What if a dying serial killer’s final confession blows up everything a small town thought it knew? 👀
Jennifer Hillier’s Heart of Glass is a fast-paced, addictive mystery-thriller that completely pulled me in and refused to let go. Set in the coastal town of Seaside in the Pacific Northwest (think moody vibes not far from Seattle), the story blends small-town secrets with the glossy chaos of reality TV culture—and somehow makes it feel seamless.
Seaside itself is such a fun backdrop, complete with a quirky theme park called Wonderland (yes, you ride a “Wonder Bus” to get there). But beneath the charm is a web of buried secrets, old crimes, and simmering tensions.
The story kicks off with a chilling twist: a convicted serial killer Figg —who confessed to five murders 25 years ago—is now dying of lung cancer and suddenly claims he didn’t commit all of them. With only months left to live, he reveals one victim, Lorelei (a Seaside local), wasn’t his doing at all. And just like that, everything cracks open.
From there, we follow multiple perspectives that interweave beautifully without ever getting confusing:
• Barb, Lorelei’s friend, now investigating the disappearance of a reality TV star tied to Seaside
• Nicolette (now going by “Cole”) another friend turned reality show celebrity on Trophy Wives, dealing with addiction and a cheating spouse
• A cast of influencers, locals, and law enforcement all circling the same dark truths
There are missing persons cases, long-buried murders, and enough twists to keep your head spinning—in the best way.
What I loved most (and what really stands out in Hillier’s writing) is her focus on women. Every storyline centers women in complex, compelling ways. They’re strong without being over-the-top, vulnerable without being naive, and intelligent without feeling untouchable. It’s refreshing and incredibly engaging.
The contrast between gritty small-town investigations and the performative, messy world of reality TV is also so well done. It adds a modern edge that makes the story feel both timely and unique.
If I had one small note, I wouldn’t have minded a few more likable male characters—but honestly, that didn’t stop me from flying through this book.
✨ Final thoughts:
Super suspenseful, twisty, and wildly entertaining. I couldn’t put it down.
This was my first book by Jennifer Hillier, and it definitely won’t be my last.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC! Heart of Glass is set to be published August 25, 2026—and it’s absolutely one to watch.
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