[Review will be published at Reader Voracious Blog on June 7, 2018.]

"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."

4.5 stars to this unputdownable novel. The narrative gripped me with its first sentence and captivated me until the very end. It starts with a trial, 14 years after Angela Wong was murdered by Calvin James. Georgina Shaw is on the stand at his trial, testifying to what transpired on that night when she was sixteen years old. After fourteen years of hiding the truth, Angela's family has closure. But the past holds many secrets and is more complex than anyone imagined.

The reader starts with knowing the end result, but not the actions that lead up to that fateful night or what transpired. This is a novel which navigates a dual perspective narrative masterfully, told in four parts in the alternating perspectives of Kai and Geo. Hillier weaves the past and present seamlessly with excellent pacing, giving the reader just enough information to keep them hooked as she slowly peels away the layers and revealing more about the past. A lot of times a dual perspective narrative winds up disjointed; however, it flows beautifully and is this narrative style done right.

"In every story, there's a hero and a villain. Sometimes one person can be both."

The character building was masterful. They are complex people that I learned to love, learned to hate. Even the smallest of characters have a depth that is palpable. Geo and Kai were best friends in high school, but Angela's murder drove them apart. How one decision can change the trajectory of your life, of the lives those you love.

"Everyone has a single defining moment in life, something that thrusts them irrevocably into a new direction, something that affects them at their core, something that changes them forever."

cw: rape, rape culture and victim blaming, murder, abuse, domestic violence

Everything tied together in the end, and the little clues that were sprinkled throughout all clicked just before it did for the characters in the book, adding a level of suspense and intensity that didn't feel gimmicky but real. The only thing I am left wondering is was the Shipp Lipstick shade a coincidence?! Like how.

This was an amazing read that captivated me and caused me to read past when I was exhausted, causing me to drop my e-reader on my face twice. It was that good! Highly recommend this one!

The first two thirds of this book is really good. The characters were interesting and engaging, and the story moves quickly. I found Geo a compelling narrator and Calvin a convincing killer. In the last third of the book things really started to go downhill simply because the author revealed the plot to be completely unbelievable.

*Warning - Spoilers Ahead**




When the lipstick used on the dead children turns out to be Cinnamon Hearts the first thought is that Calvin is somehow involved with someone from Shipp, which is believable. However, when it turns out to be Dominick, who is an 18-year old foster kid, how could he have made that happen? How could he even have known about this new lipstick or when it was launched and where? It's not possible (nor explained), and there is no way those could be believable coincidences. Also, when it is revealed that Dominic killed Calvin's children, it begs the question how he could have known about these children, and then found their mothers and adopted families? For that matter, what are the odds that Calvin got two women pregnant and they both chose to give up their babies just as Geo did? Also, if Calvin is so obsessed with Geo, why/how is it that he stays away from her for 19 years old reappearing in time to save her from their son?

At the very end, when Geo is happily pregnant with Kaiser's baby, its not only unbelievable, it greatly diminishes good feelings towards Geo. She, a convicted felon who just shot and killed two men, including her own son, with an illegal weapon. The odds of her not being back in prison are astronomical. Also, she has still not told Kaiser the truth about her part in Angela's death or what Calvin wrote to her on the day of trial (which we know bothers Kaiser) nor do we see her confessing that Dominick has been writing to her in prison. All of the sudden, everything is great with Geo, she seems to be over all of the trauma and guilt of her past life, and now she and Kaiser, a famous convicted felon and a police detective, are riding away into the sunset. It's completely unbelievable and is not the ending that this story deserved. I was so disappointed with the end of this book. It could have really gone somewhere.

4.5 Stars

"The past is always with you, whether you choose to think about it or not, whether you take responsibility for it or not. Your 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."

The past never remains in the past. The decision you make, the judgement calls, the impulsive actions, the good, the bad, the ugly, it can and will come back to haunt you. That is something that Geo (Georgina) Shaw knows all too well. When she was sixteen-years-old, her best friend, Angela Wong, disappeared without a trace. No one knew what happened that night she disappeared - no one was supposed to know. But Geo knew and kept the details of that night a secret. She'll pay for that - don't worry she will pay.

"This is the story of three best friends: one who was murdered, one who went to prison, and one who's been searching for the truth all these years . . ."

When Angela's remains are found near Geo's father's property, it becomes clear that Calvin James has killed her. Who is Calvin James????? He is a serial killer responsible for the death of three other women. It just so happens that Calvin was Geo's boyfriend in high school. They had an obsessive and intense relationship which seemed to end abruptly when Angela went missing (ahem was murdered). Kaiser Brody, an investigator for the Seattle PD who arrested Calvin, was Angela and Geo's close friend in high school. He is shocked and saddened to learn of Geo's silence and knowledge about Angela's death.

"Because buried things can, and do, come back."

Geo knew what happened that night but choose to keep what happened a secret. That decision is her downfall and she is sentenced to prison when Angela's remains are found. Upon her release, she is trying to start over and finds that is easier said than done. New remains have been found in the woods near her father's home and investigators are wondering if the bodies are in any way related to the Angela Wong murder? Who is the killer? Are the cases related?

This book had a lot of twists and turns. Just when I thought I had this book figured out, a new twist and a new turn, let me know I was nowhere near to knowing what the heck was going on in this book. Seriously, just when I thought I had a character's motivation down, a new secret or a new revelation would turn things around.

This book is told in Geo's and Kaiser's POV throughout five parts of the book. This not only helped moved the book along but kept things interesting - as in REALLY interesting. This is an interesting book because from the very beginning, the reader knows that Geo is getting prison time for keeping her friend's murder a secret. What we don't know is why? Why was Angela murdered? Why did Geo keep it secret? How was she able to go on with her life? How could she look her friend's family in the face? How do you live with yourself? Why do you lie? So many questions! The details of that night do come, and some are quite SHOCKING!

This book was a page turner for me. I seriously could not put this book down (nor did I want to put it down).

Thank you to St. Martin's Press Minotaur books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions in this review are my own.

See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com

Review I really liked this book. Is it perfect? No, but not many books are. Was it predictable? Yes, but I still enjoyed it. Was it believable? Not really but I can suspend disbelief sometimes if I’m really engrossed in the story. One complaint I have though is that I feel like it was a little long and that some scenes are unnecessary. All in all I think if you enjoy thriller especially ones with serial killers, then this book is for you.

Georgina (aka Geo) Shaw’s life has really turned around, since her childhood. She’s about to be married to a very rich, caring man, Andrew Shipp of Shipp Pharmaceuticals So why are the police here to arrest her in the Boardroom, where she is presenting to the Board, as VP for Shipp Pharmaceuticals. She knew this moment would come, but why now? As she is being led out of the building in handcuffs, she knows her life will never be the same. So much for the upcoming wedding as well. Andrew will never look at her the same again. This all started with the murder of her childhood best friend, Angela Wong. They were both on the Cheer Team at school, and were always together. Of course, this changed when Calvin James came on the scene. Calvin was an older boy and was attracted to Geo. He began to take over Geo’s whole life, to the point where her friendship with Angela suffered greatly. Angela suggested that since Geo and Calvin were together, she needed to become friends with him as well. After both Angela and Geo attended a party, bother were very drunk and decided to drop in on Calvin. Little did the girls know what was going to happen. So how did Angela end up murdered? How did Geo become involved? Why did it take 14 years for this murder to come to light? Why was her childhood friend, Kaiser, the one to arrest her? This plot was genius, and kept the reader on their toes throughout the book. The character development was superb, and the reader could definitely relate to each character. I certainly didn’t expect such a fantastic ending. I would have given this book a 5 star rating, but there were so many grammatical errors throughout the book. I had to reread the sentences, and this takes away from the readers experience. All in all, still a great book and look forward to the next one.

This was a well-plotted and well-paced book with dark, thrilling subject matter. I really wanted to like it more, but there were too many elements that were shallow and unrealistic. For a crime-based novel, the research into law enforcement procedures was woefully thin (a convicted felon uses a gun and suffers no apparent consequences?)

Because my mind kept tripping me up with this type of question, it was hard for my emotions to be fully engaged. There was so much to like about this book, but also so much that seemed superficial. I would classify it more as a romance novel than a true thriller.

(This was an advance reader's copy from NetGalley.)

Holy Cr*p!! This book was amazing. A very riveting, thrilling, page-turning read. When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it. I was literally taking 'bathroom' breaks at work so I could sneakily read it in the bathroom stall. If you are a fan of murder mysteries/thrillers. you will love this book. You are taken on a journey through a friendship that carries the undertones of a rivalry, a love gone wrong, and a cold case that is finally ripped open by the discovery of remains left over by a grisly crime. There are quite a few grammatical errors, which I'm sure will be corrected when the final piece is edited, but other than that I honestly could not put this book down.

Georgina "Geo" Shaw served five years for covering up the murder of her best friend in high school. She was a highly successful businesswoman, engaged to the CEO of the pharmaceutical company she worked for, drove a Range Rover and wore her Louboutins every day. But she waited, for years, until Angela's grave was uncovered and she testified at the trial of the Sweetbay Strangler who killed Ang all those years ago. Calvin James was Geo's first love and he was a bad man who went on to kill four more women before being caught. Geo serves her sentence and returns to her father's home when the killings start again. Calvin has escaped and Kaisar Brody, the cop who caught him originally, is convinced Geo knows more than she is saying. But is Calvin really guilty this time? Edge of the seat writing. Recommended for anyone who enjoys psychological suspense.

Had to suspend a lot of disbelief in terms of character behavior but I couldn’t turn the pages days enough. Intense thriller, great if you’re a Harlen Coben or Karin Slaughter fan.

Jar of Hearts is an intense read. Jennifer Hillier is known for writing twisted thrillers and this one falls in perfectly with her other novels. In some sense, I was itching to get through this one fast because I needed to know what was going to happen next. In other instances though I wasn't caring too much whether I finished it or not. It's one of those books that I loved while reading it, but didn't care to continuously pick up whenever I had to put it down. That's not to say that the book isn't good because it truly is. It just wasn't a particular favorite of mine. Regardless of my personal feelings towards it though I think many readers are going to want to read this and when they do, they are going to become entranced in the story. There is a lot going and the book isn't very long. So getting to the climax doesn't take very long. Also, the twist? IN.SANE. I loved it!!! I found it very unexpected (there are literally no clues leading up to it) so it hits you with a bang.

If you are a fan of Hillier's previous twisted thrillers, this is going to be one you want to pick up as soon as it hits the shelf. If you are new to her novels I don't see why this wouldn't be a good start to her work. It's a well written novel of thrills, crime, and suspense.

Now, about the story... Readers will meet Geo right as the story opens. She is sitting in a board meeting, doing the work thing, when all of the sudden, police officers swarm in and arrest her. But for what? She leads a perfectly normal life- good job, loving fiance, and no sign of trouble in her past. But something is coming back to haunt her. Something she thought was left in the past... Something she can no longer run away from.

Readers will learn throughout the story, what involvement Geo has in her friends death 14 years prior to her arrest. They will learn all the dirty little secrets she has hidden from the police, her family, and everyone else (except for Calvin, the "Sweetbay Strangler"). They will journey through the past in present (as the story alternates time frames) and understand what transpired the night her friend disappeared. Be warned, there are many dark parts. Talk of dismemberment, abuse, and rape are key terms throughout the novel, and readers will get a first hand account of it all. It's dark, twisted, and utterly enthralling. But most of all? Pretty disturbing when everything comes to light.

Jar of Hearts
Jennifer Hillier

A suspenseful thriller that will hold you captive till the last page is turned.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️▫️

SUMMARY
Jar 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.


REVIEW
JAR 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 Books
Publication Date June 12, 2018

Check out all my reviews at bluestockingreviews.com

I love Jennifer Hillier’s books! Creep and Freak are too of my all time favorites. This book is full of edge of your seat twists and turns. I finished it in one sitting as I do with all of Hillier’s books. But the endings are always well worth the read. Don’t miss this gem.

You can also find my review here:https://devouringbooks2017.wordpress....

"In every story, there’s a hero and villain. Sometimes one person can be both."

This was an incredible read. I have seen a lot of great reviews for it lately and I thought I'd give it a shot. I've read a lot of murder mysteries, but never anything quite like this. It is written in third person and the point of view alternates between Kaiser, a homicide detective, and Georgina, who is an accomplice to a murder. Geo's perspective is an uncommon one and it is done incredibly well.

The plot and pacing had me carry through this novel. There was a twist but I didn't see coming at all, but it is really Geo's perspective that makes the story stand out in the genre. Being able to relate to a character who did something so horrific isn't easy, but the character development was done so well that this wasn't a challenge. Even though Geo made a horrible mistake, there was so much humanity to her character that I felt bad for her.

""So who are you, then?” His tone is gentle. “An unemployed ex- con who has no idea what the fuck to do with the rest of her life.” It’s the most honest answer Geo can give. “And I’m learning that it doesn’t matter how sorry I am— and I am so fucking sorry— or how much time I spend in prison, or how many college degrees I have, or how much money I made . . . I will always be judged on the one, terrible, horrific thing I did when I was sixteen."

This novel held my attention in a way that I don't often find, even with books that I absolutely love. I didn't want to set it down for a second, and when I was almost done I found myself sad that it was almost over. I completely understand why this has been getting such great ratings. This was my first read by Jennifer Hillier, but if her novels are anywhere near as good as this was, I want to read them.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books for my honest review.

There were many twists and turns in this drama about a month missing girl, a serial killer, and bodies turning up after many years of quiet from said serial killer. The main character, Geo, dished out the details of the night her best friend in high school was murdered a spoonful at a time. Before the final helping was served, I had an idea what the mystery ingredient was, but the main dish was still enjoyable.

This is a solid thriller that kept me turning pages late into the night. Set in Seattle, the plot line veers back and forth between the story of today (high paid executive testifies in court against high school boyfriend who is serial killer, and then begins prison sentence) and the story of their high school days (trio of friends, one who is murdered, one who goes to prison as an accomplice, and one who is the policeman who investigates). Fair warning, this is not for the faint-hearted as some blood, gore, and violence accompany this telling of a psychopathic murderer who preys on young girls, and adds in small children to the crimes of today. The author throws in numerous red herrings to send you in a variety of directions; it took me awhile to figure it all out, but eventually the clues were all there. My one complaint is that the ending was too saccharine for my taste, too pat, and a bit unrealistic. And I have to say, as a Seattle-ite born and bred, it's annoying to read about a fictitious college - just use one of the colleges that are in the city as there are a plethora of them. Just my two cents.

The creepiness factor is definitely strong in this book- a story of a girl whose high school boyfriend ends up becoming a serial killer. There's also a sliding scale of who is innocent and who is guilty as the author blends current events with flashbacks of what really happened to once BFFs Georgina and Angela. Overall, an interesting, yet disturbing read.

I enjoyed this story. I felt it started a little slowly but it kept me engaged until the end. A few times it was a bit predictable but overall I appreciate the characters and everything they went through, The narrator kept me entertained. I’d read more by this author.

Wow, this was crazy good! Everything you want in a psychological thriller: dark, twisted, creepy, riveting, and so much more. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. Highly recommend!

This ended being an okay read. There was a point that I almost didn't finish it. I would probably read other books by this author.

This book will haunt me for some time to come. A brilliantly put together spine chilling story. Geo ends up in prison when her past catches up with her. Her older boyfriend murdered her best friend when she was at school and she helped to hide the evidence. Now more murders are happening and the police are convinced that Geos ex boyfriend is to blame and is carrying out these crimes to send a message to her. There are a few twists and shocks in the plot. It is scary to think of the crimes that some people commit. One of the interesting questions that comes from this story is, are people born bad or do they become bad? This is an interesting read that I would definitely recommend. I will be looking out for more books by this author.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.