I must admit I had trouble getting into this slow-developing mysterious story with all the jumping between time periods and trying to keep track of the many characters, each in their setting yet somehow connected. It would help to have a cast of characters and where they fit listed in the front. The book didn’t grab me the way I expected it to, as many suspenseful novels do. I think the “Somewhere in the Past” parts accomplished this, but the rest fell a bit flat for me. Also, I didn’t find the characters very emotionally engaging. It seemed too surface-level, like reciting what occurred rather than plumbing the depth of the terror and the emotions I would expect in a story that deals with two murders occurring in the same location decades apart. Yet, the suspense novel has plenty of twists that both throw off the reader and increase the intrigue, with unexpected surprises in the latter part. The drama does give readers plenty to ponder, and you may relate to the mystery better than I did. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #NightFallsonPredicamentAvenue #NetGalley

“…A person’s life, no matter how short or how long, how peaceful or how turbulent, how adventurous or how tragic, is not wasted. Not when you have hope. It might be a tiny pinprick of light in a world of darkness, but it’s there all the same.”

Another fantastic gothic delight from Jaimie Jo Wright! I have to admit that I count down the days until her next book because I know I’ll be thoroughly entertained, inspired, and spooked. Night Falls on Predicament Avenue is an eerie thrill ride but also a triumph of hope over fear. In this mysterious dual time period story, two sisters a century apart have to live with the aftermath of what happened on 322 Predicament Avenue.

Shepherd, Iowa, 1901 Effie James accompanies her adventurous sister Polly on a dare to peek inside the creepy abandoned house at 322 Predicament Avenue. When Polly peers through the window, she witnesses a murder that leaves her in a weakened state, unable to speak. Effie, who heard the screams, is dumbfounded when no murder victim is found. When a handsome British gentleman arrives and claims it was his wife that was murdered, he and Effie embark on a mission to find the truth of what happened that night.

Modern Day, Norah Richman is doing her best to live her life after her twin sister’s terrible murder 13 years previous. Despite her anxiety and grief, Norah fulfill’s her twin’s dream of running a bed and breakfast out of the home she inherited from her aunt at 322 Predicament Avenue. Growing up on the ghost stories her aunt told surrounding the house, she’s trying to survive her own nightmare. When one of her houseguests dies, she relies on the charming British historian and host of a true crime podcast who’s also staying at the bed and breakfast to help her unravel the truth of what took place at 322 Predicament Avenue in the distant past and 13 years ago.

Jaime Jo Wright is the queen of spooky gothic romances and I absolutely adored the stories in both time periods. The mysteries kept me guessing with several suspects in each story. Effie & Norah were such sympathetic characters. Both had to grow and overcome their fears in order to bring the truth to light. I also enjoyed the chilling narration from the mysterious “Her” sprinkled throughout. I could honestly feel the fear rolling off the pages that each character experienced, however I loved the overall message that hope and faith conquer fear.

Though there’s a lot of suspense, I loved the romances in both stories. The author gave us not one, but two swoony British heroes. Anderson is the Englishman whom Effie falls for and I loved the way he believed in her and helped her through her grief. I also loved Sebastian Blaine. He’s a bit of a free spirit who learns from Norah the importance of being there for those you love.

This is definitely one gothic romance fans won’t want to miss! Highly recommend! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided. 4.5-5 stars!

Chilling…I like it
Night Falls on Predicament Avenue is a chilling story about two women who desire to fulfill dreams but are apprehensive about seeing those dreams through. They seem to second-guess their own strength as their individual lives and circumstances push them down paths of discovery.
In true Jaime Jo Wright fashion, she delivers a frightening tale of overcoming fears, stepping out in faith, and not backing down to the things that go bump in the night. I always enjoy the way she hops between two different periods of time and shows the parallels between the present and the past.It helps us see that the fears of the past are not much different from the fears we have today…but God hasn’t changed either, and that is beautiful.
Obviously, I enjoy the book and I enjoy the author. I will read everything she produces, without question.
If you are willing to face a chilling story to see how Jaime shows God’s awesomeness by the end, get yourself a copy of Night Falls on Predicament Avenue (just don’t read it at night).
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher through CelebrateLit Publicities. All views expressed are strictly my own.

I loved this book filled with grief, love, suspense and intrigue. I could not put this book down. I loved Effie and Norah. I loved that each of these women from a 120 years apart have to solve a murder to move on with their lives. I loved how spooky this story could be. I am never disappointed by this author. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

If you've ever read any of Jamie Jo Wright's novels, then you know what a marvel she is. This book is no exception. It is so amazing the way that an author's mind can conjure up a plot, dialog and description of characters and places. Wright's novel in dual timeline, that being 1910 and the very present day. In the earlier time line a murder was witnessed which left the witness mute and and in a coma and could not respond to what she saw. Her sister who was with her when this happened, only heard the screams and later saw the blood. But where was the body and who was this person that was murdered? No body was ever found....Thus begins an enthralling mysterious suspense with such tragedies, that have taken place in the earlier time and in the present time. You will be holding on to your seat as you read page after page chapter after chapter all heading toward the fulfillment ending. What a novel and what an imagination this author possesses. I was given this book as an early e-copy by the publisher and author and I am very happy to leave my review.

“Fear steals our joy and is the agony of those with no hope. It will not define us. Fear is the enemy we will defeat.” A story of fear but throughout the message of allowing God to help overcome the fear. This is a split time novel that takes place at 322 Predicament Avenue. Two women have been murdered at this location, one in 1910 and the other in the present day. The story is full of suspense, mystery, ghosts, spiritual insights, and a surprise ending. I love this author's books because they always have great spiritual themes in them, this one is overcoming fear. I also enjoyed this story because Norah's twin sister's name is Naomi and I have a twin but her name isn't Norah.

Night Falls on Predicament Avenue by author Jaime Jo Wright is a dual time Christian mystery thriller with a light romance. Sounds like something for everyone, doesn’t it? Well, it absolutely is even if it gets a bit dark at moments.

This is the story of Euphemia (Effie) James in 1910 and Norah Richman in present day. Their stories center around 322 Predicament Avenue in Shepherd, Iowa. Polly, Effie’s sister, and Naomi, Norah’s, are important characters in this tale. Effie is a single young woman living at home with her family. Norah runs a Bed and Breakfast which was not her dream.

The author has an alluring style of writing. I do not normally read this genre but after a few pages I was captured in its web. All I wanted to do was read. The characters are all artistically crafted with defects, flaws, and mysterious ways. They were believable and easy to imagine. The twists and turns are astounding. I appreciated the message of faith and hope. The Christian message is woven lightly throughout, but it gives readers biblical inspiration in a somewhat gothic story.

I highly recommend this riveting page-turner. It would make a chatty choice for any book club. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

Another winner of a novel! This book was full of suspense and the ending took me for a loop! I loved how Jaime took two characters who were both dealing with heartaches and helped them to start to find some healing. I always enjoy the parallels that are created in Jaime’s books and how she always ties her stories together. I enjoyed how the past storyline was still left a little in the dark for the characters in the current timeline. It left the story with a little air of mystery even though we, as the readers, are able to get closure. Just another awesome, atmospheric read that shines a light on the hope and grace we can find in our faith, even in the darkest of times.

*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. My opinions are all my own.

Night Falls on Predicament Avenue is the story of a haunted house. Sort of. It’s not haunted in what we think of as the supernatural way, but with a couple of murders (or unexplained deaths) within its walls, stories do get around.

The novel follows a dual timeline with the old house: one story takes place in 1910 involving two sisters, one of whom witnessed “something” in the house–and the other is set in the present, focusing on the current owner who has turned the house into a bed and breakfast.

There are definitely spooky moments. This is not a cozy mystery. It’s more of what I think of as a gothic novel. However, it includes an element of Christian faith which is what redeems it and makes it worth reading.

Jaime Jo Wright returns with another mesmerizing, ethereal tale of grief, loss and searching for hope in the evil darkness of this world. I simply couldn't put this book down and loved it from the very first words to the emotional ending.

Profound and deep, Wright used both past and present day scenes to evict an almost melodic flow to the unfolding of her story, taunting me with threads life, death and loss. I was wholly captivated with the story and felt the emotions of the richly woven characters deeply. Shrouded in the horrors of mystery and murder with the perplexing idea of visions, ghosts and apparitions, Wright wove a gruesome, yet tantalizing tale.

I thoroughly enjoyed both the modern-day era story of Norah, a B&B owner struggling with fear and grief and Sebastian, a true-crime podcaster who hides behind his stories, as well as the early 1900's story of Effie James, a young woman who may have witnessed a horrifying murder and Anderson, an Englishman in search of his lost love. As always, Wright masterfully wove these two stories together with revelations along the way that kept the story riveting and entertaining.

I appreciated the strong threads of faith, the focus on grief and the fear of losing someone or grieving them, as well as the hint of romance throughout this story. Night Falls on Predicament Avenue was everything I know, and have come to love, about a Wright novel. I cried over the emotional ending and tender, author's note and my heart swooned over the final romance scene.

Hands down, a must read. You simply won't regret it if you enjoy hauntingly fantastic stories that may or may not keep you up at night but always have a truth behind the horrifying tale.

Content and Trigger Warnings: Murder, Loss of a Loved One, Chronic Illness, Social Anxiety

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.

I am a big fan of Jamie Jo Wright. I love how her stories connect two times and have just the right amount of creepy to keep you wanting to read more and there is always a satisfying conclusion. I liked the characters in this story and how both Effie and Norah are trying to find answers to some strange things that have happened at Predicament Avenue. I loved how they were able to find these answers as they worked with men who they fall in love with. I love how Effie and Norah are able to move on and put their ghost to rest as they find the answers they are seeking. I thought this was a great story and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Another winner from Jaime Jo!! Even if it is a split time story...which I am getting tired of in general...it's a good one! ;) (I also recently read another split time story that was actually very good as well...!) Anyway, you're going to love Effie and Anderson, as well as Norah and Sebastian!! So, my recommendation is to read it!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance e-copy of this book! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Wow every book by Jaime Jo Wright is better than the last!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This woman can write a captivating ghost story that will keep you reading long into the night.

A gripping thriller that throws you into a small Christian town in Iowa in the year 1901. While simultaneously anchoring you to the present day with the current owner of the same property. The ties between the two stories are what is gripping and is also the dark history of the property, is the shadow that the current owner lives within.

The story is placed in a very small town in Shepherd, Iowa where in the opening pages of the first chapter, two sisters witness a horrendous murder at the abandoned home of 322 Predicament Avenue which begins the centuries long ghost stories of the woman murdered there: Isabelle Addington.

Conversely, in the present day, a woman named Norah owns this same home and appears to be experiencing the haunting spirit of Isabelle as one of her guests dies of fright and cardiac arrest. Norah has even further ties to the haunted abode though, as her sister was mysteriously murdered thirteen years prior and no one was ever convicted.

Norah has a guest staying at the property, now converted to a Bed and Breakfast, that is researching the history of Isabelle Addington's murder, but also inadvertently unearthing the secrets to Norah's sisters murder.

I had a hard time reading this one at night, as Wright's story telling made me nervous of every sound in my home as I read. It's beautifully haunting and classically written. She's a brilliant writer, transporting you directly into the dual points of view without hesitation.

Both of the main characters, Effie and Norah, were beautiful people with a lot of similarities even across the 100 year time span. They are both family oriented, they both want to help others, and are willing to put themselves into dangerous situations to do the right thing. These are strong women with unwavering morals that are easy to relate with and appreciate.

The underlying messages from this story that I walked away with were the importance of standing up for those that need help, being there for our friends and families when they ask for help, as well as listening to the little voice inside ourselves that guides us all the time.

“The house at 322 Predicament Avenue held secrets, and they were screaming out to be revealed.”

Wow! This story was delightfully eerie and suspenseful, with a thrilling plot and some twists that I did not expect. It’s a tale of murder, loss and grief, and of living with hope instead of fear.

This is my first book by Jaime Jo Wright and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I can’t wait to read her other works. I really liked her writing style, and the beautiful and insightful faith elements she incorporated in the story.

I received a digital review copy from NetGalley, Bethany House Fiction, and Austenprose PR, but a positive review was not required.

I am absolutely in love with this book! It was so good that I even braved reading after nightfall to keep getting the story. (If you've ever read any of her books, you know why that was a very brave thing I did!) This book was the fastest I have ever fallen in love with the present day timeline in one of Jaime's books. I always do eventually, but Sebastian sold me from the beginning. I think I finally realize what other people mean when they say that their books have "swoon-worthy heroes." Also, I think my type now is just... Sebastian. Anyway... moving on... the tension in this book was real! And, for maybe the first time ever, I solved a Jaime Jo Wright mystery before the end. I was so excited about that! Although, I will say that the anticipation of getting there nearly had me throwing the book while I made unearthly squealing sounds! Definitely one of my favorites of Jaime's so far. Top four. Or... maybe top three tied with Lost Boys. Long story short, if you're a mystery fan or like a spooky vibe that gets settled with very real humans at the end, buy the book. (In case you're wondering, they sent me a free e-book for this review and I bought myself the paperback too, because it's just that good!)

"Fear steals our joy and is the agony of those with no hope. It will not define us. Fear is the enemy we will defeat."

Ah, it's another deliciously delightful murder mystery and ghost story from Jaime Jo Wright. This book is less eerie and frightful than her previous books and has more romance (yes, you heard me right). It also addresses grief and fear and has excellent observations on how we can approach both potentially crippling emotions.
Effie's 1901 third person voice is loyal, loving, and proper yet when her younger sister's health and reputation are on the line, she breaks out of her predictable self and goes hunting for truth. Norah's present day third person voice is fearful, anxiety-ridden, and completely trapped in the past that she cannot live in the present. Effie and Norah are connected by the house on 322 Predicament Avenue and their dual timeline story of murder, betrayal, and discovery of self is an unforgettable one. Though Anderson in 1901 and Sebastian in the present time do not have their own perspectives in the story, the author weaves their characters and backstories impeccably into the women's lives that they still feel like main characters. Their relationships are fragile yet deep on a soul-connecting level and their romance is tentative, quite tender and amazingly sweet.

It's another must-read from Jaime Jo Wright. I don't know how she does it, but her books just keep getting better and better! I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.

This book was so good. I have not read any others by this author but found this one to be a real page turner. It is always exciting to find new authors who you enjoy and I will be looking for more books by Jaime Jo Wright.

Recommend.

I just finished this, quickly turning the pages to find out if the murders are solved. As the reader, I know what happened in both timelines, but not all mysteries were solved by the characters looking, and that's okay because hope was found. All of the main characters experienced loss and went on a journey to process grief and find closure and healing. Effie and her sister Polly witnessed a violent murder. Anderson came looking for his wife and believed that she may have been the victim. Polly goes into shock, and Effie partners with Anderson to solve the mystery. Meanwhile, in present day, Norah's sister was also murdered 13 years ago and Norah has never gotten over that loss. When Sebastian, a true crime podcaster, comes to stay at her bed and breakfast, to research the century old murder and the rumors of ghosts, the two of them learn more than they planned. Both women are not sure they are prepared for the adventure that has been given to them, but both women continue to move forward through trials and through pain. I loved this book!

Unfortunately, this was a DNF for me. I couldn't connect with the writing or the characters within the opening chapters. I won't be reviewing this on my blog or good reads, as I don't like to give public negative reviews. It just wasn't for me. I liked the premise and the title, but there was no connection for me.