This book was all about lies, right to the end. Georgina 'Geo' Shaw is sent to prison for five years for helping her high school boyfriend cover up the murder of her best friend, who would then go on to become the Sweetbay Strangler, killing a few more women. Upon her release, said boyfriend makes a grisly return in the form of dismembered bodies.
The beginning of the story focuses on Geo's time in prison. I found these parts to be interesting but strangely irrelevant to the story. It took up a large chunk of time that didn't eventuate to anything. When she is released the bodies began appearing, but there also wasn't much police work added to the story despite the lead detective being a central character. Kaiser Brody was Geo's friend back in school and still holds a soft spot for her. Another story line that wasn't fully fleshed out.
This brings me to the many, many flash back chapters. I found these the most tedious, not because they were bad but because I felt like I was reading a young adult book with a few semi-graphic sex scenes added in. Also, anyone who is triggered by rape scenes might want to approach this with caution but it's nothing too graphic.
The ending kicked the story into high gear. Geo sure as hell discovered her destiny and was destroyed by the beast of her own creation. It all ended with blood.
Overall, I felt like this story was very confused, like it didn't know if it was adult crime, young adult with a bit of crime thrown in or something in between. By the end it all made sense but I found myself not really caring. None of the characters were very likable and I didn't care what happened to any of them. An average read for me. I've enjoyed Jennifer Hillier's work before and I'll try more from her in the future.


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Jar of Hearts Hardcover – 12 June 2018
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Jennifer Hillier
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Jennifer Hillier
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Product details
- Publisher : Minotaur Books (12 June 2018)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 320 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1250154197
- ISBN-13 : 978-1250154194
- Dimensions : 16.51 x 2.82 x 24.28 cm
-
Best Sellers Rank:
663,647 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- 7,641 in Serial Killer Thrillers
- 11,494 in Psychological Fiction (Books)
- 16,993 in Psychological Thrillers (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
Product description
Review
Thrilling. --Toronto Star
"Jar of Hearts is a modern "Silence of the Lambs" without the liver and fava beans... compelling and creepily suspenseful." --Aspen Daily News
Jar of Hearts is a riveting story that readers will not want to put down... Murder, lies, grief, obsession, guilt, friendship and distorted love add up to make a gripping story. --Military Press Mesmerizing... Find a comfortable chair because you won't move until the last page. --Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel Engrossing...there's no denying her page-turner's grab-you-by-the-throat power. --Publishers Weekly There is a dynamite thriller-horror plot pulsing through these pages... Hillier has a Chelsea Cain-like ability to horrify her readers in a way that feels agonizingly real. --Booklist A gripping page-turner about crime and punishment, guilt and hope...this one hurts, and that's a compliment. --Caroline Kepnes, New York Times bestselling author of You and Hidden Bodies Intense and compelling, Jar of Hearts is a well-written blend of fascinating characters and a deeply layered story, which unwinds with excruciating intensity. This page-turner will grip your imagination until the very last, astonishing twist. --Chevy Stevens, New York Times bestselling author of Still Missing and Never Let You Go Jar of Hearts is harrowing and intense--a vivid look at the long repercussions of violent crime, with a central character you won't soon forget. Jennifer Hillier locks you in on the first page, and astonishes to the last. --Joseph Finder, New York Times bestselling author of The Switch We all have embarrassing exes, right? You almost feel bad for Geo, the slippery heroine at the heart of Jennifer Hillier's dark and twisted tale. It's just that Geo's ex turns out to be a serial killer. And, maybe, just maybe, she had something to do with his first murder; and, oh, that first murder victim was one of Geo's best friends. Hmm. I was hooked on page one. Hillier's masterful story-telling and compelling voice pulled me deeper and deeper. The plot only twisted and ratcheted tighter from there until I couldn't pull away. This is a smart, edgy thriller with lots of surprises. Buckle up. --Lisa Unger, New York Times bestselling author of The Red Hunter As dark as a storm-torn night and just as unnerving, Jar of Hearts will have readers gasping in shock as they tear through the pages. Suspenseful, gritty and utterly unforgettable. --Riley Sager, bestselling author of Final Girls
About the Author
JENNIFER HILLIER was born and raised in Toronto, Canada, lived in the Seattle area for years, and has just moved back to Toronto with her husband and son.
Jennifer is the author of Wonderland, Creep, and Jar of Hearts.Customers who viewed this item also viewed
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4.5 out of 5
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Reviewed in Australia on 4 September 2018
Verified Purchase
An insight into drug addiction! What a sad situation for anyone to have to endure. Hopefully a warning for all.
Reviewed in Australia on 21 August 2018
OMG, this dark, addictive, heart pounding Psychological thriller, will have you on the edge of your seat.
Hang on to your seat as you are in for the ride of your life. Jennifer Hillier has written a superb Psychological thriller, you won’t want to put this baby down once you start reading it, so be warned!!!
There are some graphic and vulgar scenes and some mild swearing throughout the book so proceed with caution.
Georgina (Geo) Shaw has it all, she is the Vice President at Shipp Pharmaceuticals, she is engaged to the CEO. She is happy, that is until her former best friend, Detective Kaiser Brody walks into the boardroom and arrests her.
The story starts with Geo testifying against her old boyfriend, Calvin James, (The Sweetbay Strangler), who is on trial for the murder of four women, including Angela Wong.
Geo, Angela and Kaiser were best friends throughout high school, well that was until Calvin James came on the scene. Geo was sixteen when she fell in love with Calvin James. The relationship took over her life, she put her schoolwork, friends and everything that was important to her including her best friends on the back-burner.
One-night changes everything, Geo and Angela go to high school party. That is the night that will define Geo and change the rest of her life change her life. For fourteen years, everyone believes that Angela has just disappeared. But then Geo’s secret comes out, when Angela remains are found near her childhood home. Geo is sentenced to five years in prison in exchange for her testimony against Calvin James.
Detective Brody believes there is more to the story then what Geo is telling. Will the truth ever be fully told? Will his feelings for Geo cloud his judgement?
This book had it all, and it has stayed with me long after I finished reading it. It’s a dark thriller with so many twists and turns. It kept on guessing until the end, there were a few things I did guess right. But, the ending is something that you are going to have to read for yourself. Let’s just say OMG!!!
I do totally love my Psychological thrillers and if you are at all faint of heart I suggest you stay clear of this one!!!
This was the first book I have read from Jennifer Hillier and I can definitely say that it won’t be my last.
Hang on to your seat as you are in for the ride of your life. Jennifer Hillier has written a superb Psychological thriller, you won’t want to put this baby down once you start reading it, so be warned!!!
There are some graphic and vulgar scenes and some mild swearing throughout the book so proceed with caution.
Georgina (Geo) Shaw has it all, she is the Vice President at Shipp Pharmaceuticals, she is engaged to the CEO. She is happy, that is until her former best friend, Detective Kaiser Brody walks into the boardroom and arrests her.
The story starts with Geo testifying against her old boyfriend, Calvin James, (The Sweetbay Strangler), who is on trial for the murder of four women, including Angela Wong.
Geo, Angela and Kaiser were best friends throughout high school, well that was until Calvin James came on the scene. Geo was sixteen when she fell in love with Calvin James. The relationship took over her life, she put her schoolwork, friends and everything that was important to her including her best friends on the back-burner.
One-night changes everything, Geo and Angela go to high school party. That is the night that will define Geo and change the rest of her life change her life. For fourteen years, everyone believes that Angela has just disappeared. But then Geo’s secret comes out, when Angela remains are found near her childhood home. Geo is sentenced to five years in prison in exchange for her testimony against Calvin James.
Detective Brody believes there is more to the story then what Geo is telling. Will the truth ever be fully told? Will his feelings for Geo cloud his judgement?
This book had it all, and it has stayed with me long after I finished reading it. It’s a dark thriller with so many twists and turns. It kept on guessing until the end, there were a few things I did guess right. But, the ending is something that you are going to have to read for yourself. Let’s just say OMG!!!
I do totally love my Psychological thrillers and if you are at all faint of heart I suggest you stay clear of this one!!!
This was the first book I have read from Jennifer Hillier and I can definitely say that it won’t be my last.
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Reviewed in Australia on 22 February 2019
When the beautiful, popular and successful Geo Shaw is arrested for her involvement in the cold case murder of her best friend, her life turns upside down. She is forced to confront her involvement in the crime, and deal with her guilt surrounding the murder, and the subsequent murders committed by her ex-serial killer boyfriend. The story moves back in forth through time, between, the trial, prison, post-prison release readjustment, and teenage years when the murder was committed. The characters are believable (and in some cases relatable) with a mix of normal, shocking and endearing traits. The young Geo and her teenage friends really capture the depth of angst, self-doubt, and the need for acceptance that we experience at that age. The story demonstrates the lengths that people will go through to support their dreams of the ideal, even when you know that they are wrong.
“Jar of Hearts” is the fifth by author, Jennifer Hillier, and the first I have read. It is a five star example of cross-genre suspense/mystery thriller and chick lit. The story has you captivated from start to finish, and leaves you wanting more. The horror of the murders, and details of Geo’s abusive relationship with the serial killer, is interspersed with her blossoming romance with a local Police Officer. There is something for everyone here.
The short chapters make it great for reading in short bursts (like public transport rides), but I dare you to try and put it down. This page-turner is well worth the read, so pick up a hard copy or e-book today.
“Jar of Hearts” is the fifth by author, Jennifer Hillier, and the first I have read. It is a five star example of cross-genre suspense/mystery thriller and chick lit. The story has you captivated from start to finish, and leaves you wanting more. The horror of the murders, and details of Geo’s abusive relationship with the serial killer, is interspersed with her blossoming romance with a local Police Officer. There is something for everyone here.
The short chapters make it great for reading in short bursts (like public transport rides), but I dare you to try and put it down. This page-turner is well worth the read, so pick up a hard copy or e-book today.
Top reviews from other countries

Christina McDonald
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of my top books of 2018!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 January 2019Verified Purchase
My write-in Goodreads Choice Award for 2018! I absolutely loved this book. Dark, tautly written with flawed and real characters, I couldn't stop reading!
At the heart of the story is Angela Wong, who was 16 years old when she went missing, not to be found until 14 years later. When her remains are found, near best friend Geo's childhood home, we learn that Geo is implicated in her murder. Geo soon begins a 5-year jail sentence, along with her boyfriend at the time, Calvin, who is sentenced to life in jail. But when Geo is released, bodies start turning up in the same spot as Angela's. Calvin has escaped from prison and the police think he's responsible for these murders too. Will he come after Geo next?
Told in 5 parts with 2 main characters, I found everything about this book engaging - the plot, the characters and the writing. There are some moments where Geo flashes back into the past, but it's done so eloquently as to not disrupt from the tension and forward movement of the plot. Plus it's set in Seattle (my hometown!), so obviously I loved that. :)
At the heart of the story is Angela Wong, who was 16 years old when she went missing, not to be found until 14 years later. When her remains are found, near best friend Geo's childhood home, we learn that Geo is implicated in her murder. Geo soon begins a 5-year jail sentence, along with her boyfriend at the time, Calvin, who is sentenced to life in jail. But when Geo is released, bodies start turning up in the same spot as Angela's. Calvin has escaped from prison and the police think he's responsible for these murders too. Will he come after Geo next?
Told in 5 parts with 2 main characters, I found everything about this book engaging - the plot, the characters and the writing. There are some moments where Geo flashes back into the past, but it's done so eloquently as to not disrupt from the tension and forward movement of the plot. Plus it's set in Seattle (my hometown!), so obviously I loved that. :)
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Tracy CompulsiveReaders
4.0 out of 5 stars
Jar Of Hearts
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 December 2018Verified Purchase
This is my first Jennifer Hillier book and certainly won't be my last. Jar of Hearts is a really violent, messed-up, twisted thriller which was gripping, unsettling, disturbing and yet compulsive reading... HOWEVER... it also has some really uncomfortable scenes and those with a delicate tummy or sensitive nature might find this book a step too far.
Having said that, JAR OF HEARTS, is a gripping page turner. The blurb above tells you about the book, so I don't feel the need to rehash it here. Personally, I really enjoyed reading Geo's story and the chapters alternating between present and past ensured I was captivated throughout.
My only complaint is that the ending felt too rushed and that I was left with one major unanswered question which made the overall story/twist slightly weak in my opinion.
Having said that, JAR OF HEARTS, is a gripping page turner. The blurb above tells you about the book, so I don't feel the need to rehash it here. Personally, I really enjoyed reading Geo's story and the chapters alternating between present and past ensured I was captivated throughout.
My only complaint is that the ending felt too rushed and that I was left with one major unanswered question which made the overall story/twist slightly weak in my opinion.
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Avid Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Story
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 August 2019Verified Purchase
An object lesson for anyone interested in the mechanics of great story-telling, I hope to write a book as good as this, some day. You can tell, from page 1 that you are in the hands of a master. And that is just what is needed to craft a convincing psychological thriller. Too many thriller writers lose control of their words; their plots never quite make sense; their loose threads never quite come together. Jennifer Hillier writes with the assurance of a master story-teller and, as with all her books, she steers the story to a satisfying climax with a firm, steady hand. There’s a great twist at the end that I thought I’d worked out, but I got it wrong! As they say on TV programs, this one contains violence, adult themes and scenes of a sexual nature, but it’s all in pursuit of a great story, a true emotional rollercoaster. Recommended.

Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars
A powerful story
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 September 2018Verified Purchase
Hits hard and she very powerful read
Well written and totally engaging although some parts hard to read due to graffic content but totally relevant to the plot
Jennifer Hillier is a wonderful writer
This is the third I have read and will not be the last
Well written and totally engaging although some parts hard to read due to graffic content but totally relevant to the plot
Jennifer Hillier is a wonderful writer
This is the third I have read and will not be the last
2 people found this helpful
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 June 2020Verified Purchase
'But it doesn't work that way. The past is always with you whether you choose to think 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 it and pretend it never happened, but that doesn't work. Geo knows that from experience.
Because buried things can, and do, come back.'
I can't quite express how much I loved this book. It is seriously messed up, but we all are at some degree, aren't we.
The story just grows on you. You kind of love and hate the characters all at the same time and this is what I loved about it the most.
Definitely one of my favourite thrillers I've read so far.
Because buried things can, and do, come back.'
I can't quite express how much I loved this book. It is seriously messed up, but we all are at some degree, aren't we.
The story just grows on you. You kind of love and hate the characters all at the same time and this is what I loved about it the most.
Definitely one of my favourite thrillers I've read so far.