 Author: Jaime Jo Wright Genre: Dual-time Gothic Suspense Pages: 368 Release Date: October 1, 2024 Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 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?
 Reviewer: Diana Lea Specters in the Glass House by Jaime Jo Wright is a well-crafted story that is one intense read. I chose this book because I was looking for a spooky read for October and because I find the prohibition days interesting. The story took place at Müllerian Manor near Milwaukee, WI. At that time, a lot of the brewery families there were of German heritage. I appreciated how the backstory of the 1920s post-WW1 cultural bias against these families was skillfully woven into the storyline. The story takes place in two timelines. Murderous events happened in Marian’s 1920s world. Modern day characters, Elton and Remy, are researching Marian’s life and the serial killer, the Butterfly Butcher. What surprised me was that Remy’s story quickly became the larger part of the book as happenings turned ominous and threatening with multiple parallels to Marian’s life. I found the plot lines multi-layered and well-developed. I was invested in each character’s journey. The cover is a beautiful representation of the butterfly house from Marian’s day. This was the first book I have read by this author, and thriller-level suspense is not my usual genre. It turned out that with threatening and murderous things happening in both times, it was just too much for me. I had to jump to the end of the book to see whodunnit and why. I also found the way it was jumping back and forth from the 1920s to the present too much for me to keep track of. Though this was more suspense than I was ready for, I am sure that those who seek thriller-level mysteries spanning dual times will want to dig into this one. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.  Reviewer: Beverly Laude 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 1920s 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 and 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 an 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 in 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 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. Reviewer: Kimberlee Sams I found Specters in the Glass House by Jaime Jo Wright fascinating on several fronts. First, there's the setting: Wisconsin during the Prohibition Era (1920s). I enjoyed the historical elements the author shared about this time and place and felt like I learned a few things while I enjoyed the story. Second, there's the dual-time aspect of the novel. We switch back and forth between the historical setting and the present day, in which Remy is researching the events that unfolded during the 1920s. To me, the hallmark of a successful dual-time narrative is that I'm simultaneously eager to switch over and see what's happening in the other timeline and want to keep reading the one I'm in. Ms. Wright pulled this off very well, and as a result, I had a hard time putting the book down. ("I'll just finish this 1920s section, then get back to it tomorrow. But wait, I have to know what's happening next in the present day section...."). The two timelines alternated and merged beautifully, and I enjoyed every page of it. Third, there are the characters and their relationships. I especially enjoyed Marian and Felix (historical) and liked watching their relationship change over the course of the novel. Marian also had a rather unusual relationship with each of her parents, but I won't say more to avoid spoilers. Remy and her present-day research was quite gripping as well, and I appreciated her passion for learning the truth. Fourth, there was some interesting exploration of mental illness in the 1920s. Along with this came some elements of "what is real and what isn't", which gave me more insight into what Marian was experiencing. Fifth, I should also mention the actual plot. It's focused on finding truth and is intricate, sometimes dark, and sometimes beautiful. In the end, I loved everything about this book and will be seeking out more of the author's work. I received a review copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers, through Interviews & Reviews, for my honest opinion. Reviewer: Laura Thomas This book is described as “A Haunting Dual-Time Inspirational Gothic Suspense”—and that pretty much sums it up! If you enjoy a little spine-tingling chill with the “safety net” of Christian fiction so you know it’s not going to be TOO scary, this is for you. In 1921 Wisconsin, brewery heiress Marian Arnold finds herself living in the quirky, summerhouse manor post-prohibition without parents or fortune, and begins to question her surroundings and sanity when nightmares and hallucinations blur with actual murders. In the present day, Remy Shaw is a keen researcher with a troubled past who joins a successful elderly biographer as they work on the mysteries surrounding the unresolved murders at Marian’s manor. Remy also joins forces with the great-great-grandson of Marian in an attempt to dig out the truth from layers of lies, mental health issues, and a plethora of family secrets. Butterflies, murders, and a mystery that kept me guessing until the end... brilliant! I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley. Reviewer: Deanne Patterson 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 an alternating timeline from 1921 to modern days. The book is about mental illnesses, of 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 don't yet 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 a dream state by the 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. An 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 from Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion. Reviewer: Mindy Houng “It’s what we do with that fear that’s important. What we allow it to shape us into.” Eerie, fascinating and absolutely delightful! Jaime Jo Wright never fails to amaze me with her brilliance in crafting a tale that has me reading way past my bedtime. This book has it all - eerie setting in both timelines cloaked in intrigue, murder mystery, intricate plot with plenty of surprises, strong faith thread, and tender romance. Jaime Jo Wright is one of the few authors that I keep coming back to who continues to enchant and enthrall with each new book. If you’ve never read her books, you must pick up this one. If you’re a fan, this book is also a must-read. Walking through the 1921 Prohibition era with Marian and Felix was fascinating. As a sheltered heiress now without any means, Marian is a naïve and scared young woman. Though she comes across as a cowering mouse, she does have a soft and compassionate heart and a desire to be really seen and loved. Remy and Tate in the present time are quite fun but there is so much brokenness in both of them. The Mullerian Manor and family history meld the two timelines together seamlessly and it’s shocking and satisfying when all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place to give the reader the whole picture. The subplot involving a mental health condition is approached with care and sensitivity. The theme of overcoming fear and invisibility with faith and unconditional love is powerful and poignant. This is one of my favorite books of 2024! Well done, Jaime Jo Wright! I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House via Interviews & Reviews and through NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own. Reviewer: Paula Shreckhise “The story is like a road that vanishes into the fog. No one knows where it leads, or where it ends.” Spooky vibes and not knowing what is real. I love how this author taunts us with the unexplainable, and by the end of the story, things have a reason. But the fun is in the journey of following the mysterious events and how they connect the past with the present. The characters are complex and relatable. The faith thread is present with lessons to take away. “You are wanted.” “You have to choose to believe that when your world is shuttered and dark with unknown danger, life is still worth fighting through. That God sees into it, even when you do not. That you will come out the other side with purpose.” A favorite character was Felix, a survivor of World War I, and even though he lost a leg, he was strong, resilient and wise. This was a fascinating look at the aftermath of prohibition, and how the past joined with the present to unveil a bit of the struggles of a broken mind. I was captivated by the plot and the sheer poetry of the descriptions. “The tentacles of danger slithered along the edge of the room, invisible, black vines creeping up the walls, like a vineyard of omens around her. Omens of something unpredictable, dark and invasive.” Another outstanding book by a talented author. A complementary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews and NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own. Reviewer: Raechel Helwig I try to keep up on my Wright books as a general rule, but when I saw the cover for this one, I knew I’d want to read it for sure. I don’t know what it is about the cover, but it just made it a definite must-read for me. And the story itself didn’t disappoint! Wright knows how to craft a creepy yet intriguing mystery, that’s for sure. As with her other books, this one is a split-timeline, and I found it easy to jump between the two stories, and it was quite riveting seeing how they connected each chapter. I loved that the historical timeline was set during the 20s - I haven’t read a ton of fiction set in that era, but it is one of my favorites. Specters in the Glass House deals carefully with the subject of mental health and its various forms. I thought it was handled with grace, and I appreciated that. The faith element wasn’t loud or super obvious, but I’m glad it was still present. It was primarily mentioned as the characters praying, etc. but the end had a slight bit of a message to it, which was well incorporated. Both plotlines kept me avidly turning the pages, eager to find out what happened next. When I reached the last quarter, I really didn’t want to put it down until I could see all the pieces coming together. As usual, I enjoyed my time spent between the pages of Wright’s newest novel. This book was provided courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts expressed are entirely my own. Reviewer: Juanita Varela This is my first Jamie Jo Wright book, and it was interesting. I got to say I am not a fan of creepy novels, but this one was okay. It was creepy, but it was addicting. I wanted to know more about the stories and the mansion. But for me, it was not a good idea to read right before bed because knowing me, I might just dream about it. Like I said, this is my first book, but I know I will want to read her future ones. There is romance in both timelines, which I was grateful for. This is a Christian book, but it does not feel preachy. This is better than other Christian books though, because Jamie Jo Wright gets right into the real stuff and does not try to tiptoe around anything. Though there is mental illness in this book, it is handled nicely for such a topic. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews. All opinions are my own. Reviewer: Rick Norris Specters in the Glass House by Jamie Jo Wright is one of the best books I’ve read this year. It’s a Gothic Romance with Christian influences in dual timeframes. The story first focuses on Marian Arnold in 1921. The brewing baron’s heiress 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 of murder, she struggles to distinguish 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. The other timeframe takes place in the present day at the same mysterious house. Researcher Remy Shaw becomes entangled with 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, Remy seeks to expose the evil that lurks beneath broken butterfly wings. The same sign that appeared during the murders occurring a hundred years earlier. This must have been a challenging book to write, with two protagonists living 100 years apart. Ms. Wright does an admirable job of integrating the two related stories. In the past, I have been annoyed by authors who title each scene or chapter with the subject and the location. I’ve felt that authors should be able to alert the reader of the orientation in their writing. But Specters in the Glass House is an exception to my pet peeve. The story jumps between 1921 and the present many times while developing two protagonists. It was necessary for the author to alert the reader as to which protagonist was speaking. Without these titles, the reader could have easily gotten lost. Ms. Wright was able to pull this off without interrupting the book’s rhythm and flow. Ms. Wright’s prose is excellent throughout the story. For example, “The motorcar rumbled and jolted across the country road with the tenacity of a horse that was almost dead but determined to make it one last time around the racetrack.” (I felt like that in one of my workouts.) Ms. Wright also interjected the character’s internal battles when struggling to believe in a loving God. This scene is a good example: “Remy had clung to those promises as a child. As an adult, she didn’t want to be convinced they were merely a fairy tale. But sometimes it seemed that way. That God wasn’t protecting, and maybe He didn’t even exist. And yet, in spite of all the arguments for or against, Remy couldn’t shake it. Couldn’t shake Him. She knew in her soul God existed. It was just difficult to understand Him.” I highly recommend this book to those who like a good story in the genres of romance, gothic, and mystery. I received a review copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews for an unbiased and objective review. Reviewer: Adriann Harris 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. Reviewer: Elizabeth Eckmeyer Jamie Jo Wright does it again! Her work is absolutely phenomenal! After the loss of her father and her father’s business, Marian Arnold finds herself living at her family’s summer house built by her mother’s plans. Remy Shaw is building herself up after spending her childhood in foster care. Not wanting to be a statistic, she proves herself by being a research assistant to write the story of Marian Arnold. It gets even crazier when the grandson of Marian Arnold shows up at the manor. Jamie Jo Wright is great at telling a story in dual-time fiction and making it creepy and scary. She has a talent for keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. When you have to put the book down, you are thinking of the story. The most amazing part of this author is she always takes an important subject and makes it part of the story in a flawless manner. She has a new book coming out in April 2025 and I can’t wait! I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion. Reviewer: Ewurabena Wilson
Jaime Jo Wright, you are such a brilliant writer! It is always a constant battle when it comes to deciding whether to read Jaime Jo Wright’s novels or not. I start reading her novels with trepidation. Once I am done, however, I ask myself which novel of hers should I read next. Jaime Jo Wright’s novels are always riveting, and Specters in the Glass House is no exception. Set in dual times, the novel revolves around a house in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Mullerian Manor and the evil churning from the house. In 1921, an orphaned Marian Arnold moves to the remaining property of her father’s fallen legacy. What is meant to be a place of respite ends up being a place of secrets, whispers, and murder. In present times, Mullerian Manor is now occupied by Elton Floyd, a biographer and his young research assistant, Remy Crenshaw. What is meant to be a simple task of writing about Marian Arnold ends up being one of murder, whispers, and shocking discoveries. I enjoyed reading this novel. The writer has done excellent work of blending mental health, fear, romance, prejudice, and family secrets into a thought-provoking novel. I do not know what fascination Jaime Jo Wright has with death as this book, like her other writings, dances with the theme of death. I loved the romance between the main characters and the men in their lives. Overall, a great book to read. I will highly recommend this book to the fans of Jaime Jo Wright, and to anyone out there who is tired of living in fear. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion. Leave a Reply. |
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