Picture a Canadian storyteller who spins tales so chilling they’ll keep you up all night—meet Jennifer Hillier! A master of psychological thrillers, Hillier has carved a niche in the genre with her gripping Serial Killer File series and standalone novels that delve into the darkest corners of the human psyche. Her debut, Creep, set the stage for a career that’s as thrilling as her plots, blending suspense with the moody vibes of the Pacific Northwest.
Born and raised in Toronto with Filipino roots, Hillier’s knack for crafting complex characters and twisty narratives has earned her a loyal following. Whether it’s a serial killer’s lover or a haunted executive, her stories hook you from page one and don’t let go.
The Making of Jennifer Hillier
Jennifer Hillier’s journey to thriller stardom began in Toronto, where her love for dark fiction took root at age six with a retelling of Snow White that gave the Wicked Queen a grisly end. After moving to Seattle for eight years, she soaked up the Pacific Northwest’s eerie atmosphere, which became the backdrop for her novels. Her career kicked off with Creep in 2011, published by Simon & Schuster’s Gallery Books, marking her as a rising star in psychological suspense.
Despite admitting to fears of clowns and porcelain dolls, Hillier channels her fascination with the macabre into stories that thrill and terrify. A member of Mystery Writers of America and International Thriller Writers, she’s honed her craft with a focus on keeping readers on edge.
Jennifer Hillier’s Unforgettable Stories
Hillier’s Serial Killer File series is a heart-pounding trilogy that started with Creep (2011), where psychology professor Sheila Tao’s affair with a graduate student spirals into a deadly game. Its sequel, Freak (2012), ups the ante with Abby Maddox, a jailed killer’s lover who holds the key to new murders. The Butcher (2014) rounds out the series, weaving a chilling tale of a retired police chief with a sinister secret. Critics, including Jeffery Deaver, have praised Hillier’s ability to glue readers to the page.
Beyond the series, Hillier’s standalone novels shine. Jar of Hearts (2018) won the ITW Thriller Award, following Georgina Shaw, whose past with a serial killer unravels her perfect life. Little Secrets (2020) and Things We Do in the Dark (2022) showcase her knack for blending betrayal and suspense. Hillier’s style—fast-paced, character-driven, and laced with Pacific Northwest atmosphere—makes every book a rollercoaster of shocks and twists.
Her settings, often Seattle or fictional towns like Seaside, Washington, pulse with a retro, moody charm that amplifies the dread. Hillier’s characters, from sociopathic villains to flawed heroes, feel vividly real, making her stories both terrifying and relatable.
Why Jennifer Hillier Matters
Jennifer Hillier’s impact on the thriller genre lies in her ability to humanize the monstrous while keeping suspense airtight. Her exploration of trauma, obsession, and morality resonates with readers, earning her spots on bestseller lists like USA Today and The Globe and Mail. Awards, including the 2019 ITW Thriller Award for Jar of Hearts and a 2023 audiobook nod for Things We Do in the Dark, cement her influence.
Hillier’s Filipino-Canadian perspective adds depth to her narratives, subtly weaving cultural nuance into universal themes of fear and survival. Her books, translated into 23 languages, have hooked a global audience, proving that a good thriller transcends borders. For fans, she’s a guide into the shadows, making the genre both thrilling and thought-provoking.
- Born: Toronto, Canada
- Key Works: Creep (2011), Jar of Hearts (2018), Little Secrets (2020)
- Awards: 2019 ITW Thriller Award, 2023 ITW Audiobook Award
- Fun Fact: Hillier lived in Seattle for eight years, inspiring her novels’ settings.
Snag Jar of Hearts or dive into the Serial Killer File series to experience Jennifer Hillier’s pulse-pounding thrillers. Trust us, you’ll be sleeping with the lights on!