Fast-paced story that follows two girls who are raised by a doctor at a private mental institution in Vermont. The story switches between the past and modern day where a “monster hunter” named Lizzy is hot on her sister’s trail after a slew of young women go missing.

The Children on the Hill is a wonderful blend of the mythos of Frankenstein, local legends, and the horror of the eugenics movement. McMahon’s latest mystery is full of surprises and twists and turns.

A huge thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this digital advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Net Galley and Gallery Books for the chance to read and review this book. The opinions expressed are my own.

Wow! This was really a roller coaster of a story! It involves monsters, a mental hospital and lots of secrets! I have to admit this book was so good that I read it in one setting. Even when I thought I had figured things out, the author threw in some twists and turns. I definitely recommend this book if you like stories that leave you on the edge of your seat. I plan to read more books by this author.

The Children on the Hill is a modern take on Frankenstein. The story flips between 1978 and 2019; in 1978 you start with 2 children living with their grandma, grandma was a surgeon turned therapist who occasionally brings someone home from work. This time she brings a little girl to be her grandchildrens sister.

Definitely a spooky, twisty tale perfect to cozy up with on a chilly autumn day! The characters were richly drawn and the scenes were impeccably described. I would recommend for anyone looking for a creepy thriller. Jennifer McMahon once again did not disappoint!!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Inspired by Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”, this was a PERFECT seasonal read for October.

First, I rewatched the 🍿 movie, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, and then I immersed myself into this CREEPY new book.

It’s 1978, and brilliant psychiatrist Dr. Helen Hildreth has brought home a child to stay at the Hillside Inn with her and her grandchildren, 13 year old, Vi and younger brother, Eric, and asked them to treat her like a sister.

In fact, it’s uncanny, how much the child looks like Vi.

But, Iris doesn’t speak, she wears her clothes inside out, and has on a filthy orange hat at all times, even at the dinner table, where she is also excused from saying the requisite “please and thank you”.

The children are obsessed with trying to find monsters. They have a monster club, and a monster clubhouse and they are even writing a book -

“The Book of Monsters” written by Violet Hildreth and Iris whose Last Name we don’t Know-illustrated by Eric Hildreth -and chapters of this “manual” are sprinkled throughout the story.

1980: A book is published-“The Helping Hand of God” The True Story of the Hillside Inn- the author, a young reporter named Julia Tetreault, Dark Passages Press, 1980

Excerpts of her account are also scattered throughout the book.

2019: Lizzy Shelley, is now the host of a popular podcast, Monsters Among Us (though we are not privy to any episodes)

The latest “monster sighting” has her returning to Vermont, close to where she once lived as a child, under her given name.

A teenager named Lauren Schumacher has disappeared from Chickering Island, shortly after she claimed to have met “Rattling Jane” the vengeful spirit of a woman murdered long ago and dumped in the lake.

Rattling Jane is pictured as a female shaped figure made of fish and bird skeletons, feathers, rocks, and sometimes even trash. She beckons to those on land with a small pebble in her hand, offering you a “wish”.

Some legends claim she is searching for her lost love-but others claim she is looking for her sister.

That is the story that Lizzy likes best-because she knows that monsters walk among us in plain sight-after all, one is her very own sister. And, this one could be looking for her.

The multi-layered story alternates between these four narratives but is told primarily through Vi’s eyes so be prepared to spend A LOT of time with a very smart 13 year old if you read this. There is lots of 70’s nostalgia, lots of ATMOSPHERE and the wonderfully descriptive prose, that we have come to love and expect from Jennifer McMahon. This sets up the story for the revelations of Lizzy’s 2019 timeline, which becomes more prevalent as the book progresses.

Though you will definitely recognize the nod to Frankenstein, don’t worry, this story is definitely original enough to keep you reading late into the night.

Thank you to Gallery/Scout Press for gifting me a VERY EARLY copy .
It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!

AVAILABLE : April 26, 2022.

Are monsters real?

In Jennifer McMahon’s latest novel, Vi and Eric sure think so. The year is 1978, and they are children...living with their grandmother, the esteemed psychiatrist Helen Hildreth. One Day, the caring doctor brings home a young girl named Iris. Iris is not like other girls, but Vi and Eric latch onto her, making her an honorary sister. They even let her join the Monster Club...which now consists of the three of them. They’re writing a book where they discuss monsters and how to make them vanish.

41 years later (2019), podcaster Lizzy Shelley travels to a town where a teenager has vanished...after the young woman claimed to have seen a monster. There have been similar cases over the years. Lizzy is determined to stay on top of this. She’s also very familiar with monsters…

...After all, her sister is one.

Inspired by Frankenstein, The Children on the Hill is atmospheric and richly written. I’ll be honest though. It took a bit for me to get into it. For one, it’s not scary. It’s also a bit more PG-13 than I expected.

However, I was quickly entranced with figuring out the mysteries of past and present, and McMahon is a master at eloquent prose and gripping plots. I never read or saw all of the original Frankenstein, but I know enough. Using that background was a clever touch. Even though I guessed one major twist early on, there were still a couple surprises in store.

Overall, this is an entertaining mystery that really won me over. I hope fans of the genre will be impressed, and rightly so. A captivating read and a faboosh match with fall weather, wine, and candles...but let’s be real: I’m about the wine and candles life all year long!

3.5 stars rounded up.

Thank you to Gallery/Scout Press and Edelweiss for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Expected Publication Date: 4/26/22.

Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com

Thank you very much Gallery Books for this eARC!

And here we all thought The Children on the Hill was a phenomenal story?!

1978: Eric and Violet lived with their adoring grandmother sadly after an accident killed their parents. They were proper, precocious, courteous kids.
Who admired their grandmother, Dr. Hildreth. Who was a prominent psychiatrist and the Director of Hill House, which is a treatment center for mentally ill patients.

Grandmother brought home one of her kid patients, named Iris, she told Violet and Eric
to watch her and play with her.
Violet is over the moon to to have a new found friend.
But this poor girl is scared and regressive!
They invite Iris to join their Monster Club where they write down ways to chase monsters.
Not long after Iris begins to grow more comfortable.
The three kids do everything together now.
But suddenly Violet grows very suspicious about Hill House and takes it upon herself to explore. What she uncovers is so disconcerting that she ends up leaving her life forever!

2019: Lizzy the host of Monsters Among Us, is an route to Vermont, a young girl has been taken and people in town has seen a monster! Which has this town in turmoil.
Dizzy knows better than anyone that monsters are very real because she one of them is her very own sister.

This dark, twisted, chilling, gothic feel was an exquisite read!
A well written, character driven book! That had me so engrossed and captivated I didn't want to put my kindle down! Actually I don't think I did! Maybe three-four times?
This is such a damn good read and it truly shows just how talented McMahon really is!
She can present a suspicious story that's very satisfyingly.
Her characters were engaging and prodigious.
This book ultimately hooked me and devoured me!
And I loved every second of it!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Thank you so much publisher, NetGalley and Author for this wonderfully done book!
I will post to my platforms closer to pub date!

I was expecting a supernatural twist from Jennifer McMahon, but what this book delivered was so much more haunting. Artfully told from multiple points of view and multiple points in time, this story's conclusion was both satisfying and heart-rending.

Loved this book! Loved everything about it - the pacing, the story, the characters, the setting, even the jumping back and forth between past and present. Just when I thought I had it figured it out, big twist! This is a must read for 2022. Very well done. This is one you don't want to start at bedtime because you won't be able to put it down until you finish it.

Anyone who reads this won't be disappointed.

Thank you #netgalley and #gallerybooks 'gallery/scoutpress for the eARC.

Thanks to Gallery/ Scout, NetGalley and Jennifer MaMahon for an advanced copy.

There hasn’t been a book by Jennifer McMahon that I didn’t enjoy, and this one is no different. I look forward to read more from this author.

Jennifer McMahon never disappoints . A modern take on Frankenstein this book will keep you guessing until the end . Two storylines :in 1978 two children whose parents died in an Car accident live with their grandmother at the Inn where she used not quite convention methods for treating her patients . She brings them home a new sister with an unknown background . A delicious twist at the end this novel is an all nighter

My thanks to Gallery/Scout Press, Jennifer McMahon and Netgalley.
There was just something special about this story. I usually have a few things to say, but I think I'm going to shut it!
This is a book that shouldn't be reviewed. I 👍. I 👎 No opinions and no insight.
This is my third Jennifer McMahon book. I have rated the others at 4 stars. This gets them all!
The woman can write!
This one sealed the deal. That's the deal that means McMahon is on my Kindle list!
She's got a few. I should probably reconnect with my library!

Dark and chilling with a modern gothic vibe, this was an excellent October read! An interesting take on the classic story of Frankenstein, asking the question, with the knowledge of genetics, psychiatry, and neuroplasticity, can we make more realistic version of Frankenstein? Can we tame the darkness that lives inside? Highly recommended to those who love gothic tales and classic monster legends. #thechildrenonthehill #jennifermcmahon #netgalley #goodreads

Two grandchildren, a girl and a boy, live with their grandma out in a remote area of Vermont on a hill above a mental health facility in which the grandma works as a psychiatrist. The Grandma was a surgeon turned psychiatrist. This is important as we get into the story and how it so strongly resembles Dr. Frankenstein and his monster in the original story many years ago by Mary Shelley.

The children, Violet and Eric, don't remember their pasts or their parents but are told by grandma (Gran) that they died in a car accident. They also know that something strange in going on at the mental health facility so Violet begins to get nosey. The story starts to unravel and we learn more and more about Gran. On occasion Gran brings home patients and they stay with her for a while once the facility has "done all it can do" for them. The story time-shifts from 1978 to 2019.

This story is different than I thought. I was anticipating more ghostly happenings but this is right along the lines of medical mystery and experimentation. That is all I will say about this portion of the story. Jennifer McMahon does a phenomenal job of mimicking the original Frankenstein story but has a special way of turning it into her own original and spectacularly different version. I enjoyed it and it does not disappoint. This book is perfect for this time of year too. Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC of this book. I always appreciate being given the opportunity to read and review books.

Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for this ARC!!

I was beyond thrilled to receive this advanced copy of The Children on The Hill by Jennifer McMahon. She is one of my favorite authors, and I am hardly ever disappointed in her books. This story takes place in alternating timelines. If you are a child of the 70's, you will be overjoyed with the many references to this era. It was kind of like a time machine throwing me back in time to days where kids had an imagination and creativity and used it to occupy their days. Our setting is Hill House, a treatment facility for mentally ill patients. Eric and Violet's grandmother, Dr. Hildreth runs the establishment, and is a well known name in the medical field. Eric and Violet spend their days curious about what happens in the hospital, which they are never allowed into. Violet and Eric also have a fascination with monsters, call themselves monster hunters, and have even composed a book together, full of monster illustrations and ways to kill monsters. Soon, a strange, wayward girl named Iris comes to live with Eric, Violet and Dr. Hildreth. We also have our other timeline, 2019, in which we follow Lizzy, monster hunter, who has her own podcast and tours the US searching for monsters after receiving reports of sightings from her fans. Somehow, Lizzy and Iris', Eric and Violets stories will intertwine, and I cannot say much more without giving any spoilers. If you are a Jennifer McCahon fan like me, you are used to the creepy, dark, eerie atmosphere in her novels. The Children on the Hill did not lack any of that one bit. The descriptions of the mental hospital, the haunting treatment rooms, creepy woods in the fall, and the descriptions of the monsters themselves make this an excellent fall read. The only thing that fell flat for me was the ending. It was a little off base with the rest of the creepy vibe of the book, and I was just expecting something a lot different. I was ready to give this 5 stars, and then dropped it back down to a 4 after the last 10%.

I've enjoyed Jennifer McMahon's previous works and was excited to read this one as well. The premise of the book - a mental hospital, a secret basement, a child with no past - sounds perfectly creepy and suspenseful. Unfortunately, this one was a miss for me. The creep-factor just wasn't there, and the plot line of patient-experimentation has been done before. There just wasn't anything new or exciting in this book. It wasn't bad, but it didn't live up to McMahon's other novels.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

So I love Jennifer McMahon - one of my all time favorite authors and I overall liked this book but not as much as some of her others. I don’t know if it was the pacing or what but it just felt like it was wrapped up too quickly. Overall it was enjoyable and I found the story and subject matter interesting.

McMahon delivers another spooky tale with complex plot and a richly developed atmosphere. The past and present are elegantly integrated to tell the story. McMahon masterfully paints vivid pictures through her words. Loved the detailed props, (Mr. Bubble, Jell-O parfaits, Sloppy Joes, Polaroids, Drive-ins), that took me back to the late 1970s. This goosebumps mystery is unique and thought-provoking with a couple twists I didn’t see coming.

Highly recommend to fans who like a creep factor and psychological suspense. Jennifer McMahon is quickly climbing to the top of my favorite author list!

Special thanks to NetGalley, Jennifer McMahon and Gallery Books for the advanced copy of The Children on the Hill. Release date is 04/26/22. #NetGalley #TheChildrenOnTheHill

What an epic read!!! Jennifer McMahon absolutely never disappoints!! The Children on the Hill is a mystery/thriller filled with buried secrets, family bonds, and long feared monsters.

Time hopping between 1978 and 2019 this novel follows Vi and Eric Hildreth, who after their parents were killed in a car crash were raised by their grandmother, Helen. Dr. Helen Hildreth is an accomplished psychiatrist who runs a center for the mentally ill. Vi and Eric have a very unique and idyllic childhood filled with exploring and using their wild imagination. Helen takes her professional and personal responsibilities very seriously and eventually opens the family up to another child in need, Iris. Iris is skittish and for reasons unknown to Vi and Eric, is without her biological family. Vi vowels to help Iris find her truth. It was from this point that I found this completely unputdownable!

Jennifer McMahon creates a addictive novels that will stay with you long after you’ve finished! The Children on the Hill is 5+++ star book that is most definitely on my 2022 favorites list! This novel would make a fantastic book club selection—I could discuss this book for hours!

I couldn’t help myself to start my review with this my all time favorite King of the author’s quote: “Monsters are real, and ghosts are real too. They live inside us, and, sometimes, they win. “

This creepy, heart throbbing, intense, dark, chilling story is such a great tribute to Marry Shelly’s epic classic novel Frankenstein meets Ryan Murphy’s AHS’ season two: asylum with the vibes of so much disturbing, old school Stephen King novels!

Am I fan of the author? Absolutely, I am. I swore to read anything she writes after finished “ The Invited”.

Her dark tone, her gifted way of creating layered, unreliable, traumatized characters, the remarkable and riveting pacing, the way of her blending the different genres into an intriguing, mind bending, extremely smart story and well execution of entire thrilling elements with a jaw dropping conclusion, a quiet stunning summary of basic formula she used to create her magnificent novels!

It’s too hard to write a review for this story without giving much away or any major spoilers.

Firstly I have to admit: I loved this book so much! It scared the living daylights out of me! I couldn’t put it down and I honestly suffer from serious insomnia right now ! Because I lately work 12 hours a day for my latest tv project and instead of sleeping , I devoured this book at my spare time and I try surviving from this busy work day with less than a hour sleep. Is it worth it ? Absolutely! It’s worth to sleepless one week! ( not two because I don’t want to look like Christian Bale from Mechanist movie)

There are two story lines: 1978 the events take place : an eerie treatment center located in picturesque Vermont founded by Dr. Helen Hildreth who reminds us Heinrich Himmler (whoshallnotbenamed ‘s right hand man) working on a little unusual and unconventional methods to treat her patients, living with her two poor grandchildren who are the survivors of car accident has taken their parents’ lives. One day she brought one of her young patient in her thirties named Iris who is wearing ugly orange hat, shy, reserved, scared, not talking. Her dear grandchildren Violet ( one of our thirteen years old, extra smart, observant for her age: who is also one of the narrators of the story) and Eric ( future’s veterinarian, caring any kind of wounded animal) take this lonely and weird girl under their wings, adding her to their mysterious Monster Club the special gathering they practice their rituals at each new and full moon cycles to catch the different kinds of monsters including ghouls, werewolves, shapeshifters, vampires etc. and write a book about them with the help of Eric’s special monster illustrations. But something earth shattering happens too them : we don’t know what exactly.

On the other time line (2019) we met Lizzy Shelley who is famous podcaster of Monsters among us travels to Vermont after hearing about another missing girl. And unfortunately she’s not the only one who vanished into thin air. For years there’s a pattern about missing girls whom nobody heard of after they’ve gone. She knows that there’s a monster out there from her past: the same monster hunts those girls and this monster will never intend to stop till she catches her!

There is a very delicious twist near the end that I didn’t see it coming and overall: the heart pounding, breath taking, soul shaking mystery keep my attention intact. The surprising conclusions ( more than one) were smart, unexpected, well executed!

No more words! I loved it! I’m giving five blazing monstrous, ultra exciting, another brilliant work of talented Ms. McMahon stars!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

4.5 stars rounded up!

In the late 1970s, Violet and Eric are two children living with their grandmother, a renowned psychiatrist working at a mental health facility in picturesque Vermont. One day, Gran brings home a child named Iris to stay with the family. Iris is silent, odd, and haunted, but is nonetheless invited to join Violet and Eric's monster hunting club. This brings Iris out of her shell, and she dutifully listens to Vi, who teaches her that monsters are everywhere. In 2019, Lizzy Shelley is a podcaster and monster hunter who is drawn to Vermont after a young girl is abducted almost immediately after reporting a monster sighting. Lizzy is determined to hunt down the monster. She should know better than anyone that monsters are very real: after all, one of them is her sister.

This was such a fantastic read! I have read a couple of Jennifer McMahon's other novels, and while I enjoyed them, The Children on the Hill stands above them as my new favorite of hers. The setting of this novel, both in the past and present timelines, is so atmospheric and eerie. As mentioned, this book features dual timelines, and I loved how they worked together. Since the past and present timelines unfolded simultaneously, I got to wonder how the past events would play out and eventually influence the future, as well as wonder who Lizzy is and what part, if any, she played in the past.

The plot, with its twists and turns, was creative and well-written, illustrating that McMahon knows exactly how to execute a suspense novel successfully. The characters were intriguing, and overall I was captivated by the story. This examines how monsters can look different, what monsters are made of, and ultimately whether or not everyone is, at least a little bit, monstrous.

Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review. The Children on the Hill releases 04/26/22!