Angela Wong’s body is found buried and dismembered fourteen years after her disappearance in Jar of Hearts.
DNA links the crime to Calvin James, aka the Sweetbay Strangler, who is ultimately found guilty of four murders. His 16-year-old girlfriend at the time of the murder, Geo Shaw, is found guilty too but receives only a five-year sentence due to her testifying against Calvin.
Jar of Hearts tells the story of the trial, Geo’s prison time, and what happens when she gets out of prison. Each section is based on one of the stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. I think it is best not to tell more of the plot. Personally, I read a review that gave away the surprise twist ending, which is just rude.
The book is recommended for thriller fans. How Geo survives in prison is an interesting story but the meat of the story is in the last two thirds after she gets out. There are some twists in the story and the ending is good so Jar of Hearts receives a solid 3 stars from me. Be aware that there is a rape scene and a sexual assault in the book if that bothers you.
Thanks to the publisher, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for an advanced copy.