The Undiscovered Deaths of Grace McGill Book Review

The Undiscovered Deaths of Grace McGill is the kind of novel that lingers. With its rich sense of place, unforgettable narrator, and powerful storytelling,

Synopsis: The Undiscovered Deaths of Grace McGill

Grace McGill lives a life few would choose—and even fewer understand. As a solitary, meticulous cleaner of the homes of the forgotten dead, she steps into the final chapters of lives no one else cared to witness. But Grace sees what others miss. She pays attention to the details, the clues, and the unanswered questions.

When she’s called in to sanitize the apartment of an elderly man who died alone and lay undiscovered for months, Grace senses there’s more to his story than meets the eye. And she’s right. Her discovery sparks a quiet obsession, leading her down a haunting path of hidden lives, long-buried secrets, and unspoken crimes.

Darkly atmospheric, unexpectedly moving, and quietly thrilling, The Undiscovered Deaths of Grace McGill is a story about the lives society forgets—and the woman who refuses to let them disappear unnoticed.

Grace McGill doesn’t just clean death—she uncovers what it leaves behind.

Review: The Undiscovered Deaths of Grace McGill

The Undiscovered Deaths of Grace McGill introduces readers to Grace, a woman in her 30s living in Glasgow, who works as a “death cleaner”—a person who cleans homes where individuals have passed away and remained undiscovered for weeks or even months. Grace is exceptional at her job, meticulous and respectful, and often finds herself connecting with the stories of the deceased. Some lives linger with her more than others.

This is not just a mystery—it’s a compelling psychological thriller told entirely from Grace’s perspective. The single point of view works incredibly well, thanks to C.S. Robertson’s vivid and gripping prose. In fact, the first chapter stands out as one of the best openings I’ve read in a long time, pulling you immediately into Grace’s unique world.

While Grace is the beating heart of the novel, Glasgow itself becomes a character too. Robertson paints the city with a melancholic brush—faded, neglected, full of ghosts in its own right. The city’s atmosphere enhances the mood of the novel, especially in scenes involving the decline of once-bustling places like the local newspaper offices. The setting is perfectly matched to Grace’s introspective and slightly haunting narrative.

Importantly, the novel doesn’t rely solely on strong characterisation and atmospheric writing—the plot delivers too. As Grace becomes drawn into the mystery of what happened years ago, the story unfolds with clever twists and satisfying turns. The narrative is tight, suspenseful, and emotionally resonant.

The Undiscovered Deaths of Grace McGill is the kind of novel that lingers. With its rich sense of place, unforgettable narrator, and powerful storytelling, it is absolutely a contender for one of the best reads of the year—even from its earliest pages.

Conclusion

A beautifully written, psychologically rich thriller with a unique protagonist and a haunting sense of place. Unmissable.

• Facebook
• X
• Threads
• Pinterest
• Pocket

Like follow or share if you would want similar content.

Above all Keep Safe and treat people fairly.

Mark.