The Darling Killer

by E. M. Jones

A quiet little town. A twisted mind lurking. Three souls tied together in a brutal killing spree.

Twelve-year-old Eli Wright's vivid imagination is his escape... until his strange neighbor demands he help bury a young couple she killed, or she'll slaughter his family. As a sinister wind whispers secrets and shadows hide terrifying truths, Eli is drawn into a nightmare he may not escape.

Meanwhile, librarian Julie Baker fled to Darling to start over after her mother's notorious death years ago. But the past returns with a vengeance when Julie's aunt dies under mysterious circumstances. Grasping for survival, Julie starts losing her grip on reality as she senses something supernatural and haunting at play in her small town.

Eli and Julie's lives converge, dangerously bound to the unraveling killer and the dark forces that threaten to consume them all. As the trio draw closer to their destiny, will evil seal their bond in blood?

The Darling Killer is a shiver-inducing standalone psychological thriller. If you like haunted protagonists, deadly stakes, and elements of the supernatural, then you'll love E. M. Jones's journey into darkness.

Start reading this psychological thriller today!

Genres: Horror

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 2024

About the author

E. M. Jones writes supernatural thrillers set in the Midwest. His stories explore themes of death, redemption, and trauma. When he's not thinking about ghosts, he's playing football with his sons or wandering bookstores with his wife.

Reviews

[Jesy Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm honestly not sure I can manage to write a review worthy of this wonderful book. I was hooked from the very start. The characters and locations are written so beautifully, I felt like I knew them. I felt as though I had been to this town. And everything about the story kept me hooked. I had to know what was about to happen and thought about it when I wasn't reading it. And the twist? Oh my goodness. I truly can't say enough good things about this story. Just know you should read it right away.

[Honey Dy · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. This book was way more than just a serial killer story—it completely hooked me and left me chilled to the bone. The tension never let up, and I couldn’t stop reading, even when I should’ve been asleep, it was always one more chapter, and one more chapter led to one more, and then I FINALLY FINISHED IT!!!

The character development was the best part out of the whole reading experience and I absolutely loved how Jones worked so well in interwining their stories and lives together, bringing together all their deep dark secrets right at the end.

I also loved reading about Darling. Although Jones makes it seem like a town where there isnt much going on, i loved reading about the park, and the LIBRARY, and just knowing about these horrible things that occurred it was a horror story that really delivered all the horror, the thrills, and eerie atmosphere I craved.

A MASSIVE thanks to EM Jones for the ARC—this is a story I'll still be thinking about long after I've read it, and I'll definitely be lining up for my order on Pub Day! 💀

[Kennedy King · Rating 5 out of 5]

It would be pretty nice outside… if it wasn’t for the wind.

This book is phenomenal. The writing is nothing short of brilliant. E.M jones draws you in from the very first page with a style that’s sharp, evocative, and immersive. The atmospheric tension makes Darling itself feel alive—and hostile. The way the author weaves in subtle details about the environment makes you feel like you’re walking the streets yourself, wind biting at your skin, the shadows growing a little too long.

I was emotionally invested in the characters by page 3. They’re not just pawns in a thriller plot—they feel like real people, with flaws, desires, and fears that make you root for them while you dread what’s coming. Every decision they make feels meaningful, every threat they face is palpable, and you can't help but care about their fate.

The book expertly balances its moments of terror with moments of beauty, and the contrast makes the scary parts hit even harder. It doesn’t rely on cheap tricks or jump scares. Instead, the fear builds gradually, through atmosphere, through character, and through a world that feels increasingly menacing, like something dark and ancient is lurking just out of sight.

For fans of atmospheric horror/thriller, this is a must-read. It will leave you breathless, exhilarated, and maybe a little afraid to turn the lights off at night. Highly recommend!

[Abby Shrewsbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a weird yet invigorating read, I must say. I was impressed with Jones’ ability to capture so many storylines together without losing me. It was a bit confusing at first, but once I nailed the characters down I settled in nicely. Something about his writing style pulled me out of a reading slump I’d been in for (literally) months. I’m not usually one for a paranormal thriller, but this one wasn’t so strong on the paranormal that it turned me away. It did get a bit stronger as it went on, which I wasn’t fully expecting, but overall it was a great read! If for nothing else, getting me out of the reading slump warrants the four stars. Well done, E. M.

[Nicole Maroni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! E.M. Jones did a great job of making me feel torn by caring about a serial killer when morality says I shouldn't. The twists were great, and the storytelling was well done.
I did struggle to get through the first few chapters, but once the story got going, WOW did it get going, and then I couldnt put it down!
I didn't feel like the supernatural elements were overdone or out of place, and the final chapters did a really good job of subtly revealing their purpose and effect on the characters.

[Chastine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was such a good read! I was hooked from the start. The mystery had me fully invested, and I loved the little supernatural twist woven in. It added just the right amount of edge without taking away from the suspense.

I totally did not expect the ending, which I loved!

I also loved that the setting was in Ohio! I grew up there, and when United Dairy Farmers (UDF) was mentioned, it brought back so many memories. I used to go there all the time, so I loved that little detail!

Definitely excited to read more from this author. Adding the next one to my tbr for sure!

[Hannah Barton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Certainly did not feel like a debut novel- I liked the writing style of this author, he explained details in a nice way and I felt like I could really picture what was going on in the story. There was a supernatural aspect to it and I was nervous when it first was introduced because I don’t typically enjoy stories with that in it but I thought this was tastefully done and not overpowering or cheesy.

To make it even better- I know the author! Can’t wait to read his other books coming out.

[xdarthkittinx · Rating 2 out of 5]

Almost DNF'D

It started strong, thought it was gonna be a good story about a killer, but then it devolved into this odd supernatural fever dream for no good reason. It was all I could do to get through to the end, but I didn't want to have to count the time I already spent on it as wasted. The end was kinda cool though, I suppose.

[Melissa Koop · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this first release by E.M. Jones. It is so well written, it’s evident he’s a master of his craft. The plot and character development kept me drawn in and wanting to continue reading. I loved the mystery and thrilling details. Very well done. I’ll be reading his next book!

[Colleen Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was recommended to read this book by a friend of the author, I will now be waiting on the edge of my seat for every other book to come out. WONDERFULLY written, GRIPPING storyline and characters. New age King energy, and I’m here for it.

[Starr Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining read and a very imaginative story line. Definitely kept me wanting to read more. The ending wasn’t at all what I was expecting and I’m not sure how I feel about it but in a good way.

[Emily Shatek · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
This book was pretty good. I just didn’t remember that it said in the description it had supernatural elements. Honestly, I think the book could have done without those elements, especially when they didn’t come into play right away.

[Toby Skaggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thriller and horror combined in a well written novel

E.M. Jones has written a masterful thriller with a side of horror. Characters were fleshed out wonderfully, especially Eli. I highly recommend

[LJ🥀👻 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished this mostly because I listened to the audiobook, but it didn’t really leave an impression. While the premise had potential, the story didn’t stick with me, and I honestly couldn’t tell you much about it now. It just wasn’t for me.

[Donna Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

A page turner. What an imagination! I’ve never read anything like it. A psychological thriller. Not for the faint of heart.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story and great characters! Loved the murder mystery of it all, but also loved the touch of supernatural. Well done! Can’t wait to read more from EM Jones

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

[Ashley Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

My dark twisted heart loved this but I think it could’ve done without the paranormal stuff.

[Christine Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was excellent!!! Loved loved it so much kept me hooked from beginning to end.

[Jeanetta Retherford · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had such high hopes for this when I downloaded it. It was ok, meh. I wasn't really a fan of the shadows, I was wanting it to be more about her past and what had happened. But it was an OK read

[Mariah Stillbrook · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Whew, what a page-turner! Give this debut author and this horror/thriller a shot. Loved the supernatural and the multiple POVs. Couldn't put it down.

[Derek Finn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Psycho Thriller to keep you awake..

Took me a couple of early chapters to get into the story but then I was hooked and couldn't put it down. The character and story plot development is excellent. A psycho murder thriller that twisted and turned and had me wondering what's coming next.