Here is a book for those of us who grew up reading horror novels late in the night, fiercely believed in monsters and still find comfort in scary stories. One of my faves this year so far! Jennifer McMahon is an auto buy author for me from now on.

I have read three books by Jennifer McMahon and have enjoyed them all. This book was no different ! Though I did figure out the plot I enjoyed the journey it took me on, also liked the two timelines that of course are linked. It is a bit of a slow paced burn but I thought totally worth it.

I did a mix of listening to this audio while along reading the book, I travel for work so I am in my car often and I think between the two I perfected the audiobook of it more. I gave this book hands down a four possibly a 4.5 but in the end I give the audio a 5. The narrators between Vi and Eric Dr.hildreth and also Iris were just wonderful. It was played very well and I am so glad I listened more then read for this book. Totally recommend it! It will not disappoint

I'm torn about this one, and I can't even really say why without getting into spoilers. At the same time, the ending still does work. It just felt, to me, as I was listening, that with all the mentions and allusions to Frankenstein, the Monster, and the Bride, the climax would have had a different outcome. So there was a slight disappointment there because that theme wasn't followed through on (to me, my opinion), and pieces of the endings didn't feel quite genuine (and unanswered/unresolved questions), especially for Lizzy.

All that said, there's some pretty heavy material here, and the foreshadowing here is planted along the way nicely. The characters all seemed well developed, and even Gran, for all her deeds, could be understood up to a point. Without a doubt, she was the true villain/antagonist of the story, and the generational trauma that's been passed down to the three kids from growing up in the environment they did.

Would recommend if you enjoy stories that examine the true monsters among us and how we adapt to survive.

I wish more Horror authors followed Jennifer McMahon’s particular brand and approach: Eerie, macabre, and satisfying without being grotesque or gratuitous.

This one is especially good if you love revenge-driven horror (I do!), and if you’re just here for the chills and thrills, you’ll love the atmosphere and twists McMahon gives us in Children on the Hill as well.

Old psychiatric hospitals aren’t a new setting for horror by any stretch, but McMahon gives us a truly fresh take on the locale and adjacent themes, and *cue trumpets blaring* she absolutely nailed the dual time line approach commonly used but rarely used well in these types of books.

If you like McMahon’s work in general, you certainly won’t be disappointed in this one, and if you like stuff like Stranger Things, you’re going to LOVE the plot and the characters in this one.

The story works well for the audiobook format, well-paced for reading with your ears and extra creepy in a way that only someone else reading to you can achieve.

I’ve been reading Jennifer McMahon books for years. This was my favorite of hers. Easily a five star read for me! The story had a mix of quirky and serious subject matter that gelled well. I’m telling everyone to mark their calendar for the release date. The narration on the book was flawless.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced audio version of this amazing book! This was my honest review.

4.5🌟
The Children on the Hill by Jennifer McMahon is inspired by Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and the story alternates between 1978 & 2019.

In 1978 we have Dr Helen Hildreth that runs a treatment center in Vermont for the mentally ill. She brings home a girl named Iris (who’s last name we don’t know) to her grandchildren Violet and Eric. Iris becomes their sister and joins their secret club where they write ‘The Book of Monsters’.

In 2019 we have Lizzy Shelley, a host of a podcast called ‘Monsters Among Us’. She travels Vermont where a girl goes missing that had claimed to have seen a monster.

I really enjoyed this creepy story and definitely recommend!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.