Angela, Georgina, and Kaiser were best friends in high school, when Angela was murdered, dismembered, and buried. Her body is found 14 years later and DNA found with her body targets Calvin James, a serial killer who was Georgina's boyfriend at the time of Angela's death. Geo is now an executive and rising star at her Seattle pharmaceutical company and Kaiser is a Seattle detective.

Geo has secrets and Kaiser knows she does. What follows is Geo facing time for her part in what happened to Angela while she still keeps secrets that she never plans to reveal. Kaiser loved Geo when they were teenagers and never moved on from that love despite the fact that Geo played a part in his friend's death.

More murders take place in present time, with the bodies staged in the same manner as Angela's body. What follows is the search for the killer and how these murders connect to Geo and Calvin, and who will be the next to die. This was an easy read because there always seems to be more intrigue on the next page.

I did wish that less time had been spent on Geo's time in prison. I certainly didn't need to read about her sex life while in prison because it seemed to do nothing to further the storyline. If the book bogged down anywhere, it was during the prison scenes. But outside of those scenes, the mystery and the dynamics between the characters was interesting and kept me reading to the last word.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC.

What a great book! I loved every page! ! I want to read all the other books by this author now! Great job!

For Georgina "Geo" Shaw being the youngest Vice President at Shipp Pharmaceuticals Company isn't always easy but her mid-level six-figure salary and being engaged to the company owner's son who also happens to be the company CEO makes life pretty darn good. What isn't anywhere near as good, to put it mildly, is being incarcerated in Hazelwood Correctional Institute - otherwise known as "Hellwood." She was arrested in the middle of her presentation at work, then made a plea deal. She was sentenced to five years of living hell because she never told the police the location of her friend's body or who murderd her. Of course she knew all the details because she was there when it happened.

I found this to be an interesting read. The description of Geo's life in the women's prison was fascinating and yet also horrifying. How author Jennifer Hillier described the adjustments Geo made after her release from prison was thought-provoking. I was glad to see that Detective Kaiser Brody, who was Geo's arresting officer, never forgot their school friendship and his feelings for Geo. This was a very different read for me but I liked it.

Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier was my first book by this author. I would read more of her books, I thought the writing was very good and realistic for the most part in describing the main character's viewpoint.
14 years after her best friend, Angela Wong, disappeared Geo has found out that secrets and lies about that night have come back to roost. "The past is always with you, whether you choose to think about it or not, whether you take responsibility for it or not. You carry the past with you because it transforms you. You can try to bury it and pretend it never happened, but that doesn’t work. Geo knows that from experience. Because buried things can, and do, come back.."
After 14 years, Angela's body is finally discovered close to Geo's childhood home. Geo's managed to successfully become an executive at a top pharmaceutical company, and is also engaged to the wealthy CEO. Calvin, Geo's teenage love, has become a convicted serial killer. Finally forced to reveal what she knew about the night Angela went "missing" Geo is brought to trial, cuts a deal, and is sentenced to 5 years in prison. When her 5 years are up and she's set to be released, the news reveals that Calvin has escaped from prison.
More bodies are found, Geo faces her betrayal of Angela parents, her own family, and the families of other victims caused by her silence all those years ago.
The ending seemed a bit flat, but I didn't figure everything out before that so there are enough twists and turns to take you through the end. There was a bit of "romance novel" happening which I didn't feel really added to the story for me. All in all, I read the book within a day and am glad I read this author.

I received an ARC from NetGalley, and wrote my honest opinions.

Such a good thriller! It kept me guessing and interested and that is one of my top requirements. Plus, the main character wasn’t annoying, as so many tend to be to me in these types of books. The beginning of the book reminded me of Orange is the New Black, which I love. I feel like there's several branches to this story and it's appealing to many types of readers, but is certainly not light reading material. I want to read Creep, another of Jennifer Hillier’s books. I really like her writing style! *I received the digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

If I could give this book 10 stars I would! I absolutely LOVED this novel. Ms. Hillier had me from the very first page. This is a fast-paced, intense, dark, gripping thriller. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going with Geo and Kai (let us not forget Calvin) I was wrong dead wrong, this book honestly kept me on the edge of my seat and wanting more. The characters, storyline (although a bit graphic *warning*) were fantastic. This was my first novel by Ms. Hillier that I have had the pleasure of reading and I can't wait to see what else she has to offer.

I loved this book....I can't even do it justice with a review. This is not my typical read. I am normally your flowers, romance, and alpha male kind of reader. This book blew me away and made me question my favorite genre. Three childhood friends.....one is murdered (Angela), one is the arresting officer/investigator (Kaiser), the other sentenced to 5 years for her involvement (Geo). A bad boy, a young girl who thinks she's in love, what could go wrong? Will a secret stay hidden forever....14 years makes it seem like it might, but when it doesn't life is forever changed for Geo. She must serve time for her past mistakes as a young teenager. There is a twist that I never saw coming. It blindsided me, but also left me speechless. I don't want to say anymore because you really must read this book for yourself.

From the first page I was hooked. This book kept me on edge at all times and just when you think you know what's going on, there's a shocking twist. The novel is written with multiple POVs, and many flashbacks. Which kept things very interesting for me! I loved the difference perspective each character brought.

Also, I couldn't help but root for the main character Georgina, even though she's definitely not perfect, there something about her you can just relate. You get very invested in her story.

This is the first book I read from Jennifer Hillier and I must say I want to read her whole book collection because this book was fantastic ! It was a disturbing and twisted thriller, loved every minute of it ! Highly recommend!

Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier was one of the most intense, disturbing, mind-blowing, psychological thrillers that I've read in a long time. And I LOVED it...which sounds weird to say because of the very disturbing content, but I ended up reading the book in less than 4 hours because it was such an addictive, compelling page-turner that drew me in from the very first page until the last one. And I do love books about serial killers...

This is a story about murder, lies, grief, obsession, guilt, friendship, love, and twisted love, and how you cannot escape your past no matter how hard you try, which is exactly what Georgina Shaw thought she was doing for 14 years. After all, she is now a hugely successful businesswoman, is engaged to a millionaire, and her life seems perfect. Suddenly, her life crashes around her after she is arrested by Detective Kaiser Brody, a guy who used to be one of her best friends in high school, for the part she played when she was just 16  years old and helped her 21 year old boyfriend Calvin James (now a serial killer known as the Sweetbay Strangler) murder her best friend, Angela Wong. The secrets of her past have finally caught up with her in a big way...

This book is filled with so many secrets that continue to be revealed after Geo is released from prison after serving 5 years for her crimes! Hillier has done an extremely good job at drawing the reader in and then slowly revealing those secrets that just when you think you know what is going on, you don't! Some things I guessed, but there were several times where I think my jaw hit the floor and that very rarely happens when I read suspense anymore, so kudos to Hillier for being able to shock me!

I definitely recommend this dark, chilling, twisted, extremely well-written book! I can't remember the last time I read a book this quickly and enjoyed it so much! But be forewarned, some of the content is very disturbing and there are scenes that could be triggering to some readers. Jar of Hearts is the first time that I've read a book by Hillier, but it won't be the last! This is a must-read book for summer!! 4,5 Stars!!

**Thank you, NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Jennifer Hillier for an ARC copy in exchange for my fair and honest review. **

When Geo is sixteen she finds herself undeniably attracted to her first love Calvin. Calvin kills her best friend Angela. Geo's lies in turn make it so her remains go uncovered for over 14 years when they are found. Calvin since has become the "SweetBay Strangler." Geo hasn't seen Calvin since he left town, but at his trial she pleas down to 5 years in Hazelwood Correctional Facility for her part in Angela's disappearance and subsequent death. As you read the pieces finally start to come together and you can't help but feel a little something for Geo and everything she has had to endure while no one else was the wiser. This book was fast paced and left you unable to put it down. This is definitely your summer read.

**Trigger warning** Rape, domestic abuse, and some pretty grotesque murder scenes.

This book was AMAZING. I could not put it down. I loved the storyline, thought it was extremely interesting! I was glued to my seat trying to figure out what was going to happen next. I liked how the story alternated between past & present day, adding another dimension to the novel. It was definitely something that made me wonder what I would've done had I been in the main character's position. The accomplice piece of the novel was interesting, especially because she is such an affluent young woman who ends up becoming a convicted felon. I don't want to give away too much, but this is one that you NEED to read! If you like suspenseful thrillers & story of serial killers, this one is for you.

Chills and Thrills Aplenty....

A serial killer is at the "heart" of this one. This is my first book by Jennifer Hillier and I really enjoyed how she unpeeled each part of the story layer by layer. I found myself being drawn in and totally absorbed in the murder mystery.

It is a very dark story with flawed characters and some disturbing and graphic parts I needed skim over (not going to lie)..... BUT I couldn't stop reading it either. Many secrets are revealed as the story progresses and each time I was shocked ( a good sign in my book)! Plenty of clues along the way and a secret behind the jar of hearts that was like a code to break. A deeper message will emerge.

A huge serving of heartbreak for these characters and a tale of how someones actions can impact so many. Georgina is one of the main players and while her actions were deplorable, I tried to find some redeeming qualities in her. I was fascinated by her experiences in prison (cringe).

A compelling, addictive, gritty read that has an explosive end.

Wow. I hardly know where to even begin with this. Jar of Hearts is the kind of book that you’re almost afraid to say you enjoyed because of how dark and twisted it is. But it’s one of the best books I’ve read in awhile.

Jar of Hearts is told in 5 parts, each associated with the 5 stages of grief, and in alternate POVs of Geo and Kaiser. I really enjoyed both perspectives. The story is told both in present and flashback and I loved how things were revealed and how you’re never sure if you’re getting the whole story (spoiler alert: you usually aren’t). The writing was smart and surprising. There weren’t any gasp-worthy twists, but there were plenty of smaller ones that I definitely didn’t see coming. I love when a book can surprise me like this one did.

Despite being deeply flawed characters, I liked both Geo and Kaiser. I liked how their relationship evolved, though I did feel pretty bad for teenage Kaiser. I found Geo pretty compelling. She did whatever she had to do to survive in any situation, even when that meant doing some terrible things. I would definitely consider her an anti-hero.

I really don’t want to say too much about the plot, for fear of giving anything away. I will say that there are several scenes that were pretty uncomfortable to read. If you’re easily triggered, you should probably avoid this one. If you can handle those type of scenes, though, the writing is intense and addictive and it sucked me in right from the beginning.

Overall, I really liked Jar of Hearts. This was my first book by Hillier and while I’m a little disturbed by her, I definitely want to read more from her. The mystery was well-written with many small twists that surprised me and there were some really flawed, but compelling characters. I feel like I’ve read a lot of so-so books lately and this one really grabbed me right from the start and kept my attention the whole time. I definitely recommend it to fans of darker mysteries.

Overall Rating (out of 5): 4 Stars

OMFG! I read this book in just over a day! And if life didn't intrude (LOL) I would have read it in almost one sitting. In a market flooded with thrillers this, overall, felt fresh in concept/plot.. Although I admit to figuring out some of the twists early on, there was still a bit of a punch at the end. The writing was sharp and engaging and I rooted for Geo despite her not being all that perfect/nice. I liked this book so much, I want to seek out the author's backlist.

This is the first book of Jennifer Hiller's I have read and it definitely won't be the last.
Jar of Hearts is a book that was impossible to put down. For anyone who is into thrillers, you will love this book. It is full of twists, turns and the unexpected.

Geo is a woman who seems to have it all- great job, great fiancé, and more money than she knows what to do with. But she has been harboring a secret that has been haunting her 14 years of her life. When the truth starts to unravel, the plot leaves you wanting more and keeps you guessing throughout the book.

I will warn anyone that the book tends to be graphic in parts but the graphicness only adds to the story. If you like Karin Slaughter, I strongly believe you will love this book too.

This book will be released on June 12, 2018. Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review of this book.

Georgina, known as Geo to her friends, is 30 years old and living a successful life with a bright future, when she is arrested for helping cover up a murder that occurred 14 years earlier. Her best friend went missing in high school and was never found. Now, her remains have been found and Geo's high school boyfriend is arrested. To complicate matters, the detective working the case was Geo's other best friend in high school. Geo is arrested for helping cover up the murder and sent to prison. She does her time and is soon to be released. When murders resembling those of her best friend's start occurring, Geo is pulled into the case.

The story is told from Geo's point of view. Geo is smart and strong. She has secrets from her past that no one knows and they slowly unfold through the story. She recalls her high school years through flashbacks, remembering her friendships and her involvement in her friend's death. Geo's life after her friend's remains are found is also told, covering Geo's time in prison and her adjustment to life after prison.

While the characters aren't exactly likable, they are well written and make for a compelling story. An intense and twisted thriller. This was a fast paced read that I couldn't put down.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first book from this author and I have to say, I will be checking out her other books asap! Jar of Hearts was a twisty murder mystery with a backstory. We jump back and forth in time before and after the murder of Angela Wong, through the eyes of Angela's best friend Georgina. Slowly Geo tells us what happened that dreaded night Angela disappeared and how her life progressed since then.
It is a twisty unpredictable story with an exciting finish! I recommend this book to all of my psychological thriller friends. Think Orange is the new Black but with murder.

Jennifer Hillier delivers another well written story that is intense and unsettling with characters that bring back the images of the sterotypical high school students. It brings life to the consequences that might happen if you let a man come between you and your friends.

OH. MY. GOODNESS!! Strap on that seatbelt because Jar of Hearts is a rollercoaster ride that will definitely play with your head. Alternately narrated by an ex-con and a headstrong cop, this book bobs between the character's high school years to the present time. I spent an awful lot of time alternating between "OMG" and "Holy COW" while travelling through the pages. It's the best kind of read when I have absolutely no idea where the author is going to take me. Oh boy, did Jennifer Hillier take me down a dark and dusty pathway riddled with branches and bones. I chose this book based on the cover and stayed for a story that has me placing this on my favorites of 2018.

Jar of Hearts is as much a character driven story as it is plot driven and you’ll be forgiven for thinking this was written by the King. Stephen, that is. Because it has his signature all over
First off, you should know there are no good guys in this story, I would even go as far as to say that most are completely irredeemable. That notwithstanding, when you’re in the midst of rapist, murderers and serial killers, you may find yourself projecting absolution onto the character whom you deem less evil, the thing is: they probably deserve none.

Secondly, Hillier leads then misleads and not until the twists are revealed will you then acknowledge that the clues were right there. After all,

“You see what you want to see, not what’s there.”

This is the story about betrayal of friendship, obsessive love, and incomprehensible evil. Hillier will have you on tenterhooks from first to last page and I loved every word of it.