The Darkness We Hide: The Undertaker’s Daughter, Book 3 by Debra Webb

Debra Webb has become one of my “go-to” authors when I want to read a good crime fiction novel. Several of her series, and she has several, fall into my top favorites. The Darkness We Hide is the third installment of the Undertaker’s Series and was a marvelous conclusion to a story arc that has been building throughout the previous two books.

Dr. Rowan Dupont is the “undertaker” for Winchester, TN like her father before her and his father before and so on. She lives in a beautifully restored Victorian mansion that also serves as the funeral parlor. To say that her life is and always has been unusual is an understatement, and not just because of her eclectic career choice. Rowan’s mother hung herself from the chandelier of the mansion, her twin sister was murdered and unusual murders have surrounded her family all of her life. Friends and allies have betrayed her leaving her with more questions than answers and with secrets piling on top of one another until it appears that the final murder just could be Rowan’s.

The characters, as with all of Webb’s series, are very well written. We know them intimately by this point and can feel their anxiety, fear and anger seeping through the pages. Although I thought I had this one all figured out after the second installment, I was completely off base – good thing I read this one! It was a great crime fiction read and a satisfying end to the story – or is it? Who knows with Debra Webb!! I want to note, again, that this is the third book and it really is necessary that you read the first two in the series before reading this one. You will be lost, confused and frustrated if you don’t. Otherwise, I highly recommend The Darkness We Hide.