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Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier
4.0

Jar of Hearts is a dark, gripping thriller set in the Pacific Northwest—not far from where I live—which added an extra layer of atmosphere for me. I went in blind based on a friend’s recommendation, and right away, the content warnings were staggering. This book does not shy away from heavy themes, particularly trauma, abuse, and manipulation. Calvin’s gaslighting was disturbing and infuriating.

While the twist was somewhat predictable, it was still satisfying to see everything unfold. The writing—or maybe the narration (I listened to the audiobook)—felt a bit clunky at times, which pulled me out of the story occasionally. Still, the pacing and tension kept me engaged, and I appreciated the way the story explored guilt, consequences, and survival. Though not a perfect read, Jar of Hearts delivers a chilling, well-constructed mystery with enough twists to keep psychological thriller fans hooked.