This is one of those books that are very hard to describe without giving everything away. Jennifer McMahon is a skilled author who knows exactly how to scare the daylights out of her readers. She quickly pulls you into the story, in this case a family with a few kinks in the chains that bind them together, and keeps the pace set at full throttle until you suddenly realize, this is not the book you thought you were reading. The twists have taken you to another place and suddenly, there be monsters......lots of monsters. I'm not a true horror story fan but McMahon's writing is truly above the genre. She could probably write the back of the cereal box and make it thrilling!

This book was excellent- l have no idea why it took me so long to finish! This is absolutely the perfect horror book for spooky season- especially if you have a love for classic horror.

This one was good! Kinda slow and predictable at times but I thought the story was interesting and different from the norm so it really kept my interest.

I find books that are written with two timelines that go back and forth a little challenging to read. It's not that I dislike them, but sometimes I get into the flow of one timeline and don't want to leave it for the other.

I tend to enjoy books that bring podcasts into the story, and this one does just that! There are two timelines, one in 1978 and one in 2019, and 2019 is about a popular podcaster who talks about the "monsters among us". I don't want to say more because I don't want to give anything away. Definitely worth a read or listen.

This book was provided by NetGally in exchange for a review.

Jennifer McMahon never fails to bring the gooesebumps! This one had me turning pages and kept me guessing until the very end!

DNF at 20% ~ I’m having major issues staying interested caring, the timeline jumps are not working for me and the narrator is so annoying she's making me want to jump off a bridge, so best to just move on and protect myself.

Jennifer McMahon's "The Children on the Hill" is a chilling and atmospheric thriller that weaves together elements of gothic horror and psychological suspense. Inspired by Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," the story unfolds in two timelines: 1978, where a young girl named Violet and her brother Eric uncover a dark secret at the Hillside Inn, and the present day, where a podcaster named Lizzy Shelley becomes entangled in a series of mysterious disappearances that may be connected to the inn's sinister past.

McMahon expertly builds suspense and intrigue, drawing readers into a world of eerie occurrences, unsettling characters, and a lingering sense of dread. The dual timelines intertwine seamlessly, revealing the secrets of the past and their haunting consequences in the present. The gothic atmosphere of the Hillside Inn is vividly depicted, creating a sense of unease that permeates the entire narrative.

The characters are complex and compelling, each with their own secrets and motivations. Violet, with her fascination with monsters and her unwavering loyalty to her brother, is a particularly intriguing figure. Lizzy, the determined podcaster, is a relatable and sympathetic protagonist, her quest for truth leading her down a dangerous path.

The novel's exploration of themes such as family secrets, childhood trauma, and the blurred lines between good and evil is thought-provoking and unsettling. McMahon's writing is evocative and atmospheric, drawing readers into a world where the monsters lurking in the shadows are not always the most terrifying.

However, "The Children on the Hill" is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the pacing slow at times, particularly in the earlier chapters. The ending, while satisfying in some respects, may leave some questions unanswered or feel somewhat rushed. Additionally, the connection to "Frankenstein," while intriguing, may not be fully developed for some readers.

Overall, "The Children on the Hill" is a captivating and suspenseful thriller that will appeal to fans of gothic horror and psychological suspense. It's a chilling tale of secrets, obsession, and the enduring power of the past. While not without its flaws, the novel's strengths in atmosphere, character development, and thematic exploration make it a worthwhile read.

This book is WILD and no one does it better than Jennifer McMahon. I absolutely loved the atmosphere of this books and loved that the book was centered around monsters, giving this book serious Frankenstein vibes. The dual perspectives were super interesting and I found that it made the book feel more well-rounded.

I will continue to read Jennifer McMahon and have more of her books on my TBR - definitely recommend this one!

I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was an interesting concept. I liked the characters and the way they developed. There was some good twists and the story moved pretty well. I did get confused a few times because of the characters changing name and occasionally get a little lost
And had to go back. Overall pretty good.

3.5

This book was very interesting. It was a little slow to start for me, but very eerie and I had to continue. It was a wild ride and interesting storyline.

Jennifer McMahon is a master when it comes to writing a creepy story set in a spooky place with tons of atmospheric dread and darkness and this story just proves that point! This story is creepy and I loved every second of it!!!

Lizzy Shelley hunts monsters. Real monsters - wendigos, ghosts, ghouls, the Flatwoods Monster (yay for the WV shout-out!). Because she knows that monsters are real - but the ones she has faced have always been human. She loved one, her sister, but now she is afraid that her sister is the monster that either she will have to end or will end her.

Freida McFadden has been getting a lot of attention lately, deservedly, but if you like Freida and haven't read Jennifer McMahon, give her a chance. Her stories are full of twists and turns, too.

Jennifer McMahon’s The Children on the Hill is a thriller with a dual timeline, a mix of horror and mystery. This one will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end. I voluntarily read and reviewed this complimentary copy of this book with an ending you will never guess!

I’m not sure how I feel about this one still. I liked it while I was reading it but I found it very forgettable. I did really like the characters and the story line.

You want a creepy, chilling story to read on these dark winter nights? Well have I got a book for you! Ms. Jennifer has this amazing talent of creating the most creepy, heart pounding tales you can imagine, all with words. And if you are a visual reader like me, come on.....that talent is gold! Couldn't put it down!

The first story, cause it is broken up into two but don't let that fool you....in that currrreeeeaaapy treatment center, unconvential methods by Dr. Helen. Say no more. Read it and find out.

Second half brings in Lizzy, podcaster covering Monsters among the living. Missing kids and well she is gonna find out just what really lurks out there in the cold, dark world.

Please, do yourself a favor and read this one.

”Monsters are real. They're all around us, whether we can see them or not.”

This was a thrilling, fun, and fantastic read for me. The story did not give me a bone-chilling, nail-biting thriller/horror experience but more like a ghost buster/ghost hunter vibes, and I enjoyed the story.
especially enjoy the part from little Vi's perspective.
There were some great plot twists and I enjoyed how the author constructed the story.

I highly recommend the audiobook.

Jennifer McMahon never fails to entertain me! This one was an eerie, suspenseful and downright scary tale of childhood. Good and suspenseful pacing, chilling tone and a great spooky read.

I love anything that Jennifer McMahon writes. Literally anything. I’ve been reading her books since I was in high school. This one wasn’t my favorite, but was still a good, thrilling story.

What a ride! A strange, twisting, heartbreaking story. It kept me guessing all the way to the end. One of the reveals near the end kinda threw me off for awhile and could've been handled/explained a bit better. But that's my only complaint. I loved the characters, the settings, the jumping back-and-forth between two time periods. One of the reveals really deepened the storytelling and added extra gravitas to everything. I definitely recommend this book.

I really liked the Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein vibe! I had a fleeting thought regarding the twists and was pleasantly surprised when I was right. I love the Monster Club chapters that separate the present and past POVs. Erin Moon narrates the book exceptionally well, adding different voices for the young and old characters. Overall, an entertaining thriller!

The Children on the Hill is a slow-burning suspense novel -- as twins discover the new girl who joins their Monster Club, but has more to her than their imaginations can concoct. Flash forward to adult worlds and how baby monsters grow up to be feared and objects of suspicion from the not so enlightened society.