In 1928, Pippa Ripley is just looking for her place in the world. With ties to the Bonaventure Circus in her blood and in her name, she hopes to find her roots under the big tent. When mysterious messages from someone called the Watchman make their way to Pippa, a series of events begins to unfold that will change everything she thought she knew . . . and potentially place her in the path of a serial killer’s murderous spree.
In present day, Chandler Faulk is a single mom just trying to do her job–make the decision to restore or demolish the old train depot of the Bonaventure circus. But the grounds come with legends, ghost stories, and secrets that Chandler can’t escape. As she begins to uncover the truth, a gruesome tale comes to light . . . a tale that could put her and her son in danger.
My Thoughts:
It’s no secret that I’m a card-carrying member of the Jaime Jo Wright fan club. I’ve been anticipating the release of this beauty since she revealed the (absolutely fantastic) cover. I waited like a five-year-old waits for Santa on Christmas Eve–impatiently and eagerly and containing too much excitement for my fun-sized frame.
So when I tell you that it was worth every single torturous moment of the wait, I mean it.
The writing is some of the best that Wright has offered. As per usual, the plot is so smart and the mystery is impossible for my brain to figure out until it’s all magically revealed. But I’m blown away by the fact that Wright consistently delivers, whether it’s a creepy scene or a romantic moment or an internal realization of great depth. The writing is beautiful and everything it needs to be.
I dearly loved these characters. So much. I believe they’ll stick with me just like all the best characters do. And with each person, there’s so much more than meets the eye. I love that. The flaws and complexities make them more real, more human, and it adds such a fantastic dimension to the story.
I could talk for days about this book, but let’s wait until you’ve read it so we can discuss that ending! The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus releases September 1st, so preorder your copy and get this book in your hands ASAP. I’m only telling you what to do because I care for you and I want good things for your life. XOXO.
A HUGE thank you to the publisher and author for a complimentary copy of this book. All expressed opinions are completely mine.
Purchase: Amazon | Christianbook | Barnes & Noble | Baker Book House
Book Boyfriend(s):
Hand me a Jaime Jo Wright book and I will almost always prefer the historical guy. Nothing against the contemporary guy; I’m just a historical girl. The last time I couldn’t choose between them was in The Curse of Misty Wayfair because Rhett and Simeon are exceptional fake human beings. But I genuinely loved Hank AND Jake in this one! Choosing between them feels wrong and hurtful and I simply can’t be expected to do it. Hank is a no-nonsense secret softie, Jake is a smoldering secret softie, and I am a swooning reader.
Soul of a Librarian 