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The Reader's Resort
Her devastating regret. A haunted hotel. Will she find redemption or stumble into the path of a killer?
Florence Noelle can’t move on. After nine years weighed down with guilt over her role in her best friend’s death, she’s desperate to contact her friend’s ghost and beg forgiveness. When she stays at a notoriously paranormal book-themed resort to perform a dangerous ritual, she accidentally summons the ghost of another woman who may have been murdered.
Agreeing to help the spirit solve the mystery of her thirty-eight-year-old disappearance, Florence hopes this woman is the key to finding her best friend. But as she enlists a band of employees in her investigation, the amateur sleuth draws out deadly secrets… and the attention of a killer.
Can she atone for the past and unravel a chilling cold case before this eerie hotel claims one more soul?
The Reader’s Resort is a twisty supernatural thriller. If you like quirky casts of characters, deliciously atmospheric settings, and dashes of humor, then you’ll love E. M. Jones’s dark adventure.
Florence Noelle can’t move on. After nine years weighed down with guilt over her role in her best friend’s death, she’s desperate to contact her friend’s ghost and beg forgiveness. When she stays at a notoriously paranormal book-themed resort to perform a dangerous ritual, she accidentally summons the ghost of another woman who may have been murdered.
Agreeing to help the spirit solve the mystery of her thirty-eight-year-old disappearance, Florence hopes this woman is the key to finding her best friend. But as she enlists a band of employees in her investigation, the amateur sleuth draws out deadly secrets… and the attention of a killer.
Can she atone for the past and unravel a chilling cold case before this eerie hotel claims one more soul?
The Reader’s Resort is a twisty supernatural thriller. If you like quirky casts of characters, deliciously atmospheric settings, and dashes of humor, then you’ll love E. M. Jones’s dark adventure.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2026
About the author
E. M. Jones
3 books73 followersE. 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
April 18, 2026
The Reader’s Resort was an unputdownable read. This book had everything from haunting setting, ghosts, true crime, drama and even a bit of romance. The plot was gripping filled with so much suspense and tension. The build up was well down and the action was page turning. I enjoyed the characters and they were very well written, making me feel sad for them when they were grieving and fearful when they were in danger. Everything about this hit the mark. This was a great fast-paced read!
June 17, 2026
Everything about this story was my vibe. It was a thriller full of mystery and horror elements. Definitely developing relationships (good and bad), personal growth and some romance. The whole resort sounds so cool even with such a dark history, so much detail painted in the building. Initially I was annoyed by how much grief and guilt consumed the whole personality of the FMC but that wore off quickly as the story developed.
June 7, 2026
⭐️ 5 ⭐️
This one was fun! A little mystery, a little ghost action, easy to read!
This one was fun! A little mystery, a little ghost action, easy to read!
June 11, 2026
Creepy, atmospheric read. I liked it. Touching in some parts. Wasn’t a fan of the ending, but I can agree that it was a just one.
May 27, 2026
2.5⭐️A bit to slow for my taste & there is at least 10 characters circulating in the storyline so it can be a bit tough to follow. Each chapter bouncing for POV, with some darker topics discussed at times. Storyline is a bit to outlandish. I never really connected to any specific character so that made the story drag on for me & it made the plot of the story feel a bit flat for a mystery/thriller. The ending was what bumped my rating up.
April 4, 2026
A book about books… but dark, twisted, and a little dangerous🖤
Thank you, E.M. Jones, for trusting readers like myself with this story before the rest of the world gets their hands on it what an absolute honor! This was my very first thriller, and WOW… I was not prepared for the way it consumed me. This isn’t just a book you read it’s something you experience. It pulled me in, twisted my thoughts, and refused to let go, and I know I’ll be thinking about it for a long, long time.
My brain was working OVERTIME trying to piece this puzzle together from page one and let me tell you, it STILL wasn’t enough for what this book had in store!!!
The Reader’s Resort by E.M. Jones is mysterious, tense, and straight-up HAUNTING! The kind of book that makes your skin crawl and the hairs on the back of your neck stand up you know that heebie-jeebie feeling while you’re reading alone at night 👀 Let’s be honest I only read this at night 🤭
First of all the SETTING?! Absolutely unreal!! I’m picturing a Victorian style luxury retreat designed for readers?! I’m talking floor-to-ceiling shelves, rolling ladders, cozy reading nooks, and personalized books handpicked just for you. Literally a book lover’s dream!! So it seems..but something’s VERY wrong..
From the moment Florence arrives, the vibes are off, the tension builds and you can feel it creeping in. It feels sinister like something lurking beneath the beauty of this place. When I say beneath I mean deep into the bones baby 👀
What was supposed to be a peaceful getaway turns into a full-blown, real-life thriller. A decades-old secret claws its way to the surface, and Florence is right in the middle of it…(This would make a fantastic movie!!! 🍿) She’s digging, questioning, uncovering things that maybe should’ve stayed buried in my opinion but I’d be curious too!
Ya’ll… the layers in this story?! 🤯 Shrek would be proud!! (If you don’t get the reference you need a movie night 🍿🧅)
Multiple timelines, eerie encounters , hidden passageways, chilling hauntings, psychological twists, hallucinations vs. reality, and crimes unraveling piece by piece. I was constantly second-guessing EVERYTHING.🫣
Every time I thought I had it figured out NOPE. Plot twist. Again, and again, and AGAIN. By the end, I was just sitting there like… WHAT DID I JUST READ?! 😮🫢
This book delivers EVERYTHING:
👻 Ghosts
🔍 Mystery
🩸 Crime
🧠 Psychological mind games
💔 A touch of emotion
💫 Even a hint of romance
The second I heard about this one, I knew it had my name written all over it and wow, it delivered in every possible way. This story pulled me in fast and kept tightening its grip until I couldn’t look away. Twisty, eerie, and dripping with atmosphere, it had me on edge the entire time.
If you love reads that feel haunting, addictive, and impossible to put down… you are going to NEED this one.
Thank you, E.M. Jones, for trusting readers like myself with this story before the rest of the world gets their hands on it what an absolute honor! This was my very first thriller, and WOW… I was not prepared for the way it consumed me. This isn’t just a book you read it’s something you experience. It pulled me in, twisted my thoughts, and refused to let go, and I know I’ll be thinking about it for a long, long time.
My brain was working OVERTIME trying to piece this puzzle together from page one and let me tell you, it STILL wasn’t enough for what this book had in store!!!
The Reader’s Resort by E.M. Jones is mysterious, tense, and straight-up HAUNTING! The kind of book that makes your skin crawl and the hairs on the back of your neck stand up you know that heebie-jeebie feeling while you’re reading alone at night 👀 Let’s be honest I only read this at night 🤭
First of all the SETTING?! Absolutely unreal!! I’m picturing a Victorian style luxury retreat designed for readers?! I’m talking floor-to-ceiling shelves, rolling ladders, cozy reading nooks, and personalized books handpicked just for you. Literally a book lover’s dream!! So it seems..but something’s VERY wrong..
From the moment Florence arrives, the vibes are off, the tension builds and you can feel it creeping in. It feels sinister like something lurking beneath the beauty of this place. When I say beneath I mean deep into the bones baby 👀
What was supposed to be a peaceful getaway turns into a full-blown, real-life thriller. A decades-old secret claws its way to the surface, and Florence is right in the middle of it…(This would make a fantastic movie!!! 🍿) She’s digging, questioning, uncovering things that maybe should’ve stayed buried in my opinion but I’d be curious too!
Ya’ll… the layers in this story?! 🤯 Shrek would be proud!! (If you don’t get the reference you need a movie night 🍿🧅)
Multiple timelines, eerie encounters , hidden passageways, chilling hauntings, psychological twists, hallucinations vs. reality, and crimes unraveling piece by piece. I was constantly second-guessing EVERYTHING.🫣
Every time I thought I had it figured out NOPE. Plot twist. Again, and again, and AGAIN. By the end, I was just sitting there like… WHAT DID I JUST READ?! 😮🫢
This book delivers EVERYTHING:
👻 Ghosts
🔍 Mystery
🩸 Crime
🧠 Psychological mind games
💔 A touch of emotion
💫 Even a hint of romance
The second I heard about this one, I knew it had my name written all over it and wow, it delivered in every possible way. This story pulled me in fast and kept tightening its grip until I couldn’t look away. Twisty, eerie, and dripping with atmosphere, it had me on edge the entire time.
If you love reads that feel haunting, addictive, and impossible to put down… you are going to NEED this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2026
Book Review: The Readers Resort
Synopsis:
Still haunted by the death of her best friend nine years earlier, Florence Noelle travels to a notorious book-themed hotel known for its paranormal activity, hoping a dangerous ritual will finally let her ask for forgiveness. Instead, she summons the spirit of a woman who vanished nearly four decades ago under suspicious circumstances.
Determined to uncover the truth, Florence teams up with the hotel’s eccentric staff to investigate the cold case. But as buried secrets surface, so does the attention of someone willing to kill to keep the past hidden. Now Florence must confront her own guilt while racing to solve a decades-old mystery before the haunted hotel claims another victim.
Review:
The story opens with immediate intrigue as Florence successfully makes contact with the supernatural world—but the spirit she reaches isn’t Chloe. From that moment, the mystery takes hold and never lets go.
The novel is told through three distinct points of view. Florence is searching for answers and redemption, while Logan arrives at the resort carrying secrets of his own, having taken a job there because of a mysterious bet with his brother. Then there’s Robert, a longtime employee whose unhealthy obsession with Florence becomes increasingly unsettling.
As Logan helps Florence decide how to handle the ghost she’s summoned, Robert’s life begins to unravel. At first, the two storylines seem unrelated, and the author does an excellent job of keeping readers guessing about how they will eventually collide. The only obvious connection is Robert’s fixation on Florence, but that connection grows darker and more significant as the story unfolds.
While the paranormal mystery drives the plot, the novel is equally a character study of obsession and the lengths one man is willing to go—and what he’s willing to sacrifice—to get what he wants. As the story progresses, the characters become fully realized and emotionally engaging, making it easy to invest in both their journeys and the outcome of the mystery.
The author skillfully blends supernatural elements with real-world dangers, creating a story that feels both eerie and believable. The result is a suspenseful, atmospheric novel that balances ghostly encounters, psychological tension, and moments of genuine horror.
This is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy supernatural thrillers with a strong mystery and a touch of horror.
Synopsis:
Still haunted by the death of her best friend nine years earlier, Florence Noelle travels to a notorious book-themed hotel known for its paranormal activity, hoping a dangerous ritual will finally let her ask for forgiveness. Instead, she summons the spirit of a woman who vanished nearly four decades ago under suspicious circumstances.
Determined to uncover the truth, Florence teams up with the hotel’s eccentric staff to investigate the cold case. But as buried secrets surface, so does the attention of someone willing to kill to keep the past hidden. Now Florence must confront her own guilt while racing to solve a decades-old mystery before the haunted hotel claims another victim.
Review:
The story opens with immediate intrigue as Florence successfully makes contact with the supernatural world—but the spirit she reaches isn’t Chloe. From that moment, the mystery takes hold and never lets go.
The novel is told through three distinct points of view. Florence is searching for answers and redemption, while Logan arrives at the resort carrying secrets of his own, having taken a job there because of a mysterious bet with his brother. Then there’s Robert, a longtime employee whose unhealthy obsession with Florence becomes increasingly unsettling.
As Logan helps Florence decide how to handle the ghost she’s summoned, Robert’s life begins to unravel. At first, the two storylines seem unrelated, and the author does an excellent job of keeping readers guessing about how they will eventually collide. The only obvious connection is Robert’s fixation on Florence, but that connection grows darker and more significant as the story unfolds.
While the paranormal mystery drives the plot, the novel is equally a character study of obsession and the lengths one man is willing to go—and what he’s willing to sacrifice—to get what he wants. As the story progresses, the characters become fully realized and emotionally engaging, making it easy to invest in both their journeys and the outcome of the mystery.
The author skillfully blends supernatural elements with real-world dangers, creating a story that feels both eerie and believable. The result is a suspenseful, atmospheric novel that balances ghostly encounters, psychological tension, and moments of genuine horror.
This is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy supernatural thrillers with a strong mystery and a touch of horror.
June 2, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars
The Reader's Resort was such a fun surprise. It blends supernatural mystery, cold-case investigation, and emotional healing into a story that kept me turning pages long past bedtime.
Florence is a deeply flawed but sympathetic protagonist whose guilt over the loss of her best friend drives every decision she makes. What starts as a desperate attempt to contact the dead quickly spirals into a much larger mystery involving a missing woman, a haunted resort, and secrets that have been buried for decades.
The setting was easily one of my favorite parts of the book. A paranormal, book-themed resort is such a unique backdrop, and the atmosphere felt wonderfully eerie without becoming overwhelmingly dark. I loved the quirky cast of employees who joined Florence's investigation, adding humor and heart to balance the heavier themes of grief and regret.
The mystery itself unfolded at a steady pace with enough twists to keep me guessing. While some reveals were easier to predict than others, I was still invested in discovering the truth behind the disappearance and seeing how Florence's personal journey would intersect with the investigation.
If you enjoy supernatural thrillers with haunted locations, amateur sleuths, ghostly mysteries, and a touch of emotional depth, The Reader's Resort is definitely worth checking out. It's spooky, heartfelt, and entertaining all at once.
The Reader's Resort was such a fun surprise. It blends supernatural mystery, cold-case investigation, and emotional healing into a story that kept me turning pages long past bedtime.
Florence is a deeply flawed but sympathetic protagonist whose guilt over the loss of her best friend drives every decision she makes. What starts as a desperate attempt to contact the dead quickly spirals into a much larger mystery involving a missing woman, a haunted resort, and secrets that have been buried for decades.
The setting was easily one of my favorite parts of the book. A paranormal, book-themed resort is such a unique backdrop, and the atmosphere felt wonderfully eerie without becoming overwhelmingly dark. I loved the quirky cast of employees who joined Florence's investigation, adding humor and heart to balance the heavier themes of grief and regret.
The mystery itself unfolded at a steady pace with enough twists to keep me guessing. While some reveals were easier to predict than others, I was still invested in discovering the truth behind the disappearance and seeing how Florence's personal journey would intersect with the investigation.
If you enjoy supernatural thrillers with haunted locations, amateur sleuths, ghostly mysteries, and a touch of emotional depth, The Reader's Resort is definitely worth checking out. It's spooky, heartfelt, and entertaining all at once.
June 14, 2026
I had really high hopes for this one because the premise sounded completely up my street. A haunted book-themed resort? A decades-old mystery? Ghosts? Sign me up. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, I never fully clicked with it.
I think part of the issue may have been my expectations. After seeing a few videos about the book online, I'd somehow built it up in my head as being more along the lines of Hidden Pictures or Lock Every Door. Instead, this felt much more atmospheric, symbolic and ambiguous than I was expecting.
There were quite a few characters to keep track of and I often found myself feeling confused about what was happening and who was connected to whom. There were also moments where I wasn't entirely sure what was meant to be literal, supernatural or metaphorical, which made it difficult for me to fully immerse myself in the story.
I always feel a little guilty reviewing books that don't completely work for me because reading is such a subjective experience. I genuinely think this may simply be a case of the wrong book for the wrong reader at the wrong time.
The concept is incredibly unique and I can absolutely see why other readers are connecting with it. Sadly, I spent more time trying to understand what the book was trying to tell me than becoming invested in the mystery itself.
One of those rare books where I finished it and immediately sat there thinking... "Wait, what just happened?" 🤣📚👻
I think part of the issue may have been my expectations. After seeing a few videos about the book online, I'd somehow built it up in my head as being more along the lines of Hidden Pictures or Lock Every Door. Instead, this felt much more atmospheric, symbolic and ambiguous than I was expecting.
There were quite a few characters to keep track of and I often found myself feeling confused about what was happening and who was connected to whom. There were also moments where I wasn't entirely sure what was meant to be literal, supernatural or metaphorical, which made it difficult for me to fully immerse myself in the story.
I always feel a little guilty reviewing books that don't completely work for me because reading is such a subjective experience. I genuinely think this may simply be a case of the wrong book for the wrong reader at the wrong time.
The concept is incredibly unique and I can absolutely see why other readers are connecting with it. Sadly, I spent more time trying to understand what the book was trying to tell me than becoming invested in the mystery itself.
One of those rare books where I finished it and immediately sat there thinking... "Wait, what just happened?" 🤣📚👻
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh how my brain tried desperately to piece this puzzle together from the very beginning! It was mysterious, tense, and haunted. This story will make your skin crawl and the hair on the back of your neck stand up.
EM Jones nailed it with the setting of this book – a retreat that any reader will absolutely swoon over. Carefully curated themed rooms, hand selected books custom picked for each guest, in a sprawling resort with all the amenities and the best cozy places to read. Imagine floor to ceiling shelves of books, rolling ladders, all the things readers dream of. But not all is what it seems - there are some very ominous things happening within the walls and beneath the floor boards of this seemingly serene getaway.
Our main character, Florence, arrives for this once in a lifetime stay, and things already seem off. As the tension is building, she finds herself more and more involved in a real-life thriller. A decades old secret has decided to surface, and she finds herself smack dab in the middle. She takes it upon herself to get to the bottom of it. Multiple story lines and characters, hidden passageways, haunting and horrifying creatures, delusions, hallucinations, crimes unfolding. The Reader’s Resort will have you on the edge of your seat the whole way through to the twisted end.
I rate this 4.5 stars rounded up because it had everything: ghosts, mystery, crime, psychological twists, even a slight hint of romance… and a book about books? Perfection. I knew instantly this book was a must read and its sinister vibes did not disappoint!
I received an advance copy from the author for an honest review of this book.
EM Jones nailed it with the setting of this book – a retreat that any reader will absolutely swoon over. Carefully curated themed rooms, hand selected books custom picked for each guest, in a sprawling resort with all the amenities and the best cozy places to read. Imagine floor to ceiling shelves of books, rolling ladders, all the things readers dream of. But not all is what it seems - there are some very ominous things happening within the walls and beneath the floor boards of this seemingly serene getaway.
Our main character, Florence, arrives for this once in a lifetime stay, and things already seem off. As the tension is building, she finds herself more and more involved in a real-life thriller. A decades old secret has decided to surface, and she finds herself smack dab in the middle. She takes it upon herself to get to the bottom of it. Multiple story lines and characters, hidden passageways, haunting and horrifying creatures, delusions, hallucinations, crimes unfolding. The Reader’s Resort will have you on the edge of your seat the whole way through to the twisted end.
I rate this 4.5 stars rounded up because it had everything: ghosts, mystery, crime, psychological twists, even a slight hint of romance… and a book about books? Perfection. I knew instantly this book was a must read and its sinister vibes did not disappoint!
I received an advance copy from the author for an honest review of this book.
Review of advance copy
I will admit it took me longer to read this book than I had anticipated. I have been sick and it's been a little hard to concentrate. The more I read on this book, the more I needed to find out what happens next.
It really kept me on the edge of my seat. Florence, who lost her best friend, Chloe, in high school, goes to the one place her and Chloe always wanted to go. The Readers Resort. She wanted to try to talk to her one last time because it's rumored to be a haunting resort and she hoped to see her one last time.
What Florence encountered was much different and worse. It's a supernatural book containing ghosts and other elements she was not expecting. Characters were great. When Robert popped up in the book there was something off about his character from the beginning and after reading more, you would understand why.
It was a really good book, in my opinion, and I recommend it for anyone who likes ghost stories and on the edge of your seat.
The only thing I had an issue with, because it didn't go into details about it, was towards the end in the cellar. I don't want to give it away, but when you read it, you will understand. I just wonder if anyone else is confused about the two events that happen in the cellar. There were no details and who was the one-legged figure helping Alyssa at the end?
It really kept me on the edge of my seat. Florence, who lost her best friend, Chloe, in high school, goes to the one place her and Chloe always wanted to go. The Readers Resort. She wanted to try to talk to her one last time because it's rumored to be a haunting resort and she hoped to see her one last time.
What Florence encountered was much different and worse. It's a supernatural book containing ghosts and other elements she was not expecting. Characters were great. When Robert popped up in the book there was something off about his character from the beginning and after reading more, you would understand why.
It was a really good book, in my opinion, and I recommend it for anyone who likes ghost stories and on the edge of your seat.
The only thing I had an issue with, because it didn't go into details about it, was towards the end in the cellar. I don't want to give it away, but when you read it, you will understand. I just wonder if anyone else is confused about the two events that happen in the cellar. There were no details and who was the one-legged figure helping Alyssa at the end?
Review of advance copy received from Author
Florence and her best friend Chloe always dreamed of going to the Reader’s Resort. Those plans ended abruptly when Chloe died at 17. Now, many years later, Florence has made up her mind to go to the resort. But first, she’s going to stop to see Chloe at her gravesite to extend an invitation to meet her at the resort.
Upon Florence’s arrival at the resort, she gets right into her quest to meet up with Chloe. She goes to her room and begins a makeshift seance. However, someone other than Chloe arrives in her room. After Florence’s initial trepidation, she becomes intent on learning more about the apparition who came to see her. What Florence learns, however, is that getting a read on whats going on at the Reader’s Resort might come at a cost she never saw coming.
This book gripped me right from the start, setting the tempo for the rest of the story. I was honestly worried that the initial intrigue would drop off at some point. It’s difficult for a book to start with a bang and not lose momentum. This book did just that. I was not only interested by surprised by the twists and how much I loved the characters. If you’re looking for a ghostly slasher book, this is it. I highly recommend it.
Upon Florence’s arrival at the resort, she gets right into her quest to meet up with Chloe. She goes to her room and begins a makeshift seance. However, someone other than Chloe arrives in her room. After Florence’s initial trepidation, she becomes intent on learning more about the apparition who came to see her. What Florence learns, however, is that getting a read on whats going on at the Reader’s Resort might come at a cost she never saw coming.
This book gripped me right from the start, setting the tempo for the rest of the story. I was honestly worried that the initial intrigue would drop off at some point. It’s difficult for a book to start with a bang and not lose momentum. This book did just that. I was not only interested by surprised by the twists and how much I loved the characters. If you’re looking for a ghostly slasher book, this is it. I highly recommend it.
June 9, 2026
This book was so interesting, nothing like books I have read before, such a new idea(I think).
I love the premise of a resort for readers, where your room is picked and designed just for you, with a bookshelf curated to your tastes, all your food and drinks included, amazing reading nooks, and bookish parties. What more could a reader want?
Well... maybe for the resort not to be haunted.
Florence is just trying to connect with her dead best friend, but apparently she has a stalker, she's about to see a ghost, get wrapped up in the lore of the resort, and try to figure out what happened. Did I mention she has a stalker at the resort?
This was really well done and kept me interested in what was going to happen next. It's not just a murder mystery. There are ghosts, murder, romance, and themes of grief, healing, and allowing yourself to be at peace.
The only reason this wasn't a 5-star read for me is that it took me a little while to get fully invested. That said, I was in a reading slump when I picked it up, so that may have been more of a me thing than a book thing.
Overall, a really fun and unique read. Also, the author mentions so many other books, makes it hard to not want to jump into one of them right after!
I love the premise of a resort for readers, where your room is picked and designed just for you, with a bookshelf curated to your tastes, all your food and drinks included, amazing reading nooks, and bookish parties. What more could a reader want?
Well... maybe for the resort not to be haunted.
Florence is just trying to connect with her dead best friend, but apparently she has a stalker, she's about to see a ghost, get wrapped up in the lore of the resort, and try to figure out what happened. Did I mention she has a stalker at the resort?
This was really well done and kept me interested in what was going to happen next. It's not just a murder mystery. There are ghosts, murder, romance, and themes of grief, healing, and allowing yourself to be at peace.
The only reason this wasn't a 5-star read for me is that it took me a little while to get fully invested. That said, I was in a reading slump when I picked it up, so that may have been more of a me thing than a book thing.
Overall, a really fun and unique read. Also, the author mentions so many other books, makes it hard to not want to jump into one of them right after!
March 29, 2026
I was super lucky to get to read this early, I saw a Instagram friend posting about it and knew, I needed to read it 😍
You know I love a good isolated horror and this one is well a reader retreat and I'm not going to lie I woukd have been swayed myself x despite loudly yelling, I would never 😅.
A luxary line resort with any and everything you could hope for and somethings you didn't, secrets, lies and murder.
It was so easy to slide into Florence's characters, she's a reader with a taste for mysteries and would wouldn't want a chance to solve their own??
But what happens if some of the suspects are a little more supernatural then what your used too, secrets passages are eveywhere and are those creatures... Real?
But Florence wasn't just going to this retreat to read, she wanted to talk to her bff one last time, Chloe who had died and what better place than a haunted resort.
This book was absolutely fantastic, the characters were well done and really dragged me in. I was actively invested wondering what was going to happen and thinking, what the hell is the deal with Robert?
Absolutely a fan and can't wait to read more by this author.
You know I love a good isolated horror and this one is well a reader retreat and I'm not going to lie I woukd have been swayed myself x despite loudly yelling, I would never 😅.
A luxary line resort with any and everything you could hope for and somethings you didn't, secrets, lies and murder.
It was so easy to slide into Florence's characters, she's a reader with a taste for mysteries and would wouldn't want a chance to solve their own??
But what happens if some of the suspects are a little more supernatural then what your used too, secrets passages are eveywhere and are those creatures... Real?
But Florence wasn't just going to this retreat to read, she wanted to talk to her bff one last time, Chloe who had died and what better place than a haunted resort.
This book was absolutely fantastic, the characters were well done and really dragged me in. I was actively invested wondering what was going to happen and thinking, what the hell is the deal with Robert?
Absolutely a fan and can't wait to read more by this author.
May 22, 2026
I don’t often write reviews on here but this book was incredible. I really, really enjoyed it. I will not include any spoilers because I hope people see this review and go and read this for themselves as it really was a fantastic read!
The plot really intrigued me right away. I mean, who doesn’t dream of an idyllic getaway for readers, in a haunted hotel no less? Despite the events that happen in this book if someone offered me a stay here I would absolutely take it. I would happily work there too, I’d steer clear of any kitchen jobs tho.
Florence, Logan, Angel and Mia honestly were so likeable, I couldn’t help but warm to them. Even the side characters were well developed and I did get super invested in their plans. All the plot lines came together in a satisfying way and I even learnt a few things.
This is my first impression of the author’s work and honestly, I would absolutely read another book by him. I think the heartwarming message that underpins everything that happens in this book is really something worth remembering.
The plot really intrigued me right away. I mean, who doesn’t dream of an idyllic getaway for readers, in a haunted hotel no less? Despite the events that happen in this book if someone offered me a stay here I would absolutely take it. I would happily work there too, I’d steer clear of any kitchen jobs tho.
Florence, Logan, Angel and Mia honestly were so likeable, I couldn’t help but warm to them. Even the side characters were well developed and I did get super invested in their plans. All the plot lines came together in a satisfying way and I even learnt a few things.
This is my first impression of the author’s work and honestly, I would absolutely read another book by him. I think the heartwarming message that underpins everything that happens in this book is really something worth remembering.
April 18, 2026
The Readers Resort by E.M Jones
🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
This whole story just felt like a warm entrance. I loved the idea of the resort and honestly need a ticket!! The ideas of the themed rooms and the secrets within the resort were so fascinating.
This is a story with MANY POV’s with good reason. All the characters were very well rounded and I never lost site of who was who. I adored the authors writing style and am very much looking forward to more!
I loved the crime solving aspects, the trauma and grief we were forced to endure, the secrets within the resort and its residents, and of course the twists and turns that came with it.
The ENDING? Lordy I did not need to be crying at 2AM I can tell you that much! Absolutely phenomenal storytelling in this one.
I read this one in two sittings and honestly loved it so much. It would make a great read by the fireplace on a stormy night!
Thank you so much for the ARC E.M!
Review of advance copy received from Author
It’s far from a secret that I think EM Jones is an absolute stand out author. Everything he writes is completely perfect, if you ask me. So you can guess ahead how much praise I have for this story! As with The Darling Killer, the atmosphere, characters and locations of this story are so beautifully written, it feels as though you are a part of the action. It truly feels like you could know these characters. Each one, both good and bad, are written so completely they feel like real lives being lived as you read along. The twists and turns follow right along with the character development as each piece of plot falls into place. I was hooked from the first line and this one never let me down.
Plus, come on. A reading-themed hotel where the rooms are custom curated for you? Where do I sign up?
Plus, come on. A reading-themed hotel where the rooms are custom curated for you? Where do I sign up?
Review of advance copy received from Author
E.M. Jones writes thrillers that transport you in time and space. His prose is moody and atmospheric, and The Readers Resort encapsulates everything the genre should be.
In most thrillers, characters exist to further the plot. This story refuses that shortcut. I felt the humanity of the characters within the first few pages, and by the time the story demanded something of them, I was already invested in ways I didn’t anticipate.
The writing put me inside this world completely. The details are physical, the dread is visceral. Texture, sound, smell, all of it alive on the page. I wasn’t reading so much as inhabiting.
The plot is ruthless and the pacing is relentless (in the best way). I was captivated from start to finish, and this story has, quite literally, haunted me since reading.
If you like atmospheric supernatural thrillers, read this book.
In most thrillers, characters exist to further the plot. This story refuses that shortcut. I felt the humanity of the characters within the first few pages, and by the time the story demanded something of them, I was already invested in ways I didn’t anticipate.
The writing put me inside this world completely. The details are physical, the dread is visceral. Texture, sound, smell, all of it alive on the page. I wasn’t reading so much as inhabiting.
The plot is ruthless and the pacing is relentless (in the best way). I was captivated from start to finish, and this story has, quite literally, haunted me since reading.
If you like atmospheric supernatural thrillers, read this book.
June 28, 2026
It was an overall fun and captivating read! Although, even after finishing the book, I still don't understand Florence's motivation. Like, why on earth did your friend's ghost decide to roam around a place SHE'S NEVER EVEN BEEN TO?
In general, something feels off about Florence as a main character (and it's not just the raincoat that, for whatever reason, she's always wearing inside the building, like a creepy nudist in the park). It's also the decisions she makes — maybe instead of chasing ghosts, she could tell the truth to her friend's parents (not after a million years)? Wouldn't that make more sense?
Also, Lori kept mentioning that there had been something weird going on with Alyssa, but we never learn what it was. So was it a good or a bad decision to help her? Who knows. But I guess that's part of the mystery.
In general, something feels off about Florence as a main character (and it's not just the raincoat that, for whatever reason, she's always wearing inside the building, like a creepy nudist in the park). It's also the decisions she makes — maybe instead of chasing ghosts, she could tell the truth to her friend's parents (not after a million years)? Wouldn't that make more sense?
Also, Lori kept mentioning that there had been something weird going on with Alyssa, but we never learn what it was. So was it a good or a bad decision to help her? Who knows. But I guess that's part of the mystery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2026
The Reader’s Resort feels like the kind of book you sink into slowly. Florence is the heart of it all, and what stays with me is how stubbornly she keeps going. Not in a dramatic, heroic way, but in that quieter, more familiar way where you’re unsure, a little worn down, but you move forward anyway.
The resort itself has this soft, almost hazy quality; part escape, part confrontation, and it mirrors Florence’s inner world in a way that feels natural rather than forced. She questions herself, hesitates, even falters, but never quite gives up. That’s what makes her strength feel real.
It’s not a fast or flashy read, but it lingers. Like that last sip of wine, it leaves you thoughtful, a little warm, and not quite ready to let it go.
The resort itself has this soft, almost hazy quality; part escape, part confrontation, and it mirrors Florence’s inner world in a way that feels natural rather than forced. She questions herself, hesitates, even falters, but never quite gives up. That’s what makes her strength feel real.
It’s not a fast or flashy read, but it lingers. Like that last sip of wine, it leaves you thoughtful, a little warm, and not quite ready to let it go.
May 13, 2026
This book was a page turner, I didn’t want to put it down. The Reader’s Resort is such a special setting for a story! I am still thinking about this resort weeks after finishing the book, and what kind of experience I would have there. It’s truly a book lover’s dream. This was coupled with a chilling and suspenseful murder mystery, a haunting, and facing personal demons. The characters felt real and relatable, their stories were interesting and I couldn’t put the book down because I needed to know how they would intertwine. The story was exciting all the way through.
Jones has a really special way of creating compelling characters and building suspense and tension that keeps me on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait to read more!
Jones has a really special way of creating compelling characters and building suspense and tension that keeps me on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait to read more!
March 25, 2026
The author does a great job of being descriptive and detailed, while getting to the point. I like that!
I usually like books with different perspectives.
It seems a bit busy at first but the author does make them easy to follow and keeps you interested!
Florence definitely has a past but she’s a strong, badass, well developed FMC
Robert is all action
And Logan is an unlikely hero
It wasn’t suspenseful until it was and it was and it KEPT GOING!! Once it started taking several unexpected turns right in a row, I couldn’t put it down.
A little bit of 💕✨romance✨💕 with your thriller?
“A ghost had stolen his baby, and for what?” LOL
I usually like books with different perspectives.
It seems a bit busy at first but the author does make them easy to follow and keeps you interested!
Florence definitely has a past but she’s a strong, badass, well developed FMC
Robert is all action
And Logan is an unlikely hero
It wasn’t suspenseful until it was and it was and it KEPT GOING!! Once it started taking several unexpected turns right in a row, I couldn’t put it down.
A little bit of 💕✨romance✨💕 with your thriller?
“A ghost had stolen his baby, and for what?” LOL
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2026
WOW! I honestly loved every minute of this book. It pulled me in from the beginning and never let go. This is the kind of book that lives in your head long after you close it! The creepy resort setting, the mystery, the twists, the ghost. I couldn’t stop turning the pages. If you love dark, suspenseful reads that keep you guessing, you need this one on your TBR. Absolutely loved it! Thank you so much E.M. Jones for letting me be an arc reader!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is perfect for someone who is obssessed with books, like me..most of the small details and mentions of books are so immersing for someone who loves to read. The mystery thriller element was heart pounding and fast paced. The story was also very emotional and heart wrenching. Without spoilers, the multiple POVs really bring something special to the story. This is a layered horror/ thriller/ mystery story that will stick with
you.
you.
April 7, 2026
I’m not usually one for ghost stories but I just so happen to be friends with this author so of course I’m going to read it! I really enjoyed his style of writing and the story went very quick. I found myself especially drawn to the setting, which maybe something like this exists already but if it doesn’t, it should! This book kept my attention and I looked forward to being able to sit down and read it to see what happened next. Looking forward to his next book!
April 29, 2026
I was so excited when Jones announced his second book, and it did not disappoint!! It’s a love note to horror, books, horror books, and the people who love them. The characters are well developed and the creepy ones are incredibly true to their creepy selves. The descriptions are beautifully done and graphic at times but not over the top or egregiously so. Overall a great second book for Jones and I cannot wait for him to publish more!!
June 3, 2026
2.5? I loved the concept and initial description, but the book was very..fractured. Many characters were introduced and had a background that was alluded to, but not much of it was told. In the end, their stories were all smashed together. I think a lot of elements were shoved into this book, but there was no follow through on any one of them.
Also - A resort full of unique rooms for readers and not much descriptive visualization of the space itself seems like a wasted opportunity.
Also - A resort full of unique rooms for readers and not much descriptive visualization of the space itself seems like a wasted opportunity.
June 4, 2026
a bit fantastical
I love mysteries and even ghost or spirit stories but this seemed a bit fantastical. This sounds weird but… the ghosts were so unreal. 😆 I mean they were solid bodies, which is where I guess I think it went off the rails.
Anyways, that aside, I also felt some of the characters weren’t quite developed before it all went crazy.
But there were good points in the story I enjoyed.
I love mysteries and even ghost or spirit stories but this seemed a bit fantastical. This sounds weird but… the ghosts were so unreal. 😆 I mean they were solid bodies, which is where I guess I think it went off the rails.
Anyways, that aside, I also felt some of the characters weren’t quite developed before it all went crazy.
But there were good points in the story I enjoyed.
April 21, 2026
Florence lost her best friend Chloe but she wanted to do something that Chloe had always dreamt of.. go to The Readers Resort..
Florence entered and instantly the vibes became darker.
There is so much tension and suspense that will have you questioning what will happen next.
The characters were well written and it was hard to tell what was going to happen next
Florence entered and instantly the vibes became darker.
There is so much tension and suspense that will have you questioning what will happen next.
The characters were well written and it was hard to tell what was going to happen next
May 30, 2026
This was a very interesting book! I thought the whole resort was super cool and the plot was super unique. I think I really enjoyed this because I didn’t know where the story was going and it really left me on edge while I was reading. I thought the characters were super good and pretty well developed for the length of the book. Definitely recommend!
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