Do you believe in ghosts? I just went on a haunted trolly tour of Door County with one of my book clubs and it was a lot of fun. I always enjoy a good ghost story.

Marian Anderson has lost her parents and her home in Milwaukee in 1921 after prohibition has caused the shut down of her family brewery. She retains her family’s country estate, Mullerian, in rural Wisconsin near Milwaukee. As she settles in, death seems to surround the estate and Marian has limited time to discover who the killer is before her own time is up. In present day, Remy has moved to Mullerian Manor to help an author write a book about Marian Anderson and the Butterfly Butcher serial killer. Will Remy be able to solve the mystery of both Marian and her own past?

My thoughts on this novel:
• The gothic atmosphere of this novel made this a perfect read for October. I loved the ghosts and haunted house aspects. I especially love a house with passages that lead to no where and secret entrances and exits.

• The cover of this novel is beautiful, and I love how it features the glass butterfly house which is an important part of the story in both timelines.

• As a resident of Wisconsin, I really loved the Wisconsin setting. I also enjoyed the historical aspect as I always wonder how different breweries made it through prohibition and all the bars. I know the major breweries started producing soda pop, but not everyone made the switch.

• There were side characters in each timeline that were interesting. I particularly enjoyed Marian’s childhood friend Felix, a WWI veteran who has returned with demons of his own.

• I thought it was very interesting that the book looked into mental health in a sensitive and thoughtful way.

• The storyline was intriguing, and it kept me engaged throughout. Especially towards the end I could not put this book down. I did not guess the ending to the mysteries.

• Both storylines were equally engaging. Sometimes I like on storyline in a dual storyline book more than the other. It was not the case in this novel!

• There are great discussion questions for a book club at the end and a sneak peek into Jaime Jo Wright’s next book which is set in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I can’t wait to read it when it comes out next spring.

Favorite Quotes:
“Death had always been fashionable. Women celebrated it by donning black silks and feathers and shawls and lace. Men acknowledged it with a band on their hat or a mourning ring on their finger. Of course, that was more to announce their eligibility than anything else. For what man could continue to flourish in life without a wife to manage his household and rear his children?” Great 1st paragraph of the novel!

“There were no bodies. Nothing but broken wings and the memory of someone who smiled when death came to call.”

“People have this measuring stick they use and hold one another up to. If you’re running a tad short, then something’s wrong with you.”

Overall, Specters in the Glass House by Jaime Jo Wright was an engaging Gothic historical mystery romance set in Wisconsin that was perfect for the spooky season.

Book Source: Review copy from Bethany House as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Thank-you! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I'm not a huge thriller girly, but I find anything by Jaime Jo Wright is always amazing, and Specters in the Glass House did not disappoint. I loved the storyline, and the dual-timelines were both compelling.

Marian was really interesting; the complexities of her mind were fascinating and her mother was so unique. I liked seeing Marian in the best and worst of times.

Remy was so funny. She made me laugh out loud several times and I loved seeing her heart shine through with Tate. Her background was interesting and a fresh take that I enjoyed. Overall, a great book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I have been a fan of Gothic novels since I was in High School and it continues to be one of my favorite genres. Jaime Jo Wright is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors when I need a taste of Gothic romance. She has the ability to combine a historical story with a modern day story in a way that is a joy to read. She can truly weave this dual timeline together for a satisfying and uplifting tale.

Remy Crenshaw has taken a job as a research assistant for an eccentric author who is writing a biography of Marian Arnold, one of the last victims of an infamous serial killer in the 1920's dubbed the Butterfly Butcher. Elton Floyd has purchased Mullerian Manor, where the murders took place, and plans to get to the truth about the past. Remy finds herself drawn into the story of Marian and her mother, Verdine, who loved butterflies. In fact, there is a glass house devoted to plants, butterflies and is Verdine's final resting place.

The reader also follows Marian's story, which unfolds with plenty of creepy voices and specters, a few deaths and betrayal by people who should be protecting her. Marian discovers that her father has hidden a lot of things from her, including her Mother's fragile mental state. Add in the background of Prohibition, which has bankrupted the Arnold brewery, a childhood friend injured in WWI and more than a few creepy encounters and you have a engrossing tale.

The author has created a few characters with mental illness and her portrayal of these people is sympathetic and realistic. The way that mental illness was handled during the past is shown and makes the reader feel for those people. The book also deals with foster care, PTSD, and family dynamics that will tug at the reader's emotions. Throughout the book, the author also shows the power of a belief in God that allows the characters to cope with all that is thrown at them. "Belief that in the end, He will make all things good."

If you enjoy a well-written Gothic tale with wonderful characters and a touch of romance, you will enjoy this book.

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

I'm newer to the world of Jaime Jo Wright, but I see why she's become so popular. This book was engrossing and the characters were relatable, and the twists and turns kept me guessing.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

* I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own*

Another brilliant, chilling read from the queen of gothic Christian mysteries! I always look forward to Jaime Jo Wright’s books. I know I’ll be in for a spooky, enjoyable ride with a touch of romance, unpredictable suspense, & a beautiful faith message captured in a dual timeline thread. Specters in the Glass House has to be a new favorite!

In 1921, Marian Arnold, heiress to her deceased parents’ brewing empire, struggles with knowing what’s read & what isn’t. After Prohibition gutted her family’s business, she’s relegated to living in her family’s Wisconsin summer home & seeks comfort in the glass butterfly house. With disturbing visions, nightmares, & a deadly serial killer leaving dead butterflies as the calling card, Marian fights to stay alive & decipher the truth along with her dear childhood friend newly returned wounded from WWI.

In the present, Remy Shaw is a researcher who’s been hired to help an elderly eccentric writer with his book about Marian & the infamous Butterfly Butcher, who was never caught. With the help of Marian’s great-great-grandson Tate, an ex-marine with a story to tell, they begin unravelling the mystery in the very place where it happened. But, when dead butterflies & murders start to occur all over again, they wonder if the killer’s legacy has come back to haunt them.

This book had me on pins & needles the whole time. I loved the way the author created such a vivid, frightening atmosphere where it was so hard to tell what was real. Though butterflies are beautiful, there’s also something a little macabre about them when they’re dead & this effect was present in full force. I also loved the symbolism of rebirth they represent. Both timelines were so captivating & I loved all the main characters. I had so much sympathy for the struggles each one went through.

Mental illness is often portrayed in a negative light in mysteries. I loved how the author tackled the struggles in a compassionate way that lended new insights. The romance in both time periods was so well done. I thoroughly enjoyed how supportive Felix & Remy were. Though they have their own problems, they really saw the person behind the illness in their respective timelines. As always, I appreciated the hopeful faith messages beautifully & naturally woven into the story.

Highly recommend to dual time period, gothic mystery fans! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author & publisher. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.

I really enjoyed SPECTERS IN THE GLASS HOUSE but I will confess it's not my favorite from Jaime Jo Wright. Something seemed off-balance with the two timelines. I enjoyed Remy's sections more than Marian's, in part because Marian was not super likable or relatable as a character. The exploration of mental illness is, of course, heavy and hard. But Wright handles it deftly. I guess I am perhaps getting tired of dual timeline stories that don't necessarily need to be dual timelines. I would love to see a single focused narrative from this talented author.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-galley; all opinions in my review are 100% my own.

5 Stars to this latest release by Jaime Jo Wright! It never ceases to amaze me how she can weave such great messages of faith into a hauntingly macabre gothic tale! I was so sure I knew who it was--then that person CLEARLY was no long a suspect. Well done!

Topics included:
mental illness
PTSD
amputee
foster care
murder (because it IS Jaime Jo Wright. ;) )

If you like the hauntingly creepy but want the safety of it being explainable with a dose of God's in control--you need to explore Jaime's books.

Also--the whole pulling wings of butterflies and butterflies on the face was just (shiver). Made me think of...oh yeah. the cover of the Silence of the Lambs movie.

5 Stars for keeping me 100% engaged and making me not want to fix dinner to make sure Remy survived!

*I was given an ARC of book by the publishers and NetGAlley to review. All opinions are 100% my own.

“It’s what we do with fear that’s important…”

Whenever I start a new book of Wright’s I remember how much I loved her books, writing style, characters, all of it! I love the dual timelines immensely. They are creative and done so well. The way the connections are made and how every tiny detail is important gets me every time. And there is just enough creepy and scary to keep the pages turning fast.

Remy and Marian are both amazing characters with pasts that could have left them without hope. Without giving anything anyway, they are both on a journey of finding answers and danger is around every corner.

I am excited to see what this talented author can come up with next.

Huge thank you to the publisher for the NetGalley link and the paperback. All views are my own.

Specters in the Glass House is perfect for the spooky reading season. Unlike quite anything I've read before this book goes beyond leaving you feeling spooked to feeling a bit unsettled. Written in alternating timeline from 1921 to modern days.

The book is about mental illnesses, several different types but the author does it well and writes with sensitivity. Mental illness is so hard to get a grasp on and we yet don't have a clear understanding of it.

As I read it was hard to put my finger on what was reality and what was perceived as almost as a dream state by a main character. I enjoyed the characters and seeing how well developed they were as their stories became clearer.

Disembodied voices, a feeling of not being alone, dealing with what is reality and what is not as the mind plays tricks on you, a hint of romance and butterflies, I've never thought of butterflies as creepy before.

Excellent read for its many twists and turns that'll keep you glued to the pages.

Recommended!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

A mysterious woman, a ghostly house, the legend of a serial killer lost in time...
This was an enjoyable read with two timelines, and two mysteries reaching across generations. Each storyline inching towards a mystery that kept me guessing.

I have absolutely loved all of Jamie Jo Wright’s books, but this book was the most difficult for me to read. This is one of those books that grabs you from the very beginning and doesn’t turn you loose, even after you have finished reading it. Specters in the Glass House is a split time story that deals with mental health issues, among prominent families, during prohibition era 1921 and today. Wright handles the subject with grace and gives the reader an understanding of what it was like to suffer from mental disorders in the past, and what it can be like now. The book not only touches on mental health issues of the time, but also the way people with mental health issues were treated. While some were locked away in asylums, some were merely hidden away from the public eye.

I think this is Wright’s creepiest book yet. It has family issues, murder, hidden identities, butterflies, a hint of romance, and so much more. There are lots of twists and turns that will leave your head spinning and keep you coming back for more. This book is a definite must read!

I was provided a copy of the book from the author/publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

I've been a fan of Jamie Jo Wright for a couple of years now and her books just get better and better! Specters in the Glass House has the perfect balance of mystery, romance, and real issues. The character growth for both Marian and Remy was well done. I appreciate that the author was willing to touch on subjects like mental health and grief in a respectful manner. The array of emotions that these characters experience throughout the course of the story are so relatable that I found myself teary eyed a few times.

I struggled with this book. As much as I enjoyed Remy's POV chapters, I really struggled to get through Marian's chapters. I found her to be whiny and unnecessarily weak and not very intelligent. Especially with the whit of Remy and the mystery of Remy's background surrounding Marian's character, she felt especially boring to me. While I appreciated Wright's take on PTSD and schizophrenia--that those people still have worth and are still human beings who are loved and cherished--I had a hard time caring enough about the story to finish, and I felt like I more slogged through the story than enjoyed it.

Jaime Jo Wright is in a master class all by herself. And well deserved!

I’ve read plenty of psychological thinkers, but Wright’s books go beyond the psychological and the thrilling. Her books plumb the depths of what it is to be human…

…all of the fears, the fascination with the supernatural, and the fallenness of mankind. Through exposing the darker side of humanity, the light she shines through her craft shines all the brighter.

So when you pick up a Jaime Jo Wright novel just know that nothing is as it seems. And how it really is? Like I said—a master class.

I don’t know how she does it. I’m just really glad she does!

My thanks to the publisher for an advance copy. My review has not been solicited. I highly recommend any book by this author, but Specter? It’s a great place to start. Keep an eye on Marion and on Remy for me 😉

"It's what we do with that fear that's important. What we allow it to shape us into."

Eerie, fascinating and absolutely delightful! Jaime Jo Wright never fails to amaze me with her brilliance in crafting a tale that has me reading way past my bedtime. This book has it all - eerie setting in both timelines cloaked in intrigue, murder mystery, intricate plot with plenty of surprises, strong faith thread, and tender romance. Jaime Jo Wright is one of the few authors that I keep coming back to who continues to enchant and enthrall with each new book. If you've never read her book, you must pick up this one. If you're a fan, this book is also a must-read.

Walking through 1921 Prohibition era with Marian and Felix was fascinating. As a sheltered heiress now without any means, Marian is a naive and scared young woman. Though she comes across as a cowering mouse, she does have a soft and compassionate heart and a desire to be really seen and loved. Remy and Tate in the present time are quite fun but there is so much brokenness in both of them. The Mullerian Manor and family history meld the two timelines together seamlessly and it's shocking and satisfying when all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place to give the reader the whole picture. The subplot involving a mental health condition is approached with care and sensitivity. The theme of overcoming fear and invisibility with faith and unconditional love is powerful and poignant.

This is one of my favorite books of 2024! Well done, Jaime Jo Wright!
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House via Interviews and Reviews and through NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

October is the perfect month to read this spooky read! I had a hard time putting it down once I picked it up, since I wanted to know what in the world was going on with both stories. This is an excellent story that deals with some surprising topics.

Jaime is the queen of dual timeline mystery.
In “Specters in the Glass House” you meet Marian in 1921 and Remy in present day. Both find themselves at Mullerian Manor in the Wisconsin countryside. Marian is there after prohibition bankrupts her father’s brewery business and Remy is there as a research assistant on a book about the infamous butterfly butcher, a serial killer from the 1920’s.

This book perfectly intwines the mysteries both Marian and Remy face. I love how Jaime always leaks information right when you need it and not before. Her timelines always coexist perfectly. This story is one that shines a light on mental illness and the impact it can have on people suffering from it and also those around them. The topic is handled so well and it really shows how the strides we have made in medicine in present times have really helped those with mental illness.

This is the perfect October read for those who was a suspenseful, little bit spooky, heartfelt, mystery that in the end is easily explained and understood. I am never left guessing or wondering after reading a Jaime Jo Wright book. I love how she ties everything up with a nice bow even when 20 pages before the ending I’m still wondering what is going to happen!

*I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Specters in the Glass House is a great read for spooky season, for those who want something a little spooky but can't handle something off the charts.

This story alternates between two timelines and points of view. There is mystery and haunted happenings, with the setting in both the past and present timelines, being the mysterious and menacing Mullerian Manor.

This is the second book I've read by this author, and in both, the story was told alternating between two timelines and two points of view, our present-day main character and our past main character. In both timelines, there is a mystery to be solved. The reader is learning the truth in the past timeline as the story unfolds, while in the present timeline the main character is trying to solve the past mystery, but also grappling with their own present day mystery. The reader gets the resolution of the past mystery, but the present day main character never fully gets that resolution. I thought this might bother me, but the authour creates the conditions that the present-day main character can still feel some closure, even though they'll never really know the full truth of what happened in the past. I have to say I love this format for historical fiction.

As this story unfolds, it is clear that it is so much more than a simple mystery/haunted house story. The story deals with issues of mental health, especially how misunderstood and mistreated it has been in the past, complex family dynamics, growing up in the care system, and faith. There is some romance in the story, but it certainly isn't the focal point of it.

If you enjoy historical fiction, with some mystery and a little bit of spookiness, you'll enjoy this book.

Thank you to Bethany House Fiction for the advanced digital copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

I have been a Jaime Jo Wright fan since The House on Foster Hill was released in 2017. I have read each of her books released since then, each eerie in its own way. Specters in the Glass House has a mood reminiscent of The House on Foster Hill and The Curse of Misty Wayfair, two of my favorites.

This latest book has dual-timelines. Marian Arnold came to live in the Müllerian Manor near Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1921 after her father's death and bankruptcy, the home in which her mother had died. Remy Crenshaw came to live in the manor in present time having taken a job as research assistant for a famous biographer who wants to write Marian's story. Specters and disembodied voices also populate the manor, a manor where long-ago murders are yet unsolved, and new murders seem likely to occur.

I don't want to spoil the story by revealing the deeper themes, but I assure you that this is no simple ghost story, but rather a tale with weighty matters to ponder. As with each of her books, the reader comes away with a fresh insight or an affirmation of a facet of God's character.

Specters in the Glass House will hold readers captive from the first page to the last. They will find themselves, as I did, repeatedly adjusting their predictions of who the culprit or culprits might be. I am very grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this wonderful book from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Wow! Another very creepy book that you may not want to read right before bed!! ;) Does what happened in the past affect the future? You'd better believe it! What happens to Marian affects Tate. And Remy will find out some secrets about her past! Read this book, if you dare!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance e-copy of this book!! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.