4.1 - oh wow, this one was messed-up (in a good way!); definitely enjoyed the dramatic twist near the end - highly recommended for those who want a psychological thriller

Look at me! Reviewing a NetGalley title within the same year the book was released! Yeah, baby, I'm pretty pleased. It definitely helps that I was able to convince my Cocktail Hour co-hosts to pick this title for our August show. And that it's available in audio. 

Here's the Goodreads blurb, even though it's sort of long: [Removed for NetGalley post]


Despite the bad grammar in the blurb - which if I'd read before getting the book might have prevented me from trying it - the writing is good and the story kept me hooked from start to finish. The audio narration by January LaVoy was damn near perfect. Maybe even absolutely perfect. I liked it enough to actually google her and check out her website. Not many narrators inspire that level of curiosity in me.

So back to the book... I love that I didn't guess the big reveal until I was supposed to - nearly at the end of the book. It wasn't outlandish or bullshitty like some plot twists authors will use to foil all of us readers who start noting their guesses about the bad guy or plot twist very early in a book. It felt totally plausible to me and the actual reveal seemed timed perfectly. I didn't feel cheated but, instead, wished the story had gone on just a bit longer once I had that last bit of info.

For me, the book was really about the revealing of what happened when Geo was 16 and how the present-day case was playing out instead of the relationships of the people involved. Reflecting on it now, I didn't really care that much about Kaiser or anyone else besides Geo. Really, I don't think I cared much about Geo either. I enjoyed getting to know her through witnessing the bits and pieces of her life and experiences but I didn't really care about her. I was curious about her. I don't think that's a bad thing. 

Ok, I'm rambling now and my mind is moving into different directions so I'll wrap this up. If you enjoy mysteries with slow reveals and don't mind some flashbacks, give Jar of Hearts a shot. If you like audio books, definitely go for January LaVoy's narration.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for the ebook ARC because it put the book on my radar.

Fourteen years after he disapperance, the remains of Angela Wong are found and it turns out her best friend knew she had been murdered and never told anyone. She now has to leave her high-powered job and serve time in prison--but that might not be the only secret she's been hiding.

Good writing, engaging characters and some interesting twists. A good, page-turning read.

The past is always with you, whether you choose to think it 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 and pretend it never happened, but that doesn't work. Geo knows from experience. Because buried things can, and do come back.

It has been 14 years since Geo's best friend's disappearance Angela Wong. The most popular girl in school. The girl with everything. Money, looks, captain of the cheerleading squad. She could have anything she wanted. Now 14 years later, Geo is doing 5 years in prison for her part of the murder of her best friend. It has taken 14 years to move on from that terrible night. She is now a CEO of a popular Washington pharmauctical, engaged to the owner's son but now she sits at the trial of Calvin James whom she testifies against for the murder of Angela Wong and the murder of 3 other women.

The narration is time driven. It starts with the trial and the mysterious note she receives from Calvin as she is being taken away. A note that has heart with her initials and the words Thank you. Of course you don't know what this means. But you want to know. Geo's childhood friend Kaiser Brody who brought justice to Angela in his investigation. He has a love/hate relationship with Geo that is complex and filled with tension as he comes to grips with Geo's involvement.

That is not the only thing filled with complexity and tension as Geo fights to survive her 5 years in prison. You see what she is made of and the contradictions of her involvement. What hold does Calvin have on Geo? What was their relationship like those 14 years ago? During this time, Geo has reinvented her self to get over what happened and what she has become. This in itself makes this read such a character driven plot.

When she returns to her childhood home and where the death of Angela took place, another murder is done. However, the difference is a child with a woman. Brody is on the case, looking for leads and to save the friend that he couldn't 14 years ago.

Hillier writes her characters to pull you in the their head. Someone who can do something so terribly wrong that you can feel some empathy for. She writes to show their vulnerability, their insecurities and pain. How easily we are driven to go the wrong path but always looking for redemption. Will be reading more of Hillier.

A Special Thank You to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

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

Georgina (Geo) Shaw has learned all too well, that nothing stays buried when what was the biggest mistake of her life finally catches up to her. 14 years earlier Geo and her two best friends, Angela and Kaiser, stop at the 7-Eleven as they always do to grab some slurpies, only today is different. While there, they meet Calvin James, Geo and Angela are immediately drawn to the older more confident Calvin, 5 years older, and with a swagger that none of the boys at their school currently possess. Calvin is instantly drawn to Geo, though Angela is beautiful and alluring, to everyone's surprise, Calvin can't help but see something in Geo. Angela, used to be the center of attention, and Kaiser, currently secretly in love with Geo are none too pleased by Calvin's interest in Geo.

It's not long before Calvin and Geo become inseparable, the relationship becoming what some could consider toxic. A combination of jealously and possession are soon causing their young romance to come apart at the seems. Angela has never been a fan of Calvin for many reasons, but of course the biggest reason is that he didn't choose her. In an effort to accept Calvin in Geo's life, Angela suggests stopping by Calvin's place after a high school party turns out to be a bore. If only Angela could have realized that this decision would be the worst decision she's ever made, and it would ultimately be her last.

It's 14 years before the truth about that night finally comes to the surface, figuratively and literally. Geo is faced with the truth of what she and Calvin have done. She's faced with the harsh reality that she's not the person she's been pretending to be, her pure heart died right along with Angela that night.

"Living a life that isn't meant for you is its own version of hell."

This is my first Jennifer Hillier novel, and I have to say, I enjoyed her writing style. I will certainly look into some of her other work. While many scenes were not what I would call vividly graphic, she does an excellent job of providing the reader with the full picture. Meaning that sensitive topics are present and not glossed over, there is tact with it's delivery and somehow it all just works. The emotional state of the characters can be felt, it's raw and credible. The only thing that truly felt forced to me was the concept of the "jar of hearts" this doesn't in my opinion tie into the story all that well. It's meaning becomes not as significant as I thought it would be.

As far as advanced reader copies go, it's been a while since I've read one that has suffered so many errors. I highlighted 30 typographical errors, and then just stopped keeping track. I get that I'm reading an "uncorrected copy" of the novel, but to be honest, it does become distracting. I certainly hope these were caught before publication.

I want to thank NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Jennifer Hillier for allowing me the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for my review.

This was a wonderful psychological thriller with so many twists. The is the type of book that you want to keep reading and not put down until the end. The character of Geo was intriguing as she made some awful choices in her life but always seemed to have a few morals. I look forward to more stories from Jennifer Hillier.

Sometimes I feel like a freak for enjoying serial killer stories so much. Add in that this book was based in Seattle, and you have a winning combination for me!

It was a quick read that I tore through, and exactly what I needed after not loving the last 3 or 4 books I have read.

I can’t wait to read more from this author!

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Jar of Hearts is a dark and twisted psychological thriller novel that gripped me right from the beginning. A definite page-turner that will keep you guessing to the end. Superb writing, story and character development. I loved it! Can't wait to read more from this author.

I highly recommend reading this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of Jennifer Hillier's "Jar of Hearts" in exchange of an honest review.

A special thank you to NetGalley for an ebook version of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thrillers don't come much better than this one! It started with an intense courtroom drama that pulled me in and I didn't even know the back story. This book is broken into parts and each part is better than the one before. It tells the story in current day and also the back story of how Geo got to where she is today in her life. Masterfully written to keep surprising you up until the end. I am sorry that I didn't read this book sooner.

Yes! I love it when I get my hands on an honest to goodness psychological thriller. Jar of Hearts was gritty and raw and sucked me right in. Georgina Shaw, was young and successful businesswoman who was convicted of being involved in her best friend's disappearance. She is nearly in the clear when additional information comes to light, and it looks like she is going to be dragged down again.

I liked this! The writing was strong and the plot was engrossing. There was tension and well developed characters and I found myself getting invested in what was going to happen next. This lightly reminded of the podcast Serial, which is definitely a good thing. I'd read more by this author!

4.5 Stars

Wow! I was not expecting this book to be as good as it was! There were quite a few twists and turns as the story went on. And the ending was a little emotional for me, the hard decision that Geo had to make. I was a little taken back a little with it. But ultimately I was happy for Geo, she had a rough life after the triggering even in this book and I’m happy woh th way th book ended.

Overall I’m very impressed with Jennifer’s writing and look forward to reading more of her work!

From the moment I started reading Jar of Hearts, I was on edge (in a good way).  The writing is strong and often gritty.  The plot is tense and moves at a good clip.  The characters are haunted and frequently do the wrong thing...even when they're supposed to be the good guys.  I don't often find binge-worthy books, but this one kept me reading.

Like I said, Jar of Hearts is a gritty book and oftentimes an uncomfortable one.  There are murders and dismemberments.  There are fraught sexual situations between a sixteen-year-old girl and an older, more dangerous man.  There are toxic relationships galore.  Luckily, however, nothing was too over the top for me as I tend to be a squeamish reader.  There was also no actual jar of human hearts in the novel.  Still, as I turned the pages, I kind of expected to run across one.

Surprisingly, I didn't really like the main character.  Although she isn't completely without merit, Georgina, aka Geo, is tough and does what she needs to survive.  I didn't hate her; I just didn't trust her.  Kaiser, Geo's long-time friend, was better, but he too made some poor choices.  Yet, even though these characters weren't perfect, I was invested in them both and I did want the best for them.

The worst part of the book was the epilogue.  It was needed to be sure, but the tone of it didn't match the rest of the book.  It was too sunny and bright.  Having something cast a shadow at the end would have been better in my opinion.

Overall, though, Jar of Hearts was a fantastic thriller.  I give it a solid four out of five stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the review copy.

First but certainly not last book I will read by Jennifer Hillier. This was an excellent psychological thriller. I could not turn the pages fast enough.

3 high school best friends; Angela is missing, Geo knows what happened and Kai is out in the cold missing his friends. Now adults, Angela is murdered, Geo is an accessory and Kai is searching for the truth.

This book is dark and often disturbing. The plot will draw you in; not so much as a who done it but more with an eagerness to follow the characters to the end of their brutal journey.

Read this book if you like a fast moving, well written book. It is at times disturbing but that's part of what makes it and intense book you will not want to put down,

Wow! This book grabbed me from the first page and didn't let go. Fantastic pacing, memorable characters and full-out action. Just wonderful. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy and was privileged to do so. #JarOfHearts #NetGalley

I found this to be a very emotional read and felt torn in so many directions. Georgina (aka Geo) Shaw, a top executive in a firm, testifies in court about a heinous crime. She dispassionately relays her involvement in the murder of her best friend Angela with her boyfriend, Calvin that had occurred fourteen years ago. When Angela's body turns up Geo is punished. It is as if Geo distanced herself from the event fourteen years ago and moved on with her life as if nothing had happened. In some strange way, she managed to compartmentalise her life. Was her objective testimony accurate? A five-year jail sentence and we get an insight into the reality of prison. It's easy to understand why Geo didn't do what she should have done at the right time but justifying what she did isn't possible. Kaiser is the detective and close friend from school. He has loved her from a distance for almost a lifetime. What was so poignant for me is that despite what Geo did I couldn't help liking her but it fluctuated as the layers of the plot are uncovered. There is so much good in her and so much steel. It illustrates clearly how vulnerable the teenage years can be by making the wrong decisions and choosing the wrong company. The repercussions can be horrendous as they were in this case. There are some solid, likeable characters in this novel. The ending had me reeling as it was so unexpected. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a fantastic read.

Jennifer Hillier is a new to me author. JAR OF HEARTS is a dark and edgy thriller with some harsh subject matter such as the realities of prison life and what makes a serial killer. The characters are unsympathetic and twisted, but that doesn't stop a reader from becoming curious as to what makes these sad souls tick. A very intense and well written read with a shocking weird ending and I will be checking out more stories from this author.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity and I have given my honest opinion

First I would like to say that the song “Jar of Hearts” by Christina Perri is one of my FAVORITE song of hers. Second the book Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier in my opinion is a pretty good book but the ending is not best. I was given this book as an ARC but that does not effect or influence this review in anyway. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a semi thrilling contemporary novel.

When I read the summary of what the book is about I thought it was interesting, however, when I first started reading it I could not get into it. I will admit that I only read maybe the first ten pages then stopped because I was way to busy to give the book my attention. But, when I picked it up again I pushed on until I got to the first fifty pages of the book. I was intrigued to say the least. It was kind of a slow start but it did get better the longer I read. Then I could not wait to get to end to find out what happened because there were so many unanswered questions. The closer you get to the end though the more answers you get and things start making a lot of sense. The downside is that the closer you get to the end the story becomes predictable and cheesy, which is very disappointing.

I give this book a 3.5 star rating for many reasons which had to do with the ending of the story. The reason Geo did the things she did was not really explained until the end of the story. Geo lacked emotions which made her an easy to dislike character. Geo’s teen naivety was the excuse given for many of the actions. But it did not make any sense because she knew right from wrong and still chose wrong. I think that Geo’s character should have grown more throughout the story even after she did her time in prison. But still she made wrong decisions as an adult like not telling the truth about what happened the night of the murder. Again the ending was anticlimactic and unsatisfactory to say the least. As a warning there is some extreme violence and at least three rape scenes throughout the book.

Jar of Hearts is told in four parts and switch back and forth between two characters. The story takes place in Washington and centers around three friends (Angela, Georgina and Kaiser). Angela one day goes missing and is found dead fourteen years later. The story opens with Georgina Shaw standing trail for the death of Angela Wong. Georgina and her past boyfriend Calvin James killed Angela Wong and cut up her body and buried her. Geo goes to jail for her part in the murder. Calvin goes to jail but he escapes. Kaiser is determined to find him but he also keeps in eye on his old best friend and love of his life Geo. After five years in jail Geo is released and bodies start to pile up. Kaiser is convinced that it is Calvin and is more determined then ever to catch him before it is to late. As the story develops we learn about what happened fourteen years ago with Angela and how is found herself cut up and buried not far from Geo’s house. By the end of the story we find out all of Geo’s secrets and she decides to finally right a mistake she made years ago.

Summary from Goodreads:

"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 she was sixteen years old, Angela Wong—one of the most popular girls in school—disappeared without a trace. Nobody ever suspected that her best friend, Georgina Shaw, now an executive and rising star at her Seattle pharmaceutical company, was involved in any way. Certainly not Kaiser Brody, who was close with both girls back in high school.

But fourteen years later, Angela Wong's remains are discovered in the woods near Geo's childhood home. And Kaiser—now a detective with Seattle PD—finally learns the truth: Angela was a victim of Calvin James. The same Calvin James who murdered at least three other women.

To the authorities, Calvin is a serial killer. But to Geo, he's something else entirely. Back in high school, Calvin was Geo's first love. Turbulent and often volatile, their relationship bordered on obsession from the moment they met right up until the night Angela was killed.

For fourteen years, Geo knew what happened to Angela and told no one. For fourteen years, she carried the secret of Angela's death until Geo was arrested and sent to prison.

While everyone thinks they finally know the truth, there are dark secrets buried deep. And what happened that fateful night is more complex and more chilling than anyone really knows. Now the obsessive past catches up with the deadly present when new bodies begin to turn up, killed in the exact same manner as Angela Wong.

How far will someone go to bury her secrets and hide her grief? How long can you get away with a lie? How long can you live with it?"

My Thoughts:

Jar of Hearts was just as dark and twisted as the above summary sounds! It was also a compelling thriller that I couldn't stop reading! This is only the second book by Hillier that I've read but I am truly hooked on her books at this point. She is fast becoming a must read author for me thanks to how much I enjoyed both of her books that I've read so far. One of the things that really has stood out to me while reading both of her books is how completely fearless she is when it comes to her writing choices. She isn't afraid to make choices for her characters and plot lines that I just don't feel like many other authors would take. It makes for such a fascinating read because as the reader I just never know what to expect. In this book especially I was constantly trying to figure out how everything was going to turn out. Because let's be honest here - it sure didn't seem like anything could turn out well for Geo after everything she had done. I really loved her as the main character! The past is something that she holds very close to her chest and we only get pieces of what happened slowly throughout the book. It gives her that questioning feel that I love similar to an unreliable narrator. I was always questioning her true intentions on everything that she did and her motivations behind it all. I don't think that it is too spoiler-ey to say that she keeps secrets throughout the book - as the reader you know that- even if you don't know what they are and why she is keeping them. It all just builds up layer by layer creating this building tension and suspense. I just couldn't get enough of it! I kind of guessed parts of the ending but that didn't make it any less horrifying or suspenseful! I literally had to force myself to slow down at the end just so I could take it all in. What a book!

Overall, this book was everything that I look for in a thrilled so I loved my time reading it. It had a unique premise which really made it stand out for me in the sea of thrillers and mysteries that are out there. This book had a main character that I wanted to root for even though I didn't fully trust her. It was dark, tense, and a page turning read! I will definitely be there for anything and everything that this author writes in the future! I believe I have a different book of hers on my shelves so I really need to bump that up on the TBR list. I would recommend this book to fans of thrillers and suspense. Be warned that there is some definite triggers in this book that may deter other readers. It wasn't always an easy book to read but it was one that I won't soon forget!

Bottom Line: A five star read for me.....enough said!

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher and NetGalley. Thoughts are my own.

I was very hesitant of this one at first but I said let's carry on because I was that curious! At first I was very dissapointed Geo didn't get more time and then when I read more I was at times sorry for her. When I got to a particular part that details her memory of the event she was put away for I was like, "bitch, you should've died in the slammer". Regardless to say, this was a very interesting and difficult read since I usually do not do the whole murder mystery genre but in this case I am glad I did.

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.