Cover Image: Wonderland

Wonderland

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Member Reviews

Though I enjoyed Hillier's other books, somehow I couldn't really get into this one very well. The pace threw me off a bit and the plot just didn't really grip me. That being said, it's not a bad book and maybe a case of right book, wrong time for me,.

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Thank You to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. Jennifer Hillier always pushes you outside of your comfort zone. She makes things seem as they are real life because life is pretty messy and dramatic. A fantastic read!!

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Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book! I listened to the audiobook and loved the narrator. I listened to this book in 1 day because I just could not put it down! Another great book by Hillier! I will continue to keep reading her books for sure! Thank you again to NetGalley and I will be recommending this one!

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The audio book had great production quality! I think the voice and pacing worked well. The story itself was twisty and dark, as we've come to expect from Hillier.

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Creepy, atmospheric, and suspenseful, plus a great crime novel. I loved the serial killer storyline, trying to figure out who’s the killer and never quite getting the answer right! I’ve always enjoyed Eunice Wong’s narrations, and she had me hanging on to every word in Wonderland.

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Really enjoyed this captivating murder mystery by Jennifer Hillier, which takes place in a Pacific Northwestern amusement park where the key crimes take place at a Ferris wheel and a creepy clown museum. The characters are well-drawn and the lead cop is compelling and spunky. You definitely get a sense that there is police corruption, as well as weird carnival goings-on, in this small town story right from the beginning. A dark and creepy tone, interesting characters and plot. I would love to see this become a police procedural series. Audiobook was also very well-narrated. A compelling five-star read!

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I’ve enjoyed so many of author Jennifer Hillier’s books, and was so excited to listen to the audiobook of Wonderland. I found myself immersed into this police procedural story, and loved the small town setting.

Wonderland was definitely creepy, and a solid read for thriller season, made even better by listening to this on audio format.

*many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the gifted audiobook for review

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When a boy goes missing, last seen on top of a Ferris wheel in Wonderland, and a rotting body is later found in the same amusement park, Deputy Chief Vanessa Castro sets her sights on the amusement park. If this was a movie we would have the rain pouring all throughout the movie. It was dark, rainy, and horrible.

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Amazing, creepy and very unexpected. I loved this one and I could not put it down. Hillier's writing style is so vivid and realistic, you feel like you are there with the characters

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Wonderland is a carnival/theme park type place, of the old school nostalgic variety, located in the Pacific Northwest. Cotton candy, rides, games, it is the perfect kids/teenagers carnival paradise. There is also a clown museum and a giant Ferris wheel. One morning, a dead body is found at the base of the Ferris wheel, and Vanessa Castro, who is the new detective in town, must uncover the secrets of Wonderland. To add to the mix, Ms. Castro's daughter gets a job working at Wonderland, the coolest place for teens to work. Is Wonderland safe though? Is there a killer on the loose or was the dead body found a one-off accident?

I really enjoyed this fast-paced, edge of your seat thriller. The carnival vibe was so nostalgic and fun. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did a fantastic job. The clown museum seriously upped the creep factor. Fans of Jennifer Hillier will not be disappointed in this one!

Special thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Macmillan Audio, for this Advance Reader Copy audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

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Prepare to be immersed in a world of insidious intrigue and creeping unease as you delve into the pages of "Wonderland." This gripping novel had me second-guessing every character's motives, with suspicions weaving a web of uncertainty that keeps you guessing until the very end.

Venturing into the scenic town of Seaside, we follow Vanessa Castro, who seeks solace from her own tumultuous past by assuming the role of Deputy Chief of Police. Seaside's lifeline is the enchanting Wonderland, a whimsical amusement park that conceals secrets darker than its colorful exterior suggests.

Vanessa's entry into her new position is far from smooth. Battling the resistance of a resentful police force, she's met with a decomposing body within the heart of Wonderland on her very first day. To complicate matters further, the man from her casual bar encounter the night before is now her liaison at the amusement park. As the plot thickens, another Wonder Worker goes missing, unraveling a chilling pattern of disappearances that have haunted the park for years.

Hillier expertly crafts an atmosphere of tension and mystery, drawing readers into the enigma that surrounds Wonderland. The narrative peels back layers of deception and hidden truths, keeping you engaged as you uncover the haunting secrets beneath the façade of fun.

As the story unfolds, you'll find yourself questioning the very essence of the amusement park and its residents. Are the smiles genuine, or do they mask something far more sinister? "Wonderland" is a rollercoaster ride of suspense that captivates from start to finish.

This novel delivers on its promise of an unsettling, gripping tale. It is a compelling reminder that appearances can be deceiving, leaving readers with the lingering question: Is there more to this funfair than meets the eye?

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The story follows Vanessa Castro, a former homicide detective who relocates to the small beach town of Seaside, Washington, seeking a fresh start for her family. However, her new position as Deputy Chief of Police is quickly put to the test when a dead body is discovered at the town's renowned amusement park, Wonderland, on her first day. As Vanessa delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers a web of corruption and a chilling trail of missing employees that leads her to question the park's haunting past. The author skillfully weaves together an intricate plot that keeps me hooked from start to finish. The pacing is excellent, with each chapter revealing new clues and raising more questions. She created a vivid and immersive world, giving readers a sense of being right there with Vanessa as she uncovers the park's dark secrets. Eunice Wong delivers an outstanding narration, bringing the characters to life with distinctive voices and emotions. Her ability to capture the tension and urgency of the story enhances the overall listening experience. Wong's portrayal of Vanessa, with her determination and vulnerability, adds depth to the character and draws listeners deeper into the narrative. One of the strengths of "Wonderland" is its well-developed cast of characters. Vanessa is a complex and relatable protagonist, driven by her need to protect her family while unraveling the truth. The supporting characters are equally compelling, each adding their own layer of intrigue and complexity to the story.

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Welcome to Wonderland! ⁣

⁣Where it’s all fun and games, trips around the wonder wheel, hotdogs and cotton candy, and the clown museum ( 🤡 eek!) …unless you are one of the beautiful teenage boys who works there. ⁣

Then you just might disappear. And sometimes, you die.⁣

When Detective Vanessa Castro starts her first day at the Seaside PD she realizes that the rules at Wonderland - the only attraction in this small town that draws a profit - are different than the rules for the rest of the residents. But missing boys seem to be growing in number and all paths lead straight to park. ⁣

But Wonderland is a happy place full of joy! Nothing sinister could happen here! (But ummm... hello, Clown Museum?!?!) ⁣

Super dark and twisty with all the disturbing Jennifer Hillier vibes we have come to know and love, I got so wrapped up in this twisted audiobook! It's one of those listens where you can feel the hair rise on the back of your neck and goosebumps tingle on your arms, while you’re constantly looking over your shoulder thinking someone is lurking in the shadows as the fabulous Eunice Wong perfectly narrates this creepy and riveting read.

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Wonder Land
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Thriller
Author: Jennifer Hillier
GR: 4.07

I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.

My Thoughts: This book was originally released in 2015 but re-released on audio with a different publisher. This was set in a small town of Seaside, Washington. The book opens up in a dramatic fashion and keeps you guessing until the end. This amusement park keeps the small town afloat and no one wants to “rock” the boat, including the former police chief. The perfect atmospheric crime novel in a picture perfect small town.

The story is narrated by a few characters, from their POV. Vanessa, our MC, is not willing to look the other way in her new detective role, as others did prior to her. She follows her instinct, does this instinct lead to more sinister things happening at the amusement park? The characters were well developed, were mysterious, creative, and interesting. The author’s writing style was complex, twisty, suspenseful, and just brilliant.

The narrator was so amazing, really gave life to the multiple characters, with great voice variation, and just immerses you into the storyline. Jennifer Hillier has become one of my auto buy authors, do not even need to read the blurb, if it is by Hillier, I will buy it. The storyline was the perfect amount of creepy, chilling, and suspense to keep you engaged. This one did not disappoint, and I highly recommend picking up the audiobook! Even if you read the original book in 2015, I would pick up the audiobook to experience a different level of thrill and suspense.

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Was not able to download in time so therefore am not able to review properly. So sorry about that but thank you for the chance.

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Jennifer Hillier always knocks it out of the park. This audio book made me take the long way home from work and I had it playing while I did all my chores around the house. It was gripping, wild, twisty, and it kept me guessing til the end!

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Jennifer Hillier does it again & in Audio no less. It can be hard to grab & keep my attention when listening to an audiobook, but Eunice Wong's narration of Wonderland was perfection! So far there has not been one Hillier book I haven't loved, but Wonderland is definitely in the top 3. It was expertly done & so so so amazing. The Wonderland theme park setting is unbelievablely creepy especially with it's clown museum that gives me chills just thinking back on it. If you're already familiar with Hillier's work then you will recognize Wonderland's main character Detective Vanessa Castro from other books. This fast-paced thriller kept me in suspense throughout & the ending had a wonderful surprise twist I didnt see coming. I loved it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for my copy in exchange for my honest review.

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I had a hard time finding my footing with this one. I’m typically a huge Jennifer Hillier fan, but this one didn’t resonate. Ended up having to shelve it 40% in. I look forward to the next from her

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I love Jennifer Hillier & this one was particularly unnerving- even more so on audio!

Hillier’s writing style is always atmospheric, effectively creating the sense of impending doom that permeates the story. The pacing is spot-on, and even upon reread the story is still suspenseful. Definitely a pick for spooky season!

Thank you so much Netgalley & Macmillan for the audio copy!

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Another great novel by Jennifer Hillier! Her characters are always witty and I enjoy the candor in her books. I typically read everything by her as soon as it comes. Having an audiobook was different, but the narrator was likeable and the story had twists and turns. Her ending always leaves you speechless. Don't miss this one!

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