Kiersten Modglin, often crowned the queen of domestic suspense, takes a bold step into new territory with Hemlock, a chilling romantic thriller that merges psychological tension with raw emotion. Equal parts haunting and heartfelt, this novel pulls readers into a web of secrets, forbidden love, and the eerie whispers of a house that seems to have a memory of its own.
Thirteen years ago, Maggie Ellis fled her small hometown of Myers with a broken heart and a secret she swore she’d never tell. Now, after her mother’s death, she finds herself reluctantly returning, determined to face her past and build a new life. Her decision to buy the dilapidated house at 40 Hemlock Drive a place that practically exhales darkness seems like the first step toward healing. But soon, Maggie begins to sense that something is deeply wrong.
From the smell of decay to strange sounds echoing through the halls, and even the thermostat changing on its own, her new home feels alive and not in a good way. As she uncovers the tragic history of Hemlock Drive and reconnects with people from her past, Maggie realizes that some ghosts aren’t content to stay buried.
What begins as a story about coming home quickly transforms into a tangled blend of romance, mystery, and psychological unease. Modglin’s signature style shines through: short, compelling chapters, emotional tension, and the creeping dread of knowing something terrible lies just beneath the surface. But unlike her usual high-octane thrillers, Hemlock leans heavily into romantic suspense, exploring how love and guilt intertwine in the shadow of trauma.
Maggie is a wonderfully layered protagonist strong, flawed, and achingly human. Her relationships with the men in her life add emotional depth and complexity to the story, forming a love triangle that feels both messy and real. At its heart, Hemlock isn’t just about a haunted house; it’s about a haunted woman, forced to confront what she’s spent years running from.
Readers expecting a pure psychological thriller may find this one softer around the edges. As some reviewers have noted, Hemlock leans more toward romance than Modglin’s darker works like The Arrangement or Just Married. Yet the shift in tone works beautifully here. The suspense is quieter but constant a sense of unease that lingers even in the tender moments. And while the supernatural hints are subtle, they keep the atmosphere thick with tension.
Modglin’s prose is immersive and cinematic, her pacing tight enough to keep you turning pages late into the night. The dual timeline between “Then” and “Now” slowly reveals Maggie’s secrets and the devastating choices that shaped her life. The final revelations hit hard, tying together the emotional and eerie threads in a satisfying, if bittersweet, conclusion.
Verdict: Hemlock is a beautifully twisted romantic thriller that explores how love, guilt, and fear can bind people just as tightly as any ghost. It’s haunting, intimate, and impossible to put down perfect for readers who enjoy atmospheric suspense with a passionate, emotional core.
👉 Grab your copy of Hemlock here: https://amzn.to/471q6u7
