Jar of Hearts

* Winner - Best Novel, ITW Thriller Award * Authors on the Air Network - Thriller of the Year * Finalist - Anthony Award for Best Novel * Finalist - Macavity Award for Best Novel *

An explosive, edge-of-your-seat read about three friends, one murder, and a whole world of secrets...

Angela was one of the most popular girls in her high school before she disappeared without a trace. Nobody ever knew what became of her--not Georgina, her best friend, nor Kaiser, who was close with both girls. Then, fourteen years later, Angela's remains were discovered in the woods near Geo's childhood home and Kaiser--who became a detective with the Seattle police department--finally learned the truth: Angela was a victim of Calvin James.

To the authorities, Calvin was a notorious serial killer. But back in the day, Calvin was Geo's first love. Their relationship bordered on obsession from the moment they met, right up until the night Angela was killed. Geo carried the secret of Calvin's dark deeds until the evidence landed her in prison. But now, just as Geo is about to be released, new bodies start turning up--killed in the exact same manner as Angela. . . and soon Geo, Kaiser, and local law enforcement officials realize that what happened that fateful night is more complex and chilling than anyone could have imagined.

"Thrilling...terrifying, Jar of Hearts is definitely not something you've read before."--Cleveland Plain Dealer

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Published Jan 28, 2020

384 pages

Average rating: 7.59

458 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

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K Olson

Jan 14, 2025

6/10 stars

This was my first Jennifer Hillier book and while it was a well written thriller, it will probably be my last of hers as the graphic violence/sexual assaults were over the top for me. I found myself skimming those parts and unlike other reviewers I didn’t think they were necessary. The plot was well paced and the twists were believable.

jbatey

Sep 01, 2024

7/10 stars

Holy crap! What a wild ride!

DaizyGrl

Apr 25, 2022

9/10 stars

Loved it. Didn't see the ending coming. Crazy but good

anne ducastel

Jan 08, 2026

8/10 stars

the plot progressed really well and I did not see the ending coming, although it made plenty of sense.

Bosky

Dec 30, 2025

6/10 stars

Hillier has the reader wade into warm calm waters when entering and then leads them through a fantastical torrential tsunami. Story is told through the eyes of Geo- the young and successful MBA business women, and her childhood friend Kai who is a Seattle PD detective. Both Geo and Kai lose their good friend Angela during high school- she is missing. The story's timeline is non-linear going back and forth in time.

Hillier is great a telling a twisty tale and I was hooked! But the last 5th of the book was just so unbelievable that I couldn't suspend belief and it became somewhat ridiculous. But, I definitely will read more of Hilliers books...