I did not enjoy this book at all. I found it very disturbing and am surprised it is in Christian fiction as I found very little uplifting or Christian in it. It may be different for other readers.. maybe it was simply too personal for me. Wright is a good writer but I did feel there was some very repetitive parts in the book. I don’t think I’ll read others by her but only because these types are books are not ones I enjoy.

“Norah was more certain than ever that this house was a tomb that sucked hope from the hearts of anyone who occupied it. It was as if the sun had gone down at 322 Predicament Avenue the night Naomi’s murdered body had been found, and it had never risen again.”

“The house at 322 Predicament Avenue held secrets, and they were screaming out to be revealed.”

Wow! This was a great read! It’s a spooky dual-timeline book about a haunted house— the place of the only two murders in the small Iowa town of Shepherd, one recent, one from 1901.

I admit, the cover of this one didn’t really draw me in, but this is definitely a book I would recommend.

I don’t love ‘supernatural’ books that can blame ‘spirits’ for weird happenings. Sometimes it works, but most of the time it doesn’t. Without giving too much away on this one, I will say I really liked how it all came to be revealed.

If you’re looking for a spooky read this fall, add this to your list!

Basic Premise

1901 (I read an ARC and Goodreads says 1910 so this may have been changed): Effie and Polly James— teenage sisters— go on an adventure to knock on the door of the town’s ‘haunted house’ on Predicament Avenue (a kids’ tradition in that town). But when they reach the porch they hear a woman’s screams. Polly peers through a window and sees something shocking. They flee to get help. When the police show up there are no signs of a murder but the girls know what they heard and saw. An Englishman (Mr. Anderson) shows up looking for his wife and together he and Effie try to figure out what happened at the house and if his wife was involved.

Present day: Norah Richman operates a bed and breakfast out of the house on Predicament Avenue. It’s been in the family, but Norah does not enjoy her work. She is only doing it to carry out the dream of her twin sister, Naomi, who was found murdered on the property 13 years prior. The house’s history has drawn a true crime podcaster, Sebastian, to her B&B to investigate for himself. When a guest ends up dead and his wife claims they saw a ghost, Norah faces a potential lawsuit and is forced to partner with Sebastian to uncover the secrets of the house.

“Death had been a guest here at Predicament Avenue for decades, and it was clear that Death wasn’t ready to check out quite yet.”

Two murders. Years apart. But the similarities between the two unsolved murders are uncanny.

“Evil never really goes away. Once it stains a place, the mark remains for generations. its horror is repeated. It rises from the grave to haunt.”

The chapters alternate between Effie and Norah’s timelines, but we also get chapters that are just titled ‘Her.’ These explore the woman’s imminent death and the evil deeds of her life that she must come to terms with. She has accepted her fate.

“A reality that is unavoidable. I have dug the pit of my own grave and am simply waiting to be placed inside of it. It will happen soon. When night falls on Predicament Avenue.”

What I Loved

I loved that it took place in a small town in IOWA.

I loved the ending and felt like the twists were very well done.

I loved that we got the spooky vibes and haunted feels without demonic forces or too much gore.

I loved how it explored the deep and profound themes of death and fear and grief.

The author notes in the back:

“Effie feared death. Anderson feared grief. Norah feared living. Sebastian feared himself, the inadequacies of who he felt himself to be as a father, instead cheating himself of the greatest gifts God can bestow.”

And then we had ‘Her’ who was “broken by the struggle between right and wrong.”

I thought that was a great combination to weave into this store of a haunted house and its secrets.

Jamie Jo Wright writes for suspense and enjoyment, but she doesn’t leave us in a dark story of death and despair. She leads us to a hope and a light in the darkness. It’s not overt through the whole story but as she wrapped it all up, she cleared the path out.

“This is evil at its core. Fear. Fear is a lack of hope and a belief in the murder of our dreams, our lives, and even our salvation. But if I’ve learned anything during my stay at 322 Predicament Avenue, it’s that to live— to truly live— is to hope that there’s a deeper purpose for our lives. That a person’s life, no matter how short or how long, how peaceful or how turbulent, how adventurous or how tragic, is not wasted.”

“‘We can’t be afraid to live just ‘cause we’re afraid of dyin’. Seems to me we’d be better off seekin’ out the truth of it.’- - ‘The truth of what?’- - ‘The truth of what comes after.’”

I thought it was interesting how Wright kinda uses this ‘haunting’ aspect to depict grief. It’s an interesting similarity to think about.

“We’re afraid of death in part because we’re afraid of the grief that follows. Death is momentary, but grief is what’s left behind. The remnants of every memory, every moment, every emotion. Grief is all the unspoken words that will never be said, the lost I-love-yous, and the emptiness of the shadows they leave behind. Grief is a demon that stalks.”

I think that’s a profound realization. It encapsulates the very real feelings of grief. And I think it also identifies the dangers of certain kinds of grieving. It is not bad to grieve, but if we allow our grief to haunt us and leave us empty, we have allowed the past and the impossibility of the future we wanted too much power over us.

“Tears of missing someone aren’t tears that lack courage. Instead, you have the courage to feel the empty spaces, but hope for when they’ll be filled again.”

I think ‘right’ grieving shouldn’t trap us and shouldn’t leave us empty. Not if we believe that God’s ways are higher than our own. Not if we trust that his way of filling us, though different than our ideas, is still good and right.

The stalking demon of grief keeps us from the light and hope that we have in Christ. Grief is real and painful and God doesn’t ask us to ignore it or push it down, but he does command us to look to him, not the shadows and the empty spaces. There is no fear in his love.

Randos

I always find it interesting when I end up reading books with similarities one after the other without having planned it. There were a few threads in this book that I’ve read recently.

Polly becomes somewhat mute after the traumatic witnessing through the window of the house. I’ve read 3 other books recently that have had mute girls: Gallant, Please Tell Me, and House of Glass.

I’ve also read a few books lately about this idea of grief and how life is worth living. We can’t let fear or grief keep us from the joy of living. I suppose that’s a common enough theme, but not always for the books I end up reading so I thought it was interesting that I’ve read so many in such a short span: The Midnight Garden, The Lonely Hearts Book Club, Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder.

I really don’t have much criticism for this book. The only things that come to mind are very minor:

The way Wright wrote the British accent for Sebastian was really hard for me to grasp and hear in my head. the leaving off of the ‘g’s and endings of words made it sound more Southern in my head. Maybe it was supposed to be more cockney? I don’t know, but I wish I could have heard the right accent when I read his parts.

[Somewhat a SPOILER] Polly was the one who witnessed the murder but was so sick or in shock that she couldn’t talk about it. When she finally came to speak it felt anticlimactic that she didn’t really have any new or explosive information. It would have been more exciting if she was finally able to give them a clue of some sort.

Recommendation

I would definitely recommend this book! It’s the perfect October read.

This was my first book my Jamie Jo Wright. She also wrote The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater that has been on my TBR. After reading this book, I will definitely be checking out her other books! It looks like her other books have a similar vibe to them, so if you like this one I think you’ll have a pile of reading ahead of you.

She is a Christian fiction author, and like I mentioned, there is evidence of that towards the end of the book, but I think readers who aren’t Christians will have no problem enjoying this book.

Well, unless you’re looking for some sort of horror/slasher kind of spooky with demented characters, lots of blood and cursing…. because that is definitely not in this book.

So go get this book and prepare yourself for the lovely month of October!

[Content Advisory: some scary vibes and jump-scare type of scenes, no swearing, sexual content, or demons]

**Received an ARC via NetGalley**

✨Review - Night Falls on Predicament Avenue by @jaimejowright

In 1910, Effie and her sister, Polly, witness a murder at a home on Predicament Avenue. Over 100 years later, Norah is running a bed and breakfast in the very same home, and living in the shadow of her own sister’s murder.

Jaime Jo Wright has become one of my favourite thriller writers, developing the most wonderful tales of haunted houses, ghost stories, and unsolved mysteries, and this book delivered on all fronts. Her books are gory without being too graphic, and spooky without causing me to lose sleep, ultimately with a redemptive arc.

And, there’s just a touch of romance to complement the suspense.

I also love how Wright weaves more subtle themes into her works. In this book, while it’s perhaps expected to be scared of death and unsolved murders and suspected ghosts, Wright addresses the fear of living fully, and of embracing responsibilities and relationships.

A huge thanks to @bethanyhousefiction for this gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.

Anytime this author has a book release, I know that I need to get my hands on it. The way she transports us back with dual time lines that she has woven together so seamlessly always shows for an amazing read. Night Falls on Predicament Avenue is written by Jaime Jo Wright. This story is set in 1910 and present day.

Shepherd, Iowa, holds secrets. In 1901, sisters, Polly and Effie James, witness a terrible occurrence at 322 Predicament Avenue. This occurrence leaves Polly mute, and in comatose. Effie, wants to do everything that she can to bring her sister out of it. The whole town is sent upside down - and everyone is shocked. When a newcomer comes into town, Effie befriends him and breaks all social status to do so. I loved how determined she is.

Present day - Norah owns 322 Predicament Avenue. She uses the towns and home's dark history to bring guests into her Bed and Breakfast. She also has had tragedy happen, with the murder of her sister. When a true crime podcaster shows up wanting to investigate both murders. However, he is not on Norah's good side. Running the bed and breakfast was her sister's dream, and Norah is trying to fulfill it.

The author has woven together a wonderful dual timeline connecting generations. I love her style of writing and all the rich details she puts into it The characters are well developed, and the storyline is engaging.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

Jaime Jo Wright never disappoints with excellent mystery/suspense that is no spice with Christian themes. She knocked it out of the park!

Synopsis: “This is evil at its core. Fear. Fear is a lack of hope and a belief in the murder of our dreams, our lives, and even our salvation.” 1901: Effie and Polly James find themselves at the door of the local house that’s said to be haunted on Predicament Avenue, but when Polly witnesses a murder and Effie hears the scream, the hauntings become more than just that. With Polly’s trauma and poor health, Effie is left to solve the story and protect her sister on her own until a stranger arrives in the not-so-quiet town of Shepherd. Present Day: As owner of a bed and breakfast, Norah seeks to carry on her sister’s legacy. But when ghosts seem to haunt the guests and a man dies, a true crime podcast host named Sebastian arrives at the scene. As the mysteries unfold, Norah is faced with reliving her sister’s unsolved murder and trying to uncover all the secrets still hiding at 322 Predicament Avenue.

Analysis: What a horribly creepy murder mystery but in all the best ways! Jaime Jo Wright knows how to weave a story that will keep you guessing, turning the pages, and maybe trying to sleep with one eye open 😂 There are ghost elements to the book, but Jaime always seeks to describe the paranormal with the physical in a Scooby-do sort of way (her own description!). One thing I love is that you’ll not just find the spooky side, but you’ll also find the hope. Jaime’s characters deal with deep problems and real questions about God and who exactly He is. So yes, read this book for the amazingly told (and sometimes ugly) story, but also look for the beautiful truth and hope of the gospel.

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️*

*My one criticism is the romantic angle of the story. It felt a little strange and forced, but I really loved the book overall!

*I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions ťexpressed in this review are my own.

Another stellar book by Jaime Jo Wright! I did struggle keeping the two timelines separate throughout this book because there were so many similarities but wow was I shook by the ending! I'm pretty sure my mouth was hanging open.

This is another exciting read from Jamie Jo Wright!! A deep look at grief, a murder that no one wants to believe happened, and rich characters weave together to make this a must read.

Night Falls on Predicament Avenue delivers another dual-timeline thriller with plenty of mystery and twists and turns. There is usually an underlying theme in this novels, and with this one is is grief and losee.

The response to grief, the fear of grief, the desperation to avoid loss and the grief that comes after it, and what this can do to people. Poisoning relationships and leading to acts of desperation which sometime have devestating or henious consequences. The theme is more central to the characters and the story than it perhaps is in some of Jaime Jo Wright's other novels, and I don;t think that is a bad thing.

Both timelines have well-drawn characters who are struggling wih something that is relatable. Effie, the protaganist in 1901 is struggling to come to terms with her sister's terminal illness, and Norah with the murder of her sister which occured several years earlier. Both end up being caught up with very handsome and swoony British men- Anderson in 1901 and Sebastian (I love that name!) in the modern period, and trying to find discover the truth about he disappearance of the same woman from 1901: A maid named Isabel Effington.

Night Falls on Predicament Avenue another excelling read from this author: I enjoyed it as much as some of her early work if not moreso.

Thanks to the Publisher and their representative for approving me for this title on Netgalley. This did not impact my review, and all opinons expressed are my own.

Once again - I am completely in awe of how Jaime Jo Wright writes an utterly creepy story, and makes it all make sense in the end!
This story, I think, might be her creepiest one yet!
A house haunted by at least two different deaths, a span of....a hundred (or so) years. Ghosts appearing (or what else could it be?!)
Full of unexpected twists and turns.
Very intriguing and a real page turner!

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Perfectly spooky and atmospheric! I loved it! This was my first Jamie Jo Wright book and it lived up to the hype. Clean read, not overly scary or graphic.

I loved the faith aspect, and the emphasis on the hope we have in Christ. I felt like the ending was a little disappointing. It didn't make me feel hopeful, even after so much talk about moving forward through the grief into hope.

A mystery thriller, intertwining dual timelines, that connect past and present through shared locations and echoing themes. A cursed mansion on Predicament Avenue is experiencing strange events that have occurred across generations. Jaime Jo Wright, generates an atmospheric setting, intricate plot and suspenseful weaving of its historical and contemporary storylines, exploring themes of faith, redemption and the impact of the pasts on the present.

mysterious medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0

What I liked:
Dual POVS
Biblical Truths
Spooky Setting

Overall not my favorite from my favorite author but still a good book!

I always going to lose sleep because of a Jaime Jo Wright novel. But it’s not because it’s so scary I can’t sleep. In fact, a Jaime Jo Wright novel is a great way for me to get a spooky story without jumping at my own shadow. Rather it’s because she weaves such a great mystery that I can’t put the book down.

Night Falls on Predicament Avenue is no different. From the first chapter, I was sucked into the story. I’m struggling to write this review without giving away any spoilers. But I will say that I never saw the ending coming. Wright throws several curveballs, especially close to the end, and there are red herrings a plenty. I found myself suspicious of so many characters. And just when I thought I had it figured out, something else happened that made me second guess myself.

The romantic element in both Effie and Norah’s storylines is subtle but sweet. It made my hopeless romantic heart melt while the mystery satisfied my suspense-loving soul.

Overall, Night Falls on Predicament Avenue is a compelling dual timeline with plenty of suspense and a sweet romantic thread.

Thank you, Jaime Jo Wright, for writing a frightening but excellent book!
If there are three words to describe Night Falls on Predicament Avenue it would be scary, suspenseful, and impactful. Scary because I was frightened right at the beginning of the novel and almost returned this novel. Suspenseful because even though I was a bit scared I just could not put the book down. Impactful, because I am beginning to question the essence of being afraid of the unknown. I have been on a long sabbatical leave from any literature that creates distorted images in my mind. Then Jaime Jo Wright comes along with Night Falls on Predicament Avenue.
Set in a dual time of 1901 and present day, this novel revolves around a property in Shepherd town, Iowa, 322 Predicament Avenue. A gruesome murder at this property alters the life of Euphemia ‘Effie’ James, her sickly sister Polly witness to the murder, her family, and the sleepy Christian town of Shepherd. The arrival of Lord Lewis Anderson Archibald Mooring, who claims the murder victim, Isabelle Addington is his wife adds more intrigue to the murder case. Who is Isabelle Addington, where is her body and why would anyone want to kill a woman who is a stranger in the town?
In modern times, Norah Richman, is a woman still grieving the loss of her twin sister who had been murdered after missing for some time. She is the current owner of 322 Predicament Avenue, now an inn and a place which in modern time is associated with the ghost of Isabelle Addington. The sudden death of a guest and the residence of Sebastian Blaine, an investigative podcaster at her inn along with ghostly settings compels Norah to confront her fears and discover what led to the death of two women, her sister, and the Isabelle Addington.
I must say that this is one mystery novel where all my possible murderers’ guesses were wrong. The conclusion of the novel made this novel worth the read. The themes of fear and hope echoed throughout the novel. All the main characters had a particular fear that they were holding on to. One question that came up was do I have a justification to be afraid of the things I am frightened of?
If you do not mind a significant increase in your heartbeat while reading this novel and love a good scary mystery novel, then I will highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion."

Pick this one up if you like romantic suspense + mystery + Christian and historical fiction! Twisty, creepy, and gothic novel that will keep you guessing.

What if your sister witnesses something so horrific that it sends her into shock and literally speechless for who knows how long? And you are the only one who believes what she saw?

This is where we find Effie. She is the only one who believes her sister witnessed a murder and she needs to solve it.

What if you felt obligated to pursue a dream that wasn't yours? And that dream involved a haunted house?

This is where we find Norah. Running a B & B to fulfill the dream of her deceased sister.

As usual- Jaime Jo handles both time lines so well. From unsolved murders and protecting the only witness who cannot speak, to cold case murders and re-visiting traumatic life events.

Predicaments and plot twists, hope and healing weave their way through this newest release from Jaime Jo Wright.

“It was terrible, truly, that moment when you stared at a behemoth in the dark and knew you’d beheld a monster” (location 102). This book got off to a great start, setting the tone for the dark mysteries surrounding two deaths, a century apart, both of which are connected to Norah’s home on Predicament Avenue.

Wright does dual timeline stories well. Both are equally interesting which is hard to do. I wish the two parts would have connected more than they did. We find out what happened in both stories but the people in the present didn’t find complete resolution.

I enjoyed the two mysteries and the sense of danger and urgency. There were some big surprises I didn’t see coming. A lot of the main characters dealt with different types of fear. It’s satisfying seeing people growing and moving on from fear.

Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Another captivating read in this dual timeline book by one of my auto-reads authors. Most Jaime Jo Wright's books have that same formula, it’s one that I enjoy and know that I will get a intriguing read.

With one storyline taking place in 1910, in a small town and the disappearance of a young woman. A century later, Nora is still suffering the loss of her sister 13 years previous. She was murdered and the case remains unsolved. As a podcaster arrives in town it stirs up memories, suspicions and mayhem while hoping to solve the mystery.

One of the things I like about Jamie Jo Wright is the atmosphere she creates in her books. There is the Gothic feel with dark secrets and an almost supernatural vibe. She kept me on my toes yet again.

Night Falls on Predicament Avenue is a nice mystery, but also grief plays a big role along with a touch of romance. One of those books where I couldn’t quite figure out the bad guy until the end.

My thanks to Bethany House for a digital arc (via Netgalley) in exchange for a honest review.