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Goodnight Lydia
She woke up in her own grave. Now she has one day to find out who put her there.
Lydia claws her way out of a shallow grave in the woods. She hears footsteps in the dark and a vehicle leaving on a nearby road. Covered in dirt, gasping for air, she doesn’t know how she got here. The last thing she remembers is rejecting her boyfriend’s marriage proposal.
Now, someone thinks she’s dead. If she stays hidden, she can investigate her own attempted murder. But these are the same woods where her younger brother died twenty-one years ago, and that’s a coincidence she can’t ignore.
As she retraces her steps and questions those closest to her, Lydia must confront a haunting darkness about herself and her brother’s death. But will she be able to live with the answers?
Or will the truth be worse than the grave?
With Goodnight Lydia, E. M. Jones returns with a propulsive, unforgettable domestic thriller that will keep you addicted and leave you guessing until the very last word.
Lydia claws her way out of a shallow grave in the woods. She hears footsteps in the dark and a vehicle leaving on a nearby road. Covered in dirt, gasping for air, she doesn’t know how she got here. The last thing she remembers is rejecting her boyfriend’s marriage proposal.
Now, someone thinks she’s dead. If she stays hidden, she can investigate her own attempted murder. But these are the same woods where her younger brother died twenty-one years ago, and that’s a coincidence she can’t ignore.
As she retraces her steps and questions those closest to her, Lydia must confront a haunting darkness about herself and her brother’s death. But will she be able to live with the answers?
Or will the truth be worse than the grave?
With Goodnight Lydia, E. M. Jones returns with a propulsive, unforgettable domestic thriller that will keep you addicted and leave you guessing until the very last word.
- GenresThriller
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2026
About the author
E. M. Jones
3 books76 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 44 reviews
June 15, 2026
This one took me a minute, not gonna lie!
The first chapter sucked me in fast!!! I felt what Lydia was feeling as if it were me, and was eager to walk this path with her.
However, the next 50% of the book, although extremely interesting…I had to keep back-reading to figure out timelines. The questions I kept having…”when is this? Where are we? Is she alive or dead?”
I’m sure this was expected for readers, but for me…I was a little frustrated.
Fortunately, the last 15 chapters picked up and had me hooked! The story all came together nicely. Right up to the cliffhanger at the end! LoL
Which leaves me curious if there will be more later down the line. With Michael missing (and a story in his history that was barely touched), I guess we will see.
The first chapter sucked me in fast!!! I felt what Lydia was feeling as if it were me, and was eager to walk this path with her.
However, the next 50% of the book, although extremely interesting…I had to keep back-reading to figure out timelines. The questions I kept having…”when is this? Where are we? Is she alive or dead?”
I’m sure this was expected for readers, but for me…I was a little frustrated.
Fortunately, the last 15 chapters picked up and had me hooked! The story all came together nicely. Right up to the cliffhanger at the end! LoL
Which leaves me curious if there will be more later down the line. With Michael missing (and a story in his history that was barely touched), I guess we will see.
June 7, 2026
This book kept me on my toes the whole time. It gave so much depth and clarity in characters thoughts and actions that your feelings towards them were always valid.
Lydia drove me insane in parts with her laps in judgement and silly choices.
But I was hooked and non linear timeline made me feel like I could almost taste the truth just for a twist to throw me off track again over and over.
The biggest twist of all had me gasped. But the open ended ending gives me hope for closure in the form of good morning Lydia perhaps.
Lydia drove me insane in parts with her laps in judgement and silly choices.
But I was hooked and non linear timeline made me feel like I could almost taste the truth just for a twist to throw me off track again over and over.
The biggest twist of all had me gasped. But the open ended ending gives me hope for closure in the form of good morning Lydia perhaps.
June 11, 2026
This was such an interesting read! Jones’s writing was superb, and the short chapters made it impossible to put down. Jones has a unique ability to weave supernatural elements into his thrillers in a way that works every 👏🏼 single 👏🏼 time 👏🏼.
(Think Stephen King meets Ted Dekker)
In GOODNIGHT LYDIA, I particularly enjoyed the pacing and nonlinear timeline. I also loved the pastor’s character arc—probably my favorite part of the story, if I’m being honest. And then there was that ending. A phenomenal open-ended moment that leaves the conclusion up to the reader.
Well done, EM! 👏🏼🪦
(Think Stephen King meets Ted Dekker)
In GOODNIGHT LYDIA, I particularly enjoyed the pacing and nonlinear timeline. I also loved the pastor’s character arc—probably my favorite part of the story, if I’m being honest. And then there was that ending. A phenomenal open-ended moment that leaves the conclusion up to the reader.
Well done, EM! 👏🏼🪦
June 3, 2026
If I told you that someone finally wrote a book about a character waking up in a shallow grave, would you be intrigued enough to read it? No? Then, imagine being buried, possibly 'alive,' and awakening not alone in that grave. Does that catch your attention?
You know me, I’m all about the covers. I often browse online and share a ton of authors that pop up on my feed. Some are well-known, while others are new finds for me. Recently, I came across an author seeking ARC readers. Of course, I didn’t delve deep into the blurb; the cover immediately drew me in, and once I read it, it completely blew my mind! How lucky am I to stumble upon such amazing books that might have flown under my radar? I can’t wait to explore more of this author’s work!
The main character, Lydia, wakes up and is convinced she has been buried, but she’s unsure if she’s dead or alive. As we delve into her backstory, we learn that she carries a secret, but she isn’t the only one with mysteries to uncover. We also get to explore the lives of Eddie, Pastor Michael, and a few other characters. You’ll get all the pieces you need to understand what happened and why, but trust me, it’ll take a moment! Be ready for plenty of surprises and twists that will leave you in awe!
The author’s writing style is distinctive, and there’s so much to unravel that I found it hard to step away. What if someone tried to kill Lydia, and I missed the clues? I appreciate how the author held back on many details, making the twists more impactful and jaw-dropping! Once the layers start to peel away, everything begins to fall into place. The atmosphere is hauntingly vivid; you can almost feel the dampness and dirt under your feet as you watch Lydia struggle to dig herself out of her grave. I mean, what could be better than a bunch of oddballs wandering through the woods, believing in an old tale? These characters are actually taking action!
If you enjoy atmospheric dark reads sprinkled with a hint of the supernatural, this book is definitely for you. You’ll find a mix of relatable characters alongside some that are difficult to read, and the unexpected ending will catch you off guard. I certainly didn’t see this book's surprises coming! The story concludes ambiguously, which works perfectly—there really was no other way! Bravo to the author for crafting such a gem! I truly hope the premise piques your interest, and you add this to your TBR right away because it’s that good! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I need to investigate those lights I saw in the woods the other night! Ha!
Thank you, E.M. Jones, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
You know me, I’m all about the covers. I often browse online and share a ton of authors that pop up on my feed. Some are well-known, while others are new finds for me. Recently, I came across an author seeking ARC readers. Of course, I didn’t delve deep into the blurb; the cover immediately drew me in, and once I read it, it completely blew my mind! How lucky am I to stumble upon such amazing books that might have flown under my radar? I can’t wait to explore more of this author’s work!
The main character, Lydia, wakes up and is convinced she has been buried, but she’s unsure if she’s dead or alive. As we delve into her backstory, we learn that she carries a secret, but she isn’t the only one with mysteries to uncover. We also get to explore the lives of Eddie, Pastor Michael, and a few other characters. You’ll get all the pieces you need to understand what happened and why, but trust me, it’ll take a moment! Be ready for plenty of surprises and twists that will leave you in awe!
The author’s writing style is distinctive, and there’s so much to unravel that I found it hard to step away. What if someone tried to kill Lydia, and I missed the clues? I appreciate how the author held back on many details, making the twists more impactful and jaw-dropping! Once the layers start to peel away, everything begins to fall into place. The atmosphere is hauntingly vivid; you can almost feel the dampness and dirt under your feet as you watch Lydia struggle to dig herself out of her grave. I mean, what could be better than a bunch of oddballs wandering through the woods, believing in an old tale? These characters are actually taking action!
If you enjoy atmospheric dark reads sprinkled with a hint of the supernatural, this book is definitely for you. You’ll find a mix of relatable characters alongside some that are difficult to read, and the unexpected ending will catch you off guard. I certainly didn’t see this book's surprises coming! The story concludes ambiguously, which works perfectly—there really was no other way! Bravo to the author for crafting such a gem! I truly hope the premise piques your interest, and you add this to your TBR right away because it’s that good! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I need to investigate those lights I saw in the woods the other night! Ha!
Thank you, E.M. Jones, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 3, 2026
Jaw-Dropping Spoiler Review of Goodnight Lydia by E. M. Jones
Thank you again, E.M. Jones, for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. It was an unforgettable reading experience!
Goodnight Lydia doesn’t simply pull you in, it wraps its icy fingers around your throat and refuses to let go. The most horrifying moment EVER happened!!! Lydia wakes up buried in a shallow grave, a suffocating sense of dread settles over every page!!
We find Lydia waking up with no memory of how she got there 😮 (Umm WHAT 🤔) This is one of those openings that instantly made my heart race!!! I knew from that moment on, this book was going to be terrifying addictive and puzzling in the way that made every answer given by the characters only more puzzling which led me to just more questions!!
This story is not for the faint hearted. It’s dark, twisted, and completely gripping..My cup of coffee ☕️
Lydia is giving her all to survive, uncover who hated her enough to bury her alive and leave her for dead. The tension is insane because she can’t trust anyone, and even worse, she can’t fully trust herself. Every person around her feels suspicious. Every memory feels dangerous. Every secret feels like it could destroy her. 🤯
What made this book so exciting for myself is the constant feeling that the truth is right there, just out of reach. The deeper Lydia digs, the more disturbing everything becomes. The betrayal, the lies, the fear, the paranoia. Yeah, it all builds into a thriller that feels impossible to put down!! I actually read it twice 🤭🤓
The ending has my mind absolutely blown! I’m hoping this is not the end to Lydia‘s story 🤞🏻
Goodnight Lydia creeps under your skin from the very first page. Filled with sinister secrets, unsettling mysteries, and jaw-dropping twists, it creates an atmosphere where no one can be trusted and nothing is what it seems. The tension builds relentlessly, leaving you constantly second-guessing every character and every clue. Dark, haunting, and impossible to put down, this thriller will keep you racing through the pages long past midnight. Add this to your TBR IMMEDIATELY!!!!! ⚰️
Thank you again, E.M. Jones, for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. It was an unforgettable reading experience!
Goodnight Lydia doesn’t simply pull you in, it wraps its icy fingers around your throat and refuses to let go. The most horrifying moment EVER happened!!! Lydia wakes up buried in a shallow grave, a suffocating sense of dread settles over every page!!
We find Lydia waking up with no memory of how she got there 😮 (Umm WHAT 🤔) This is one of those openings that instantly made my heart race!!! I knew from that moment on, this book was going to be terrifying addictive and puzzling in the way that made every answer given by the characters only more puzzling which led me to just more questions!!
This story is not for the faint hearted. It’s dark, twisted, and completely gripping..My cup of coffee ☕️
Lydia is giving her all to survive, uncover who hated her enough to bury her alive and leave her for dead. The tension is insane because she can’t trust anyone, and even worse, she can’t fully trust herself. Every person around her feels suspicious. Every memory feels dangerous. Every secret feels like it could destroy her. 🤯
What made this book so exciting for myself is the constant feeling that the truth is right there, just out of reach. The deeper Lydia digs, the more disturbing everything becomes. The betrayal, the lies, the fear, the paranoia. Yeah, it all builds into a thriller that feels impossible to put down!! I actually read it twice 🤭🤓
The ending has my mind absolutely blown! I’m hoping this is not the end to Lydia‘s story 🤞🏻
Goodnight Lydia creeps under your skin from the very first page. Filled with sinister secrets, unsettling mysteries, and jaw-dropping twists, it creates an atmosphere where no one can be trusted and nothing is what it seems. The tension builds relentlessly, leaving you constantly second-guessing every character and every clue. Dark, haunting, and impossible to put down, this thriller will keep you racing through the pages long past midnight. Add this to your TBR IMMEDIATELY!!!!! ⚰️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2026
As a thriller fan, a setup like this is impossible to ignore. A girl wakes up buried alive in the woods with zero memory of how she got there. It's an incredibly promising premise, and the short chapters make it super easy to fly through. However, while the setup hooked me immediately, the overall delivery didn't quite hit the mark for my personal taste.
One of the biggest hurdles for me was the way the timeline was handled. The story bounces between the past and the present, but there are no indicators at the top of the chapters to let you know where or when you are. For instance, in one chapter Lydia is in her bedroom with her boyfriend, and in the very next, she’s suddenly in the forest dealing with the aftermath of being buried alive. Without clear time markers, it takes a moment to piece together what's going on, which can pull you out of the story.
As the story progressed, the narrative started to feel a bit tangled. After Lydia wakes up, the plot explodes with so many moving parts that it gets a little dizzying. A massive chunk of the community from family members to local police suddenly seems to be targeting her, and it felt a bit exaggerated. It left me wondering why everyone was turning on her so intensely just over a rejected marriage proposal. Because the characters didn't feel fully developed, it was hard to understand their motivations or why they were acting this way. I found myself confused about what kind of thriller the author was aiming for. Is it a psychological thriller? Is there a supernatural or paranormal twist? It hovers somewhere in between, and trying to balance both genres made the plot a bit messy.
I'm just a reader sharing how a book made me feel, not a writing expert, but I think Goodnight Lydia had the bones of a great story. If the plot had focused strictly on the psychological aspect or kept the paranormal elements very subtle it would have been a lot easier to follow.
If you love a high-stakes mystery with a wild hook and fast-paced chapters, this one definitely has a unique concept worth checking out. It just needed a bit more focus to truly stick the landing.
One of the biggest hurdles for me was the way the timeline was handled. The story bounces between the past and the present, but there are no indicators at the top of the chapters to let you know where or when you are. For instance, in one chapter Lydia is in her bedroom with her boyfriend, and in the very next, she’s suddenly in the forest dealing with the aftermath of being buried alive. Without clear time markers, it takes a moment to piece together what's going on, which can pull you out of the story.
As the story progressed, the narrative started to feel a bit tangled. After Lydia wakes up, the plot explodes with so many moving parts that it gets a little dizzying. A massive chunk of the community from family members to local police suddenly seems to be targeting her, and it felt a bit exaggerated. It left me wondering why everyone was turning on her so intensely just over a rejected marriage proposal. Because the characters didn't feel fully developed, it was hard to understand their motivations or why they were acting this way. I found myself confused about what kind of thriller the author was aiming for. Is it a psychological thriller? Is there a supernatural or paranormal twist? It hovers somewhere in between, and trying to balance both genres made the plot a bit messy.
I'm just a reader sharing how a book made me feel, not a writing expert, but I think Goodnight Lydia had the bones of a great story. If the plot had focused strictly on the psychological aspect or kept the paranormal elements very subtle it would have been a lot easier to follow.
If you love a high-stakes mystery with a wild hook and fast-paced chapters, this one definitely has a unique concept worth checking out. It just needed a bit more focus to truly stick the landing.
June 5, 2026
When I saw that cover, it instantly grabbed my attention, and I was fortunate enough to be given a chance to read it before its official release.
Waking up in a grave, not knowing how you got there and only recollecting tiny pieces - not something I have on my list of experiences I want to go through. Lydia’s confusion was clear to me, and I wanted to follow along to find out what exactly happened. When she runs into a resident who offers help, she accepts it initially. But when something doesn’t feel quite right, it sets her on a wild ride to uncover what happened, and what is still happening.
We’re fed bits and pieces of various characters that feel random at first, but turn out to be puzzle pieces needed to complete the picture. Initially, everything felt a bit confusing to me, and I was somewhat lost on which day certain things were happening, only to realise along the way that this was (probably) deliberate - to keep me constantly guessing, with twists coming left and right.
This is not your average thriller. The author enjoys sprinkling a bit of supernatural into the story, and you need to be here for it. I certainly was, once things started to click for me. It felt very fast-paced, and I couldn’t put it down. Were some things a bit much? Sure, but you have to immerse yourself in it, and you’ll enjoy it as much as I did (hopefully).
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Waking up in a grave, not knowing how you got there and only recollecting tiny pieces - not something I have on my list of experiences I want to go through. Lydia’s confusion was clear to me, and I wanted to follow along to find out what exactly happened. When she runs into a resident who offers help, she accepts it initially. But when something doesn’t feel quite right, it sets her on a wild ride to uncover what happened, and what is still happening.
We’re fed bits and pieces of various characters that feel random at first, but turn out to be puzzle pieces needed to complete the picture. Initially, everything felt a bit confusing to me, and I was somewhat lost on which day certain things were happening, only to realise along the way that this was (probably) deliberate - to keep me constantly guessing, with twists coming left and right.
This is not your average thriller. The author enjoys sprinkling a bit of supernatural into the story, and you need to be here for it. I certainly was, once things started to click for me. It felt very fast-paced, and I couldn’t put it down. Were some things a bit much? Sure, but you have to immerse yourself in it, and you’ll enjoy it as much as I did (hopefully).
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 17, 2026
Did you ever think you’d have to solve your own murder? Lydia didn’t. But as she climbs her way out of her own grave with fragmented memories, she decides she’d have a better chance figuring out who her killer was if they thought she was still dead. She doesn’t have much time and unfortunately too many suspects. Who can she trust? Anyone?
When I already gasped at the end of the very first chapter, I knew immediately this book was going to be good. This review will be shorter than most of my reviews because if I say too much, I will give away the twists! This book begins right in the thick of it, so if you love thrillers then you absolutely must put this on your list. It wastes no time putting you right into the mystery and suspense.
What you can expect:
thriller with an immediately suspenseful storyline
murder mystery
disorienting timeline
blood
buried alive
paranormal
short chapters
religion & rituals
rock climbing
forest setting
relationships and betrayal
family with secrets
trust no one
I'm excited to rate this 5 stars because I did not want to put this one down. I’ve read a lot of thrillers since it’s one of my favorite genres, and it’s always a good sign when an author can still keep me guessing till the end. I've now read 2 of EM Jones's 3 books, and I just put the other one on my tbr because they do not disappoint!
I received an advance copy from the author for an honest review of this book.
When I already gasped at the end of the very first chapter, I knew immediately this book was going to be good. This review will be shorter than most of my reviews because if I say too much, I will give away the twists! This book begins right in the thick of it, so if you love thrillers then you absolutely must put this on your list. It wastes no time putting you right into the mystery and suspense.
What you can expect:
thriller with an immediately suspenseful storyline
murder mystery
disorienting timeline
blood
buried alive
paranormal
short chapters
religion & rituals
rock climbing
forest setting
relationships and betrayal
family with secrets
trust no one
I'm excited to rate this 5 stars because I did not want to put this one down. I’ve read a lot of thrillers since it’s one of my favorite genres, and it’s always a good sign when an author can still keep me guessing till the end. I've now read 2 of EM Jones's 3 books, and I just put the other one on my tbr because they do not disappoint!
I received an advance copy from the author for an honest review of this book.
June 9, 2026
I was drawn in from the very first paragraph. The writing is incredibly descriptive, creating such a vivid atmosphere that I felt completely immersed in the story from the start.
Can you imagine waking up in a shallow grave with no memory of what happened, who put you there, or why? That's exactly how this book begins! I was instantly hooked.
I loved everything about this one! The creepy, eerie vibes were absolutely perfect, and the sense of unease never let up.
The writing pulls you in so deeply that you feel like you're right there beside Lydia. You're suspicious of everyone, terrified for her, constantly looking over your shoulder, and desperately trying to piece together the truth before it's too late.
As the story unfolds, you're gradually given more pieces of the past that led to this shocking moment, allowing the puzzle to come together one clue at a time.
I especially loved how the author balanced Lydia's perspective with glimpses into other characters and events that Lydia herself isn't aware of, adding even more suspense and tension to the story.
This was one of those books that completely consumed me while I was reading it. I absolutely loved it and would love, love, love to see it adapted into a movie someday! As soon as I finished it, I ordered a signed copy because I absolutely have to have that trophy on my bookshelf!
Can you imagine waking up in a shallow grave with no memory of what happened, who put you there, or why? That's exactly how this book begins! I was instantly hooked.
I loved everything about this one! The creepy, eerie vibes were absolutely perfect, and the sense of unease never let up.
The writing pulls you in so deeply that you feel like you're right there beside Lydia. You're suspicious of everyone, terrified for her, constantly looking over your shoulder, and desperately trying to piece together the truth before it's too late.
As the story unfolds, you're gradually given more pieces of the past that led to this shocking moment, allowing the puzzle to come together one clue at a time.
I especially loved how the author balanced Lydia's perspective with glimpses into other characters and events that Lydia herself isn't aware of, adding even more suspense and tension to the story.
This was one of those books that completely consumed me while I was reading it. I absolutely loved it and would love, love, love to see it adapted into a movie someday! As soon as I finished it, I ordered a signed copy because I absolutely have to have that trophy on my bookshelf!
June 7, 2026
Imagine waking up buried underground. No memory. No reason. No clue who put you there. Intrigued? So was I! I HAD to read Goodnight Lydia.
From page one, the atmosphere was suffocating in the best way; eerie, disorienting, unsettling, and flooding with paranoia. The questions piled up quickly, and before I even had a theory, I was already pointing fingers at everyone. This story is unlike anything I've read; the writing pulls you under immediately in such a unique way.
Every slight flicker of comfort was pulled away, just as quickly as it appeared. Each time a new character entered, I was already on edge. If they were stepping onto the page... I was turning them into a suspect.
This is the kind of thriller that you can't put down, and wish you could read again for the first time. You know that creeping unease, tension leaving your chest feeling tight, and the feeling of being so sure you've figured it out... only to realize, you haven't? That's my favorite reading experience, and this book delivered!
Mark your calendar! This unforgettable thriller arrives June 9th. I'm genuinely grateful to have read it early. Huge thank you to E. M. Jones for the ARC; this review is my honest, excited feedback for a book that kept me on edge from the very beginning.
From page one, the atmosphere was suffocating in the best way; eerie, disorienting, unsettling, and flooding with paranoia. The questions piled up quickly, and before I even had a theory, I was already pointing fingers at everyone. This story is unlike anything I've read; the writing pulls you under immediately in such a unique way.
Every slight flicker of comfort was pulled away, just as quickly as it appeared. Each time a new character entered, I was already on edge. If they were stepping onto the page... I was turning them into a suspect.
This is the kind of thriller that you can't put down, and wish you could read again for the first time. You know that creeping unease, tension leaving your chest feeling tight, and the feeling of being so sure you've figured it out... only to realize, you haven't? That's my favorite reading experience, and this book delivered!
Mark your calendar! This unforgettable thriller arrives June 9th. I'm genuinely grateful to have read it early. Huge thank you to E. M. Jones for the ARC; this review is my honest, excited feedback for a book that kept me on edge from the very beginning.
July 30, 2026
1 star
I loved the beginning of this book because of the great pacing and intriguing plot…
There’s multiple POVs and time jumps that are all unlabeled.. for the most part I was able to keep everything straight until the plot was getting close to having all timelines merge and it was very hard to follow.
SPOILERS PAST THIS PART
Okay so Lydia wakes up in her own grave with another live body beneath her. She can’t remember how/what/who/why… sounds interesting right?! YESSSS
Until WTF her mom and boyfriend ACCIDENTALLY hit her and her second married boyfriend (gross) while drunk driving and bury them to cover the crime. There is underlying religious and supernatural beliefs surrounding the small town and woods and so somehow some “God” or “devil” given way they both raise from the dead and then basically everyone in the towns trying to re kill them?
Not to mention at a point later in the book Lydia’s mom rapes Lydia’s boyfriend while he’s passed out drunk AFTER HE JUST BURIED LYDIA and then her mom try’s to flip things later saying he raped her. (The scene itself in the book is very implied and not explicit… but just so unnecessary to the plot so why even add it?!)
I was hate reading this book by the 60% mark
no. Just fucking no.
I loved the beginning of this book because of the great pacing and intriguing plot…
There’s multiple POVs and time jumps that are all unlabeled.. for the most part I was able to keep everything straight until the plot was getting close to having all timelines merge and it was very hard to follow.
SPOILERS PAST THIS PART
Okay so Lydia wakes up in her own grave with another live body beneath her. She can’t remember how/what/who/why… sounds interesting right?! YESSSS
Until WTF her mom and boyfriend ACCIDENTALLY hit her and her second married boyfriend (gross) while drunk driving and bury them to cover the crime. There is underlying religious and supernatural beliefs surrounding the small town and woods and so somehow some “God” or “devil” given way they both raise from the dead and then basically everyone in the towns trying to re kill them?
Not to mention at a point later in the book Lydia’s mom rapes Lydia’s boyfriend while he’s passed out drunk AFTER HE JUST BURIED LYDIA and then her mom try’s to flip things later saying he raped her. (The scene itself in the book is very implied and not explicit… but just so unnecessary to the plot so why even add it?!)
I was hate reading this book by the 60% mark
no. Just fucking no.
June 3, 2026
Lydia wakes up realizing she’s been buried alive.
Unsure of how she ended up in a grave, or who put her there, she’s determined to get out and find out.
She might not remember what happened but she knows she can’t trust the people in her life, except for Jack.
In the meantime Eddie (Lydia’s bf) is spiralling after last nights events.
Not knowing what to do, he turns to Pastor Michael, hoping Pastor Michael will have the answers he’s looking for.
This book was a great read, and I’m so glad I got to read it early.
Right away you’re met with Lydia realizing she’s in a grave and that she needs to get out asap, because if she doesn’t, she’ll die.
That opening scene makes the story so intense from the start, not knowing if this was the end or just the beginning.
I couldn’t wait to find out what was really going on in the town of Hope and how everything and everyone was connected.
Even though I was a little lost sometimes with all the different timelines, I found that the author did a great job at explaining it at the end, and it all made sense.
I hope to see a sequel of this book and will definitely be reading more from this author!
Unsure of how she ended up in a grave, or who put her there, she’s determined to get out and find out.
She might not remember what happened but she knows she can’t trust the people in her life, except for Jack.
In the meantime Eddie (Lydia’s bf) is spiralling after last nights events.
Not knowing what to do, he turns to Pastor Michael, hoping Pastor Michael will have the answers he’s looking for.
This book was a great read, and I’m so glad I got to read it early.
Right away you’re met with Lydia realizing she’s in a grave and that she needs to get out asap, because if she doesn’t, she’ll die.
That opening scene makes the story so intense from the start, not knowing if this was the end or just the beginning.
I couldn’t wait to find out what was really going on in the town of Hope and how everything and everyone was connected.
Even though I was a little lost sometimes with all the different timelines, I found that the author did a great job at explaining it at the end, and it all made sense.
I hope to see a sequel of this book and will definitely be reading more from this author!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review ❣️
❤❤❤❤ hearts for me
This book had me hooked from page one. The opening scene alone was enough to make me sit up and pay attention, and before I realized it, I had already flown through almost 30% of the book in one sitting.
The atmosphere was so eerie and unsettling throughout. Every chapter added another secret, another clue, another twist that made me question everything I thought I understood. I actually guessed a few reveals along the way, but somehow every answer only led to another shocking twist connected to it. Just when I thought I had figured things out, the story completely shifted again.
Lydia waking up inside her own grave was already terrifying enough, but the deeper the story went into her past, her brother’s death, and the people around her, the darker and more intense it became. The suspense kept building until the very end.
And that ending?? I absolutely need another book after that because I still have questions and I’m not ready to leave this story behind yet 👀
❤❤❤❤ hearts for me
This book had me hooked from page one. The opening scene alone was enough to make me sit up and pay attention, and before I realized it, I had already flown through almost 30% of the book in one sitting.
The atmosphere was so eerie and unsettling throughout. Every chapter added another secret, another clue, another twist that made me question everything I thought I understood. I actually guessed a few reveals along the way, but somehow every answer only led to another shocking twist connected to it. Just when I thought I had figured things out, the story completely shifted again.
Lydia waking up inside her own grave was already terrifying enough, but the deeper the story went into her past, her brother’s death, and the people around her, the darker and more intense it became. The suspense kept building until the very end.
And that ending?? I absolutely need another book after that because I still have questions and I’m not ready to leave this story behind yet 👀
June 8, 2026
I received this story via an ARC from the author and have been waiting to leave a review for a while now.
Goodnight Lydia by E.M. Jones definitely grabbed my attention from the very first chapter. I mean, who isn't going to be intrigued when the story opens with a shallow grave?
The mystery was what kept me reading. There were enough twists, questions, and secrets sprinkled throughout to keep me invested and wanting to know what really happened. The pacing moved well, and I found it easy to keep picking up "just one more chapter."
That said, Lydia herself frustrated me more than once. There were several decisions and reactions that had me questioning her choices, which occasionally had me wanting to toss my kindle down. I was hoping she could see through the fog she continued to fall into.
Overall, this was an engaging mystery with solid pacing, plenty of intrigue, and an opening that immediately hooks you. While I didn't always connect with Lydia, the mystery itself was strong enough to keep me turning pages until the end.
Goodnight Lydia by E.M. Jones definitely grabbed my attention from the very first chapter. I mean, who isn't going to be intrigued when the story opens with a shallow grave?
The mystery was what kept me reading. There were enough twists, questions, and secrets sprinkled throughout to keep me invested and wanting to know what really happened. The pacing moved well, and I found it easy to keep picking up "just one more chapter."
That said, Lydia herself frustrated me more than once. There were several decisions and reactions that had me questioning her choices, which occasionally had me wanting to toss my kindle down. I was hoping she could see through the fog she continued to fall into.
Overall, this was an engaging mystery with solid pacing, plenty of intrigue, and an opening that immediately hooks you. While I didn't always connect with Lydia, the mystery itself was strong enough to keep me turning pages until the end.
June 25, 2026
I received an ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author for providing me with an advance copy of this book.
Let me start by saying that this is a very different kind of book, so I recommend going in blind. From the very beginning, I had so many questions, and I kept turning the pages, eager to find the answers. On the surface, the story seems simple, but as it unfolds, it reveals far more depth than you might expect.
The story follows Lydia, who wakes up in a shallow grave with no idea how she got there. As readers, we know only as much as she does, which makes the mystery even more compelling. As the story progresses, new characters are introduced, each adding another layer to the puzzle. I don't want to say too much about the plot or the characters, but several of them were particularly fascinating.
By the end, you'll be completely stunned, yet you'll still be left wanting more. The final twist was incredibly well executed and made the journey all the more worthwhile.
Let me start by saying that this is a very different kind of book, so I recommend going in blind. From the very beginning, I had so many questions, and I kept turning the pages, eager to find the answers. On the surface, the story seems simple, but as it unfolds, it reveals far more depth than you might expect.
The story follows Lydia, who wakes up in a shallow grave with no idea how she got there. As readers, we know only as much as she does, which makes the mystery even more compelling. As the story progresses, new characters are introduced, each adding another layer to the puzzle. I don't want to say too much about the plot or the characters, but several of them were particularly fascinating.
By the end, you'll be completely stunned, yet you'll still be left wanting more. The final twist was incredibly well executed and made the journey all the more worthwhile.
June 4, 2026
Lydia wakes up in a grave with no recollection of how she got there (insert panic attack). She is fighting for her life while trying to find answers. Fuzzy memories are there but are they really. She can't trust herself but can she trust those around her?? My Poppy always told us "don't trust nobody" and this book is the epitome of his reminder.
This fast paced thriller had me hooked from the first sentence and that doesn't happen often for me. It had me second guessing everything. When I thought I had it figured out, another twist was introduced. E.M. Jones did a great job of setting the scene and making me feel like I was watching a movie (<--it would def make an amazing thriller movie). If you like books that will take you for a ride then this is for you. Hold on tight while you try to figure out what happened to Lydia!
This was my first book by E.M. Jones and it won't be my last. Thank you for allowing me to read this ARC early ❤️
This fast paced thriller had me hooked from the first sentence and that doesn't happen often for me. It had me second guessing everything. When I thought I had it figured out, another twist was introduced. E.M. Jones did a great job of setting the scene and making me feel like I was watching a movie (<--it would def make an amazing thriller movie). If you like books that will take you for a ride then this is for you. Hold on tight while you try to figure out what happened to Lydia!
This was my first book by E.M. Jones and it won't be my last. Thank you for allowing me to read this ARC early ❤️
June 5, 2026
E.M Jones, you are the rising new author of 2026!!!
This book is amazing!!! It needs to be one of the featured books on Goodreads... do you hear me Goodreads!!!
It is dark ... it is twisted, but is it the best kind of dark and twisted there is.
Lydia wakes up in a grave with no recollection of how she got there or who could have put her there. But she is smart and gets out of it. The last thing she remembers is her boyfriend, Eddie, proposing to her, and she turns him down.
This book is full of twists and turns and shady characters...
Eddie ... her boyfriend
Kathy ... a retired police chief
Michael ... an almost Pastor
Momma ... reminds me of Kathy Bates
There are the woods, the grave, a red pick-up truck, the church, the bell, cats, crows, the proposal, and shovels. Heck, right there's the making of a country and western song! But no, what you have is a ... FIVE STAR read!!!
This book is amazing!!! It needs to be one of the featured books on Goodreads... do you hear me Goodreads!!!
It is dark ... it is twisted, but is it the best kind of dark and twisted there is.
Lydia wakes up in a grave with no recollection of how she got there or who could have put her there. But she is smart and gets out of it. The last thing she remembers is her boyfriend, Eddie, proposing to her, and she turns him down.
This book is full of twists and turns and shady characters...
Eddie ... her boyfriend
Kathy ... a retired police chief
Michael ... an almost Pastor
Momma ... reminds me of Kathy Bates
There are the woods, the grave, a red pick-up truck, the church, the bell, cats, crows, the proposal, and shovels. Heck, right there's the making of a country and western song! But no, what you have is a ... FIVE STAR read!!!
July 1, 2026
A woman wakes up in a grave. No memory. No idea how she got there. No idea who put her there and I couldn’t stop reading.
My three highlights of the book
1. The Characters: Lydia and her mother have a relationship so extreme it rewires how you understand family. Every other character has secrets. Every single one of them could be guilty.
2. The Suspense: Page one grabbed me and didn’t let go. The mystery of HOW she got buried and WHO buried her drives every second of this book. You are constantly questioning and constantly paranoid.
3. The Spirtual Element: A woman literally comes back from the dead. The book explores what that means — spiritually, psychologically, physically, morally. It is unexpected yet brilliant.
The ending: it’s perfect but it also feels like the beginning of something bigger. There’s more to come, maybe?! This is an ARC read. Every thriller lover needs this.
My three highlights of the book
1. The Characters: Lydia and her mother have a relationship so extreme it rewires how you understand family. Every other character has secrets. Every single one of them could be guilty.
2. The Suspense: Page one grabbed me and didn’t let go. The mystery of HOW she got buried and WHO buried her drives every second of this book. You are constantly questioning and constantly paranoid.
3. The Spirtual Element: A woman literally comes back from the dead. The book explores what that means — spiritually, psychologically, physically, morally. It is unexpected yet brilliant.
The ending: it’s perfect but it also feels like the beginning of something bigger. There’s more to come, maybe?! This is an ARC read. Every thriller lover needs this.
July 8, 2026
4.5 stars rounded to 5! Thank you to the author for granting me an arc to read and share my thoughts!
What a book! Holy wow.
While most of my reading log is romance, romatasy or fantasy, I do LOVE a good thriller. Goodnight Lydia exceeded all expectations and then some, completely terrifying me (I may have slept with the lights on after this one). The first chapter opens with Lydia digging herself out of her own grave. Who buried her? HOW did she get there? Who can she trust?
E.M. does an incredible job of making you second guess yourself as the reader, with a heavily unreliable narrator and jumping timelines, you’ll find yourself as disoriented as the FMC (in the best way possible). I love that you never know who you can trust...
Talk about an unexpected ending!! I was blown away by the multiple reveals! Highly recommend for those looking for an unsettling, well-thought out story.
Thanks again,
Kali
What a book! Holy wow.
While most of my reading log is romance, romatasy or fantasy, I do LOVE a good thriller. Goodnight Lydia exceeded all expectations and then some, completely terrifying me (I may have slept with the lights on after this one). The first chapter opens with Lydia digging herself out of her own grave. Who buried her? HOW did she get there? Who can she trust?
E.M. does an incredible job of making you second guess yourself as the reader, with a heavily unreliable narrator and jumping timelines, you’ll find yourself as disoriented as the FMC (in the best way possible). I love that you never know who you can trust...
Talk about an unexpected ending!! I was blown away by the multiple reveals! Highly recommend for those looking for an unsettling, well-thought out story.
Thanks again,
Kali
Review of advance copy received from Author
Imagine waking up in the woods buried alive not remembering how you got there…meet Lydia. She had lost her brother in these very same woods years before and the memories haunt her and her family. All she remembers is turning down her boyfriend’s proposal as well as her own deep secrets.
I really enjoyed the short chapters and quick/easy read. I would have liked there to be POV names at the beginning of the chapters since I had to read in multiple sittings so I got lost at times. There was a mix of narration and seemingly POVs which was great!
It felt like a rollercoaster thriller because you start off with a bang already and it goes in between slow & fast paced plot lines, which was really enjoyable. I will patiently be waiting for a sequel because with an ending like that I needed more!
Thank you E.M Jones for the arc!
I really enjoyed the short chapters and quick/easy read. I would have liked there to be POV names at the beginning of the chapters since I had to read in multiple sittings so I got lost at times. There was a mix of narration and seemingly POVs which was great!
It felt like a rollercoaster thriller because you start off with a bang already and it goes in between slow & fast paced plot lines, which was really enjoyable. I will patiently be waiting for a sequel because with an ending like that I needed more!
Thank you E.M Jones for the arc!
June 9, 2026
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of Goodnight Lydia from the author, and I couldn’t put it down. From the very first chapter, the atmosphere and tension pulled me in, and the story’s twisty turns kept me guessing throughout.
The suspense never let up. Just when I thought I had the answers, another revelation shifted the ground beneath me. The final act especially deserves praise as it went in directions I never expected, delivering shocks and emotional weight that made the ending unforgettable.
This is the kind of thriller that keeps you saying just one more chapter until suddenly you’ve reached the last page. E. M. Jones has crafted a gripping, unpredictable read that I’ll be recommending to anyone who loves a mystery filled with surprises and a finale that truly delivers.
Yup, I am going to pick up everything that E. M. Jones writes!
The suspense never let up. Just when I thought I had the answers, another revelation shifted the ground beneath me. The final act especially deserves praise as it went in directions I never expected, delivering shocks and emotional weight that made the ending unforgettable.
This is the kind of thriller that keeps you saying just one more chapter until suddenly you’ve reached the last page. E. M. Jones has crafted a gripping, unpredictable read that I’ll be recommending to anyone who loves a mystery filled with surprises and a finale that truly delivers.
Yup, I am going to pick up everything that E. M. Jones writes!
June 14, 2026
I was so excited for this one after having read The Resort, which I loved.
Goodnight Lydia, this sounds like a sweet one right, except it's not, Lydia has to crawl her way out of her own lackluster grave.. Not quiet the way I'd describe a goodnight.
So I know you're thinking, how did she end up here? Well, Lydia dosent know herself and tried to retrace her steps, this is a stranger or did someone close to her betray her..
Is she even alive, is this a fever dream and considering her lack of judgment in this book, I kept wondering did someone do this to her or.. Is this a series of unfortunate choices.
I loved this, I loved how we found out everything as Lydia did each piece of the puzzle falling into place thinking this time Lydia has it figured out only for it to twist and wow..
Loved this!
Thanks for letting me check this out.
Goodnight Lydia, this sounds like a sweet one right, except it's not, Lydia has to crawl her way out of her own lackluster grave.. Not quiet the way I'd describe a goodnight.
So I know you're thinking, how did she end up here? Well, Lydia dosent know herself and tried to retrace her steps, this is a stranger or did someone close to her betray her..
Is she even alive, is this a fever dream and considering her lack of judgment in this book, I kept wondering did someone do this to her or.. Is this a series of unfortunate choices.
I loved this, I loved how we found out everything as Lydia did each piece of the puzzle falling into place thinking this time Lydia has it figured out only for it to twist and wow..
Loved this!
Thanks for letting me check this out.
June 16, 2026
Lydia has been through a lot. Aside from losing her younger brother when she was young and turning down her boyfriend's proposal (at least she thinks that's what she remembers) she also had to dig herself out of a grave. Now, she has to investigate why this happened and who did this to her.
My thoughts
Once again E. M. Jones provides a stellar thriller. I think my favorite thing about this book is how immersive it feels. I found myself championing for not only Lydia but other characters in the book. There are family secrets, supernatural woods, and cult vibes.
My favorite books have you following the protagonist on some sort of journey and an immersive setting. I think this is just how this author writes and I'm here for it! This books had interesting characters and lots of nuances that may or may not play into the story. I enjoyed the ride!
My thoughts
Once again E. M. Jones provides a stellar thriller. I think my favorite thing about this book is how immersive it feels. I found myself championing for not only Lydia but other characters in the book. There are family secrets, supernatural woods, and cult vibes.
My favorite books have you following the protagonist on some sort of journey and an immersive setting. I think this is just how this author writes and I'm here for it! This books had interesting characters and lots of nuances that may or may not play into the story. I enjoyed the ride!
June 26, 2026
Lydia wakes up with this weird heavy feeling all over her body, then things start to come together, there's dirt all around her and it's hard to breathe. The she realizes she's been buried, Alive!
From the very first page you get this tension that propels you with the need to figure out what's going on and who would do this to her!?
The whole time you could feel that answers were close but you just couldn't piece it together. That was my favorite part of the book, that need to piece it together and the feel I was close to figuring it all out. We get little pieces throughout that bring the story all together, including the side characters backstories and how they became involved. This is an unpredictable thriller with a splash of supernatural.
I really liked the way it all wrapped and it leaves you hoping there's another book coming so we can find out what will happen now!!
Thank you to the E.M. Jones for gifted copy for honest review.
From the very first page you get this tension that propels you with the need to figure out what's going on and who would do this to her!?
The whole time you could feel that answers were close but you just couldn't piece it together. That was my favorite part of the book, that need to piece it together and the feel I was close to figuring it all out. We get little pieces throughout that bring the story all together, including the side characters backstories and how they became involved. This is an unpredictable thriller with a splash of supernatural.
I really liked the way it all wrapped and it leaves you hoping there's another book coming so we can find out what will happen now!!
Thank you to the E.M. Jones for gifted copy for honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A woman wakes up in a grave and has absolutely no idea how she got there.
If that doesn't make you want to read this.....let me go on. Dual POVs between Lydia and the local pastor who has been weirdly roped into helping Lydias boyfriend with a clandestined task. Paranoia galore (and understandably) from Lydia...and myself. I pride myself on figuring out the twists before they happen but this book was absolutely wild. I had no idea where it was heading.
The premise is was unique, and there are enough loose ends for a sequel? Maybe?? Regardless, this one stands solidly on its own and I am so excited to read more from this author.
Thank you E.M. Jones for the advanced copy!!
If that doesn't make you want to read this.....let me go on. Dual POVs between Lydia and the local pastor who has been weirdly roped into helping Lydias boyfriend with a clandestined task. Paranoia galore (and understandably) from Lydia...and myself. I pride myself on figuring out the twists before they happen but this book was absolutely wild. I had no idea where it was heading.
The premise is was unique, and there are enough loose ends for a sequel? Maybe?? Regardless, this one stands solidly on its own and I am so excited to read more from this author.
Thank you E.M. Jones for the advanced copy!!
June 19, 2026
I’m fairly new to the thrillers, and supernatural genre, so to me this book started off great, but slowed a bit. The timelines were a little confusing but once I got into the rhythm of the story, it opened up and I didn’t want to put it down. The last few chapters blew me away, the details were amazing. I felt like I could close my eyes and see it all unfolding in front of me. The ending left me wanting more, and hope there is a follow up book or novella that answers all of my questions.
This is a book that will stay with you, while you ponder the true nature of what we believe and why.
This is a book that will stay with you, while you ponder the true nature of what we believe and why.
June 25, 2026
Waking up in a shallow grave, not knowing how you got there?! What a way to pull the audience in from the jump. Goodnight Lydia had me captivated from the very first chapter to the last. I loved the nonlinear timeline and the way the author kept you on your toes. Trying to navigate who Lydia could trust, who was friend or foe was mind boggling. EM Jones wrote in such a way that you felt like you were Lydia navigating treacherous waters. The ending had a supernatural twist that I was not expecting making this book a great read!
June 3, 2026
Lydia wakes up buried alive, completely unaware of how she ended up in that terrifying situation or who she can trust. I devoured this book in just two sittings. I really enjoy a good thriller where the suspense keeps you guessing about everyone's true intentions. This story is a twisty tale filled with many unlikable characters. My watch told me that my stress level was too high the last 50 pages of the book due to my heart rate trying to follow what was going to happen.
June 3, 2026
A surprise release from EM Jones just after the Readers Resort dropped, Goodnight Lydia is not for the faint of heart (especially those who fear being by buried alive). The feeling of reading this can be really twisted and confusing but that’s exactly the point, having the reader experience a bit of the chaos the main character is also going through. I love Jones’ writing style and beautifully twisty plots and this one didn’t disappoint.
June 3, 2026
This was a book that truly kept me on my toes throughout the read, it’s a brilliant thriller that creates a lot of suspense, suspicion and dark thoughts. The way it’s written with different perspectives, the feeling of fear and hunt of who actually put Lydia in the grave draws you in.
You can always expect the unexpected, twists and an uncomfortable feeling of what’s going to happen next. Is it someone from the past, someone you know?
You can always expect the unexpected, twists and an uncomfortable feeling of what’s going to happen next. Is it someone from the past, someone you know?
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