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We Already Dug the Grave
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Sharp Objects with a dash of Practical Magic in this southern gothic thriller with cool girl edge from USA Today bestselling author Emma C. Wells following two estranged sisters who will do anything to protect each other – even murder. Again.
Milly can’t divine the future anymore, and maybe that’s a good thing. Lately, her life has been bleak enough, she doesn’t need the now-silent tea leaves to tell her. She’s alone and waitressing in a sleepy town while her estranged younger sister thrives miles away in a shiny new life with a shiny new marriage. Milly doesn’t blame Francis for wanting nothing to do with her. Not after what happened in that Tennessee meadow a decade before.
But when Francis shows up on Milly’s doorstep with a black eye and a plea for help escaping her well-connected, wealthy husband – Milly can’t say no. Especially when the tea leaves are finally crystal clear: if the sisters don’t kill Francis’s husband, he’ll eventually kill her.
But if they’re going to plot a murder, the sisters have no choice but to return to the one place, and two aunts, they’d left behind. A place where another body – and a multitude of secrets – were buried. Because this isn’t the first time the sisters have needed to dispose of a bad man. In fact, they might be pretty good at it.
Milly can’t divine the future anymore, and maybe that’s a good thing. Lately, her life has been bleak enough, she doesn’t need the now-silent tea leaves to tell her. She’s alone and waitressing in a sleepy town while her estranged younger sister thrives miles away in a shiny new life with a shiny new marriage. Milly doesn’t blame Francis for wanting nothing to do with her. Not after what happened in that Tennessee meadow a decade before.
But when Francis shows up on Milly’s doorstep with a black eye and a plea for help escaping her well-connected, wealthy husband – Milly can’t say no. Especially when the tea leaves are finally crystal clear: if the sisters don’t kill Francis’s husband, he’ll eventually kill her.
But if they’re going to plot a murder, the sisters have no choice but to return to the one place, and two aunts, they’d left behind. A place where another body – and a multitude of secrets – were buried. Because this isn’t the first time the sisters have needed to dispose of a bad man. In fact, they might be pretty good at it.
416 pages, Paperback
Expected publication September 8, 2026
About the author
Emma C. Wells
2 books551 followersEmma C. Wells is the USA Today bestselling author of This Girl's A Killer and the forthcoming We Already Dug The Grave.
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March 29, 2026Sharp Objects meets Practical Magic? 👀🔥
Please. I hope you pull this off Emma C Wells 🙏🏼
Digital arc provided via NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press. All thoughts are my own
Expected Pub Date - 09/08/26
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
Please. I hope you pull this off Emma C Wells 🙏🏼
Digital arc provided via NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press. All thoughts are my own
Expected Pub Date - 09/08/26
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It's not super fun reading a mystery novel with an incredibly stupid MC.
The premise sounded interesting. However, the execution left much to be desired.
Here is the gist of it:
The Good
The story itself was fun and original. I loved how basically every important character in this book is a woman and they have a beautiful bond with each other. They have each other’s backs through everything. A lovely portrayal of sisterhood by Emma C. Wells.
The Bad
However, the rest of the book is a big disappointment. The writing itself really bothered me. The dialogues read like one of those popular teen series from 2010s we used to love and now cringe at. The MC’s sister was referred to as “baby bird” a total of twenty times in the whole book and it started to get really annoying. Especially since I, for the life of me, could not figure out why she was called that. And the way things are described in the book give you pause, even simple hugs. There are moments in the book that if you were to imagine actually happening in real life (which is what most readers do) it becomes extremely comical. I really did expect much more from a bestselling author.
The Ugly
While I liked the mystery itself, I hated the conclusion of the book. I like my thriller mysteries to have a concrete, real conclusion. It’s very frustrating when the author builds up the whole thing and now, you’re in it and you’re like “omg what a twist” … and then nothing happens nor gets resolved? Yeah, not cool!
Which brings me to the worst part of this entire book: the main character. I like reading about unlikable, flawed, or even not so bright characters that are not easy to like. I am not looking for the perfect heroine. But having an extremely stupid MC in a mystery thriller book is a new form of torture. Usually when the MC is this dense, it’s because the story is not strong enough and they had to make the MC dumb just to get the book going. However, that’s not the case with We Already Dug the Grave. The story is good, and the mystery keeps you on your toes. The characters, situations, and their relationships are complicated enough to deliver a good mystery. It also warrants the MC acting the way that she does. But she is supposed to be the salutatorian in her school, therefore, I don’t believe she could realistically be as stupid as she was. When everything was right in front of her face, she still refused to understand.
Overall
So, while I liked the story itself, I feel like lots of things did not need to happen if the MC just used her brain for a second in this book. And I, personally, do not enjoy yelling at characters in my books to just please acquire a brain with cells.
This would’ve been a better book with a more… intentional writing, far better dialogues, an MC that made sense and didn’t make you want to break your e-reader, and a satisfying (not necessarily good, but SATISFYING) ending.
It's not super fun reading a mystery novel with an incredibly stupid MC.
The premise sounded interesting. However, the execution left much to be desired.
Here is the gist of it:
The Good
The story itself was fun and original. I loved how basically every important character in this book is a woman and they have a beautiful bond with each other. They have each other’s backs through everything. A lovely portrayal of sisterhood by Emma C. Wells.
The Bad
However, the rest of the book is a big disappointment. The writing itself really bothered me. The dialogues read like one of those popular teen series from 2010s we used to love and now cringe at. The MC’s sister was referred to as “baby bird” a total of twenty times in the whole book and it started to get really annoying. Especially since I, for the life of me, could not figure out why she was called that. And the way things are described in the book give you pause, even simple hugs. There are moments in the book that if you were to imagine actually happening in real life (which is what most readers do) it becomes extremely comical. I really did expect much more from a bestselling author.
The Ugly
While I liked the mystery itself, I hated the conclusion of the book. I like my thriller mysteries to have a concrete, real conclusion. It’s very frustrating when the author builds up the whole thing and now, you’re in it and you’re like “omg what a twist” … and then nothing happens nor gets resolved? Yeah, not cool!
Which brings me to the worst part of this entire book: the main character. I like reading about unlikable, flawed, or even not so bright characters that are not easy to like. I am not looking for the perfect heroine. But having an extremely stupid MC in a mystery thriller book is a new form of torture. Usually when the MC is this dense, it’s because the story is not strong enough and they had to make the MC dumb just to get the book going. However, that’s not the case with We Already Dug the Grave. The story is good, and the mystery keeps you on your toes. The characters, situations, and their relationships are complicated enough to deliver a good mystery. It also warrants the MC acting the way that she does. But she is supposed to be the salutatorian in her school, therefore, I don’t believe she could realistically be as stupid as she was. When everything was right in front of her face, she still refused to understand.
Overall
So, while I liked the story itself, I feel like lots of things did not need to happen if the MC just used her brain for a second in this book. And I, personally, do not enjoy yelling at characters in my books to just please acquire a brain with cells.
This would’ve been a better book with a more… intentional writing, far better dialogues, an MC that made sense and didn’t make you want to break your e-reader, and a satisfying (not necessarily good, but SATISFYING) ending.
March 28, 2026
This unfortunately did not work for me.
The premise immediately calls to mind comparisons to Practical Magic, and while that can be a compelling foundation, this felt more derivative than inspired. The core elements, being two sisters, a troubled past, and a supernatural thread tied to love and violence, never quite developed into something distinct or cohesive.
My biggest issue was with the characterization, particularly the main character. Early on, she is presented as capable and resilient, but as the story progresses, her decision-making becomes inconsistent and, at times, difficult to follow. This shift made it challenging to stay invested in her perspective.
The dynamic with her sister also raised concerns. Certain character choices and reactions felt underdeveloped or unrealistic, which made key plot points feel predictable rather than impactful.
As the story continued, the narrative became increasingly disjointed. There were multiple moments where transitions felt abrupt or unclear, and I found myself rereading passages to determine whether I had missed something. Unfortunately, this seemed to stem more from structural issues than intentional ambiguity.
The resolution left several important questions unanswered, particularly regarding character motivations and consequences. This lack of clarity made the ending feel incomplete.
There are underlying themes of grief, trauma, and sisterhood that had potential, but they were overshadowed by uneven pacing and inconsistencies in both plot and character development.
Overall, this was a promising concept that ultimately fell short in execution.
The premise immediately calls to mind comparisons to Practical Magic, and while that can be a compelling foundation, this felt more derivative than inspired. The core elements, being two sisters, a troubled past, and a supernatural thread tied to love and violence, never quite developed into something distinct or cohesive.
My biggest issue was with the characterization, particularly the main character. Early on, she is presented as capable and resilient, but as the story progresses, her decision-making becomes inconsistent and, at times, difficult to follow. This shift made it challenging to stay invested in her perspective.
The dynamic with her sister also raised concerns. Certain character choices and reactions felt underdeveloped or unrealistic, which made key plot points feel predictable rather than impactful.
As the story continued, the narrative became increasingly disjointed. There were multiple moments where transitions felt abrupt or unclear, and I found myself rereading passages to determine whether I had missed something. Unfortunately, this seemed to stem more from structural issues than intentional ambiguity.
The resolution left several important questions unanswered, particularly regarding character motivations and consequences. This lack of clarity made the ending feel incomplete.
There are underlying themes of grief, trauma, and sisterhood that had potential, but they were overshadowed by uneven pacing and inconsistencies in both plot and character development.
Overall, this was a promising concept that ultimately fell short in execution.
August 4, 2026
We Already Dug the Grave, a paranormal mystery/thriller
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press, the author, and Netgalley for a copy!
My immediate thoughts as I started reading this book were that it gives major Practical Magic vibes, which I absolutely loved. The two sisters, one who has the sight, the two aunts in their weird house that sell potions etc. This follows a dual timeline, with current day FMC Milly, who ran away from Puddle Creek, where her Aunts and sister Frances stayed. With each chapter that goes back and forth in time, the slow reveal of why Milly ran away is uncovered.
Milly, always an outcast, "Witchy Milly" had found a friend in Casey, who never judged her like the other kids. Milly performs tea leaf readings alongside her Aunt's, and makes sure to always follow the rules Focus, Consent, and watch out for "the curse". Ever since she left Puddle Creek, the Sight has seemingly closed it's doors to her, always giving her the same message. Unexpectedly one night, Frances shows up at her door in need of help, again. They make a plan, and go back to where it all started.
I loved the dual timeline, and the slow reveal of why Milly truly ran away. The story is rather tragic overall, so many things have gone wrong for Milly in her life, and even now Frances needs Milly's help to get rid of yet another man. Frances's husband Burt is clearly unhinged, but gets away with everything due to his money and family name. As small pieces of a puzzle Milly didn't know she hadn't solved, keep showing up, Burt becomes even more of a monster in her eyes.
The ending, oh the ending!! I loved the twist at the end, and how Milly will have to spend her life protecting her sister. Milly has such a shocking revelation, and puts all the pieces together from a lifetime of events.
You won't be able to put this one down!
Some fav quotes:
"Desperation for secrets to stay buried. To rot like bones, decaying until there was nothing left of them. Too bad secrets didn’t work that way."
"And so they explained. Balance is delicate. Those gifted with the Sight are one step ahead of fate, and fate liked to even the score. Which meant there’s a price to pay."
"Wasn’t like our childhood was typical. We were connected by more than blood. We were connected by secrets."
"Maybe the bone-laden posts should’ve given me the creeps, but it’s funny what can feel like home given enough time."
"Something was happening. I wasn’t crazy. I wasn’t imagining it."
"Frances needed me. We needed each other. And there was nothing I wouldn’t do to keep us safe."
"Standing in that meadow, covered in blood, was the first time I truly understood power. Euphoric power."
"He was dead the moment he touched your sister."
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press, the author, and Netgalley for a copy!
My immediate thoughts as I started reading this book were that it gives major Practical Magic vibes, which I absolutely loved. The two sisters, one who has the sight, the two aunts in their weird house that sell potions etc. This follows a dual timeline, with current day FMC Milly, who ran away from Puddle Creek, where her Aunts and sister Frances stayed. With each chapter that goes back and forth in time, the slow reveal of why Milly ran away is uncovered.
Milly, always an outcast, "Witchy Milly" had found a friend in Casey, who never judged her like the other kids. Milly performs tea leaf readings alongside her Aunt's, and makes sure to always follow the rules Focus, Consent, and watch out for "the curse". Ever since she left Puddle Creek, the Sight has seemingly closed it's doors to her, always giving her the same message. Unexpectedly one night, Frances shows up at her door in need of help, again. They make a plan, and go back to where it all started.
I loved the dual timeline, and the slow reveal of why Milly truly ran away. The story is rather tragic overall, so many things have gone wrong for Milly in her life, and even now Frances needs Milly's help to get rid of yet another man. Frances's husband Burt is clearly unhinged, but gets away with everything due to his money and family name. As small pieces of a puzzle Milly didn't know she hadn't solved, keep showing up, Burt becomes even more of a monster in her eyes.
The ending, oh the ending!! I loved the twist at the end, and how Milly will have to spend her life protecting her sister. Milly has such a shocking revelation, and puts all the pieces together from a lifetime of events.
You won't be able to put this one down!
Some fav quotes:
"Desperation for secrets to stay buried. To rot like bones, decaying until there was nothing left of them. Too bad secrets didn’t work that way."
"And so they explained. Balance is delicate. Those gifted with the Sight are one step ahead of fate, and fate liked to even the score. Which meant there’s a price to pay."
"Wasn’t like our childhood was typical. We were connected by more than blood. We were connected by secrets."
"Maybe the bone-laden posts should’ve given me the creeps, but it’s funny what can feel like home given enough time."
"Something was happening. I wasn’t crazy. I wasn’t imagining it."
"Frances needed me. We needed each other. And there was nothing I wouldn’t do to keep us safe."
"Standing in that meadow, covered in blood, was the first time I truly understood power. Euphoric power."
"He was dead the moment he touched your sister."
July 20, 2026
Wow. We Already Dug the Grave was such a riveting read. I finished it in just two sittings because I couldn’t put it down! The plot twists (yes, multiple!), the complicated family dynamics, the sisterhood, the sheer evilness of certain characters… and poor Casey. Every time I thought I had it figured out, the story surprised me.
This mystery/thriller kept me guessing from beginning to end, but it was also incredibly emotional. Watching Milly’s story unfold and getting to know her so deeply made the story hit even harder. Emma C. Wells has a way of creating characters you genuinely care about while weaving together a suspenseful, twist-filled plot. ALSO, Francis’ POV at the end….
If you love thrillers that keep you on your toes while still delivering an emotional punch, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Thank you to Emma C. Wells and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC!
This mystery/thriller kept me guessing from beginning to end, but it was also incredibly emotional. Watching Milly’s story unfold and getting to know her so deeply made the story hit even harder. Emma C. Wells has a way of creating characters you genuinely care about while weaving together a suspenseful, twist-filled plot. ALSO, Francis’ POV at the end….
If you love thrillers that keep you on your toes while still delivering an emotional punch, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Thank you to Emma C. Wells and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC!
August 8, 2026
The first sentence says, “we had pancakes for breakfast the day mama killed daddy.” After that you know you’ve got to keep going. The first chapter held on tight and urged me to read on. I was captured. The author’s character development worked really well and the writing kept pace.
I thought it was a great book and yes, I recommend it!
Two estranged sisters with a history of murder must return to Tennessee to kill again when one sister's abusive husband threatens her life. Milly’s intuition (sight) always proved her right. But there’s something unique about a particular reading of the tea leaves that has Milly worried.
I thought it was a great book and yes, I recommend it!
Two estranged sisters with a history of murder must return to Tennessee to kill again when one sister's abusive husband threatens her life. Milly’s intuition (sight) always proved her right. But there’s something unique about a particular reading of the tea leaves that has Milly worried.
March 8, 2026
I loved This Girls a Killer and when I saw that this book was being compared to Practical Magic I jumped at the opportunity for an ARC. While I loved the witchy vibes, the eccentric aunts, and the plot of the story the twist fell flat for me. I found it to be predictable and to be honest, it’s not my favorite type of twist. Despite that, this was still a fun, quick, enjoyable read.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
July 20, 2026
3.5⭐️ I throughly enjoyed the story but I did feel like there was a lot of missed opportunities to give more of a shock factor when the reveals were shared.
July 22, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the gifted ARC!
3.5 stars rounded up. I really enjoyed this one and flew through the first half. The Southern Gothic atmosphere, family secrets, and touch of the supernatural pulled me in right away.
More than anything, this felt like a story about sisters and the lengths they’ll go to for the people they love. Milly and Francis had such a complicated relationship, and I found myself just as invested in their family dynamics as I was in the mystery. I also loved the tea leaf readings and how they added to the eerie atmosphere without taking over the story.
It did slow down a little around the middle, and I figured out most of the big reveals pretty early on, so the ending felt a little lackluster. I was hoping for a few more surprises by the time everything came together.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with an atmospheric setting, strong family dynamics, and just the right amount of supernatural elements. If you enjoy Southern Gothic thrillers that focus just as much on family as they do the mystery, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a try.
3.5 stars rounded up. I really enjoyed this one and flew through the first half. The Southern Gothic atmosphere, family secrets, and touch of the supernatural pulled me in right away.
More than anything, this felt like a story about sisters and the lengths they’ll go to for the people they love. Milly and Francis had such a complicated relationship, and I found myself just as invested in their family dynamics as I was in the mystery. I also loved the tea leaf readings and how they added to the eerie atmosphere without taking over the story.
It did slow down a little around the middle, and I figured out most of the big reveals pretty early on, so the ending felt a little lackluster. I was hoping for a few more surprises by the time everything came together.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with an atmospheric setting, strong family dynamics, and just the right amount of supernatural elements. If you enjoy Southern Gothic thrillers that focus just as much on family as they do the mystery, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a try.
April 11, 2026
3/5
Thank you NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and the author Emma C. Wells for gifting me with this ARC to review.
This book was going so well until the ending 😔
Liked:
-practical magic vibes (one of my absolute favorite movies that I used to watch on repeat). Loved the witchy vibes from the whole family and how the “sight” works. Honestly kind of jealous that I don’t have a slew of bones that I use to decorate my house with.
-dead men tell know tales. Bury the bodies and move on with life is this families motto and honestly I respect that. Shane definitely deserved that because 🤢. Aunt Hattie’s solution to the “pest” problems that are causing bruises to married women is great and she won’t hear any complaints from me about it.
Disliked:
-the ending!!!! I’m so serious when I say that the ending ruined it for me. I mean the plot twist wasn’t anything mind blowing (I knew where the author was gonna take us) but the end of that plot twist was completely unsatisfying. There’s so much I want to say about it but for the sake of not spoiling anything I’ll hold my tongue 😤
-stop calling your sister your baby bird. You get 3 call backs to a nickname or comparison to an animal before I start cringing and rolling my eyes.
Thank you NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and the author Emma C. Wells for gifting me with this ARC to review.
This book was going so well until the ending 😔
Liked:
-practical magic vibes (one of my absolute favorite movies that I used to watch on repeat). Loved the witchy vibes from the whole family and how the “sight” works. Honestly kind of jealous that I don’t have a slew of bones that I use to decorate my house with.
-dead men tell know tales. Bury the bodies and move on with life is this families motto and honestly I respect that. Shane definitely deserved that because 🤢. Aunt Hattie’s solution to the “pest” problems that are causing bruises to married women is great and she won’t hear any complaints from me about it.
Disliked:
-the ending!!!! I’m so serious when I say that the ending ruined it for me. I mean the plot twist wasn’t anything mind blowing (I knew where the author was gonna take us) but the end of that plot twist was completely unsatisfying. There’s so much I want to say about it but for the sake of not spoiling anything I’ll hold my tongue 😤
-stop calling your sister your baby bird. You get 3 call backs to a nickname or comparison to an animal before I start cringing and rolling my eyes.
July 12, 2026
We Already Dug The Grave by Emma C. Wells is a mystery/thriller book that I absolutely enjoyed!!! It starts off with an event that occurs in the past that sets the path for Milly and her sister Frances as they end up in the care of their Aunt Ruth, Hattie-May and Bunny. Milly is the main character and the story is from her POV both in the past and present.
In the present time we learn that Milly has become estranged from her sister Frances. As the story unfolds we learn why. Milly still tries to keep up with her sister’s life by checking her social media and that is when she realizes that her sister might be in trouble.
When the sisters reunite we learn more about why they became estranged and the lengths that Milly will go through to protect her sister.
There was a southern feel to the story which made it more enjoyable. I really liked how Hattie-May, Ruth and Bunny interacted with each other. It is clear that they are a tight knit group of women who will make sure to keep their loved ones safe. Milly and Frances know that they can count on them anytime.
The story does have a magical/mystical aspect to it as Milly as an ability to read the futures of people through tea leaves. This is what created their fate all those years back and what continues to drive Milly to make the decisions she makes. The tea leaves are warning her of a tragedy but she is not sure if she will be able to stop it from happening.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a mystery/thriller book.
Thank you Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press. All opinions are my own.
In the present time we learn that Milly has become estranged from her sister Frances. As the story unfolds we learn why. Milly still tries to keep up with her sister’s life by checking her social media and that is when she realizes that her sister might be in trouble.
When the sisters reunite we learn more about why they became estranged and the lengths that Milly will go through to protect her sister.
There was a southern feel to the story which made it more enjoyable. I really liked how Hattie-May, Ruth and Bunny interacted with each other. It is clear that they are a tight knit group of women who will make sure to keep their loved ones safe. Milly and Frances know that they can count on them anytime.
The story does have a magical/mystical aspect to it as Milly as an ability to read the futures of people through tea leaves. This is what created their fate all those years back and what continues to drive Milly to make the decisions she makes. The tea leaves are warning her of a tragedy but she is not sure if she will be able to stop it from happening.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a mystery/thriller book.
Thank you Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press. All opinions are my own.
August 7, 2026
I was instantly hooked into this story! A practical magic feel with the magical sister vibes & family secrets!
I absolutely loved Milly and really enjoyed the dual timeline of her backstory & leading into the current things she was dealing with! The relationship between her & her sister was a strong one & always having each others back. The family felt so chaotic and filled with drama that had me sucked in!! I loved the magic potion & witchy vibes of this book too!
As much as I was loving this entire book, the twist for this one & the ending left me a little confused & didn’t hit as much as I was hoping. The twist felt a little lack luster & one I had predicted to come. I also feel like the last chapter left me with questions, but maybe that’s a me thing!
I still think this was a strong mystery thriller book & had so many things I absolutely loved, so I’d definitely still recommend this one!!
Thank you poisoned pen & NetGalley for this early copy!
I absolutely loved Milly and really enjoyed the dual timeline of her backstory & leading into the current things she was dealing with! The relationship between her & her sister was a strong one & always having each others back. The family felt so chaotic and filled with drama that had me sucked in!! I loved the magic potion & witchy vibes of this book too!
As much as I was loving this entire book, the twist for this one & the ending left me a little confused & didn’t hit as much as I was hoping. The twist felt a little lack luster & one I had predicted to come. I also feel like the last chapter left me with questions, but maybe that’s a me thing!
I still think this was a strong mystery thriller book & had so many things I absolutely loved, so I’d definitely still recommend this one!!
Thank you poisoned pen & NetGalley for this early copy!
March 19, 2026
Thank you Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC.
I enjoyed this book more than her last book. This was all witchy vibes with strong female characters and mysteries to follow. Deception. Strong family loyalty. Betrayal.
This story instantly peaks your interest from the beginning and doesn’t let up until you know what really happened. It’s a fun, quick read that makes it hard to put down because you need see if your theory is right at the end. The ending was a little predictable but that shouldn’t discredit how entertaining this read was.
The one complaint I had was how many times Frances was called “my baby bird” throughout the book, it started to get annoying with the frequency.
I enjoyed this book more than her last book. This was all witchy vibes with strong female characters and mysteries to follow. Deception. Strong family loyalty. Betrayal.
This story instantly peaks your interest from the beginning and doesn’t let up until you know what really happened. It’s a fun, quick read that makes it hard to put down because you need see if your theory is right at the end. The ending was a little predictable but that shouldn’t discredit how entertaining this read was.
The one complaint I had was how many times Frances was called “my baby bird” throughout the book, it started to get annoying with the frequency.
July 18, 2026
We Already Dug The Grave has been my favorite thriller ARC thus far in 2026. I loved the atmosphere of the rural town and the strong feminine family connection between the main character and her aunts and sister. I was worried that the addition of divination would make things a little too gimmicky but it was executed very well and only added to the mystique of the setting. Did I guess where this story was heading? Yes but that doesn't take away from the experience for me it only confirms the author did exactly what she intended to by planting her clues in hopes we catch them. This was my first Wells book and I'm looking forward to picking up her previous title that is currently living on my shelf. Bravo for a twisty little southern gothic thriller.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The setting:
Sisters. "Milly can’t divine the future anymore, and maybe that’s a good thing. Lately, her life has been bleak enough, she doesn’t need the now-silent tea leaves to tell her. She’s alone and waitressing in a sleepy town while her estranged younger sister thrives miles away in a shiny new life with a shiny new marriage." Their family is shunned as their mother has murdered their father. The relatives that they are sent to live with are scorned as witches [sort of]. Ten years later, Milly thinks her sister, Frances, has sent her their secret signal and they are reunited. Frances may have what appears to be a new, lovely life, but she has a black eye and bruises. What?!
A dual timeline [which I like]--then and now. Then is more of a coming of age. Now has the sisters living separate, unequal lives. Eccentric aunts, a plus. Small-town living. Wealth and political connections. Family. Mystery and clues--?
Sometimes rambling, sometimes yuck. A big plot twist [which I felt was coming] nearly three-quarters in did not redeeem. And the ending--OY.
2.5, but rounding up as an easy, fast read. BUT, NOT. RECOMMENDING.
The setting:
Sisters. "Milly can’t divine the future anymore, and maybe that’s a good thing. Lately, her life has been bleak enough, she doesn’t need the now-silent tea leaves to tell her. She’s alone and waitressing in a sleepy town while her estranged younger sister thrives miles away in a shiny new life with a shiny new marriage." Their family is shunned as their mother has murdered their father. The relatives that they are sent to live with are scorned as witches [sort of]. Ten years later, Milly thinks her sister, Frances, has sent her their secret signal and they are reunited. Frances may have what appears to be a new, lovely life, but she has a black eye and bruises. What?!
A dual timeline [which I like]--then and now. Then is more of a coming of age. Now has the sisters living separate, unequal lives. Eccentric aunts, a plus. Small-town living. Wealth and political connections. Family. Mystery and clues--?
Sometimes rambling, sometimes yuck. A big plot twist [which I felt was coming] nearly three-quarters in did not redeeem. And the ending--OY.
2.5, but rounding up as an easy, fast read. BUT, NOT. RECOMMENDING.
June 27, 2026
Thank you @poisonedpenpress for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this witchy psychological thriller! What I loved most about this book was the atmosphere. We Already Dug the Grave is a dark southern gothic that pulls you in from the first page. The main character Milly has been running from her past and her gift (reading the future in tea leaves). One day she gets a phone call that that tips her off that her sister might be in trouble. She would do anything for her sister Francis including coming out of hiding and fighting for her family. I feel the author delivered a page turning story filled with magic, loyalty and survival. The book is a perfect read for Summerween!
Want to Read
February 26, 2026oh my gosh! I saw this title and information so long ago on FB! I was frustrated because I couldn't find the book anywhere - and I really like this author - so I wanted to read this one!
Imagine my surprise when I spotted it on Netgalley!! YAY!!!
So excited to read this! Thank you, Poisoned Pen Press - for the E-Arc!! Pub Date: 9/2026
Imagine my surprise when I spotted it on Netgalley!! YAY!!!
So excited to read this! Thank you, Poisoned Pen Press - for the E-Arc!! Pub Date: 9/2026
April 6, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC Copy in exchange for my honest review!! :)
I wish I could have given it 5 stars but I’ll come back to that… The first line of this book is, “We had blueberry pancakes the morning mamma killed Daddy” !!! Talk about grab your attention with intrigue and the need for more, right from the jump!!
By the second chapter I was hooked in all the most amazing ways imaginable!! The ebb and flow of the chapters going back and forth from “Then” to “Now” was great and one of my favorite layouts because you have these cliffhanger events that you can’t wait to return to but your also picking back up on the last chapters questions you forgot you needed answers too!
Incredible writing with the exception of the occasional overuse of some references to Milly’s little sister as her baby bird… that for me got a little repetitive but the way the supernatural element plays in with the "sight" and the reading of the tea leaves woven throughout was well done, with a good understanding of the craft. You really were captivated by the entire story!!
There were some real moments you felt as torn as the characters on what was true or false. This book pulled me in by the heart and carried me through effortlessly. I hated to put it down. I absolutely LOVED IT until... Sooo now onto the reason why I couldn’t give it the 5 stars that I was so expecting it to achieve…
The end …. It fell so flat and anticlimactic that I was left with my mouth hung open for all the wrong reasons!! I really thought i was missing chapters… I almost went back to read the last 10% over because I had to have missed something or maybe my Kindle malfunctioned and skipped over chapters… I was in total disbelief, and left frustrated after being taken on this wild ride to be left with the words THE END and my brain just said "NO it Can't be...". Leaving behind a DESPERATE NEED for more answers and CLOSURE ON SO MANY THINGS!!!
I almost cried over the disappointing ending, especially after such built up anticipation throughout!! For me; 95% of this amazing story was 10 stars, THEN it’s as if the book was taken from me and I was told I wasn't allowed to finish it (might have been better that way :()!! BUT I WAS… So take that for what it is and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did but maybe if there’s enough of an uproar and outrage, we can get this incredible writer to give us all closure!! Maybe an alternate ending... or just some extra chapters before the final one with Aunt Hattie May...
I needed more I needed to know the fate of the characters I’d just become so invested in!! It ends way too vague for me… I’m left speechless by all the things I wish I knew!!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Poisoned Pen Press for an experience with a wonderful writer!
I hope Emma C. Wells does more in this genre because she really can tell an incredible story and i LOVE her style of writing!! There is a more complete finish out there, or an Epilogue that helps bring it all home.. My mind knows there won’t be more be but my heart wants to holdout some hope!! :)
I wish I could have given it 5 stars but I’ll come back to that… The first line of this book is, “We had blueberry pancakes the morning mamma killed Daddy” !!! Talk about grab your attention with intrigue and the need for more, right from the jump!!
By the second chapter I was hooked in all the most amazing ways imaginable!! The ebb and flow of the chapters going back and forth from “Then” to “Now” was great and one of my favorite layouts because you have these cliffhanger events that you can’t wait to return to but your also picking back up on the last chapters questions you forgot you needed answers too!
Incredible writing with the exception of the occasional overuse of some references to Milly’s little sister as her baby bird… that for me got a little repetitive but the way the supernatural element plays in with the "sight" and the reading of the tea leaves woven throughout was well done, with a good understanding of the craft. You really were captivated by the entire story!!
There were some real moments you felt as torn as the characters on what was true or false. This book pulled me in by the heart and carried me through effortlessly. I hated to put it down. I absolutely LOVED IT until... Sooo now onto the reason why I couldn’t give it the 5 stars that I was so expecting it to achieve…
The end …. It fell so flat and anticlimactic that I was left with my mouth hung open for all the wrong reasons!! I really thought i was missing chapters… I almost went back to read the last 10% over because I had to have missed something or maybe my Kindle malfunctioned and skipped over chapters… I was in total disbelief, and left frustrated after being taken on this wild ride to be left with the words THE END and my brain just said "NO it Can't be...". Leaving behind a DESPERATE NEED for more answers and CLOSURE ON SO MANY THINGS!!!
I almost cried over the disappointing ending, especially after such built up anticipation throughout!! For me; 95% of this amazing story was 10 stars, THEN it’s as if the book was taken from me and I was told I wasn't allowed to finish it (might have been better that way :()!! BUT I WAS… So take that for what it is and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did but maybe if there’s enough of an uproar and outrage, we can get this incredible writer to give us all closure!! Maybe an alternate ending... or just some extra chapters before the final one with Aunt Hattie May...
I needed more I needed to know the fate of the characters I’d just become so invested in!! It ends way too vague for me… I’m left speechless by all the things I wish I knew!!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Poisoned Pen Press for an experience with a wonderful writer!
I hope Emma C. Wells does more in this genre because she really can tell an incredible story and i LOVE her style of writing!! There is a more complete finish out there, or an Epilogue that helps bring it all home.. My mind knows there won’t be more be but my heart wants to holdout some hope!! :)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“We Already Dug the Grave” by Emma C. Wells is one of those books that grabs you by the throat with its opening line and refuses to let go. From there, it unfolds into a dark Southern Gothic thriller packed with family secrets, generational trauma, superstition, murder, and some surprisingly emotional sister relationships.
The story follows Milly and Frances Robinson, two estranged sisters connected by a complicated past they can never fully escape. Milly has spent years trying to outrun her family's strange gift (or curse) known as "the Sight," an ability tied to tea leaf readings and glimpses of things that may or may not be inevitable. When Frances suddenly reappears in her life terrified and desperate for help, Milly is forced to confront both the present danger and the buried secrets of their childhood.
One of the book's biggest strengths is its atmosphere. The Tennessee setting feels incredibly vivid, with humid summer air, rundown houses, family graveyards, tea leaves, old superstitions, and enough buried secrets to fill a cemetery. The Southern Gothic vibe is absolutely dripping from every page. There's a constant feeling that something terrible happened here long before the story began and something even worse is waiting around the corner.
The dual timeline structure works really well for most of the story. The chapters alternate between "Then" and "Now," gradually revealing pieces of the sisters' childhood while building tension in the present-day mystery. More than once I found myself desperate to get back to a particular timeline because both storylines kept ending on cliffhangers. The flashbacks especially were some of the strongest parts of the book, adding emotional depth and helping explain why these sisters are so fiercely connected despite everything that's happened between them.
Milly is an interesting protagonist because she's far from perfect. She's exhausted, traumatized, stubbornly clinging to hope, and completely devoted to protecting her younger sister. Sometimes her decisions can be frustrating, but they also feel understandable given everything she's been through. Frances is even more fascinating. She's one of those characters who constantly walks the line between victim and something much darker. The deeper the story digs into her past, the more complicated she becomes. You may not always like her, but you'll definitely want to understand her.
The supporting cast is fantastic as well. Bunny, Ruth, Hattie May, and the other women in the story often steal the show. The book is filled with tough, resilient women who have survived impossible situations and continue protecting one another even when it hurts. At its core, this is really a story about family, particularly the messy, painful, sometimes toxic but unbreakable bonds between sisters, mothers, daughters, and aunts.
The supernatural elements are handled with a surprisingly light touch. The tea reading, the Sight, and the family's strange abilities add an eerie layer to the story without overwhelming the psychological thriller aspects. Throughout the book, there's always the question of whether events are being driven by fate, family legacy, or the choices people make for themselves.
As for the mystery itself, there are plenty of twists, secrets, and revelations. Some were easier to predict than others, but the emotional impact of uncovering the family's history kept me invested regardless. The book does an excellent job of making you question who is telling the truth and who can actually be trusted.
That said, the ending will probably be the most divisive part of the book. For some, it may feel hauntingly open-ended and fitting for the story's themes. For others, it might feel frustratingly abrupt and leave too many unanswered questions. I definitely found myself staring at the final page thinking, "Wait... that's it?" after spending so much time invested in these characters. Whether you love or hate the ending will probably determine your overall rating.
Overall, “We Already Dug the Grave” is not a fast-paced thriller full of nonstop action, but rather a slow-burning story that carefully peels back layers of trauma, loyalty, and buried secrets. If you enjoy stories about complicated families, morally gray characters, creepy small-town atmospheres, and women willing to do absolutely anything to protect the people they love, this one is definitely worth digging into.
“We Already Dug the Grave” by Emma C. Wells is one of those books that grabs you by the throat with its opening line and refuses to let go. From there, it unfolds into a dark Southern Gothic thriller packed with family secrets, generational trauma, superstition, murder, and some surprisingly emotional sister relationships.
The story follows Milly and Frances Robinson, two estranged sisters connected by a complicated past they can never fully escape. Milly has spent years trying to outrun her family's strange gift (or curse) known as "the Sight," an ability tied to tea leaf readings and glimpses of things that may or may not be inevitable. When Frances suddenly reappears in her life terrified and desperate for help, Milly is forced to confront both the present danger and the buried secrets of their childhood.
One of the book's biggest strengths is its atmosphere. The Tennessee setting feels incredibly vivid, with humid summer air, rundown houses, family graveyards, tea leaves, old superstitions, and enough buried secrets to fill a cemetery. The Southern Gothic vibe is absolutely dripping from every page. There's a constant feeling that something terrible happened here long before the story began and something even worse is waiting around the corner.
The dual timeline structure works really well for most of the story. The chapters alternate between "Then" and "Now," gradually revealing pieces of the sisters' childhood while building tension in the present-day mystery. More than once I found myself desperate to get back to a particular timeline because both storylines kept ending on cliffhangers. The flashbacks especially were some of the strongest parts of the book, adding emotional depth and helping explain why these sisters are so fiercely connected despite everything that's happened between them.
Milly is an interesting protagonist because she's far from perfect. She's exhausted, traumatized, stubbornly clinging to hope, and completely devoted to protecting her younger sister. Sometimes her decisions can be frustrating, but they also feel understandable given everything she's been through. Frances is even more fascinating. She's one of those characters who constantly walks the line between victim and something much darker. The deeper the story digs into her past, the more complicated she becomes. You may not always like her, but you'll definitely want to understand her.
The supporting cast is fantastic as well. Bunny, Ruth, Hattie May, and the other women in the story often steal the show. The book is filled with tough, resilient women who have survived impossible situations and continue protecting one another even when it hurts. At its core, this is really a story about family, particularly the messy, painful, sometimes toxic but unbreakable bonds between sisters, mothers, daughters, and aunts.
The supernatural elements are handled with a surprisingly light touch. The tea reading, the Sight, and the family's strange abilities add an eerie layer to the story without overwhelming the psychological thriller aspects. Throughout the book, there's always the question of whether events are being driven by fate, family legacy, or the choices people make for themselves.
As for the mystery itself, there are plenty of twists, secrets, and revelations. Some were easier to predict than others, but the emotional impact of uncovering the family's history kept me invested regardless. The book does an excellent job of making you question who is telling the truth and who can actually be trusted.
That said, the ending will probably be the most divisive part of the book. For some, it may feel hauntingly open-ended and fitting for the story's themes. For others, it might feel frustratingly abrupt and leave too many unanswered questions. I definitely found myself staring at the final page thinking, "Wait... that's it?" after spending so much time invested in these characters. Whether you love or hate the ending will probably determine your overall rating.
Overall, “We Already Dug the Grave” is not a fast-paced thriller full of nonstop action, but rather a slow-burning story that carefully peels back layers of trauma, loyalty, and buried secrets. If you enjoy stories about complicated families, morally gray characters, creepy small-town atmospheres, and women willing to do absolutely anything to protect the people they love, this one is definitely worth digging into.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"It was no better than the grown-ups. I was a liar too."
This is truly one of the best thrillers I've read so far. It deciphers deep and sensitive topics carefully yet powerfully. It's like a cat gently sneaking in. This book carries the Robinson women's story in a world of violence, where surviving comes first. We explore the powerful dynamic of family, grief, love, and most importantly, sacrifice. The story and plot were thoroughly woven. It sticks to the tradition where the suspect is never the real villain, but the author took that and made it her own giving us a close but open door, charged and waiting to be opened.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This part discusses character arcs and thematic outcomes, including the ending.
Let's start with our protagonist, Millicent Marie Robinson. A salutatorian of her class. A gifted, or rather cursed, with the family heirloom of the inevitability of knowing. We see her lose her childhood one too many times first when she was eight, and then when she was a senior. We feel her constant daze, her fatigue, and her suffering through the writing. Some might say that it made her dumb, or dense and intolerable, but she hung on to the last sliver of anything resembling hope. That was denial. We see her stick to the "baby bird" because that was her purpose. She was the one who needed to protect her sister. That was the only thing she was confident in a constant in the wild storm within her. The nickname came from the story of Francis saving the little indigo bunting, and was mistaken for saving him while she was the only threat.
Francis is, well, a complex character both on the psychological side and in her significant role throughout the unraveling of the story. Who would've thought that the closest people to you can be the real monsters hiding under the bed? Despite everything, you can never fully hate her. Even to some degree, you might admire her. I mean, serial killer podcasts are popular for a reason, right? We witness her like a puzzle slowly coming together. We see her be the victim all throughout her childhood a precious gem to be protected. But they never thought or even doubted that when we love someone, we expect them to tolerate our actions the most and forgive us to infinity. Because love can never be erased. It might turn into hate, but as some wise words I was told: to feel hatred, it must originate from a place of deep love enough to hurt.
Not to forget the amazing women along the way from Bunny, Ruth, Hattie May, to Lilibet Waters. She wasn't the perfect mother; in no way was she even in the context. But she showed and portrayed in many ways what it means to be a mom not only a mother, but a mom. She knew that pushing her daughters away was her only option for them to build something for themselves and fly. She wanted a better life for them, where they didn't drown because of her. And in the end, she was always ready to sacrifice herself over and over until she was sure they were better off.
The pace throughout the story was evenly laid out. Not to forget to mention, the duality of timing can sometimes be either a hit or miss, but the author deliberately used it to the advantage of the plot unraveling. The ending is not a definite ending, but it does leave enough room for maybe a sequel, or to leave it open for each their own ending. However, I would've loved to know more a deeper dive into the backstory of the incredible safety nets of the sisters. It felt kind of missing. I know we get a glimpse of Ruth's marriage, and Hattie May's experience with "pest," but we never got to see the emotional and hard journey it took them to become these incredible women not to forget Bunny. And the dialogue may feel "old fashioned" with words like sister, mama, and many more, but you gotta keep in mind these women are the equivalent of "modern witches" if you will. They can't be without some zaz.
This book was a trifecta of mystery, relationship bonds, and craftsmanship in writing. It's the book for the reader who's looking for an engaging read where it'll push you to figure it out, only to turn out wrong in the best way. Is it for everyone? No. But I believe it'll be an unforgettable experience for those who won't be triggered and are okay with all the topics warned about beforehand.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Happy reading ◉‿◉
"It was no better than the grown-ups. I was a liar too."
This is truly one of the best thrillers I've read so far. It deciphers deep and sensitive topics carefully yet powerfully. It's like a cat gently sneaking in. This book carries the Robinson women's story in a world of violence, where surviving comes first. We explore the powerful dynamic of family, grief, love, and most importantly, sacrifice. The story and plot were thoroughly woven. It sticks to the tradition where the suspect is never the real villain, but the author took that and made it her own giving us a close but open door, charged and waiting to be opened.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This part discusses character arcs and thematic outcomes, including the ending.
Let's start with our protagonist, Millicent Marie Robinson. A salutatorian of her class. A gifted, or rather cursed, with the family heirloom of the inevitability of knowing. We see her lose her childhood one too many times first when she was eight, and then when she was a senior. We feel her constant daze, her fatigue, and her suffering through the writing. Some might say that it made her dumb, or dense and intolerable, but she hung on to the last sliver of anything resembling hope. That was denial. We see her stick to the "baby bird" because that was her purpose. She was the one who needed to protect her sister. That was the only thing she was confident in a constant in the wild storm within her. The nickname came from the story of Francis saving the little indigo bunting, and was mistaken for saving him while she was the only threat.
Francis is, well, a complex character both on the psychological side and in her significant role throughout the unraveling of the story. Who would've thought that the closest people to you can be the real monsters hiding under the bed? Despite everything, you can never fully hate her. Even to some degree, you might admire her. I mean, serial killer podcasts are popular for a reason, right? We witness her like a puzzle slowly coming together. We see her be the victim all throughout her childhood a precious gem to be protected. But they never thought or even doubted that when we love someone, we expect them to tolerate our actions the most and forgive us to infinity. Because love can never be erased. It might turn into hate, but as some wise words I was told: to feel hatred, it must originate from a place of deep love enough to hurt.
Not to forget the amazing women along the way from Bunny, Ruth, Hattie May, to Lilibet Waters. She wasn't the perfect mother; in no way was she even in the context. But she showed and portrayed in many ways what it means to be a mom not only a mother, but a mom. She knew that pushing her daughters away was her only option for them to build something for themselves and fly. She wanted a better life for them, where they didn't drown because of her. And in the end, she was always ready to sacrifice herself over and over until she was sure they were better off.
The pace throughout the story was evenly laid out. Not to forget to mention, the duality of timing can sometimes be either a hit or miss, but the author deliberately used it to the advantage of the plot unraveling. The ending is not a definite ending, but it does leave enough room for maybe a sequel, or to leave it open for each their own ending. However, I would've loved to know more a deeper dive into the backstory of the incredible safety nets of the sisters. It felt kind of missing. I know we get a glimpse of Ruth's marriage, and Hattie May's experience with "pest," but we never got to see the emotional and hard journey it took them to become these incredible women not to forget Bunny. And the dialogue may feel "old fashioned" with words like sister, mama, and many more, but you gotta keep in mind these women are the equivalent of "modern witches" if you will. They can't be without some zaz.
This book was a trifecta of mystery, relationship bonds, and craftsmanship in writing. It's the book for the reader who's looking for an engaging read where it'll push you to figure it out, only to turn out wrong in the best way. Is it for everyone? No. But I believe it'll be an unforgettable experience for those who won't be triggered and are okay with all the topics warned about beforehand.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Happy reading ◉‿◉
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
With a title like "We Already Dug the Grave", reading is not an option. It's mandatory. I finished it at an hour when only bad decisions and great books exist and I regret nothing. Well…except maybe how I feel today. Nothing a long nap can't cure.
This is a psychological thriller with a little bit of the paranormal in the form of tea leaves, and it absolutely earns its place in the “just one more chapter” hall of fame. The story follows Milly, whose present-day life is interrupted when her estranged younger sister, Frances, shows up desperate for help after previously brushing her off. The narrative moves between “then” and “now,” slowly unraveling a shared past filled with buried secrets, complicated family dynamics, and a growing sense that something is very, very wrong.
The pacing is perfect. The dual timeline reveals just enough information to keep you hooked, dropping answers right before frustration can set in. I kept telling myself I’d stop at the next chapter… and then immediately didn’t.
The psychological tension is magnificent. This isn’t just a story where a character’s mind is being manipulated. Your mind is right there in the crossfire. The slow realization of what’s actually happening is brilliantly done, and when the full picture comes into focus, well, my jaw hit the floor.
Frances is…something else. She doesn’t come across as overtly unhinged, just slightly off in a way you can almost explain away. That subtlety makes her all the more unsettling. Watching the layers of her mind unfold is equal parts fascinating and horrifying.
Milly, on the other hand, surprised me. I started out wanting to shake her and tell her to get it together, stop complaining, yeah, life is hard. By the end, I was firmly in the “someone wrap this poor woman in a blanket and protect her at all costs” camp. That shift didn’t happen by accident. It’s a testament to how well the story recontextualizes everything you think you know.
The aunts are absolutely lovely. Warm, loyal, and just as willing to do anything for family, which, in this book, is both comforting and deeply concerning.
At its core, this book asks a very uncomfortable question: How far would you go for the people you love? It explores loyalty and its cost, manipulation, and the fine line between devotion and destruction. I found myself genuinely wrestling with that idea. I hope this is a question I personally will never need to know the answer to.
This story includes dark themes such as manipulation, violence, and morally complex choices. If you’re looking for a light, feel-good read…this is not that book.
My critique is very minor. The very elements that make this story so effective, its subtlety and layered reveals, may not work for readers who prefer straightforward storytelling. You have to be willing to sit in the uncertainty and let the story unfold on its terms.
I think fans of Freida McFadden will love the twists and shifting perspectives. Readers of Dean Koontz will appreciate the eerie undertones and emotional depth.
Romance readers…this is your official warning. This is Not a “happily ever after” rainbows and puppies novel. This is more like, “Hey! I found someone who loves mind games and questionable life choices as much as I do.”
This book gets five out of five stars from me, which is the “I should have gone to bed hours ago but absolutely did not” rating. This is not a book for everyone, but for the right reader it will completely wreck you. And yes, I immediately went back and reread the final chapters just to see what I missed. It’s that good.
A special thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This is a psychological thriller with a little bit of the paranormal in the form of tea leaves, and it absolutely earns its place in the “just one more chapter” hall of fame. The story follows Milly, whose present-day life is interrupted when her estranged younger sister, Frances, shows up desperate for help after previously brushing her off. The narrative moves between “then” and “now,” slowly unraveling a shared past filled with buried secrets, complicated family dynamics, and a growing sense that something is very, very wrong.
The pacing is perfect. The dual timeline reveals just enough information to keep you hooked, dropping answers right before frustration can set in. I kept telling myself I’d stop at the next chapter… and then immediately didn’t.
The psychological tension is magnificent. This isn’t just a story where a character’s mind is being manipulated. Your mind is right there in the crossfire. The slow realization of what’s actually happening is brilliantly done, and when the full picture comes into focus, well, my jaw hit the floor.
Frances is…something else. She doesn’t come across as overtly unhinged, just slightly off in a way you can almost explain away. That subtlety makes her all the more unsettling. Watching the layers of her mind unfold is equal parts fascinating and horrifying.
Milly, on the other hand, surprised me. I started out wanting to shake her and tell her to get it together, stop complaining, yeah, life is hard. By the end, I was firmly in the “someone wrap this poor woman in a blanket and protect her at all costs” camp. That shift didn’t happen by accident. It’s a testament to how well the story recontextualizes everything you think you know.
The aunts are absolutely lovely. Warm, loyal, and just as willing to do anything for family, which, in this book, is both comforting and deeply concerning.
At its core, this book asks a very uncomfortable question: How far would you go for the people you love? It explores loyalty and its cost, manipulation, and the fine line between devotion and destruction. I found myself genuinely wrestling with that idea. I hope this is a question I personally will never need to know the answer to.
This story includes dark themes such as manipulation, violence, and morally complex choices. If you’re looking for a light, feel-good read…this is not that book.
My critique is very minor. The very elements that make this story so effective, its subtlety and layered reveals, may not work for readers who prefer straightforward storytelling. You have to be willing to sit in the uncertainty and let the story unfold on its terms.
I think fans of Freida McFadden will love the twists and shifting perspectives. Readers of Dean Koontz will appreciate the eerie undertones and emotional depth.
Romance readers…this is your official warning. This is Not a “happily ever after” rainbows and puppies novel. This is more like, “Hey! I found someone who loves mind games and questionable life choices as much as I do.”
This book gets five out of five stars from me, which is the “I should have gone to bed hours ago but absolutely did not” rating. This is not a book for everyone, but for the right reader it will completely wreck you. And yes, I immediately went back and reread the final chapters just to see what I missed. It’s that good.
A special thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Poisoned Pen Press, an imprint of Sourcebooks, Inc., and NetGalley provided me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I thank both for the opportunity to read this book before its publication and share my thoughts with the Goodreads community.
“If there hadn’t been good parts, leaving wouldn’t have hurt so bad.”
This book is perfect for readers who do not usually read psychological thrillers or mysteries but want to explore darker genres. In that case, I would say this novel is an excellent place to start. Because I've spent the last twenty years reading psychological thrillers and mysteries, many of the twists felt familiar to me. Readers who are newer to the genre, however, will likely find them much more surprising. Even so, it was a lovely way to spend a summer weekend at home. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down because I wanted to know where the story would take me. I was particularly invested in Casey's story.
I was expecting more of a murder mystery, but what I found was a coming-of-age story about a deeply wounded young woman who did the best she could with the hand she was dealt (and some might say she did more than could reasonably be expected of someone so young and so traumatized under those circumstances). I think this book is primarily about family bonds that are incredibly difficult to break, no matter what happens or how much time passes; women supporting other women; female empowerment; and the roles society expects women to play. I did not always see eye to eye with all of the characters, but I understood why they made the choices they did. To me, the novel's central theme is women protecting other women.
While the writing style was not always what I personally prefer, as an editor myself, I have to say that this book is very well written. The things I would have written or edited differently all come down to stylistic choices rather than flaws in the writing itself.
I would have loved to learn more about the characters: their points of view, their backstories, their emotional wounds, and how those experiences shaped them over the years. I especially loved Ruth and Bunny's relationship, and I would have liked to see more of the healthy romantic relationship Milly describes them as having throughout their adult lives. I also would have enjoyed delving deeper into Milly's mental health, as well as Frances's. More than anything, I wanted to understand Frances better, both before and after her relationship with Burt.
I also would have liked to see a detective or someone from the police department become more involved in investigating the deaths woven throughout the story. At times, it gave me the impression that no one was really looking into these people's disappearances. I understand that some of them came from families who may not have cared about their whereabouts, but it still felt a little too simple and convenient: this person comes from a terrible family, no one reports them missing, the case goes cold, and the culprits get away with it. That aspect of the story felt a little too easy for me.
Although this book did not completely surprise me with its plot twists, I genuinely enjoyed the reading experience. I wished for a little more psychological depth and a more developed investigative thread, but I still found this to be a compelling read. Its greatest strength lies in exploring the complexity of family ties and the lasting impact of trauma. I think many readers, especially those who are new to thrillers and mysteries, will have a great time with it.
I'm glad I had the opportunity to read this book, and I look forward to seeing what Emma C. Wells writes next.
“If there hadn’t been good parts, leaving wouldn’t have hurt so bad.”
This book is perfect for readers who do not usually read psychological thrillers or mysteries but want to explore darker genres. In that case, I would say this novel is an excellent place to start. Because I've spent the last twenty years reading psychological thrillers and mysteries, many of the twists felt familiar to me. Readers who are newer to the genre, however, will likely find them much more surprising. Even so, it was a lovely way to spend a summer weekend at home. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down because I wanted to know where the story would take me. I was particularly invested in Casey's story.
I was expecting more of a murder mystery, but what I found was a coming-of-age story about a deeply wounded young woman who did the best she could with the hand she was dealt (and some might say she did more than could reasonably be expected of someone so young and so traumatized under those circumstances). I think this book is primarily about family bonds that are incredibly difficult to break, no matter what happens or how much time passes; women supporting other women; female empowerment; and the roles society expects women to play. I did not always see eye to eye with all of the characters, but I understood why they made the choices they did. To me, the novel's central theme is women protecting other women.
While the writing style was not always what I personally prefer, as an editor myself, I have to say that this book is very well written. The things I would have written or edited differently all come down to stylistic choices rather than flaws in the writing itself.
I would have loved to learn more about the characters: their points of view, their backstories, their emotional wounds, and how those experiences shaped them over the years. I especially loved Ruth and Bunny's relationship, and I would have liked to see more of the healthy romantic relationship Milly describes them as having throughout their adult lives. I also would have enjoyed delving deeper into Milly's mental health, as well as Frances's. More than anything, I wanted to understand Frances better, both before and after her relationship with Burt.
I also would have liked to see a detective or someone from the police department become more involved in investigating the deaths woven throughout the story. At times, it gave me the impression that no one was really looking into these people's disappearances. I understand that some of them came from families who may not have cared about their whereabouts, but it still felt a little too simple and convenient: this person comes from a terrible family, no one reports them missing, the case goes cold, and the culprits get away with it. That aspect of the story felt a little too easy for me.
Although this book did not completely surprise me with its plot twists, I genuinely enjoyed the reading experience. I wished for a little more psychological depth and a more developed investigative thread, but I still found this to be a compelling read. Its greatest strength lies in exploring the complexity of family ties and the lasting impact of trauma. I think many readers, especially those who are new to thrillers and mysteries, will have a great time with it.
I'm glad I had the opportunity to read this book, and I look forward to seeing what Emma C. Wells writes next.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 rounded up because the overall story was great.
We Already Dug the Grave
~Emma C. Wells
We Already Dug the Grave by Emma C. Wells is a southern-gothic psychological thriller soaked in trauma, superstition, and the kind of familial love that cuts as deeply as it protects. It's dark, bruising, often messy, but unforgettable in its ambition.
Sisters Milly and Frances Robinson are bound by blood, haunted by history, and trapped in the shadows of choices that have been made for and by them. When Frances shows up at Milly's front door after dismissing her visit, she's terrified and desperate for Milly's help. This drags Milly back into a past she has spent a decade running from, and Frances has erased from her current life. What ends up unfolding is part murder mystery, generational reckoning, and rekindling of family bonds.
Wells writes her characters with trauma, depth, and uniqueness. Giving each character quirks distinguishing them from each other, yet bonding them. They feel real, raw, and full of emotional baggage – kind of like a member of your family. The entire cast is fierce and gloriously alive showing what sacrifice and survival looks like when that is all you have.
We Already Dug the Grave is heavy with atmosphere. You can feel the humidity suffocating you while the mosquitos try to carry you off. But underneath that is the undertow of dark family secrets. Readers are immersed in the southern-gothic setting while faced with the journey of the sisters showing that sisterhood isn't always gentle. Sometimes it's a sharp-edged weapon as much as it is comfort.
The story itself is wonderful. The dual timeline keeps you intrigued and turning pages. Repetition is what made this one lag for me. Specifically when it came to “the sight" and “baby bird,” – I think toning those down some would have made pacing and transitioning much smoother of a read on my end. Milly also frustrated me on more than one occasion – now, that may have been by design, but it was still frustrating.
I was also thrown off by the conclusion. I'm not saying that it was bad, but it just didn't hit the mark on memorable endings for me. The last couple of chapters felt wordy, like a sudden information drop, where I felt it could have been spread throughout the story more effectively.
Overall, We Already Dug the Grave is worth a read. It is not a fast-paced book, but one that carefully tests the waters, circling and whispering as you read along. But my favorite part of all was the bond between all the women in the book – their grief, loyalty, tenderness, and will to survive no matter what life throws at them.
If you are looking for a southern-gothic psychological thriller built on family secrets, superstition, and the kind of familial love that can't be broken, then We Already Dug the Grave needs can be pre-ordered now on Amazon for release on September 8, 2026.
I would like to thank Emma C. Wells and NetGalley for the opportunity to Alpha/Beta/ARC We Already Dug the Grave. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review.
We Already Dug the Grave
~Emma C. Wells
We Already Dug the Grave by Emma C. Wells is a southern-gothic psychological thriller soaked in trauma, superstition, and the kind of familial love that cuts as deeply as it protects. It's dark, bruising, often messy, but unforgettable in its ambition.
Sisters Milly and Frances Robinson are bound by blood, haunted by history, and trapped in the shadows of choices that have been made for and by them. When Frances shows up at Milly's front door after dismissing her visit, she's terrified and desperate for Milly's help. This drags Milly back into a past she has spent a decade running from, and Frances has erased from her current life. What ends up unfolding is part murder mystery, generational reckoning, and rekindling of family bonds.
Wells writes her characters with trauma, depth, and uniqueness. Giving each character quirks distinguishing them from each other, yet bonding them. They feel real, raw, and full of emotional baggage – kind of like a member of your family. The entire cast is fierce and gloriously alive showing what sacrifice and survival looks like when that is all you have.
We Already Dug the Grave is heavy with atmosphere. You can feel the humidity suffocating you while the mosquitos try to carry you off. But underneath that is the undertow of dark family secrets. Readers are immersed in the southern-gothic setting while faced with the journey of the sisters showing that sisterhood isn't always gentle. Sometimes it's a sharp-edged weapon as much as it is comfort.
The story itself is wonderful. The dual timeline keeps you intrigued and turning pages. Repetition is what made this one lag for me. Specifically when it came to “the sight" and “baby bird,” – I think toning those down some would have made pacing and transitioning much smoother of a read on my end. Milly also frustrated me on more than one occasion – now, that may have been by design, but it was still frustrating.
I was also thrown off by the conclusion. I'm not saying that it was bad, but it just didn't hit the mark on memorable endings for me. The last couple of chapters felt wordy, like a sudden information drop, where I felt it could have been spread throughout the story more effectively.
Overall, We Already Dug the Grave is worth a read. It is not a fast-paced book, but one that carefully tests the waters, circling and whispering as you read along. But my favorite part of all was the bond between all the women in the book – their grief, loyalty, tenderness, and will to survive no matter what life throws at them.
If you are looking for a southern-gothic psychological thriller built on family secrets, superstition, and the kind of familial love that can't be broken, then We Already Dug the Grave needs can be pre-ordered now on Amazon for release on September 8, 2026.
I would like to thank Emma C. Wells and NetGalley for the opportunity to Alpha/Beta/ARC We Already Dug the Grave. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"We Already Dug the Grave" by Emma C. Wells is a dark (and creepy) southern gothic thriller following two estranged sisters with skeletons in their closet, literally. The premise sounded promising, but unfortunately it didn’t live up to my expectations. More on that later.
The story takes place in a fictional town in Appalachia. After a traumatic event in their childhood, the two sisters, Milly and Frances Robinson, are taken to live with their eccentric aunts, Ruth and Hattie May. The Robinson women share a family inheritance: the ability to divine the future by reading leftover tea leaves. Of the two sisters, only Milly inherited the Sight. Oh, and they also have another, far more sinister family tradition, but I'll let you discover that for yourself.
After another traumatic event in their teenage years, Milly is forced to run away and break contact with her family. Stuck in a crappy job and having trouble divining the future, she tries to get by, still keeping track of her sister. On the surface, Frances’s life seems perfect, but not everything is as it seems. Years later, Frances shows up on Milly’s doorstep asking for help. Together, they return to the only place they ever called home, a place full of long-buried secrets, uncomfortable truths, and death.
The narrative is told in first person from Milly’s POV, with a dual timeline of "Then" and "Now. The book explores themes of abuse, choices, sisterly and family bonds, love, loyalty, and moral conflict. The Appalachian setting, with its witchy undertones, supernatural elements, and gothic atmosphere, was one of the book's strongest aspects. The layers of secrets slowly unravel until everything is revealed.
The characterization is excellent. Even the morally questionable characters felt fully realized rather than one-dimensional. Milly was impulsive and at times too naive, whereas her sister was far more calculating. I loved the aunts, but disliked one of the main characters (I won't tell you whom) due to her terrible attitude and questionable choices.
I am very ambivalent about the book. On one hand, it was engaging and well written. On the other hand, it lost a bit of steam in the middle, and while I guessed the twist halfway through, that wasn't what bothered me. I found the resolution regarding abusive men morally troubling. While I understood some of the characters' actions, the story ultimately crossed a line for me, and I wasn't entirely convinced by how it handled accountability. It seemed to blur the line between understandable acts of self-defense and repeated, deliberate killing without adequately addressing the ethical consequences.
In short, what ultimately didn't work for me was not just the slow pace, but also the way the book resolved its moral conflicts. Because of my reservations, I rate the book 3 out of 5 stars. If you like family secrets, supernatural elements, and morally gray characters, you may like the book more than I did.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* Review on my blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2026...
The story takes place in a fictional town in Appalachia. After a traumatic event in their childhood, the two sisters, Milly and Frances Robinson, are taken to live with their eccentric aunts, Ruth and Hattie May. The Robinson women share a family inheritance: the ability to divine the future by reading leftover tea leaves. Of the two sisters, only Milly inherited the Sight. Oh, and they also have another, far more sinister family tradition, but I'll let you discover that for yourself.
After another traumatic event in their teenage years, Milly is forced to run away and break contact with her family. Stuck in a crappy job and having trouble divining the future, she tries to get by, still keeping track of her sister. On the surface, Frances’s life seems perfect, but not everything is as it seems. Years later, Frances shows up on Milly’s doorstep asking for help. Together, they return to the only place they ever called home, a place full of long-buried secrets, uncomfortable truths, and death.
The narrative is told in first person from Milly’s POV, with a dual timeline of "Then" and "Now. The book explores themes of abuse, choices, sisterly and family bonds, love, loyalty, and moral conflict. The Appalachian setting, with its witchy undertones, supernatural elements, and gothic atmosphere, was one of the book's strongest aspects. The layers of secrets slowly unravel until everything is revealed.
The characterization is excellent. Even the morally questionable characters felt fully realized rather than one-dimensional. Milly was impulsive and at times too naive, whereas her sister was far more calculating. I loved the aunts, but disliked one of the main characters (I won't tell you whom) due to her terrible attitude and questionable choices.
I am very ambivalent about the book. On one hand, it was engaging and well written. On the other hand, it lost a bit of steam in the middle, and while I guessed the twist halfway through, that wasn't what bothered me. I found the resolution regarding abusive men morally troubling. While I understood some of the characters' actions, the story ultimately crossed a line for me, and I wasn't entirely convinced by how it handled accountability. It seemed to blur the line between understandable acts of self-defense and repeated, deliberate killing without adequately addressing the ethical consequences.
In short, what ultimately didn't work for me was not just the slow pace, but also the way the book resolved its moral conflicts. Because of my reservations, I rate the book 3 out of 5 stars. If you like family secrets, supernatural elements, and morally gray characters, you may like the book more than I did.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* Review on my blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2026...
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
BOOK REPORT
Received a complimentary copy of We Already Dug the Grave, by Emma C. Wells, from Poisoned Pen Press/NetGalley, for which I am appreciative, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Scroll past the BOOK REPORT section for a cut-and-paste of the DESCRIPTION of it from them if you want to read my thoughts on the book in the context of that summary.
⭐ 3.5 ⭐
Very much enjoyed this, and now I’m a li’l stalking Emma C. Wells on the socials because I was such a big fan of her first book, This Girl’s a Killer.
The main reason We Already Dug the Grave isn’t getting 4 stars from me isn’t something I can share with you without spoiling the entire book. And it’s a me thing, trust me (although not one I think I’ve written about before).
Also, and I guess it’s just because I’ve read _so_ many books in this particular lifetime, parts of it were too predictable for me.
I do think Ms Wells does a great job with the Southern gothic stuff; she must have had (or still has) a mawmaw and a coupla great-aunts in her life to write them all so well. And I laughed out loud when it got to the line about the potted meat her great-aunt scraped onto saltines for a midnight snack, thinking back to the many Spam Spread crackers of my teenage years. Plus, this: ”Falling apart was a luxury she didn’t have. What oldest daughter did?”
Definitely look forward to her next book, and am not-so-secretly hoping she’ll do a series.
DESCRIPTION
"This is the kind of book readers love to devour: family secrets, people trying to escape their predetermined roles, and a good dash of the supernatural all blended together in a story that's ultimately about love and loyalty." — Charlaine Harris, #1 New York Times bestseller
From the USA Today bestselling author of This Girl's a Killer, comes a southern gothic thriller with the bite of Sharp Objects and a dash of Practical Magic, following two estranged sisters who will do anything to protect each other – even murder. Again.
Milly can't divine the future anymore, and maybe that's a good thing. Lately, her life has been bleak enough, she doesn't need the now-silent tea leaves to tell her. Meanwhile, her estranged younger sister thrives miles away in a shiny new life with a shiny new marriage. Milly doesn't blame Francis for wanting nothing to do with her. Not after what happened in that Tennessee meadow a decade before.
But when Francis shows up on Milly's doorstep with a black eye and a plea for help – Milly can't say no. Especially when the tea leaves are finally crystal clear: if the sisters don't kill Francis's husband, he'll kill her.
And if they're going to plot a murder, the sisters have no choice but to return to the one place they'd left behind. A place where another body – and a multitude of secrets – were buried. Because this isn't the first time the sisters have needed to dispose of a bad man. In fact, they might be pretty good at it.
Received a complimentary copy of We Already Dug the Grave, by Emma C. Wells, from Poisoned Pen Press/NetGalley, for which I am appreciative, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Scroll past the BOOK REPORT section for a cut-and-paste of the DESCRIPTION of it from them if you want to read my thoughts on the book in the context of that summary.
⭐ 3.5 ⭐
Very much enjoyed this, and now I’m a li’l stalking Emma C. Wells on the socials because I was such a big fan of her first book, This Girl’s a Killer.
The main reason We Already Dug the Grave isn’t getting 4 stars from me isn’t something I can share with you without spoiling the entire book. And it’s a me thing, trust me (although not one I think I’ve written about before).
Also, and I guess it’s just because I’ve read _so_ many books in this particular lifetime, parts of it were too predictable for me.
I do think Ms Wells does a great job with the Southern gothic stuff; she must have had (or still has) a mawmaw and a coupla great-aunts in her life to write them all so well. And I laughed out loud when it got to the line about the potted meat her great-aunt scraped onto saltines for a midnight snack, thinking back to the many Spam Spread crackers of my teenage years. Plus, this: ”Falling apart was a luxury she didn’t have. What oldest daughter did?”
Definitely look forward to her next book, and am not-so-secretly hoping she’ll do a series.
DESCRIPTION
"This is the kind of book readers love to devour: family secrets, people trying to escape their predetermined roles, and a good dash of the supernatural all blended together in a story that's ultimately about love and loyalty." — Charlaine Harris, #1 New York Times bestseller
From the USA Today bestselling author of This Girl's a Killer, comes a southern gothic thriller with the bite of Sharp Objects and a dash of Practical Magic, following two estranged sisters who will do anything to protect each other – even murder. Again.
Milly can't divine the future anymore, and maybe that's a good thing. Lately, her life has been bleak enough, she doesn't need the now-silent tea leaves to tell her. Meanwhile, her estranged younger sister thrives miles away in a shiny new life with a shiny new marriage. Milly doesn't blame Francis for wanting nothing to do with her. Not after what happened in that Tennessee meadow a decade before.
But when Francis shows up on Milly's doorstep with a black eye and a plea for help – Milly can't say no. Especially when the tea leaves are finally crystal clear: if the sisters don't kill Francis's husband, he'll kill her.
And if they're going to plot a murder, the sisters have no choice but to return to the one place they'd left behind. A place where another body – and a multitude of secrets – were buried. Because this isn't the first time the sisters have needed to dispose of a bad man. In fact, they might be pretty good at it.
August 27, 2026
"Maybe I'd shoved her into a box she'd outgrown a long time ago." p.141
I attended an event where the author spoke about her upcoming book. My ears perked up when she mentioned the strangeness of sisterhood in how we become different adults even though we shared a childhood. I felt a pull because at that moment I was sitting right next to my younger sister. As adults, we live on completely different sides of the world (LA and Japan). She's a stranger and yet she's not. Emma C. Wells captured that contradicting dynamic completely in the relationship between Milly and Frances.
Reading this novel felt like recovering a hazy memory that you thought you'd forgotten, but once recalled, it can't be unseen. A terrible event occurs that you try to put behind you so you've left out the details. Yet once you accept the details, you wonder how you could have viewed the event any other way. As a reader, I enjoyed the mixing of the past when the sisters were in high school with the present where the sisters are estranged. It brought home that intertwined feeling of how the past informs the present and the present informs the past.
I was surprised by how much I got invested in the relationship with the childhood friend Casey. But like Frozen, the heart of the book is the sisters.
I think the crux of this story is Milly breaking past the long-held beliefs about how she'd labeled her sister. It wasn't so much that Frances had outgrown the box Milly had put her in, but that the box was never even somewhere she belonged in the first place. Reading this book had me wanting to appreciate my own sister for the traits that I never allowed myself to see in her growing up, the unique parts of herself that maybe the outside world didn't see, but that she cultivated. Milly let's herself truly see Frances at the end and that's where their bond as sisters finally solidifies.
Other relatable/recognizable aspects of the novel:
-having a big bonfire that teens in the south gather around
-the older sister carrying guilt for not being able to protect the younger sister
-a grown man telling a teen girl she's mature for her age while manipulating her
-women at church talking about how they want to get away from their husbands
-holding onto a small bone like a good luck charm (my sister and I would keep wishbones from Thanksgiving turkeys)
-staring too long at someone's social media page wondering how their life can be so glamorous when really you have no idea what their reality is
P.S. This is the first time I've ever gotten an ARC and it was during the aforementioned event. I think getting to hear the author talk about her book in-person before reading it contributed to my overall enjoyment.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the author & publisher for providing an ARC of this book.
The concept was interesting, and this novel’s strongest selling points for me were its setting (I don’t read many southern or gothic-esque novels) and the emotions of its characters during the flashbacks of its first half. Milly and Casey’s teenage romance was cute, and after the retelling of it ended, I honestly lost my main reason to keep reading. But, I did.
The plot pacing and reveals of “We Already Dug the Grave”, particularly in its second half, are done too hastily. The absence of frequent flashbacks are noticeable, because the novel loses its most detailed settings and characterization. Moreover, a surprising amount of typos, grammatical errors, and even misspelled character names amass the longer this novel continues.
The Mom’s arc was done too quickly for me to care about it — and quickly enough that it felt hastily thrown in for added shock value. The novel’s biggest plot point, between present Milly and Frances, was guessable from about 100 pages out. The adult versions of Milly and Frances unfortunately felt flat, and Burt was an almost cartoonish or Scooby-doo style villain. His dialogue didn’t feel like something people would realistically say.
The most interesting aspect of this novel for me was the tea reading itself, milly’s gift, and the side characters—Hattie-May, Ruth, and Bunny. I wish these were explored more, and frankly, aside from Casey and Milly, Ruth and Bunny were the most interesting pairing in this book for me.
The logic of the final 25% of this novel doesn’t make sense — characters miss key questions or issues, have absurd ideas and reasoning, and mention seemingly key details after the fact. It’s also marked by the worst quality of writing the novel has. Then, for the two final flashback chapters, the quality does a near 180, as if another person wrote them entirely.
This novel has a lot of potential that unfortunately, due to poorly paced plotting and some cliche, inconsistent writing, felt unrealized. The concept and imagery of tea-reading in a worn down, Tennessee house with literal and figurative skeletons in the closet, murderous husbands, and tough-as-nails aunts made for such a promising premise. But this novel needs a serious combover— especially in grammar and detail-checking, but in my opinion, some full revision on the writing and pacing of the second half—before it’s ready to hit the shelves.
The concept was interesting, and this novel’s strongest selling points for me were its setting (I don’t read many southern or gothic-esque novels) and the emotions of its characters during the flashbacks of its first half. Milly and Casey’s teenage romance was cute, and after the retelling of it ended, I honestly lost my main reason to keep reading. But, I did.
The plot pacing and reveals of “We Already Dug the Grave”, particularly in its second half, are done too hastily. The absence of frequent flashbacks are noticeable, because the novel loses its most detailed settings and characterization. Moreover, a surprising amount of typos, grammatical errors, and even misspelled character names amass the longer this novel continues.
The Mom’s arc was done too quickly for me to care about it — and quickly enough that it felt hastily thrown in for added shock value. The novel’s biggest plot point, between present Milly and Frances, was guessable from about 100 pages out. The adult versions of Milly and Frances unfortunately felt flat, and Burt was an almost cartoonish or Scooby-doo style villain. His dialogue didn’t feel like something people would realistically say.
The most interesting aspect of this novel for me was the tea reading itself, milly’s gift, and the side characters—Hattie-May, Ruth, and Bunny. I wish these were explored more, and frankly, aside from Casey and Milly, Ruth and Bunny were the most interesting pairing in this book for me.
The logic of the final 25% of this novel doesn’t make sense — characters miss key questions or issues, have absurd ideas and reasoning, and mention seemingly key details after the fact. It’s also marked by the worst quality of writing the novel has. Then, for the two final flashback chapters, the quality does a near 180, as if another person wrote them entirely.
This novel has a lot of potential that unfortunately, due to poorly paced plotting and some cliche, inconsistent writing, felt unrealized. The concept and imagery of tea-reading in a worn down, Tennessee house with literal and figurative skeletons in the closet, murderous husbands, and tough-as-nails aunts made for such a promising premise. But this novel needs a serious combover— especially in grammar and detail-checking, but in my opinion, some full revision on the writing and pacing of the second half—before it’s ready to hit the shelves.
Review of advance copy
My second read from Emma C Wells.
I enjoyed this one overall, The character build-up was decent and believable to a degree, and Milly was on the whole likeable, albeit a bit... what could I say ... A bit all over the shop. I was invested in her from early on, I was on her side, but could have shaken her a few times. The aunts were a highlight for me, mostly because of their witchy, forest-hidden home with a cosy, eerie charm that I honestly wished I could move in with them. They each brought something distinct to the story and were easily my favourite part. Give us a story about the Aunt Hattie-May, cmon Emma!.
At the beginning, there is a noticeable repetitiveness around “the sight” and what’s read in the leaves. Normally that might grate, but here it did feel intentional... I think... that's what I put it down to, because no actually, it did grate on me, buuuut It really pulled me into Milly's headspace, her anxiety, her spiralling thoughts, that sense of everything becoming a bit chaotic internally. It made the experience more immersive rather than frustrating... Great now I have anxiety!
That said, while I enjoyed the book and moved through it easily, I do think the story itself could have been a bit more cohesive. There was reasonable depth and I believed the characters to a point, but some motivations, particularly around the sister didn’t fully make sense for me. It left me questioning "why you like this?". The sisters' relationshio is shown to be really close and deeply connected, Millie is super perceptive and so it felt a bit off that she wouldn’t have noticed something so significant, especially when she picked up on other, smaller things.
The concept of “the sight” was interesting and I did like it, but it became a bit messy at times. There were moments where it felt like that was all they were doing, drinking and reading without enough clarity or progression. I also didn’t feel like we got a satisfying answer as to why everything unfolded the way it did. There’s a hint at trauma, but it didn’t feel explored deeply enough to fully justify the weight of what happens.
There are definitely some solid twists and turns, a few of which genuinely caught me off guard, which I appreciated. I can’t say I hated the book, it was an enjoyable read. Just could have done with some more depth and reasoning to some bits.
Thanks to Emma C Wells, Net Galley and Poison Oen for the ARC.
I enjoyed this one overall, The character build-up was decent and believable to a degree, and Milly was on the whole likeable, albeit a bit... what could I say ... A bit all over the shop. I was invested in her from early on, I was on her side, but could have shaken her a few times. The aunts were a highlight for me, mostly because of their witchy, forest-hidden home with a cosy, eerie charm that I honestly wished I could move in with them. They each brought something distinct to the story and were easily my favourite part. Give us a story about the Aunt Hattie-May, cmon Emma!.
At the beginning, there is a noticeable repetitiveness around “the sight” and what’s read in the leaves. Normally that might grate, but here it did feel intentional... I think... that's what I put it down to, because no actually, it did grate on me, buuuut It really pulled me into Milly's headspace, her anxiety, her spiralling thoughts, that sense of everything becoming a bit chaotic internally. It made the experience more immersive rather than frustrating... Great now I have anxiety!
That said, while I enjoyed the book and moved through it easily, I do think the story itself could have been a bit more cohesive. There was reasonable depth and I believed the characters to a point, but some motivations, particularly around the sister didn’t fully make sense for me. It left me questioning "why you like this?". The sisters' relationshio is shown to be really close and deeply connected, Millie is super perceptive and so it felt a bit off that she wouldn’t have noticed something so significant, especially when she picked up on other, smaller things.
The concept of “the sight” was interesting and I did like it, but it became a bit messy at times. There were moments where it felt like that was all they were doing, drinking and reading without enough clarity or progression. I also didn’t feel like we got a satisfying answer as to why everything unfolded the way it did. There’s a hint at trauma, but it didn’t feel explored deeply enough to fully justify the weight of what happens.
There are definitely some solid twists and turns, a few of which genuinely caught me off guard, which I appreciated. I can’t say I hated the book, it was an enjoyable read. Just could have done with some more depth and reasoning to some bits.
Thanks to Emma C Wells, Net Galley and Poison Oen for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
There is something deliciously dangerous about a story that begins with tea leaves and ends with a body.
This southern gothic thriller from Emma C. Wells (author of This Girl’s a Killer) understands exactly what it’s doing. It blends superstition, sisterhood, and simmering violence into a narrative that feels both intimate and feral.
At the heart of the novel are Milly and Francis — estranged sisters bound by history, trauma, and a shared past they’ve tried desperately to outgrow. Milly’s lost her gift for reading the future. Francis has built a polished new life far from home. But when Francis arrives bruised and afraid, and the tea leaves finally speak again, the message is chillingly clear: survival may require blood.
What makes this story so compelling isn’t just the murder plot — it’s the emotional excavation underneath it. The dual timelines slowly peel back layers of childhood, generational secrets, and the quiet ways women learn to endure. The Tennessee meadow. The buried history. The sense that this isn’t the first time the sisters have crossed a line — and maybe not the last.
The supernatural elements are woven with restraint. They enhance the atmosphere without overpowering it, giving the novel that faint shimmer of is this fate or choice? The magic feels inherited, almost instinctual — like something passed down along with family recipes and warnings whispered in the dark.
Tonally, it strikes a sharp balance. There’s menace, yes — but also dry humor and a biting awareness of what it means to escape (or fail to escape) the roles you were born into. The tension doesn’t just come from whether the sisters will get away with it. It comes from whether they can ever truly leave their past behind.
For readers who love the psychological edge of Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn with a whisper of the sisterly magic found in Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman, this delivers something darkly satisfying and entirely its own.
Lush, unsettling, and fiercely loyal to its characters, this is a story about what we inherit, what we bury, and how far we’ll go to protect the only person who truly knows us.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This southern gothic thriller from Emma C. Wells (author of This Girl’s a Killer) understands exactly what it’s doing. It blends superstition, sisterhood, and simmering violence into a narrative that feels both intimate and feral.
At the heart of the novel are Milly and Francis — estranged sisters bound by history, trauma, and a shared past they’ve tried desperately to outgrow. Milly’s lost her gift for reading the future. Francis has built a polished new life far from home. But when Francis arrives bruised and afraid, and the tea leaves finally speak again, the message is chillingly clear: survival may require blood.
What makes this story so compelling isn’t just the murder plot — it’s the emotional excavation underneath it. The dual timelines slowly peel back layers of childhood, generational secrets, and the quiet ways women learn to endure. The Tennessee meadow. The buried history. The sense that this isn’t the first time the sisters have crossed a line — and maybe not the last.
The supernatural elements are woven with restraint. They enhance the atmosphere without overpowering it, giving the novel that faint shimmer of is this fate or choice? The magic feels inherited, almost instinctual — like something passed down along with family recipes and warnings whispered in the dark.
Tonally, it strikes a sharp balance. There’s menace, yes — but also dry humor and a biting awareness of what it means to escape (or fail to escape) the roles you were born into. The tension doesn’t just come from whether the sisters will get away with it. It comes from whether they can ever truly leave their past behind.
For readers who love the psychological edge of Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn with a whisper of the sisterly magic found in Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman, this delivers something darkly satisfying and entirely its own.
Lush, unsettling, and fiercely loyal to its characters, this is a story about what we inherit, what we bury, and how far we’ll go to protect the only person who truly knows us.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC provided by Poisoned Pen Press via Netgalley for an honest review.
This was an enjoyable enough read, although the pacing and length could use some work. I did like the characters and many of the themes, but it really dragged at times and it also felt repetitive.
Millie is a very intriguing character, very morally gray, but also smart, brave and loyal to her family. But even so, she had a huge blind spot when it came to her sister and missed some huge red flags that concerned her and her behavior. I wanted to shake her and tell her to wake up and see the truth about what was really going on. But alas, when reality caught up to her, it was too late. Her relationship with her sister seemed a bit one sided, but for Millie it was all about protecting her younger sister
Francis was a character that I didn’t like from the start and never warmed up to. She was very self centered and only cared about things that concerned her. I could tell that there was more to the story than what she was saying and that she was hiding a multitude of secrets.
I did love the aunts though. I would definitely read a story about them as younger women, especially Aunt Hattie. There is a lot of hurt in this family and generational trauma, that these women have survived, and the scars are what keep them going. I loved the whole witchy aspect of their lives, with the sight and reading tea leaves being one of the ways they have survived over the years.
The story as a whole, never quite worked for me. I guessed pretty early on what was really going on, so the big twist at the end was no surprise. The pacing was way too slow for the most part for a story that is supposed to be a thriller. And there also seemed to be way too much repetition, especially surrounding Millie’s feelings and thoughts. This repetition contributed to the feel that the story was too long. Finally, the open ended ending just really didn’t work for me. I wanted a bit more closure on all of the major storylines.
Overall I thought this story had some good bones, but needed a bit of tightening up in the pacing which would help with the tension and thriller aspects of the story.
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This was an enjoyable enough read, although the pacing and length could use some work. I did like the characters and many of the themes, but it really dragged at times and it also felt repetitive.
Millie is a very intriguing character, very morally gray, but also smart, brave and loyal to her family. But even so, she had a huge blind spot when it came to her sister and missed some huge red flags that concerned her and her behavior. I wanted to shake her and tell her to wake up and see the truth about what was really going on. But alas, when reality caught up to her, it was too late. Her relationship with her sister seemed a bit one sided, but for Millie it was all about protecting her younger sister
Francis was a character that I didn’t like from the start and never warmed up to. She was very self centered and only cared about things that concerned her. I could tell that there was more to the story than what she was saying and that she was hiding a multitude of secrets.
I did love the aunts though. I would definitely read a story about them as younger women, especially Aunt Hattie. There is a lot of hurt in this family and generational trauma, that these women have survived, and the scars are what keep them going. I loved the whole witchy aspect of their lives, with the sight and reading tea leaves being one of the ways they have survived over the years.
The story as a whole, never quite worked for me. I guessed pretty early on what was really going on, so the big twist at the end was no surprise. The pacing was way too slow for the most part for a story that is supposed to be a thriller. And there also seemed to be way too much repetition, especially surrounding Millie’s feelings and thoughts. This repetition contributed to the feel that the story was too long. Finally, the open ended ending just really didn’t work for me. I wanted a bit more closure on all of the major storylines.
Overall I thought this story had some good bones, but needed a bit of tightening up in the pacing which would help with the tension and thriller aspects of the story.
https://elnadesbookchat.com
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