The Sudden Light (2014) by Garth Stein is a haunting family saga set in the Puget Sound region, where 14-year-old Trevor Riddell uncovers deep secrets surrounding his family's ancestral home. As Trevor returns to Riddell House after his parents' bankruptcy and separation, he is drawn into the mystery of the cursed land and its troubled past. Through ghostly encounters and the discovery of old diaries, Trevor learns of family conflicts, tragic deaths, and hidden relationships. As he confronts the dark history of the Riddells, Trevor must navigate betrayal, deception, and the complex legacy of his ancestors. The novel blends family drama, supernatural elements, and themes of redemption.