In 1978, Vi and Eric live with their grandmother, Dr. Helen Hildreth, who runs a psychiatric treatment facility next door to their home. When their grandmother brings home a girl from the facility to be their new sister. As Vi and Eric teach her all about monsters, Vi begins to question their grandmother's methods. Meanwhile, in the present day, a podcaster investigates a child abduction and monster sighting in a small town, thinking it's connected to her long-lost sister.

In true McMahon fashion, The Children on the Hill blends horror with deep family relationships that makes for a particularly spooky read. I struggled with the monster angle. I know McMahon was connecting with Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, but I much preferred her previous novels that were about ghosts.

I will admit the twist was well done, but I didn't like that McMahon tied up all the loose ends instead of leaving you with an eerie open ending. Nitpicky, I know. Still, I think McMahon's fan will be satisfied with The Children on the Hill. If you haven't read McMahon yet, you are missing out.

My Rating: 3.5 Stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Gallery/Scout Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.