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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I have long adored Jaime Jo Wright’s deliciously creepy style. But I have to admit I was hesitant to pick this one up until I knew there were no creepy clowns in it
Happily there aren’t and the story surrounds two young women who struggle with disabilities and their place in the world. It’s sure to entertain those who love twisty mysteries.
And the baby elephant is to die for!
Congratulations to Jaime Jo Wright for another insightful dual timeline mystery.
A dual timeline story of two young women separated by almost a century, searching for the truth in world of secrets and illusion.
An intriguing story of family, faith, romance, and suspense spanning the better part of a 100 years. Engaging from the beginning, I loved how this book follows two very different young women, as they walk the grounds years apart. Pippa is drawn to the circus, as it holds the answers to the secret of her origins. While in the present day, Chandler is a single mother working to restore the circus grounds into a commercial property, but tales of murder and mystery haunt the historical buildings.
I loved the colorful cast of characters that populate the small town, welcoming Chandler and Peter. Hank is perfectly brooding, masculine, and mysterious. I admired Chandler’s work ethic, she is a fantastic mother, who tries to do it all.
Pippa is looking for answers, she has always felt more at home with the circus performers, than living the privileged life of the daughter of a wealthy man. She is sensitive and intuitive, with a natural gift for nurturing, yet she is haunted by a mysterious man watching her from the shadows. Jake is dangerous, and incredibly loyal . I admired Pippa’s courage as she finds her voice.
A riveting read, with well crafted and intriguing characters. I loved the duality and depth to many of the characters, including many of the supporting characters, those layers brought the story together in a way that shows the complex relationships and adds an element of unexpectedness. Captivating, filled with mystery, romance, with faith woven throughout the story. Highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Once again Jaime Jo Wright has penned a fascinating and riveting dual timeline novel that kept me on the edge of my seat to the stunning end. With realistically flawed, but intriguing and engaging characters and a plot only Wright could dream up, she gives us a backstage look at the circus that might have you changing your view of circuses. The sinister and ominous undertones that I’ve come to expect from her stories were there from the start and had me guessing and re-guessing.
Although this book started out a bit slow for me, it soon picked up and I became engrossed in the stories of these characters. The two storylines are woven seamlessly together in Wright’s trademark style, and the pictures she paints with her words are vividly brought to mind. I love the way she incorporates faith elements and truths into her tales. The worth of each soul and the need to belong and to be loved for oneself stood out to me and gave a satisfying takeaway.
I’m definitely a Jaime Jo Wright fan. Her stories are never run-of-the-mill in plot or characters, and I always know I’m in for an amazing ride when I pick up one of her books. 4.5 stars
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own.
You won’t breathe from page one to the very end…
Oh. My. Goodness. I’m still reeling from this book. I’m gobsmacked. When I started The Haunting At Bonaventure Circus I knew it would be good, it IS a Jaime Jo Wright book after all. I didn’t know that once again, Jaime Jo Wright would top herself. While, The Curse Of Misty Wayfair may always be my favorite of her books, I can, with all candor, say that The Haunting At Bonaventure Circus is one of the most moving books that I’ve ever read.
Jaime Jo Wright has one of the most amazing gifts for digging deep, into our darkest parts, down into the hidden hurts and fears that each and every one of us has, the pain that is universal. With her flawed and scarred characters she brings it all to the surface and into the light. Through fiction and suspense she helps us the need of taking those broken pieces we try so hard to hide to the only One who can make them into something beautiful. She reminds us that no matter how fragile and shattered we are, we have value and a purpose.
All of that, you ask, from an an almost 400 page book featuring a circus? Yes, I tell you, and much more. The Haunting At Bonaventure Circus is a fun read, it is riveting, it’s engrossing, and yes, it’s quite entertaining, but I dare you to read it and not be deeply moved, to not see the truth on the printed page. I dare you to not wish to be seen.
I loved this book and it is getting an unreserved five stars from me, I wish it could be more. I loved the depth of emotion and the multi-layered multi-faceted mystery that spans 100 years. I enjoyed trying to figure out a serial killer’s identity and who would go to any lengths to cover up the past. It was a perfect read and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book to anyone.
Oh, and I dare you to look at the circus in the same way again…
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Uncomfortable Genre
It is 1928, and strange happenings have been going on with circus, and Pippa is sneaking out there, after dark, to meet a mysterious stranger. Despite knowing her wealthy stepfather would disapprove, she is sure this will be the key to finding her biological father—and the love she craves. Instead, she finds herself involved in danger, murder and mayhem.
Switch to today’s time period, and Chandler, a single mother, fights against a progressive disease while trying to continue her career. She feels she must make good rehabbing an old circus depot, or lose her position. Unfortunately, decades old unsolved murders, and possible hauntings, make her job more than she bargained for.
This 3-star book is a thriller with a lot of intrigue and mystery, which I love. However, it took me many chapters before I connected with either story-line. The creep factor in this book is a plus ten. But I was unhappy that the spiritual content was confusing, with some events not explained—at least not from a Christian viewpoint.
Inspirational fiction skates a thin line when it has occult subject matter, making it dangerous for impressionable young minds. Content should be grounded with God’s word, which points to evil being the source of these kinds of supernatural events. I would not recommend this to teen readers, or those who are uncomfortable with stories involving the occult.
Bethany House Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner.
Abounding with eerie history, shadowy mystery, and chilling suspense, The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus might just be one of Jaime Jo Wright’s best novels to date. It is especially rich in characterization, detailed in its settings, and utterly captivating in its mastery of the dual-timeline plot structure. With excellent pacing, important details are carefully revealed, exposing the secretive and dangerous circumstances in which the characters find themselves. The journey to make sense of the unsettling and frightening events makes for an extremely riveting reading experience.
As it both conceals and reveals its mysteries, the circus setting itself, both in the past and in the present, becomes a grim, complex character whose presence shapes and transforms the story itself. Within this circus setting, the characters grapple with fear, loss, and insecurities. Yet, they display tremendous courage in their determination to find hope and to pursue truth. No matter what secrets are revealed or what facts are discovered, the characters learn to believe that they have been created with purpose, and despite various setbacks, they can still live lives that are meaningful and valuable.
Though I have read all of Jaime Jo Wright’s novels so far, I continue to be amazed by the profound skill she displays as she arranges words into sentences that bloom into paragraphs and blossom into stories. In The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus, her writing often appears effortless, yet it is always thoughtful, clever, and very well-researched. Page after page she welcomes the reader into a world that is raw and real, relevant and redemptive. This newest novel by Ms. Wright is exceedingly special, a genuine treat for any lover of stories well-told. I recommend it wholeheartedly.
*I was given a copy of this novel by the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.
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!
If there was ever a marriage of the creepy and wicked with the romance and inspiration of Christian fiction, then this is it. This book left me in a sort of awed delirium with its curious, haunting tale.
Mysterious murders, ghosts, misfits, outcasts, secrets and wild animals captured my attention in this time slip novel which was a riveting blend of historical and contemporary fiction.
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+.
Great story that intertwines two stories set roughly 100 years apart. It takes a little bit to see how both stories are intertwined, of course with the revelation of exactly how they are intertwined not coming until the last 10% of the book. Chandler and Pippa’s characters are very realistic, flawed, and relatable. Wright’s writing is very intriguing and truly makes you wanting more until the end. Just the right amount of spook and suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat, but still allowing you to sleep at night. A great read for those who love suspense, romance, and historical fiction.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
Jaime Jo Wright has produced a master story of suspense and intrigue. Her flawed heroines both in the past and modern day experience heart breaking tragedy whilst showing us how to deal with grace through the hard times. An excellent book that I wholeheartedly recommend.
Yes, I recommend th.
Wow! Another great book from Jaime Jo Wright! This book captivated me from the first page. How she always manages to bring the two timelines together I don’t know but she does.
Pippa wants to find out about her past and Chandler wants to redo the train depot and stand on her own. As these two try to do the things they want they get pulled into parts of the past that they might not ought to bother. Pippa and Chandler so alike actually, in wanting to be loved.
I loved the characters and they seemed real with real problems. Not just an all fluff book, there are many things in it that will make a person think.
Don’t miss this romantic suspense where the mystery is hard to figure out all the way to the end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own.
The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus is the first book I have read by Ms. Wright, and I found her to be an expertly talented storyteller and a master of the dual time technique! Her beautiful, expressive prose and vivid, detailed descriptions and imagery are amazing. This book tells the story of two young women who lived a century apart both with physical problems and a common need to “be seen and loved”. In the narrative set in 1928 in Bluff River, Wisconsin, Pippa Ripley who has “an insatiable hunger to find her roots” is searching for the truth of her parentage which she knows is connected to the Bonaventure Circus. In the present day narrative set in the same locale, Chandler Faulk is involved in renovating the old circus train depot when she becomes entangled with investigating century old murders connected to the Bonaventure Circus. Both of the fascinating narratives flow at a suitable pace, complement each other perfectly, and conclude satisfactorily. The characters are well-crafted, unique, and memorable. The mystery keeps you guessing to the end. The faith element emphasizing God’s love and purpose for each life is deftly integrated into the story; however, I wish the expounding of the spiritual truths had been stronger and more precise trumping the supernatural element. I think you will find this book compelling and entertaining.
I received a copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
As I read this book, I remember at one point, getting chills. I was first drawn to the title. It just sounded like something I had to read. I was not disappointed. The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus draws us into two timelines. One when the circus is alive and well and a baby elephant named Lily is set to save them all. The other timeline is more modern when the circus has been abandoned to the ghosts of the past.
There were two strong female leads with other strong supporting characters. There was intrigue and misdirection. Everything was not what it seems which is perfect for mystery and suspense. I loved this book from beginning to end. I tried to figure it out, to guess, and everything was only half right. You have to keep reading for this book to reveal it’s secrets. What more could you want from a mystery/suspense?
The romantic veins were understand though present. The character growth was outstanding. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone and everyone. Did I mention, I got chills reading it?
I received a complimentary copy through netgalley and this is my review.
Jaime Jo Wright did it again! Kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. She always finds the right way to connect me with the main female characters on a very personal level.
There is always an element of redemption in her writing and it is at the forefront in this book, which captivated me all the more.
Living next to a circus town, this one touched me in a very personal way. Especially since a very famous clown lived directly behind my grandmother while I was growing up. The imagery Wright weaves into her books always puts me directly into the stories setting, but especially this time as I truly felt a part of circus life with Pippa. She also managed to rip my heart out right along with Chandler in her struggles with unwanted life changes and through her fear and helplessness as she fought for her family.
If you have never read a split-time novel, not only are you in for a treat, you are in the best possible hands with Wright. The way she weaves past and present together is nothing short of brilliant.
I am already eagerly awaiting her next book to come out.
Jaime Jo Wright’s newest book, The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus, might be my favorite book by her so far. This time slip tale tells the story of two special women–one in 1928 and the other in today’s world.
In 1928, Pippa struggles with having been left on the doorstep of the owner of the Bonaventure Circus as a baby with a deformed leg. She is determined to find a man called the Watchman and his connection to her birth. However, in trying to find him, she may also be putting her life at risk.
Decades later, Chandler Faulk seeks to bring an old circus train depot to life and preserve its history. She also faces single motherhood and a newly diagnosed autoimmune disease. As she learns more about the depot, she is also drawn in to the past through the local residents that she meets. She finds out that some of them have connections to this past–some of them, in a dark way.
I enjoyed both Pippa and Chandler’s stories. I liked how God was working in both of their lives even though they didn’t feel like He was. That was a good reminder to me. I also liked the reminder that we were all created with a purpose and we are all uniquely special. It was also interesting how Wright had the reader consider how Chandler and Hank may be judged based on appearances when that may not be accurate. I especially liked the mystery aspect of both stories. I didn’t figure things out and was surprised at the ending–especially in Chandler’s story. I enjoyed the main characters and the plots in both stories. I also found it interesting how people may not be how they first appear as I have found that recently in my own life. I think The Haunting of Bonaventure Circus is a good book to both enjoy and to reflect on. It would make for a great book club discussion book and their are questions in the back too for that purpose.
I received a copy of this book from the author and the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
The Haunting of Bonaventure Circus is everything we’ve come to love about Jaime Jo Wright books. It’s time-slip, it’s suspenseful, it’s engaging, and it’s full of surprises. This story’s ending will keep you turning pages so fast, you may need to go back and reread. This eerie tale takes you deep into the world of mystery, suspense, and intrigue while still delivering a story of hope and redemptive faith. I’m always so impressed with the way Ms. Wright can tie these two things together while bringing together the two storylines. If you’re a fan of time-slip suspense, definitely give this book a try!
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus is yet another reason Jaime Jo Wright should be on your Halloween TBR.
Oh. My. Goodness. This book is amazing.
From the beginning, Jaime captures you in the exhilarating tale of Pippa and Chandler. With the twists and turns I’ve come to expect from Jaime, she kept me turning pages.
Jaime has always been a master at dropping clues in each timeline. And The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus is no exception. As Chandler is unraveling the mysterious past of the depot, Pippa is trying to discover the identity of the “Watchman.” When one uncovers a clue, it explains another.
And I love the Easter eggs she drops in the present-day timeline. Whenever Chandler and Hank uncover something they can’t understand, it still carries significance for the reader because they’ve seen it before. It’s like finding those hidden Mickey ears in Disney movies but better!
But while she lets readers in on little secrets here and there, she keeps many for herself. There’s more than one plot twist to leave readers surprised.
As for the spiritual arcs, I felt like they were nicely woven into the story. Pippa’s, I think, was a bit more subtle. But I loved the scenes where she and Clive have honest discussions about God. Chandler, too, had a great arc as she learned she didn’t have to shoulder everything. I think that’s an especially timely message today, one mothers everywhere can relate to.
Deftly written and utterly captivating, The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus is bound to keep you up at night…reading, of course!
(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.)
Jaime Jo Wright does it again! The Haunting of Bonaventure Circus had my rapt attention the entire time. With many a clever twist and turn to the plot, it kept me guessing right up to the end.
She’s done it again, folks. Step right up, come one come all and behold the beauty, the mystery, of the circus.
With strong themes of belonging, family, and hope, Wright weaves a harrowing and spine-chilling tale that had me turning pages late into the night. With her trademark split-time stories, The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus boasts twists, turns, thrills, chills and the most delicious romantic chemistry.
I highly recommend.
The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus by Jaime Jo Wright is a split-time novel centered around the wintering grounds of the Bonaventure Circus. It follows Pippa Ripley, adopted daughter of the original owner of the Bonaventure Circus, as she seeks find the mysterious “Watchman” in 1928 and, in current day, Chandler Faulk, who wants to save the deserted circus train depot while navigating the struggles of being a single mom with newly diagnosed disease.
Perhaps my favorite character in the book, Pippa has an injured leg and a quiet personality, but the determination of a lion. Torn between her history as the biological daughter of a circus performer and the adopted daughter of circus royalty, she wants to discover more of the truth behind her heritage. Her investigation, however, puts her directly in the path of a serial killer.
If Chandler is to succeed, she must also face the ghosts that haunt the buildings left behind by the circus, including the ghost of an accused serial killer. She simply wants to prove herself to her boss and co-worker, but her actions uncover clues to unsolved murders that could cost her what she holds most dear.
The twists and turns of The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus held me captive. And, more than once, I had to check over my shoulder in case one of the ghosts decided to pay me a visit! The characters wrapped themselves around my heart and as they reached the end of themselves, it brought me to tears. Such is the writing of Jaime Jo Wright. Her books have the ability to get past your defenses, tug you into another world. (You can see my review of each of her past books here)
Do I recommend reading The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus? Absolutely!! For those who prefer less scary material, I suggest reading it during the daylight or at least with a light on. For those who may be sensitive to certain triggers, please read with caution. Because it does reach into the heart, catching a reader off guard in its ability to connect to the characters. The very thing that brings me back to Jaime Jo Wright’s books every time.
I loved The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus. One of the best books I’ve read this year! If you’re brave enough to take a trip into the past, wander the wintering grounds of a long ago circus, definitely pick up a copy and be prepared to visit the people, places, and animals behind one of the greatest shows on earth.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
I absolutely loved this book! Nobody does dual timelines quite like Jaime Jo Wright and this one did not disappoint. Combining her trademark gothic-style with a circus setting, The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus was sure to be a winner. It’s one of my favorite reads of the year.
Captivated from the very first sentence, I became totally immersed in Pippa and Chandler’s stories, intrigued by the mysteries surrounding them both, and fascinated by how the two timelines came to intersect. Once I neared the end, I was reading as fast as I possibly could. There was twist after shocking twist and reveal after surprising reveal. I didn’t see them coming! What a ride!