1928The Bonaventure Circus is a refuge for many, but Pippa Ripley was rejected from its inner circle as a baby. 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 … circus train, she must decide if uncovering her roots is worth putting herself directly in the path of the killer.
Present Day
The old circus train depot will either be torn down or preserved for historical importance, and its future rests on real estate project manager Chandler Faulk’s shoulders. As she dives deep into the depot’s history, she’s also balancing a newly diagnosed autoimmune disease and the pressures of single motherhood. When she discovers clues to the unsolved murders of the past, Chandler is pulled into a story far darker and more haunting than even an abandoned train depot could portend.
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****4.5 stars!****
Roll up! Roll up!
Come one, come all, and welcome to the circus!
Everyone is welcome here! Friends are family and family are friends but beware who you trust as danger lurks in the most unexpected places!
Drum roll please…
The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus is the latest thrilling novel from new-to-me author Jaime Jo Wright. Told via dual POV and timelines (you all know what a sucker I am for dual timelines!), murder, mystery and secrets abound in a story I was hard pushed to put down after I started it.
I have to admit that I (once again) had no idea this was a Christian Fiction novel before starting it, but I was fascinated as to how the author would weave the subject of faith into the story.
“The best families are made of broken people.”
Both women, Pippa (1928) and Chandler (present), are just trying to find where they belong. Decades apart, their journeys intertwine on paths they could never have imagined.
As the story developed, and more clues were revealed, the suspense ratcheted up and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I gave a yelp of surprise following my introduction to The Watchman near the end of the story. I don’t know if this was in anyway influenced by the fact it was 1:30 in the morning and I was still reading. *shrugs* Who knows?! *snorts* He just gave me the willies – end of!
THaBC deals with many themes including chronic illness, what family means, revenge, and prejudice to name but a few. With a soupçon of romance – is it ok to say I had a soft spot for Hank? – THaBC is a read to really sink your teeth into!
*sigh*
As someone once said, life is a ticket to the greatest show on earth!
The synopsis and idea of this story sounded so appealing, however upon reading it I found that it fell flat and was not as interesting as I had hoped it to be.
Thank you Netgalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
I love everything Jaime Jo Wright has written. “The Haunting of Bonaventure Circus” is truly inspirational while being a page-turning “who done it”. Anyone who is a suspense reader should give this book a read.
The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus by Jaime Jo Wright was a great spooky read for late October. Thank you Bethany House Publishers for offering this on NetGalley.
This dual timeline novel focuses on Bonaventure Circus based In Wisconsin. In 1928, Pippa Ripley is exploring her identity as the adopted daughter of circus owner Richard Ripley, reluctant fiancé of circus co-owner Forrest, and nursemaid to a newborn elephant calf. The present day storyline features Chandler Faulk and her young son Peter who have relocated to Wisconsin for Chandler’s real estate project manager job to redevelop the old circus train depot.
Both women struggle with circumstances that undermine their self-worth. Then unexplained events centering around a mysterious person called the “Watchman” impact both of their lives.
I enjoyed this novel, but because my reading experience was incredibly disjointed, I found it challenging to track the large cast of characters. Within the Christian fiction genre, this is very ‘edgy’ but likely too tame for readers of mainstream thrillers.
I am not a big fan of dual time period novel, but The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus had me hooked on the first chapter. One hundred separate Pipa and Chandler and both are trying to solve a murder. Both women are timid and both feel like they aren’t up to solving the murder. When time goes on the the stronger they get they go out and try to find out what happen at the circus in the 1920s where Pipa, with the help of Jack to find the murder. Both women suffer much while they are looking for the murder. It will have you guessing until the end who done it. There is romance in the novel but instead of over power the story it fits right in. All the charters are well written and will have wondering until the end. Still not a fan of dual time period pieces but if it as well written as The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus I would gladly read it. Highly recommend!
I’ve been wanting to read a Jaime Jo Wright novel for quite some time and have nearly, if not all of them on my bookshelf or Kindle, but honestly, the title and cover of this book drew me in and thrust it to the top of my TBR pile.
As a lover of historical fiction, Wright captured my imagination and interest immediately with life in a 1920s circus as seen through the eyes of the disabled circus owner’s adopted daughter, Pippa. As Pippa grows increasingly curious about the circumstances surrounding her birth and adoption, she is drawn to the Watchman and deeper into the forbidden, secret and very dangerous world of the Bonaventure circus.
The contemporary thread introduces us to Chandler Faulk, a single mom with a demanding career who is struggling with Chronic Lyme disease. As Chandler works to renovate the old circus depot, she learns about a series of murders that occurred around the circus during its heyday in the late 1920s and accidentally stumbles onto clues that may shed light on who had actually committed them.
I found both the modern-day and historical mysteries thrilling, and Wright had me guessing to the end who the murderer actually was. I can honestly say, I hadn’t seen that coming!
I really liked both of these heroines. I give Wright great kudos for writing both of them with difficult physical disabilities that provided many challenges for them throughout the story. The two women also shared an intense inner struggle to be seen and heard, to figure out who they are. As the novel developed, each realized that their journey was really one of self-acceptance and to fully embrace themselves the way God created them, flaws, and all.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Net Galley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Jaime Jo Wright never ceases to amaze me with her split-time writing! The Haunting of Bonaventure Circus is chilling and thrilling and will take you on the craziest ride.
I’m not a big circus fan but on paper, I can totally go there. I read it at night time and have to tell you it was a bit creepy. I may or may not have startled a few times and shut the book quickly, looked around and then opened it back up. 🙂
‘He would always be there.
Watching.
Watching her.
He was her Watchman. But more than that, she belonged to him.’
The characters are well-written and captivating, the scenes incredibly descriptive. You will feel like you are personally experiencing every nuance. And if you enjoy suspense that makes your heart race, then this is the book for you!
I received a copy of the book form the author and publisher. No review was required. No compensation received.
Wow! My first read by Jaimie Jo Wright and it did not disappoint! A fabulous story woven between two time periods: 1928 and the present day. Jaimie has written characters that captivate you, and I quickly found myself becoming drawn into their stories and wanting happy endings all around. The mystery and murder in this book keep you hooked in from start to finish. There were definitely a few parts where I hunkered further down under the blanket. Don’t wait, grab yourself a copy or request it at your local library and enjoy!
A big thank you to Bethany House Publishers for providing an advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #TheHauntingatBonaventureCircus #Goodreads #BookBub
** This review can be found on NetGalley, Goodreads, BookBub and Amazon.ca after the publishing date.
I’m ashamed it took me this long to get to this fabulous book. Short version: I loved it. Long version: I love how Jaime takes people from the past and people from the present and shows us that they are no different from each other despite the span of years between them. We are all humans who long to be seen and loved. Pippa is the best. I wanted to hug her. Or adopt her. I detested Jackson. I was really rooting for him to somehow get stepped on by an elephant. And Clive (who I couldn’t help but imagine as Warwick Davis) had the best line in the book: “I am Clive. I am seen and loved by God. I was created for a purpose. I need no other truth.” GOLD.
Jaime Jo Wright adds an aura of mystery to the circus and gives us a peek behind the curtain of a 1920’s travelling circus. I honestly could not pick a favourite character in the story, I loved them all so much. Pippa, so lost and endearing. Chandler, such a fighter. Jake, so strong and protective. Hank, so comforting and supportive. Even Penn and Lily, giving love in the silent way only animals can. And I’m not gonna lie, the physical descriptions of both Hank and Jake left me a little swoony, not to mention that kiss scene…..Overall this book was just such a winner for me!
The thing about a dual timeline story is it’s two stories in one. And Ms. Wright is a master of intertwining the seeming disparate threads into a single unified narrative.
Pippa Ripley and Chandler Faulk didn’t know each other. They weren’t related. But their lives were very connected. Tangled together by mystery and suspense and intrigue, letters and murder and a stalker.
A stalker who masquerades as a ghost.
But Chandler doesn’t believe in ghosts. And she’s determined to find out who the murderer was—and is. I appreciated the reality of a character with a “silent disease,” and her unseen struggles. This reader also suffers from an autoimmune issue, making Chandler very relatable.
Pippa, too, carried wounds I could relate to—feeling invisible and unloved. Her journey to find her identity—and the truth—took her to the depths of human depravity and darkness.
But Ms. Wright wove light into the darkness, and beauty in the ugliness, truth from the lies. And Pippa’s bond with Lily has birthed in me a love of elephants!
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-on-Saturday, #TRD, Book Review, The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus, Jaime Jo Wright, #TheHauntingatBonaventureCircus #NetGalley
Another dazzling mystery from Jaime Jo Wright!
The circus already has its secrets, but so do many in the small town of Bluff River, Wisconsin. A killer is one of them, but who?
Wow! This book had me so wrapped up in the mystery and intrigue and also in the complex journeys of both the contemporary and past character. I did wish the elephants were more involved with the past storyline climax but it was still so good. And wrapped within this story is glorious themes of the lost being found, family, forgiveness, faith, and love. Fantastic and uplifting read!
I loved this story’s message, particularly in the need to be seen and loved. Pippa stole my heart from the very beginning.
The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus by Jaime Jo Wright is the perfect read for a cozy autumn night — spooky and full of faith!
When I saw that part of this spilt-time novel was set in the late 1920s, I knew I NEEDED to read this story as soon as I could get my greedy little hands on it — and the author did not disappoint my Roaring Twenties heart with Pippa’s side of the story! The author wonderfully balanced the glitz and glam of the Roaring Twenties with the wonder of the circus. However, the contemporary piece of Chandler’s tale proved to be just as enthralling! I was immediately swept into the small town with its dark history — which brings us to the multiple mysteries. No spoilers, but I loved how the author kept me guessing! I loved how the author surprised me even when I was sorta, kinda right…ahem, okay…I was wildly guessing. Bottom line is that I loved each reveal that shocked me to my reader core! Bravo!
Both Pippa and Chandler struggled with their self-image and identity, and the spiritual message layered into these complicated topics gripped my heart! The author’s loving approach to physical qualities that are demeaned and ridiculed, the sensitive look at autoimmune diseases, and the mental chains that hold a person captive when they hold themselves to impossible standards was froth with piercing conviction, grace, and the feeling that the readers themselves are seen, understood, and loved. Through Pippa and Chandler’s journeys, readers will be encouraged to settle their identity in their heart through the One Who gives us an identity in His steadfast love.
Five Stars ~ The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus by Jaime Jo Wright is a thrilling romantic suspense that is the perfect fall read! The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus is a standalone, but the author has other suspenseful stories in her backlist.
Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.
What a mysterious, spooky, and chilling dual timeline tale! I was captivated by both the present and past storylines.
The author did a great job, as always, at weaving two tales that were connected through the ages, yet telling them in such a way that the reader discovers the clues as the characters do.
The author really kept me guessing about who was behind the murders, what exactly happened, and who the heroines of both timelines could trust. This was a tale that definitely kept me turning the pages and nervously wondering what would happen.
Jaime Jo Wright always does a good job of penning tales that can be both spooky, yet not flounder from the truth of God’s word. Some characters may question God’s existence, wonder about the possibilities of ghosts and hauntings, and deal with strange situations, yet the truth will always prevail in this author’s novels, allowing growth and understanding for the main characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Hauntingly beautiful!
Jaime Jo Wright continues to mix the perfect blend of past and present. This story is a thrill ride from start to finish. The past story has the famous circus train setting, but with a gruesome serial killer stalking the scene. Present day finds a real estate project looking to restore the old circus train depot. However, when circus stories of the past are revealed, they just might shut the project down.
The twists and turns will definitely keep you guessing how the two stories are connected. I loved the setting and characters, both past and present. I love the author’s beautiful way with words, and her stories will always be among my favorites.
*I received an ARC of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.
Jaime Jo Wright has delighted me again with her gripping and unique brand of fiction. I have coined a new phrase for her stories: CREEPY GOOD!
Dual time books have become a favorite genre for me. Ms. Wright pieces the timelines together with just the right touch. She gives spectacular cliffhangers to the end of some of the chapters to keep you turning pages and wanting more. This is not just entertainment; Ms. Wright weaves life lessons and spiritual truths into the story for good measure.
Regarding circus elephants: Quote “they were not loved so much as treasured. And there was a difference between the two. Love sacrificed, whereas a treasure was hoarded.” Pippa can relate to that.
Pippa on her connection with Forrest: Quote “It was a relationship that reminded her of her paper dolls. Stiff but pretty. Fake but full of imaginary potential.”
The dual time heroines have something in common. They are both insecure and trying to prove themselves worthy. Pippa in 1928 is searching for her true identity and it centers around the circus that her father owns. Chandler is trying to live down a life mistake she made ages ago and can be a bit prickly and untrusting, while trying to be independent and better than competent. Quote “ Maybe she was shutting people out, even while she ached to be seen. It was a wicked oxymoron. But wasn’t that what life was?”
The heroes are unlikely on the surface. Ms. Wright aptly shows that you should not judge by appearances. As one character says: Quote “ If we were all good and flawless, then Jesus wasted His blood.” Hank, in present time: Quote “We all need saving. It’s the idea that we don’t that makes us fools.”
Some highlights were the interaction between Pippa and the baby elephant and Pippa and her dog. The relationship that Chandler had with her son was precious. Peter’s superhero persona, Nitro Man, was a hoot.
With this book you can expect the unexpected!
This is definitely one of my top picks for 2020.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
I had been looking forward to reading The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus with increasing anticipation as I saw more and more publicity and reviews of the book prior to publication. Was it everything I expected and did it live up to the hype? Perhaps not but I did thoroughly enjoy the story and was definitely not disappointed by it.
Jaime Jo Wright has a marvelous way with words as evidenced by the opening page of the novel. It immediately sets the tone for the entire story. I tend to love the Gothic type atmosphere of her novels. This split time tale alternates between 1928 and present time and features the historic mystery of a serial murderer known as the Watchman. Readers are allowed to experience with Pippa as the tale plays out in real time and nearly a century later as Chandler’s life is affected by it.
I loved this mysterious tale with its meandering trails that do not always lead where expected. In fact, more than one mystery is woven into a tangled thread that often makes it a bit difficult to discern exactly what is what. But that is part of what makes the story such fun to read. Just a touch of romance for both Pippa and Chandler adds another layer to the story but not enough to interfere with the main plot.
If I seem a bit vague about The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus it is because it is so difficult to avoid spoilers. If you are a lover of Gothic or split time mysteries, this book should probably be added too your To Be Read stack but be sure to place it at the very top.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
This book appealed to me as a mystery as well as the circus aspect. I also enjoy midwestern settings. Wisconsin is a bonus! I have visited our local circus museum and enjoyed the circus parades.
Being told between two different eras can be challenging but Jaime Jo Wright did a masterful job.
I am more spiritual than religious and although this book has some faith based content, it did not overwhelm the plot. While murder is a theme, the writing of those events was not overly graphic or off-putting.
The main characters showed growth throughout the book. Secondary characters are also well defined and interesting. My interest was captured early on and held throughout the book. There were a few burning qustions I could not stop until I had answered. The closer we got to the end of the book, the more intense it grew and I found myself turning pages more quickly.
Although sometimes the truth is not what you’d prefer it to be, and people, even fictional characters can make bad choices and disappoint me, I felt the book gave a satisfying feeling overall.
“Welcome to the circus. A place where eccentrics came to hide and where, even here, they abandoned their own.”
“Maybe this was why the Watchman was so elusive? He was trying to guard her, to protect her from the troubled secret world of this place. This vibrant, glorious, dark place called Bonaventure Circus.”
“I am seen and loved by God. I was created for a purpose. I need no other truth.”
Welcome to the circus! Jaime Jo Wright, the master of dual timeline novels, once again has penned an amazing book. While The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus is probably my least favorite Wright book so far, that speaks volumes when it still gets a 5-star rating! I enjoyed the circus aspects of the 1920’s and the modern day plot that centered around a possible renovation of the buildings that belonged to the circus. The characters are beautifully broken people, either lost and searching or saved and seen by God. There is a lot of great faith aspects per usual and I found myself highlighting a lot of great passages. I also enjoyed how Jaime Jo Wright blended in real areas of her own life (a character battling the effect of Lyme disease and a son like her own who helped come up with the superheroes in the book). The gothic style writing is so distinct which makes Jaime Jo Wright stand out in the Christian fiction market. And the fact that she is so good with endings and surprises makes me a huge fan and one that will keep reading all of her future books!
I received this book free from Netgalley and publisher Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.