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 and NetGalley. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

After being immediately swept up in the world built by the author, the character development, and the writing style, I felt let down as I closed the book. While the main mystery was wrapped up, it felt pedestrian and like the author just threw up her hands towards the end of the book and rushed to finish. Everything is here for this to be a great novel, and yet, the ending feels flat and almost like another author took over towards the end.

Sometimes writing a review is effortless — you easily check off the boxes of plot, setting, characterization, theme, etc. But other times a book is one that defies simple description. The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus by Jaime Jo Wright is one of those. This dual timeline novel is complex and multilayered and deserves a slow and thoughtful reading to glean all of its goodness. It took me a while to read this book — it is definitely not a quick and easy read. But it is one that is highly recommended!

The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus has two storylines: one set in the present day, and the other in the late 1920s, both in Bluff River, Wisconsin. The mysteries of both time periods are intertwined and call out to be uncovered. Main characters Pippa and Chandler appear to have little in common, until the reader gets into their heads. Insecurity, doubts, and the tendency to run away from hard things plague both characters, yet their desire to discover what is true in their worlds urges them on. Setting plays a large part in the novel, and Wright creates a town and its circus that capture the imagination. The mystery builds slowly, gaining momentum as the book heads toward its ending — I could not keep the pages turning fast enough as more and more is revealed. The ghostly aspect created some delicious little shivers. And the twists? Let’s just say I was surprised numerous times. Wright also kept me engaged in both stories, leaving me eager to visit both periods as the narrative shifted. There are a number of themes and spiritual truths expressed in Haunting. All speak to the reader’s heart. I have followed Wright on social media for a while now, and I appreciate how much she poured her own story into this book’s pages. Many things are disclosed at the end of the book, but the rest of Pippa and Chandler’s stories are left up to the reader’s imagination. I chose to create very happily-ever-afters for both. 😉

I have read all of Wright’s novels, and I think The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus is my favorite. A great book for discussion, I urge you to gather some book-loving friends to read this one. I promise you will have a long, meaningful, and fun conversation.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

This is a Christian ghost story set in a circus and complete with a baby elephant and a serial killer. I'm not even joking. I feel I may have been tricked into downloading this, but I do not regret it. I thought I was reading something completely different, until I realised the characters were white. There's a lot of weird jesus talk that i don't really get, coming from a secular society.

Pippa was adopted from the circus as a baby by the owner of the circus, but she's not allowed to mix with them (tho she does, all the time). A serial killer is haunting them and she's determined to find out who they are, all the while bonding with a baby elephant.

Meanwhile, in the future, the bizarrely named Chandler, who is ill with one of those unseeable mysterious illnesses (no shade, I have spinal issues), moves to town and is trying to renovate the old circus space, uncovering clues to the serial killer and what happened in the past.

I found the dialogue a bit contrived, especially when they dipped in and out of the christian chatter. I don't get it. It was a distraction. Having your characters go to church or temple is enough. I don't see what god had to do with anything in the end. It certainly didn't add to the story.

The story, however, has real gothic potential and who doesn't love a baby elephant who only likes one person? (Why can't that be me? Probably because I'm an atheist.) I liked it a lot in the end and was so blown away by the plot twist that I gasped. If you can see it coming, good on you, but I missed it and was really struck.

Will make a great TV series if someone is brave enough to make it and cut the jesus bits out.

I enjoyed reading this book. I recommend reading this book during the day. I liked the split time story that had a fun mysterious feel to it. Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC! The opinion is my. genuine opinion.

“The Haunting of Bonaventure Circus” is Jaime Jo Wright's 5th novel. It is every bit as good as any of her other split-time novels. I think it is her best yet. Two stories, parallels in many ways. Each centered around a circus's main headquarters and the small town it resides in. Secrets, suspense, even a murder or two...or more. With all her novels there is that element that makes it deliciously creepy without being graphic.

Her characters in both the historical (1920's) and contemporary are well done and relatable. The secondary characters in both stories have their own battles to fight. We find in the historical story many members of the circus family and those that employ them. She also includes an endearing baby elephant that gives some of the characters purpose and space to grow.

The contemporary characters all have a past of their own. How Jaime Jo Wright weaves the story lines together and yet keeps them separate is well done.

Both of her main heroine characters have challenges, one a slight physical deformity, she also takes a dive into creating a character with a chronic illness which isn't common in most Christian fiction. She handles it well, opening up the readers eyes to a struggle they may not be familiar with. Jaime Jo is wonderful at showing grace, hope, and redemption without being preachy. There are also themes of forgiveness both spoken and unspoken. We watch the main characters struggle with who they are. Eventually, they realize that they truly are seen, loved, and accepted for the way God created them.

This book was an excellent concept. The author did a great job keeping the duel timelines crisp and understandable. The 1928 timeline was fantastic. In fact, I wish the entire book was just about Pippa, Lily, Jake, Richard Ripley and the circus. It had some slow parts that I skimmed through but Pippa’s journey was definitely the very best part of the story.

The modern timeline was a grind. I didn’t care for Chandler. I wasn’t really moved by her, her lack of introspection and her self destructive ways. Some people would probably find her really relatable. The modern story just didn’t grip me, I found myself constantly wanting to flip back to Pippa.

All in all, the author is a good writer. There is good detail throughout, decent character development (in the 1928 timeline for sure) and the story was certainly very creative. Just wasn’t really executed as well as I would have liked.

Jaime Jo Wright's gift of writing time split novels it outstanding. She has the gift to knowing when to rip the reader from the time they're reading in and throw them back into the other time. It's rather jolting. Each time I left whatever time period I was in, I was desperate to back to that previous time, finishing what was happening in that moment. There was almost a desperation to go back to it.

I was absolutely drawn into the story of The Haunting At Bonaventure Circus. Like Pippa, I wanted to go to the circus world, something I've never even considered, but I think it was because of her deep desire to belong and to be known.

Sakes alive, there was definitely a creep factor with the Watchman. Is he good, is he evil? What does he know about Pippa's past?! I felt her anguish to want to know right along with her fear of how she'd find out.

Then there's Chandler in our current time learning about the lives surrounding the train depot and costume house. Those and the murders as well as missing people. I'm not a believer in ghosts, but Jaime Jo's writing definitely messes with me into almost... almost thinking that there could be something to it.

Once again, I appreciate the faith element that goes along with this story. There's a build up of it because of how the story is written, but it's fluid and makes sense. The characters' journey to understand how God is working in and through their lives during their time is a powerful one.

Honestly, there's SO much to say about this book but I can't say anything specific because there's NO way I'm giving anything away. If anyone ever wants to talk about the book as you're reading it, message me... it's THAT good. I just want to talk to others about it!

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+.

This book wasn't what I thought it would be, based on the description. That's not necessarily a bad thing...it just was. I enjoyed the past storyline much more than the current day storyline...it was more intriguing and mysterious. The current day story just lacked for me, for some reason But this is definitely a book that will find its audience!

I’ve loved the circus since I was a child, and this book drew me in immediately when I saw the title, and kept me turning the pages late into the night. Pippa Ripley was rejected at birth from the inner family at Bonaventure Circus and taken in by the owner’s, who protect her at all costs from the circus she loves. She wants to know why she was rejected, and when she receives messages from someone called the "Watchman," she is determined to find out what connection he has to her birth. She discovers that a serial killer is haunting the circus train and must figure out if the truth about her birth is worth dying for.
Decades later, Chandler Faulk is trying to decide whether to save an old circus train depot's future. Should she allow it to be torn down or preserved for historical importance? Digging into the history of the depot, she meets up with psychic Lottie and her son, who is tell her of ghosts and spirits haunting the place. At the same time, she is fighting a newly diagnosed disease and raising her son on her own. Unsolved murders of the past are discovered, and Chandler must make some difficult decisions on which way to turn.
Told back and forth between the two time periods and the two main characters, I enjoyed every page!

I was immediately drawn in the story builds and is written in a way that allows for vivid imagery and is also so relatable! I grew up loving the circus and craving the ability to go see it whenever it was near us there are many memories of firsts at the circus - this story touches on the lure and draw of the circus how we can see so much bravery and skill while others see lives less than theirs or entertainment sources over people and animals. The story then also speaks to my current view and the knowledge that comes with age to the darker side of the circus and how people can use and abuse both the animals and the people of the circus. The story also talks about the unity and divide of such create families and situations...

I loved the focus on the animals and the description of their souls and their love - I am so happy they took a moment to defend pits and break down the stereotype and provide a history and context ... the author was educational and presents the information in a way that makes you want to join the stand and join the fight. The beautiful expression and detail of the elephants especially little Lilly - I don't think animals are "personified" because they truly do hold the traits of our souls and are to be cherished just like humans they seek bonds and connections... I so appreciated the presentation and discussion of the animals in this story and it may be what drew me most but it is close the plight of the people of the circus and the abandoned or unwanted also spoke wo me .. to be given up as a child spoke to me and the struggle for identity and self worth / value and security - the story was so well done and so raw and real... the various discussions of society's view on people who are different, disabled, etc .. the discussion of women's rights and views as they changed, the struggle of single mothers and trying to be strong and independent, the need of family and connection... Pippa and Chandler are both such amazing women on a search for their true identity and security while also fighting for their independence...

I cannot speak enough about the characters and the way the author draws you in creating investment and hope for them all ... the story line is just so well done the past mixed with the present in telling the story of not only serial killings but the history of the circus and the changes in people.. there is just so much !!! I loved reading the author's note and realizing she really created a world and story full of her favorite things from the details of the animals, the setting, the coffee drinking and appreciation this is her story but also so many peoples stories inclusive of many common fears, hopes, desires., and struggles

If you grew up in the time of the traveling circus you will likely love this stroll down memory lane, if you are intrigue by serial killers or ghosts and mystery you will also likely greatly enjoy this story... if you love animals and feel the draw and connection held in their eyes and hearts you may struggle at times reading this but you will also appreciate the presentation and story told.

I highly recommend this book

When i first heard of this book i was really hoping it was completely set within the 1920's. After reading so many wonder circus Biographies I have been hooked on the magic and mystery that surrounds it. And though This is told in a dual time line i still found it enjoyable and was pleased with the way the 1920's were portrayed. I am not going to tear apart the way the author set up each character, as some have found the characters to be one sided cliches'. But i did not. and I am a Nel. I am in a wheelchair and i am "cool with that". I would rather have happy cliches in novels than a bunch of "debbie downer" characters. I found the pace a little slow at times but over all i loved the easy to understand flashbacks and genuine relationships built between the characters in the past and present. AND you can't go wrong with elephants.

Great book 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.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. Though it is classified as Christian fiction, I think it also passes as general fiction. I have read a few books with parallel stories stretching across time recently and this one seems to be the most eloquently done. The two seemingly unrelated stories came together at the end. The setting was creepy and the mysteries held my attention well.

The characters were intriguing and relatable. Each of the main characters suffered from their own disability, which is refreshing in literature to see main characters struggling with real life issues like these.

There were parts where the dialogue was a little stiff, but otherwise it was believable and realistic. The ending was satisfying to me if a little rushed. A lot happened in the last few chapters. After the relatively slow pace of the rest of the book, it felt like it moved too fast.

Overall, this was a great story with an intriguing mystery.

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!