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.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in return for my honest opinion.

I really liked this book. It was well written and most of the characters were very likable (except you Forrest!) I liked the way it bounced back and forth between past and present to tie the two stories into one. I did think that Pippa’s story was more interesting than Chandler’s but that’s just my opinion.

I would definitely recommend!

When I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley I was feeling hopeful I’d like it as it isn’t the typical fantasy genre I would pick up in my local bookstore. And boy was I in for a rollercoaster of excitement and suspense. This book may not be magic filled but it certainly is magical. The time split story line of a serial killing spree had me flying through chapters to know what was going to happen to both Pippa and Chandler next! I fell in love with Pippa and Chandler, their companions, the magic of the sweet beasts and eccentric characters of the circus, and I could vividly picture the beauty of the Bonaventure Circus in its prime.

The Haunting of Bonaventure Circus is exactly that, it’s haunting and gripping and incredibly written. I will absolutely be recommending this book to friends and family in hopes that they consume it as I did just so I have someone to talk to about it. Let me just say, no matter how hard to try to solve this mystery, the ending will leave you shocked!

Well done Jamie Jo Wright, I can’t wait to read everything else you’ve written.

Haunting at Bonaventure Circus is a historical fiction told in two timelines a century apart. The characters are realistic with their flaws and obsessions making them connectable. The story is well balanced between mystery, romance and spiritual. The circus being a backdrop, the animals and the performers are given the short straw and more pages devoted to Pippa and her thoughts. The conclusion leaves some loose ends and a little hurried. The plot in the present part could have been tighter. A good historical fiction.

I have been a fan of Jaime Jo Wright’s suspense novels since her very first came out a few years ago. The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus has a fresh backdrop and provides as interesting look at the beginning of the 20th century. Perhaps one of my favorite aspects of Wright’s novels is the relatable characters that bring a much needed perspective to issues that aren’t often written about in Christian fiction, and this book is no exception bringing light to the struggles of those living with chronic illness.

The only reason I give four stars instead of five is I felt like the suspense was not quite up to par as Wright’s previous novels. Overall, though, I thoroughly enjoyed this read and looked forward to the conclusion.

Thank you for granting me the opportunity to review this novel!

I was very intrigued by the concept of this novel, the circus, history and characters all interested me. However, I did find this book difficult to get swept away by. The storyline felt slow and took a significantly long time to develop into something I couldn’t look away from. Both Pippa and Chandler (amazing names!) were dynamic but not all that likeable. I honestly didn’t see the end coming though, and the circus created a creepy and unique background. So it is still worth the read if you have the time and love a slow burning mystery.