Wow…so much to think about. One of those books where you want to go back and reread it after knowing the end. I haven’t done that yet, because I am still processing it.
Are there monsters out there? What makes a monster. Are monsters inherently bad? I don’t want to give too much away, but The Children on the Hill makes you think about good vs. evil, and what happens when the lines are blurred.

“The Children on the Hill” by Jennifer McMahon reminded me of an episode (or short arc) of one of my favourite TV shows - Supernatural. In other words, this book was an enjoyable one to read. This book has multiple timelines - past, present, and historical. The past timeline follows three children Violet, Eric, and Iris during 1978. Violet and Eric have written a book (or collection of notes and illustrations) of various monsters and how to trap or kill them. Some of their information is gathered from the horror movies they enjoy watching, but other things (salt circles!) seem like basic supernatural lore. One day, Violet and Eric’s grandmother introduces them to a girl, Iris, who becomes their adoptive sister (long story) and once Iris emerges from her shell, she too joins in on hunting monsters because monsters are everywhere. The present timeline follows Lizzy, a monster hunter, in 2019. I did like how Ms. McMahon tied the timelines together, providing both background and a feeling of suspense. I must admit that this book sucked me in pretty quickly, though some of the twists threw me, forcing me to re-read a few pages. A very enjoyable and fast read.

Violet and Eric lived with their grandmother after their parents were killed in an accident. They were smart, well-mannered, well behaved children. They adored their grandmother, Dr. Hildreth, who was a renowned psychiatrist and Director of Hill House, a treatment center for emotionally unwell patients. When their grandmother brought home one of her young patients, Iris, the kids were told to keep an eye on her and be sure she was happy and well taken care of. The three of them formed a secret monster’s club and wrote about and “chased” monsters. Though the kids were quite happy, Violet began to grow suspicious about what was happening at Hill House and took it upon herself to investigate. What she finds is so disturbing that she ends up fleeing for her life. And what she becomes is so confusing….you’ll need to read the book to find out.

I absolutely loved this book! Nobody could have convinced me that I’d like a book about monsters before I decided to read this one. It is so well written, so engrossing, and so twisted. I was captivated, truly captivated. I kind of wish there’d be a sequel, I think there’s enough low hanging fruit for one. Five stars!

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest review.

Violet and her brother live with their grandmother, the eminent psychiatrist doctor Hildreth, on the grounds of Hill house, a treatment center for the mentally ill, which her grandmother runs She’s known for cutting edge and compassionate work with her patients. One day Gran brings Iris, a young girl, who can’t remember her past to live with them. Thrilled, Vi and Eric, take Iris under their wing, introducing her to their secret Monster Club where they try to learn all about different monsters and watching scary films together, while teaching Iris the basics of life. But all is not as it seems. There are monsters who hide and monsters who live in plain sight.

McMahon consistently writes top notch suspense books and Children on the Hill is no exception. Set in 1978 and 2019, this thriller, psychological novel gripped me from the first page until the last. An excellent plot, intriguing characters to say the least, and I didn’t put it down from first page to last. McMahon is a tour de force.

Jennifer McMahon is becoming my favorite writer. She’s able to take interesting story ideas and turn them into a spectacular book. I really enjoyed the story and couldn’t wait to find out what happened. I particularly like how she leave together to time periods seamlessly.