 Author: Jaime Jo Wright Genre: Dual-time Suspense Pages: 352 Release Date: October 21, 2025 Publisher: Bethany House Publishers An abandoned estate encased in stagnant darkness . . . A haunting legacy intent on silencing all within reach . . . In 1890, the ominous tolling of the bell announces that death has come to Traeger Hall, leaving orphaned Waverly Pembrooke to piece together the puzzle behind her uncle's and aunt's murders. Bound by the terms of her uncle's eccentric will, Waverly finds herself alone in a manor shrouded by death and questioning the reasons for her uncle's paranoia. A madness hovers over Traeger Hall, and Waverly--as well as the people of nearby Newton Creek--are ill-prepared for the woe that has descended. In present day Newton Creek, whispers of a family curse still cling to the century-old, abandoned property of Traeger Hall. When Jennie Phillips takes possession of the estate after her mother's passing, she is intent on solving the mystery of the Traeger murders. Yet a modern cold case suggests that untimely deaths and mysterious occurrences still plague the property. And as thorny truths surface, Jennie realizes the dark legacy threatens not only the town and the Traeger descendants . . . but also, chillingly, Jennie herself.
 Reviewer: Jeanette Durkin This book is spooktacular, I mean spectacular! I was drawn into the story from the very beginning! The dual timeline involves a house named Traeger Hall. A place where death and mystery abound. The characters are written brilliantly! Waverly is intelligent, loyal, and someone who knows how to keep a secret. Titus is caring, compassionate, and protective. His job may be an undertaker, but his heart goes out to those mourning. Jennie touched my heart the most. She’s had a difficult life and wants to be free from the monsters of her past. Zane is dealing with painful circumstances, but he has a wonderful support system in his family. There are so many twists and turns happening that kept my interest piqued. When the perpetrators in both timelines were exposed, my jaw dropped. I really enjoyed the author’s note regarding how this story ties into a real person and his murder. I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Reviewer: Kimberlee Sams The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall is a fascinating Christian gothic dual-timeline novel by Jamie Jo Wright. Set in Wisconsin in both 1890 and the present day, this novel provides two integrated stories set at the title Hall over a century apart. The 1890 story focuses on Waverly, an orphan who also loses her guardians to murder. In the present day, Jennie is the latest heir to Traeger Hall. Both young women must confront the mysteries and general spookiness of the place as they plan their futures. I enjoyed the historical aspects of this book. The author made me feel like I was truly walking the corridors along with Waverly, gradually learning more about the Hall and its secrets. My understanding was augmented by Jennie’s present-day investigation, and I liked putting together facts from both timelines as I moved toward fully solving the mystery. The author definitely has a gift for writing strong, believable heroines! Both Waverly and Jennie were dealing with past trauma, trying to solve the mystery of Traeger Hall, and trying to figure out what the future would look like. I appreciated the different challenges each faced based on the century in which she lived, as well as the ways in which they were similar. Each timeline also came with a slow-burn romance, which further increased my interest in the story. Both stories also had plenty of spooky gothic elements, which I thoroughly enjoyed. By the end of the book, everything was explained in a way that I found satisfying and logical. Definitely 5 stars for this excellent Christian novel! I received a review copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers, through Interviews & Reviews, for my honest opinion.  Reviewer: Raechel Helwig Oof, that ending was a whirlwind discovery! But let me back up a bit. Wright is very brilliant at writing captivating and eerie fiction. Just creepy enough to give you a thrill without all the gore or truly ghostly activity that some creepy stories have. Which I personally appreciate, because I like to be able to sleep at night, haha. The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall was full of twists and turns once the story got going, some that I had no clue were coming. As I mentioned...that ending was crazy! In all the good ways. I love the satisfaction of reaching the conclusion of a well-written mystery. The past and present timelines were both equally interesting. The beginning of the book did sometimes feel a little slow, but I’m not sure if that was also partly due to the fact that I had a difficult time finding the opportunity to read it. The faith content was very light. I would have liked to have seen more included. The characters were all well-written. The romance thread is faint but present in both timeline stories, and I liked that aspect. The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall was an enjoyable read. I look forward to Wright’s next book, as always. This book was provided courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts expressed are entirely my own. Reviewer: Laura Thomas This dual timeline story has enough spooky intrigue to keep you turning pages, yet knowing the author, we can rest assured we are in the safest of hands! Set in 1890 Wisconsin, orphaned Waverly Pembrooke has been sent to live with her aunt and her wealthy uncle in the ominous Traegar Hall—where both her relatives are then murdered under the most mysterious of circumstances. As Waverly attempts to figure out what happened in the mansion and the bell tower, the truth unravels unexpected layers of family secrets and complex relationships. In present day Wisconsin, Jennie Phillips has inherited Traegar Hall, which has now been sealed along with its secrets for a century. A cold case on the property ignites local interest and Jennie finds herself entrenched in the history, the mystery, and the kindness of a family connected with the murdered victim. As always, Jaime Jo invites us into a twisty turn of events with rich, relatable characters who carry the plot forward with finesse. A little romance and a lot of suspense—this was an absolutely delightful autumn read! I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews in exchange for my honest opinion. Reviewer: Mindy Houng “But curses don’t hold any power unless we give it to them. I guess I need to remember that.” Jaime Jo Wright has done it again. This dual timeline story of 1890 and present day Newton Creek, Wisconsin, will suck you in and not let go until the very last page. Waverly and Jennie’s story is more about intrigue, grief, longing and consequences of greed and less scared-out-of-mind-reading-at-night. Yes, the author’s trademark eeriness does blanket the entire book in a somber, watching-over-your-shoulder atmosphere, but it is probably the least eerie and gothic out of all of her books to date. Waverly in 1890 was easy to connect with. Her confusion and loneliness garnered much sympathy. I really enjoyed getting to know Titus in this timeline, who provided much needed logic, guidance, and steadfastness for Waverly. I also loved Jennie in the present timeline. She embodied a strong woman who had reclaimed her life from one of abuse but needed to learn that God and trustworthy people can be on her side. Zane was a delightful hero, even with the tragedies in his past. As always, the two plots merged seamlessly and the book held me spellbound. There were plenty of plot twists that tied the entire book together. It’s another delicious offering from Jaime Jo Wright. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House via Interviews & Reviews and NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own. Reviewer: Elisha Varela I have only read a few of Jamie Jo Wright’s books, and I can say that this one has captured my interest the most. I loved the story. I loved the plot. I was genuinely intrigued and interested in both timelines. I was always disappointed when the time period changed, but then I also hated to move on to the next when it came. Although I thoroughly enjoyed the two timelines, I found myself more inclined to Waverly’s life. I think the idea was so thought out that it kept me intrigued. I liked the dark and haunting aesthetic. I was not expecting either ending, but I liked both of them. I enjoyed the way that they were decades and worlds apart, and yet they were still intertwined. I did wish that the story were longer. I felt like the book focused more on the mystery, which was good, but I wanted the full progression of the couples. Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. Reviewer: Elizabeth Eckmeyer I will never stop singing Jamie Jo Wright’s praises. Every time I read a new story, I never believe she can top the last one, and she does! She is a fantastic author. I crave more and more of her stories. Waverly Pembroke came to Traeger Hall due to being the ward of her aunt, who is married to Leopold. He appears to be losing his mind. Waverly does her duty as a compliant niece while trying to find out the secrets of Traeger Hall. She also told a few secrets of her own. Jennie Philips has grown up with an abusive father and secrets in her past. After her mother’s death, she inherited all of her father’s property. She learns she is the owner of Traeger Hall, with secrets of its own. With a few town members, Jennie reluctantly searches for the truth of this old mansion. This mystery is not to be missed. It had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out the secrets. It’s a story with adrenaline, with likeable characters and a twist of romance! A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone. Reviewer: Rebecca Maney "Bad things happened here. Things no one spoke of, and now no one remembered." Jennie Phillips had inherited someone else's nightmare, made quite apparent the first afternoon that she arrived on Traeger Hall property. Death was entombed there, darkness reigned supreme behind the bricked up doors and windows of the once grand estate. She was sure of it. The question being, did she dare to expose that which for more than a century had remained silent. Decades earlier Waverly Pembroke wakes up all alone in Traeger Hall except for two dead bodies and one timid maid. Is she grief-stricken? Absolutely not! Does she have a plan going forward? Besides walking out the front door in a matter of days with little more than the clothes on her back? No, she does not. More than anything else Waverly seeks answers, unfortunately everyone around her inhabits a mausoleum of tightly bound secrets, including Waverly. In less than a page I was transported rapidly and thoroughly into a narrative like none other. At first glance, the story is an amazing duet of gothic suspense, both primary characters sifting through traumatic events while constantly maintaining caution, knowing that danger lurks around every corner. On a deeper level it celebrates restoration, denying life's trials and tribulations the opportunity to fester alone inside a troubled soul, gathering dust behind isolating walls of brick and stone. Ultimately, abundant Life takes up residence within the confines of Traeger Hall, I choose to believe that is for whom the bell tolls. " . . . life goes on. It has to. And we must move on with it or we become like . . . Traeger Hall. Closed up, our memories collecting dust, and leaving everyone around us with a million unanswered questions." I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews. Reviewer: Lori Parrish
This book is full of mystery, intrigue and ghostly happenings. Or are they? Lots of mystery for sure! Lots of twists and guesses—everything I love in a story. Even made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck. Oh, and I read it at night to make it scarier! Best time to read a Jaime Jo Wright novel. Jaime Jo Wright has added a bit of everything, it seems, to give this story a ghostly tale. Which I adore. I really love the Gothic feel too. I couldn’t put this book down! Wow! I felt sorry for Waverley. Uncle Leopold was awful to her. He’s such a weirdo, or I guess, paranoid if you will. Gave me the creeps, he did, along with his wife. How arrogant. I’m looking forward to seeing what she comes up with next! This was so wonderful! I didn’t want it to end. The cover is so creepy but beautiful at the same time! The bell has meaning, but what is it? Y’all just have to read this fabulous story to find out! You can’t go wrong with any Jaime Jo Wright story. They’re worth rereading again and again. 5 stars from me for a job well done! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley, for my honest opinion. Leave a Reply. |
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