Deeper Than the Dead by Debra Webb
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Deeper Than the Dead in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Gist
Deeper Than the Dead by Debra Webb starts off strong. A young girl discovers a body in a graveyard, and just like that, a quiet town in Tennessee becomes the center of a chilling murder investigation. The setup grips immediately, pulling readers into a story where nothing stays buried for long.
The Details
Dr. Rowan Dupont, a forensic psychologist with a tragic history, takes center stage. She’s intelligent, guarded, and still haunted by the deaths of her mother and twin sister. Now back in her hometown of Winchester after decades away, Rowan runs a funeral home. But when a string of new murders ties back to her family’s past, she gets pulled into the investigation. Her search for truth isn’t just professional—it’s personal.
The novel’s greatest strength lies in Rowan herself. She’s not flashy or overly dramatic; instead, she’s grounded and quietly compelling. Her trauma receives thoughtful treatment, and Webb shows how it shapes Rowan’s decisions, relationships, and worldview. The inner conflict she carries—balancing logic with emotion, expertise with vulnerability—adds depth to what could have been a typical thriller protagonist.
The pacing moves at a measured, deliberate speed. Webb blends elements of procedural, psychological suspense, and small-town drama. The Southern setting deepens the eerie, almost claustrophobic mood, and the sense of isolation comes through clearly. Winchester feels like the kind of place where everyone knows each other—and where secrets fester beneath the surface.
However, not everything lands. While the mystery carries layers, some plot developments lack depth. A few red herrings distract more than they intrigue, and the final twist, though surprising, doesn’t fully earn its shock value. The resolution leaves a few threads hanging, which may frustrate readers looking for more closure.
The romantic subplot between Rowan and local detective Billy Brannigan also struggles to gain traction. Their dynamic has potential, but the emotional chemistry doesn’t quite spark. Their interactions often feel like brief updates rather than meaningful moments, and the dialogue leans too heavily on exposition over natural conversation.
On the technical side, Webb’s writing is clean and confident. She builds suspense effectively and maintains a strong sense of mood. The forensic details add interest without overwhelming, and the story avoids unnecessary gore. Still, the middle section drags, and some scenes grow repetitive—particularly Rowan’s reflections on the past, which could benefit from tighter editing.
Deeper Than the Dead isn’t a bad book by any means. It offers strong bones: a damaged but likable protagonist, a haunting setting, and a dark mystery. But the execution doesn’t always match the promise. It starts with a hook, simmers with intrigue, and ends with a mixed payoff. For readers who enjoy slow-burning, character-driven thrillers with a psychological bent, it’s still worth considering—just keep expectations in check.
The Verdict
Final Verdict: A solid but uneven thriller. If you’re in the mood for a moody mystery with personal stakes and Southern Gothic vibes, this one might scratch the itch—even if it doesn’t linger long after the final page.
