Read Jennifer Hillier Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on July 1, 2026

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Jennifer Hillier has carved a niche for herself in contemporary suspense and psychological thriller fiction. Her works are characterized by intricate plots, nuanced characters, and an ability to weave tension so tightly that readers often find themselves unable to put her books down. Hillier’s stories don’t merely entertain-they challenge readers to probe the darker corners of human psychology, exposing the complex interplay between motive, opportunity, and moral ambiguity. Whether you are a seasoned thriller enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, her books offer a gripping escape into the realm of suspense, often leaving you questioning not only the characters’ choices but your own assumptions about right and wrong.

List Of Jennifer Hillier Books In Order

More On Jennifer Hillier Books In Chronological Order

1. Creep (2011)

Okay, so, ’Creep’ is Jennifer Hillier’s debut novel, and wow, what a way to kick things off! It’s a psychological thriller that follows the story of a woman named Sheila, who’s got a dark secret from her past. Turns out she’s involved in a gruesome crime, and the whole book revolves around how she tries to bury her past, only for it to come back to haunt her in the most horrifying way. You can feel the tension ramping up as the story unfolds, and trust me, it’ll keep you on the edge of your seat!

2. Freak (2013)

If you liked ’Creep’, then ’Freak’ is definitely going to reel you right back in. It’s the sequel, and it picks up where the first book leaves off, with Sheila trying to maintain her new life while trying to suppress the mess she left behind. She’s got a lot to hide, and someone from her past is out for revenge. It’s got all the suspense you crave, with plenty of shocking twists, and you just know that things aren’t going to end well for Sheila. Hillier knows how to throw curveballs!

3. The Butcher (2014)

’The Butcher’ is another wild ride that shows Hillier’s incredible knack for creating eerie, gripping stories. This book is about a detective named Nancy, who’s dealing with a brutal murder, and there’s this chilling mystery about a serial killer. What makes this book stand out is how the suspense builds. There’s a deep dive into both the detective’s mind and the psyche of the killer. It’s filled with raw emotion and dark secrets that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about the people around you.

4. Jar of Hearts (2018)

Oh, ’Jar of Hearts’… this one will really get under your skin. It’s a standout in Hillier’s career, as she weaves a heartbreaking yet terrifying tale about the consequences of the past catching up with you. The story revolves around Georgina, a woman whose life falls apart after the murder of her best friend. It turns out, she has a connection to the killer, and you have to wait until the very end to fully understand the depths of her involvement. It’s so cleverly crafted, and Hillier’s exploration of guilt and redemption will make you think long after you’ve finished the book.

5. Little Secrets (2020)

’Little Secrets’ is a rollercoaster ride that’s about grief, betrayal, and secrets so dark, you might need a light after reading. The story follows Marin, a woman who’s coping with the loss of her son, only for her world to be turned upside down when she discovers that her husband might be having an affair. But wait, it gets juicier-the affair is linked to the abduction of her son, which leads to a twisted, tangled web of secrets. Hillier’s expert pacing, emotionally charged writing, and suspenseful twists make this one another book you won’t be able to put down.

6. Things We Do in the Dark (2022)

’Things We Do in the Dark’ is such a mind-bender! This one is about Paris, a woman who’s been arrested for the murder of her abusive husband. Sounds pretty straightforward, right? But there’s more to the story. Paris has a huge, dark secret tied to her past that’s slowly unraveling, and with it, comes a set of shocking truths. Hillier does a masterful job of blending family drama, crime, and a chilling mystery that keeps you guessing. This book definitely shows off Hillier’s ability to create twisty, suspense-filled plots with tons of emotional depth.

Background On Jennifer Hillier Books

Jennifer Hillier began her literary career with a keen focus on psychological thrillers, demonstrating a mastery of suspense that has become her signature. Her novels often feature protagonists who are deeply human, flawed, and relatable, thrust into situations that test their morality, resilience, and sanity. From the chilling narrative of Jar of Hearts to the intricate layers of Little Secrets, Hillier’s books often explore the tension between appearance and reality, trust and deception, and the ordinary and the horrifying.

A hallmark of her writing is the meticulous crafting of suspense. She doesn’t rely solely on dramatic reveals or shock value; instead, she constructs narratives where the tension is omnipresent, threading subtle psychological cues, character-driven suspense, and layered mysteries that gradually unravel. Many of her novels also explore themes of family dynamics, secrets, and betrayal, highlighting her interest in the fragile bonds that hold personal relationships together-and the chaos that ensues when they break.

Reading Order Explained

Jennifer Hillier’s books are primarily standalone novels, meaning each story can be enjoyed independently. However, she also has series with recurring characters or interconnected narratives, such as her FBI Thriller series, which follows certain law enforcement professionals across multiple books. Understanding the reading order is essential for those who want to experience character development and plot arcs chronologically.

For standalone novels, you can read in any order without losing context. For her series, however, following the intended order provides a richer experience: character growth, evolving relationships, and recurring plot threads are revealed in a way that builds tension over multiple books. For instance, starting with the first book in a series introduces readers to recurring characters and their backstories, making subsequent stories more impactful as you recognize subtle callbacks and nuanced development.

It’s also worth noting that while some thrillers might contain minor spoilers for other books in a series, Hillier’s writing style ensures that each novel is satisfying on its own, balancing completeness with interconnectedness.

What I Like About The Series?

There’s much to admire in Jennifer Hillier’s work. First is her ability to blend psychological depth with plot-driven suspense. Unlike some thrillers that prioritize action over character, Hillier ensures that each character’s choices are believable, their motivations are understandable, and their fears are palpable. This makes the suspense feel personal and immediate-readers aren’t just observing the danger; they’re feeling it.

Secondly, her pacing is masterful. Hillier can alternate between moments of intense action, quiet introspection, and shocking revelation without breaking the narrative’s rhythm. Each chapter often ends with a subtle hook, compelling the reader to continue, making her books nearly impossible to put down.

Another standout feature is her treatment of moral ambiguity. Characters are rarely purely good or evil; instead, they exist in shades of gray. This complexity invites readers to question assumptions and consider the factors that drive people to make choices they might otherwise deem unthinkable. In essence, Hillier doesn’t just tell a story-she creates an immersive psychological experience that lingers long after the final page.

Should You Read Jennifer Hillier Books In Order?

The answer depends on your reading goals. If your primary aim is to enjoy suspenseful, engaging standalone novels, you can pick any of Hillier’s books and still have a complete, thrilling experience. Each novel is designed to hook readers independently, offering a self-contained narrative with satisfying resolution.

However, if you want to explore recurring characters, witness overarching story arcs, or experience the subtle evolution of her thematic focus across a series, reading in order is recommended. Doing so allows you to appreciate character growth, catch nuanced references, and fully experience the cumulative tension Hillier expertly builds over multiple books.

In short, standalone readers can dive in at any point, but series enthusiasts will gain an enriched understanding and a deeper emotional connection by following the chronological order.