I was absolutely not expecting to actually get a fourth Emily Calby book, but I am so happy that we did. The third book was a great stopping point for the series, but this one was the conclusion that I didn't know I needed.

In this, Emily finds out about her father's family. Filled with high stakes and all the usual Emily Calby hijinks, this novel had me enthralled. Even though this story is set a few years after the third novel, it was still filled with the characters readers had fallen in love with.

Emily is still her witty, explosive self- even if she has to keep herself more restrained now that she's a respectable lawyer. Lucas is still the grumpy and lovable father figure, just older and wiser. Plus, Lucas as a private investigator? Swoon! But we also got new characters that brought new dimensions to Emily's character. Seeing her be fiercely protective of her childhood friend in the ways she knew how, as well as finally having someone to gossip with was absolutely heartwarming.

I also just loved the story itself. Corruption, deceit, murder plots, and a surplus of secrets? Add a dash of romance (which Emily deserves to have!!!) and I was hooked. I didn't want the story to end. But what a satisfying conclusion to the events that occurred. Emily Calby will forever be one of my favorite characters.

A fast paced and enjoyable story. Box answers some questions in this book by delving into Emily’s family history.

This book was the book I needed to complete Emily’s story. The familiar characters lived up to my expectations and the new characters were the cherry on top.

I enjoyed the Calby stories immensely. Emily is such a dynamic character it’s hard not to love her. I have to admit that there was something about her in this story that missed the mark for me but has no bearing on the overall story.

I highly recommend this book (and the series) to readers who enjoy a charismatic female MC who kicks ass!

Emily Calby witnessed her mother and sister being murdered by Intruders. Not long thereafter, her father was killed allegedly in a combine accident on the Wilbur farm.. She ran away from Dilfer County, Georgia and was later found by Lucas and Kiana who took her to Memphis. They took very good care of her and she became an attorney. She never really believed the story about her father's death and went back to her hometown to get to the bottom of it. When she got there, she met Zach, a man who had purchased a law practice 3 months prior. In the old files that Zach inherited, he found the birth certificate for Emily's father. It was the bona fide birth certificate that listed his mother's name, Charlotte Sheen, and his father's name, Averill Wilbur. She'd gone to City Hall to secure a copy and the one she got listed no father's name. The problem was that the Wilburs ran Dilfer county. It was nicknamed Wilbur county. The patriarch of the family was Garrison Wilbur who was the judge, and the sheriff was Quinton Wilbur, Garrison's brother. Averill was also Garrison's brother. The Wilburs were crooked and racist. They found out that Charlotte's great-grandmother was African American And told Averill that he was to have nothing to do with the baby. Garrison ended up hiring a woman to raise the baby and he ran the baby's mother out of town. Averill I found out who was raising the baby and he visited often. He felt tremendous guilt and in the end ended up committing suicide.

Because Emily was licensed to practice law in Tennessee, she hired Zach to be her attorney in Dilfer County. She wanted to have her father's body exhumed in order to have a forensic autopsy done. She knew it was a long shot because Garrison was the judge. The first time they file the papers, the paper's mysteriously disappeared. The second time they filed, they recorded it. In the meantime, journalist Briley Carr had been hounding. Emily for an interview because Emily had become famous due to the murders. Emily had avoided her at all cost, but because of the whole situation with her father and what she believed was a bogus death, she called Briley to chronicle the whole thing.

The day of the trial, Garrison had deemed it a closed trial meaning no one could attend. But they were able to get Briley in by saying that she was Zach's paralegal. She took fastidious notes. Zach called Emily to the stand to testify. Before it was over, the district attorney had made Emily look like a homicidal crazy person. Immediately following the trial, which they lost, a newspaper article was released depicting Emily as the district attorney had depicted her to be. Emily immediately thought Briley wrote it. She later learned that the whole article was engineered by Garrison. Between Zach and Lucas, they saw to it that the article, which had gone viral, was taken down off of the internet. During the trial, all of the truth came out about Emily's father and Briley rewrote the article showing Emily to be an aggrieved daughter seeking the truth.

When Emily had shown up in town, she reconnected with her best friend, Meggie. Her friend was going through a nasty divorce from her husband, Jason. Jason had drugged her and had three of his friends come over so he could shoot a video of them together in bed. His plan was to use the video to gain custody of their two children. When Emily found out about the video she went over to his house and blew up his truck which was his prized possession. Of course Jason accused Emily but he didn't have any evidence to prove she was the culprit. The Wilbur's knew that. Emily knew too much about what they had done. She knew the fact that Quinton had shot her father in the back and killed him. She also knew about what happened to her father in terms of the fact that a woman named Cassidy had been hired to raise him. And she knew the truth about her grandmother's African American roots, and that the Wilburs were racist. Furthermore, they knew that she had the original birth certificate. At any rate, the Wilburs wanted Emily to leave town, so sheriff Quinton kidnapped Meggie and told Jason that he needed to tell Emily to show up to sign a non-disclosure statement and to bring the original birth certificate.

This author took me on a roller coaster ride but the story was very, very well written. And I appreciated how exquisitely developed the characters were. The author told the tale in a way that I found it difficult to put down. Needless to say, I was extremely impressed. I gave this book five stars.

The Girl Goes Home is the 4th book in the Emily Calby series. It has a lot of the back story to Emily's life, including why her family was killed and by whom. I've enjoyed the series and this is a great addition to it. Dorian Box has great character development and is quite good at building suspense. If this is the last book in the series it is a nice way to wrap up all the mysteries from the first three books but hopefully there are more books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Friction Press for my review copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

3.5 stars. I was unfamiliar with this author and the series, but I may go back and read previous ones and also read future ones.

I’m from north Georgia, the Chattanooga suburbs even. Although the places in the book were fictional, it was fun to read about this little corner of the world. The small town south vibes were captured well.

This book had mostly likable characters and was a good tense adventure without being too dark. It was slow for me at first but once the story picked up, I read pretty quickly.

Emily goes back to her hometown to chase her past and find the truth about her family. After reconnecting with an old friend she learns she's playing a dangerous game with the local family who wields their corrupt power over others. The story has good bones, but the dialog is unrealistic at times and the actions implausible in many situations. Definitely not a good read for someone who prefers true to life thrillers.

Emily Calby has survived the tragic loss of her father in a combine accident and then a year later, the murder of her mother and sister. She would have been a victim as well had she not run for her life, and this leaves her with a serious case of survivor's guilt. When evidence comes to light that her father's lineage may not be what she had always been told, she starts looking into his life, and then his death as well. Repeated threats from the family who 'own' the small Georgia county, at both the law enforcement and judicial levels, convince Emily that her father's death was murder. She sets out to prove it while trying to avoid becoming a victim as well.

Though this is the fourth book in a series, it stands alone so well that I didn't even know it was the fourth book until I had finished it. All the back story necessary to understand the characters and the plot is given. Though Emily is emotionally damaged by the losses she has endured, she has a gritty determination to overcome, and good friends around her to help. The book maintains a tight level of suspense throughout and the reader will be strongly in Emily's camp rooting for her.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

ARC Review: The Girl Goes Home by Dorian Box
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Dorian Box masterfully delivers a gripping and emotionally charged standalone addition to the Emily Calby Series with The Girl Goes Home. Equal parts mystery, thriller, and deeply human exploration, this novel reintroduces us to Emily Calby—now a law school graduate determined to carve out a fresh start but irrevocably tethered to the shadows of her past.

The story begins with Emily’s return to Dilfer County, Georgia, the site of unspeakable childhood trauma and the catalyst for her journey of survival. The discovery of a hidden envelope unearths long-buried secrets about her father’s death, casting doubt on the narrative she’s clung to for years. What unfolds is a taut, fast-paced investigation that not only tests Emily’s resolve but also places those she loves in grave danger.

Box excels at blending suspenseful action with raw, emotional depth. Emily is a wonderfully complex character—fierce yet vulnerable, flawed yet deeply admirable. Her inner struggles with loyalty, justice, and the weight of her fractured psyche elevate this thriller beyond standard genre fare. Readers will find themselves fully immersed in her world, rooting for her every step of the way while grappling with the moral ambiguity of her decisions.

The narrative strikes a perfect balance between dark, nail-biting tension and heartwarming moments of found family. Box’s writing is both visceral and tender, vividly capturing the haunting atmosphere of Dilfer County and the emotional stakes of Emily’s quest. The author’s talent for pacing keeps the pages flying, with each revelation building on the last to create a crescendo of danger and catharsis.

While The Girl Goes Home can be read as a standalone, fans of the series will appreciate how Emily’s journey comes full circle. The themes of long-overdue justice, resilience, and the complexities of human relationships make this book as thought-provoking as it is thrilling. The secondary characters, especially Meggie Tribet, add depth and warmth, underscoring the story’s exploration of connection and redemption.

For readers who enjoy fiercely independent protagonists, high-stakes mysteries, and a blend of darkness and hope, The Girl Goes Home is an unmissable read. With its razor-sharp plotting, richly developed characters, and emotionally resonant themes, this novel secures Dorian Box’s place as a standout voice in contemporary thrillers. Have a handkerchief handy—this one will leave you breathless, heartbroken, and deeply moved.

I think I squealed a little when I saw there that was another book in the Emily Calby series by Dorian Box. It was just published at the beginning of January, 2025. If you haven’t read this series yet, I encourage you to do so. The whole series is heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time.

I was captivated by the story line of a twelve-year-old girl whose family was murdered, but she managed to escape. In each book, the reader learns more about Emily’s life. I’m not going to share about her life, in case you haven’t read the previous books yet. You should definitely start with Book 1, The Hiding Girl.

Once again, Dorian Box has written an exciting, adventurous, heartbreaking, and uplifting book. To be honest, I don’t think I would have loved it as much if I had not read the whole series first. I think you should definitely do that. It answers so many questions from the previous books.

I love the characters of Emily and Lucas. His fierce love as her father-figure is endearing. Plus, Emily is a badass, and you have to love a strong, female character.

Box does a wonderful job of showing how Emily deals with her past trauma. He examines her internal struggles as an adult. He also explores how a childhood trauma can affect every single part of your life.

I definitely recommend this whole series. I would say that Book 2 and 4 were my favorites, but I liked each one.

I gave this book five out of five stars because of the adventure, mystery, and romance part of the book. I hope there will still be more books in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley, Friction Press, and Dorian Box for my free copy of this book. This is my honest review.

I think this series is very interesting. She wants to uncover the truth about her past and her father’s. Thus is a suspenseful book.

I had no idea another book was coming from this series. I was thrilled to read the 4th book in the Emily Calby series.

In this installment Emily begins to research her fathers family. She knows little about them as her father wouldn't talk about them. Not everyone wants Emily to find out the truth.

What a wild ride! Just when I thought the series couldn't get better it did. The characters all remain the same people throughout the series. I dislike series where the characters become unrecognizable as the books go on.

Lots of drama and action as I expected. I love that Emily won't give up until she finds the answers she's looking for. The supporting characters are just as great and a few new faces are added as well.

I highly recommend this book and the whole series.

Thanks to netgalley and Friction Press for the arc.

Emily is one of my favorite characters in fiction. She’s smart, funny, quick thinking, and a little bit stabby. It was fun going into Emily’s past, but what a scary ride for her!

I love the addition of Zach and Meggie to the storyline. They add another complex layer to an already perfect storyline. This was practically a one sit read, so addicting and such absolute fun.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this godsmacking book

where to start with this one......

when a hidden letter is discovered by a new lawyer taking over an old firm he doesnt realise what he is about to uncover.....

emily the sole survivor of her families massacre is going home ... when she gets the call about a letter from a lawyer she can only think to go home and see what its all about....

what happens next begs belief

what a rollercoaster of a ride.... and couldnt put the book down at all.... kept me glued for hours....

cant wait to read the next book by this author wow

Emily Calby, you live rent-free in my character-driven mind. I loved this book so much I emailed the author with a million "omg"s, and I'm surprised he didn't block me. Why is this book series not yet a Netflix series?

This book gives us so much of Emily's back story, the ancestry she didn't want and didn't know she needed, and I hyperfixated on every page. Like in the other books, the trauma symptoms remain accurately presented, the dialogue is that of a girl emotionally stunted at 12 (but with a law degree), and the characters live on the extreme opposites of the sinister-versus-good spectrum.

I suggest everyone start at book 1 and fall in love with one of the most persistent, endearing, willful, resilient, and loveable young adult characters written.

The Girl Goes Home by Dorian Box
Emily Calby #4

Meeting Emily and watching her grow through this series has been an amazing experience that I hope won’t end with this book ~ Excellent addition to a wonderful series!

What I liked:
* Emily Calby: strong, intelligent, good friend, protective, horrific backstory, survivor, lethal, has PTSD, newly minted lawyer with a practice to give a voice to the voiceless, curious and intrigued by new information about her past, intriguing
* Zach Skellar: lawyer, moved from Chicago to Nantyville, Georgia, Finds documents that he offers to Emily, loved vinyl records, quiet, the opposite to Emily, potential love interest for Emily
* The slow burn romance between Emily and Zach and that they seem to be opposites but good with and for one another
* Lucas Jackson & Kiona: husband and wife that have been like parents to Emily for half her life, strong, supportive, protective, there for her in more ways than one, like them both
* Briley Carr: journalist, followed Emily’s story and wants to write a book, good person, finally meets Emily in this book, integral part in the story
* Meggie Triblet: Emily’s best friend during childhood, mother of two, in the process of divorcing abusive underhanded husband, good friend even after years apart, like her
* Supporting characters: Jemmi/gym owner, Tim/bartender, Myla/housekeeper, Elmer Ferguson/lawyer who sold Zach his practice
* The way the plot was paced with new tidbits of pertinent information coming at just the right
* That I was drawn in, cared about the outcome, and felt invested in Emily and all of the rest of the characters
* That Karma was active in meting out justice…eventually
* Hoping that there will be another book to look forward to

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like:
* Most of the Wilbur dynasty and the hold they had on the county, the evil they did, the harm they caused
* Thinking about how different the lives of Charlotte, Averill, Sammy, and the next generation could have been if only…

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series/by this author? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Friction Pres for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

This was a strong fourth entry in the Emily Calby series, it had that feel that I enjoyed from the first three books. The characters were everything that I was looking for and enjoyed getting to read this in this series. I enjoyed the plot of the book and was everything that I wanted in this type of book. Dorian Box has a great writing style and am excited for more.

I love the characters and the concept of the smart and tough young girl who deals with things instead of being a "victim". The pace is very good and the plot excellent. A very entertaining book.

Emily Calby is back. This time she is trying to uncover the truth about her father’s mysterious past, but what she learns is that dangerous people will go to extreme measures to keep her from finding out. Is it worth the risk to dredge up the past? Emily thinks so.

This book is another 5 star read by Dorian Box. I could not read it fast enough. Emily is my favorite bad ass and I can’t get enough!

If you haven’t read the previous books in the series, you don’t need to. It works as a standalone.

The Girl Goes Home Publishes on January 1, 2025.

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

I haven't read the others in this series but it doesn't matter as we're given enough background to understand what's going on. It opens with Emily and her journal as true-crime author Briley Carr is interested in the Calby Murders as Emily--then 12--escaped when her family was killed and later opened her own law practice. She also reunites with best friend, Meggie as odd things keep happening and Emily knows they must all be connected to her family and their ancestors. It's a crazy book with suicide, murders, split personalities, and even love!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

A psychological thriller, The Girl Goes Home (2025) by Dorian Box is the fourth instalment in the Emily Calby Series. Now twenty-four, Emily has opened a solo law practice, when she receives a letter alerting her to an old legal document discovered in an older lawyer’s vault. Emily decides to reluctantly return to her hometown of Dilfer County, a decade after escaping the murder of her family. Emily is determined to investigate her past and befriends the young Memphis Attorney to assist her with legal action. The judge is a member of a rich and powerful family that runs the local county and is more interested in keeping the misdeeds and secrets in the past. It will take Emily to quell her feisty fightback response to learn about her late father and his never-talked-about past. Met with obstacles and interference from law enforcement, Emily will require the help of her friends, yet it will ultimately put their lives in danger. A tale of long-buried secrets and Emily’s family history make for an enjoyable three and a half star rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement. With thanks to Friction Press and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes.