This book was all kinds of messed up, and I loved it. I'm not sure what it says about me that I like all kinds of gratuitous nasty in my thrillers. Could it be that I have become so desensitized to violence, gore, and all other forms of disturbing nature that I have to keep "one upping" my reads? Possibly. Deep down, I feel like the gritty, explicit thrillers make me ponder the unsettling aspects of life more. When a book talks about some of the darkest violence you can imagine, it makes me think about instances in real life that have occurred in a similar manner, and I start to wonder about the motives behind such monstrous and cruel behavior. Weird? Totally, but there you have it.
Jar Of Hearts is one of those explicit novels. You know it's as bad for you as the cinnamon candy hearts portrayed in the story; there's a sickly sweet undertone mixed with a plot that has desperate, compulsive pacing. It's one of those books that once you pick it up you don't want to put it down until you're finished. I give a nod to the author and my respect; regardless of the fact that this is a story that has been done before in various ways, she puts her own flair on it and sells it to us like it's a brand new, shiny idea. Even though I saw all the plot twists before they arrived (I chalk this up to reading so many thrillers already), I was STILL head over heels in love with this book. Guys, that's the sign of engaging writing.
I think my only complaint here was that the ending felt a bit rushed and that I wanted a little more. More interaction during the final reunion between the characters, and maybe just a little more detail, characterization, and story in general. I could have easily gobbled up another 50-75 pages of this book! After reading the author's note in the back I now know that she connects her books via an invented PNW town and crossover characters. Obviously this is a standalone novel, but I'm always impressed when books are given that extra layer of complex connection and detail.
Highly recommended for a fun summer read; you'll fly through this stunning suspense in record time, I assure you. Content warning for murder (two of which are children), dismemberment, gratuitous violence, two graphic rape scenes, one attempted rape scene, and many other unsettling plot devices for the squeamish and sensitive.
Jar Of Hearts is one of those explicit novels. You know it's as bad for you as the cinnamon candy hearts portrayed in the story; there's a sickly sweet undertone mixed with a plot that has desperate, compulsive pacing. It's one of those books that once you pick it up you don't want to put it down until you're finished. I give a nod to the author and my respect; regardless of the fact that this is a story that has been done before in various ways, she puts her own flair on it and sells it to us like it's a brand new, shiny idea. Even though I saw all the plot twists before they arrived (I chalk this up to reading so many thrillers already), I was STILL head over heels in love with this book. Guys, that's the sign of engaging writing.
I think my only complaint here was that the ending felt a bit rushed and that I wanted a little more. More interaction during the final reunion between the characters, and maybe just a little more detail, characterization, and story in general. I could have easily gobbled up another 50-75 pages of this book! After reading the author's note in the back I now know that she connects her books via an invented PNW town and crossover characters. Obviously this is a standalone novel, but I'm always impressed when books are given that extra layer of complex connection and detail.
Highly recommended for a fun summer read; you'll fly through this stunning suspense in record time, I assure you. Content warning for murder (two of which are children), dismemberment, gratuitous violence, two graphic rape scenes, one attempted rape scene, and many other unsettling plot devices for the squeamish and sensitive.