“Practical Magic” Meets “Sharp Objects” in Emma C. Wells’ “We Already Dug the Grave” — Read an Excerpt! (Exclusive)

**Sisterhood Takes a Dark Turn in Emma C. Wells’ ‘We Already Dug the Grave’**

The much-anticipated Southern Gothic thriller, ‘We Already Dug the Grave’, by Emma C. Wells, is set to captivate readers this autumn. This new novel delves into the intricate dynamics of sisterhood, exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the darker aspects of familial bonds, all wrapped in a suspenseful narrative.

At the heart of the story are two estranged sisters, Milly and Francis, who find themselves ensnared in a perilous plot involving Francis’s husband. Following a traumatic incident a year earlier that drove them apart, the sisters’ lives take a dramatic turn when Francis unexpectedly arrives at Milly’s doorstep, injured and desperate for assistance. Milly has remained in their hometown as a fortune teller, while Francis has started anew—far removed from the scars of their shared past.

Upon examining her tea leaves, Milly uncovers a chilling revelation: Francis’s husband intends to kill her. Faced with this impending threat, the sisters must confront their childhood, return to Tennessee, and untangle the web of secrets that has been buried over the years.

In her reflections on the novel, Wells notes that it pays homage to “all the unhinged older sisters, and the diabolical younger sister who made us this way”. Drawing from her own experiences as a sister, she aims to capture what makes these relationships both complicated and intense. “If you have a sister, perhaps you’ll see glimpses of your relationship in this book — the good, the bad and the ugly,” Wells remarked in an interview, emphasising the nuanced portrayal of sisterly bonds.

The book has garnered comparisons to well-known works such as ‘Sharp Objects’ and ‘Practical Magic’, suggesting that it merges the allure of Southern Gothic elements with a gripping psychological twist. Wells says that the characters within the tale are “both loving and ferocious,” reflecting the tumultuous nature of sisterhood filled with loyalty and rivalry.

The narrative promises to be a blend of atmospheric storytelling laced with chilling surprises, all of which contribute to its dark allure. Wells expressed her enthusiasm for readers to experience the story and the many layers it unveils, stating, “It’s twisty and atmospheric, and occasionally blood-soaked.”

An excerpt provided by Wells reveals a glimpse into Milly’s perspective, showcasing her complex feelings of envy and longing as she reminisces about Francis’s seemingly perfect life. Through the lens of a sister grappling with her own demons, readers are invited to explore the characters’ shared history marked by trauma and hidden resentment, all while navigating the present danger.

Milly’s introspection unveils her struggles, brought into sharper focus when she witnesses snippets of Francis’s life on television, a poignant reminder of their fractured relationship. Consequently, readers are plunged deep into the psyche of a woman caught between the affection for her sister and the bitterness of her own situation.

‘We Already Dug the Grave’ is slated for publication on September 8, and pre-orders are already available across bookstores. With the promise of a story that resonates with those familiar with sisterly complexities, as well as appealing to fans of gothic thrillers, this novel is likely to leave a lasting impact upon its release.

In a tale where sisterhood can indeed prove deadly, Emma C. Wells invites us to ponder the question: how far would we go to protect those we love, even when it involves confronting buried secrets?

As anticipation builds for this riveting new release, readers can expect to delve into the depths of familial loyalty, mistrust, and the lengths one will go when faced with the threat of a cunning adversary. With its sharp wit and intriguing themes, ‘We Already Dug the Grave’ is a testament to the fact that, in the complicated arena of sisterhood, the line between love and vendetta can often blur.