Jar Of Hearts Book by Jennifer Hillier is a serial killer thriller book that was published June 12, 2018. If you love a thriller book that has twists, secrets, and follows a serial killer investigation, you will love this book. Hillier is a thriller author that knows how to deliver those jaw dropping twists and a suspenseful book that will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time.
The storyline of Jar of Hearts book follows the serial killer know as the Sweetbay Strangler. This story follows dual timelines so you could understand what happened years ago when a young girl, named Angela Wong was found dead. The mystery of why and how she died has haunted the town for years. People want answers as to why a teenage girl was the victim of such a gruesome death. Read the post below for more on the Jar Of Hearts Book.
This post is all about the Jar Of Hearts book.
Murder investigation. Young love. Trial. Lies and betrayal. What more could you want from a thriller book? Do you love a serial killer thriller book that will keep you guessing until the end? Do you love a book that centers around a serial killer investigation and trial? If you love unlikeable characters, a dark past, and dual timelines? If you are looking for your next thriller read, be sure to check out this book.
Synopsis
Georgina (Geo) Shaw is on trial for her best friends murder, Angela Wong. It has been sixteen years since Angela’s disappearance and her remains were discovered right by Geo’s house. Is Geo involved in Angela’s murder? What is she hiding about the night her best friend was murdered? So much has changed since Angela’s death and one thing Geo knows for certain was that that night changed the lives of her loved ones forever. Geo is ready to face her past and move forward with her life, once and for all.
Geo missed everything about Angela. Her beauty, their sleepovers, sharing secrets. Geo did not ever think that would be cut short. The big question is, why hasn’t Geo told her side of the story? What is she hiding? The family has many questions that they hope will be answered at this trial. The trial has a lot of anticipation and seems to be a long time coming. The family was left heartbroken and angry. They want justice to be served for their daughter. However, Geo has accepted a plea deal. This could mean the family of Angela will not get all the answers and forever wonder what happened to their teenage daughter all those years ago.
Disclaimer: SPOILER ALERT – Potential spoilers are below
This portion is if you already read the book do not mind a lot of spoilers, or want a refresher. If you have not yet read the book and do not want any spoilers, do not read the next section section yet and happy reading! If you have already read the book, let’s chat books. 🙂
Geo has to face her ex from years ago in the courtroom. The Sweetbay Strangler AKA her ex boyfriend, Calvin James. Geo looks at him across the courtroom and remembers why she fell for him. His good looks and charm could win over any teenage girl at the time. Also, most teenage girls do not listen when their friends or family tell them a boy is no good. If anything that pushes them further into the arms of the boy. It’s fun to date a bad boy, as long as he is not too bad… Geo is sitting in the courtroom and thinking that it is so unfair how Calvin has only gotten better looking with age. However, Geo is trying to stay focused in the courtroom and will no longer be distracted by her ex.
The questions from the ADA begin. Geo is ready to tell her truth.
Courtroom Cross Examination
Wow. This part in the book is intense! The way Hillier writes the portion allows for the reader to feel like they are in the courtroom. The scene describes the cross examination in depth. The scenes allow for the reader to understand what Geo went through all those years ago. If you are a lover of the shows, Law and Order or How To Get Away With Murder, be sure to add this to your To Be Read or check out those shows.
Geo After Prison
Geo served her time in prison and now needs to adjust to life after prison. It is a difficult time for Geo as many do not know how to act or feel around her. She lives with her father and attempts to pick up the pieces. Geo struggles as a new killer is at large. The MO is slightly different but the signs point to the Sweetbay Strangler.
Geo and Calvin
The story of Geo and Calvin is a classic story of an abuser seeking someone young and vulnerable. Calvin was in his 20’s when he met Geo and she was only 16. Geo immediately fell for his charm and became blind to who he really was. He slowly manipulated Geo and began abusing her in more ways than one. However, Geo stayed because she loved Calvin and did not want to listen to friends or family. In fact, she hid a lot of her relationship from her friends and family.
The Night that Changed Everything
While doing flashbacks to the past, Geo goes back to the night that changed her life forever. Geo, Calvin, and Angela decide to go to Calvin’s apartment to party. They are drinking, dancing, and having fun, When Geo has too much to drink, she passes out. She wakes up to find Angela and Calvin having sex. Immediate betrayal overwhelms Geo’s mind. She cannot believe her eyes and cannot believe that the two most important people in her life are betraying her in the worst way possible. However, as Geo takes a closer look, she realizes that her best friend is being raped by her boyfriend. Angela threatens to go to the police after her rape. In a fit of rage, Calvin strangles Angela to death.
The Cover Up
A scared and naive Geo has no clue what to do after witnessing the murder of her best friend. Geo wants to go to the police; however, Calvin threatens and manipulates the situation, as always. In the end, Geo believes that Calvin knows what is best and she helps him cover up the murder of Angela Wong. Geo buries her best friend with Calvin and attempts to put this day behind her. As a result, Geo lies to Angela’s parents about the last time she saw Angela and helps to search for Angela. Guilt overwhelms Geo and she confesses to the murder. The last time Geo saw Calvin, prior to his trial, he rapes and impregnates her,
Conflicted
You may be thinking, “is it really that hard to do the right thing?” In hindsight, it sounds simple, however, we have to remember that Geo is a teenager. Not only is she a teen, but she is in an abusive relationship with a serial killer and manipulator. From an outsider, it could sound easy to go to the cops and tell them everything. However, Geo felt that she was just as guilty as Calvin. Calvin truly made Geo believe she had no allies besides him. It is sad during the flashbacks to see how Geo’s life unraveled due to this toxic relationship.
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Conclusion
The story wraps up with Geo getting the closure she needs. On the other hand, Geo loses so many people in the process. She loses her son, the father of her son, her best friend, and her mother. Thriller readers do not expect happy books or happy endings. That is the fun of reading a thriller, for the jaw dropping element, raw and real storylines.
If you are a fan of thrillers that have a law and order, criminal minds, or serial killer documentary feel, be sure to add this to your reading list. Jennifer Hillier has additional books that are also just as suspenseful and unique. Jennifer Hillier knows how to captivate the readers attention and keep them guessing until the end.
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Similar Authors
Did you love this book and are looking for similar thriller authors to add to your list? Some thriller authors with a similar writing style and twisty reads include Alice Feeney, John Marrs, Natalie Barelli, and Mary Kubica. These thriller authors know how to deliver that jaw dropping twist throughout their books. Be sure to add them to your reading list if you have not yet read any books by them. Also, if you are looking for daily book reviews, book recommendations, or book talk, be sure to follow thriller book nook on Instagram and Pinterest. The links are at the top and below. 🙂
Happy reading! xx
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