Jaime Jo Wright is in a class of her own, writing in a genre that doesn't exist (as far as I know) outside of her. Her stories can be classified as gothic, horror, romance, mystery, dual timeline, inspirational/Christian, suspense and women's fiction. They always address a deeper issue - trafficking, abuse, etc., and though they are often more "spooky" than you would traditionally find in Christian fiction, the author herself describes her endings as being "Scooby-Doo-ish" in that there is always a practical answer. Her upcoming release, The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall, is much the same. Though the vibes in this story are a bit less creepy than some of her others, there is still a seemingly "haunted" element, with secrets and mysteries hiding within. And once again, the building that is a main centerpiece to the story - Traeger Hall - seems a character in and of itself. I found it fascinating in the author's note that some of the eccentricities in the story were based on a real historical cold case. Here's a bit about the story:
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 her uncle's paranoid motivations. 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 on the property.
In present day Newton Creek, the whispers of a curse still cling to the century-old time capsule of Traeger Hall. When Jennie Phillips takes possession of the estate after the death of her parents, she is intent on solving the century-old mystery of the Traeger murders. Yet a modern cold case suggests that untimely deaths and mysterious occurrences still form the cornerstone of the manor. And as thorny truths surface, Jennie realizes the dark legacy threatens not only the town and the Traeger descendants . . . but also, chillingly, Jennie herself.
Lauded by Library Journal as being "in a class by herself," Jaime Jo Wright presents an atmospheric thriller of legends, twisted tales, and a legacy that crosses centuries.
This book releases October 21, 2025 wherever books are sold. Be sure to check it out! For more information, check the following links:
Jaime Jo Wright's website: https://www.jaimewrightbooks.com/
Jaime Jo Wright's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JaimeJoWright
My full 4 star review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7916859527
