I love the way Jennifer McMahon writes, atmospheric and beautiful. The plot of this one was not quite as compelling to me as the Drowning Kind, but still a beautiful ride. I am off to explore this author's backlist and can't wait for her next book.

I enjoyed this book but not quite as much as I thought I would, and I don't think I can explain why. But overall it was an enjoyable story about the monsters that can live among us. I was interested to see how the story went and the end wrapped it up nicely for me

I had high hopes for this novel and it totally fell flat. I'm not sure if it was the narration (I didn't really like the narrator) or just the lackluster story, but it took me a while to get interested in the story and I really never got very invested.

Much of the twist felt obvious to me and getting to the reveal felt a little slow and painful. I felt like the first 20% of the story was building up a history but not super relevant to the story. I had no interest in Lizzie's "monster hunting" gig and almost wished the story only focused on the 1978 timeline.

The narrator was fine but didn't engage me and honestly annoyed me at times. I hated her voice for the monster and wanted to shut the audio off when she played Eric.

This is one of those books that I can't quite put my finger on why I didn't like it. It wasn't bad. It just wasn't that good.

Thank you to Gallery and NetGalley for the copy.

Jennifer McMahon's books have become an easy recommendation for readers who like thrillers with a bit of horror. This book did not disappoint. Partially set in a psychiatric hospital, this novel has all the creepy vibes. It's a story about monsters with inspiration from Frankenstein. It flips back and forth between the past and present day. and is a page turner. I thoroughly enjoyed this one.

I went into this book expecting a thriller. I would say this one is definitely more mystery/horror. I thought the plot of this book was very good. It had definite potential. However, I do not think it was well executed and fell a little flat for me. I really liked the creepy house/hospital vibes. The medical experimentation was unique and I enjoyed that aspect. I also enjoyed the monster aspect, I did find it a little strange that a woman in her mid fifties would still be hunting monsters but that’s besides the point. The ending is what really saved this one for me. Without giving anything away, let’s just say it was very unexpected. This is a great October read if you’re looking for a slow burn.

Monsters were not at all what I expected from this book, but it was the perfect spooky October read! Now I do see that the description says inspired by Frankenstein.

This book was so enjoyably unique, combining aspects of both thriller and horror. The timeline was split between Vi's POV as a child and Lizzie's POV as an adult, and both were equally interesting. Usually I'm more drawn to one than the other. While I did guess the twist early on, it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story.

I loved the children in the past--Vi and Eric were so creative and interesting. They welcomed Iris into their family with open arms and taught her the ways of their Monster Club. I loved the chapters of the book they wrote scattered throughout the novel--my brother and I wrote a similar manual about dinosaurs when we were little, so that brought back some fun nostalgia for me.

If you're looking for a Halloweeny book about monsters, you've come to the right place!

The first time I remember feeling scared by a monster was when I was five years old. Ironically, it was The Invisible Man. Not much to see there, you say? It was a few minutes of a movie on TV that I was not supposed to be watching, something having to do with clothes running around without a person wearing them. A scary business, but hey, I was only five! Anyway, werewolves, vampires, and their ilk have never sent chills down my rickety old spine. The Picture of Dorian Gray gave me the shudders, as do clowns.

But there are other kinds of monsters out there in the world. Learn it now, or learn it later. You need to know. Do not assume anything. Be ever on the alert. Monsters walk amongst us. They do.

Thank you Netgalley for the advance reader copy of The Children on the Hill by Jennifer McMahon in exchange for an honest review. This book started as a slow burn promising wonderful things and it didn't disappoint. A true homage to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Beautiful, intriguing storyline about the creation of self and how nature/nurture and science play into it. I loved reading about Vi, Eric, Gran and Iris. This was a beautiful new spin on an old tale. I am definitely going to have to read more by Jennifer McMahon.

There's something about Jennifer McMahon books that just WORK for me. Her latest, "The Children on the Hill," is a Frankenstein inspired mystery that weaves in its horror elements to great effect. Like many of McMahon's novels, this one is a dual timeline story that involves a missing girl. At this point, you'd think that McMahon's stock set-ups would be getting a little old, but she finds ways to reinvent them and explore new themes and genres with each novel. A fun, twisty read that's perfect for the cooler months.

This book was the perfect blend of spooky and mystery. Books that center around mental illness can be triggering for some, but they tend to be catnip for me. I found this fascinating and unputdownable!

I enjoyed this book quite a lot. I believe this is my favorite Jennifer McMahon title so far. I liked the perspective shifts and I liked the twists and turns. This book definitely had me looking for clues and making predictions, which I love. It wasn't always completely believable/realistic, but I enjoy books that leave some room for the unbelievable. I feel like this book could have a follow up, and I would read it if one came out.

This book was everything I wanted it to be. It had me turned pages without even realizing. It was so good!

Another slow burning mystery that is darker than it looks. Jennifer McMahon always manages to creep me out while also making me want to live inside her stories and The Children on the Hill is no exception.
She really excels at writing stories that take place in the past with secrets brought to light in the future with twists that sneak up on you.

I loved the homage to Frankenstein and the sisters twisted relationship.

A crackerjack story with a bit of a disappointing end, for me. I enjoyed the subtle nod to Frankenstein, the twist was well done, but some of the characters fell a bit by the wayside and I felt it was missing a bit of the emotional payoff I was expecting.

A great book with a sinister underlying message. The monsters are everywhere and they may be who you least expect. Such a great book for the spooky season!

The Children on the Hill is a creepy, haunting read. It follows two timelines, the first is 1978 and is told from the perspective of Vi, a 13 year old girl who lives with her brother and grandmother. Gran, is a doctor at the Inn next door that takes care of mentally ill patients. Vi and her brother Eric are homeschooled and mostly keep to themselves. They love monster movies and are creating a monster hunting book. Gran introduces them to a new girl who is coming to live with them as their sister, Iris.
The other timeline follows Lizzy Shelley, a woman who makes her living as a monster hunter with her own podcast, blog and appearance on a famous monster hunting show. She's been tracking a specific monster that seems to prey on young girls and thinks she's finally caught up to it.
We also get excerpts from Vi & Eric's monster hunting book as well as a book written by a reporter about the Inn that Gran runs. You feel the sinisterness of the story just under the surface and the books pulls you along, desperately trying to understand what is going on in each timeline. Are any of the monsters real, or are people the real monsters?
I read this while on vacation in the rural midwest, surrounded by forest and it was perfectly creepy! Thank you so much to Gallery/Scout Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book!

I was excited to be approved for this book as I've enjoyed a lot of McMahon's previous books. While I did predict part of the "twist" regarding the titular children, this book did keep me guessing. I really enjoyed the interludes from the "monster book" and what it had to say about what we determine to be monsters in society. McMahon creates believable and specific characters who will linger with the reader for a long time.

This book was absolutely creepy and delicious. While not my favorite by Jennifer McMahon, I loved the aspect of centering the story around monsters - specifically, the allusions to Frankenstein. Told between two different POVs - then (Violet) and now (Lizzie) - you know something messed up happened during their childhood, and the book unfolds with a terrifying tale that proves, once again, the real monsters are humans.

It fell a little short for me only because it dragged a little, especially during the "then" POVs. McMahon's books are normally ones that I fly through, but this one took me longer to read. All in all, I still really enjoyed it!

While not my favorite of McMahon - that's reserved for The Winter People - The Children on the Hill is the perfect read for spooky season. Eric and Violet have a seemingly idyllic childhood in rural Vermont. They have a hidden club house, ride their bikes, go to the drive-in... But while they live with their grandmother, she is running an asylum, where all is not quite what it seems. There are two story lines, one from 1978 and one now, where Lizzy Shelley is investigating a small town monster. Creepy, intense, and eerie, The Children on the Hill will keep you up at night and thinking "just one more chapter."

An atmospheric and eerie novel that I have come to expect from Jennifer McMahon.

The book is about monsters. The question is are there monsters among us or are we the monsters?

Two timelines are relevant to the story.

In 2019, Lizzy Shelley is on the search to prove monsters do exist. She has a very successful podcast that has a large following. The latest monster she is following, Rattling Jane, is bringing her close to her home in Vermont. She can't stop feeling like she is being pulled back toward her past.

In 1978, Vi and Eric are children living with their grandmother, Helen. Helen Hildreth is a renowned psychiatrist and surgeon. She has a psychiatric facility, Hillside Inn which is having great success with patients. Then Helen brings home a new child. Her name is Iris. She wants the children to treat her as a sister. Iris doesn't speak and she wears a hat that she never wants to remove. Who is Iris and why is she living with them?

The more you get involved in the story the more you learn about these characters and what happened in 1978 and how it is all connected in 2019.

I enjoyed this one but not as much as The Drowning Kind. I like the detail of Lizzy's last name giving you an idea about the connection to Frankenstein. I think what was missing for me was more action or more of a horror/thriller vibe to make it a favorite.

Cliffhanger: No

3.5/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by Gallery/Scout Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.