera flair to it that was irritating.
September 3, 2022
I read this book as part of the Kindle Summer Reading Challenge and was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The main character, Finley O'Sullivan, was both a sympathetic and admirable female character who was dealing with the unsolved murder of her husband. The murder mystery involved identical twins which according to some reviewers were not that original and made the plot somewhat predictable. However, as I've not read that as much into this genre as I had with fantasy in general, I found it riveting and confounding as I wondered at times if we're even seeing the correct twin in some scenes. In any case, I liked this enough to want to read the second book.
February 16, 2023
I actually came across the second installment of this series and wanted to read it, however, I’m kind of fussy about reading a series in order. So, here I am starting the series from the beginning.
The book summary pretty much introduces the two primary storylines so, I’m not going to repeat that here. What the book summary doesn’t reveal is that Finley knows exactly who killed her husband and raped her. Webb reveals in the first two chapters that Finley has begun her plans to seek justice on every one of them. A cunning, brave, bad@$$, female, vigilante taking down her rapist and her husband’s murderers without breaking any laws? Yeah, I like Finley, she’s an MC I can get behind and root for😊
A newly widowed and former Nashville ADA, who lost her job after a meltdown in the courtroom (two months after her husband’s murder and her rape), Finley now works as a legal investigator for her godfather, Jack, in his Nashville law firm. Jack is a seasoned and legendary lawyer as well as a recovering alcoholic. Jack is just as well known for his antics, indiscretions and shenanigans during his drinking days as he is his courtroom successes and accomplishments. Yeah, I like Jack😊
There is also a secondary storyline and that is the estranged and fractured relationship between Finley and her mother, a highly respected, Nashville judge, who Finley flippantly refers to as “The Judge.” The Judge had previously made her displeasure about Finley’s choice in a spouse very clear, so much so that Finley suspected that The Judge had something to do with her husband’s death. Jack told her she was wrong about The Judge, but Finley wasn’t convinced and stopped speaking to The Judge. None of this info is a spoiler since it's all revealed early in the story.
The story flips back and forth between Finley and Jack’s clients, Cecelia and Olivia, the twin daughters whose father was murdered five years ago. The convicted murderer is now saying it was Cecelia who murdered her father. As Finley gets deeper into her investigation, connections begin to develop between the three different storylines. Around the 30-35% mark, I began to suspect the plot for one of the storylines. I was pretty spot on (I missed one small detail). I don’t know if this is a sign of a weak and predictable plotline or rather a sign that I have just simply read too many of these types of stories.
The second half of the story has Finley investigating the old murder case by interviewing the persons of interest from the first investigation five years ago. Finley also discovers new leads that the first investigators never uncovered and/or never pursued. The last 10% reveals the crazy twist to one of the primary storylines that I had already figured out. Unfortunately, there was no conclusion of the other storyline, but I'm sure we haven't heard the last of that one either. I liked the title of the story too; it was aptly titled because everyone in this story is a liar. It was the last lie that did in the killer.
The book summary pretty much introduces the two primary storylines so, I’m not going to repeat that here. What the book summary doesn’t reveal is that Finley knows exactly who killed her husband and raped her. Webb reveals in the first two chapters that Finley has begun her plans to seek justice on every one of them. A cunning, brave, bad@$$, female, vigilante taking down her rapist and her husband’s murderers without breaking any laws? Yeah, I like Finley, she’s an MC I can get behind and root for😊
A newly widowed and former Nashville ADA, who lost her job after a meltdown in the courtroom (two months after her husband’s murder and her rape), Finley now works as a legal investigator for her godfather, Jack, in his Nashville law firm. Jack is a seasoned and legendary lawyer as well as a recovering alcoholic. Jack is just as well known for his antics, indiscretions and shenanigans during his drinking days as he is his courtroom successes and accomplishments. Yeah, I like Jack😊
There is also a secondary storyline and that is the estranged and fractured relationship between Finley and her mother, a highly respected, Nashville judge, who Finley flippantly refers to as “The Judge.” The Judge had previously made her displeasure about Finley’s choice in a spouse very clear, so much so that Finley suspected that The Judge had something to do with her husband’s death. Jack told her she was wrong about The Judge, but Finley wasn’t convinced and stopped speaking to The Judge. None of this info is a spoiler since it's all revealed early in the story.
The story flips back and forth between Finley and Jack’s clients, Cecelia and Olivia, the twin daughters whose father was murdered five years ago. The convicted murderer is now saying it was Cecelia who murdered her father. As Finley gets deeper into her investigation, connections begin to develop between the three different storylines. Around the 30-35% mark, I began to suspect the plot for one of the storylines. I was pretty spot on (I missed one small detail). I don’t know if this is a sign of a weak and predictable plotline or rather a sign that I have just simply read too many of these types of stories.
The second half of the story has Finley investigating the old murder case by interviewing the persons of interest from the first investigation five years ago. Finley also discovers new leads that the first investigators never uncovered and/or never pursued. The last 10% reveals the crazy twist to one of the primary storylines that I had already figured out. Unfortunately, there was no conclusion of the other storyline, but I'm sure we haven't heard the last of that one either. I liked the title of the story too; it was aptly titled because everyone in this story is a liar. It was the last lie that did in the killer.
April 22, 2023
4.25/5
Somehow, I have missed Debra Webb even though she has more than 150 books out, well no longer! I really enjoyed The Last Lie Told and it was a really great start to a new series. We got to know Finley quite a bit as well as the things that make her tick and what she is out to accomplish. It actually reminded me a bit of a Criminal Minds episode just because Finley is working on solving a murder case (like the team) while she has her own side story going on with her husband's murder. The pacing isn't what I would call all that fast, but at the same time it was still paced well, and the plot is quite complex. I ended up having to reread part of the end because I wasn't catching onto what the resolution was, so I would say it is important to pay attention.
I was able to get the audiobook through Kindle Unlimited and I oh so highly recommend it. Megan Tusing makes a fantastic Finley O’Sullivan and I hope she continues to narrate this series although I do know she narrates the second book for sure so yay for that! I enjoyed all of the different subplots and I can't wait to see where Webb takes Finley's relationship with her mom (better known as "The Judge") as well as her search for justice for her husband's murder. I love how that has turned into a whole thing and I also loved the procedural quantities of this book. The title of The Last Lie Told is really taken to the extreme here and just wait until all the lies are uncovered! There is still something up in the air, but I am sure we will see that continued in future books and I cannot wait.
Somehow, I have missed Debra Webb even though she has more than 150 books out, well no longer! I really enjoyed The Last Lie Told and it was a really great start to a new series. We got to know Finley quite a bit as well as the things that make her tick and what she is out to accomplish. It actually reminded me a bit of a Criminal Minds episode just because Finley is working on solving a murder case (like the team) while she has her own side story going on with her husband's murder. The pacing isn't what I would call all that fast, but at the same time it was still paced well, and the plot is quite complex. I ended up having to reread part of the end because I wasn't catching onto what the resolution was, so I would say it is important to pay attention.
I was able to get the audiobook through Kindle Unlimited and I oh so highly recommend it. Megan Tusing makes a fantastic Finley O’Sullivan and I hope she continues to narrate this series although I do know she narrates the second book for sure so yay for that! I enjoyed all of the different subplots and I can't wait to see where Webb takes Finley's relationship with her mom (better known as "The Judge") as well as her search for justice for her husband's murder. I love how that has turned into a whole thing and I also loved the procedural quantities of this book. The title of The Last Lie Told is really taken to the extreme here and just wait until all the lies are uncovered! There is still something up in the air, but I am sure we will see that continued in future books and I cannot wait.
July 19, 2022
Never Came to Life
Too many characters who are hard to feel any empathy with. Could never feel any of the characters were real or even get an image of in my mind. I will never read any subsequent books with these characters.
Too many characters who are hard to feel any empathy with. Could never feel any of the characters were real or even get an image of in my mind. I will never read any subsequent books with these characters.
July 23, 2022
BLURB:
Legal investigator Finley O’Sullivan searches for evidence the police overlooked, wading through secrets, lies, and betrayal to find answers. With the unsolved murder of her husband still very much on her mind, Finley must confront her own personal trauma on a daily basis. Lies are part of her livelihood, but they’re also the reason she can’t get justice for the man she loved.
When a man imprisoned for murder recants his confession, claiming he cleaned up the mess for his girlfriend—the victim’s own daughter—Finley takes on the case. She discovers the victim had identical twin daughters…and the sisters have very different accounts of the crime.
As she dives headlong into the twins’ traumatic past, Finley will have to contend with her own demons to get to the truth—before it’s too late.
**
MY REVIEW
The first book in the new Finley O’Sullivan Series by Debra Webb was an Amazon First Reads for July – and gets this new series set in Nashville, Tennessee off to a solid start. The book blurb offers a tempting hook for readers, so you’ll get no spoilers from me.
Readers are introduced to an intriguing multi-layered plot with a cast of enticing and likable characters. There’s no “real” romance here but there are hints of building blocks for a possible friends-to-something-more relationship in future books. Keeping my fingers crossed for this to happen because I really liked the potential for this pairing.
At times, Webb’s narrative takes liberties with legal principles and practices and the story becomes unrealistic -- but then again, this is fiction. Incorrect word usage as well as misspelled words pop up here and there. Being the seasoned author that she is, I would expect better attention paid to these areas.
The plot is filled with suspense and secrets. Finley is an especially complex character with her family background and her husband’s unsolved murder. I was able to predict a couple of outcomes before the final revelations, but still blown away by others. The first installment still leaves behind enough clues well-planted that I can hardly wait for the next book in this ongoing series.
THE NATURE OF SECRETS – Book Two
Release date: March 14, 2023
July 31, 2022
I like a series that evolves. I'm not so keen on books that set out to be a series from the very start and so don't answer the obvious questions that arise whilst reading, preferring to leave us having to buy the next instalment to find out. Honestly, I think that's cheating. And I am not sufficiently impressed by this book to bother to buy later ones to find out.
I also found it annoying that we inherit a large chunk of backstory about the death of Finley's husband that makes this book feel not like a first instalment but a later one. Why not paint that story properly? Clearly hubby was up to all sorts of shenanigans but if I'd paid full price, I'd be pretty peed off to not get any resolution of what was happening.
Twins in crime novels are cheesy. Who can you believe, who is who, who pretended to be their twin - it's been done far too many times. Throw in another dash of 'My colleague had a fling with the widow' and such-like and this book just can't stand up on its own.
I was disappointed. I didn't really care who killed whom. I was just glad the book was over - even with an unsatisfying ending.
Apparently, the author has written other books. I can't help thinking she needs a more critical editor to tighten up the rambling mess that this turned into.
I also found it annoying that we inherit a large chunk of backstory about the death of Finley's husband that makes this book feel not like a first instalment but a later one. Why not paint that story properly? Clearly hubby was up to all sorts of shenanigans but if I'd paid full price, I'd be pretty peed off to not get any resolution of what was happening.
Twins in crime novels are cheesy. Who can you believe, who is who, who pretended to be their twin - it's been done far too many times. Throw in another dash of 'My colleague had a fling with the widow' and such-like and this book just can't stand up on its own.
I was disappointed. I didn't really care who killed whom. I was just glad the book was over - even with an unsatisfying ending.
Apparently, the author has written other books. I can't help thinking she needs a more critical editor to tighten up the rambling mess that this turned into.
July 13, 2022
Well, I finished this book, just to see how it would come out. The author created a large cast of characters and a very complex plot. So, if you like those intricacies, you may like this book. But, really, that was it. I didn't care about any of the characters and none felt real to me. So it was hard to stay very engaged with the book. Some may enjoy this mystery, but I really didn't.
August 10, 2022
Wow!
I started The Last Lie Told, yesterday and finished early this morning. Every responsibility I had thought was crucial to get done became less important with each flip of the page.
The characters are realistic and compelling, at multiple points I found myself rooting for them. The story line was well written and the twist was executed with perfection.
I am not usually into the procedural/detective type of book but I was instantly drawn in with just the cover alone! Debra Webb nailed this one and I can not wait to see what is in store for her future.
I started The Last Lie Told, yesterday and finished early this morning. Every responsibility I had thought was crucial to get done became less important with each flip of the page.
The characters are realistic and compelling, at multiple points I found myself rooting for them. The story line was well written and the twist was executed with perfection.
I am not usually into the procedural/detective type of book but I was instantly drawn in with just the cover alone! Debra Webb nailed this one and I can not wait to see what is in store for her future.
Read
August 25, 2022I thought I’d try a Tennessee-based author (plus free through kindle!), but after 6 chapters I’m giving it a DNF. Unfocused and repetitive. Hard to get traction.
File Under: Life’s too Short to Read Books You Don’t Care About
Not giving a star rating, but. . .
File Under: Life’s too Short to Read Books You Don’t Care About
Not giving a star rating, but. . .
February 28, 2022
Struggling to come back from the edge after the brutal and unsolved murder of her husband, legal investigator Finley O’Sullivan pours herself into a twisted case of murder where power and money are woven together with lies and secrets. And at the center are two sisters, twins, light and dark, and it is Finley's job to untangle the threads and discover the truth while facing down her own demons.
I have to say that this might be my favorite book by this author. This book is just.....different...in a good way. These characters are damaged, flawed, with an edge but sharp and totally fleshed out and likable. You find yourself rooting for them to make it.
The story is riveting, well written, with twists you won't see coming.
I have to say that this might be my favorite book by this author. This book is just.....different...in a good way. These characters are damaged, flawed, with an edge but sharp and totally fleshed out and likable. You find yourself rooting for them to make it.
The story is riveting, well written, with twists you won't see coming.
July 9, 2022
First of a series; leaves much unresolved.
April 3, 2023
I really enjoyed the last lie told. I enjoy crime series with a bit of a the Finley O'sullivan is just that. An ex DA lawyer turned investigator for her godfathers law firm after her husbands murder she is quite the leading tady. Her life is a bit of a mess she herself is living on the edge of the law and her reputation is a hot mess.
I loved this case, man in prison who admitted to the murder of a wealthy businessman who upon arrest was liked to other murders is appealing for a re trail he says he only helped but someone else is guilty. Finley and Jack are sent to investigate and find themselves not being able to trust anyone including their client the person being accused!
Honestly really enjoy this book I found myself up all night wanting to know how it ended. I was hooked start to finish. I made a guess early on in the book but the more I read the more I doubted my guess, let me just say I saw this coming! I honestly love this how crazy this storyline was and how hooked it I was. Following an investigation through an investigator and not a detective can be a very difficult narrative to write, no problems here though. Finley being a lawyer turn investigator makes the read quite interesting, plus her mother is a judge also known as the judge which is in itself hilarious.
Debra Webb (surname name sake) is an amazing author. The way she writes is just so amazing, there are so many side storyline that have been hinted to that I cannot wait to find out about. Especially the neighbour what is up with her!! Plus this book honestly it just is ons of those you won't forget the plot of in a hurry.
This was an easy 4 stars 🌟 I know I will now demolish the rest of this series stay turned!
I loved this case, man in prison who admitted to the murder of a wealthy businessman who upon arrest was liked to other murders is appealing for a re trail he says he only helped but someone else is guilty. Finley and Jack are sent to investigate and find themselves not being able to trust anyone including their client the person being accused!
Honestly really enjoy this book I found myself up all night wanting to know how it ended. I was hooked start to finish. I made a guess early on in the book but the more I read the more I doubted my guess, let me just say I saw this coming! I honestly love this how crazy this storyline was and how hooked it I was. Following an investigation through an investigator and not a detective can be a very difficult narrative to write, no problems here though. Finley being a lawyer turn investigator makes the read quite interesting, plus her mother is a judge also known as the judge which is in itself hilarious.
Debra Webb (surname name sake) is an amazing author. The way she writes is just so amazing, there are so many side storyline that have been hinted to that I cannot wait to find out about. Especially the neighbour what is up with her!! Plus this book honestly it just is ons of those you won't forget the plot of in a hurry.
This was an easy 4 stars 🌟 I know I will now demolish the rest of this series stay turned!
July 24, 2022
Behind every falsehood, complicated diversion and the crazy twins it was hard to keep straight the multitude of different directions the storyline was headed but think that was the devious point.
July 5, 2022
3.5 stars. There was an awful lot going on in just under 400 pages. I'm not sure I want to go on with this, especially after reading that this rather young author has written over 150 novels. I am drawing conclusions from that and not good ones.
July 16, 2022
Didn't hold my interest
March 25, 2023
I really enjoyed this one - the audiobook narrator was fantastic! This was definitely an ending I didn’t see coming.
Finlay O’Sullivan is an attorney. She stopped practicing after a very traumatic event in her life witch subsequently led to a breakdown in a major court case. She now works as a private investigator. This books focuses on a case that is reopened when a convicted murderer promises new information on a case. What follows is a case so twisted that the reader doesn’t know who to focus on. Everyone has a secret, and no one is telling the truth.
Finlay is a great character. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series because there is a lot that this book leaves unanswered about her past, the people in her life, and what her future will look like. The thing I liked the most about her is her tenacity. She looks in every corner, and demands answers.
If you are looking for a great mystery, try this one. I’m glad I picked it up!
Finlay O’Sullivan is an attorney. She stopped practicing after a very traumatic event in her life witch subsequently led to a breakdown in a major court case. She now works as a private investigator. This books focuses on a case that is reopened when a convicted murderer promises new information on a case. What follows is a case so twisted that the reader doesn’t know who to focus on. Everyone has a secret, and no one is telling the truth.
Finlay is a great character. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series because there is a lot that this book leaves unanswered about her past, the people in her life, and what her future will look like. The thing I liked the most about her is her tenacity. She looks in every corner, and demands answers.
If you are looking for a great mystery, try this one. I’m glad I picked it up!
March 14, 2023
Great start to a new series. I couldn’t put this book down. I am so intrigued with Finley O’Sullivan. I can’t wait to see what is in store for this series.
Debra Webb is such a brilliant storyteller. She has such a way about her. Sucks you in and doesn’t let go! This is a must read!
Debra Webb is such a brilliant storyteller. She has such a way about her. Sucks you in and doesn’t let go! This is a must read!
May 4, 2022
Wow. From the first page to the last this story keeps you guessing.
Absolutely loved it.
Absolutely loved it.
July 14, 2024
I really liked this one. A convicted killer asks for a new trial because he says he knows who really killed a famous music mogul. Lots of twists. There are a lot of players and I still wasn’t sure until the very end. There were a couple cliffhangers that weren’t frustrating but did want me to read book 2.
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