A ★★★★★ Book Review of The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus by Jaime Jo Wright
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All thoughts below are my own and I was not required to post a positive review. Also, this blog post includes affiliate links which means I will receive a commission based on sales generated via these links, at no additional cost to you.
The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus is magnificent!
Jaime Jo Wright delivers a novel that is entertaining, spooky, and romantic in all the right ways. With diverse, mysterious characters she brings the 1920’s circus to life in vivid detail while simultaneously telling a contemporary story that reveals bits and pieces of the serial killer that terrorized the circus a century ago... A hauntingly, magnificent story that will thrill, delight and spellbind readers!
Welcome to Bonaventure Circus, where misfits go to hide.
In 1928, the Bonaventure Circus has become a refuge for many, but Pippa Ripley was rejected from its inner circle as a baby and is no longer content to leave the reason for that rejection unquestioned. When she receives mysterious messages from someone called the "Watchman," she is determined to find him and the connection to her birth. As Pippa's search leads her to a man seeking justice for his murdered sister and evidence that a serial killer has been haunting the circus train, she must decide if uncovering her roots is worth putting herself directly in the path of the killer.
Decades later, an old circus train depot's future hangs in the balance--it will either be torn down or preserved for historical importance, and its fate rests on Realtor Chandler Faulk's shoulders. As she dives deep into the depot's history, she's also balancing a newly diagnosed disease and the pressures of single motherhood. When she discovers clues to unsolved murders of the past, Chandler is pulled into a story far darker and more haunting than even an abandoned train depot could portend.
"[Wright] shines in her unnerving encapsulation of small-town complexities, supernatural forces both sinister and saving, and persistent loyalty to the fascinating interconnectedness of a place's past and present."--Booklist on Echoes among the Stones
★★★★★ | If there was ever a marriage of the creepy and wicked with the romance and inspiration of Christian fiction, then it can be found in Jaime Jo’s Wrights novels. Her newest release, the Haunting at Bonaventure Circus, left me in a sort of awed delirium with its curious, haunting step back in time to the 1920’s circus.
Mysterious murders, ghosts, misfits, outcasts, secrets and wild animals capture a reader’s attention as they uncover the life of Pippa Ripley, daughter to the Bonaventure Circus owner and an outcast herself. As Pippa unites with the people of the circus to tend to a newborn elephant calf, she finds herself drawn to the elusive Watchman and unknowingly discovers love, answers and freedom.
Meanwhile, in this time slip novel, readers also come to know and love modern day Chandler Faulk, the new project manager for the old train depot on the former Circus grounds. As Chandler’s life become increasingly difficult due to ghost stories, an auto-immune disease, a century old murder and even more secrets, Wright masterfully delivers a tale that is both thrilling and inspiring.
I find Jaime Jo Wright’s time slip novels to be a riveting blend of historical and contemporary fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed the historical aspect of this novel, bringing the 1920’s and the traveling circus alive with vivid detail and colorful characters.
The characters were relatable, diverse, mysterious and appealing. If you ask me to choose a favorite in this particular story, I couldn’t. I adored Pippa, Jack, Chandler, Hank and little Peter. Even the sub-characters were amazing! I had no trouble envisioning them thanks to Wright’s descriptive, visionary narrative. The romance in this story was passionate, exciting and perfectly seasoned throughout the novel.
I appreciated how Wright wove internal and external conflict throughout the story for her characters, bringing to life an inspiring story of breaking the chains of the past to find freedom in faith, and in the love of friends and family. Her references to faith in God were subtle, yet deeply inspiring too.
The plot, which moved smoothly between the two different eras, revealed clues to the mystery at each transition. The tensions and suspense built throughout the novel and captivated me as a reader. It was thrilling, entertaining and enjoyable. Thus, I couldn’t put it down.
Could I say more about this book? Yes. And I will! I’ll be talking about this story for many months to come. It is one I will recommend often and one I’ll come back to read again. I encourage readers who enjoy mystery, thrillers and suspense to divulge in this novel. Appropriate for mature readers 16+.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Image Courtesy of Baker Publishing Group
Jaime Jo Wright (www.jaimewrightbooks.com) is the author of five novels, including Christy Award winner The House on Foster Hill and Carol Award winner The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond. She's also the Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestselling author of two novellas. Jaime lives in Wisconsin with her cat named Foo; her husband, Cap'n Hook; and their littles, Peter Pan and CoCo. To learn more, visit www.jaimewrightbooks.com.
“A superb combination of historical and contemporary fiction with powerful characters, a brilliant storyline, riveting suspense and a captivating dash of romance!”
Author Jaime Jo Wright completely outdoes herself with this third time slip novel that is sure to capture readers imaginations and hearts in an edge-of-your-seat page turner! Both the depth of this story and the compelling plot are truly remarkable, showcasing the creative way in which Wright delivers the narrative. Read more of my review by clicking the button below!
