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There Once Was A Child
A sexual predator recently released from prison is missing…there’s blood on the floor—but there are two blood types. Is he a victim of revenge or has another of Nashville’s children gone missing?
Joseph Fanning stole and abused seventeen children. Recently released after serving his time, now he’s gone missing. Detective Olivia Newhouse and her partner, Walt Duncan, have a duty to do all within their power to find him—just as they would for any other citizen. The first step is to make a list of possible suspects and the logical names to start with are Fanning's victims. Those seventeen children are now adults and more than one would like to see Joseph Fanning dead.
As Olivia and Walt dig deeper into the case their own lives begin to unravel. The fragile threads of discovery start to twist and tangle until nothing is as it seems.
When the one victim who knows the whole truth is revealed, no one will be the same.
Joseph Fanning stole and abused seventeen children. Recently released after serving his time, now he’s gone missing. Detective Olivia Newhouse and her partner, Walt Duncan, have a duty to do all within their power to find him—just as they would for any other citizen. The first step is to make a list of possible suspects and the logical names to start with are Fanning's victims. Those seventeen children are now adults and more than one would like to see Joseph Fanning dead.
As Olivia and Walt dig deeper into the case their own lives begin to unravel. The fragile threads of discovery start to twist and tangle until nothing is as it seems.
When the one victim who knows the whole truth is revealed, no one will be the same.
225 pages, Paperback
First published April 9, 2018
419 people are currently reading
344 people want to read
About the author
Debra Webb
548 books2,369 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 86 reviews
April 15, 2018
Joseph Fanning is missing .... he's a sexual predator recently released from prison. No one seems to be too concerned, especially after learning that he kidnapped and abused 17 children before being caught.
But there's blood on the floor ... and two blood types are found. Is he a victim of maybe one of the children he abused years ago? Or has he taken another young girl?
Detectives Olivia Newhouse and her partner, Walt Duncan, have a duty to solve the case .. no matter what their personal opinions are.
On top of the stress of having to talk to the now adult victims of this man, both Olivia and Walt are dealing with personal issues. And when Olivia finds a connection between her deceased father, Fanning, and his victims, the twists and turns of this story just don't stop. The ending was such a surprise ... I never saw it coming.
This is a well written crime fiction by a very familiar and popular author .. one that I've followed for years. Her books never disappoint. The characters are finely drawn and credible. A compelling read, the author takes the back in time when Fanning took a young girl and kept her.
I highly recommend THERE ONCE WAS A CHILD for anyone who likes a suspenseful crime fiction.
But there's blood on the floor ... and two blood types are found. Is he a victim of maybe one of the children he abused years ago? Or has he taken another young girl?
Detectives Olivia Newhouse and her partner, Walt Duncan, have a duty to solve the case .. no matter what their personal opinions are.
On top of the stress of having to talk to the now adult victims of this man, both Olivia and Walt are dealing with personal issues. And when Olivia finds a connection between her deceased father, Fanning, and his victims, the twists and turns of this story just don't stop. The ending was such a surprise ... I never saw it coming.
This is a well written crime fiction by a very familiar and popular author .. one that I've followed for years. Her books never disappoint. The characters are finely drawn and credible. A compelling read, the author takes the back in time when Fanning took a young girl and kept her.
I highly recommend THERE ONCE WAS A CHILD for anyone who likes a suspenseful crime fiction.
February 2, 2018
I just finished reading an advance copy of There Was Once A Child. It's STUNNING and by far the best book Debra Webb has ever written. She transcended the suspense/thriller genre in this novel in several ways. First, she threw everything we thought we knew about style out the window and simply let the story unfold naturally. Second, she kept graphic details to a minimum and, instead, aimed straight for the heart. Her tight focus on the friendship between the two protagonists was incredible. I adored Walter and Olivia. Debra Webb made them so real, so believable and memorable, their stories still haunt me. This book, particularly the ending, brought me to tears. Put it on your MUST READ list, then share the news with all your friends.
October 14, 2019
A lot of readers enjoyed this one, I however didn't. I didn't like the 1st POV that jumped back and forth between the child, and both of the detectives. I didn't like how whiny the female detective was. I didn't like the repetitiveness of the story. It seemed like thoughts and scenes were repeated over and over. Plus the twist was forecasted really early and I was left wondering how the author was going to pull it over. And I couldn't buy into the quick answer to make it work.
February 3, 2018
I'm sitting here, after finishing an advance copy of this book, utterly blown away. There Once Was a Child is an excellent thriller that elevates the genre, creatively and inventively told by an exceptional storyteller.
May 2, 2018
There once was a child, frightened and alone, but that child grew up...
I loved this book. This one is my first Debra Webb’s book and I'm glad it didn't let me down.
The story begins with the disappearance of a child abuser, Joseph Fanning, from his home who got out of jail one month ago after serving his time. Two types of blood sample was found in his place. Did someone from his previous victims take revenge on him or did he take a new victim to fulfill his desire?
Detective Olivia Newhouse and detective Walter Duncan were inspecting the case. As the story progresses, the horrible things related to the case revealed, as well as their personal lives. The story is all the way full of suspense, fast paced, revealing the ugly nature of child abuse and the victims' survival. The characters are as well as well developed and realistic, sometimes they make us emotional through their stories. The end is also unexpected, I never had the slightest idea of how the story ended or who 'the child' was. And this is the ultimate pleasure of reading a suspense thriller and I got it from this book.
I absolutely recommend There Once Was A Child to everyone. Not just the well marketed book but a well written book should also be read by all.
I loved this book. This one is my first Debra Webb’s book and I'm glad it didn't let me down.
The story begins with the disappearance of a child abuser, Joseph Fanning, from his home who got out of jail one month ago after serving his time. Two types of blood sample was found in his place. Did someone from his previous victims take revenge on him or did he take a new victim to fulfill his desire?
Detective Olivia Newhouse and detective Walter Duncan were inspecting the case. As the story progresses, the horrible things related to the case revealed, as well as their personal lives. The story is all the way full of suspense, fast paced, revealing the ugly nature of child abuse and the victims' survival. The characters are as well as well developed and realistic, sometimes they make us emotional through their stories. The end is also unexpected, I never had the slightest idea of how the story ended or who 'the child' was. And this is the ultimate pleasure of reading a suspense thriller and I got it from this book.
I absolutely recommend There Once Was A Child to everyone. Not just the well marketed book but a well written book should also be read by all.
February 4, 2018
Joseph Fanning stole and abused seventeen children. He was recently released from prison and has gone missing. Detective Olivia Newhouse and her partner, Walt Duncan, have a duty to find him. He’s done his time in prison and they are obligated to treat him like any other citizen they are sworn to protect, even if it goes against the grain.
As the story unfolds, written in first person, you are taken inside the minds and thoughts of the characters and of ‘The Child’. Olivia and Walt both are having their own personal issues to deal with, all the time vowing to themselves not to let their partner down, especially when they need them the most.
A tastefully written story that will invade your thoughts and mind. It keeps you wondering and guessing just who is ‘The Child’ throughout the pages.
I started reading this book with an expectation of what I would find between the pages. I couldn’t have been more wrong! What I found was a haunting psychological thriller with twists and turns I never saw coming, and an ending that absolutely blew me away. If you don’t read another book this year, read this one! You will not be disappointed.
As the story unfolds, written in first person, you are taken inside the minds and thoughts of the characters and of ‘The Child’. Olivia and Walt both are having their own personal issues to deal with, all the time vowing to themselves not to let their partner down, especially when they need them the most.
A tastefully written story that will invade your thoughts and mind. It keeps you wondering and guessing just who is ‘The Child’ throughout the pages.
I started reading this book with an expectation of what I would find between the pages. I couldn’t have been more wrong! What I found was a haunting psychological thriller with twists and turns I never saw coming, and an ending that absolutely blew me away. If you don’t read another book this year, read this one! You will not be disappointed.
April 17, 2018
First I have to say this book is written in 1st person. For me I don't normally chose to read or even look at first person stories. I only picked up THERE ONCE WAS A CHILD because Debra Webb wrote it and I'm a fan of Debra Webb. With that said the story is very engaging. Even though I don't normally read first person I found myself pulled into this story. I didn't want to stop reading. This story is tough at times for a parent to read, and will certainly pull at your heart. At times will have you on the edge of your seat, I wasn't sure what was going to happen. THERE ONCE WAS A CHILD is one of those stories that even after you turn the last page, close the book (or shut off your Kindle) you'll be thinking about this story. It's one that will come back to you days/weeks (I have a feeling even years) after you've finished. You'll think about this one. A well written deeply engaging thrilling ride of a story that will live with you. Ms. Webb has done a great job of writing characters you can relate to you and giving you a story that is completely believable. Fans of stories full of suspense and unexpected events will adore THERE ONCE WAS A CHILD.
March 22, 2018
Joseph Fanning, who has just been released from prison after serving time for the kidnapping and assault of 17 children, has disappeared. His house shows signs of a struggle so although most people don’t care if he’s been kidnapped and/or murdered, it’s still the job of Nashville Detectives Olivia (Liv) Newhouse and Walt Duncan to investigate. Both are dealing with personal issues of their own that we see in alternating chapters by each one.
Could one of his victims have decided that his plea deal of thirteen years was insufficient for the crimes he committed and decided to take revenge of their own?
Like I mentioned before, this is told in alternating chapters between Liv and Walt. This is my first book of Debra Webb’s where I’ve seen her use this format and it works well with this book. I’ve read the Faces of Evil and Shades of Death series but this book really blew it out of the water for me. The plot was amazing and I really came to like the characters a lot.
I felt this is her best book to date. This book is not connected to any of her other series so even if you haven’t read any of her books this is a great one to start. Absolutely loved this book and could not put it down until the end literally. Highly recommended!!!
I did receive an ARC of this book for my honest review.
Could one of his victims have decided that his plea deal of thirteen years was insufficient for the crimes he committed and decided to take revenge of their own?
Like I mentioned before, this is told in alternating chapters between Liv and Walt. This is my first book of Debra Webb’s where I’ve seen her use this format and it works well with this book. I’ve read the Faces of Evil and Shades of Death series but this book really blew it out of the water for me. The plot was amazing and I really came to like the characters a lot.
I felt this is her best book to date. This book is not connected to any of her other series so even if you haven’t read any of her books this is a great one to start. Absolutely loved this book and could not put it down until the end literally. Highly recommended!!!
I did receive an ARC of this book for my honest review.
April 10, 2018
Ever read a book and by the end wonder if the author first sat and plotted how they can totally mess with the readers minds and before even writing the story? Debra Webb has certainly done just that with this book. Going into a “dark” book you know your not going to get many feel good moments and your also a bit fearful of the ending.. That was true of this book but yet when you've finished unbelievably you have this weird feeling of tranquility. That even though life sucks it's going to be ok...
March 25, 2018
Debra Webb is a master storyteller that knows how to spin a story so you are drawn in from the very first paragraph until the very end.
Her main character is a police detective who lost her father 3 months ago, after moving in with her fiance she is beginning to doubt their engagement, her migraines are back in full force, her partner is dying and she has just discovered she is pregnant.
Detective Olivia Newhouse and her partner Walter Duncan are assigned to the case of a missing sexual predator recently released from prison. The story is told through three voices, Olivia’s, Walt’s, and The Child.
Olivia learns her father, a leading psychiatrist, may have been looking into the seventeen victims of Joseph Fanning just before his death. As Olivia and Walt interview each of the known victims, Olivia’s anxiety increases and she begins to have disturbing nightmares. The bazaar ending unfolds in the last 50 pages starting with Olivia waking up next to her fiance covered in mud.
I did not see this one coming.
Debra Webb tends to bring back her characters in new ways and I hope she will do the same with Olivia.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
Her main character is a police detective who lost her father 3 months ago, after moving in with her fiance she is beginning to doubt their engagement, her migraines are back in full force, her partner is dying and she has just discovered she is pregnant.
Detective Olivia Newhouse and her partner Walter Duncan are assigned to the case of a missing sexual predator recently released from prison. The story is told through three voices, Olivia’s, Walt’s, and The Child.
Olivia learns her father, a leading psychiatrist, may have been looking into the seventeen victims of Joseph Fanning just before his death. As Olivia and Walt interview each of the known victims, Olivia’s anxiety increases and she begins to have disturbing nightmares. The bazaar ending unfolds in the last 50 pages starting with Olivia waking up next to her fiance covered in mud.
I did not see this one coming.
Debra Webb tends to bring back her characters in new ways and I hope she will do the same with Olivia.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
March 25, 2018
After reading an ARC of There Once Was A Child by Debra Webb my mind is still trying to wrap around what I just read because it was a so good took you on such on emotional ride.
With this book you felt for every one of the three main characters: Liv, Walt and The Child and each one took you on their own journey in this book and that is what made this one of Debra Webb's best books yet.
Walt was dealing the loss of his wife and his morality. Liv is dealing with so much loss in her life and can't figure out what she really wants. Then The Child is dealing with being abused. All very deep subjects that Webb handled with class.
I am not going to get into the book and deeper but I will say this is a must read. There Once Was A Child gets five out of five stars.
With this book you felt for every one of the three main characters: Liv, Walt and The Child and each one took you on their own journey in this book and that is what made this one of Debra Webb's best books yet.
Walt was dealing the loss of his wife and his morality. Liv is dealing with so much loss in her life and can't figure out what she really wants. Then The Child is dealing with being abused. All very deep subjects that Webb handled with class.
I am not going to get into the book and deeper but I will say this is a must read. There Once Was A Child gets five out of five stars.
March 18, 2018
Joseph Fanning kidnapped and abused 17 children. He. Has been released from prison after serving his sentence and has disappeared.
Hold onto your hat! This book takes you on an incredible ride with all sorts of twists and turns. I did not see the ending coming! The book is written in the first person with chapters from different characters viewpoints. I usually don’t like first person books but this book blew me away, it grabbed me from the first page and wouldn’t let me put it down. This is a great psychological thriller that I highly recommend. Thank you to the author for an advanced readers copy for a fair and honest review.
Hold onto your hat! This book takes you on an incredible ride with all sorts of twists and turns. I did not see the ending coming! The book is written in the first person with chapters from different characters viewpoints. I usually don’t like first person books but this book blew me away, it grabbed me from the first page and wouldn’t let me put it down. This is a great psychological thriller that I highly recommend. Thank you to the author for an advanced readers copy for a fair and honest review.
February 5, 2018
Joseph Fanning is a monster, a monster that haunts the nightmares of every parent.... Joseph Fanning stole and abused seventeen children. But now, Joseph Fanning is missing and it looks like he is now the victim...or is he?
Like it or not it's up to Detective Olivia Newhouse and her partner, Walt Duncan, to find out...it's what they do, it's their job, but unraveling this mystery might just mean looking into dark corners that most of us would rather not delve into, the murder of innocence.
While both are fighting their own demons, it's up to Olivia and Walt to dredge up the past for Joseph Fanning 's victims, each are now adults , each with a reason to kill, and determine the truth.
"There Once Was A Child"......a true thriller in every sense of the word, with twists that you will not see coming and and an ending that is both explosive and haunting. With her words, Debra Webb paints an emotional thriller that will haunt you long after you put the book down.
Written in first person, the author, allows you into the minds of these amazing characters as the story unfolds. And although this is a true thriller in every sense, Debra has managed to weave every nuance of the evil that is Joseph Fanning into a book and still keep the graphic details to a minimum, a true artist at her best!
Like it or not it's up to Detective Olivia Newhouse and her partner, Walt Duncan, to find out...it's what they do, it's their job, but unraveling this mystery might just mean looking into dark corners that most of us would rather not delve into, the murder of innocence.
While both are fighting their own demons, it's up to Olivia and Walt to dredge up the past for Joseph Fanning 's victims, each are now adults , each with a reason to kill, and determine the truth.
"There Once Was A Child"......a true thriller in every sense of the word, with twists that you will not see coming and and an ending that is both explosive and haunting. With her words, Debra Webb paints an emotional thriller that will haunt you long after you put the book down.
Written in first person, the author, allows you into the minds of these amazing characters as the story unfolds. And although this is a true thriller in every sense, Debra has managed to weave every nuance of the evil that is Joseph Fanning into a book and still keep the graphic details to a minimum, a true artist at her best!
April 9, 2018
The newest thriller by Debra Webb will have you speechless and ready to go back and read the book again, to look for all of the clues that you missed the first time. Detective Olivia Newhouse and her partner, Detective Walter Duncan have settled into a routine and know each other pretty well, or at least they think they do. Both have secrets, terrible secrets that they don’t dare share until the time is right. And when will that be? Meanwhile, they are seeking the whereabouts of pedophile Joseph Fanning, a felon who is now out of prison and who has disappeared. Following all of the clues and questioning all of his previous victims, the two persistent detectives are determined to find out what happened to the evil man who once terrorized children. Is he now a victim himself? The action is non-stop and the revelation of the truth is mind-blowing! Debra Webb never disappoints, and although the theme of this book is a dark one, it will capture and hold you from the beginning to the very satisfying end.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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 Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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 Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
October 27, 2018
Well I'm not quite sure how to put this, despite my 4 stars.
The first 40-50%, I almost gave up on it, because it was slow to build.
But I didn't see the twist coming, and the story did build well, until the last 25% I couldn't put it down.
Stick with it if you start it and think you'll give up.
The first 40-50%, I almost gave up on it, because it was slow to build.
But I didn't see the twist coming, and the story did build well, until the last 25% I couldn't put it down.
Stick with it if you start it and think you'll give up.
March 20, 2018
I couldn't put this book down. I thought I had it all figured out, but boy was I wrong. Joseph Fanning, convicted and now released pedophile disappears. Detective Olivia Newhouse and Detective Walter Duncan lead the investigation. They are hoping the blood they found is not of another victim. They go through the list of known victims to see if one of them might be the person responsible for Joseph Fanning's disappearance. However, everything is not what it appears. It seems everyone has something to hide including some of the victims, both detectives and Olivia's recently deceased father. I thought I had the "who" figured out but I was wrong. This is a must read if you like thrillers. It had twists and turns and every chapter held more clues as to what is going on. Although this book is about a pedophile, it is done tasteful (as much as possible). There is no graphic detail as to what the child/children go through. This is a must a read. This is my first book by Debra Webb and definitely won't be my last!!!
April 17, 2018
I very much enjoyed this book. It kept my attention from the beginning. I like the way it ended and would like to know what she did with the rest of her life. Is there a sequel coming?
December 29, 2022
Round up to 4.5 stars.
October 6, 2018
Olivia and her partner Walt have the unenviable job of trying to find out what happened to a pediphile that has just been released from prison after 13 years. Though Walt and Olivia haven’t been partners long (a couple of years), it is more than just a working relationship, they are friends, friends that are family. Both are dealing with their own secrets they aren’t sharing with each other (both issues are health related) while they try and go through the twists and turns of the missing pediphile.
The book is very well written. Though a very difficult subject matter, Debra Webb has you understanding and feeling for all the main characters and what they are each dealing with. There are many unexpected twist and turns and you can’t wait to continue reading so you find out what happens next.
Though I found parts of this story difficult to read, it was extremely well written and was extremely surprised where the story went. I was very happy by the ending and truly enjoyed the book. I love books that give you something you would never think of. Great job Debra Webb. Looking forward to your next book!
The book is very well written. Though a very difficult subject matter, Debra Webb has you understanding and feeling for all the main characters and what they are each dealing with. There are many unexpected twist and turns and you can’t wait to continue reading so you find out what happens next.
Though I found parts of this story difficult to read, it was extremely well written and was extremely surprised where the story went. I was very happy by the ending and truly enjoyed the book. I love books that give you something you would never think of. Great job Debra Webb. Looking forward to your next book!
March 25, 2018
There Once was a Child
Debra Webb
Another late night/ early morning reading because I couldn’t put it down until I found out all the answers and OMG! What answers they were!
Loved how she wrote from different points of view and how she connected everything at the end.
A must read, but make sure you have time to finish because you won’t want to put Olivia’s story down.
Debra Webb
Another late night/ early morning reading because I couldn’t put it down until I found out all the answers and OMG! What answers they were!
Loved how she wrote from different points of view and how she connected everything at the end.
A must read, but make sure you have time to finish because you won’t want to put Olivia’s story down.
January 4, 2020
Great read!
Enjoyed this book very much. Easy read and could totally feel the characters emotions. Will definitely look for more by the author.
Enjoyed this book very much. Easy read and could totally feel the characters emotions. Will definitely look for more by the author.
March 19, 2018
I just finished There Once Was A Child by Debra Webb. It literally held me transfixed from start to finish. It is a slight departure from her romantic suspect novels by portraying relationships a bit differently. You will fall in love with Walt and Olivia! This book is awesome. I highly recommend
April 11, 2018
I loved this book "There Once Was A Child" by Debra Webb. You weep for the child, you're angry at the despicable way of some depraved souls, and you can't wait for the story to reveal its secrets but then you are sad to let go of the story when you've reached the end! I highly recommend this book if you like a great story with a different twist. I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review. This is great writing Debra Webb thank you!
March 24, 2018
There Once Was A Child by Debra Webb kelp me guessing until the end.
Just released from prison, sexual predator, Joseph Tanning is missing. Strange circumstances surround his disappearance. Detective Olivia Newhouse and her partner Walter Duncan have been assigned the case of locating him, with the hopes that he has not again abducted a child in the Nashville area. Walt has become a father figure to Olivia with whom she shares her secrets and fears. Walt has secrets of his own that he eventually shares with Olivia. Debra Webb has woven a tale filled with twist and turns that is sure to satisfy fans of suspense.
I was given an advance copy of There Once Was A Child by Debra Webb to review.
Just released from prison, sexual predator, Joseph Tanning is missing. Strange circumstances surround his disappearance. Detective Olivia Newhouse and her partner Walter Duncan have been assigned the case of locating him, with the hopes that he has not again abducted a child in the Nashville area. Walt has become a father figure to Olivia with whom she shares her secrets and fears. Walt has secrets of his own that he eventually shares with Olivia. Debra Webb has woven a tale filled with twist and turns that is sure to satisfy fans of suspense.
I was given an advance copy of There Once Was A Child by Debra Webb to review.
April 10, 2018
Debra Webb was always a favorite
This couldn't possibly have been written by Debra Webb! I hated it, and couldn't even finish. I do not like books written in first person nor story that jumps back and forth
This couldn't possibly have been written by Debra Webb! I hated it, and couldn't even finish. I do not like books written in first person nor story that jumps back and forth
April 20, 2018
Not believable
I liked the initial premise of the story. However it was written in differing view points. The author stretched the limits of reasonable relatity with the story.
I liked the initial premise of the story. However it was written in differing view points. The author stretched the limits of reasonable relatity with the story.
April 9, 2018
First let me say...
My mind is blown! 💥💥💥
I feel like a broken record, every single time I read a book by this author I think WOW...that was her best. These characters...etc.
Then I move on to her next and 💥💥💥
I have to say that I did figure it out fairly early but knowing what I thought I knew didn’t matter. This book had me sitting on the edge of my couch. It kept me turning the pages non stop. I tried to put it down to do anything to prolong this book. But I kept going back. I read it in a matter of a couple hours. And as I sit here I’m just floored.
Debra Webb is a master...read it again. A MASTER in this genre. She writes a gripping novel, with characters that you either love or hate but she sucks you in. You feel, you walk in the characters shoes. You are absolutely riveted by the story. You cringe at the depravity of the villain. You cry for the victim...the hero and heroines make you cheer. And damn skippy does she write a strong female lead!
This book is EPIC. It’s dark, it delves into depravity at its worst and it lifts you up with the knowledge that the human spirit can triumph.
If you are a fan of dark, twisted, gripping mysteries. YOU MUST READ! And even though this is a dark read, it is also a book that stays with you long after you finish because the human spirit endured and can even move on after tragedy. AND flourish. And for me...it hit a special cord. Because...flourish I have.
**this book is not released yet, and I never do spoilers, ever**
My mind is blown! 💥💥💥
I feel like a broken record, every single time I read a book by this author I think WOW...that was her best. These characters...etc.
Then I move on to her next and 💥💥💥
I have to say that I did figure it out fairly early but knowing what I thought I knew didn’t matter. This book had me sitting on the edge of my couch. It kept me turning the pages non stop. I tried to put it down to do anything to prolong this book. But I kept going back. I read it in a matter of a couple hours. And as I sit here I’m just floored.
Debra Webb is a master...read it again. A MASTER in this genre. She writes a gripping novel, with characters that you either love or hate but she sucks you in. You feel, you walk in the characters shoes. You are absolutely riveted by the story. You cringe at the depravity of the villain. You cry for the victim...the hero and heroines make you cheer. And damn skippy does she write a strong female lead!
This book is EPIC. It’s dark, it delves into depravity at its worst and it lifts you up with the knowledge that the human spirit can triumph.
If you are a fan of dark, twisted, gripping mysteries. YOU MUST READ! And even though this is a dark read, it is also a book that stays with you long after you finish because the human spirit endured and can even move on after tragedy. AND flourish. And for me...it hit a special cord. Because...flourish I have.
**this book is not released yet, and I never do spoilers, ever**
April 4, 2018
Stop what you are reading now and pick up a copy of this book. It is my top pick of 2018.
If I could give it more than 5 stars I would. This book you are going to want a read again and again to find the clues you might have missed.
Joseph Fanning kidnapped and abused 17 children, he has served his time in prison. He has disappeared from his house and there is a blood in the kitchen. Detective Olivia Newhouse and her partner, Walt Duncan as assigned the case to find him and find out what happened.
All I can say without giving any spoilers away is that this book has so many twists and turns in it you might think you are on the track of what happens and bam you are wrong. And you will be OMG’ing at the end.
Debra Webb has written her best novel hands down. It is a mind-blowing suspense thriller, that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. The characters are so well written. I hope to see more of them in future novels. The book is written from different points of views Olivia’s, Walt’s and The Child and it is brought together in only a style that Debra could achieve. I highly recommend this book.
“OMG, what a book!!!”
Thank you to Debra Webb for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.
If I could give it more than 5 stars I would. This book you are going to want a read again and again to find the clues you might have missed.
Joseph Fanning kidnapped and abused 17 children, he has served his time in prison. He has disappeared from his house and there is a blood in the kitchen. Detective Olivia Newhouse and her partner, Walt Duncan as assigned the case to find him and find out what happened.
All I can say without giving any spoilers away is that this book has so many twists and turns in it you might think you are on the track of what happens and bam you are wrong. And you will be OMG’ing at the end.
Debra Webb has written her best novel hands down. It is a mind-blowing suspense thriller, that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. The characters are so well written. I hope to see more of them in future novels. The book is written from different points of views Olivia’s, Walt’s and The Child and it is brought together in only a style that Debra could achieve. I highly recommend this book.
“OMG, what a book!!!”
Thank you to Debra Webb for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.
April 12, 2018
Have you ever felt that little nagging feeling in the back of your mind. You know you're missing something, but can't quite put your finger on it.
For a Detective Olivia Newhouse that can be the key to unlocking a case. Joseph Fanning has just been released from prison after serving time for the kidnapping and abuse of 17 children. Except this time he is the one that goes missing. There's a long list of enemies he has made over the years, anyone could be behind his disappearance.
Detective Olivia feels that something is off. She just can't tell if it has to do with her personal life slowly breaking around her.
Her only shoulder to lean on at the moment is her partner Detective Walt Duncan, who unfortunately is also harboring a secret.
Olivia has to dig deep into the original files and find a connection in this new case. One that could very well end imploding on their own lives.
For a Detective Olivia Newhouse that can be the key to unlocking a case. Joseph Fanning has just been released from prison after serving time for the kidnapping and abuse of 17 children. Except this time he is the one that goes missing. There's a long list of enemies he has made over the years, anyone could be behind his disappearance.
Detective Olivia feels that something is off. She just can't tell if it has to do with her personal life slowly breaking around her.
Her only shoulder to lean on at the moment is her partner Detective Walt Duncan, who unfortunately is also harboring a secret.
Olivia has to dig deep into the original files and find a connection in this new case. One that could very well end imploding on their own lives.
April 3, 2018
Debra Webb has transcended the romantic suspense genre and become a true master of writing thrillers. When I read There Once Was A Child, I entered the world of Detective Olivia Newhouse, her partner, Walter Duncan, and serial pedophile, Joseph Fanning, never imagining how twisted their reality could really become. As the story unfolded, I felt the same sense of disturbance when I read Thomas Harris' Silence of the Lambs. I wanted to read more because I just couldn't put the book down. But, There Once Was a Child unsettled me. This book gives us a true look at the motivations of a perverted mind as seen through the eyes of those hunting the whereabouts of Fanning, his victims, and his allies. Sheer genius, Debra. I can't wait for the next book!
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