Whew. I need time to digest this one...

First, I am so glad my husband was off this weekend so I could read this book! This one may just be her creepiest one yet. But also, the one that will live rent free in my head for a very long time. Her stories have a creep factor, to be sure, but I love that there is ALWAYS a reasonable, realistic reason for what happens.

I just...I don't know what to say. I'm still taking it all in.

Family is hard sometimes, you know? And when you add in a convoluted family tree, that definitely amps up the difficulty. Both Marian and Remy have those messed up family trees...but are they truly messed up? Or just misunderstood? I guess you'll have to decide that.

I don't know what else I can possibly say without spoiling anything. I do know that I cried, I giggled (Remy and Elton's relationship is so fun!), and I prayed for the characters. That's a well written book.

Is this Jaime Jo Wright's best book to date? You tell me. But I don't think I'll ever look at butterflies the same way again.

~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~

Wright always lures me with the foreboding synopsis of each book and then ensnares me with the delicate way she weaves a family's history together throughout her storytelling. This is consistent with everything I've read of hers.

Specters in the Glass House features two timelines, the 1920's Prohibition era and the present. In the 1920's, the Arnold family had been a brewery empire, but Prohibition quickly brought about their demise, following bankruptcy and death of Marian's father. Marian is orphaned now and has returned to her family's estate, Mullerian Manor where her late mother had spent most of her life. But things get dark at this point when death follows her return back home. First the milk man in the butterfly house, then a house guest. Marian is also haunted by the specters of the manor and is trying to figure out what is happening around her.

Switch over to the current timeline and you've got Remy, a young woman working as a research assistant for a man who is writing the biography of the Arnold family and has purchased Mullerian Manor. Remy is also an orphan, having lost her parents when she was very young, but that's not where the similarities end between our two main characters. The Manor's ghosts are still abound and Remy regularly sees and hears them. Then the deaths start piling up...

A cross timeline tale of family tragedies, bonds that are unbroken, and the strength to face your fears. I loved the slow build that Wright uses to lay out the spooky dynamics within the walls of Mullerian Manor. As well as the interesting characters that fill both timelines. Marian and Remy are similar characters as well as the leading men in both of their lives having a military past and haunted by their own war time experiences.

The butterfly glass house that sits in a far corner of the manor's backyard equally paints a picture of serenity where Marian escapes to be with her mother's memories and love for butterflies, as well as a formidable house of horror in itself being the location of the first death that arrives at the manor.

There is a lot to unpack in this story with the crossing timelines, family histories, and activities that are playing out. But it was wildly exciting and really hard to put down. I felt for Marian and Remy's characters; wanting to see them find their own happy endings amongst the terror surrounding them and Wright delivers in ways you could never guess!

This was the perfect read for October! With its chilling atmosphere and seamless dual timeline narrative, this story delivers an unpredictable, spooky, and gripping read, complete with a touch of romance and a beautiful faith message. I loved it!

Beautifully written with a great mystery that kept me guessing, and just the right amount of creepy and spooky elements that kept me on the edge of my seat.

This is my second book by Jaimie Jo Wright and she’s now an auto read author for me.

I received a copy from Bethany House Fiction and Austenprose PR via NetGalley, but a positive review wasn’t required.

Specters in the Glass House is a great cozy read for the fall. This novel didn’t have as much in it that caused my heart rate to jump up as other Jaime Jo Wright novels, but that didn’t make it any less of one. Going in, I thought prohibition would be a little more central to the plot and I would learn more about that time period. This is more about family dynamics, mental health, and the Butterfly Butcher.

Just from the first sentence of the premise I couldn’t have been more excited to start this book! Especially after such an eerie read of Wright’s book, Night Falls on Predicament Avenue earlier this year. I found that book to be a beautifully creepy, dark, gothic historical mystery. So if this was anything like that, I knew I would be in for a treat!

And this did not disappoint! Just like Night Falls on Predicament Avenue, I was entranced from the very start. The very first line, “Death has always been fashionable” was just so chilling. I couldn’t help but want more. And the further I read, the more captivated I found myself being. I thoroughly enjoyed the two timelines we see as well, as we bounce between the 1920s and present day.

I especially loved to see the butterfly house. We get to see descriptions around this greenhouse built to home a variety of butterflies, both while it was flourishing with butterflies and in its decayed state from neglect. I loved seeing these details, I could envision this house easily in both states. I’ve always found butterflies beautiful and alluring. Since starting this blog, I’ve also discovered a mysteriousness that they can add to supernatural and mystery premises. And as we got to see more of this setting, I couldn’t help but be reminded of another favorite read, The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchison, another ominous read with a butterfly house.

Another aspect I enjoyed was I felt this book had more spectral vibes than Night Falls on Predicament Avenue. I enjoyed this haunted house feeling we get in both our timelines. It sets us up for a truly thrilling gothic read. I simply couldn’t get enough. I needed to know what was gonna happen around this premise of a serial killer in our 1920s timeline.

If you enjoy historical mysteries with haunting vibes, you should definitely consider picking this one up!

Wright is amazing at dual timeline books. I don't ever find myself skimming through one to get back to the other story. She weaves them together seamlessly. That said, I felt this book was a little more complicated than most and I had to really pay attention to what was going on. It wasn't a book where you could guess what was happening as a lot of secrets aren't revealed until close to the end.

This books deals with mental health issues in a sensitive way. Even though there was a lot of darkness, there was always hope or light, often coming in the form of a listening ear or faithful friend. it was a very interesting read set in the days of prohibition and the present.

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

I loved the way this book does two important things. It kept me guessing in both timelines and it respectfully deals with mental health issues.

I consider this book to be a faith based romantic suspense. Each timeline (1921 and the present) has murder and speculation about the crimes. There are two narrators. Marian in 1921 and Remy in the present.

The book centers around a mansion outside of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

It’s prohibition time in 1921. Marian comes to live in the mansion after she has lost both parents and her family’s brewery fortune. There is a death in the enclosed butterfly garden where Marian’s mother is buried with more death to come.

In the present, Remy has come to the mansion as a research assistant on a book to be written about the 1921 “Butterfly Butcher” serial killer and his victims.

JJW does it again! I LOVED this one, the twists and turns just kept me on my toes. Loved her overall themes and how light wins out over darkness.

Do you believe in ghosts? I just went on a haunted trolly tour of Door County with one of my book clubs and it was a lot of fun. I always enjoy a good ghost story.

Marian Anderson has lost her parents and her home in Milwaukee in 1921 after prohibition has caused the shut down of her family brewery. She retains her family’s country estate, Mullerian, in rural Wisconsin near Milwaukee. As she settles in, death seems to surround the estate and Marian has limited time to discover who the killer is before her own time is up. In present day, Remy has moved to Mullerian Manor to help an author write a book about Marian Anderson and the Butterfly Butcher serial killer. Will Remy be able to solve the mystery of both Marian and her own past?

My thoughts on this novel:
• The gothic atmosphere of this novel made this a perfect read for October. I loved the ghosts and haunted house aspects. I especially love a house with passages that lead to no where and secret entrances and exits.

• The cover of this novel is beautiful, and I love how it features the glass butterfly house which is an important part of the story in both timelines.

• As a resident of Wisconsin, I really loved the Wisconsin setting. I also enjoyed the historical aspect as I always wonder how different breweries made it through prohibition and all the bars. I know the major breweries started producing soda pop, but not everyone made the switch.

• There were side characters in each timeline that were interesting. I particularly enjoyed Marian’s childhood friend Felix, a WWI veteran who has returned with demons of his own.

• I thought it was very interesting that the book looked into mental health in a sensitive and thoughtful way.

• The storyline was intriguing, and it kept me engaged throughout. Especially towards the end I could not put this book down. I did not guess the ending to the mysteries.

• Both storylines were equally engaging. Sometimes I like on storyline in a dual storyline book more than the other. It was not the case in this novel!

• There are great discussion questions for a book club at the end and a sneak peek into Jaime Jo Wright’s next book which is set in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I can’t wait to read it when it comes out next spring.

Favorite Quotes:
“Death had always been fashionable. Women celebrated it by donning black silks and feathers and shawls and lace. Men acknowledged it with a band on their hat or a mourning ring on their finger. Of course, that was more to announce their eligibility than anything else. For what man could continue to flourish in life without a wife to manage his household and rear his children?” Great 1st paragraph of the novel!

“There were no bodies. Nothing but broken wings and the memory of someone who smiled when death came to call.”

“People have this measuring stick they use and hold one another up to. If you’re running a tad short, then something’s wrong with you.”

Overall, Specters in the Glass House by Jaime Jo Wright was an engaging Gothic historical mystery romance set in Wisconsin that was perfect for the spooky season.

Book Source: Review copy from Bethany House as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Thank-you! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I'm not a huge thriller girly, but I find anything by Jaime Jo Wright is always amazing, and Specters in the Glass House did not disappoint. I loved the storyline, and the dual-timelines were both compelling.

Marian was really interesting; the complexities of her mind were fascinating and her mother was so unique. I liked seeing Marian in the best and worst of times.

Remy was so funny. She made me laugh out loud several times and I loved seeing her heart shine through with Tate. Her background was interesting and a fresh take that I enjoyed. Overall, a great book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I have been a fan of Gothic novels since I was in High School and it continues to be one of my favorite genres. Jaime Jo Wright is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors when I need a taste of Gothic romance. She has the ability to combine a historical story with a modern day story in a way that is a joy to read. She can truly weave this dual timeline together for a satisfying and uplifting tale.

Remy Crenshaw has taken a job as a research assistant for an eccentric author who is writing a biography of Marian Arnold, one of the last victims of an infamous serial killer in the 1920's dubbed the Butterfly Butcher. Elton Floyd has purchased Mullerian Manor, where the murders took place, and plans to get to the truth about the past. Remy finds herself drawn into the story of Marian and her mother, Verdine, who loved butterflies. In fact, there is a glass house devoted to plants, butterflies and is Verdine's final resting place.

The reader also follows Marian's story, which unfolds with plenty of creepy voices and specters, a few deaths and betrayal by people who should be protecting her. Marian discovers that her father has hidden a lot of things from her, including her Mother's fragile mental state. Add in the background of Prohibition, which has bankrupted the Arnold brewery, a childhood friend injured in WWI and more than a few creepy encounters and you have a engrossing tale.

The author has created a few characters with mental illness and her portrayal of these people is sympathetic and realistic. The way that mental illness was handled during the past is shown and makes the reader feel for those people. The book also deals with foster care, PTSD, and family dynamics that will tug at the reader's emotions. Throughout the book, the author also shows the power of a belief in God that allows the characters to cope with all that is thrown at them. "Belief that in the end, He will make all things good."

If you enjoy a well-written Gothic tale with wonderful characters and a touch of romance, you will enjoy this book.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

I'm newer to the world of Jaime Jo Wright, but I see why she's become so popular. This book was engrossing and the characters were relatable, and the twists and turns kept me guessing.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

* I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own*

Another brilliant, chilling read from the queen of gothic Christian mysteries! I always look forward to Jaime Jo Wright’s books. I know I’ll be in for a spooky, enjoyable ride with a touch of romance, unpredictable suspense, & a beautiful faith message captured in a dual timeline thread. Specters in the Glass House has to be a new favorite!

In 1921, Marian Arnold, heiress to her deceased parents’ brewing empire, struggles with knowing what’s read & what isn’t. After Prohibition gutted her family’s business, she’s relegated to living in her family’s Wisconsin summer home & seeks comfort in the glass butterfly house. With disturbing visions, nightmares, & a deadly serial killer leaving dead butterflies as the calling card, Marian fights to stay alive & decipher the truth along with her dear childhood friend newly returned wounded from WWI.

In the present, Remy Shaw is a researcher who’s been hired to help an elderly eccentric writer with his book about Marian & the infamous Butterfly Butcher, who was never caught. With the help of Marian’s great-great-grandson Tate, an ex-marine with a story to tell, they begin unravelling the mystery in the very place where it happened. But, when dead butterflies & murders start to occur all over again, they wonder if the killer’s legacy has come back to haunt them.

This book had me on pins & needles the whole time. I loved the way the author created such a vivid, frightening atmosphere where it was so hard to tell what was real. Though butterflies are beautiful, there’s also something a little macabre about them when they’re dead & this effect was present in full force. I also loved the symbolism of rebirth they represent. Both timelines were so captivating & I loved all the main characters. I had so much sympathy for the struggles each one went through.

Mental illness is often portrayed in a negative light in mysteries. I loved how the author tackled the struggles in a compassionate way that lended new insights. The romance in both time periods was so well done. I thoroughly enjoyed how supportive Felix & Remy were. Though they have their own problems, they really saw the person behind the illness in their respective timelines. As always, I appreciated the hopeful faith messages beautifully & naturally woven into the story.

Highly recommend to dual time period, gothic mystery fans! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author & publisher. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.

I really enjoyed SPECTERS IN THE GLASS HOUSE but I will confess it's not my favorite from Jaime Jo Wright. Something seemed off-balance with the two timelines. I enjoyed Remy's sections more than Marian's, in part because Marian was not super likable or relatable as a character. The exploration of mental illness is, of course, heavy and hard. But Wright handles it deftly. I guess I am perhaps getting tired of dual timeline stories that don't necessarily need to be dual timelines. I would love to see a single focused narrative from this talented author.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-galley; all opinions in my review are 100% my own.

5 Stars to this latest release by Jaime Jo Wright! It never ceases to amaze me how she can weave such great messages of faith into a hauntingly macabre gothic tale! I was so sure I knew who it was--then that person CLEARLY was no long a suspect. Well done!

Topics included:
mental illness
PTSD
amputee
foster care
murder (because it IS Jaime Jo Wright. ;) )

If you like the hauntingly creepy but want the safety of it being explainable with a dose of God's in control--you need to explore Jaime's books.

Also--the whole pulling wings of butterflies and butterflies on the face was just (shiver). Made me think of...oh yeah. the cover of the Silence of the Lambs movie.

5 Stars for keeping me 100% engaged and making me not want to fix dinner to make sure Remy survived!

*I was given an ARC of book by the publishers and NetGAlley to review. All opinions are 100% my own.

“It’s what we do with fear that’s important…”

Whenever I start a new book of Wright’s I remember how much I loved her books, writing style, characters, all of it! I love the dual timelines immensely. They are creative and done so well. The way the connections are made and how every tiny detail is important gets me every time. And there is just enough creepy and scary to keep the pages turning fast.

Remy and Marian are both amazing characters with pasts that could have left them without hope. Without giving anything anyway, they are both on a journey of finding answers and danger is around every corner.

I am excited to see what this talented author can come up with next.

Huge thank you to the publisher for the NetGalley link and the paperback. All views are my own.

Specters in the Glass House is perfect for the spooky reading season. Unlike quite anything I've read before this book goes beyond leaving you feeling spooked to feeling a bit unsettled. Written in alternating timeline from 1921 to modern days.

The book is about mental illnesses, several different types but the author does it well and writes with sensitivity. Mental illness is so hard to get a grasp on and we yet don't have a clear understanding of it.

As I read it was hard to put my finger on what was reality and what was perceived as almost as a dream state by a main character. I enjoyed the characters and seeing how well developed they were as their stories became clearer.

Disembodied voices, a feeling of not being alone, dealing with what is reality and what is not as the mind plays tricks on you, a hint of romance and butterflies, I've never thought of butterflies as creepy before.

Excellent read for its many twists and turns that'll keep you glued to the pages.

Recommended!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

A mysterious woman, a ghostly house, the legend of a serial killer lost in time...
This was an enjoyable read with two timelines, and two mysteries reaching across generations. Each storyline inching towards a mystery that kept me guessing.

I have absolutely loved all of Jamie Jo Wright’s books, but this book was the most difficult for me to read. This is one of those books that grabs you from the very beginning and doesn’t turn you loose, even after you have finished reading it. Specters in the Glass House is a split time story that deals with mental health issues, among prominent families, during prohibition era 1921 and today. Wright handles the subject with grace and gives the reader an understanding of what it was like to suffer from mental disorders in the past, and what it can be like now. The book not only touches on mental health issues of the time, but also the way people with mental health issues were treated. While some were locked away in asylums, some were merely hidden away from the public eye.

I think this is Wright’s creepiest book yet. It has family issues, murder, hidden identities, butterflies, a hint of romance, and so much more. There are lots of twists and turns that will leave your head spinning and keep you coming back for more. This book is a definite must read!

I was provided a copy of the book from the author/publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

I've been a fan of Jamie Jo Wright for a couple of years now and her books just get better and better! Specters in the Glass House has the perfect balance of mystery, romance, and real issues. The character growth for both Marian and Remy was well done. I appreciate that the author was willing to touch on subjects like mental health and grief in a respectful manner. The array of emotions that these characters experience throughout the course of the story are so relatable that I found myself teary eyed a few times.