We Already Dug the Grave

by Emma C. Wells

Sharp Objects with a dash of Practical Magic in this southern gothic thriller with cool girl edge from USA Today bestselling author Emma C. Wells following two estranged sisters who will do anything to protect each other – even murder. Again.

Milly can’t divine the future anymore, and maybe that’s a good thing. Lately, her life has been bleak enough, she doesn’t need the now-silent tea leaves to tell her. She’s alone and waitressing in a sleepy town while her estranged younger sister thrives miles away in a shiny new life with a shiny new marriage. Milly doesn’t blame Francis for wanting nothing to do with her. Not after what happened in that Tennessee meadow a decade before.

But when Francis shows up on Milly’s doorstep with a black eye and a plea for help escaping her well-connected, wealthy husband – Milly can’t say no. Especially when the tea leaves are finally crystal clear: if the sisters don’t kill Francis’s husband, he’ll eventually kill her.

But if they’re going to plot a murder, the sisters have no choice but to return to the one place, and two aunts, they’d left behind. A place where another body – and a multitude of secrets – were buried. Because this isn’t the first time the sisters have needed to dispose of a bad man. In fact, they might be pretty good at it.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Mystery Thriller

400 pages, Paperback

Expected publication September 8, 2026

About the author

Emma C. Wells is the USA Today bestselling author of This Girl's A Killer.

Reviews

[♥︎ Heather ⚔ (Semi-Hiatus-attempting return)]

Sharp 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★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹

[Rosaline (Rosaline's Rolls & Scrolls) · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

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!

[Summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Trisha]

oh 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

[Serena · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kristi Lamont · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[TheNovelNomad · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Deanna Loves to Read!!:) · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Torrie Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.))

[Elige Ghattas · Rating 5 out of 5]

‎"It was catchy, it rhymed, and it hurt."
‎
‎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.
‎
‎We see character development from every single character. Some grew from the heart, some uncovered what was always there, and many had their masks uncovered. 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 wish we got more backstory of the surrounding characters, since it was a generational interconnected story, but I have a feeling we'll get that sooner or later. It was truly a memorable book that was new and engaging.

‎Thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
‎
‎Happy reading ◉⁠‿⁠◉
‎

[Ashley Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Katie Buckingham · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Lisa Kaliszewski · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kelli Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to both #NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing me an advance copy of Emma C. Wells's sophomore novel, We Already Dug The Grave, in exchange for an honest review.

#WeAlreadyDugTheGrave is a slow-burn #mysterythriller about the women in a southern family whose certain generations inherit the gift of Sight through tasseomancy. Set between alternating timelines, the story focuses on the rift between estranged sisters, Milly and Francis, and the harrowing events that eventually lead them back to one another.

Although a bit redundant and predictable for my taste, the novel has a clear underlying theme and interesting plot. If the ending and characters were edited to include more depth, this could propel the novel from three to five stars. In its current state, however, overall solid three-star rating.

[Lily G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it from NetGalley.

Ok, so I requested it because the title is captivating? And made me curious, I know nothing of the author or her previous work.

I couldn’t figure it out until the very last chapters, so that’s a plus for me, it’s not my usual reading genre, but I really enjoyed being surprised.
It’s not an easy book to read, at least it wasn’t for me, it takes you back and forth in time, which was cool, but also took me a while to get into it.

Know comes the spoilers

How did I not see it coming from the very beginning??? Hats off to the author because it wraps you in the story!

It’s evil in so many levels, never knew a psychopath was amongst.

I am left sorry for Milly, all the guilt she endures, all the sorrow she lives through, a tragedy.

[Chelsea Pittman · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you read the synopsis, you'll be reminded of Practical Magic. The question is has the author done enough to make it different from that beloved classic. I would say, yes. Though you won't get the warm fuzzies at the end. Milly is tough and has been through a lot in her young life. She feels realistic compared to some main characters in other books. I was hooked from the get go and I enjoyed the dual timeline POVs.

The title and cover are perfect. I think they stand out and portray the book you are about to read well.

If you enjoy this and haven't read her debut novel. This Girl's A Killer, I highly recommend checking that out.

Thank you to NetGalley, Emma C. Wells, and Poisoned Pen Press. I have written this review voluntarily and honestly.

[Alicia Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

The descriptions I had previously read about this book being a combination of Sharp Objects and Practical Magic were spot on!

The female characters were incredibly well developed! The details and descriptions made me feel like I was right there beside Milly, Ruth, Hattie-May, and Frances, and there is nothing I love more than feeling like I am right there in the moment.

This book darkly explores the lengths people are willing to go in order to protect the people we love the most. Milly really resonated with me as a big sister to a little sister…in the normal ways, not the diabolical ways 😜😜

I feel really confident in saying this will hands down be one of my top 5 thriller reads of 2026! 🙌🙌 I can’t wait until pub date to order my physical copy!

[Danna Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Devoured This!
I read this straight through with my heart beating out of my chest! A Southern Gothic like they used to write them about sisters, the south, dark places, and doing what must be done. With a nice dash of the supernatural to make everything a little bit more juicy. I was worried it wouldn’t stand up to the thrill, “This Girls A Killer” gave me, but I am happy to say I may have loved it more! Emma C Wells has a way of writing that draws you into her web and keeps you there until the bitter end. I highly recommend this book, as well as her previous novel. Both are worth reading straight through and I can’t wait for whatever she writes next.

[KDRBCK]

WADtG by Emma C. Wells, published by PPPress is a full length, mystery thriller.
I just wanted to take a peek at the story, but hours later I read the last sentence and what awild ride it was.
I loved the FMC. Milly has the sight since she was a child. She grew up rough and is already through a lot. But she's a good person. Her sister Frances needs her help - so it seems. But there is something dark hovering.
The story jumps between past and present - I'm not a fan of this style, but somehow it's pretty fitting. Mixed with PNR elements, this is a pretty entertaining read, 4.5 stars only - because I really really disliked Frances' character.

[Madie DeGrammont · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Poisoned Pen Press and Emma C. Wells for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

We Already Dug the Grave is a story about two sisters whose love for one another is their demise. I enjoyed this book even though I wasn’t able to devour it in one sitting. I’m giving it four stars because it felt like some chapters were super slow. I understand explaining what the Sight was but I felt as though it was over explained. I understood the first time I read it.

Also, what was happening was predictable but I still really liked it. I don’t want to give away spoilers so that’s all I’ll say.

[danie · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, thank you to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC of this book!

Oh boy, this was a ride for beginning to end and not only did I love every second of it, I'm ready to get back in line again. This is a hauntingly beautiful southern Gothic mystery filled with twists, wonderful story telling, intriguing characters, and family secrets that will have you guessing throughout the entire story. Everything flowed well, the plot was concise and the twists were amazing. It was liking reading your favorite true crime show but 100% times better. I'd recommend this one to anyone who loves a good mystery book- this is one that can not be missed.

[Larae Perry · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5 stars)
We Already Dug the Grave by Emma Wells is a dark, eerie read that kept me intrigued with its unsettling atmosphere and slow-building tension. The story has a haunting premise and several moments that genuinely creeped me out, though the pacing lagged a bit in places for me.
Overall, it’s a solid, moody thriller with an interesting concept and memorable moments, even if it didn’t completely blow me away.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Courtney Stowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

First of all, thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

This book had me side-eyeing everyone and questioning EVERYTHING. The storyline was phenomenal and kept me hooked the whole time. Just when I thought I had it figured out… nope. Plot twist after plot twist.

Honestly one of the best reads I’ve had in a while. The second this book is released, I will absolutely be shoving it into all my book friends’ hands because they NEED to experience this chaos too.

Add this one to your TBR immediately. Trust me. ✨📚

[cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I WANT MORE!

The way I knew a certain someone was the "bad guy" - but HAD to keep reading to see what would happen next! I loved the magical element to it with the Sight and readings. Gave just enough of the spooky witchy vibe with the suspense thriller portion. Did not call that ending - so was pleasantly surprised. Would read again after it's published and will look for more from this author.

Thank you to the publishers for the ARC.

[Destiny Chappel]

We Already Dug the Grave had a strong and intriguing premise, and I really enjoyed the witchy vibe and the main character—they made the story fun to follow. The darker tone and atmosphere were also a highlight.

That said, the execution didn’t fully land for me. The pacing felt inconsistent—some sections dragged while others seemed rushed.

Overall, it’s a solid read with a compelling protagonist and great mood, even if I couldn’t fully connect with the rest of the story

[Ayelet · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I didnt have kids I wouldn't have finished this book in one sitting. I could not read it fast enough. I was dying to know what happened. this book unfolds in a dual timeline, with chapters alternating from the present to the past. it was a great story, the questions I have will keep me up at night. I'll definitely be thinking about it for the foreseeable future.