Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier Summary

Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier is a psychological thriller about three former best friends: Angela Wong, who was murdered at 16; Georgina "Geo" Shaw, who helped cover up the crime and goes to prison 14 years later; and Detective Kaiser Brody, who arrests Geo after discovering the truth. The novel explores toxic obsession, dark secrets, and the deadly consequences when serial killer Calvin James escapes from prison and begins killing again.

Jennifer Hillier is a bestselling Filipino-Canadian author of psychological thrillers based in Toronto. Beyond Jar of Hearts, which won the 2019 ITW Thriller Award for Best Hardcover Novel, Hillier has written Things We Do in the Dark, Little Secrets (a Los Angeles Times Book Prize finalist), and earlier novels including Creep, Freak, The Butcher, and Wonderland. Her work is known for exploring dark psychological themes and complex characters.

Jar of Hearts is perfect for psychological thriller fans who enjoy morally complex characters, dark secrets, and twisted relationships. Readers who appreciate authors like Gillian Flynn, Lisa Gardner, and Riley Sager will find Hillier's exploration of obsession, guilt, and consequences compelling. The novel suits those comfortable with intense themes including violence, toxic relationships, and the long-term psychological impact of crime.

Jar of Hearts is worth reading for its award-winning storytelling and unique narrative structure that alternates between timelines. The novel won the ITW Thriller Award and earned praise from bestselling authors like Lisa Unger and Caroline Kepnes for its shocking twists and unforgettable protagonist. Hillier's exploration of how secrets destroy lives and the gray areas of complicity creates a gripping, thought-provoking reading experience.

The central revelation in Jar of Hearts involves Georgina Shaw's complicity in covering up her best friend Angela Wong's murder by serial killer Calvin James. After serving time in prison and testifying against Calvin, Geo discovers he has escaped and is killing again—with new victims found buried in the same location as Angela. The novel reveals increasingly darker layers about Geo's relationship with Calvin and what she's still hiding.

The Sweetbay Strangler is Calvin James's serial killer moniker in Jar of Hearts, representing how toxic love can transform into deadly obsession. Calvin murdered at least four women, including Angela Wong, and drew hearts in lipstick on his victims. The name symbolizes how something seemingly sweet and romantic—courtship and affection—becomes weaponized by an abuser who strangles the life from those around him, both literally and emotionally.

Jar of Hearts examines toxic relationships through Georgina's obsessive connection with Calvin James, which began in high school and bordered on dangerous volatility. Hillier portrays how abusive partners exert control, isolate victims from friends, and normalize violence. The novel shows how Geo's silence about Angela's murder for 14 years stemmed from manipulation and fear, exploring the psychological aftermath of surviving an abusive relationship and the guilt of complicity.

Georgina Shaw serves five years at Hazelwood Correctional Institute after testifying against Calvin James. She experiences sexual assault on her third night, then enters a protection partnership with drug dealer Ella Frank, providing money laundering services. Geo works in the prison salon, befriends Cat Bonaducci, and maintains a relationship with a corrections officer for privileges. Throughout her sentence, Detective Kaiser monitors her communications, suspecting Calvin might contact her.

Detective Kaiser Brody is Georgina Shaw's childhood best friend who arrests her for complicity in Angela Wong's murder. As the investigating detective, Kaiser struggles with conflicting emotions—he once had feelings for Geo but must pursue justice for Angela. After Calvin James escapes prison, Kaiser monitors Geo's prison activities and correspondence, searching for any connection between the fugitive and his former friend while new bodies emerge.

Jar of Hearts established Jennifer Hillier's signature style of morally ambiguous protagonists and dark psychological exploration that continues in Little Secrets and Things We Do in the Dark. While her earlier novels like Creep and The Butcher feature different settings, Jar of Hearts marked a breakthrough with its complex narrative structure and deeper character development. The novel's award-winning success elevated Hillier's profile and set the template for her subsequent bestsellers.

Jar of Hearts explores themes of guilt, complicity, and the long-term consequences of silence. The novel examines how secrets corrode relationships, the psychological impact of covering up crimes, and whether redemption is possible after betrayal. Hillier also delves into toxic obsession, the nature of evil, female friendship destroyed by jealousy, and how past trauma shapes present choices—all while questioning how far someone will go to protect themselves.

"Wonderwall" by Oasis plays during Georgina Shaw's arrest by Detective Kaiser Brody in Jar of Hearts, creating an emotionally charged moment that connects their shared past to the present tragedy. The song holds nostalgic significance from their high school friendship, making the betrayal and loss more poignant. This musical detail emphasizes how their former closeness makes Kaiser's role in Geo's downfall particularly devastating for both characters.