Hooo, boy! This one was a page-turner! Jennifer Hillier delivers a well-written and gripping story with characters that are compelling and unlikable, but largely unforgettable in a story with twists that are both timely and seriously disturbing.

In every story, there’s a hero and a villain. Sometimes one person can be both

We start in the midst of a murder trial. Georgina (Geo) Shaw is testifying against Calvin James, her ex-boyfriend turned serial killer and the man who raped and murdered her best friend, Angela when she was 16. Geo has taken a plea deal in return for her testimony. What we’re not sure of is why. What involvement did Geo have? And why did she keep it a secret for 14 years?

In the middle is Kaiser Brody, Angela and Geo’s high school friend, now a homicide detective. When Calvin escapes from prison, Kai is convinced Geo knows more than she’s letting on. And when bodies start turning up around Geo’s family home (and where Angela was buried), he is even more determined to find Calvin, all while walking a fine line between his long-time feelings for her and his anger over what she has done.

Told in two points of view from both Geo and Kaiser, Jar of Hearts absolutely keeps you guessing. It’s hard to surprise a long-time mystery/thriller reader, but Ms. Hillier manages to misdirect and shock with skill, coupling her flashbacks with current events easily. It’s not a pseudo-thriller by any stretch of the imagination.

Jar of Hearts is definitely darker than your average offering and readers should be warned there are themes that may be triggering for some (including domestic violence and rape), but it’s easily one of the best books I’ve read so far this year.

Bonus: Read the first three chapters of Jar of Hearts free!