"The Haunting of Emily Grace" by Elena Taylor

 

The Haunting of Emily Grace by Elena Taylor is a suspense novel with shades of Rebecca and underlying themes of grief, isolation, and psychological dread. Written in first-person POV, it follows a grieving woman with a water phobia who takes a job on an isolated island and must come to terms with ghosts both past and present. That said, it isn’t a traditional ghost story—the heroine is haunted more by her own past and present than by spirits.

Emily Grace is a carpenter (a refreshing choice of profession) hired to finish work on a mansion called the End of the World—a fitting name—on the secluded island of Monk’s Rock, surrounded by a harsh, unforgiving sea. The home was commissioned by millionaire Cameron and designed by his wife, Katrina, who vanished in a sailing accident and is presumed dead.

Locals whisper that the house is cursed, but Emily isn’t deterred—the job is her lifeline. She befriends the clairvoyant Juniper and Adrian, the ferry’s first mate, yet unsettling events soon follow: wet footprints outside her door, vague noises, ghostly whispers through the forest, and a specter in the window. The arrival of Chloe, Cameron’s estranged daughter, and a series of accidents and stormy nights deepen the tension. Unsure whom to trust, Emily is determined to uncover the truth, even at great risk.

Atmospheric and haunting, the book was intriguing to read from start to finish. The writing is evocative, bringing the cold, eerie setting vividly to life. It moves slowly, but I found it enjoyable—the isolated island was the perfect stage for the story’s suspenseful vibes. There’s a slow-burn romance, but it takes a definite backseat to the plot. Readers who prefer fast-paced thrillers may need patience, but those who enjoy immersive, slow-building suspense will appreciate it.

I admired Emily’s resilience as she worked through grief and fear of the sea, and I appreciated the message that we don’t simply overcome loss—we learn to live with it. Chloe, on the other hand, was irritating, though her presence kept the intrigue. I especially enjoyed the uncertainty around which character could be trusted, and the plot kept me guessing until the end.

The remote setting, gothic atmosphere, and the mystery of the missing woman all gave me strong Rebecca vibes—a book that has long been a favorite of mine. While the conclusion tied up the loose ends, it felt a little rushed, with the final chapter leaning more on telling than showing. Still, I enjoyed the book, slow parts and all, and would recommend it to fans of atmospheric suspense. Just go in with an open mind and don’t expect a ghost story per se.

 * Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more details about the book: "The Haunting of Emily Grace" by Elena Taylor