Prepare to be immersed in a world of insidious intrigue and creeping unease as you delve into the pages of "Wonderland." This gripping novel had me second-guessing every character's motives, with suspicions weaving a web of uncertainty that keeps you guessing until the very end.

Venturing into the scenic town of Seaside, we follow Vanessa Castro, who seeks solace from her own tumultuous past by assuming the role of Deputy Chief of Police. Seaside's lifeline is the enchanting Wonderland, a whimsical amusement park that conceals secrets darker than its colorful exterior suggests.

Vanessa's entry into her new position is far from smooth. Battling the resistance of a resentful police force, she's met with a decomposing body within the heart of Wonderland on her very first day. To complicate matters further, the man from her casual bar encounter the night before is now her liaison at the amusement park. As the plot thickens, another Wonder Worker goes missing, unraveling a chilling pattern of disappearances that have haunted the park for years.

Hillier expertly crafts an atmosphere of tension and mystery, drawing readers into the enigma that surrounds Wonderland. The narrative peels back layers of deception and hidden truths, keeping you engaged as you uncover the haunting secrets beneath the façade of fun.

As the story unfolds, you'll find yourself questioning the very essence of the amusement park and its residents. Are the smiles genuine, or do they mask something far more sinister? "Wonderland" is a rollercoaster ride of suspense that captivates from start to finish.

This novel delivers on its promise of an unsettling, gripping tale. It is a compelling reminder that appearances can be deceiving, leaving readers with the lingering question: Is there more to this funfair than meets the eye?

The story follows Vanessa Castro, a former homicide detective who relocates to the small beach town of Seaside, Washington, seeking a fresh start for her family. However, her new position as Deputy Chief of Police is quickly put to the test when a dead body is discovered at the town's renowned amusement park, Wonderland, on her first day. As Vanessa delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers a web of corruption and a chilling trail of missing employees that leads her to question the park's haunting past. The author skillfully weaves together an intricate plot that keeps me hooked from start to finish. The pacing is excellent, with each chapter revealing new clues and raising more questions. She created a vivid and immersive world, giving readers a sense of being right there with Vanessa as she uncovers the park's dark secrets. Eunice Wong delivers an outstanding narration, bringing the characters to life with distinctive voices and emotions. Her ability to capture the tension and urgency of the story enhances the overall listening experience. Wong's portrayal of Vanessa, with her determination and vulnerability, adds depth to the character and draws listeners deeper into the narrative. One of the strengths of "Wonderland" is its well-developed cast of characters. Vanessa is a complex and relatable protagonist, driven by her need to protect her family while unraveling the truth. The supporting characters are equally compelling, each adding their own layer of intrigue and complexity to the story.

Welcome to Wonderland! ⁣

⁣Where it’s all fun and games, trips around the wonder wheel, hotdogs and cotton candy, and the clown museum ( 🤡 eek!) …unless you are one of the beautiful teenage boys who works there. ⁣
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Then you just might disappear. And sometimes, you die.⁣
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When Detective Vanessa Castro starts her first day at the Seaside PD she realizes that the rules at Wonderland - the only attraction in this small town that draws a profit - are different than the rules for the rest of the residents. But missing boys seem to be growing in number and all paths lead straight to park. ⁣
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But Wonderland is a happy place full of joy! Nothing sinister could happen here! (But ummm... hello, Clown Museum?!?!) ⁣
⁣
Super dark and twisty with all the disturbing Jennifer Hillier vibes we have come to know and love, I got so wrapped up in this twisted audiobook! It's one of those listens where you can feel the hair rise on the back of your neck and goosebumps tingle on your arms, while you’re constantly looking over your shoulder thinking someone is lurking in the shadows as the fabulous Eunice Wong perfectly narrates this creepy and riveting read.

Wonder Land
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Thriller
Author: Jennifer Hillier
GR: 4.07

I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.

My Thoughts: This book was originally released in 2015 but re-released on audio with a different publisher. This was set in a small town of Seaside, Washington. The book opens up in a dramatic fashion and keeps you guessing until the end. This amusement park keeps the small town afloat and no one wants to “rock” the boat, including the former police chief. The perfect atmospheric crime novel in a picture perfect small town.

The story is narrated by a few characters, from their POV. Vanessa, our MC, is not willing to look the other way in her new detective role, as others did prior to her. She follows her instinct, does this instinct lead to more sinister things happening at the amusement park? The characters were well developed, were mysterious, creative, and interesting. The author’s writing style was complex, twisty, suspenseful, and just brilliant.

The narrator was so amazing, really gave life to the multiple characters, with great voice variation, and just immerses you into the storyline. Jennifer Hillier has become one of my auto buy authors, do not even need to read the blurb, if it is by Hillier, I will buy it. The storyline was the perfect amount of creepy, chilling, and suspense to keep you engaged. This one did not disappoint, and I highly recommend picking up the audiobook! Even if you read the original book in 2015, I would pick up the audiobook to experience a different level of thrill and suspense.

Was not able to download in time so therefore am not able to review properly. So sorry about that but thank you for the chance.

Jennifer Hillier always knocks it out of the park. This audio book made me take the long way home from work and I had it playing while I did all my chores around the house. It was gripping, wild, twisty, and it kept me guessing til the end!

Jennifer Hillier does it again & in Audio no less. It can be hard to grab & keep my attention when listening to an audiobook, but Eunice Wong's narration of Wonderland was perfection! So far there has not been one Hillier book I haven't loved, but Wonderland is definitely in the top 3. It was expertly done & so so so amazing. The Wonderland theme park setting is unbelievablely creepy especially with it's clown museum that gives me chills just thinking back on it. If you're already familiar with Hillier's work then you will recognize Wonderland's main character Detective Vanessa Castro from other books. This fast-paced thriller kept me in suspense throughout & the ending had a wonderful surprise twist I didnt see coming. I loved it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for my copy in exchange for my honest review.

I had a hard time finding my footing with this one. I’m typically a huge Jennifer Hillier fan, but this one didn’t resonate. Ended up having to shelve it 40% in. I look forward to the next from her

I love Jennifer Hillier & this one was particularly unnerving- even more so on audio!

Hillier’s writing style is always atmospheric, effectively creating the sense of impending doom that permeates the story. The pacing is spot-on, and even upon reread the story is still suspenseful. Definitely a pick for spooky season!

Thank you so much Netgalley & Macmillan for the audio copy!

Another great novel by Jennifer Hillier! Her characters are always witty and I enjoy the candor in her books. I typically read everything by her as soon as it comes. Having an audiobook was different, but the narrator was likeable and the story had twists and turns. Her ending always leaves you speechless. Don't miss this one!

Thank you to the publisher for this ALC. This is a book I had heard about for so long and it lived up to its creepy theme park hype.

Ok if this setting doesn't immediately draw you in, idk what to say. But trust me, it will. The creepy attractions and amusement park along with the crime really made for a creepy listen on audiobook. I was truly kept guessing trying to figure out what the link between the park and the missing people was. This was my second Hillier book and I will definitely be reading more.

I've really liked most of the Jennifer Hillier books I've read, some more than others. This is actually an older book (2015) that was released in 2023 for the first time as an audiobook. And while it isn't my favorite Jennifer Hillier book, it was still pretty darned good. She's so good at creating seriously demented people doing seriously messed up stuff. And this time she sets all these demented activities in Wonderland, a popular amusement park in a small beach town on the coast of Washington state. It's atmospheric and full of characters that keep you guessing who really dunnit. The narration of the audiobook is quite nicely done by Eunice Wong. In the end, I found myself hoping there'd be a sequel - I enjoyed the main characters and wanted more.
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for providing a copy for an unbiased review.

I loved this book. I have recently discovered Jennifer Hillier and this really made me want to go read some of her earlier works. The book was suspenseful and the pacing was just right.

I really enjoyed listening 🎧 to this book, but I do think I'm one loves to see the words when I read. I really enjoyed it and I believe I'm gonna get the ebook or regular book and re read it so I can get the Total effect that I want and check out her other books. This is a must read!!!

I very much enjoyed this mystery, bordering on thriller. Having the setting of a possible serial killer's killing field be an amusement park is definitely a wild ride. Throw in the fact that the new deputy chief is a badass female who isn't bullied by small town politics and coverups and you have yourself a roller coaster of a book. (The puns are intentional)

Thank you MacMillan Audio for providing an audio recording via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This might not have been a book I would have picked up on my own, but I'm so glad I had the chance to listen to it.

Wonderland was my first book by Jennifer Hillier. I have seen so many friends rave about her books on the gram; and I will be reading more from her in the future! Here’s looking at you Little Secrets, Jar of Hearts, and Things We Do in the Dark.

The setting for Wonderland is fantastically spine-chilling! It doesn’t get more creepy than a theme park at night with a clown museum and a collection of dolls. Am I right?

Now while I loved the setting, it did take me awhile to get into this book. I kept putting it down, and picking it up again weeks later; however, once the story picked up, I was hooked (so maybe this was a me problem 🫤)

The narrator (I did the audio) did a great job! I, of course loved the thriller aspect, whodunnit (suspicious of everyone) and I’m always here for a police procedural. Vanessa Castro, deputy police chief of Seaside, was easily my favorite character, even though I didn’t agree with all her closed door choices 🥴

The twist/whodunnit reveal, did take me by surprise; as a thriller lover we live for this, BUT was it a good surprise?….. This one, unfortunately left me scratching my head.

⚠️ As always be mindful to check the Trigger Warnings, as this one has a few.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

All opinions are my own.

Loved and enjoyed the narrator completely. I don't think there is a single Jennifer book I've read that I have yet to love hands down. I will forever recommend this book. Deputy Chief Vanessa Castro investigates the disappearance of teenage boys with blonde hair and blue eyes from Wonderland. They were all working shortly before they disappeared. This was a very creepy read and kept me listening longer and longer. Since these have been a huge fan and have read all her books. I would not miss a book! They are all 5-star WINNERS. A huge fan, I anxiously await her next book, and she is so much fun to follow on social media. A TOP thriller author!

Very suspenseful thriller about a serial killer targeting young men who work at the town's main financial sponsor, Wonderland. Everyone has a secret in this town. The police have ignored everything and anything that has to do with the amusement park because it is what brings in the money and the tourist. Unfortunately it brought in something else.
Listened to audiobook for this and the narrator was excellent.
Recommend
Thanks to @netgalley for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

3.5 stars. I have really enjoyed Hillier's other books so was excited to read this one. I did enjoy this and was entertained but it did feel a little too simple or generic for a thriller. For the setting and events, it kind of lacked the suspensful creepiness I was expecting. I did like the theme park setting. I also liked the characters and that there were so many of them. Sometimes when there are a lot of characters, it can make the story confusing, but not in this case. It actually helped to keep the reader wondering who was the bad guy. I thought the narrator did a great job with this story.