I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
Only the Dead Within by Lisa Childs Series: The Grave Diggers #2
Published by Kensington Books on July 29, 2025
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Between mysterious missing persons cases, unsolved murders, and the menacing specter of an eternally blood-thirsty grave digger’s ghost, the town of Gold Creek, Michigan, has a grim reputation, and so does the wealthy, ruthless Gold family, who run the local funeral home and cemetery—and may be behind it all . . .
Yet another teen has gone missing from the Gold Memorial Gardens, and Child Protective Services Investigator Claire Underwood isn't giving up until she finds him. For Claire, solving the case is more than business. Years ago, she lost a friend in that cemetery.
Over time, the authorities deemed all the disappeared teens runaways, while local legend blamed the ghost of the murderous grave digger—much to the satisfaction of the Golds, also known as the “Ghouls.” Claire has always suspected the Golds were involved, including in some recent murders among their own. She went to high school with Noah Gold. He was very quiet, and very intense. Like someone with something to hide.
Noah is sick of being cast in the same light as his conniving, money-hungry family. He’s still a bit anti-social, but he’s just as determined as Claire to unearth the truth—and finally bury the legend of the grave digger. With a common goal, he and Claire join forces, but it’s a quest that puts them in mortal danger. Only with the help of the local sheriff—whose own brother vanished years ago—do they have a chance of surviving. Yet, the truth that awaits them is more terrifying than any ghost . . .
Lisa Childs will have the hair raising on the back of your neck! With the second book in The Grave Diggers series, Childs delivers a suspense filled story with multiple twists and turns that leaves the reader stunned with the final revelation. This can definitely be read as a stand alone book, but to get to the heart of the family I highly recommend going back and reading the first book in the series The House by the Cemetery to get an in depth picture of who and what is happening. This book held my attention easily and brought a satisfying story to life. I’m not sure if there is more planned in the series or not. If there is not, there were many holes left in the plot … but there is definitely room here for several more books about this quirky fam. Overall, well developed characters, a spooky backdrop and multiple edge of your seat moments to keep you entertained. Highly recommend the series!
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