The Children on the Hill begins very slowly, told in alternating perspectives and two timelines. One perspective is Izzy, a 53 year old monster hunter, in 2019. The other perspective is Vi (Violet Hildreth) in 1978, growing up on the grounds of the mental hospital where her grandmother works. 

Izzy is searching for her long lost sister who she suspects of taking many missing girls. She has a popular podcast and has made tv appearances, but she likes to travel through life alone. 

Vi is a sweet girl with a younger brother who is helping a girl her grandmother brings to their house from the hospital. Vi is told to help Iris feel welcome and to keep an eye on her to report back to Gran. But soon, Vi discovers a very serious secret at the hospital and she will not stop until something is done. 

The way this thriller brings together two timelines is both familiar and exciting. I really enjoyed the twists and loved the ending of this book. After a slow first 150-200 pages, the back half of this book is a reward worth waiting for. I loved the historical references and the believably evil twist. I hesitate to say more because I don’t want to spoil a thing. 

I don’t have much criticism for this book, but I do wish the brother Eric had more character development. I will certainly read from this author again. This was an above average spooky thriller.