Member Reviews
This was another haunting yet hope-filled Gothic mystery from one of the masters of this genre. I don’t know how she did it, but Jaime Jo Wright has outdone herself yet again! This was so good! It’s one of my favorites and is right up there with "The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus" and "Echoes Among the Stones".
This book had its spooky moments, along with some sad ones too. It dealt a lot with grief, but I loved that it was still full of hope. Wright is great at showing the light in dark situations.
I enjoyed both timelines immensely, but I was slightly more drawn to the present than the past storyline. It was close, though. I thought both mysteries were brilliant. They kept me guessing, and while I thought I had some things figured out, I was completely shocked by the reveals.
I can’t say enough good things about this book. It’s one of the best I’ve read this year. If you’re in the mood for a spooky Gothic mystery, you’ll love this book! I highly, highly recommend it!
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
Fans of this author will enjoy this creepy tale. Dual storylines, murders that may or may not be related all make for a suspenseful mystery. This was not my favorite of this author with many characters to keep in order. Both Nora and Effie will find the truth in this engaging story.
Jaime Jo Wright is a relatively new to me author, having only read one of her other books. It was absolutely amazing, making me a forever fan.
I am happy to say, this one didn't disappoint. With excellent dual timeline execution layered in an amazing atmospheric story, this one impressed me right up to the amazing ending!
Another very, very good story by Jaime Jo Wright. I love her writing style and am never disappointed by her tales
As always, Jaime Jo Wright brings the creepy factor and knocks it out of the park. This one took me a while to get into, but once I did, I couldn't put it down. The dual timelines played out so perfectly-and as usual, intertwined just enough to remind us that we're all part of the same story.
I'm a huge fan of Jaime Jo Wright's book since I read THE PREMONITION AT WITHERS FARM around two years ago. Her stories are unique because they are horrific (in the best way) and thrilling but also Christian Fiction. I feel like this allows me to recommend these books to everyone who loves reading, no matter if they usually read CF or not.
NIGHT FALLS ON PREDICAMENT AVENUE, once again, fits the bill for a quality story from Wright. Like all of her novels, there were two timelines.
One of the POVs was Norah, an identical twin who lost her sister 13 years prior, and the other was Effie, whose sister is on the edge of death. Norah (present) lived in the B&B that her sister always dreamed about, but she was stuck somewhere between living in the present and being stuck in the past. I enjoyed watching her story progress as she welcomed more people into her heart and got to the root of her sister's death. She had a lot to learn about the person she used to be and the person she wanted to become. Wright did a great job looking at grief and how far it will follow a person.
Effie, in the past, doesn't fit society's ideas on how a woman should act. That, mixed with her interest in the new Englishman in town, made her prone to gossip. So much of what I could say about this section of the book would give spoilers, but I enjoyed how Wright tied everything of the past together with the events of the present. It spoke to societal ideas and how, even back then, money speaks.
A wonderful book that kept me engaged and intrigued!
This book sucked me in from the first three pages. JJW is a master at dual timeline, creepy mysteries that get your heart pounding and also your brain thinking. She's always a must read for me!
Another great dual timeline mystery by Jaime Jo Wright! I'm uncertain if this one felt less creepy or if I'm just getting used to it, but I didn't have an issue reading this one after dark like I did some of her others, but that did not make it any less good. The creepy old house made for a setting that was almost a character in and of itself in both timelines. It was a bit of a twist for the house to be run-down in the historic timeline, but refurbished in the modern day timeline. Both timelines had a smarmy British hero, a small-town timid heroine and an unsolved murder associated with 322 Predicament Avenue. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery elements of both story lines as suspense has always been my first love in reading, but I also thoroughly enjoyed the character development. There is, of course, a minor romance element that comes through in both timelines, but it is not in the forefront, so those of us who prefer the suspense to the romance are happy with that balance. However, those who need some romance in their suspense can be assured that there is some within these pages as well. This author handles the topic of grief like a pro and that was a pretty common theme in this particular storyline, as was the topic of fear. The faith thread was a bit more subtle, but when it showed up, it was solid. All in all, if you enjoy a good murder mystery, this is one I'd heartily recommend. Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
322 Predicament Avenue has always had a hauntingly chilling past. The address of the only murder this small Iowa town has ever seen. In 1901, it is falling down around itself. A place where the transient population will shelter. In today's world it is a stunning B&B that has a small historical mention of the murder of Isabelle. Isabelle may still be a resident at this address. These dual timelines spin together to make the most atmospheric, gothic, suspenseful read that I could not get enough of. Like with any of Jaime Jo Wright's books, I was sucked right in, and could not put the book down. It is a slow build that ends with shocking twists that have left my mind reeling.
In 1901, sisters Effie and Polly James decided to take on an adventurous dare. They have always wanted to run up on the porch of 322 Predicament Ave and use the lion head knocker. Their minds are full of anticipation and a little fear. As they creep up onto the porch, they hear a scream that sends them both stumbling into a mystery neither of them expected. They went looking for adventure and boy did they find it. Norah is still whirling from the death of her twin sister. She hates leaving the B&B and she also hates living here. Her sister's case has become cold, and the person has never been found. Leaving Norah to be anxious and never able to trust anyone. Any person that comes across her path may have taken her sister from her. When a guest has a heart attack and the houses past comes roaring back to the present. Norah is finally able to steady herself and conquer her fear. Coming head-to-head with what really happened to her beloved sister.
This is one of my most anticipated reads of the year and Jaime Jo Wright does not disappoint. There are so many connections between the two stories, which makes it richer, and that much more chilling. The details of the house, with the graveyard in the back. Adds just the right touch of creep to the story. Which had me looking in all different directions. The ending was fantastic and made me gasp aloud. If you have not read any of Wright's books you need to. They are all so amazing! Thank you to Jaime Jo Wright and Bethany House Publishers for this phenomenal read.
4.5 Stars
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher through LibraryThing and NetGalley. The following is my honest review.
Night Falls on Predicament Avenue is what you're looking for in a suspense novel. It wasn't my absolute favorite from this author, but it was well worth reading. Spooky and properly creepy, the characters are deep and flawed. I loved seeing how the past was intertwined with the present.
I can't believe I did not see that ending coming!
Death had been a guest at Predicament Avenue for decades, and it was clear that Death wasn’t ready to check out quite yet.
Effie (1901) and her sister Polly believe they heard someone being murdered. Did they or was it just part of being at the forsaken house on Predicament Ave. in the dark? There is someone missing though…. Norah (present day) and her sister Naomi inherited the renovated Predicament Ave. and started a B&B. However, murder seems to have returned when Naomi’s body is found. Could there be a connection?
This book is sure to keep you guessing, trying to figure out who and why these murders were committed. There is an overarching theme of fear for all of the wonderfully developed characters - each one fearing something different. Is it possible that hope will win out?
This ARC was received through Bethany House Publishers, Baker Publishing Group, NetGalley and CelebrateLit. The impressions given are my own and were in no way solicited.
Two murders over one hundred years apart, but they both have connections to the house on Predicament Avenue. As in true Jamie Jo Wright fashion, she weaves two fascinating and suspenseful stories that once I start to read I can’t put down the book!
Effie James (1901) and Norah Richmond (present) both struggled with fear. Effie was afraid that her actions only hastened her sister Polly’s death and also ruined her family’s name. Norah let fear bind her so that she had panic attacks and was afraid of living. Throughout the book each of them were challenged to let go of their fear, which is a lesson that is well to be remembered.
“Life is so precious. So beautiful. It is a gift. I want you to live it, sweet Effie. I want you to live it not for me, but for all that God will do for you. All he has planned for you.”
“Fear steals our joy and is the agony of those with no hope. It will not define us. Fear is the enemy we will defeat.”
Things I loved:
Mystery
Suspense
Faith message
Romance
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Austen Prose and through NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.
The author has once again created a wonderful story by weaving together two distinct yet intertwined stories. In 1910, Effie James and her sister, Polly, find themselves caught up in a mystery surrounding 322 Predicament Avenue. It seems that Polly has witnessed the murder of a woman there, but no body has been found. Effie must try to discover what actually happened when a mysterious man from England shows up in the small town of Shepherd, Iowa, looking for his missing wife.
Many years later in the present day, Norah Richman is living in this same house after her sister, Naomi, is murdered. Is it just a coincidence that the only two murders in this small town involved this house? Norah also finds herself involved in the mystery of the earlier murder when a Podcaster from England comes to stay at her B&B to investigate.
The two stories are woven together in a wonderful way and the reader slowly learns the truth about both crimes. Strange occurrences start to happen to Norah and her guests and the characters begin to wonder if something supernatural is at work. As both tales unfold, the people involved have to deal with their belief in God and how to handle their grief. The author does a fantastic job of character development and creating a slightly spooky atmosphere while solving the mystery of both murders.
There are a couple of quotes from the book that will stay with me long after finishing this book:
"Death is momentary, but grief is what's left behind."
"The more you pursue hope, the brighter it becomes, and the more we discover that fear is not of Him. Hope is."
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a faith-filled book, full of mystery and hope. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.
In Night Falls on Predicament Avenue, Jaime Jo Wright does what she does best—pens an emotive, mesmerizing dual-timeline suspense that intertwines around a creepy, old house on Predicament Avenue.
Two young women a century apart, struggle with a myriad of emotions including social anxiety, fear, and grief—as they investigate two unsolved murders involving 322 Predicament Avenue. There were so many twists and turns, I got dizzy! . . . and good luck figuring out who the perpetrators are. I read so many suspense novels I'm usually close to guessing the who-dun-its, but this time—not. even. close.
This book is a fairly dark, poignant read, with a smidgen of romance and a HEA—and as always the author includes the path to redemption and deliverance through faith in God.
*I received a complimentary ARC from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley and was under no obligation to write a favorable review.*
Night Fall on Predicament Avenue is a dual timeline murder mystery. In the small town of Shepherd, Iowa, only two murders have been committed, both tied to a home on Predicament Avenue. The story shifts between 1910 and present day with each timeline unfolding at its own pace.
While I had a hard time connecting with Norah, I appreciated the care the author took to explain why she is the way she is. I enjoyed the character growth of both her and Effie. This is Christian fiction that dabbles on the edge of horror (which is a really interesting combination) so expect some references to God and church.
I enjoyed this book, and I think you will too.
Family friendly though some themes and the dark atmosphere may be too much for some readers.
Night Falls on Predicament Avenue is a beautifully written mystery novel with a very gothic feel. It was a very haunting tale told from multiple points of view and over two timelines. Layered in with the mystery were themes of fear and grief. But, there was also hope, as friendships developed and romances blossomed.
It was a slow burn, but this book captivated me so much that I read it over a day. It was hard to put down, as I needed to see the mystery solved and needed to know that our main characters got the answers they sought and were able to find some peace.
In 1901, a woman was killed at 322 Predicament Avenue, Effie James' and her sister Polly were at 322 Predicament Avenue when the murder happened, Polly actually witnessing the murder. Present day, Norah Richman is running a B&B at 322 Predicament Avenue. The B&B was her great Aunts and it was her sisters dream that they run it, but her sister was found murdered 13 years previously and Norah is just going through the motions, still trying to heal from the trauma of her sisters murder.
The town of Shepherd, Iowa, has only ever had these two murders, both unsolved. Is it a coincidence that both are tied to 322 Predicament Avenue. Norah has a true crime podcaster as a guest. He's come to investigate the 1901 murder, but how can he not also look into Norah's sisters murder. Is Norah ready to face the past and Naomi's murder. And why does it seem like the ghost of Isabelle Addington has decided to now haunt the B&B.
I enjoyed the mysteries in both timelines. It was interesting reading the 1901 mystery and learning the truth, while in the present day, it would seem to be a mystery never solved. With the exception of the brutality of the crime, the 1901 story almost felt like a cozy mystery, with Effie James trying to solve the mystery and putting herself in danger in the process.
I had some inkling into the present-day story and who was responsible for Naomi's death. But, not the real horrors of the crime and subsequent events surrounding it.
I really liked how both of these timelines and stories were wrapped up. Especially when it came to both Effie and Norah's romantic interests.
There were so many excellent passages in this book that were so insightful into the feelings of fear and grief that people can move through when they are dealing with the loss of, or potential loss of, a loved one. There were some very poignant moments, as the characters were processing the events they were drawn into and processing their grief and fear.
I'd definitely recommend this book if you enjoy a gothic mystery, with a hint of a ghost story.
Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for the advanced digital copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
Night Falls on Predicament Avenue is a Masterfully- Powerful Read... creepy and ghostly mystery is filled with suspense and gothic elements. I love every word of it. Jaime Jo Wright's attention to detail is evident in every scene, exquisitely written with Captivating --vivid descriptions and a tangible atmosphere.
“I can hear the darkness.”
This captivating Christian Historical-Contemporary Fiction story unfolds in two timelines and includes some spooky scenes. The setting is my favorite part of the book, and both heroines from each period struggle with fear and grief. The story's theme is overcoming fear, learning to live, and moving on.
“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"
1910 Effie's sister witnesses a horrible crime that turns the town upside down.
Present-Norah is fulfilling her late twin's dream by managing their great aunt's bed-and-breakfast on Predicament Avenue, a place Norah believes nothing good can come out of after her sister's abduction and murder thirteen years ago.
Two murders, separated by two centuries, occurred in the same house in a small town. and how everything is connected. Wright skillfully brings to light the fears and how it can shape our path if we allow them to... The story illustrates also how giving in to fear can corrupt our minds, leading to destruction. “Fear steals our joy and is the agony of those with no hope. It will not define us. Fear is the enemy we will defeat.”
A gripping tale of mystery, Faith, a bit of romance, and lots of suspenseful scenes that will keep you intrigued until the end. My last thoughts: I loved The House on Foster Hill which remains my favorite book. Night Falls on Predicament Avenue had me guessing up to the reveal...This book it's hard to compare it to anything else...If you're a fan of mystery-crime podcasts, I highly recommend this one.
Posting Review: Goodreads, BookBud, and Barnes & Noble immediately and Amazon on publication Date, April 9
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Oh my gosh, I completely ignored by long to-do list so I could finish this brilliant dual timeline story infused with page-turning mystery, debilitating fear, and ultimately precious hope.
In this story, the reader encounters two unsolved murders a century apart in the same town with ties to 322 Predicament Avenue. The more I read, the more I found myself suspecting just about everyone! The author does an amazing job creating the characters in this story, and making them real, and flawed like all human beings. I absolutely loved this captivating mystery that kept me turning pages, and the lessons learned throughout.
"And when the night falls, those who sleep can choose to fear, or hope, turn away or believe, rebel or reconcile. Because in the end, that's what life really is. The moments before we are face-to-face with God, and He enacts justice or grace. I fear the first, but truly in spite of my sins, I believe He offers the second, even if I am almost too lake in asking."
Night Falls on Predicament Avenue is a gripping, powerful read, and I highly recommend it!
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
Author Jaime Jo Wright has done it again with a frightening dual-time mystery that will keep you reading late into the night—if you dare!
I don't know how she does it! The suspense builds with this one and keeps you on your toes. I was positive I knew who the killer was in both timelines until I didn't. Wright is writing two stories that somehow have to merge, and she does it brilliantly!
The theme of fear runs through this novel from beginning to end. Fear of the future, fear of the unknown, fear of trusting others, and ultimately taking those fears to the only One who can calm them.
If you enjoy murder mysteries and cold-case files with a vibrant cast of characters, you will love Night Falls on Predicament Avenue.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley for my honest review.
This is not the first book of Jaime Jo Wright and it will not be the last. She is an amazing writer who draws readers into the story, holds us there and leaves us more than satisfied when the last page is read. I am not a great detective and usually cannot figure out ‘who done it’ and this book was no exception. Even as I was reading and she was disclosing the villains, I was not able to connect all the dots simply because she is such a great storyteller.
I really love the dual-time period stories and Ms. Wright does a great job with these type of stories. I was as fully invested in Effie as I was in Norah. This book was a great mix of romance, suspense, mystery, and psychological thriller with an undertone of biblical truth.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was under no obligation to review it. All opinions are mine.