After Aggie Dunkirk’s career is unceremoniously ended by her own mistakes, she finds herself traveling to Wisconsin, where her grandmother, Mumsie, lives alone in her rambling old home. She didn’t plan for how eccentric Mumsie has become, obsessing over an old, unsolved crime scene–even going so far as to re-create it in the dollhouse. Mystery seems to follow her when she finds work as a … as a secretary helping to restore the flooded historical part of the cemetery. Forced to work with the cemetery’s puzzling, yet attractive archeologist, she exhumes the past’s secrets and unwittingly uncovers a crime that some will go to any length to keep quiet–even if it means silencing Aggie.
In 1946, Imogene Flannigan works in a local factory and has eyes on owning her own beauty salon. But coming home to discover her younger sister’s body in the attic changes everything. Unfamiliar with the newly burgeoning world of criminal forensics and not particularly welcomed as a woman, Imogene is nonetheless determined to stay involved. As her sister’s case grows cold, Imogene vows to find justice . . . even if it costs her everything.
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Jaime Jo Wright is a master of split time suspense! Every book keeps getting better, characters so relate-able and suspense that drags you in and doesn’t let go. I love reading part of the story in the present and then it picks up in the past with the exact timing to carry the story on. The writing is fast paced and keeps you reading late into the night to find out all the answers.
The characters are well developed, they feel like people from my neighborhood. The inter-personal relationships of the characters builds into the story, helping the reader delve deeper into the story as well. The reader instantly becomes invested into the lives of the characters, pulling for good news and yelling at them to avoid the danger.
Jaime Jo Wright has another heart pounding, page turning suspense story that keeps you guessing and questioning until the end. You will not regret starting this story, unless you have to put it down before you finish. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Each time I read a book by this author I wonder how it can beat the last book. This one definitely is even better. I did not want to put this book down because I needed to find out the mystery that took place in the past and the present. This author made me love stories that go back and forth from the past and the present. This builds up the suspense. I loved the characters. I also loved reading about the use of miniatures to look at a crime scene. I look forward to what this author will write next. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
Echoes Among the Stones is another great read from author Jaime Jo Wright. It is a dual time story with mystery and edge-of-the-seat suspense that lures the reader in immediately and doesn’t let up. Readers are caught up and compelled by the lives of the characters and their stories. Wright has permeated the story with mystery, drama, and emotional tension as the intense action is seen from several characters’ points of view. I enjoyed how the mystery of a seventy-year-old murder of passion is woven into the present story of the contemporary characters. Echoes Among the Stones is a well-written yet gritty tale that offers a look at grief–grief that can tie one’s life up into a lifetime of regrets and asks the age-old question of ‘Why, God?’ And with a sweet romance (who can resist a man who calls you ‘Love’!) woven into the story, this is a book that readers who love a great suspense book will not want to miss.
I read a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
‘There was never a good time for Death to visit.’
Jaime Jo Wright is in a league of her own. Echoes Among the Stones held me captive with its deep story, fabulous mystery, and exceptionally well-written characters. I had several theories early on of which person was the killer, one of them being a long shot. In the end, it paid off. I had the correct killer but for the wrong reasons.
Dual-time stories have become some of my favorite to read. There are always lessons to be gleaned from the past and in Echoes Among the Stones, one of the things Aggie is going to learn is how to deal with her grief over the loss of her mother and not let it stymie her from having a fulfilling future.
My heart stuttered more than once through the emotional storm of Imogene’s narrative. If you’ve ever lost someone you dearly love then you know agony. You know you would give anything to be with them one more time. In one scene, Imogene’s brother asks if she’s even been inside Hazel’s room since their sister’s murder.
Imogene nodded her head.”I have.” She’d considered moving into it. To be closer to Hazel, wrapped in the faint, lingering scent of her.
Oh my. I could totally relate. When my mom passed away, the first thing I did when I went back to her home was go straight to her bedroom, grab her pillow, bury my face in it and breathe in her scent. I did the same thing when my daughter died. Sometimes I still hold her favorite blanket close, imagining I can smell the ‘lingering scent of her’. It’s such a tangible scene in the book that even now, my heart aches and I tear up.
“…Their voices will always echo, here, among the stones, and in our hearts. It is how it was meant to be.”
These are just a couple of thoughts about one of the best books I’ve read in 2019. I highly recommend it. You can’t go wrong with a Jaime Jo Wright book!
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
This was the fourth novel by Jaime Jo Wright and the best one yet in my opinion. This was a split time novel with part in present day and the other in 1946 right after the end of WWII. The soldiers were returning home different than when they left, full of sadness, anger, and grief. The small town was experiencing a mysterious murder, along with destruction of government property which had the police force baffled.
Modern day finds Aggie returning to small town Mill Creek, Wisconsin after an eight year absence. Her grandmother, or Mumsie as she calls her, needs her because she has broken her hip. After arriving Aggie finds she’s been duped. Her ninety two year old Mumsie is getting around just fine with her walker. But strange things begin to happen shortly after her arrival, like a skelton in the backyard and cryptic messages arriving with no signature.
I held on tight to my seat as I read on and felt my poor old heart beating faster and faster. Surprise moments, danger, intrigue and a smidgen of romance was included but the coming together of these two time periods brings about eye-opening clarification.
Dealing with grief seemed to be the main takeaway from this story. It can grip you and take away your joy if you don’t properly process it and learn to live again.
Interestingly to me was the fact that the two Grayson sisters, especially Hazel, loved reading Grace Livingston Hill romance books just as I did growing up. Also Mumsie washed out plastic bags and hung them to dry just as my grandmother did, post depression day habits.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through the publisher but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.
Man oh man, this author knows how to wring the emotions from you and I love her stories because of this. Once again she loads up the mystery, mayhem, suspense and all around page-turning dialogue and action. One era is a town emotionally war-torn and the next era is current ramifications of all that. Family connections with broken and suffering characters just reminds me we all have stories and all need to heal. I loved the cemetery bits and pieces because I adore exploring them and reading stories on headstones. This just proves there are stories behind each one! Oh the anguish of unsolved murders, broken family relationships, and the healing of new love. This is a must read and is a bookshelf keeper.
Echoes Among the Stones by Jaime Jo Wright is by far among one of my top favorites I have read this year. I love time slip novels and this one does not disappoint. It is so full of suspense; I was left hanging to “who did it” up until the last few pages. I changed my mind so many times who it was and still did not get it right. It was definitely not what I predicted at all. How in the world did Jaime come up with this mystery? She did a great job keeping me engaged with the book throughout.
I would give Echoes Among the Stones one hundred stars if I could. What a fabulous book! Readers definitely do not want to miss this one. I highly recommend it!
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion
I really enjoyed “Echoes Among Stones” by Jaime Jo Wright. Like the author’s other books, this books alternates between the present and the past. I really enjoy books like this, and the first book I read like this was by this author. She does a really good job of keeping you interested in the stories, and she keeps it from getting confusing.
This book centers around Aggie, who comes home to help her grandmother. While she is there, she overcovers some secrets that happened while her grandmother was younger. Aggie with the help of a friend help to uncover what really happened.
I definitely recommend this book if you enjoy good, clean, a little suspenseful fiction.
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest opinion.
What a page turner!!
This was a thrilling, mesmerizing read that will stay on my mind for a long while. My new favorite from Wright!
A powerful story merging past and present that tackles themes of grief and loss, remembrance and faith. And whew you had me at archeologist & British accent! What a fascinating love interest! Swoon.
I’ll be reading this again in the future! Jaime Jo Wright has become one of my favorite authors!
I love her books so much I jumped at joining her launch team for this book and received a complimentary copy of it from the publisher to review with my honest opinions which I have done.
This author doesn’t disappoint! She keeps getting better and better. Can’t wait to read her next one!
Definitely a MUST READ and as much as I loved this authors previous books this one is the best and deserves awards. Kudos to Jaime Jo Wright for having the ability to draw you into the midst of a split time novel and never lose your attention. The writing is spot on and the characters mesmerizing as the words build on each other until the final climatic finish. I found this book to be cathartic after my father just passing with insightfulness that we can hang on to our grief, or choose healing that comes from letting go and letting God do a work in our lives. I love that the story has a satisfactory ending, but not idealistic. When we hang on to hurts the best thing God has planned for us can pass us by. This will be on my top ten list for this year.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
I can’t even begin to tell you how good this book is!
Echoes Among the Stones is a time-slip novel and the past blended so perfectly with the present, it never felt like I was reading two stories that might have a connection. It’s a true murder mystery. There are so many layers and twists, I had absolutely no idea where the story would take me next!
Echoes Among the Stones is also a deep and moving story about loss and grief, and how not one person copes with the effects the same as another.
It’s haunting and heartbreaking.
It’s a book you simply must read.
I absolutely recommend Echoes Among the Stones! It’s available NOW – visit http://www.christianbook.com to purchase your copy!
To learn more about Jaime, say hello to her on Facebook!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from author Jaime Jo Wright and Bethany House Publishers. A positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
Jaime Jo Wright has delivered another gripping mystery that kept me guessing until the last pages. This split time story flowed effortlessly back and forth and really kept the mystery element intriguing even when jumping from the 1940’s into modern day. This particular plot, although unique, was a bit haunting and definitely did not have a lot of levity or brightness. Collin seemed to be the one character that provided a bit of humor and it was a much needed diversion from a lot of the darker and difficult aspects of this story. I think that both of the timelines were so interconnected that it is hard to say which one I preferred. As far as characters go, I had a hard time connecting with Imogene. I was really creeped out by a lot of her actions and I found her to be a frustrating at times. Aggie was also a tough pill to swallow. Her life circumstances left her bitter and grief stricken and her character had to work through those issues. I think her character was genuine to her situation, however she wasn’t Susie Sunshine because she was in a difficult life situation and grieving. As always the writing in this book was really outstanding. Jaime Jo Wright has an almost poetic way with words that really captures the emotion of what she is trying to convey to the reader. While I would recommend this book to readers, I would also say that it has a very somber tone, it doesn’t have a lot of romance, and the subject matter might be unsettling in some places. The mystery is captivating and is well executed, so be prepared to be turning the pages trying to solve it!
Jaime Jo Wright has mastered the art of dual timeline mysteries and Echoes Among the Stones is no exception. Personally, I have never been one to choose to read historical fiction because I prefer to read more contemporary fiction. However, I really enjoy reading stories like this one that connect the past to the present. Imogene and Aggie, the main characters of past and present, are such strong female characters. Imogene had discovered her sisters body in the attic of her family home in 1946 and Imogene was determined to figure out who was responsible for her sisters death. Aggie now works in the cemetery where Imogene’s sister is buried and some mysterious events take place as if someone does not want Aggie to discover the truth about what happened to Imogene’s sister. Readers will keep turning the pages to discover the answers to the mystery surrounding the death of Hazel and be quite surprised at the end. In addition to writing fabulous page-turning suspense, the author deals with themes of grief, forgiveness, reconciliation, and includes just the right amount of romance.
I was given a copy of this novel by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
This book is spellbinding! Jaime Jo weaves stories unlike any I have ever read and they are impossible to put down. Echoes is probably my favorite of hers so far. The mystery in this one pulled me in from the very first page and kept me guessing throughout, just when I thought I had it figured out, the next scene would change everything. If you like dual time stories and a fantastic mystery, give this one a try! You won’t be disappointed!!
I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
I have just started reading Jaime Jo Wright books this last year, and I have been so impressed. This one did not disappoint. The way she is able to write two storylines at once and tie them together across decades is fascinating. And in the middle of that, the suspense keeps you on the edge of your seat and the characters keep you engaged. There are always secondary mysteries in addition to the main mystery in the book. This one was so tense at times that I found it hard to keep reading, but I couldn’t stop because it was so good! I loved “seeing” Aggie and Mumsie’s interactions as well as trying to figure out who did it! I highly recommend you grabbing this new release from Jaime Jo Wright and diving into the lives of Aggie, Mumsie, the losses they endure and the secrets and echoes among the stones they encounter. #EchoesAmongtheStones #TheWrightBook
What a book, what a writer. Wright has a unique way of creating her stories, very different! I love her books. This one centers around a granddaughter and grandmother. Aggie, present day and Mumsie {grandmother} the past. …… A brutal murder happened in Mill Creek back in 1946. One that was never solved. Hazel Grayson, the victim who was loved by all and never had an enemy was brutally murdered. Imogene, her sister was determined to seek justice for Hazel. She was consumed with finding her murderer and immersed herself in the case, following every possible lead; to the point that she began to lose her own life through her efforts to find the killer……Aggie after loosing her job and suffering grief from losing her mother came back home to live with Imogene……Thus begins a most unusual story that will have you spellbound until the end. Amazing book with a great ending and the murder solved that happened right after the war in 1946………
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
HOLY SMOKIN’ JOE! Not only is this my favorite genre—historical time-slip—but Ms. Wright creates a miniature doll house for Hazel—a particular passion of mine. And she knows how to spin a gripping story. Add to that the skill to weave two seeming disparate stories into one seamless knitted fabric and this story sizzles!
Characters who felt like friends, scenes that not only invited me in but made me feel like I was in the midst of the action, a compelling plot with double and triple twists that kept me turning page after page.
I’ve never been so physically alone as Aggie but I’ve sure felt it, and I longed for her and Mumsie to find their common ground. I can’t imagine the horror Imogene faced but I admired her strength and dedication to find answers.
Ms. Wright casts her net of suspicion wide, dropping clues of confusion in the twisty trail to the end. Ms. Wright crafts a story, filled with tragedy and suspense and early forensic techniques, that is a treat for her readers.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Echoes Among the Stones, Jaime Jo Wright
Like her previous books, Jaime Jo Wright once again crafts a story that is complex and interesting. She is a master at split time novels! The individual plots are interesting but there is something truly remarkable about them as the pieces of the individual stories begin to come together into one overarching story. Jaime Jo Wright is never afraid to tackle difficult and messy topics (which I love) and this book is once again bursting with hard subjects and characters that are flawed and grow in fascinating ways. The history is interesting and the spiritual message interwoven flawlessly. This book takes you on an emotional journey and its grip does not let up even when you finish, its message lingering in your mind even after you close the pages. The mystery had twists and turns that kept me guessing and made the book hard to put down! I loved this book, and I highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
WOW! Jaime Jo Wright never ceases to amaze me!
The way she crafts her stories, with so much depth, dealing with hard issues, like loss, murder, family entrangement, and yet leave you with hope and light at the end, even if we’re not talking about the typical happily ever after story… It’s truly amazing!
I love the way she develops her characters. We get to immerse in their feelings, and it’s so real and relatable that I almost feel like I time travel to 1946 and the present day way and back. There are two main characters: Imogene (Genie) ho has lost her sister in the most brutal way and is trying to cope with it, yet failing, with only desires for revenge, and the helplessness while she tries to uncover the criminal and his motives… And Aggie, in the present day, who just lost her job and is grieving her deceased mother. She finally goes to the small town to take care of Mumsie, her grandmother, whom she hasn’t seen in the last eight years. Misunderstandings, pride, and resentment long time unsolved. As she starts to reconnect with Mumsie, and starts working in the cemetery (the only job available), she discovers a 70 year old mystery that seems to connect her and her grandmother to the mysterious tomb of Hazel Grayson… This will lead her on a self discovery journey even if she’s not aware at first. Aggie is struggling with understanding how a loving God could allow her mother to die, just as Imogene in 1946 struggles the same regarding the brutal murder of her sister.
This book has a strong faith element. I loved how they progress in making sense out of the senseless thing through tiny sparks of faith that will slowly ignite into something more. This book has a deep message of redemption and forgiveness, of learning how God fits in a messy situation (to say it lightly). How God can be the Only one to ultimately bring good out of evil, loss and suffering. I thought the message was masterly imparted, because it didn’t feel forced or preachy at all. And I loved the wisdom through Collin and Mumsies words. The secondary characters (the heroes) in both stories were so relatable too. And yet so different in personalities. I loved Ollie and Collin dearly. They both have an important part in Imogene and Aggie’s lives.
The mystery element, Hazel’s unsolved murder, that will solve at some point in the story will keep you intrigued until the end. I really couldn’t put this book down! At the same time I wanted to know what had really happened, I was also aching for both Imogene and Aggie and rooting for them to make sense of the tragedies through God’s love. It’s not an easy step, and there are many obstacles in the way, but when you reach the understanding that only God can love you in 100% unconditional way, and that He may bring good out of bad and pain, you get a peace that is non tradeable. And that’s what I was wishing for both heroines. I won’t spoil it for you, you’ll have to read it yourself to unsolve the mystery and acompany Genie and Aggie in their self Discovery journey.
A totally recomendable story. Intriguing, emotional, and intense! Even if it doesn’t have the creepy elements of her previous novels, this is a total page turner, maybe even more than the rest. So, what are you waiting for? Get it and experience this amazing book by yourself!
Wow! I absolutely loved this book!! I got so into this book that I couldn’t put it down! I was so wrapped up in both storylines and trying to solve the mystery. This book had me on the edge of my seat, yet also almost had me in tears. It was so good! I highly recommend it!!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.