Thank you to @jaimejowright @netgalley and @bethanyhouse for this #gifted book!
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Title: Specters in the Glass House
Author: Jaime Jo Wright
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
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Synopsis: “I protect my family because they protected me. So no. Some stories were never meant to be told. Especially by Elton Floyd—or you for that matter.” Remy Crenshaw is hired by Elton Floyd to investigate what some say is a haunted manor and the mystery of Marian Arnold and the Butterfly Butcher. When she discovers a glass house left to the ruins of time, she is surprised to find a grave inside with mysterious messages surrounding it. As Remy dives into the history of Mullerian Manor, she finds the haunting may not really be so scary but instead speaks to problems that are unseen and perhaps affect more than we care to admit.

Analysis: Jaime Jo Wright holds such a unique space in Christian fiction, and this new book speaks to issues that you may be surprised to find in the Christian fiction world. But that’s exactly why I love this author and this book! The story will keep you turning the pages and maybe even up a little too late as you try to uncover this masterfully told mystery. You get all the suspense without the gore and horror. And perhaps most importantly, these characters point to hope. They deal with darkness—murder, broken pasts, personal struggles—but ultimately they look for the light that we can only find in Christ. If you’re looking for the perfect fall mystery, add this book to your TBR! And you might as well add Jaime’s others too! You’ll definitely want more when you turn that final page.

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

*I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Split time mystery with memorable characters and a twisted plot. Lose yourself in the story that will keep you guessing to the very end, NetGalley, the publisher and author, provided this book for my review. Opinions are my own thoughts. #NetGalley #SpectersintheGlass House. #JaimeJoWright

This was my first Jamie Jo Wright and I enjoyed it, though I am not a huge dual timeline, but I knew that is how she writes before trying her so I was okay with it. I thought both timelines were done pretty good and keep me curious about both so that was good. There was a fun twist at the end I didn't see coming that I liked. I would say the only thing I wasn't a fan of is the cause for the visions that was revealed but that is because I am not of a fan of that type of storyline. I will try another one from this author..

Specters in the Glass House is officially my favorite Jaime Jo Wright book to date!
This book had so much depth while handling sensitive topics carefully. Both storylines were captivating, having me turn page after page, teasing me by switching storylines when I needed to find out what happened with the other one.
There were many unexpected twists and turns—like every Jaime Jo Wright book—but ones that hit me in my feels also unexpectedly.
The romance in both storylines was sweet & tender, with selfless heroes.
The faith was woven beautifully through each time period, pointing them to the Creator through the beauty He’s placed in this world despite the dire circumstances they faced.
If you’re looking for a fall-theme, spooky, twisty romantic thriller, with faith, be sure to get your copy of Specters in the Glass House.

RATINGS:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💋
✝️✝️✝️
16+

If you are looking for a cozy mystery with a bit of a spooky side, Jamie Jo Wright never disappoints. Her latest book, Specters in the Glass House, gives a honest and hopeful look at mental illness that is compassionate and not condescending. This one has a little different feel than her previous books, but fans of Wright won’t want to miss it!

Readers are always excited when this author releases another book. Gothic, spooky and erie all described this highly anticipated novel. With two time lines, a strong emphasis on fairh this novel respectfully highlights the struggles of mental illness. Recommended.

Wright is such a brilliant storyteller managing to juggle two time periods with challenging themes and somehow connect it all. Oh, and we can't forget the suspense, a bit of creepiness and gothic elements. Yep, "Specters" has it all and once again is a riveting read that keeps the reader guessing.

I appreciate how Wright explores mental health maladies in her stories and gives them a wide reign, always allowing us to build empathy for her characters who experience them. She holds them gently, doesn't preach nor belittle and allows her characters to hope there is life with the malady.

Marian Arnold and Remy Shaw are the lead characters; Marian in the 1920s prohibition era and Remy in the present day. Both have been led to a house of dubious history, some might even suggest, it's haunted. This large Wisconsin estate was built by Marian's mother who would often change her mind during the building process resulting in rooms that weren't complete and doors that led to brick walls. Marian is left the estate by her father in the family will, he having died having lost much of his brewing wealth due to prohibition.

Remy arrives at the same seat 100 years later to take up the position as research assistant to eccentric elderly writer, Elton Floyd, who is writing a book on the Arnold family and the Butterfly Butcher who was rumoured to be responsible for a number of deaths at the estate including Marian's mother.

It's all quite enthralling and we're kept guessing which is a feature of Wright's story craft. Marian and Remy are wonderful characters: complex, a little troubled, and wanting to be loved. The male leads, Felix Dale and Tate Arnold are similarly broken, the former from WW1 and the latter from his family heritage. They provide a depth to the story in giving Marian and Remy hope even though both have troubled histories.

The house and glasshouse are almost characters in themselves in this story and Wright provides excellent visional imagery to allow the reader to feel they're within their walls.

The unravelling of both stories was quite surprising and one has to keep one's focus as it proceeds. The story wraps up well and leaves the reader wishing there was another Wright story not too far away on the horizon.

Another beauty from Wright which I highly recommend.

I feel especially blessed by receiving access to an early version of the story from Bethany House via the Net Galley App and this has no bearing on my review.

I always love Jaime Jo Wright's books....and they are especially fun to read in October when I'm looking for a slightly creepy book. Specters in the Glass House alternates between Marion's story in 19221 and present day Remy. Jaime does a wonderful job intertwining these stories and wrapping it all up very nicely at the end.

I read/listened to the audio version and thought the narrators did a great job. I've listened to several historical fiction books read by Pilar Witherspoon. Rebecca Quinn Robertson was new to me but I enjoyed her voice.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 1 October 2024

Wowza! Jaime Jo Wright is the queen of dual timeline creepy stories. Yet underneath, she spins a web of faith that brings light amidst the darkness. Told from the viewpoints of the heroine in both timelines, Ms. Wright expertly switches between the two with a well-paced plot, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Just when I thought I had figured out the villain, well-placed clues and red herrings led me in a totally different direction.

There is a lovely message of accepting the Creator's imprint on each of us, acknowledging one's value in a world that does not value those who see it through a different lens. A wonderful story addressing the difficulties faced by those struggling with mental health.

Filled with all the creepy vibes of a delightful fall read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

A mysterious woman, a ghostly house, and a serial killer in the past are the research subject for a present-day woman who discovers the deadly secrets from the past have reawakened. Jaime Jo Wright has a gift for dual-timeline suspense. This is only my second visit to her books, but the experience rivaled my first time for engagement and enjoyment of the atmospheric tone she creates, the character stories and the mystery plot that winds to some tension-wrought surprise reveals.

The past story takes place in the Prohibition Post WWI-era at a mysterious gothic-style mansion built by the wife of a Milwaukee brewery baron with all sorts of architectural oddities including a butterfly house on the grounds. Marian Arnold’s family wealth is mostly gone now that Prohibition has closed the lucrative family brewery and she has recently buried her sole remaining parent. Her inheritance is the Victorian gothic-style mansion in the Wisconsin countryside that was designed by her eccentric artist mother and was the family summer home. Now, she’s alone in a house with a reduced serving staff, her memories of her mother who had a deep fixation for butterflies, and a ghost who warns her of danger and death. She thinks the arrival of her partying anti-prohibition cousin and his fiancée will take the burdens and loneliness away, but instead death and a growing horror for the killer who leaves dead butterflies arrives as well. Only her once childhood friend struggling with his own post-war night terrors and loss of a leg seems to steady her.

In the present, Remy Shaw, a one-time foster kid finds it surreal that she was hired as research assistant to a well-known biographer who bought the Mullerian Mansion and is researching the story of the cryptic Marian Arnold who is thought to be one the victims of the Butterfly Butcher serial killer. Odd and inexplicable events happen in the place and everyone in the household seems to be harboring secrets including the descendant of the Arnolds who doesn’t want Marian’s story written.

At first, Marian’s story was the more powerful inducement for me, but eventually I got equally invested in Remy’s end of the story. I was curious about a few matters and had my suspicions of some of the answers. I was right about much of my guesses, but still got some good surprises there in the end. I enjoyed the blend of historical background, suspense plot, the character descriptions and subtle romance developments. There are mental health and inspirational elements handled deftly by the author and woven into the larger tale so well. My curiosity and emotions were equally piqued. Who knew the presence of butterflies could send a chill down one’s spine? This would make a fabulous fall spooky read cozied up with a hot cider, a fuzzy blanket and a nice fire on a crisp, dark night.

This was one of the most unique books I’ve read in a very long time. Between a historical fiction with dual timelines, mystery with some thrill involved, and mentions of God, it was easily a favorite. And a perfect book for October!

I really didn’t know what to expect. Parts scared me a little, but just could not stop reading…and I’m so glad I didn’t. It was just such a great book, with unexpected twists toward the end.

The pacing throughout the book was steady, and I didn’t feel as if there was a slump. It just kept pushing forward and the story was so intriguing that it was practically impossible to put down. And in both timelines the story was equally captivating, it was a great balance.

I felt like I was there, figuring out the truth surrounding Marion and the deaths at her house. I was just solving mysteries with both main characters - Marion and Remy - in both era, though they did a much better job and actually figuring it out than I did.

There were parts that I felt were a little creepy, and kept me on the edge of my seat. I may have even jumped when my own dog moved my door unexpectedly. I’m not usually one for books like this, but when I hit the ending it was definitely worth it.

The book had also so many great quotes, and I appreciated when the story pointed to God. I will just leave you with one of my favorites:

“You have to choose to believe that when your world is shuttered and dark with unknown dangers, life is still worth fighting through. That God sees into it even when you don’t. That you’ll come out the other side with purpose.”

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from @jaimejowright @bethanyhousefiction and @austenprose . However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.

Specters in the Glass House by Jaime Jo Wright is a well-crafted story that is one intense read. I chose this book because I was looking for a spooky read for October and because I find the prohibition days interesting.

The story took place at Müllerian Manor near Milwaukee, WI At that time, a lot of the brewery families there were of German heritage. I appreciated how the backstory of the 1920s post- WW1 cultural bias against these families was skillfully woven into the story line.

The story takes place in two timelines. Murderous events happened in Marian's 1920s world. Modern day characters, Elton and Remy, are researching Marian's life and the serial killer, the Butterfly Butcher. What surprised me was that Remy's story quickly became the larger part of the book as happenings turned ominous and threatening with multiple parallels to Marian's life.

I found the plot lines multi-layered and well developed. I was invested in each character's journey. The cover is a beautiful representation of the butterfly house from Marian's day.

This was the first book I have read by this author and thriller-level suspense is not my usual genre. It turned out that with threatening and murderous things happening in both times - it was just too much for me. Thad to jump to the end of the book to see whodunnit and WHY? I also found the way it was jumping back and forth from the 1920s to the present too much for me to keep track of.

Though this was more suspense than I was ready for I am sure that those who seek thriller level mysteries spanning dual times will want to dig into this one.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

Whew. I need time to digest this one...

First, I am so glad my husband was off this weekend so I could read this book! This one may just be her creepiest one yet. But also, the one that will live rent free in my head for a very long time. Her stories have a creep factor, to be sure, but I love that there is ALWAYS a reasonable, realistic reason for what happens.

I just...I don't know what to say. I'm still taking it all in.

Family is hard sometimes, you know? And when you add in a convoluted family tree, that definitely amps up the difficulty. Both Marian and Remy have those messed up family trees...but are they truly messed up? Or just misunderstood? I guess you'll have to decide that.

I don't know what else I can possibly say without spoiling anything. I do know that I cried, I giggled (Remy and Elton's relationship is so fun!), and I prayed for the characters. That's a well written book.

Is this Jaime Jo Wright's best book to date? You tell me. But I don't think I'll ever look at butterflies the same way again.

~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~

Wright always lures me with the foreboding synopsis of each book and then ensnares me with the delicate way she weaves a family's history together throughout her storytelling. This is consistent with everything I've read of hers.

Specters in the Glass House features two timelines, the 1920's Prohibition era and the present. In the 1920's, the Arnold family had been a brewery empire, but Prohibition quickly brought about their demise, following bankruptcy and death of Marian's father. Marian is orphaned now and has returned to her family's estate, Mullerian Manor where her late mother had spent most of her life. But things get dark at this point when death follows her return back home. First the milk man in the butterfly house, then a house guest. Marian is also haunted by the specters of the manor and is trying to figure out what is happening around her.

Switch over to the current timeline and you've got Remy, a young woman working as a research assistant for a man who is writing the biography of the Arnold family and has purchased Mullerian Manor. Remy is also an orphan, having lost her parents when she was very young, but that's not where the similarities end between our two main characters. The Manor's ghosts are still abound and Remy regularly sees and hears them. Then the deaths start piling up...

A cross timeline tale of family tragedies, bonds that are unbroken, and the strength to face your fears. I loved the slow build that Wright uses to lay out the spooky dynamics within the walls of Mullerian Manor. As well as the interesting characters that fill both timelines. Marian and Remy are similar characters as well as the leading men in both of their lives having a military past and haunted by their own war time experiences.

The butterfly glass house that sits in a far corner of the manor's backyard equally paints a picture of serenity where Marian escapes to be with her mother's memories and love for butterflies, as well as a formidable house of horror in itself being the location of the first death that arrives at the manor.

There is a lot to unpack in this story with the crossing timelines, family histories, and activities that are playing out. But it was wildly exciting and really hard to put down. I felt for Marian and Remy's characters; wanting to see them find their own happy endings amongst the terror surrounding them and Wright delivers in ways you could never guess!

This was the perfect read for October! With its chilling atmosphere and seamless dual timeline narrative, this story delivers an unpredictable, spooky, and gripping read, complete with a touch of romance and a beautiful faith message. I loved it!

Beautifully written with a great mystery that kept me guessing, and just the right amount of creepy and spooky elements that kept me on the edge of my seat.

This is my second book by Jaimie Jo Wright and she’s now an auto read author for me.

I received a copy from Bethany House Fiction and Austenprose PR via NetGalley, but a positive review wasn’t required.

Specters in the Glass House is a great cozy read for the fall. This novel didn’t have as much in it that caused my heart rate to jump up as other Jaime Jo Wright novels, but that didn’t make it any less of one. Going in, I thought prohibition would be a little more central to the plot and I would learn more about that time period. This is more about family dynamics, mental health, and the Butterfly Butcher.

Just from the first sentence of the premise I couldn’t have been more excited to start this book! Especially after such an eerie read of Wright’s book, Night Falls on Predicament Avenue earlier this year. I found that book to be a beautifully creepy, dark, gothic historical mystery. So if this was anything like that, I knew I would be in for a treat!

And this did not disappoint! Just like Night Falls on Predicament Avenue, I was entranced from the very start. The very first line, “Death has always been fashionable” was just so chilling. I couldn’t help but want more. And the further I read, the more captivated I found myself being. I thoroughly enjoyed the two timelines we see as well, as we bounce between the 1920s and present day.

I especially loved to see the butterfly house. We get to see descriptions around this greenhouse built to home a variety of butterflies, both while it was flourishing with butterflies and in its decayed state from neglect. I loved seeing these details, I could envision this house easily in both states. I’ve always found butterflies beautiful and alluring. Since starting this blog, I’ve also discovered a mysteriousness that they can add to supernatural and mystery premises. And as we got to see more of this setting, I couldn’t help but be reminded of another favorite read, The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchison, another ominous read with a butterfly house.

Another aspect I enjoyed was I felt this book had more spectral vibes than Night Falls on Predicament Avenue. I enjoyed this haunted house feeling we get in both our timelines. It sets us up for a truly thrilling gothic read. I simply couldn’t get enough. I needed to know what was gonna happen around this premise of a serial killer in our 1920s timeline.

If you enjoy historical mysteries with haunting vibes, you should definitely consider picking this one up!

Wright is amazing at dual timeline books. I don't ever find myself skimming through one to get back to the other story. She weaves them together seamlessly. That said, I felt this book was a little more complicated than most and I had to really pay attention to what was going on. It wasn't a book where you could guess what was happening as a lot of secrets aren't revealed until close to the end.

This books deals with mental health issues in a sensitive way. Even though there was a lot of darkness, there was always hope or light, often coming in the form of a listening ear or faithful friend. it was a very interesting read set in the days of prohibition and the present.

Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own

I loved the way this book does two important things. It kept me guessing in both timelines and it respectfully deals with mental health issues.

I consider this book to be a faith based romantic suspense. Each timeline (1921 and the present) has murder and speculation about the crimes. There are two narrators. Marian in 1921 and Remy in the present.

The book centers around a mansion outside of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

It’s prohibition time in 1921. Marian comes to live in the mansion after she has lost both parents and her family’s brewery fortune. There is a death in the enclosed butterfly garden where Marian’s mother is buried with more death to come.

In the present, Remy has come to the mansion as a research assistant on a book to be written about the 1921 “Butterfly Butcher” serial killer and his victims.

JJW does it again! I LOVED this one, the twists and turns just kept me on my toes. Loved her overall themes and how light wins out over darkness.