"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?

Renowned as a "trailblazer extraordinaire" (Booklist) of inspirational dual-time suspense, award-winning author Jaime Jo Wright weaves a haunting tale of mystery, legacy, and the relentless pursuit of truth across two distinct eras."

I mean, Wisconsin and serial killers do go together...

I know I will never be disappointed when Jaime Jo Wright is creating a story. She pulls me into the story. The atmosphere is heavy, there is something in the air that triggers a chill down my spine, I know there is something just beyond that door, I hold my breath as a butterfly dances by. I release my breath and settle. I become part of the story, I become one with the characters. This is another five-star read in my book. Seriously how can you go wrong with a creepy mansion, a butterfly house with a sarcophagus residing inside. The gorgeous wings of the butterflies catching the sunlight, mesmerizing me. As those stubborn chills return. There is just something not right with Mullerian Manor.

Prohibition hit Wisconsin in 1921. Making all the major brewing families bankrupt and broke. Marian Arnold family is no exception. She is also coming to terms with being an orphan. Her mother passes first. A free spirit who was obsessed with butterflies and designed the lake house known as Mullerian Manor. There are doors that lead nowhere, hidden passageways, the entire house seems like a maze. Much like the mind of her beloved mother. The only thing Marian has left is this manor. She has never felt settled in this house, always at ends. When the milkman is found hanging from a rope in the butterfly house, a pile of dead butterflies littered beneath his swinging feet. Marian is at a loss with what is occurring. When a second body is discovered. There are whispers of a serial killer in their midst.

Remy Shaw is heading to Mullerian Manor to be a research assistant to renowned biographer Elton Floyd. Floyd has hired her and invited to live at the Mansion. She is going to research the Arnold family and how they were connected to the Butterfly Butcher. She is excited, full of nerves, and cannot wait to dive in. The house is not warm and welcoming. She hears whispers in the night, footsteps, could it be Marian's ghost? Or is there something more sinister occurring behind the walls?

I hurtled through this book. I could not put it down for the life of me. I was up until 2am trying to figure out what was going on. Was it a curse? Is there a serial killer that has lived since 1921 until present time? There is so much to this book. Family, drama, mental health, and of course forgiveness. Thank you to Jaime Jo Wright and Bethany House Publishers for another fantastic read.

Wow. Just wow. Somehow Jaime always manages to exceed my (already extremely high) expectations!!! This book is just… wow. I’m a little speechless to be honest. I can’t find the right words to describe it. But maybe like a mix of exactly what you expect from Jaime - the gothic thriller vibes with all the page turning suspense and surprising twists - and the gut wrenching and stunningly beautiful hit of truth and REAL that I’d normally relate to an Amanda Dykes book.

This book is just wow. I know. I already said that. But it’s the only word I have. And the characters and the story are complex, unpredictable, unexpected and just wow. This is both a high octane thriller and a beautiful emotional story to get you thinking. I didn’t know it was possible to have both in one book. But here we have it. Jaime’s writing just seems to get better and better! And this one is not to be missed!!!

It’s coming out in two weeks, so keep an eye out!

Thanks so much to Jaime Jo Wright, Bethany House and NetGalley for the ARC.

Specters in the Glass House
by Jaime Jo Wright
Pub Date Oct. 1, 2024
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
If you haven't read Wright yet and you enjoy creepy tales you need to get this book as soon as possible.
When I pick up a Jaime Jo Wright book, I know that I am always in for a delightful and usually creepy mystery in which nothing is ever quite what it seems on the surface. This one was no exception, alternating between 1921 and the present day, we get to see the stories of two women- Marian and Remy- and the mysteries and secrets hidden within the manor. Both timelines were equally fascinating to me, filled with mystery and family secrets to be uncovered.
This story took on the subject of mental illness beautifully. It's definitely heartbreaking to read about how mental illness was handled in history... and even the stigma that many mental illnesses can still come with today, but I thought the author handled it with great care and respect.

Jaime Jo Wright is a favorite of mine with her ability to create stories that make you truly think, and this was another beautiful example of that. Whether you're already a fan or are just looking for a beautiful Christian fiction read, this is definitely one not to be missed.

Jaime Jo Wright penned a phenomenal bone-chilling murder mystery, filled with suspense and Christian undertones that will keep you enthralled from beginning to end in Specters in the Glass House. Wright, in this dual-timeline story, focuses on mental health, which she handles with the utmost grace. Her attention to scenic detail and character development in both timelines is astounding, and how she ties the dual storylines together is remarkable. 

Wright begins this tale with Marian Arnold in October 1921 during prohibition, who suddenly finds herself at Müllerian Manor, their summer home, her mother’s house and the glass butterfly house. She is the last of the Arnold line, or is she? We follow her story throughout the month as she discovers things about her mother, her illness, her death, and the effect it has on Marian and the future. 

In the present day, we meet Remy Shaw, who is staying at Müllerian Manor researching Marian’s death for an eccentric author and has her own personal traumatic memories, and a mysterious family tree, too. Müllerian Manor, with an interior that is a mystery in itself, and its dark legacy adds to the eeriness of this story. Who was the butterfly killer in 1921? And who is the butterfly killer now? Wright also gives her readers a glimpse of romance in both timelines, giving hope to the turmoil in their lives.

I am in awe of Jaime Jo Wright, her incredible talent, and her amazing ability to create the most unique stories that I have ever read. It is no wonder they call Jaime Jo Wright the queen of chilling Christian Gothic tales. She has surpassed all my expectations in Specters in the Glass House as I joined her characters on their journey for truth in both timelines, discovering along the way, that they are loved. I highly recommend this incredible story!

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House via NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews. I was not obligated to write a favorable review, and all opinions are my own.

So, this was a "Christian" read without the Christianity suffocating the story right out, as Christian books can be wont to do. Seriously, as a Christian, Christian fiction can be difficult for me. Oftentimes, they overlook the ugliness and instead focus on trite, boring, predictability as not to offend or get to real. Because real can be sinful.
It's incredibly refreshing to read a Christian story that, instead, focuses on that reality. The reality that life is sometimes messy and ugly, and (Christian or not) we're all just fumbling through.
This story was on this side of macabre. Not TOO, mind you. Just enough spooky to make the mystery that much more addicting.

And in the end, the story was the perfect way to speak on mental health issues, especially at a time when many didn't concern themselves with it.

The characters carried this story. I loved them all--from both timelines. Such a beautiful story. Jaimie Jo Wright has become a new go-to author for me.

I can always count on Jaime Jo Wright to deliver spine-chilling, creepy stories--that are also rooted in Scripture and point to Jesus at every turn ... including this read! Perfect for this time of year!

It's defo one I shouldn't have tried reading at night :); I tell myself that every time I pick up one of her books, and rarely listen, haha. It's creepy. It's dark. But there is ALWAYS light.

Wright incorporated interesting medical topics, as ever, and the historical timeline in particular shed light (no pun intended) on how certain things were handled in that era. Heartbreaking; so much that wasn't understood was truly feared, and that led "normal" people to do some truly terrible things. But God--always but God, and that's one thing of many that keeps me returning to Wright's books (besides the fact that she's just a fabulous person and talented author; I could go on).

Well done.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The perfect cozy murder-mystery book to kick off the fall season! I’m a big JJW fan, so I was over the moon excited when I got the email to be one of the ARC (advanced reader copy) recipients. This book is one of her best. This book has a split-timeline like all of her other novels. We’re in the 1920’s in this book, during prohibition. The other timeline is present day. I loved the spooky manor and glass butterfly house as the backdrop in both timelines. JJW created a beautiful fall backdrop for this story. I had to get out my pumpkin mug for a cup of tea while I read this story. This book goes into mental illness in a gentle way, and JJW handles it beautifully. We even have a military story line woven into this book, in both timelines. As a Marine Corps wife, I really enjoyed that aspect of the book. JJW never disappoints! What a great read for the beginning of the fall season!

4.5 stars for this creep-tastic dual timeline from Jaime Jo Wright! I always look forward to books by the "Queen of Creep" as the mystery always keeps me guessing and the depth of story and character development are always on point. This book is no different. Following Marian Arnold in the past timeline, who comes to live in the family's summer home after the death of her father and the bankruptcy of his brewery during the early years of prohibition, she finds disturbing voices and shadows lurking, especially after finding a man dead in her mother's butterfly house. A century later, Remy Crenshaw finds herself in the same manor house as the research assistant for an eccentric old writer who is writing a book about Marian Arnold and the "Butterfly Butcher". When the Butcher's trademark omens start showing up once again in the house, Remy is determined to get to the bottom of it. Finding help in the least likely of places, she uncovers more than she expected about her own history.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable read in both timelines. The mystery was solid and had me guessing until the very end. And though the cast of the modern timeline don't ever uncover the mystery of the past, the reader is given the answers to both. The faith thread in this one was a bit more subtle, but was definitely present, as was a focus on mental health. This author places focus on a hot button issue in each of her books and handles them with grace and respect. I enjoyed how that theme wove itself through the mystery and the faith thread. There was also a subtle romance in both timelines as per usual as well. All in all, this was a great dual timeline romantic suspense with an extra dose of creepiness, that I'd easily recommend. Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

As always, Jaime Jo Wright pens a story that makes you wonder if you will be able to sleep that night. Even if you manage to put the book down, it is just creepy enough to haunt your dreams. Specters in the Glass House is just such a book.
Not only is there a good shiver mystery to the book, but she also throws in butterflies, lots of butterflies, alongside whispered voices, dead end hallways and rooms and just an air of creepiness. Which of course makes for a very enjoyable read.

I love Jaime Jo Wright! What a murder mystery this was! Having nightmares about a horrific event can never lead to anything good. There has been a murder in the butterfly house and you will never be ready for the twist!

Can't go wrong with a Jaime Jo Wright book!
And the cover is spectacular! I'd definitely recommend this one!

Specters in the Glass House by Jaime Jo Wright reminded me of a previous novel that I read. Not the entire concept. Just the family members of the heroine thinking she was mental for the things that she was seeing. Readers will love how Wright captures the mystery element and makes the reader question every person that she comes across. The plot was interesting, scary, and delightful all the same time. I read this book within 24 hours and was a little disappointed when the story was over. I wanted more. The heroine in the past, Marian, was indifferent. She was a little naïve and tried to understand her mother that disappeared from her life. She was definitely not a strong character. On the other hand, the heroine in the present timeline, Remy Shaw, was trying to deal with her past. But of course, her past kept haunting her in her present situation. I did like how the guy who purchased the house in order to write the biography didn’t have internet. Made it a little harder for Remy Shaw to do her research. Anything to make the heroines life’s harder. The setting was nicely detailed, and my imagination blossomed with all the details of the house. Overall, Specters in the Glass House by Jaime Jo Wright was spooky, historical, and wonderfully told. I look forward to all of Wright’s stories and own all her books. This book is no different.

I received a complimentary copy of Specters in the Glass House by Jaime Jo Wright from Bethany House Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

When I pick up a Jaime Jo Wright book, I know that I am always in for a delightful and usually creepy mystery in which nothing is ever quite what it seems on the surface. This one was no exception, alternating between 1921 and the present day, we get to see the stories of two women- Marian and Remy- and the mysteries and secrets hidden within the manor. Both timelines were equally fascinating to me, filled with mystery and family secrets to be uncovered. I found myself at the edge of my seat, curious to see not only how everything was going to turn out... but also to see how everything was all connected. It absolutely did not disappoint.

This story took on the subject of mental illness beautifully. It's definitely heartbreaking to read about how mental illness was handled in history... and even the stigma that many mental illnesses can still come with today, but I thought the author handled it with great care and respect.

Jaime Jo Wright is a favorite of mine with her ability to create stories that make you truly think, and this was another beautiful example of that. Whether you're already a fan or are just looking for a beautiful Christian fiction read, this is definitely one not to be missed.

**I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

“No. I don’t want to live with second goodbyes. I don’t think we were ever meant to have them. Our time is our time, and when it’s up, we are meant to fly. But not here.”
"Because." We don't need any other reason. Providence intended this, so let's finish this." "Together."
That was the sad part about lost family. The parts you couldn’t get back, and the parts you couldn’t heal.
These are my favorite quotes from the book.
I share these because family is everything. Even the ones hiding secrets. Eventually, they do get out. You can run but you can't hide forever.
To me, this was a different kind of book from this author but I still very much loved it. It was more mystery and family secrets than anything.
This novel still kept me glued to Marion's and Remy's story. Did it make chills run down my back? Yes, it did. Every bit of it.
I just finished this awesome book at 2 am. I love reading this author's stories at night. It makes them that much more creepier.
All the characters were well rounded out. I loved them all. I kept wanting to call Elton Floyd Elton John laugh out loud.
I did feel sorry for Tate and Remy but that's all I will say. I'd rather everyone stay tuned for one of the best stories of 2025!
5 stars! I highly recommend!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.