I Knew Her Once

by R.M. Carpus

A twisted tale of betrayal and romance.

You can’t bury the past.

Grieving novelist Rose Harper flees to the sleepy town of Griffin Bay to find a new muse, revive her writing career, and leave the past behind. She finds a place to stay, lands a job, and the plot ideas begin to flow. Things are looking up.

Until strange, unexplainable things start happening and she winds up entangled in Griffin Bay’s poisonous web of lies. There’s something not quite right about her new home, and it isn’t long before she realizes that some stories, like secrets, were never meant to be told.

Genres: Romance, Horror, Gothic, Thriller, Suspense, Gothic Romance

ebook

First published May 25, 2026

About the author

R. M. Carpus is the co-founder of Wraith House and a member of the Horror Writers Association. She earned her bachelor's degree in English and professional writing from Saint Joseph’s University and lives in Seattle, always on the lookout for orcas, Brandi Carlile, and Eddie Vedder. Her forthcoming Gothic suspense novel, I KNEW HER ONCE, releases summer of 2026.

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Reviews

[Tabatha_Reads_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy that I picked this one up! It has been a long time since I stayed up until 4 am reading a book and let me tell you- I was NOT putting this down!

The plot is chefs kiss, perfectly paced with just a little bit of information towards the mystery given as you go. I love the characters, all for different reasons. Carmella is the absolute FAVORITE- with the fancy rich lady facade, she is incredibly witty with dry humor and I absolutely want to be her when I grow up. Our main character Rose is curious and guarded, but doesn’t let her fears get in the way of getting to the bottom of what she wants to know. Ethan - easy to love and easy to pine for, a little mysterious and a whole lot of that bad boy persona and attitude that makes me practically froth at the mouth. The scenery is well described, and I absolutely wish the mansion was real because I would totally want to stay there!

This one is perfect for spooky summer, with a touch of paranormal, some thriller/mystery, and just a little bit of romance. I highly recommend you pick it up at get your spooky on!

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose Harper is fleeing from something in her past to the quaint town of Griffin Bay. She has rented a house from an enigmatic woman, Carmella. The locals appear to be quite friendly, assisting her when her car tires are vandalized. There is an undeniable air of mystery surrounding Griffin Bay and its inhabitants.

Numerous rumors circulate in the town regarding Carmella, from whom she rents. It is said that she murdered her husband, but Rose is uncertain about the accuracy of that claim.

Each evening upon returning home, Rose notices that someone seems to have entered her room, rearranging her belongings. However, Carmella insists that neither she nor Vlad, the butler, has accessed Rose’s room, and that no one else has been in the house, as the other rooms are accounted for.

I found myself racing through the pages, eager to uncover whether Rose’s room was haunted or if someone was intruding while she was away. Did someone from her past discover her whereabouts and enter her room?

Is Rose’s safety at risk? What is truly happening? What secrets does Griffin Bay conceal? I was eager to learn the answers, even as I was captivated and reluctant for it to conclude.
I Knew Her Once is an exceptionally eerie and engaging read that kept me engrossed, drawing me back whenever my focus wavered. The story emits a chilling yet cozy atmosphere.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysterious and haunting narratives. Be sure to pick up a copy of I Knew Her Once today!

[Brunchatiffanys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and R. M. Carpus for this ARC Copy! 4.5 Stars

If I love anything it is a horror romance book set in a creepy hold house and that is exactly what I got with this book. The house was everything I wanted it to be, the romance was filled with yearning that kept me reading until late into the night. The mystery and haunted elements were seamlessly woven into the story really well. I also loved Carmilla the land lady, she was such a mystery in the beginning, and I really enjoyed watching her story unfold.
I would probably say this is more of a thriller than a horror so if you like the suspense and anxiety from thrillers but are not as comfortable with the violence of horror, I think you would still really enjoy this book. While it does have some horror elements, it is not graphic, or super violent, but it does leave you feeling uncomfortable.
I really enjoyed this story and can't wait to read more from this author.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 🌟
𝑰 𝑲𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝑯𝒆𝒓 𝑶𝒏𝒄𝒆 is a twisty gothic suspense read that had me absolutely glued to the pages. Having to stop reading to go to work or do adulting responsible things felt like a personal affront every time. Griffin House is the perfect, possibly haunted, gothic setting. The paintings are watching, the walls are closing in, and you can feel the icy breath of someone unseen caressing your cheeks.

I adored the banter, nay, bickering between Rose and Ethan. It provided an entertaining reprieve from the claustrophobic dread building around the edges as the story unfolded.

I also feel compelled to point out that these characters have impeccable taste in music. All the tracks referenced throughout the story are absolute bangers. I will be creating a Spotify playlist expeditiously.

💜 Huge thanks to the author, RM Carpus, and R&R Book Tours for including me on the tour for 𝑰 𝑲𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝑯𝒆𝒓 𝑶𝒏𝒄𝒆 and for the gifted copy to read and review. I enjoyed reading this so much, even though I'm now convinced Daphne and Apollo in the picture in my room are staring at me 👀

I would also like to shout out Tim Byrne for a stunning cover design and illustration. This cover is 🔥

[Merry Jayned · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great mystery and thriller. The ending was chef's kiss.

[moonlitbookwitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

O.M.G., I was a little hesitant going in, BUT I Knew Her Once by R.M. Carpus was a BIG win for me. This book had me hooked from the very first page. Carpus masterfully draws readers in with the mystery surrounding Rose and the secrets she is desperately trying to escape from her past.

Set in a creepy old house on Griffin Bay, the story follows Rose as she rents a room from Carmella, an eccentric and unsettling landlady who adds an extra layer of suspense to the novel. The supporting characters are well developed and help drive a plot filled with unexpected twists and turns.

I would classify this as a mystery-horror novel, with just the right balance of intrigue and suspense. If you enjoy atmospheric settings, compelling characters, and shocking surprises, this is definitely a book you won't want to put down.

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.
All opinions are my own.

[Liz Fully Booked · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read I Knew Her Once by R.M. Carpus in a couple of days, and that was while trying to finish up some other arcs. I kept returning to it, because I was enjoying the vibes so much.

Rose heads to Griffin Bay to escape her past, as well as find inspiration for her new book. While there she rents a room from a Carmella, a recluse, in a creepy old house she’s convinced is haunted. She also meets some locals, Scarlett, who basically bullies her into committing crimes, and her boyfriend who Rose begins to develop feelings for.

Things start to get crazy when she realizes she’s being targeted, and used to steal a valuable relic from Carmella. Together with her new love interest, they devise a plan to try and stop Scarlett, and things start to spiral out of control.

And can I just point out how those last two chapters had my heart racing? I was speed reading trying to see how it ends. Where’s my blood pressure medication!?

I think this book has something for everyone. Romance for the romance lovers, suspense and action for the thriller lovers. And I may have added a few songs to my music library as well. Great gothic romantic suspense book. Highly recommend!

[amanda_coffee_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to share that I had no idea what this book was about when I started reading it. I didn’t go looking for it; I just stumbled upon it and was immediately captivated by the cover. I knew I had to read it. This book is so different from anything I’ve ever read. When I wasn’t reading, I was constantly thinking about the characters and trying to figure out who was behind the events in the house and town.

There’s always that town bully and the creepy lady. No spoilers here!

Rose Harper, a writer searching for inspiration for her next book, finds herself entangled in the town’s drama and secrets. And her landlady, Camilla, who has her own hidden truths.
I can picture the house Rose is renting as a grand Victorian mansion.
One thing is for sure: not everything is as it seems in this small town.

Each chapter is a rollercoaster of twists and turns in this book.

I didn’t get horror vibes, but I found it suspenseful and thrilling.

I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to RRbooktours and the author for the opportunity to read the book that was gifted.

[Sadhbh Rubinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley and Victory Editing.

There is a really amazing story in I Knew Her Once. Rose Harper is running from her past and the book begins at the start of a cycle she is in. Moving to the new town of Griffin Bay, looking for a job and a place to stay so she can write a novel.

The plot has good substance but I felt it relied too heavily on creating a certain atmosphere/“vibe” than exploring a conflict. Don’t get me wrong, I love the atmosphere of “haunted bedrooms, slashed tires, prank callers and jealous girlfriends” but it was not enough to carry a whole book for me.

In my opinion, the writing needed polishing. Certain dialogue felt clunky with over explaining the environment the conversation was taking place in. The characterisation had telling and not showing specifically with Rose and her best friend Riley. We were told that Riley could read Rose like a book but Rose (SUCCESSFULLY) hid so much from her! Riley comes to visit Rose in Griffin Bay because she’s concerned for her well being and Rose is just a straight up bad friend and blows her off a lot. Which, in a narrative is totally fine, but the reader was being told these two are close, that Riley is the only person Rose opens up to, etc. and then what was on page did not back that up.

Though this book didn’t work for me, the strength of this story was in the ominous gothic setting of Griffin House, the mansion that Rose stays at. It was isolated, creepy, and haunted (??)

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC copy!

[Jennifer W. G. Hitchings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured I Knew Her Once. Once I really sat down with it, I couldn’t put it down—and even when I wasn’t reading, I kept thinking about it and trying to figure out what was really going on.

I loved the eerie atmosphere, the small-town secrets, and never quite knowing who to trust. The suspense kept me guessing, and I loved the romance woven into the story without taking away from the mystery.

Creepy, twisty, addictive, and SO hard to put down. If you love gothic suspense with a little romance, definitely add this one to your TBR! 🖤

Thank you to R.M. Carpus for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Red Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Author for this free book in exchange for my honest review and thank you to R&R Book Tours for the free digital read in exchange for my honest review of I Knew Her Once by R.M. Carpus. From the moment I saw the cover, I knew I had to dive in and once I did, I couldn’t look away. There’s something unsettling about it, a quiet promise that the story inside won’t let you go. Rose arrives in Griffin Bay hoping to escape her past and start fresh, but the town and her new home carry a darkness of their own. Shadows linger where they shouldn’t, whispers seem to follow her and the deeper she settles in, the more she realizes that something is terribly wrong. The secrets woven through this story make it impossible to stop turning pages. The eerie atmosphere wraps around you, the tension builds beautifully and the characters especially Rose feel vivid and haunting. It’s the kind of story that creeps under your skin in the best way. A chilling, beautifully written read that’s perfect for fall or Halloween. I loved this one a lot and would recommend it to any reader especially to those who love gothic horror books.

[Georgia · Rating 5 out of 5]

@rmcarpus delivers an eerie, thrilling gothic romance filled with sinister, unexplainable occurences as well as desire and spice. She flawlessly blends a romance with a thriller and makes it impossible to quit turning pages.

"We don't all CHOOSE to be different, we simply ARE by merely EXISTING."

As Rose becomes entangled in a dangerous web of secrets, lies and deception, will she write the story her publisher needs or will be she taken down by Griffin Bay?

"Sleep with your eyes open"

R.M. builds her characters and her world beautifully. I was completely sucked into the eerie world with a creepy house and suspicious landlady. You can visualize the events and very easily feel right along with the characters. This book is a thrilling, twisted web of secrets and you won't be able to put it down until you unravel the mystery behind Griffin Bay.

Thank you @rmcarpus and @netgalley for the early read of this book. I recommend this to readers who enjoy dark, sinister mysteries that are thrilling and have a bit of spicy romance wonderfully blended in.

#RMCarpus #IKnewHerOnce #thriller #gothicromance #netgalley

[Shannon Tomlinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Knew Her Once follows Rose Harper, a novelist who relocates to the mysterious town of Griffin Bay in search of a fresh start. As she settles into her new surroundings, she becomes entangled in the town’s secrets, strange occurrences, and a mystery that grows more unsettling with every discovery. Along the way, Rose forms a connection with Ethan, adding a layer of romance to the story.

R.M. Carpus did a fantastic job of bringing the setting to life throughout the novel. The atmosphere was one of the book’s strongest elements, and there were several moments that carried a genuinely eerie vibe that kept me intrigued. I also really enjoyed the slow-burn romance between Ethan and Rose. Their relationship developed naturally and added emotional depth without taking away from the mystery.

Overall, this was an engaging blend of suspense, mystery, and romance with a beautifully crafted setting and memorable characters. If you enjoy atmospheric mysteries with a touch of romance, this is definitely worth picking up.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review

[Anointing Writes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished *I Knew Her Once*, and I wanted to say thank you for writing such an immersive story.

From the very first chapters, Griffin Bay felt alive. The atmosphere, the haunting mystery, and the emotional weight behind Rose's journey kept me turning pages long into the night. I especially appreciated how the romance never overshadowed the suspense—it strengthened it, making every revelation feel even more impactful.

Your descriptions were vivid without being overwhelming, and the sense of unease lingered in the best possible way. The blend of gothic suspense, supernatural elements, and emotional storytelling made this a memorable read.

More than anything, I could feel the care and passion that went into creating this novel. It's the kind of book that stays with a reader after the final page.

Thank you for sharing your talent with the world. I genuinely look forward to reading more of your work in the future. Wishing you continued success and many more readers who discover the incredible world you've created.

[Robin.Bookish.Escape · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bones don’t lie.

In need of a Summerween read? Look no further, I’ve got the perfect horror romance for you. A writer FMC with alternative aesthetic (which I am obsessed with) seeking a fresh start in a new small town that has secrets of its own, a bad boy bartender that catches her eye, coupled with an gothic eerie atmosphere, forbidden romance, betrayal and vengeance, mystery and tension, strange happenings and generational curses that need to be broken.

A perfect read for the spooky lovers who yearn for Halloween year-round… A.K.A… me! Well written, easy to read and hauntingly mysterious. Giving all the gothic vibes of Crimson Peek, What Lies Beneath, and House on Haunted Hill. Is it someone messing with her, or is it something more sinister?? Turn the pages and get lost in the story. The humor was an unexpected aspect to the book that really made it shine all the more.

You can’t bury the past.

[Thebiblioholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you love gothic mysteries with a touch of forbidden-romance with yearning? Then this one is for you.
From the very beginning, every character—even the FMC—is a mystery waiting to be unraveled, which kept me hooked. The small-town Pacific Northwest setting, right here in my home state of Washington, added so much atmosphere, and the music references were a fun trip down memory lane (be still my millennial soul).
The only reason this wasn't a full 5-star read for me was that I guessed the culprit fairly early on, though uncovering the why was still absolutely compelling and even though advertised as horror I didn't find anything that horrific. With plenty of intriguing characters and layered backstories, this was a fast-paced and enjoyable read. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.

I recieved an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Laura Kenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this as an ARC. I enjoyed this book. It was nicely paced and mysterious and had me guessing what was going on right until the end. The characters were strong, and some were very unlikeable, but that was good because the way they were written made me want to root for the MFC, Rose. I thought the mix of genres was great; it had mystery, a thrilling crime element, and even a bit of romance set against the chilling backdrop of Griffin Bay. It was full of tension and suspense. I was constantly wondering how the characters were going to make it/whether certain ones were meant to be together. It was a little slow to begin with; I struggled with the writing style and the way things were described at first, but after the 30% mark, I was fully invested in the story and had a great time with it. I liked the ending; it felt satisfying to me how things were wrapped up. Overall, I found this easy to read and interesting enough to want to keep reading. I gave this book a 4-star rating.

[glubglubimafish_2.0 · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a long moving process I finally was able to finish my beta read and then turn around and finish I Knew Her Once by @rmcarpus !
I absolutely LOVED this book! All of the humor, high intensity, fast paced, nerve wracking, mystery packed into one and it was so hard to put this down every time I did pick it up.
The twists and turns kept coming and some were hard to spot if you weren't looking close enough; I had a few moments of pausing and saying wait what? reading it again only then to repeat myself with wait what????
One of my favorite quotes from the whole book, but also one that gives you an idea of what you're looking at if you are considering reading this is:
“Instead, I eat my feelings. And I have a lot of feelings right now. Dread, for one. That something is wrong with this picture. Very wrong. Anger too. At myself for winding up here”
If that doesn't peak your interest I don't know what will
I for one will be keeping my eye out for more by R.M. Carpus

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good Summerween read! The blurb was great. While I was looking forward to reading this? I not a huge fan of romance. I've been giving it a chance. More and more, I'm enjoying the books I'm choosing. I'm glad I had the opportunity to read this via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
That aside if you are also adverse to romance but willing to give it a go? This is a good book to start with. The romance isn't overwhelming or cheesy. It's also not the focal point of the book.
Not sure if this author has other work. But I'll be sure to check and see.
It's well written with good (fleshed out) characters in Rose, Carmella, and Ethan.
The atmospheric creepiness is sure to appeal to a good paranormal mystery.
There some good twists and turns in this book. I would even describe it as a cozy read.
Great for a night in.

[Jessi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wicked read! Rose moves to a remote island near Seattle to pursue a story in hopes of writing another stellar novel. She rents a room from an eccentric woman, living alone in a large home with only her butler and ghosts. Running from her past and the mistakes she lays at her feet, she falls in with a less than savory lot. Needing the cash to survive the next 6 months has her accepting the job offered to her, even after a handsome man warns her to stay away.
While trying to unravel the strange happenings linked to her stay at Griffin House, she finds herself falling in love with the man who keeps telling her to leave.

Nothing is as it seems in this town and the truth doesn't stay buried for long.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Thank you Netgalley for my copy! This was such a good read and I will absolutely be checking out more of this author's work.

[Penelope Cardinale · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️…I loved this, this story is beautifully written. It is a true gothic romance. It’s eerie and dark yet beautiful. I loved that it was as spicy as it was dark. I loved the characters and their development throughout the book. There was so much deception in these pages which added to the overall hwauntinf beauty of the writing. As someone who loves horror and romance more than anything, this was a perfect t combination of those two genres. The FMC leaves to escape her past and start fresh. I really enjoy stories where the MC starts at that place because they always find more problems and it’s a nod (for me) to not run from your problems. I enjoyed the way that unfolded in this. It was eerie and beautiful.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

R.M. Carpus delivers a solid Gothic mystery with great atmosphere but it suffers from some pacing issues and a somewhat predictable climax. In the book, we follow Rose as she retreats to a small town called Griffin Bay to escape her past. We learn pretty quickly that Griffin Bay is full of secrets and no one can be trusted.

I loved the lore behind Griffin House and enjoyed all the scenes with Carmella.The pacing throughout the middle of the story dragged for me and I had a bit of a hard time connecting with Rose. She made some very strange decisions throughout the book. Overall, it’s an entertaining and quick read, but the story just fell flat for me. If you enjoy slow-burn, atmospheric suspense, it is absolutely worth checking out.

[catb.x0x0 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this book was utterly addictive. I tend to find that books of this genre, though one of my favorites, lack a certain depth in their character development due to the air of mystery and suspense necessary to the storyline . It was a little harder for me to decipher the other characters, as we only get Rose’s POV, but this story stands out as I truly saw so many different dimensions of her character. Then again it was also rather entertaining, not knowing which of the side character’s narratives to trust. The author keeps you on your toes until the very end which is everything I wanted for this book.

[Ashli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the perfect kickoff to Summerween! There’s nothing I love more than a gothic novel and I ate this one up! I loved the small town full of secrets and the spooky manor! I loved the characters! I immediately felt drawn to Rose and was so desperate to get to the bottom of her secrets. And don’t even get me started on Rose’s rich, quirky landlady, Carmella and her Lurch-esque butler, Vlad! Honestly name a better duo, I’ll wait! This book has mystery, suspense, romance, AND things that go bump in the night! This book fed my spooky little soul and I can’t recommend it enough!

[Holli Mattox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thus far, life for Rose has been trauma, mistakes, and abuse wrapped up in a bow. Rose has two ways of coping; running and writing, and right now Rose is an author who is running from-well, everyone.

When Rose arrives in Griffin Bay, her intentions are to research for a good story and to write her next big hit. What she’s not expecting are buried secrets, haunting encounters, a deeply imbedded crime ring, and a tangible soul altering connection. Rose has a plan, and THIS is not it.

I Knew Her Once is compelling and creepy and it is a story of resilience and redemption.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing 5 star read!!! Highly recommend to everyone! This is also the first book that I have received that was addressed personally to me and signed and it is so so special and I will cherish it forever! The book is beautiful and also received a matching bookmark. This author spent good money on shipping these books to each of the winners and took so much time into specializing each one and I am grateful to have been chosen!

Huge thank you to R.M. Carpus and Goodreads for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

[Josie Reiman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The vibes were immaculate! I loved the moody gothic PNW setting, complete with a mysterious house owned by an even more mysterious woman.

This had a nice blend of suspense and romance! I love when my favorite genres come together like this! It kept the story moving along quite quickly, which I always appreciate too! I do wish some parts were fleshed out just a bit more but that didn’t take away from me understanding what was going on.

Definitely recommend if you are looking for an eerie mystery with a splash of steamy romance! I’m excited to read more by this author!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC!

[C Me Read Write Now · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know that this is supposed to be a horror book, but I felt like it was more of a gripping thriller! Oh, I couldn't read this fast enough. I really enjoyed trying to figure out what was happening and why it was happening. The author takes you down a twisty road before the end and when it's over, you'll find yourself wanting more. I believe the book was well written! I loved watching Rose's story unfold. I would recommend this book to anyone that loves a good thriller with a side of horror!!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic! The vibes were immaculate. The writing was impeccable, and I was completely immersed in this story. The way the author was able to write such vivid descriptions felt like I was transported to this world and a part of the story myself.

If you like gothic suspense, with some horror elements, and a little romance thrown in, you’re going to want to add this one to your tbr! It was AMAZING!

[OneBrokeReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley!

Rating: ⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐
Spicy: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
Would I recommend: yes

Tropes:
first person, gothic, slow burn, in a relationship, betrayal, stalking, writer

CW: murder, death of a parent, stalking

Details
plot 3.75/5
pace medium
characters 3.75/5
enjoyability 3.75/5
ending 3.5/5

How this book made me feel:
this story will grip you till the very end.