Jar of Hearts Book Summary - Jar of Hearts Book explained in key points

Jar of Hearts summary

Brief summary

Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier is a gripping thriller that follows the dark secrets and twisted truths surrounding a murder. It delves into the consequences of choices made in the past and the haunting power of guilt.

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    Jar of Hearts
    Summary of key ideas

    Unveiling the Dark Secrets

    In Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier, we are introduced to Georgina Shaw, a successful executive at a pharmaceutical company. Her life takes a drastic turn when she is arrested for her involvement in the murder of her best friend, Angela Wong, fourteen years ago. Angela's body was found in the woods near their high school, and the investigation leads to the discovery of a series of murders committed by Angela's boyfriend, Calvin James, who was also Georgina's first love.

    As the story unfolds, we learn about the toxic relationship between Georgina and Calvin during their teenage years. Calvin was a charming but manipulative young man who drew Georgina into his dark world. Angela, who was also involved with Calvin, was murdered by him after discovering his true nature. Georgina, who was present during the murder, helped Calvin cover up the crime and keep Angela's death a secret.

    Life Behind Bars

    After Angela's murder, Georgina and Calvin went their separate ways. Calvin continued his killing spree, earning the nickname 'Sweetbay Strangler' for the location where he left his victims' bodies. Georgina, on the other hand, tried to move on with her life, but the guilt and fear of being exposed haunted her every day. Her arrest brings back all the memories she had tried to bury, and she is forced to confront her past.

    Georgina is sentenced to five years in prison for her role in Angela's murder. Her time behind bars is a harrowing experience, and she is constantly reminded of her past actions. However, she finds solace in her friendship with fellow inmate, Kate, who helps her survive the brutal realities of prison life. Georgina also forms a bond with a detective, Kaiser Brody, who was once her friend and Angela's boyfriend.

    Unraveling the Truth

    As Georgina serves her sentence, Calvin is finally captured and put on trial for his crimes. His arrest brings back the horrors of the past, and Georgina is forced to relive the traumatic events that led to Angela's death. She also begins to question her own actions and the choices she made as a teenager under Calvin's influence.

    Throughout the trial, Georgina and Kaiser work together to uncover the truth about Calvin's other victims. They visit the locations where the bodies were found, and Georgina is forced to confront the full extent of Calvin's brutality. As the trial progresses, Georgina realizes that Calvin's hold over her is finally broken, and she is determined to seek justice for Angela and the other victims.

    Redemption and Closure

    In the end, Calvin is found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. Georgina, now released from jail, is determined to start afresh and rebuild her life. She returns to her hometown, hoping to find closure and make amends for her past mistakes. She visits Angela's grave and finally confronts the pain and guilt she had been carrying for so long.

    Georgina's journey is one of redemption and self-discovery. She learns to forgive herself and accept that she cannot change the past. She also finds solace in her renewed friendship with Kaiser, who has been a constant source of support throughout her ordeal. As the story concludes, Georgina is ready to move forward, leaving behind the jar of hearts that held her secrets and regrets.

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    What is Jar of Hearts about?

    Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier is a gripping thriller that delves into the dark secrets of the past. When a woman named Georgina is forced to confront her involvement in a murder that took place fifteen years ago, the novel takes readers on a thrilling journey of redemption, forgiveness, and the consequences of our actions. It's a page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

    Jar of Hearts Review

    Jar of Hearts (2018) by Jennifer Hillier is a gripping thriller that explores the consequences of a tragic past in shaping the present. Here's why this book is a compelling read:

    • The complex characters feel incredibly real, with their flaws and inner struggles adding depth to the story.
    • Twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat, ensuring an unpredictable and thrilling reading experience.
    • Its haunting themes of betrayal, redemption, and justice will leave a lasting impact, making it a memorable and thought-provoking read.

    Who should read Jar of Hearts?

    • Readers who enjoy dark and twisted psychological thrillers
    • Those interested in stories with complex and morally ambiguous characters
    • People who appreciate narratives that explore the impact of past actions on the present

    About the Author

    Jennifer Hillier is a talented author known for her gripping and suspenseful thrillers. With a background in psychology, Hillier brings a deep understanding of human behavior to her writing. Her debut novel, Creep, received critical acclaim and established her as a rising star in the crime fiction genre. Hillier's other notable works include Freak, The Butcher, and Little Secrets. With her skillful storytelling and ability to create chilling and unforgettable characters, Hillier continues to captivate readers around the world.

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    Jar of Hearts FAQs 

    What is the main message of Jar of Hearts?

    Deception, secrets, and redemption intertwine in the thrilling story of Jar of Hearts.

    How long does it take to read Jar of Hearts?

    The estimated reading time for Jar of Hearts is a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in 15 minutes.

    Is Jar of Hearts a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Jar of Hearts is a gripping novel filled with twists that keep you hooked. It's definitely worth a read.

    Who is the author of Jar of Hearts?

    Jennifer Hillier is the author of Jar of Hearts.

    What to read after Jar of Hearts?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Jar of Hearts, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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    • Just After Sunset by Stephen King
    • Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
    • Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
    • Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
    • The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
    • Side Jobs by Jim Butcher