“It is all right to be afraid…“It’s what we do with that fear that’s important. What we allow it to shape us into.”

Specters in the Glass House by Jaime Jo Wright carries some heavier themes than some of her other books. In this dual timeline, Marian Arnold, a brewery heiress whose family lost everything due to Prohibition,is determined to discover the secrets behind her mysterious mother’s death. In the present day, Remy Crenshaw is a research assistant to famous author Elton Floyd, and they are housed in the summer home that formerly belonged to Marion Arnold and her mother before her.

Ghosts, alcohol, hearing voices, murders and near murders, beautiful butterflies used for nefarious purposes, a resurgence of the Butterfly Butcher years after he went quiet, lends to a great spooky atmosphere. An undertone of need is created in some of the characters as we see abject fear, a need for acceptance unfulfilled, a foster child who is seen in only a stereo-typical, negative way.

Fortunately, Wright also includes Hope in her stories. When Remy asks if her faith is just blindly acceptance, Abigail replies “Not blind. No. Just belief. Belief in the evidence God has given us of His existence. Belief in the personal experiences I’ve already had—the blessings. Belief that, in the end, He will make all things good.”

I found it quite interesting in reading the prologue and author’s notes that the author mentions the Frederick Meijer Gardens butterfly house in Grand Rapids. Having been there, the picture o the front of the book took me there immediately. It is interesting how Jamie Jo Wright can take something so beautiful ( a butterfly house) and use it as a thing of evil and fear. But isn’t that exactly what the enemy does so often in our lives? Things that should be beautiful turn into things that destroy us.

I don’t think I‘ve ever been caught off guard by Wright’s sense of humor before. I just don’t remember it poking its head up at crazy, desperate times. Just a pinch, like salt in a cookie recipe. Enough to off-set the heavy Gothic vibes. With the amount of heebie- jeebies that Wright’s words can produce, the humor is a welcome mini-reprieve before the next big scare.

I am still mulling over the issues some of the characters present. These issues keep them from being accepted in society in the historical story, yet I have to wonder how much more acceptance and understanding is typically offered in today’s society.

I received a copy of the book from the author and publisher through NetGalley. I also bought my own copy for the keeper shelf. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“Ambrose tapped Remy’s shoulder just over her heart. “And there’s a lot of good in there. I think it’s been protected. I think God has something bigger for you in mind.” Remy looked down at her hands in her lap. “I don’t know how to find it.” Ambrose was quiet for a moment, and then she answered, “He finds you, Remy. In the chaos, He finds you.””

“You’re richer for the pain, for the fear. In its twisted agony, God makes it so that life becomes deeper, more meaningful, and you can look into your future and hear the voices of the generations to come and ask yourself, What will I leave behind for them? Fear?… Or faith?” Felix took a sip of his water, then breathed deeply. “I chose faith—even though I’m still very much afraid most days.”

“Sometimes coffee really was all a person had to make the bad feel a little bit better.”

“Yes. Death was a fashionable thing. But admitting to others that you saw the dead regularly?That was not.”

Every time, y’all. Every. Single. Time, I pick up a Jaime Jo Wright book I say to myself optimistically, “This time, Carrie. THIS time you’re going to figure it out before she reveals the secrets.” Spoiler alert – I failed again while reading Specters in the Glass House, and I loved every minute of it! Because I love a book that surprises me. I remain in awe of Wright’s talent in telling a dynamic and atmospheric story that so completely immerses me in the setting and the secrets that I cannot possibly put it down until I’ve reached the last word.

The plot in both timelines – 1920s and present day – centers around a manor with a disturbing history. In fact, the longer we linger there, the more deliciously creepy the eccentric house becomes no matter whether we’re in the past or present iteration. Rooms no one else knows about. People no one else sees. Whispers no one else hears. Dead butterflies left to mark the bodies of those whose lives were taken from them. Who can be trusted? With each layer uncovered of Marian’s story (the events we see from her own perspective as well as what we learn from Remy’s present day research), I fully embraced the gothic ‘ghost story’ feel and let my mind whir with possibilities… even as I knew there would be a logical explanation that would at once stun me and make everything make sense. And it did. And I loved it.

Bottom Line: Ohhhhhhh Specters in the Glass House by Jaime Jo Wright is the perfect read for this time of year – spooky and haunting and suspenseful. The manor setting, complete with its glass house of butterflies, adds all sorts of shivery vibes in the 1920s and in the present day – the perfect place for a tale like this to be told. Remy, Tate, Marian, Felix, and the endearingly gruff Elton easily grabbed my affection and further cemented my investment in this story, even though… ok, I still wasn’t sure I could let my guard down around any of them because this is not my first Jaime Jo Wright book, y’all. But I did always know this for certain – you will find them all just as captivating as I did. There’s actually still so much I want to gush about, but I’m trying to be sooooo careful not to spoil the thrill of discovery for you. Suffice it to say, though, that Jaime Jo Wright continues to write brilliantly and from a heart of compassion as she entertains us, yes, but also as she explores the nuanced intricacies of life and, in so doing, shines a beautiful light into the darkness.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book

What a gripping tale! This dual timeline was masterfully woven into a story I could not put down! The characters are real, and relatable, the mystery is addicting, and the story is inspirational. Kudos to Author Jaime Jo Wright for another edge-of-your-seat, creepy, yet hopeful story!

"You are wanted" is an important theme in this story of dysfunctional family dynamics, mental illness, and loving people. I absolutely loved while things were happening in real time during the prohibition, the people in the present day were trying to figure it all out. Both timelines kept me guessing!

Thank you to the publisher and Net galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

Jaime Jo Wright is back with her best yet! She continues to fascinate me with her ability to craft the most amazing and touching stories.

After both of her parents pass away, Marian Arnold returns to her childhood home and her mother’s butterfly house. In 1921, prohibition shut down her family’s brewing empire and left Marian with very little. Shortly after she returns home, Marian starts having nightmares and wonders if she is going crazy as dead butterflies appear along with a dead body in the butterfly house. Marian finds solace in her childhood friend Felix who is also dealing with ghosts from his past. Together they must work past the ghosts and butterflies to find a future.

In the present-day timeline, Remy Shaw is a researcher coming to help an elderly biographer looking into the murders and mystery behind Marian Arnold and all that happened at the manor. One of Marian’s decedents shows up at the manor wanting to make sure the story is told correctly. But mystery and danger haven’t strayed far from the manor and yet another generation might be in for more than can take.

Jaime Jo Wright gets better with each novel and this newest one is no exception. I have loved all of her books but this one was by far the best. When you think of butterflies, the next step is not serial killers and ghosts. The dual timeline is something Wright has just about perfected after so many books and she does it better than almost anyone else. It doesn’t matter if it is the past or present timeline, I found myself connected with the characters and the storyline. Usually, a story with a historical timeline is not my “cup of tea” but when Wright is creating the story I know I’m going to connect with the story and characters. If I can connect with characters, then I am hooked into the story till the end. This is the kind of story that is perfect timing coming out right around Halloween. I would recommend this story to readers that love a little spooky with their romantic suspense but also just a fantastic story with great characters.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Unfortunately, I DNF'd this novel about 10% into the book. I'm not the biggest fan of books taking place in a historical time period such as the 1920's, so maybe that's just my own personal issue, but there wasn't enough to keep me hooked in the first few chapters to want to invest more of my time into it. For the right audience, this book would likely be a hit, but personally, I'm just not into this type of work. :(

I believe this was my first book I’ve read by Jaime and it most definitely will not be my last! I loved how this story played out and how we got to see the dual timelines flip back and forth with the same characters involved. I also love that Marian’s great great grandson was included in the present day timeline within the mysterious case. There were surprises I didn’t even guess, which I ADORE that aspect in any suspenseful novel, and I loved the feel I got of seeing the light through the darkness.

This gothic suspense story was entertaining and inspiring albeit eerie and ominous I found the lessons in it thought provoking. I’m pulled toward writing thats poetic and atmospheric and Wright certainly succeeded in gripping my attention. The familial drama and instances where the characters trauma bonded was so well done. Showcasing them struggling to have faith regardless of fear truly spoke to me. I loved the inclusion of the “ You are wanted” affirmation I feel that so many of us deserve to hear that or be reminded of that notion more. Overall, a solid gothic story with interesting characters and a strong faith message.

Read this is you enjoy,
Dual Timelines
Dual POV
Gothic stories set in October
Mental Health advocacy

Thank you @jaimejowright @bethanyhousefiction @austenprose for the gifted copies for the tour.

Jaime Jo Wright will forever be one of my favorite authors--she knows how to write stories that give you goosebumps and move you emotionally in unexpected ways. Specters in the Glass House was both of those things, and I especially loved the disability rep in the story.

While I didn't really love the present day timeline for various reasons, the past timeline was really engaging and I really connected with the characters and was invested in the mystery aspect of the story.

4/5 from me!

I know I can never go wrong with a Jaime Jo Wright book, and this one was no exception. I loved the mystery and thriller aspects of the book and was quickly absorbed by the story. As always, Wright writes a book that is based on Christian ideals and yet also has ghosts, monsters, and things that creep in the night. It is, of course, all explained at the end, and I love how she does it!

Specters in the Glass House is a dual timeline gothic mystery romance! I am such a huge fan of Jaime’s and this was another excellent mystery by one of my favorite authors!

Read for:
- Mystery and suspense
- Dual timeline: prohibition & modern day
- Mental health/mental illness rep
- Haunted house vibes (perfect for spooky season!)
- Romance
- Hope and redemption arcs
- Compelling storytelling

Synopsis:
An ominous butterfly house. A sinister legacy. An untraceable killer.

In 1921, Marian Arnold, the heiress to a brewing baron’s empire, seeks solace in the glass butterfly house on her family’s Wisconsin estate as Prohibition and the deaths of her parents cast a long shadow over her shrinking world. When Marian’s sanctuary is invaded by nightmarish visions, she grapples with the line between hallucinations of things to come and malevolent forces at play in the present. With dead butterflies as the killer’s ominous signature, murders unfold at a steady pace. Marian, fearful she might be next, enlists the help of her childhood friend Felix, a war veteran with his own haunted past.

In the present day, researcher Remy Shaw becomes entangled in an elderly biographer’s quest to uncover the truth behind Marian Arnold’s mysterious life and the unsolved murders linked to an infamous serial killer. Joined by Marian’s great-great-grandson, can Remy expose the evil that lurks beneath broken wings? Or will the dark legacy surrounding the manor and its glass house destroy yet another generation?

Thank you to Bethany House for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.

One of my favorite places to go as a child was the Butterfly House in St. Louis. Jaime Jo Wright took the butterfly house, made it the scene of a murder with dead butterflies serving as the killer's calling card, and skillfully uses a dual timeline to create a gothic atmospheric mystery. Set during Prohibition in Wisconsin, Marian Arnold grapples with the death of her parents, troubling visions, and a serial killer on the loose. In the present day, researcher Remy Shaw is hired to investigate Marian Arnold's life and her ties to butterfly killer murders. Readers should slowly read this book to engross themselves in the world Wright has masterfully created intending to unravel the secrets before the last page.

Eerie…heartbreaking….touching….haunting….shocking… Those are just some words to describe this fascinating story. The ending really had me in shock. I love how things all came together in the end. Jaimie’s stories always pull at a variety of emotions. The unknowns that carry the story along are fascinating. But what I love the most in how she can weave God’s story into even the worst of circumstances. This story was just another example of how good can come from any situation and that God’s grace can shine through anything.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Like Jaime Jo Wright's previous books, this story is told in dual time periods.
A story told around prohibition and in the present an old Manor house that
has a hidden past. It's a book that kept me guessing. Jaime is clever at
weaving a creepy story that gave me the shivers.

Thank you to @jaimejowright @netgalley and @bethanyhouse for this #gifted book!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Title: Specters in the Glass House
Author: Jaime Jo Wright
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Synopsis: “I protect my family because they protected me. So no. Some stories were never meant to be told. Especially by Elton Floyd—or you for that matter.” Remy Crenshaw is hired by Elton Floyd to investigate what some say is a haunted manor and the mystery of Marian Arnold and the Butterfly Butcher. When she discovers a glass house left to the ruins of time, she is surprised to find a grave inside with mysterious messages surrounding it. As Remy dives into the history of Mullerian Manor, she finds the haunting may not really be so scary but instead speaks to problems that are unseen and perhaps affect more than we care to admit.

Analysis: Jaime Jo Wright holds such a unique space in Christian fiction, and this new book speaks to issues that you may be surprised to find in the Christian fiction world. But that’s exactly why I love this author and this book! The story will keep you turning the pages and maybe even up a little too late as you try to uncover this masterfully told mystery. You get all the suspense without the gore and horror. And perhaps most importantly, these characters point to hope. They deal with darkness—murder, broken pasts, personal struggles—but ultimately they look for the light that we can only find in Christ. If you’re looking for the perfect fall mystery, add this book to your TBR! And you might as well add Jaime’s others too! You’ll definitely want more when you turn that final page.

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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

Split time mystery with memorable characters and a twisted plot. Lose yourself in the story that will keep you guessing to the very end, NetGalley, the publisher and author, provided this book for my review. Opinions are my own thoughts. #NetGalley #SpectersintheGlass House. #JaimeJoWright

This was my first Jamie Jo Wright and I enjoyed it, though I am not a huge dual timeline, but I knew that is how she writes before trying her so I was okay with it. I thought both timelines were done pretty good and keep me curious about both so that was good. There was a fun twist at the end I didn't see coming that I liked. I would say the only thing I wasn't a fan of is the cause for the visions that was revealed but that is because I am not of a fan of that type of storyline. I will try another one from this author..

Specters in the Glass House is officially my favorite Jaime Jo Wright book to date!
This book had so much depth while handling sensitive topics carefully. Both storylines were captivating, having me turn page after page, teasing me by switching storylines when I needed to find out what happened with the other one.
There were many unexpected twists and turns—like every Jaime Jo Wright book—but ones that hit me in my feels also unexpectedly.
The romance in both storylines was sweet & tender, with selfless heroes.
The faith was woven beautifully through each time period, pointing them to the Creator through the beauty He’s placed in this world despite the dire circumstances they faced.
If you’re looking for a fall-theme, spooky, twisty romantic thriller, with faith, be sure to get your copy of Specters in the Glass House.

RATINGS:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💋
✝️✝️✝️
16+

If you are looking for a cozy mystery with a bit of a spooky side, Jamie Jo Wright never disappoints. Her latest book, Specters in the Glass House, gives a honest and hopeful look at mental illness that is compassionate and not condescending. This one has a little different feel than her previous books, but fans of Wright won’t want to miss it!

Readers are always excited when this author releases another book. Gothic, spooky and erie all described this highly anticipated novel. With two time lines, a strong emphasis on fairh this novel respectfully highlights the struggles of mental illness. Recommended.

Wright is such a brilliant storyteller managing to juggle two time periods with challenging themes and somehow connect it all. Oh, and we can't forget the suspense, a bit of creepiness and gothic elements. Yep, "Specters" has it all and once again is a riveting read that keeps the reader guessing.

I appreciate how Wright explores mental health maladies in her stories and gives them a wide reign, always allowing us to build empathy for her characters who experience them. She holds them gently, doesn't preach nor belittle and allows her characters to hope there is life with the malady.

Marian Arnold and Remy Shaw are the lead characters; Marian in the 1920s prohibition era and Remy in the present day. Both have been led to a house of dubious history, some might even suggest, it's haunted. This large Wisconsin estate was built by Marian's mother who would often change her mind during the building process resulting in rooms that weren't complete and doors that led to brick walls. Marian is left the estate by her father in the family will, he having died having lost much of his brewing wealth due to prohibition.

Remy arrives at the same seat 100 years later to take up the position as research assistant to eccentric elderly writer, Elton Floyd, who is writing a book on the Arnold family and the Butterfly Butcher who was rumoured to be responsible for a number of deaths at the estate including Marian's mother.

It's all quite enthralling and we're kept guessing which is a feature of Wright's story craft. Marian and Remy are wonderful characters: complex, a little troubled, and wanting to be loved. The male leads, Felix Dale and Tate Arnold are similarly broken, the former from WW1 and the latter from his family heritage. They provide a depth to the story in giving Marian and Remy hope even though both have troubled histories.

The house and glasshouse are almost characters in themselves in this story and Wright provides excellent visional imagery to allow the reader to feel they're within their walls.

The unravelling of both stories was quite surprising and one has to keep one's focus as it proceeds. The story wraps up well and leaves the reader wishing there was another Wright story not too far away on the horizon.

Another beauty from Wright which I highly recommend.

I feel especially blessed by receiving access to an early version of the story from Bethany House via the Net Galley App and this has no bearing on my review.