Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier – A Review

Angela Wong’s remains are discovered after fourteen years. For fourteen years, Geo has buried the secret. For fourteen years, she has been waiting for the truth of what happened to her best friend to come out. When it did, the only surprise was the arresting officer—Detective Kaiser Brody. Geo, Kaiser, and Angela were the best of friends, until the events of that night forever changed the future.

Geo leads us on a fourteen-year ride, resulting in the knowledge that there are things worse than death.

This story starts out in the murder trial of serial killer Calvin James. From there it takes to on many twists and turns from that fateful night fourteen years ago through years following the trial, when Geo is finally released from prison.

The detailed glimpses inside prison walls and inside Geo’s soul are riveting. Is a person simply bad or good? Or is there a little good in the worst of us—a bit of evil in the best? Do we just see what we want to see?

Jar of Hearts is a fast-paced thriller filled with surprises. It’s also filled with a lot of foul language, some sex scenes, and graphic violence. Even though I prefer not to read those things, I was reeled in by the synopsis. The story held me captive to the very end. If you are sensitive to these details, do not read this book. Otherwise, grab it! If you’re looking for an intense thriller with strong characters, a terrific plot, and action from start to finish, don’t pass up Jar of Hearts.

I give this book five stars with an asterisk for language and content. If Hillier published a “cleaner” version, I would give it seven stars! It’s that good.

Available for pre-buy now, Jar of Hearts releases on June 12, 2018.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and contains my own thoughts and opinions.

Short Reviews of September Reads

From a psychological thriller to Jody Hedlund's Historical Newton & Polly (which I reviewed here) to a bedtime novel followed by a crime drama, I read a wide variety of books in September.

Huntress Moon (The Huntress/FBI Thrillers Book 1)

 by Alexandra Sokoloff

FBI Special Agent Matthew Roarke watches from across the street as a mysterious out-of-place woman catches his eye. Moments later, than same woman appears to be eyeing Roarke’s undercover agent as the agent steps out into the street and is killed. Soon Roarke discovers it might have been no accident.

His investigation leads him to find the mysterious woman fits the description of a woman present at other mysterious accidents, and a murder. Roarke’s hunt takes him from San Fransisco across three states and back. He is searching for the connection between the seemingly unrelated crimes. He is soon convinced that he is on the trail of a female serial killer—the rarest of all killers.

This tale was gripping! I enjoyed the pace and the writing. The story was believable and the MC likeable. This book has all the elements of a great thriller. I want to know more about what’s inside this woman, so I will likely read another from this four book series—perhaps all of them.

 

Take Me With You 

by Catherine Ryan Hyde

After reading a couple of heavy suspense novels back-to-back, I needed something lighter. I chose Take Me With You by Catherine Ryan Hyde. It is a very sweet bedtime story.

A science teacher spends his summers traveling the western states. On this journey, his RV breaks down, and it looks like it will cost him an important destination, until the mechanic makes him an unlikely deal.

In many places, the writing style reminded me of a children’s book, and a few places were redundant. Still, this book was a delight to read.

We’re planning on traveling those same places next year, so that made the locations of keen interest. It seemed the author had first-hand knowledge of some nice hiking trails. I’m planning to research the spots mentioned in the book.

The characters were more than likeable—they were lovable and hateable. This story of the developing relationship between a divorced man grieving the loss of a son and two neglected sons of an alcoholic, is a great bedtime read. It will likely not win an award for writing, but it is nonetheless a good story.

If you're looking for a great literary work, skip this one. But if you want simply sweet, this is it.

 

The Drop

From the Harry Bosch crime series

by Michael Connelly

Working old unsolved cases, Harry is given a ‘hit’—DNA from a 1989 rape/murder case matches a convicted rapist. The only problem is the 29-year-old convict would have been eight years old at the time of the murder.

Before Harry can make any real headway into the case, he is baffled to be assigned to a current case, and told it takes priority over everything. Why did his long-time enemy request his involvement in the investigation of his son’s death—an apparent suicide?

I had previously read The Black Echo, so was familiar with the Harry Bosch series. I had particularly liked the true-to-life feel of Connelly’s writing. This book was just as realistic.

The characters have well-developed strengths and flaws, giving them great depth. Connelly’s story flows easily, making the pace enjoyable to read. He includes just enough technical jargon to give the story an insider’s feel. Descriptions are detailed, but not flowery. There are plenty of twists and turns in the plot to keep you on the edge of your seat.

I plan to read more books in this series.

Do you tend to read mostly the same genre, or do you also like to switch it up?