Pisces51’s Reviews > Heart of Glass > Status Update

Pieces of the puzzle are starting to fit in place but only gradually to enjoy the associated twists and revelations. The pivotal characters of Nicolette ("Cole") and Barb are both flawed but somehow sympathetic and relatable. I forgot how much a Hillier novel is akin to a full fledged melodrama with extraordinary detail and believable dialogue. Her works are standalone but with interconnected characters, places.

Heart of Glass is such an addictive, immersive read with an inevitable emotional tide of feeling for the key characters that you forget you are reading a murder mystery about kidnapping, sexual slavery, and homicide. The trio of best girlfriends and what really happened when the girls met a serial killer at Wonderland 25 years ago is still tantalizingly out of reach. It is a "rollercoaster" of a plotline.

The suspense is building like a ripple in a large stream with the wind picking up. Scenes are shifting among the pivotal players, present day dissolving into scenes playing out in the past of 2001 featuring our three best friends. The criminal investigation into the abduction of two women with one an unsolved homicide is morphing into a much larger scenario supporting a serial murderer visiting Seaside...again.

Really enjoyed the last several chapters and shifting perspectives of the pivotal characters. Feels like the momentum is picking up but may be just material has been especially entertaining. It is early for any major puzzle pieces to start locking into place. Hillier's forte to me is presenting a number of subplots featuring main characters and an intriguing storyline (murder), then finally piecing them together.

The reader learns more about the successful reality TV Star Cole. She begins her interview on Criminal Confessions about the serial killer dubbed the Carnival Killer. Barb is irked by Cole's decision to go against the promise they made to each other to stick to their story about how Lorelei died. The storyline is dark, submerged in a pool of mirky half-truths and lies. Of course, this is Hillier's wheelhouse.

Heart of Glass feels like vintage Hillier to me. The story is multifaceted with a complex plot. But you are pulled in by the MC (and her circle of friends by association). Hillier moves fluidly from the present to the past with surprises and rich detail about the dark secrets that lurk there. The 25% mark can allow me to say Hillier has brought her A-Game. Murder, abduction, deception, betrayal, and more.

Just started reading late tonight. Hillier's literary style is as familiar as my favorite pair of house slippers. I have really missed getting comfortable and relaxing before bed with one of her dark thrillers. Think I have read most if not all her works. I was thrilled to see her new book when I was browsing. A pleasant surprise. Plan a pertinent status update after I am further into the story.