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    Jar of Hearts: The 'riveting, stand-out thriller' perfect for fans of Lisa Gardner and Riley Sager
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    Jar of Hearts: The 'riveting, stand-out thriller' perfect for fans of Lisa Gardner and Riley Sager
    Unavailable
    Jar of Hearts: The 'riveting, stand-out thriller' perfect for fans of Lisa Gardner and Riley Sager
    Ebook378 pages6 hours

    Jar of Hearts: The 'riveting, stand-out thriller' perfect for fans of Lisa Gardner and Riley Sager

    By Jennifer Hillier

    4/5

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    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this ebook

    'Jar of Hearts will have readers gasping in shock. Suspenseful, gritty and utterly unforgettable.' Riley Sager, author of Final Girls

    Five years ago, Geo's first love was revealed as a terrifying serial killer.

    But he escaped custody and went on the run.

    Now, bodies have started turning up, killed in exactly the same way as before.

    The message is clear: he's making his way to her, one murder at a time...

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherCorvus
    Release dateAug 2, 2018
    ISBN9781786495150
    Unavailable
    Jar of Hearts: The 'riveting, stand-out thriller' perfect for fans of Lisa Gardner and Riley Sager
    Author

    Jennifer Hillier

    Jennifer Hillier is the USA TODAY bestselling and award-winning author of Things We Do in the Dark, Little Secrets, Jar of Hearts, Wonderland, Freak, and Creep. A Filipino Canadian born and raised in the Toronto area, she spent eight years in Seattle, which is where all her books are set. She now lives in Oakville, Ontario, Canada with her husband and son. Visit her on the web at JenniferHillierBooks.com.  

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    Reviews for Jar of Hearts

    4/5

    233 ratings43 reviews

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    • 3/5
      I really liked the story - in fact, I couldn't put it down! I wasn't quite sure where it was going and I didn't predict the ending until the last few chapters, which was good. However, the epilogue needed a little more information in order for me to give it more stars. It wrapped up nicely, but then there were more questions raised that the epilogue didn't cover.
    • 3/5
      When she was sixteen years of, Angela Wong disappears without a trace. No one ever suspected her best friend, Georgina Shaw, now an executive and rising star at a pharmaceutical company had anything to do with the murder. Certainly not Kaiser Brody who was best friends with both of them. Fourteen years later the remains of Angela have been found near Geo’s home and Geo has to face her involvement. (Too many inconsistencies with the killer and Geo. Too hard to believe that she would actually do what the author wants us to believe and too much to believe that the killer was going around impregnating women.) suspensefulnut the ending was too far fetched.
    • 5/5
      Sometimes your first love can be a killer. A serial killer. When the beautiful, popular and successful Geo Shaw is arrested for her involvement in the cold case murder of her best friend, her life turns upside down. She is forced to confront her involvement in the crime, and deal with her guilt surrounding the murder, and the subsequent murders committed by her ex-serial killer boyfriend. The story moves back in forth through time, between, the trial, prison, post-prison release readjustment, and teenage years when the murder was committed. The characters are believable (and in some cases relatable) with a mix of normal, shocking and endearing traits. The young Geo and her teenage friends really capture the depth of angst, self-doubt, and the need for acceptance that we experience at that age. The story demonstrates the lengths that people will go through to support their dreams of the ideal, even when you know that they are wrong. “Jar of Hearts” is the fifth by author, Jennifer Hillier, and the first I have read. It is a five star example of cross-genre suspense/mystery thriller and chick lit. The story has you captivated from start to finish, and leaves you wanting more. The horror of the murders, and details of Geo’s abusive relationship with the serial killer, is interspersed with her blossoming romance with a local Police Officer. There is something for everyone here.The short chapters make it great for reading in short bursts (like public transport rides), but I dare you to try and put it down. This page-turner is well worth the read, so pick up a hard copy or e-book today.
    • 5/5
      This story begins with Calvin James (The Sweetbay Strangler) on trial for the murder of four women, including Angela Wong, Georgina Shaw's best friend in school. Georgina (Geo) is a witness who has made a plea bargain, and after she’s finished giving her testimony, she will be sent to Hazelwood (Hellwood) to serve a five-year sentence. What part did Geo play in Angela's death fourteen years earlier? If she had told the police what she knew then, would three other women be alive today? As Geo went on with her life, she always lived with the guilt and fear that someone would find out what happened to Angela.

      This book is written in an engaging, addictive manner and I was immediately pulled into the complicated friendship between Georgina, Angela, and Kaiser. When Calvin enters the story, all their lives are changed forever. The story is told predominately by Geo with parts by Kaiser (Kai). There are two time frames in the story, the past dealing with the relationships of the friends and the details of the actual death of Angela and the aftermath. I found myself quickly turning the pages as the story unfolded with the clues and information sprinkled throughout the story. Life in prison is described realistically and is a bit unnerving, but it was essential to the story. It showed us what Geo was really about and how she was able to deal with those five years of her life. It was interesting that the story was broken into five main parts entitled denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, the five stages of grief. This story was well written and if you are looking for a thriller that is a bit creepy, this is the one to pick up. Well done Jennifer Hillier. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
    • 5/5
      Jar Of HeartsByJennifer HillierWhat it's all about...Arresting...chilling...kind of mesmerizing...heartbreaking...raw...and tormenting. I think almost every character in this book was the bearer of a tortured soul. This book is about what happened when best friends Angela, Geo and Kaiser meet Calvin while buying Slurpies one day after school. Calvin...older...sexy...gorgeous...pays attention to Geo rather than Angela. Angela is the one who is used to getting everyone’s attention...Geo is usually just the sidekick...but...not this time. What happens next leads to Calvin to becoming the Sweetbay Strangler. Why I wanted to read it...This book was riveting from the beginning. I hated the prison parts but the pace of this book made it impossible for me to put it down. What made me truly enjoy this book...Secrets and lies were what made this book so compelling. Flawed characters made this book thought provoking. My head filled with what if’s...mostly around Geo. Why didn’t she make better choices? Why you should read it, too...Readers who love to read this kind of book...definitely not a cozy mystery but definitely a stark and compelling one...will love this book. I received an advance reader’s copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley and Amazon. It was my choice to read it and review it.
    • 2/5
      Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier is set in Seattle, Washington. Fourteen years ago, Angela Wong disappeared without a trace and now her dismembered body has been found in the woods near Georgina “Geo” Shaw’s home. Detective Kaiser Brody, Geo’s best friend in high school, never suspected Geo was involved in such a heinous crime. They learn that Calvin James, Geo’s high school boyfriend, killed Angela and has since murdered three more women. Geo has kept the events of the night Angela was killed a secret, but, after reaching a plea deal, she testifies against Calvin at his trial. Geo is sentenced to five years at Hazelwood Correctional Institute. Towards the end of her stay she is visited by Kaiser and told that Calvin has escaped. Then new bodies start turning up in the woods killed in the exact manner at Angela. Geo is released, and she returns to her childhood home much to the neighbors’ dismay. As the body count rises, Geo recalls the events that led up to that fateful night. What really happened the night Angela died? Jar of Hearts had a good beginning that drew me in (the first third). After a while, though, the story took a downhill turn. The pace became slow and the story felt flat. I thought the story lacked depth and I found it to be predictable (reminded me of many other books that I have read). I wanted twists and turns that would surprise me and give me an OMG moment. The back and forth from the present to the past did not help. The characters lacked development and were one dimensional. I never felt the characters emotions (there should be hatred, anger, love, joy). I also wanted to know why Geo did the things she did. Geo is an unlikeable and unsympathetic character as were most of the individuals in the Jar of Hearts. I wanted to know why Geo was obsessed with Calvin (just one of my questions). Teenage naivete is an excuse that will only take a person so far. If a four-year-old knows the difference between right and wrong so should a teenager. I also felt Geo should have grown more as a person. One would hope that she would learn from her bad decisions and time in prison. The romance was unnecessary and did not add to the story. The ending was incomplete and anticlimactic. We are not given satisfactory answers that would wrap up the book and epilogue was unbelievable. I want to warn readers that the Jar of Hearts is a graphic story that contains extreme violence, crude comments, rape and foul language. Jar of Hearts was not the right book for me (I am in the minority on my opinion). Obtain a sample of The Jar of Hearts to see if it is it appeals to you. The cover for Jar of Hearts is beautiful and it is what drew me to the book.
    • 5/5
      I requested this book and received it from NetGalley.I have not read any of this author's previous books. That is sure to change now.I was riveted. I started reading and found myself picking it up when I was waiting on hold on a phone call, waiting for water to boil while cooking dinner, when a commercial came on while I was watching Jeopardy. When my eyes wanted to slam shut at night. Part of the love is for the characters, who are knowable. You know these people. You've seen them. You've talked to them. But the larger part is this author's way of doling out information. The whole time I was reading, I knew there was more. There was one thing more. And then one thing more. I would guess, I would speculate, I would overthink it, but I knew there was one thing more. Was I missing it or was it not there yet? It was addictive. I needed to know. The one thing more, I needed to know what it was. Wow. What a ride. I cannot express enough what an enjoyable experience it was to read this book. Should you read it? You should have started yesterday.
    • 5/5
      I received a complimentary advance readers’ edition from the publisher, Minotaur Books, in exchange for an honest review.This is the third book of Hillier’s I’ve read. Creep, and its sequel, Freak, were both excellent. Her stories are unpredictable page-turners and unputdownable. This one is written in five parts, depicting the stages of grief. Each part is introduced by an appropriate quote.They were unlikely best friends : 1) Angela(“Angie”) Wong, overachiever and murder victim 2) Georgina(“Geo”) Shaw, Angela’s best friend, and 3) Kaiser(“Kai”)Brody, detective with the Seattle Police Department. That is, until Calvin Jones, Georgina’s charismatic, controlling boyfriend-turned-serial killer entered the mix and the dynamic altered...forever.Angela Wong, Miss Popularity and high school golden girl, mysteriously disappeared when she and her best friend, Georgina Shaw, were sixteen. In the aftermath, relationships were destroyed. Agonizing questions go cruelly unanswered. But, as always, life goes on. For Georgina, at least, it’s a good life. After earning a college degree and MBA, she is the youngest vice-president at Shipp Pharmaceuticals and engaged to its CEO, Andrew Shipp. Geo’s past weighs heavily and she knows she’s been lucky so far. But, it’s only a matter of time. Then, fourteen years after that traumatic night, that time comes. Angie's remains are discovered. Secrets, long buried, are exposed to the light for all to see. The book begins with a court scene. While flashbacks, inserted seamlessly throughout, tell the backstories of the characters, the present-day depicts their lives post-trial. Overall, I LOVED this book! Hillier has written yet another compelling, twisted story with well-developed characters you either love or hate(sometimes both). The ending was startling, yet satisfying.
    • 4/5
      The cover of the book first caught my eye and then I couldn't stop singing Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri. The song actually fits the book perfectly.Geo's best friend, Angela, disappeared when they were sixteen years old. Now at thirty, Geo is an executive at a pharmaceutical company and engaged to marry the CEO of the company. Geo is also being arrested her other high school best friend, Kaiser, for helping her then boyfriend, Calvin, hide the body of Angela after her death. To make matters worse, Calvin turns out to be a serial killer, dubbed the Sweetbay Strangler. After being released from prison, Geo moves back into her dad's house. Murders also start happening around the same time as Geo's release and they look to be the work of Sweetbay Strangler. Kaiser is concerned that Calvin is coming after Geo. The book is definitely full of secrets. Geo finally reveals what happened to Angela and how her relationship with Calvin ended. The book held my interest and I found it hard to put down. There were some twists and turns. I had a feeling of what was going to happen when the end drew near. I loved the story line, characters and writing style. I look forward to reading more books by the author. I definitely recommend the book!! Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and the author, Jennifer Hillier, for a free electronic ARC of this novel.
    • 4/5
      A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.At sixteen, Anglea Wong, one of the most popular girls at school, disappeared. She left behind wonderful parents, and two best friends, Georgina Shaw and Kaiser Brody. Fourteen years later, Angela's remains are found in the woods right near the house that Geo grew up in. Her father, a respected physician still lives in the family home. Nobody ever suspected that Geo, now an executive at a pharmaceutical company owned by her fiancé's family, had anything to do with Angela's disappearance.Kaiser, now a detective with the Seattle PD, learns that Angela was a victim of Calvin James a.k.a. the "Sweetbay Strangler" who is also responsible for the murders of at least three other women. To Geo, Calvin James is something else—he's her first love. It was an instant attraction that grew into an intense, obsessive, and abusive relationship.For the past fourteen years, Geo has carried the secret of what really happened to Angela until all comes to light with her arrest. Or is there more to the story? Geo is sent to prison while James has escaped from prison. Past and present collide when a string of copycat murders start happening. Did Geo set in motion a new chain of events or is she the missing piece to catch the killer?This is my first book by Jennifer Hillier and I was impressed. Her writing is sharp and the pages flew by. Hillier developed the characters enough to not be predictable or stereotypical, but I did want more from Kai. Told by alternating points of view between Geo and Kai, past and present, this style really served the story well and helped lay the ground work. I felt that their particular relationship in the backstory wasn't fleshed out enough. It seemed like a harmless little crush versus any kind of relationship that gave Kai the emotional baggage that he brought to any of his other relationships. I also thought that Geo was a user—she used Kai when they were friends, knowing he'd always be there for her because he was attracted to her, used her fiancé for a title/career, used people in prison for protection, and uses Kai's loyalty to protect her outside of prison. Relationships in this story seemed to always be a struggle of power, especially between Angela and Geo. Neither of the girls could stand it when the other one was receiving attention. I also found that Geo (even though she went to prison), always came out on top—without giving anything away, I'm sure when you are finished you will have the same musings as I did. Hillier does a great job with the pace of the story. She doesn't show her hand, she plays her cards one at a time and lets the story unfold naturally. Sometimes with this genre, I feel that plot twists are forced and I didn't get that sense here. I was intrigued right off the bat when Calvin hands Geo a note in court that says "You're welcome", welcome for what?The difference between three and four stars is for a couple of reasons. First, for a detective, Kai is incredibly daft. Is it because he was too close to the case, and actually, he shouldn't have even been on this case. Is it not a conflict of interest? He knows both the victim and the perpetrator—I guess you have to suspend your belief on that front. Second, the story was a little bit gruesome for me. If dark and twisty is your bag, you will love this book.
    • 3/5
      3.5 starsThere were parts of JAR OF HEARTS that I skimmed (I'm not that desensitized. There are still places I can't bring myself to go), but it's also a compelling read that made me think about so many things.-How do you go on, day to day, living with guilt of that magnitude?-Is Geo the only person Calvin, in his warped way, ever really loved? My conclusion would be a resounding yes. That in itself is creepy and scary. What about her touched him and exactly what part did it reach? Their relationship fascinated me, perhaps like an accident on the highway. You can't help but look and wonder.-Forgiving, is it the only way to move on? Am I capable of that depth of forgiveness?-They say, "the road to hell is paved with good intentions", and that's so true in JAR OF HEARTS.-Nature or nurture? A bit of both?-Was there any other choice? How far is too far?-Do we ever really know what we're capable of until we're up against it?My imagination is vivid enough, so I would've preferred less of the graphic details, but overall JAR OF HEARTS is thought provoking and compulsive. Just when you think you know, you don't. That's always a good thing for me.Reviewed for Miss Ivy's Book Nook Take II
    • 4/5
      Intense and unsettling. It is a little more graphic than I usually read, not terribly though, and there are a few sex scenes, which I have to admit are necessary to the storyline. Three highschool best friends, one ends up dead, another in jail, and the third serves his community. How did this come to be?The story is told in alternating current events with back flashes of the events that led to these circumstances. It is tightly plotted, revelations are not revealed until the author decides they are necessary.. I thought this book was going to go one way, but I hoped not as that would have made this storyline way too predictable. She didn't, with a marvelous sleight of hand she revealed something that turned the whole plot. I seldom think thrillers would make a good book discussion but this is an exception to that belief. One of the characters, won't reveal who, presented me with a moral dilemna, causing me a great deal of thought, and a very uncomfortable feeling. Too many debatable choices, different sides of a personality, couldn't figure out what exactly kind of person this was, and I don't refer to meaningless mistakes. So as far as thrillers go, this is very character driven, and one that may be a future above others I have recently read. I will, however, go back to wimpy reader status. This was a bit of shock to my system.ARC from Netgalley.
    • 5/5
      Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier is an excellent story, but a story that almost has two parts, or two sides. There’s the thriller, with gruesome scenes, heart-stopping danger and a lot of secrets and surprises, and then there’s the personality side, the side that makes you think about all these people and what they’ve done and who they’ve become and it makes you shake your head trying to decide where your sympathies lie. I’ve read a few interviews with the author revealing some of her thoughts about this book and the characters, and I was glad to see that I’m not the only one who can’t quite decide whether or not to get on the Geo bandwagon. And all of this is a good thing, because it makes this book impossible to put down and a great, exciting read cover-to-cover. Another review said, “Geo is flawed, but ultimately likable as our main character, and I think we can all see at least a small part of ourselves in her.” Not quite sure about that. And I believe she feels guilty, but how guilty and why? I don’t want to go into a lot of detail in this review, because there are so many secrets and twists and turns I don’t want to introduce any spoilers.The story opens with Geo being arrested for something horrible beyond words that happened, something she did, in high school, with her receiving a reduced prison sentence in exchange for testifying against her then-boyfriend. Until she was arrested she had moved on with her life very successfully. And when she’s released, although she can’t just pick up where she left off she seems to again be in the state of mind to just get on with her life. What she experienced was unbelievably terrible, but what she did was also unbelievably terrible, so I always stopped just short of feeling full sympathy for her. Along with the page-turning excitement of the story and trying to guess what would happen next, I kept wondering just who Geo was, and if it was okay for her to move on like that. What that a good thing, meaning she deserved a second chance or did it mean that she could just compartmentalize so well that the past was merely the past for her; was it self-justification? Did she deserve to start over, did people forgive her, should they? Did she forgive herself?Jennifer Hillier tells a compelling story, full of action and suspense, and leaving you with a lot of food for thought. The plot is well-developed and the pace is good. The ending is disturbing, but, again, that’s a good thing. Jar of Hearts is a book you won’t soon forget, and I recommend it. Thanks to NetGalley for providing the ARC for my honest review.
    • 5/5
      High school student, Angela Wong disappeared and fourteen years later her best friend now successful pharmaceutical executive Geo Shaw, is convicted along with Shaw's boyfriend, Calvin. Shaw's life unravels through her time in prison. Calvin escapes prison and eludes capture. The murders aren't over. Such a twisty novel!
    • 5/5
      I received a free advance e-copy of this book and have chosen to write an honest and unbiased review. I have no personal affiliation with the author. These characters are extremely dark and twisted, extremely dysfunctional. Geo has very poor judgment and is easily led. How could anyone live with themselves for 14 years and not tell anyone what she had done to her best friend! I’m not sure Geo really got what she deserved. I think she got off a little easy. Even while in prison where she did some unconscionable things in order to survive she was always able to find the easy way out. ‘Jar of Hearts’ is a very well written crime thriller with an amazing plot and excellent character development. I couldn’t put it down, full of action and suspense with a surprise dark twist at the end. I’ll never eat another cinnamon heart again! This book is well worth the read and I look forward to reading more from Jennifer Hillier in the future.
    • 5/5
      4.5 StarsI must say, it's turning out to be a great year for mystery and suspense-thrillers. From The Good Liar to Bring Me Back and now Jar of Hearts, I've loved every one of these. The story centers around Geo, convicted of aiding in the murder of her best friend, Angela, in high school. We also get glimpses into Kaiser's mind, their other best friend turned detective, Kaiser, who helped solve this case. The first part of the book shows Geo's time in prison and while that part is good, it really picks up starting in part 2. Here, new murders take place and they're very reminiscent of the Sweetbay Strangler's crimes. The strangler just happens to be Geo's ex and the guy who murdered Angela, Calvin James. It was oftentimes hard to sympathize with Geo and most of the time I felt a mild disdain for her, if not more. Kaiser, while not a lying accomplice to murder, had some faults of his own and therefore did not fare better in how I felt toward him. I loved how glimpses of the past were interspersed throughout. They were put in at the perfect places and really allowed for a better understanding of the characters and current happenings. When you look at this novel as a whole it almost reads as a cautionary tale of (dysfunctional) love and how toxic and blinding it can be. Everyone from Geo to Calvin to Kaiser (and others that I can't say, because spoilers) gets a touch of this consuming love that creates chaos instead of harmony. It took me most of the book to see the whole truth. And even then, it is only what our characters, mainly Geo, wanted us to see. I normally prefer first person POV, but here, third-person is used so effectively that I cannot see it being written any other way.
    • 4/5
      Georgina Shaw (Geo) has made quite a success of her life. She’s an executive in a Seattle pharmaceutical company and is engaged to marry the rich CEO of the company. All of that falls apart when she’s arrested for a murder that was committed fourteen years ago. Her best friend Angela Wong disappeared then when she and Geo were 16 years old and now her mutilated body has been found. Also arrested for the murder is Geo’s boyfriend at that time, Calvin James. Calvin is also accused of three other murders. On the case is Det. Kaiser Brody, who has loved Geo since high school. When new bodies turn up, murdered in the same way as Calvin’s prior murders, the past explodes for them all.This book has certainly been all the buzz around the thriller world and it turned out to be quite an entertaining read. It’s well constructed and very realistic. I thought the author’s description of prison life was excellent. I felt like I was there with Geo and the dangers of her life there sent chills down my spine. I’ve always been attracted to books dealing with obsession and Geo’s obsession with Calvin and what it led to was done to perfection. The author is adroit at knowing when to drop shockers on her readers. While I only give 5 stars to books that have had a deep impact on my life and not to thrillers, this is quite an excellent thriller. Snagged me from the first page.Recommended.I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway and am under no obligation to write a review. I found it quite charming that the publisher included an actual jar with some conversation hearts with sayings from the book. Enjoyed the book and the hearts!
    • 4/5
      Jar of HeartsJennifer HillierA suspenseful thriller that will hold you captive till the last page is turned. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️▫️SUMMARYJar of Hearts captures you on the first page, with the trial of the Sweetbay Strangler, Calvin James. He is on trial now, for the murder of sixteen-year-old Angela Wong fourteen years ago. Her body was just found, only half a mile away from her home. Georgina, Angela’s best friend is in the witness box—a witness for the prosecution—to shed light on the events of the night Angela was murdered. Georgina is sentenced to five years in prison and Calvin will go away for life for killing Angela and three other women. But before he does, he slips Georgina a note right after she testifies. What did the note say, and what did it mean?Calvin had been Georgina‘s first love fourteen years ago when she was sixteen and he was 21. Georgina knew what happened to Angela fourteen years ago, but she told no one. She kept the secret of Angela‘s death, until she was arrested and sent to prison. Now she has served her time and has been released. While everyone thinks they know the truth, there are even more dark secrets about that fateful night that no one can even imagine. And now new bodies are beginning to show up, killed in the same manner as Angela. REVIEWJAR OF HEARTS has a perfect blend of well-developed characters. The beautiful and popular girl, her best girlfriend, the bad boy turned serial killer, and the girls’ skinny, acne-face friend, Kaiser, now a handsome detective with the Seattle PD all coalesce to propel this nail-biting story. You’ will have love-hate feelings about each of them at some point in the story. Author JENNIFER HILLIER has skillfully crafted a story that flows fast and easy and is cleverly layered between the past and the present. It has just the right amount of suspense, surprises and twists to keep you entertained for hours. And who doesn’t like a suspenseful thriller with a dark and twisted ending? The film rights for Jar of Hearts were purchased earlier this year, so you better read it now. You know the book is always better than the movie!All of Jennifer Hillier books are set in the Seattle area where she lived for eight years. She was born and raised in Toronto, Canada and has returned to live there once again. She has written five novels. She writes about dark and twisted people who do dark and twisted things. Jar of Hearts is no different!Thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Jennifer Hillier for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Publisher Minotaur BooksPublication DateJune 12, 2018 bluestockingreviews.com
    • 5/5
      Angela Wong, Kaiser Brody and Georgina Wong: three unlikely characters all connected by friendship and murder. At just 16 years old Angela Wong disappears without a trace. Her best friends Geo (Georgina) and Kaiser are shook by the event. For one of them, life goes on. For the other, something else entirely. 14 years later Angela’s remains are found under a shallow grave near Geo’s childhood home. Kaiser discovers the truth, that she was murdered by Geo’s first love: Calvin James. And Geo had kept a dirty secret for 14 years that lands her in prison. Five years after her release more bodies start turning up making sure that Geo and Calvin’s past doesn’t stay buried. How many lies does a person have to tell to continue with a lie told over a decade ago and how far is a person willing to go to keep that lie hidden?

      Jar of Hearts is a riveting story that you won’t be able to put down. Just when you think you know what is going to happen, Jennifer Hillier takes you further into this dark web of lies and secrecy she’s created. “There’s a hero and a villain and sometimes they are the same person.” This statement has never rang more true in a murder mystery/thriller setting. You may think you have all the answers but you don’t!

      Jennifer Hillier created a simple world physically; one that’s easy to submerse yourself in, especially if you’re familiar with the Pacific Northwest. While most of what’s she’s created is just that, a creation, it still felt as if it was absolutely a real world within Washington state. That said, the complexity of her characters and emotions is enthralling. I couldn’t help but fall in so deep into the throws of this story that I’m left feeling a little jarred. (Pardon the pun). I need more of what is going on inside of Hillier’s mind…more books to come I can only hope!

      I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. The above are my opinions and do not reflect that of the author, publisher or netgalley.
    • 5/5
      5 stars! I couldn’t put this book down, it was so good! Hillier did an amazing job weaving the story together, creating flawed yet likeable characters, and keeping the reader guessing till the end.Geo’s best friend Angela disappeared when they were sixteen without a trace. Fast forward 14 years –Angela’s remains are found in the woods behind Geo’s childhood home. Kaiser, a former childhood friend of Angela and Geo’s, is now a police officer who is in charge of handling the case. Everyone knows that Calvin James, Geo’s first love from high school and known serial killer committed the crime but Kaiser knows that Geo is hiding something, but what is it?I received an advanced copy from Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review.
    • 5/5
      4.5 stars.At age 16, Georgina thought she was desperately in love with 21-year-old Calvin James. Their all-consuming and toxic relationship soon affects all aspects of Geo's life to the detriment of her friendships with popular cheerleader, Alison Wong, and Kaiser Brody, the boy who has a severe crush on Georgina.Fast forward 14 years, and Alison's dismembered body is found in woods near Geo's house. Kaiser, now a detective, arrests Geo. In court and awaiting a 5-year prison sentence, Geo testifies against her former boy-friend, Calvin, who turned out to be the infamous serial killer, the Sweetbay Strangler. But did Georgina reveal all about what happened when her once best friend, Angela, went missing all those years ago?This twisted and dark psychological thriller pulled me in right from the start and it kept me engaged all the way through. It was my first book by Jennifer Hillier but certainly not my last. While some elements of the story were not too difficult to figure out before they were revealed, there were some scenes that made my jaw drop and that took me completely by surprise. The multiple perspectives and shifts between past and present worked really well here and the pacing was excellent.I really enjoyed every minute of this well written, exciting and original story-line with its well developed characters. My feelings towards them kept going back and forth between feeling hints of sympathy to utter dismay, but whatever the emotions, they remained believable characters throughout.My only reason for calling this 4.5 rather than the full 5 stars is to do with the very end, which I can't explain because I want to avoid spoilers.I would certainly recommend this, but sensitive readers beware, Jar of Hearts contains some very disturbing scenes.I received an ARC via NetGalley.
    • 4/5
      If you are a new reader of this author or a fan, you will be in for a wonderful surprise with this new offering from author, Jennifer Hiller. When I got this book, I could not wait to pick it up and start reading. I was not disappointed by this book. A quickie read. Geo was an intriguing character. Yet, if it had not been for the events that shaped her life, she would have still just been Angela's best friend. Through adversity; Geo was able to adapt and become very smart savvy. This is just a really good book. I was in no hurry to get to the ending. As the story progressed it got more intriguing. Additionally; what I really enjoyed about this book is that it did not feel forced. Forced in trying to get me to believe that a particular character was the guilty one. The ending came at me as a bit of a surprise ending. Jar of Hearts is pure gold!
    • 5/5
      I loved this story. The protagonist, Georgina Shaw, Geo to friends, is as complex a character as you will ever meet. Early in the story she’s snatched from her successful, high profile job and packed off to prison for a series of poor choices she made as a teen. Bad boyfriend, a night of insanity, the murder of her best friend, and a collision of circumstances ruin her life, and those of many others. And poses the question: What happened to Angela Wong? And where is her body? As the narrative moves back and forth in time, her actions and motives are exposed as the plot twists and turns, ultimately leading to a shocking conclusion. Well written and paced, this is one you must read.DP Lyle, award-winning author, lecturing, story consultant
    • 5/5
      Goodreads’s Hottest Books of SummerHomeMy BooksBrowse ▾Community ▾Search books3923Debbie KrenzerDebbie Krenzer's Reviews > Jar of HeartsJar of Hearts by Jennifer HillierJar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier (Goodreads Author) 12691311Debbie Krenzer's review Jun 21, 2018 · editreally liked itbookshelves: ebooks, net-galley-books Wow, wow, wow. Talk about your dark and twisted. This one certainly hits the mark. At one point, I had to quit reading the book because I was going gambling. However, the part I left it at . . . the most twisted part. I wasn't even sure I wanted to go back to it. It left me with all kinds of shivers (severely grossly sick). But, of course, I had to find out what happened.Geo had been puking all through this book and at that point, I thought I was going to, as well. Had I not had to leave the book at close to that defining moment, I think I would have dealt with it a lot better. I would not have dwelled on it and wondered - did he?The first part of this book had me thinking one way then slowly it had me thinking another way. I just knew what was going to happen. Yep, I was wrong.This was an excellent read and one that I will not soon forget. Definitely dark, sinister and twisted. Thanks to St. Martins Press and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
    • 2/5
      I'm going to have to say I am in the minority on this one. I thought the story started out strong but then I had a hard time pushing myself to keep going. I'm not sure if it was the rather generic writing or the flat characters. I wasn't able to pull anything out of the characters except what was presented through their actions. There didn't seem to be any motivation for their actions, or maybe it was a lack of emotion behind their actions. For example, the MC does this truly horrific thing but I have no idea why. Not wanting to get in trouble for something will really only take you so far in your actions as most people have very definite limits to their bad behavior. When you want to take a character past that line I need some kind of explanation or impetus for it. Without that depth it made the acts feel sensational on the author's part. Without it I was left a bit flat. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
    • 5/5
      Three high school friends, Geo, Angela and Kaiser are together most of the time. Slurpees, parties, studying, they are just the best of friends. Then Geo starts dating Calvin. Calvin is controlling and not a guy she needs to be with. But, she is young and stupid. Then, Angela comes up missing. 14 years later, Angela's body is found.
I love it when an author creates a character you are supposed to hate...but you just can't. Well! Geo is the best of these I have ever come across. She is so flawed but, I could not help but like her and feel sorry for her. She is just 16 when she makes one of the worst mistakes of her life. This mistake stays hidden for 14 years. Then, Geo goes to prison. She is arrested by Kaiser, no less.
The author SLOWLY draws out Geo's past and what actually happened to Angela. This creates such tremendous anticipation. If I had to put this book down because of life...I was constantly thinking about it. What is about to happen next??? The secrets and the lies just build constant pressure. There were places I was a nervous wreck!
Amazingly done! OVER THE TOP GOOD READ!
    • 4/5
      Georgina, Angela and Kaiser were best friends in high school. Angela, the most popular girl in school, loved her life so it didn't make sense that she'd disappear one night without a trace. Her remains have been found fourteen years later in the woods near Geo's childhood home. Kaiser, now a detective with Seattle PD, finally learns that Angela was a victim of serial killer Calvin James. Calvin was Geo's first love in high school and their relationship was far from perfect. During those fourteen years Geo made something of herself - she's the youngest VP at Shipp Pharmaceuticals and she's engaged to the rich CEO. Nobody ever suspected that she knew what happened to her best friend until she was arrested and sent to prison.I have to admit this took me a while to get into but since it was a library book I kept turning those pages so I could finish quickly. Somewhere along the line I became absorbed. Poor Angela, what happened to her? I enjoyed reading about their teen years, prison life for Geo, and afterwards when we learn even more secrets. I was impressed with how some things happened but I also couldn't get over how convenient some things were. I hated the epilogue! But overall this was a disturbing, entertaining read. Now that I know how the name of the book ties in with the story I love it!
    • 5/5
      This is the story of three best friends from high school and how the events of one night have shaped their lives. One was murdered, one went to prison, and one became a cop who is determined to find the truth. Angela Wong was the head cheerleader, the girl everyone worshipped, the girl everyone wanted to be. One night she disappeared after last being spotted at a party. Georgina Shaw was inseparable from Angela until she started dating Calvin James. Their friendship was on the mend just as Angela disappeared. Geo fought through the loss and went on to become a highly successful executive at a pharmaceutical company. No one ever suspected she was involved with Angela’s disappearance, especially not their closest friend, Kaiser Brody.Fourteen years have passed and Kaiser has finally unearthed the truth about what happened to Angela. She was murdered, dismembered, and buried in the woods near Geo’s house. She was a victim of Calvin James, now a notorious serial killer known as the Sweetbay Strangler. Things get worse as Geo is charged in connection with the murder of Angela. Thanks to a plea deal she manages to end up with a reduced sentence of five years in prison. The truth about what happened to Angela Wong is finally out, right? Something is still lurking in the shadows of this case. How far will Geo go to keep the truth hidden?Jennifer Hillier just killed it in the thriller genre with JAR OF HEARTS! I can’t remember the last time I’ve been this glued to the pages of a book, eagerly anticipating the next reveal that will blow my mind. There were a few times I managed to guess parts of what would happen or bits of what happened on the fateful night in question, but that didn’t stop me from loving the way Hillier revealed the facts. I actually enjoy being able to guess parts in books I read when they aren’t predictable, just as much as I like being surprised. Hillier has a magnificent way of building a story in layers. What I mean by that is every time I thought I knew everything that happened the night Angela disappeared, Hillier told me there was more. The past was woven through the present as flashbacks in a way that flowed with the narrative and what was happening in the present day. I want to keep details of the story as vague as possible because part of what makes this book so great is the experience of learning more about Angela, Geo, Kaiser, and Calvin on your own. This is my first book by Jennifer Hillier and the minute I shut this one I hopped on Amazon and loaded my cart with more of her work. With short, heart-pulsing chapters, that leave you wanting more, JAR OF HEARTS is the perfect read for thriller fans! Be prepared to stay up late with this one bookworms!A special thank you to Minotaur Books and St. Martin’s Press who sent me a free copy to review.
    • 4/5
      Quick read. With great twists and turns. Believable relatable characters. Looking forward to reading more from this writer.
    • 3/5
      Pandemic read. My first visit to this author's imaginary town in the pacific northwest, where apparently a lot of people get killed. There was a lot of telegraphing of plot but a decent, if not gruesome, mystery.