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.
Jaime Jo Wright and Bethany House Fiction team up to bring us a very timely release for the Halloween season, The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall. Wright’s works are infused with great spooky settings, without being supernatural, which is something I greatly appreciate. Poe-like touches are added to Traeger Hall with the deceased’s will commanding corpses to be guarded in the house for seven days. Other Poe whispers include a boarding up of the abandoned mansion, a cat inclusion, and a bell “tolling!” The mansion itself is described in Poe-esque language: “Its suppressed heartbeat had thudded quietly for decades, and now it seemed it was coming back to life.”
“Come, know my secrets.”
Jennie Phillips is a former art student and enthusiast who bonded over masterpieces with her deceased mother. Now, she finds herself heir to a decrepit mansion that according to a codicil, she can’t open. What mysteries lie inside the ominous Traeger Hall of old, and how will any exploration she does affect the handsome, neighbor Zane and his loving, neurodivergent son? How will Wright successfully bring the two story strands together into one whole story? This is the beauty of a well-told, dual-timeline, and Wright excels at it, as well.
I loved this Wright book and highly recommend it for those who like eerie vibes that work out reasonably and scary stories told with faith as their bedrock. I received a copy of the book from Partners in Crime Tours via NetGalley. I also bought my own copy for my trophy shelf. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
I was happy to see discussion questions and author’s notes included at the back. These are always important to understanding the book better!
Notable Quotables:
“I believe God helps those of us who experience trauma so we can discover the path to keep going in spite of the pain. To have faith and find strength outside of ourselves and hopefully”—Zane’s gaze dropped to meet Jennie’s—“find beauty again.” Zane
“When you tried to fight a monster, they always came back stronger. It was better to hide under the blankets.” – Jennie
“even after someone had passed from the earth, their voice still echoed in the hearts of the ones who loved them the most.”– Jennie
“I have found that the unlikely often becomes the likely, whale the likely often never sees the light of day.” -Waverly
My Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Superior! Jaime Jo Wright’s dual-timeline mysteries are always an eerie pleasure to read. The inclusion of a lovable, neurodivergent little boy makes the book all the more poignant.
I am a first and foremost a follower of Jesus Christ. Having formerly taught elementary school, I am now a retired special education para-pro. I miss our amazing students! I am married with three great young adult children, one married in South Carolina. My husband and I are empty-nesters but share our home with a huge tiger cat and a playful Shih-Tzu, plus often the granddog. More time for my fave past-time now-reading!😊
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3 thoughts on “The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall by Jaime Jo Wright Review and Giveaway”
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions 
Nice review! This book sounds like a fun read!
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Wendy,
I just got to see and listen to Jaime Jo wright over the weekend! So much fun!
– Becky
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:-O That’s awesome!
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