The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus by Jaime Jo Wright is a split-time novel centered around the wintering grounds of the Bonaventure Circus. It follows Pippa Ripley, adopted daughter of the original owner of the Bonaventure Circus, as she seeks find the mysterious “Watchman” in 1928 and, in current day, Chandler Faulk, who wants to save the deserted circus train depot while navigating the struggles of being a single mom with newly diagnosed disease.

Perhaps my favorite character in the book, Pippa has an injured leg and a quiet personality, but the determination of a lion. Torn between her history as the biological daughter of a circus performer and the adopted daughter of circus royalty, she wants to discover more of the truth behind her heritage. Her investigation, however, puts her directly in the path of a serial killer.

If Chandler is to succeed, she must also face the ghosts that haunt the buildings left behind by the circus, including the ghost of an accused serial killer. She simply wants to prove herself to her boss and co-worker, but her actions uncover clues to unsolved murders that could cost her what she holds most dear.

The twists and turns of The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus held me captive. And, more than once, I had to check over my shoulder in case one of the ghosts decided to pay me a visit! The characters wrapped themselves around my heart and as they reached the end of themselves, it brought me to tears. Such is the writing of Jaime Jo Wright. Her books have the ability to get past your defenses, tug you into another world. (You can see my review of each of her past books here)

Do I recommend reading The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus? Absolutely!! For those who prefer less scary material, I suggest reading it during the daylight or at least with a light on. For those who may be sensitive to certain triggers, please read with caution. Because it does reach into the heart, catching a reader off guard in its ability to connect to the characters. The very thing that brings me back to Jaime Jo Wright’s books every time.

I loved The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus. One of the best books I’ve read this year! If you’re brave enough to take a trip into the past, wander the wintering grounds of a long ago circus, definitely pick up a copy and be prepared to visit the people, places, and animals behind one of the greatest shows on earth.

---

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.