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The Darling Killer
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!
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!
- GenresHorror
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 3, 2024
40 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 11, 2024
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.
September 29, 2024
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!
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!
August 22, 2024
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! 💀
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! 💀
December 5, 2025
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.
September 29, 2025
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.
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.
April 1, 2025
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.
To make it even better- I know the author! Can’t wait to read his other books coming out.
July 10, 2025
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.
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.
September 12, 2024
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!
December 16, 2024
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.
May 23, 2025
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.
July 30, 2025
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.
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.
January 7, 2026
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
E.M. Jones has written a masterful thriller with a side of horror. Characters were fleshed out wonderfully, especially Eli. I highly recommend
February 24, 2025
Wow!
A page turner. What an imagination! I’ve never read anything like it. A psychological thriller. Not for the faint of heart.
A page turner. What an imagination! I’ve never read anything like it. A psychological thriller. Not for the faint of heart.
March 6, 2025
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
July 15, 2025
3.75⭐️
July 28, 2025
My dark twisted heart loved this but I think it could’ve done without the paranormal stuff.
August 2, 2025
I thought it started strong and the main story line was good. Could have done without the Stranger Things/ supernatural aspect.
August 10, 2025
This book was excellent!!! Loved loved it so much kept me hooked from beginning to end.
August 25, 2025
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
November 21, 2024
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.
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.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews