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We Already Dug the Grave
Not yet published
Expected 8 Sep 26Sharp 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.
400 pages, Paperback
Expected publication September 8, 2026
About the author
Emma C. Wells
2 books481 followersEmma C. Wells is the USA Today bestselling author of This Girl's A Killer.
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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.
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!
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
I went into this one already knowing I enjoy Emma C. Wells’ writing after loving This Girl’s A Killer—and this absolutely delivered in a completely different, darker way.
This is a moody, southern gothic psychological thriller layered with family secrets, complicated sister dynamics, and just enough paranormal elements (think tea leaves and intuition) to give it that eerie, unsettling edge. From the very beginning, the story pulls you in and doesn’t really let you go.
The dual timeline works really well here, slowly peeling back the past while the present timeline builds tension. I kept thinking “just one more chapter” because I needed to understand what actually happened—and how everything connected. It’s one of those reads where you’re constantly trying to piece things together alongside the characters.
Milly and Frances are at the center of it all, and their relationship is… complicated, to say the least. Frances has this subtle, unsettling presence that keeps you on edge, while Milly’s character really grew on me as the story unfolded. By the end, I felt completely invested in her and everything she’d been through.
The atmosphere is one of my favorite parts—thick, heavy, and almost suffocating in the best way. You can feel the tension, the history, and the weight of everything unsaid. And the family dynamics? Messy, loyal, protective, and at times deeply uncomfortable. It really leans into the idea of how far people will go for the ones they love—and what that can cost.
While I did find parts of the story slightly predictable, it didn’t take away from how engaging and immersive the overall experience was. This is less about shocking twists and more about the slow unraveling of truth—and that tension is what makes it work.
Overall, this is a gripping, atmospheric read that blends psychological suspense with a touch of the supernatural and a heavy dose of family drama. If you love stories about messy relationships, buried secrets, and morally complex characters, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for my eARC!
This is a moody, southern gothic psychological thriller layered with family secrets, complicated sister dynamics, and just enough paranormal elements (think tea leaves and intuition) to give it that eerie, unsettling edge. From the very beginning, the story pulls you in and doesn’t really let you go.
The dual timeline works really well here, slowly peeling back the past while the present timeline builds tension. I kept thinking “just one more chapter” because I needed to understand what actually happened—and how everything connected. It’s one of those reads where you’re constantly trying to piece things together alongside the characters.
Milly and Frances are at the center of it all, and their relationship is… complicated, to say the least. Frances has this subtle, unsettling presence that keeps you on edge, while Milly’s character really grew on me as the story unfolded. By the end, I felt completely invested in her and everything she’d been through.
The atmosphere is one of my favorite parts—thick, heavy, and almost suffocating in the best way. You can feel the tension, the history, and the weight of everything unsaid. And the family dynamics? Messy, loyal, protective, and at times deeply uncomfortable. It really leans into the idea of how far people will go for the ones they love—and what that can cost.
While I did find parts of the story slightly predictable, it didn’t take away from how engaging and immersive the overall experience was. This is less about shocking twists and more about the slow unraveling of truth—and that tension is what makes it work.
Overall, this is a gripping, atmospheric read that blends psychological suspense with a touch of the supernatural and a heavy dose of family drama. If you love stories about messy relationships, buried secrets, and morally complex characters, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for my eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
We Already Dug the Grave is a dark, atmospheric southern gothic that sinks its teeth in from the first page and never quite lets go. It’s a story steeped in family secrets, old wounds, and the kind of loyalty that can feel like both salvation and a curse. Milly and Francis, estranged sisters bound by a terrible act in a Tennessee meadow a decade earlier, are the beating heart of the novel — bruised, complicated, and fiercely tethered to each other even when they wish they weren’t.
Milly’s lost her ability to divine the future, but the silence of the tea leaves feels less like peace and more like a warning. Francis, polished and distant in her new life, arrives on Milly’s doorstep with a black eye and a plea that cracks open everything they’ve tried to bury. The moment the tea leaves finally speak again — and tell Milly that Francis’s husband will kill her unless they kill him first — the story shifts into a taut, witchy thriller that blends the supernatural with the raw, messy reality of survival.
The sisters’ return to the place where their first secret was buried gives the book its most haunting edge. The land feels alive with memory, with guilt, with the ghosts of choices they can’t outrun. There’s a sharpness to the writing that echoes Sharp Objects, but also a strange, earthy tenderness reminiscent of Practical Magic — a belief that love, even when twisted by fear, can still be a force worth fighting for.
What makes the novel so compelling is how it balances its darkness with a deep sense of humanity. Milly and Francis aren’t heroes; they’re women who have been pushed to the edge again and again, and who choose each other every time, even when the cost is steep. Their bond is messy, fierce, and beautifully rendered.
A gripping, witch‑touched thriller about sisterhood, survival, and the secrets that refuse to stay buried. It’s unsettling in all the right ways and lingers long after the final page.
With thanks to Emma C Wells, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Milly’s lost her ability to divine the future, but the silence of the tea leaves feels less like peace and more like a warning. Francis, polished and distant in her new life, arrives on Milly’s doorstep with a black eye and a plea that cracks open everything they’ve tried to bury. The moment the tea leaves finally speak again — and tell Milly that Francis’s husband will kill her unless they kill him first — the story shifts into a taut, witchy thriller that blends the supernatural with the raw, messy reality of survival.
The sisters’ return to the place where their first secret was buried gives the book its most haunting edge. The land feels alive with memory, with guilt, with the ghosts of choices they can’t outrun. There’s a sharpness to the writing that echoes Sharp Objects, but also a strange, earthy tenderness reminiscent of Practical Magic — a belief that love, even when twisted by fear, can still be a force worth fighting for.
What makes the novel so compelling is how it balances its darkness with a deep sense of humanity. Milly and Francis aren’t heroes; they’re women who have been pushed to the edge again and again, and who choose each other every time, even when the cost is steep. Their bond is messy, fierce, and beautifully rendered.
A gripping, witch‑touched thriller about sisterhood, survival, and the secrets that refuse to stay buried. It’s unsettling in all the right ways and lingers long after the final page.
With thanks to Emma C Wells, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was an atmospheric, witchy-vibe book! The opening grabs you right away! The characters are well written, especially Milly and the aunts. But then...
Milly used to be able to divine the future, but after an incident in the past, she has been unable to do it. She is living in a small town, waitressing, and feeling like her life is simply stuck. Her sister, Frances, is living miles away and seems to have the perfect life. However, Milly is not bitter about this, and is actually happy for the life her sister has. The sisters haven't spoken or seen each other in 10 years, and Frances hasn't spoken to the aunts that raised them in that time either. She thinks it is best that she stay far away after what happened in Tennessee a decade ago.
Fran starts to see signs on her sister's social media that maybe life is not what she thought it was for her. Then the visions start to come back slowly. She fears that her sister might be in danger, but when she reaches out, Frances turns Flo away.
Then.. Frances shows up at Milly's door with bruises and a black eye pleading for Milly's help to protect her from her abusive husband, Milly cannot say no.
There were many things I liked about this book: creepy atmosphere, past/present timeline, a narrative style that had me questioning everything.
However, there were also a few things that fell flat for me, and held me back from a higher rating. I can't really get explicit without giving spoilers, but when we get to the twist, I already guessed what it was. That is not what bothered me. What bothered me is that it did not really seem to ring true to who Milly had become when she was away in the ten years. And there was no way you could gloss over one of the victims.
Overall a decent read, and I liked the way it revealed the past and present. It simply fell flat for me!
Thank you to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC. THis is my honest and voluntary review.
Milly used to be able to divine the future, but after an incident in the past, she has been unable to do it. She is living in a small town, waitressing, and feeling like her life is simply stuck. Her sister, Frances, is living miles away and seems to have the perfect life. However, Milly is not bitter about this, and is actually happy for the life her sister has. The sisters haven't spoken or seen each other in 10 years, and Frances hasn't spoken to the aunts that raised them in that time either. She thinks it is best that she stay far away after what happened in Tennessee a decade ago.
Fran starts to see signs on her sister's social media that maybe life is not what she thought it was for her. Then the visions start to come back slowly. She fears that her sister might be in danger, but when she reaches out, Frances turns Flo away.
Then.. Frances shows up at Milly's door with bruises and a black eye pleading for Milly's help to protect her from her abusive husband, Milly cannot say no.
There were many things I liked about this book: creepy atmosphere, past/present timeline, a narrative style that had me questioning everything.
However, there were also a few things that fell flat for me, and held me back from a higher rating. I can't really get explicit without giving spoilers, but when we get to the twist, I already guessed what it was. That is not what bothered me. What bothered me is that it did not really seem to ring true to who Milly had become when she was away in the ten years. And there was no way you could gloss over one of the victims.
Overall a decent read, and I liked the way it revealed the past and present. It simply fell flat for me!
Thank you to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC. THis is my honest and voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
We Already Dug the Grave by Emma C. Wells had such an intriguing, slightly eerie premise that immediately pulled me in. With the mix of sisterhood, family trauma, and a subtle supernatural element, it gave Practical Magic vibes in a darker, more unsettling way—which is exactly what made me want to read it.
There’s a lot here that worked for me. The atmosphere is heavy and moody throughout, and I liked the slow unraveling of both the past and present timelines. Following Milly and Frances as everything comes to light kept me engaged, especially once the story picked up about halfway through. The aunts added a unique dynamic, and I appreciated the strong focus on complicated female relationships and that sense of loyalty and connection.
That said, the execution didn’t fully come together for me. The pacing was uneven, especially in the beginning, and the shifting timelines could feel a bit disjointed at times. I also struggled with the main character—while I don’t mind flawed or even frustrating characters, some of her choices felt hard to understand, which made it difficult to stay fully invested.
The writing and dialogue also didn’t always land for me and occasionally felt repetitive or overly dramatic. And while the mystery itself was interesting, some of the foreshadowing made parts of the twist feel predictable. The ending, unfortunately, didn’t quite deliver the payoff I was hoping for and felt a little incomplete after all the buildup.
Overall, this was a solid read with a unique, moody feel. It didn’t completely wow me, but I enjoyed the journey and can see it working well for readers who like darker, character-driven mysteries with a touch of the supernatural.
There’s a lot here that worked for me. The atmosphere is heavy and moody throughout, and I liked the slow unraveling of both the past and present timelines. Following Milly and Frances as everything comes to light kept me engaged, especially once the story picked up about halfway through. The aunts added a unique dynamic, and I appreciated the strong focus on complicated female relationships and that sense of loyalty and connection.
That said, the execution didn’t fully come together for me. The pacing was uneven, especially in the beginning, and the shifting timelines could feel a bit disjointed at times. I also struggled with the main character—while I don’t mind flawed or even frustrating characters, some of her choices felt hard to understand, which made it difficult to stay fully invested.
The writing and dialogue also didn’t always land for me and occasionally felt repetitive or overly dramatic. And while the mystery itself was interesting, some of the foreshadowing made parts of the twist feel predictable. The ending, unfortunately, didn’t quite deliver the payoff I was hoping for and felt a little incomplete after all the buildup.
Overall, this was a solid read with a unique, moody feel. It didn’t completely wow me, but I enjoyed the journey and can see it working well for readers who like darker, character-driven mysteries with a touch of the supernatural.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 rounded up.
I really enjoyed this book. The whole premise and the witchiness of it all.
Milly's character was respectable to me. She was strong, suffered trauma, ran away, and did the best she could with the hand she was dealt. I think she had a well-developed attitude based on her circumstances. In my opinion, she was likable.
Frances' character at first seems similar. Trauma but lucked out. Married rich but then became abusive. Luck ran out. I can't explain WHY or HOW...but Frances's character just put me off about 30% through. I started thinking things were different than what they seemed.
I loved the sisterly love/bond throughout the story. I loved the aunt's devotion and willingness to help. I loved Casey and I was absolutely devastated by his storyline. I don't cry for silly things like that in a book, but I almost did. I didn't like Frances' mindset. Make others do her dirty work. Including her mother. Literally ruined her mother's life. But I loved the anger and hatred it made me feel towards her.
I didn't like the fact that they always called each other "sister". If I never hear sister again....Gave me ick family dynamics. I can understand a nickname like "baby bird" but even that was so frequent it became intolerable.
I was not a fan of the ending. I really wanted to see more for Milly. We are left with just suspicion. It never confirms her knowing the facts of Casey and that really peeved me. I wanted her to find out. I don't know what she would have done if she did find out, but it would have made me sleep easier knowing she knew!
I've never fancied myself a Southern Gothic reader but that's what people describe this as and I enjoyed it very much. Would definitely recommend.
I really enjoyed this book. The whole premise and the witchiness of it all.
Milly's character was respectable to me. She was strong, suffered trauma, ran away, and did the best she could with the hand she was dealt. I think she had a well-developed attitude based on her circumstances. In my opinion, she was likable.
Frances' character at first seems similar. Trauma but lucked out. Married rich but then became abusive. Luck ran out. I can't explain WHY or HOW...but Frances's character just put me off about 30% through. I started thinking things were different than what they seemed.
I loved the sisterly love/bond throughout the story. I loved the aunt's devotion and willingness to help. I loved Casey and I was absolutely devastated by his storyline. I don't cry for silly things like that in a book, but I almost did. I didn't like Frances' mindset. Make others do her dirty work. Including her mother. Literally ruined her mother's life. But I loved the anger and hatred it made me feel towards her.
I didn't like the fact that they always called each other "sister". If I never hear sister again....Gave me ick family dynamics. I can understand a nickname like "baby bird" but even that was so frequent it became intolerable.
I was not a fan of the ending. I really wanted to see more for Milly. We are left with just suspicion. It never confirms her knowing the facts of Casey and that really peeved me. I wanted her to find out. I don't know what she would have done if she did find out, but it would have made me sleep easier knowing she knew!
I've never fancied myself a Southern Gothic reader but that's what people describe this as and I enjoyed it very much. Would definitely recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars rounded down
I struggled with my rating for this book. It was a dark and engaging read that screamed Practical Magic, but there were some parts that caused great annoyance for me. I enjoyed the female empowerment as well as the sisterly and family bonds that were prevalent in this story. And, of course, I loved the witchy vibes. It was very atmospheric and I swear I could feel the humidity and mosquitoes buzzing around my head. The story was very well written, and the switching between past and present added even more to the slow-building tension that permeated throughout. I liked most of the women characters and felt that they were well developed, but it was very hard to see past the sheer naivety of Milly. I understand that maybe she didn't want to think certain things or believe them to be true, but it wasn't portrayed that way in the prose. I saw the reality from miles away, so the ending was not surprising to me at all. I figured most of it out before the halfway point. This didn't really take away any enjoyment from my reading experience; however, the overly used nickname of "little baby bird" and the overly detailed explanations of "the sight" did. It was just way too much in its redundancy. The ending didn't sit well with me either. There wasn't enough closure for me to be satisfied. I liked it but didn't love it.
I am really hoping for a sequel to This Girl's A Killer. I would love to read more of Cordelia Black and her snarky wit. Fingers crossed that the author blesses us with more of her in the future.
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the E-ARC! Expected pub. date: 9/8/2026
I struggled with my rating for this book. It was a dark and engaging read that screamed Practical Magic, but there were some parts that caused great annoyance for me. I enjoyed the female empowerment as well as the sisterly and family bonds that were prevalent in this story. And, of course, I loved the witchy vibes. It was very atmospheric and I swear I could feel the humidity and mosquitoes buzzing around my head. The story was very well written, and the switching between past and present added even more to the slow-building tension that permeated throughout. I liked most of the women characters and felt that they were well developed, but it was very hard to see past the sheer naivety of Milly. I understand that maybe she didn't want to think certain things or believe them to be true, but it wasn't portrayed that way in the prose. I saw the reality from miles away, so the ending was not surprising to me at all. I figured most of it out before the halfway point. This didn't really take away any enjoyment from my reading experience; however, the overly used nickname of "little baby bird" and the overly detailed explanations of "the sight" did. It was just way too much in its redundancy. The ending didn't sit well with me either. There wasn't enough closure for me to be satisfied. I liked it but didn't love it.
I am really hoping for a sequel to This Girl's A Killer. I would love to read more of Cordelia Black and her snarky wit. Fingers crossed that the author blesses us with more of her in the future.
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the E-ARC! Expected pub. date: 9/8/2026
April 3, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC of this book.
Oh lord. What can I say about this book. I really liked Wells last book a lot, so I was really hoping this had some of that same magic. But it didn’t.
Our main character is Milly. She ran away from home after something traumatic happens. She also has the ‘sight’ and can read tea leaves, but all it has told since she left home is Sister.
Milly’s sister is Frances. She was a math and science genius who ended up going to a math and science magnet school and then a really good college, before marrying a very wealthy son from a well known family.
Milly starts seeing signs that Frances is in danger and tries to figure things out. Also, she’s being talked by someone who is supposed to be dead.
SPOILERS
I figured out almost immediately that Frances was the bad guy. I was just waiting for that shoe to drop. I actually thought she’d already killed Burt before she ran to Milly with her story about abuse and his obsession with her killer past. Imagine my surprise when he was just as psychopathic as she was.
Also for a family that has sort of psychic abilities, none of them saw this coming? Hattie-May seems to be the only one and then she did nothing but literally cover it up.
Frances really let her mother kill her husband and go back to jail right when she got out? You’re telling me with Hattie and Ruth injured she wouldn’t have been able to get a self-defense plea?
As annoying as she could be, Milly deserved a better ending than finding out her sister used her to kill her husband in her own sick and twisted game. And made her believe she was a murder twice over beforehand.
Oh lord. What can I say about this book. I really liked Wells last book a lot, so I was really hoping this had some of that same magic. But it didn’t.
Our main character is Milly. She ran away from home after something traumatic happens. She also has the ‘sight’ and can read tea leaves, but all it has told since she left home is Sister.
Milly’s sister is Frances. She was a math and science genius who ended up going to a math and science magnet school and then a really good college, before marrying a very wealthy son from a well known family.
Milly starts seeing signs that Frances is in danger and tries to figure things out. Also, she’s being talked by someone who is supposed to be dead.
SPOILERS
I figured out almost immediately that Frances was the bad guy. I was just waiting for that shoe to drop. I actually thought she’d already killed Burt before she ran to Milly with her story about abuse and his obsession with her killer past. Imagine my surprise when he was just as psychopathic as she was.
Also for a family that has sort of psychic abilities, none of them saw this coming? Hattie-May seems to be the only one and then she did nothing but literally cover it up.
Frances really let her mother kill her husband and go back to jail right when she got out? You’re telling me with Hattie and Ruth injured she wouldn’t have been able to get a self-defense plea?
As annoying as she could be, Milly deserved a better ending than finding out her sister used her to kill her husband in her own sick and twisted game. And made her believe she was a murder twice over beforehand.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Did I just stay up all night to binge read We Already Dug the Grave? Okay, yes, but how could I NOT- I was promised a darkly delicious blend of Sharp Objects, Practical Magic, & Southern gothic thriller vibes. I was LOCKED IN & Emma C. Wells DELIVERED.
From the opening line, this book had me hooked. Our characters are distinct and fleshed out just enough to give them each a unique voice, and our setting(s) have just the right atmosphere. We're primarily following Milly, but we do get a few other perspectives sprinkled in, too, as well as multiple timelines. The thriller plot keeps the surface entertaining and engaging, while underneath are layers of generational trauma, grief, cycles of abuse, childhood turmoil, and familial relationships, deepening the toll this book takes.
The few things that didn't work for me aren't things I can really share without giving too much away. One thing I can share is something that MAY just be a "me" thing, but there were a few small repetitions that stuck out to me. ((My brain likes to hone in on frequency when I'm reading, so if yours doesn't do that, this won't apply to you.))
Overall, if you're in the mood for a faily fast-paced slightly witchy thriller, you need to snag We Already Dug the Grave. This book is expected to release on 9/8/26, so make time to get your preorders in and your requests with your library of choice!
((While the viewpoints shared are my own, I want to thank NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and Emma C. Wells for this complimentary copy.))
From the opening line, this book had me hooked. Our characters are distinct and fleshed out just enough to give them each a unique voice, and our setting(s) have just the right atmosphere. We're primarily following Milly, but we do get a few other perspectives sprinkled in, too, as well as multiple timelines. The thriller plot keeps the surface entertaining and engaging, while underneath are layers of generational trauma, grief, cycles of abuse, childhood turmoil, and familial relationships, deepening the toll this book takes.
The few things that didn't work for me aren't things I can really share without giving too much away. One thing I can share is something that MAY just be a "me" thing, but there were a few small repetitions that stuck out to me. ((My brain likes to hone in on frequency when I'm reading, so if yours doesn't do that, this won't apply to you.))
Overall, if you're in the mood for a faily fast-paced slightly witchy thriller, you need to snag We Already Dug the Grave. This book is expected to release on 9/8/26, so make time to get your preorders in and your requests with your library of choice!
((While the viewpoints shared are my own, I want to thank NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and Emma C. Wells for this complimentary copy.))
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I went into this really excited because I loved This Girl’s a Killer, but this one just didn’t hit the same for me.
I had a hard time connecting with the characters, especially the main character, which made it difficult to stay fully invested. Some of the decisions felt hard to follow, and I never really felt grounded in her perspective.
The premise itself is interesting. It has elements of sisterhood, family trauma, and a subtle supernatural thread, and I can see why people compare it to Practical Magic, just with a darker tone. There were definitely moments where the atmosphere and overall mood worked well, and I actually think some of the side characters, like the aunts, were some of the more interesting parts of the book.
But overall, it felt like the story was trying to do too many things at once. It touches on a lot of ideas, but none of them felt fully developed. The shifting timelines and multiple threads ended up feeling a bit disjointed, and I kept waiting for everything to come together in a more cohesive way.
The pacing also felt uneven. It was slow for me in the beginning, picked up a bit in the middle, and then the ending didn’t really deliver the payoff I was hoping for. It felt somewhat incomplete, especially when it came to character motivations and the bigger picture of what was actually going on.
I did have a sense of where things were heading fairly early on, so the twist wasn’t a huge surprise. That didn’t ruin it, but it did take away some of the impact.
Overall, I don’t think this is a bad book, it just didn’t fully work for me. It felt like it had a lot of potential, but never quite came together in a satisfying way.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I had a hard time connecting with the characters, especially the main character, which made it difficult to stay fully invested. Some of the decisions felt hard to follow, and I never really felt grounded in her perspective.
The premise itself is interesting. It has elements of sisterhood, family trauma, and a subtle supernatural thread, and I can see why people compare it to Practical Magic, just with a darker tone. There were definitely moments where the atmosphere and overall mood worked well, and I actually think some of the side characters, like the aunts, were some of the more interesting parts of the book.
But overall, it felt like the story was trying to do too many things at once. It touches on a lot of ideas, but none of them felt fully developed. The shifting timelines and multiple threads ended up feeling a bit disjointed, and I kept waiting for everything to come together in a more cohesive way.
The pacing also felt uneven. It was slow for me in the beginning, picked up a bit in the middle, and then the ending didn’t really deliver the payoff I was hoping for. It felt somewhat incomplete, especially when it came to character motivations and the bigger picture of what was actually going on.
I did have a sense of where things were heading fairly early on, so the twist wasn’t a huge surprise. That didn’t ruin it, but it did take away some of the impact.
Overall, I don’t think this is a bad book, it just didn’t fully work for me. It felt like it had a lot of potential, but never quite came together in a satisfying way.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
copied from my bookstagram @justanotherbook10
✨️Finished Reading✨️
We Already Dug the Grave by @emma.c.wells.books
Pub date ~ Sept 8, 2026
🔥ARC🔥
Thank you @netgalley @poisonedpenpress @emma.c.wells.books for the opportunity to read and review your book as an ARC. Such a treat!
✨️ My Thoughts ✨️
Wow. Just wow. I picked this book off NetGalley based by the cover because it just pulled me in. Once I started the book I realized, this story is a great southern gothic thriller full of family secrets, unhinged sisterhood, breaking the set roles of ones life and a hint of murder... im absolutely blown away by it. I found We Already Dug the Grave to be fast-paced, it will keep your attention and well written.
One thing I loved about this story is the love this family had for each other and accepting that things happen. A mother's love to take care of her daughters and to make such a sacrifice had me shocked. Aunts and grandmas with their love of the earth, herbs, and plants... yea, that was interesting. One way to get rid of pests..
✨️Some quotes that stood out to me✨️
" I came to the garden alone—while the dew is still on the roses..."
"The forest always rewards her, usually with a good laugh and a memory."
"Sister.sister.sister.sister.sister."
This book is still on NetGalley, I HIGHLY recommend requesting it. I hope you get the chance to read it, if you dare.
#bookblogger #NetGalley #emmacwells #poisonedpenpress
✨️Finished Reading✨️
We Already Dug the Grave by @emma.c.wells.books
Pub date ~ Sept 8, 2026
🔥ARC🔥
Thank you @netgalley @poisonedpenpress @emma.c.wells.books for the opportunity to read and review your book as an ARC. Such a treat!
✨️ My Thoughts ✨️
Wow. Just wow. I picked this book off NetGalley based by the cover because it just pulled me in. Once I started the book I realized, this story is a great southern gothic thriller full of family secrets, unhinged sisterhood, breaking the set roles of ones life and a hint of murder... im absolutely blown away by it. I found We Already Dug the Grave to be fast-paced, it will keep your attention and well written.
One thing I loved about this story is the love this family had for each other and accepting that things happen. A mother's love to take care of her daughters and to make such a sacrifice had me shocked. Aunts and grandmas with their love of the earth, herbs, and plants... yea, that was interesting. One way to get rid of pests..
✨️Some quotes that stood out to me✨️
" I came to the garden alone—while the dew is still on the roses..."
"The forest always rewards her, usually with a good laugh and a memory."
"Sister.sister.sister.sister.sister."
This book is still on NetGalley, I HIGHLY recommend requesting it. I hope you get the chance to read it, if you dare.
#bookblogger #NetGalley #emmacwells #poisonedpenpress
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.
I’ll admit it — I absolutely judged this book by its cover… and I’m so glad I did.
Between the stunning cover art and the intriguing title, We Already Dug the Grave immediately caught my attention. I was thrilled to receive the ARC and ended up diving into it right away — even while in the middle of another Southern Gothic read. And compared to that, this one truly stood out with its fast-moving pace and engaging storytelling.
Emma C. Wells creates a richly atmospheric Southern setting filled with charming, quirky characters that bring the story to life. Even though the protagonist wasn’t my personal favorite, I still found myself fully invested in the unfolding family dynamics and the relationships between these unique personalities.
While some readers may find the ending somewhat predictable, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. This isn’t a story driven by shocking twists or deeply complex character studies — instead, it invites you in with a strong sense of place and keeps you turning the pages with steady momentum.
This is the kind of book that pairs perfectly with a quiet afternoon, a cup of tea, and a willingness to settle in with an entertaining and slightly eerie Southern tale.
Readers who enjoy Southern Gothic settings, character-driven stories, and fast-paced, immersive reads will likely enjoy this one.
I’ll admit it — I absolutely judged this book by its cover… and I’m so glad I did.
Between the stunning cover art and the intriguing title, We Already Dug the Grave immediately caught my attention. I was thrilled to receive the ARC and ended up diving into it right away — even while in the middle of another Southern Gothic read. And compared to that, this one truly stood out with its fast-moving pace and engaging storytelling.
Emma C. Wells creates a richly atmospheric Southern setting filled with charming, quirky characters that bring the story to life. Even though the protagonist wasn’t my personal favorite, I still found myself fully invested in the unfolding family dynamics and the relationships between these unique personalities.
While some readers may find the ending somewhat predictable, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. This isn’t a story driven by shocking twists or deeply complex character studies — instead, it invites you in with a strong sense of place and keeps you turning the pages with steady momentum.
This is the kind of book that pairs perfectly with a quiet afternoon, a cup of tea, and a willingness to settle in with an entertaining and slightly eerie Southern tale.
Readers who enjoy Southern Gothic settings, character-driven stories, and fast-paced, immersive reads will likely enjoy this one.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I couldn’t wait to read this book because I loved This Girl’s a Killer, and it does not disappoint! Thank you, NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press, for this ARC of We Already Dug the Grave for an honest review of the book.
Milly has given up her family and her future in order to save her sister’s life. Their paths cross years later when a body turns up in the same place in Tennessee where tragedy struck years ago. When Francis arrives at Milly’s door, bruised and accusing her husband of the murder, Milly vows to protect her sister once again. Her premonition tells her that if they don’t kill Francis’s husband, Francis will die. They must return to the place where the past and a few bodies are buried.
This book explores the sacrifices we make in order to protect the ones we love. The two timelines from chapter to chapter really moved the story along and made it a quick, fun ride. I was truly invested in Milly and her character arc. The breadcrumbs that were sprinkled along the way let the story unfold naturally for the reader, without a twist ending on the last page that explains away all the clues we have gathered.
My only wish for the story was that it had ended two chapters earlier. Though it would have left some things unexplained, that last sentence in chapter 48 would have been the perfect ending!
Milly has given up her family and her future in order to save her sister’s life. Their paths cross years later when a body turns up in the same place in Tennessee where tragedy struck years ago. When Francis arrives at Milly’s door, bruised and accusing her husband of the murder, Milly vows to protect her sister once again. Her premonition tells her that if they don’t kill Francis’s husband, Francis will die. They must return to the place where the past and a few bodies are buried.
This book explores the sacrifices we make in order to protect the ones we love. The two timelines from chapter to chapter really moved the story along and made it a quick, fun ride. I was truly invested in Milly and her character arc. The breadcrumbs that were sprinkled along the way let the story unfold naturally for the reader, without a twist ending on the last page that explains away all the clues we have gathered.
My only wish for the story was that it had ended two chapters earlier. Though it would have left some things unexplained, that last sentence in chapter 48 would have been the perfect ending!
March 6, 2026
We Already Dug the Grave by: Emma C. Wells
Southern gothic thriller about estranged sisters Milly and Francis, who must reunite to kill Francis's abusive husband. Returning to a Tennessee meadow to hide the body, they confront a shared, dark past involving a previous murder
One day Milly and Francis get called to the principal's office to get the news that their father has died, and that their mother is the one who shot him. The girls are then sent to live with their aunts.
Aunt Ruthie and Aunt Hattie-May are known around town as "witches" due to the fact that they read tea leaves for their neighbors and hang bones on trees in the front yard. Normal right?
We get to see two timelines as the book goes on, both from Milly's perspective of the past and current day. I enjoyed how the story developed and the twists and turns that show up towards the end of the book. This thriller did feel like a "slow burn" but I think that the ending is worth it.
The ending is a little ominous but fits with the whole vibe of the book. If you enjoy dark humor you will enjoy this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for a ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. We Already Dug the Grave by Emma C. Wells comes out September 8,2026
Southern gothic thriller about estranged sisters Milly and Francis, who must reunite to kill Francis's abusive husband. Returning to a Tennessee meadow to hide the body, they confront a shared, dark past involving a previous murder
One day Milly and Francis get called to the principal's office to get the news that their father has died, and that their mother is the one who shot him. The girls are then sent to live with their aunts.
Aunt Ruthie and Aunt Hattie-May are known around town as "witches" due to the fact that they read tea leaves for their neighbors and hang bones on trees in the front yard. Normal right?
We get to see two timelines as the book goes on, both from Milly's perspective of the past and current day. I enjoyed how the story developed and the twists and turns that show up towards the end of the book. This thriller did feel like a "slow burn" but I think that the ending is worth it.
The ending is a little ominous but fits with the whole vibe of the book. If you enjoy dark humor you will enjoy this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for a ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. We Already Dug the Grave by Emma C. Wells comes out September 8,2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
This book completely pulled me in from the start. It’s one of those stories that feels unsettling in the best way quietly creepy, emotional, and layered with tension that keeps building as you read. The atmosphere was honestly one of my favorite parts; it had this heavy, haunting tone that made it hard to put down.
The story does a great job exploring grief, secrets, and the complicated dynamics between people when something goes terribly wrong. I loved how the characters weren’t perfect they felt real, messy, and sometimes frustrating, which made everything hit even harder. The writing style was smooth and immersive without being overly complicated, and I found myself flying through chapters.
There were moments where I wasn’t quite sure where things were headed, but in a way that kept me curious rather than confused. The slow unraveling of the truth was really well done, and I appreciated how the emotional depth balanced out the darker elements of the story.
Overall, this was a gripping and atmospheric read that blends mystery with emotional depth. If you enjoy stories that are a little eerie, character-driven, and full of secrets, this is definitely one to pick up.
This book completely pulled me in from the start. It’s one of those stories that feels unsettling in the best way quietly creepy, emotional, and layered with tension that keeps building as you read. The atmosphere was honestly one of my favorite parts; it had this heavy, haunting tone that made it hard to put down.
The story does a great job exploring grief, secrets, and the complicated dynamics between people when something goes terribly wrong. I loved how the characters weren’t perfect they felt real, messy, and sometimes frustrating, which made everything hit even harder. The writing style was smooth and immersive without being overly complicated, and I found myself flying through chapters.
There were moments where I wasn’t quite sure where things were headed, but in a way that kept me curious rather than confused. The slow unraveling of the truth was really well done, and I appreciated how the emotional depth balanced out the darker elements of the story.
Overall, this was a gripping and atmospheric read that blends mystery with emotional depth. If you enjoy stories that are a little eerie, character-driven, and full of secrets, this is definitely one to pick up.
March 25, 2026
Arc provided by NetGalley
This book follows two sisters, with the older one, Milly, willing to do anything for her baby bird, Frances. But of course, not everything is as it seems.
The plot wasn’t entirely unexpected, nor especially groundbreaking. I think I started suspecting the twist before I was even halfway through. Even so, it was a beautiful story about the love between two sisters, bound together by secrets and by everything they endured growing up.
I really liked Milly (maybe because I’m an older sister too 👀), as well as Aunt Hattie-Mae, Aunt Ruth, and Bunny. I loved the descriptions of the place where they grew up, and the witchy atmosphere running through this lineage of women.
The ending wasn’t my favourite. I think I wanted a little more justice. Still, it felt fitting for a story so deeply rooted in the love that connects these two sisters.
A great pick for readers who love Practical Magic and Sharp Objects, especially if you have a soft spot for the “good for her” trope.
This book follows two sisters, with the older one, Milly, willing to do anything for her baby bird, Frances. But of course, not everything is as it seems.
The plot wasn’t entirely unexpected, nor especially groundbreaking. I think I started suspecting the twist before I was even halfway through. Even so, it was a beautiful story about the love between two sisters, bound together by secrets and by everything they endured growing up.
I really liked Milly (maybe because I’m an older sister too 👀), as well as Aunt Hattie-Mae, Aunt Ruth, and Bunny. I loved the descriptions of the place where they grew up, and the witchy atmosphere running through this lineage of women.
The ending wasn’t my favourite. I think I wanted a little more justice. Still, it felt fitting for a story so deeply rooted in the love that connects these two sisters.
A great pick for readers who love Practical Magic and Sharp Objects, especially if you have a soft spot for the “good for her” trope.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As a huge fan of THIS GIRL'S A KILLER, I vowed that anything Emma C. Wells wrote would be devoured ASAP.
So imagine my delight as NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press approved my ARC of WE ALREADY DUG THE GRAVE.
Once again we have a female murderer plot, but we ALSO have the twist of MAGIC!! This book read like literary and magical version of "Goodbye Earl", the Chicks song from the early 2000s. It delighted me and kept the pages turning every night.
Slightly washed up and retired, Milly can't divine the future anymore. She's lost and down and out. Miles away, her sister Francis is killing it with her new life, new husband and apparently no room for Milly in that happy space. They are estranged, until one night and one black eye on Francis' face change everything.
Thank you again to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press and the amazing author for a chance to read prior to publication in September, it's already a pre-order for me and will sit happily next to her other 5 star read on my shelf.
So imagine my delight as NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press approved my ARC of WE ALREADY DUG THE GRAVE.
Once again we have a female murderer plot, but we ALSO have the twist of MAGIC!! This book read like literary and magical version of "Goodbye Earl", the Chicks song from the early 2000s. It delighted me and kept the pages turning every night.
Slightly washed up and retired, Milly can't divine the future anymore. She's lost and down and out. Miles away, her sister Francis is killing it with her new life, new husband and apparently no room for Milly in that happy space. They are estranged, until one night and one black eye on Francis' face change everything.
Thank you again to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press and the amazing author for a chance to read prior to publication in September, it's already a pre-order for me and will sit happily next to her other 5 star read on my shelf.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A gripping Southern Gothic thriller that follows two deeply flawed sisters shaped by trauma and the harsh realities of life in the South. The dual timeline, moving between their troubled childhood and the present, builds a vivid portrait of a bond forged in survival, loyalty, and the instinct to protect one another at any cost.
The story is layered buried family secrets, each one guarding the women in their lineage. Threads of inherited magic; fortune‑telling, potions, add an atmospheric edge, while moments of dark humor and mystery keep the tone dynamic.
This novel delivers exactly what a thriller should: constant tension, unexpected twists, and a sense of unease that keeps you guessing. It’s a true page‑turner, the kind that keeps you up late because you simply can’t put it down.
Publish date Sept 8, 2026.
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
The story is layered buried family secrets, each one guarding the women in their lineage. Threads of inherited magic; fortune‑telling, potions, add an atmospheric edge, while moments of dark humor and mystery keep the tone dynamic.
This novel delivers exactly what a thriller should: constant tension, unexpected twists, and a sense of unease that keeps you guessing. It’s a true page‑turner, the kind that keeps you up late because you simply can’t put it down.
Publish date Sept 8, 2026.
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
March 15, 2026
This is not another serial killer like Wells’ first book, but we do have great female characters and a plot that involves killing bad men…
A lot of Practical Magic vibes here. Milly and Frances come from a line of women with the sight - and a penchant for getting rid of bad men. The sisters are raised by aunts after mama goes to jail - the rest is told in alternating timelines.
Milly is Frances’ caretaker and will stop at nothing to keep her sister safe. Sisterhood is a central theme, with the sisters falling out and then reconnecting years later when Frances is married into a famous family. Although the story is about the sisters, I LOVED the aunts! They need a book of their own, maybe a prequel?
The big twist was easy to guess and the story is a bit far fetched, but put that aside, grab some tea and settle in. You may want to learn what your tea leaves are telling you when you are done…
Thank you Net Galley and Poisoned Pen Press for an advance copy!
A lot of Practical Magic vibes here. Milly and Frances come from a line of women with the sight - and a penchant for getting rid of bad men. The sisters are raised by aunts after mama goes to jail - the rest is told in alternating timelines.
Milly is Frances’ caretaker and will stop at nothing to keep her sister safe. Sisterhood is a central theme, with the sisters falling out and then reconnecting years later when Frances is married into a famous family. Although the story is about the sisters, I LOVED the aunts! They need a book of their own, maybe a prequel?
The big twist was easy to guess and the story is a bit far fetched, but put that aside, grab some tea and settle in. You may want to learn what your tea leaves are telling you when you are done…
Thank you Net Galley and Poisoned Pen Press for an advance copy!
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