I’m not really into circuses, and Jaime Jo Wright is a new author to me, so I wasn’t sure how I’d go with this one, but I I’d read so many amazing reviews that I had to give it a go!

And I do not regret it!

I read it in one sitting! It’s so, so good! The writing is just flawless and the premise unique. It had me hooked from the word go and nothing jarred me out of the world that she had created until I turned the last page.

It’s a dual timeline, split between the 1920s and now, but both are set in the same town, and the same serial killer mystery carries through both timelines. It’s fast paced and suspenseful - and a little bit spooky at times - and I did not guess who the killer was! Which is saying a lot, because I can count on one hand the amount of times I haven’t known who the killer was before the end of a book - or have been surprised by a twist ending! But I didn’t guess any of it in this one! And total kudos to Jaime, because the clues are totally there the whole time and I can’t believe I didn’t work it out!

This is absolutely a must read! Definitely in my top 3 reads of the year! And now I’m off to download some more Jaime Jo Wright books!

I’d also like to note, that as a chronic illness sufferer myself, I really enjoyed reading a main character who struggles with a chronic illness.

A superb split time novel with diverse character representation, a social critique of overbearing masculinity, and an enthralling mystery that collides in both time periods.

Pippa Ripley is a delicate young woman of the 1920s, full of that feminine sensibility that makes her so unsuited for circus life. Luckily for her, she has been taken in by Richard Ripley, the owner of the Bonaventure Circus, and promised to her father's young protégé who are both determined to keep her away from the grounds at all costs. But when the Watchman shows up in the circus's hometown to help Pippa discover the shocking truth about her biological parents, it sets off a chain of events that develop Pippa into a strong, vocal, and fiery young woman who can hold her own in any circumstance.

In the midst of her quest for truth about her origins, Pippa manages to secure a bond with a baby elephant, Lily, who was accidentally trampled by her own mother. No one in the circus can get Lily to eat except for Pippa, and since Lily is the flimsy financial glue holding the whole show together, their relationship allows Pippa an excuse for spending much more time on the circus grounds, and with the people of the circus, than her father or her betrothed would prefer.

In present day, Chandler Faulk and her 7-year-old son Peter have recently moved to Bluff River, Wisconsin, the historical hometown of the Bonaventure circus. The bloodlines and urban legends of the circus still permeate the town today. Chandler is a real estate investor seeking to renovate an old train depot, where the circus train once passed through, but the locals warn her that the ghost of Patty Lucent, an "unscrupulous" woman from Pippa's time, was killed there and haunts the place. A whole host of locals step up to offer their support and insight--from her landlord Denny Pike, the grandson of the Watchman (known to be a serial killer in Pippa's time); his nephew Hank; A local psychic, Lottie, and her ghost-tour leading son Cru; and her nanny Margie, who holds so much of the town's history. When Chandler and Hank discover the Watchman's trophies in a hidden closet at the depot, the whole cast comes together to solve the mystery of who the Watchman really was, and if he did in fact murder Denny's sister Linda.

Overall, the message is one of restoration and finding strength and purpose despite flaws. It showcases the harmful effects of human condemnation, hinting that judgment should be left to God. And while the characters all have their spiritual doubts and conflicts, the guidance of God seems to prevail throughout and the return of Chandler's parents is a strong allegory that God never forsakes you, even when you turn your back on Him.

What I liked: I really appreciated the representation of people with physical and mental disabilities as normal and prolific, and that these were not their defining features or the first thing you learned about them. Similarly, I liked that there was a character who had grown up in foster care and that other characters respected his relationship with his caregiver and didn't differentiate that relationship from other family bonds. There was a strong anti-othering message for all of these characters. I thought the time split was well done, and especially in the second half of the book, I found the mystery very compelling.

What I felt was a bit lacking: I felt like some characters who turned out to be important were hard to get to know. For example, Pippa had a two-year relationship with the Watchman before this story takes place, but you learn nothing about that or what is different about their interactions *right now* that make this mystery so urgent. I also expected more development of the setting around the circus. I didn't have a good feel for what kinds of acts were in the circus or how often it traveled and where (which seemed important to understanding the circus tokens in the Watchman's trophies).

Overall, a decent read that kept me engaged and got me thinking.

Sincere thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for the eARC in exchange for the review.

The Haunting at the Bonaventure Circus by Jaime Jo Wright is a dual time mystery. Jaime has a talent for weaving two time periods together.
Admittedly the beginning of the book was a bit tedious for me. I felt the author played out Chandler’s mystery a little too much. If this is your first book by Jaime, know that her others are even better.
Once I got past the first few chapters, I was hooked. There are several characters so this is not a book you will speak read. You will want to soak it all in.
The characterization and their relationships pulled me into the story. Pippa was my favorite character and I so wanted Lily to make it. Chandler was okay. Sometimes I want fiction where the female has her life together and doesn’t need significant counseling; this is not Chandler.
The story feels fast paced, with so many unexpected twists and turns.

I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus by Jaime Jo Wright

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Jaime Jo Wright brings her signature style of crafting a creepy mystery to a story involving the Circus world of entertainment both past and present.

Oh my goodness, how I love a really good mystery! This story had so much drama, suspense, heartbreak as well as lessons to be taught that I was both anticipating and dreading the end of it. While I wanted to know who was responsible for the terrible happenings, I didn’t want to leave these characters and their story. It begins in 1928 with the arrival of the Bonaventure Circus to its wintering grounds in Wisconsin. Pippa Ripley has long felt an intense connection with the people of the circus but she cannot understand why. The only daughter of Richard Ripley, owner and president of circus, she has been given everything to make a child happy, except the love of her father. Knowing that she was adopted as a very young infant, Pippa desperately wants to know the answers to her questions about her birth, but no one is willing to talk. Messages have been arriving of late that hint at someone knowing the truth and Pippa determines to find out. As she sets out to find the one sending the messages, chaos breaks out in the elephant enclosure. A young elephant cow has just given birth but is terrified of this strange creature in her space. Pippa arrives in time to see the injured baby laying very still and the trainers over her. When they suggest putting the badly injured infant down, Pippa refuses to allow it and places herself in the way. Her connection with Lily creates a bond that will inspire the elephant to fight for life and brings Pippa into connection with Jake Chapman. A trainer with the circus, Jake represents all that Pippa’s father forbids her spent any time with. But she is not willing to give up on Lily nor Jake, when she finds learns his heartbreaking story. But there is a pall hanging over the circus with the revelation that women along the circus travel route have been killed. What is the connection and who is responsible for all this destruction? Is the man contacting Pippa a friend or foe? So much has been hidden for so long that Pippa will need help from many places if she is going to find out who she is and where she belongs. The parallel story takes place in present day Bluff River, Wisconsin with Chandler Faulk, a young, single mother who has come to town to revamp the long neglected circus buildings and grounds into profitable spaces for lease. She is determined to make this project work to prove herself to her uncle and keep her second-in-command position out of the hands of another eager employee. A possible trespasser brings Chandler rushing to the grounds late on the evening of her arrival in town and will drop her right in the middle of a mystery. Why does it seem like everyone in town believes the circus grounds are haunted by a murdered seamstress’ ghost? And what connection does that have to Chandler now? Sorting out everything will mean that Chandler will need help, even if she doesn’t want any, or her project might not get off the ground. If only she didn’t have to hide her recent diagnosis of an autoimmune disease, she might be able to reach out to others. Her son, Peter is her whole life and she will do whatever it takes to keep him safe and in her life. Though her past has been troubled, she is working hard to make everything in Peter’s life perfect and loving. The appearance of Hank Titus in her life brings Chandler both a sense of peace and danger. Who and what is Hank really? Why is he so determined to find out the story behind the circus grounds mystery? And why is he always around just when Chandler needs him most? If she can only learn to lean on friends a little, she might be able to take care of both her son and her project. But someone doesn’t want Chandler’s project to happen, and they will do anything necessary to ensure it doesn’t. Chandler and Hank will have to solve more than one mystery if they are going to keep anyone else from dying and have a chance at a future together. Whew! There was a lot going on in this book and all of it was good. I loved the incredible tension that was strung throughout the entire story and kept me reading page after page. The characters were raw, real, hurting, broken and searching and you could actually feel their angst and longing as you read. I loved that everything in the story was woven together and no detail was left out. The crimes were described enough that you understood the gruesomeness but it wasn’t too gory. This thriller also had heart and that made all the pain suffered make sense. Everyone in the story was looking for a place to belong and a family and the way their searches ended was just perfect. Healing was found and forgiveness was offered. But you can’t walk away from this story unchanged by it’s words, at least, I won’t be. I will certainly be purchasing a copy for my shelves and highly recommending this book to others. It was truly an excellent story and one I will definitely read again.

I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

What a fantastic novel! The dual setting of 1928 and present day in a small town in Wisconsin brings depth to the mysteries surrounding Bonaventure Circus. It was like having two beautifully-crafted stories in one book.

The prose is incredible. I was immediately fascinated with Pippa and Chandler's life. Though living in different times, both are captivated with life at the circus: Pippa, who was looking for her birth parents, and Chandler, who was trying to understand the circus' history as part of her restoration project of the train depot. They are alike in so many ways. Pippa, who was born with a deformed leg and adopted by the circus' owners, seeks to belong. She was never close to her adoptive parents, particularly to her father, and she felt like she was only a possession and replacement of something that her parents couldn't have: a child of their own. Chandler, for her part, seeks to prove herself that she is more than capable of becoming a single mother despite her past mistakes. She took this restoration project to show that she can be successful at her job and raise her kid alone while battling an autoimmune disease.

Both Pippa and Chandler seek these things in Bonaventure Circus. Through their search, they stumble into the story of "The Watchman", a serial killer preying on women. Through their search, the author explored the connection of having two time frames. The complexity was more than I expected, but it added more depth to the stories of Pippa, Chandler, the people around them and Bonaventure Circus.

What I also love about this novel are the interesting supporting characters. I was engrossed with the lives of the circus people in the 1920s, how they are sadly viewed as freaks because of their mere deformities and abnormalities. The touch of romance, despite subtle, added spice to the novel and I was hooked. Elephant trainer Jake Chapman and plumber Hank Titus are hotties, ladies and gentlemen. (Google Can Yaman and you'll see *winks*).

Of course, no novel is perfect. I've had issues, but it didn't affect my overall view of this novel. The "hauntings" were not as scary as I expected that I could barely categorize it as a "horror/paranormal" novel. In my interpretation, I think the hauntings of the circus is not the ghosts per se but the ghosts of the past, the ghost of the circus' history, the ghost of people's secrets in the circus. Pippa and Chandler can also be overbearing and naive at times, but I understood where they are coming from. And while I grew exhausted with Chandler's pompous actions, I still got over it.


I love this book so much, I bought my own copy after experiencing problems with my ARC, haha!

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.

I have no idea how Jaime Jo Wright did it, but she really out did herself in her newest release, The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus. My favorite type of novel is time slip and she does not disappoint at all. I enjoyed the history, mystery and suspense. I was intrigued with it from the start until the end. I read the whole book in one sitting, which was time well spent.

I would give The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus one hundred stars if I could. It was that good. I highly recommend it for all readers. I loved every single page.

I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

Loved it! Creepy circus, abandoned buildings, ghost tours, and a serial killer made for an exciting time-slip story for fans of spooky novels; but then add in a cute baby elephant and even readers who don't like scary elements are sure to fall in love with this story!

This book totally captivated my attention right from the start, the twists and turns in the story was exciting and kept me guessing. The main characters both had their own personal challenges to deal with and the author takes the readers through their struggles with such grace and hope. We relate well with the main characters as we watch them struggle with their challenges and eventually realize the strength they possess to rise above their own personal situations.

​I strongly recommend picking up this book, it catches your heart as you instantly connect with the characters. A story about second chances, broken lives that need love and lots of mending, and most importantly how powerful hope can be, especially in the midst of brokenness and hurt.

Summary:
An excellent read if you are brave enough to wander into the past of a circus long ago and unfold the mysteries that lie within.

The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus
by Jaime Jo Wright
Bethany House
Bethany House Publishers
Christian
Pub Date 01 Sep 2020





I am reviewing a copy of The Haunting At Bonaventure Circus through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:



In 1928 the Bonaventure Circus is a refuge for many, except for Pippa Ripley who was rejected from its inner circles when she was only a baby. When Pippa receives messages from someone called the “Watchman”. She becomes determined to find him and his 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 a serial killer.




Present Day: The old circus train depot is either going to be torn down, or it will be preserved for its history and historical importance. The future of the depot rests on the shoulders of real estate project manager Chandler Faulk. As she digs into the depots history she is a single Mother learning to live with a newly diagnosed autoimmune disease. After discovering the clues to the unsolved murders of the past, Chandler is pulled into a story far darker than she could have imagined.




I give The Haunting At the Bonaventure Circus five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!

Pippa Ripley was abandoned as a baby in Bluff River, Wisconsin, left on the doorstep of wealthy circus owners. Self-conscious about her twisted leg, Pippa goes through life feeling unwanted and unnoticed. With limited options open to her in 1928 America, Pippa agrees to become engaged to her father's domineering business partner. Intrigued by mysterious clues to her true parentage, Pippa finds herself irresistibly drawn to an injured baby elephant and her rough-around-the-edges caretaker. Will Pippa be wise enough to avoid the danger she unwittingly puts herself in by getting involved where she isn't wanted?

Chandler Faulk is a savvy single mom with a talent for restoring historic buildings. Intrigued by the history of her new town, Bluff River, she learns about the unsolved murders in the town's past. Hoping for a fresh start for herself and her son, Chandler tries to ignore the unexplained incidents in her office, which was used as a circus costume house nearly one hundred years earlier. As curiosity gets the better of her, Chandler decides to investigate further into the town's dark secrets. Will she uncover the truth before she is silenced?

This mystery by Jaime Jo Wright has themes of faith, hope and trust woven throughout the many plot twists. Readers will be kept in suspense by the many twists in the plot. The author masterfully weaves tales from two different time periods into a intricate tapestry of storytelling. This book would be an interesting addition to any adult mystery fiction collection.

Mystery told from two time periods and two points of view. A haunting originated from the Bonaventure circus in the 1920’s still exists in present day. Murder, love interest, coming of age and adoption unknowns all come into play. Enjoyable and fun read.

My Thoughts: Whoa. Just whoa. There are good mysteries, then there are great mysteries. This is one of the great ones. Wright has a gift for weaving two storylines together while evolving the characters and the mystery with each turn of the page in a gripping manner. This was certainly one that I couldn’t walk away from and I couldn’t stop thinking about in between reads. All throughout the day, I was puzzling over the mystery and trying to figure out how everything fit together. And I’m happy to announce that I while I had a portion of the mystery figured out, I was far from having it all figured out. It was a surprise right down to the very end.
There are two tender romances and an important message on self-worth and the need for people in your life. But if I’m being completely honest, I wasn’t always confident that there was a healthy balance between submission and rebellion. The characters were allowed to have their own opinions on authority or ghosts that the reader might not agree with. On the one hand, characters should be their own person, but I think I was just missing a sound foundation that would help the reader to either feel safe within the story or to steer them back to Biblical understanding. I couldn’t help feeling like all opinions were equally valid, while in a Christian novel I’m expecting certain thoughts to outweigh others.
But at the end of the day, this really was a remarkable story. Wright’s talents were on full display and I’m already eager to read her next novel.

Rating and Recommendations: I’m giving The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus 5 stars and recommending it to those who enjoy a great mystery or a circus setting.

~ I received a copy from Bethany House. I was not compensated for this review or required to give a favorable one.

Two thrillers brought together seamlessly! Lots of mystery and suspense which kept me flipping page after page.

Lots of surprises unfold and just when you’re ready to hear more from 1928, you’re thrown back into the present.

Special thanks to the author and Netgalley for an advanced reading copy! I would highly recommend this to anyone for upcoming spooky season.

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.

Author Jaime Jo Wright just keeps getting better. Her style of writing is simply incredible. And the level of creepiness in her stories will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The characters in this story are very well developed, they have depth. They seem real. The descriptions of places, of scenery, of buildings, is incredibly well done. You feel as if you have been placed right there. I’m sure I could hear the elephants trumpeting!

Since this is split time, remember that 1928 is going to call for different phrasing. Things will be worded differently then they are today. People will be treated differently. That is all historical and necessary to the story be it labels or supposed stereotypes. Wright has done her homework in making this authentic to the time.

Wright always crafts a great mystery with many trails to follow and this one is no different. While the title implies ghosts etc Wright always reveals Biblical truth, so don’t let that possibility stop you from reading any of her books. Faith elements are beautifully woven into the story as we’re reminded that we are special, and we are loved.

If you are looking for something different, with a twist you won’t see coming, then grab a copy and go to the Bonaventure Circus.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

An exhilarating book that creeped me out, touched my soul, and made me want a baby elephant 🐘 lol. Externally these ladies have murders to solve and are trying not to be the next victims. Internally, Pipa, like all humans at one point, wants to belong in this world. Chandler, on the other hand wants to prove herself by striving to be the perfect single mom while dealing with a physical illness. Two relatable characters that stepped out of the pages and beckoned me through the circus flaps.

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.)

Although women received the right to vote when she was eight, Pippa Ripley’s father and fiancé don’t seem to realize that women have brains…or hearts. Abandoned on her parent’s doorstep by persons unknown as an infant, Pippa longs for a father’s love and a purpose (other than ornamental) in life.

While her father co-owns the Bonaventure Circus with her fiancé, both men insist that she stay away from the circus wintering grounds and the nearby train depot. But someone from the circus watches her, leaves her notes, and insinuates that she belongs—she calls him The Watchman.

When she screws up her courage to break out of the mold she’s found herself in, Pippa launches herself on a journey of self-discovery with consequences she never imagined.

A century later, Chandler Faulk’s uncle purchases an abandoned train depot in Bluff River, MI, she arrives on the scene to evaluate the project. She struggles with an autoimmune disease and fears losing her son—the light of her life. As a single parent, she’s had to work harder to finish school, find recognition at work, and make a name for herself in her field.

It doesn’t help that she fears her parents. If they find out about her illness, will they someone gain custody of her son? Bluff River seems like a perfect haven—despite the quirky landlord and his stealthy nephew. Chandler finds the perfect caregiver for Peter and sets about on her project.

Only strange things start happening. Mysterious lights in the depot, boxes strewn about in an upstairs storage room, an unsolved disappearance, and a serial murderer from the past all raise Chandler’s stress level. Having a local Real Estate agent who believes in ghosts doesn’t help either.

Why I Love This Book

Jamie Jo Wright ranks high on my list of favorite authors. Her flawed and quirky characters always capture my imagination. I can relate to the ordinariness of the protagonists and the questions they pose about identity, value, and God’s involvement in our lives. But there’s nothing ordinary about her books. She skillfully draws the reader in and keeps her on the edge of her seat from cover to cover.

Wright’s books are the kind I read more than once. Once to find out what happens, and once, more slowly, to savor the words.