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The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall
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.
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.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2025
38 people are currently reading
6469 people want to read
About the author
Jaime Jo Wright
29 books2,450 followersDaphne du Maurier and Christy Award-Winning author, Jaime Jo Wright resides in the hills of Wisconsin writing suspenseful, mysteries stained with history's secrets. Jaime lives in dreamland, exists in reality, and invites you to join her adventures at jaimewrightbooks.com!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
October 28, 2025
Perfectly atmospheric read for Fall. Creepy but with the light shining through the darkness.
A dual timeline that will have you on the edge of your seat and not knowing who you can trust. An uncle in the past who says to ring Traeger Hall's bell if his life is threatened? And a body is found in the future.
Jaime Jo Wright always does such an incredible job at combining two stories into one and somehow it makes sense. Loved it! 4.5⭐
Thank you to Bethany House for a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
A dual timeline that will have you on the edge of your seat and not knowing who you can trust. An uncle in the past who says to ring Traeger Hall's bell if his life is threatened? And a body is found in the future.
Jaime Jo Wright always does such an incredible job at combining two stories into one and somehow it makes sense. Loved it! 4.5⭐
Thank you to Bethany House for a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
October 31, 2025
I loved how Jaime wrote the perspectives of this book! The mix of historical Waverly in the late 1800s, the present day Jennie, and the addition of Waverly circa 1950…so many moving pieces!
Titus & Waverly were literally my favorite! 😂 They had the best banter and I just loved all of their interactions.
My heart was breaking for Jennie, but Zane was such a great person to have by her side! And the scenes with Milo about melted my heart. 🥹
While I loved the historical timeline, and was utterly invested, I wish we’d had more time in the present day timeline. There were some HARD things brought up, and I just wish we’d had more screen time with working on coping/healing through that.
I had no clue where this book was going to take me, and I can honestly say I was not expecting to end at the destination we got to. It was completely unexpected for me, even with all the suspicious red herrings she tried to give us.
Overall it did hook me, and I HAD to know what happened - it kept me up WAY past my bedtime!
4/5 stars
*I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*
Titus & Waverly were literally my favorite! 😂 They had the best banter and I just loved all of their interactions.
My heart was breaking for Jennie, but Zane was such a great person to have by her side! And the scenes with Milo about melted my heart. 🥹
While I loved the historical timeline, and was utterly invested, I wish we’d had more time in the present day timeline. There were some HARD things brought up, and I just wish we’d had more screen time with working on coping/healing through that.
I had no clue where this book was going to take me, and I can honestly say I was not expecting to end at the destination we got to. It was completely unexpected for me, even with all the suspicious red herrings she tried to give us.
Overall it did hook me, and I HAD to know what happened - it kept me up WAY past my bedtime!
4/5 stars
*I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*
January 24, 2026
My Quick Takes:
- 3/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Genre 📚 suspense
- Language 🤐 none
- Spice ❤️🔥 none
- Content 🤔 past inferred child abuse, murder, death, cancer
If you like a dual timeline, century old murder mystery, give this a try.
This is admittedly not my favorite by Jaime Jo Wright. There were a few too many plot holes and loose strings in the end for me. However, I love this author, and if you do too it could still be worth a read!
- 3/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Genre 📚 suspense
- Language 🤐 none
- Spice ❤️🔥 none
- Content 🤔 past inferred child abuse, murder, death, cancer
If you like a dual timeline, century old murder mystery, give this a try.
This is admittedly not my favorite by Jaime Jo Wright. There were a few too many plot holes and loose strings in the end for me. However, I love this author, and if you do too it could still be worth a read!
October 12, 2025
How does Jaime Jo Wright always render me speechless? How does each book she writes get better and better?
Imagine inheriting an old, bricked-up mansion. Would you go in? Would you explore its depths?
I did NOT want to put this book down. But then of course, I had to because I can't read her books at night. 😂
I was right there, in the midst of the mansion, seeing all the...things to be seen, hearing all the things. Both present and past. I could see sweet Milo's face, hear his voice, feel his gaze.
I EXPERIENCED Traeger Hall itself.
And I want to go back.
~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~
Imagine inheriting an old, bricked-up mansion. Would you go in? Would you explore its depths?
I did NOT want to put this book down. But then of course, I had to because I can't read her books at night. 😂
I was right there, in the midst of the mansion, seeing all the...things to be seen, hearing all the things. Both present and past. I could see sweet Milo's face, hear his voice, feel his gaze.
I EXPERIENCED Traeger Hall itself.
And I want to go back.
~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~
October 10, 2025
What a wonderfully spooky dual time story. Traeger Hall had all the atmosphere of a strange mansion with a very troubled past. In 1890, Waverly had the unsettling task of keeping vigil over her aunt and uncle for seven days before their burial according to the terms of a decidedly unusual will. Their murders, the bell tower, and the sealing of the mansion had repercussions long into the future.
Jennie Phillips inherited Traeger Hall and finds that past events are still affecting the present in the town of Newton Creek, Wisconsin.
Ms. Wright crafts a complex story with incredible characters- even a mortician with an acerbic wit- Titus Fitzgerald is the unlikely hero in 1890. And Foo the cat is an added bonus.
The present day setting was just as interesting and included not only danger and a bit of romance but it realistically featured an autistic boy who was very brave.
Mysterious, intriguing and tense at times, the plot was expertly woven between the past and the present.
This might be my favorite book by Jaime Jo Wright. It definitely will not be the last . I am hooked.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through PICT Tours and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
Jennie Phillips inherited Traeger Hall and finds that past events are still affecting the present in the town of Newton Creek, Wisconsin.
Ms. Wright crafts a complex story with incredible characters- even a mortician with an acerbic wit- Titus Fitzgerald is the unlikely hero in 1890. And Foo the cat is an added bonus.
The present day setting was just as interesting and included not only danger and a bit of romance but it realistically featured an autistic boy who was very brave.
Mysterious, intriguing and tense at times, the plot was expertly woven between the past and the present.
This might be my favorite book by Jaime Jo Wright. It definitely will not be the last . I am hooked.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through PICT Tours and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
October 22, 2025
4.5 stars
“Darkness encased Traeger Hall like a shroud.”
Have you ever been somewhere that just feels heavy and dark, even with all the lights blazing and the sun shining through the windows? For both Waverly Pembrooke (in 1890) & Jennie Phillips (present day), Traeger Hall is one such place of darkness. The fact that each timeline has violent death attached to the property certainly contributes to that oppressive feeling – and gives us two intriguing mysteries to solve as well. I was hooked from that first line of The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall to the last, and I spent every word in between completely absorbed by the intricacies of the plot and the deeply layered characters. As I always am when I pick up a Jaime Jo Wright book. Because she is a master storyteller in every way, one who weaves deliciously creepy tales that are grounded in the grace of God. I have yet to completely figure out the whodunits or the ‘paranormal’ aspects (which always have an explanation rooted in reality) ahead of her brilliant reveals, but I really thought I had finally done so this time. (Spoiler alert: I had not. LOL)
Waverly Pembrooke is such a compelling character, an orphan whose aunt and uncle guardians were murdered in an unsolved case as infamous as Lizzie Borden’s parents or Jon Benet Ramsey. I loved that we not only get Waverly’s perspective ‘in real time’ in the 1890s timeline (which begins just after the murders) but we get snippets of an interview she did in 1950 about the weeks leading up to their deaths too. (I say as though she was a real person… and don’t try to tell me otherwise LOL) The stories she divulges from the 1950s interview contribute to the ominous sense that her uncle, eccentric though he may be, is up to nothing good in life. The 1890s timeline is quirkily macabre, thanks to Leopold’s odd requests for how his death should be handled, but it also provides a thought-provoking parallel for how you can only hide the decay caused by sinful secrets for so long before you begin to stink from it. I really liked Waverly, even though she has her own secrets, and I loved the local undertaker Titus who is taken with her. (First time I think I’ve ever loved a hero who lives in a funeral home and embalms dead bodies, but love him I did.)
The present day timeline features Jennie Phillips, a young woman who has recently inherited the Traeger estate and is determined to solve the century-old mystery surrounding the murders. But she doesn’t figure on finding a body herself, or on her presence opening a volatile can of worms in the town of Newton Creek and, specifically, with the distant relatives of Waverly herself. Her newfound friendship with endearing little Milo and his handsome father Zane, along with Zane’s parents & his sister, delighted me for multiple reasons – the hint of romance and their solving of more than one mystery, yes, but also in how they show Jennie what a warm & welcoming family can look like. I also loved the parallels between the boarded up Traeger Hall and Jennie’s own heart, and I especially loved how Zane is there to help with both. And I don’t mind admitting that I jumped just as much as Jennie did during the scenes in Traeger Hall, that’s how completely immersed I was in the story.
“I have found that the unlikely often becomes the likely, while the likely often never sees the light of day.”
Bottom Line: Y’all, there’s a reason that I stutter blankly when someone asks me for ‘similar authors’ to Jaime Jo Wright – she truly is in a class by herself, and books like her latest novel prove it all over again. The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall is equal parts eerie and uplifting, filled with goosebumps, grace, and characters who feel so real you’ll want to check on them after the last page. Waverly’s and Jennie’s stories echo across the decades in ways that gave me chills – in the best possible way – and reminded me that no darkness is too deep for God’s light to reach. And of course, I can’t forget to mention the unsung star of this story – Foo! I jumped, I gasped, I even grinned a little, but what I didn’t do (once again) was put all the pieces together ahead of time. By the time I finished, I wasn’t just breathless from the twists or satisfied by a story well ‘tolled’ – I was also grateful for the Light that shines through every shadow this author writes.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
“Darkness encased Traeger Hall like a shroud.”
Have you ever been somewhere that just feels heavy and dark, even with all the lights blazing and the sun shining through the windows? For both Waverly Pembrooke (in 1890) & Jennie Phillips (present day), Traeger Hall is one such place of darkness. The fact that each timeline has violent death attached to the property certainly contributes to that oppressive feeling – and gives us two intriguing mysteries to solve as well. I was hooked from that first line of The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall to the last, and I spent every word in between completely absorbed by the intricacies of the plot and the deeply layered characters. As I always am when I pick up a Jaime Jo Wright book. Because she is a master storyteller in every way, one who weaves deliciously creepy tales that are grounded in the grace of God. I have yet to completely figure out the whodunits or the ‘paranormal’ aspects (which always have an explanation rooted in reality) ahead of her brilliant reveals, but I really thought I had finally done so this time. (Spoiler alert: I had not. LOL)
Waverly Pembrooke is such a compelling character, an orphan whose aunt and uncle guardians were murdered in an unsolved case as infamous as Lizzie Borden’s parents or Jon Benet Ramsey. I loved that we not only get Waverly’s perspective ‘in real time’ in the 1890s timeline (which begins just after the murders) but we get snippets of an interview she did in 1950 about the weeks leading up to their deaths too. (I say as though she was a real person… and don’t try to tell me otherwise LOL) The stories she divulges from the 1950s interview contribute to the ominous sense that her uncle, eccentric though he may be, is up to nothing good in life. The 1890s timeline is quirkily macabre, thanks to Leopold’s odd requests for how his death should be handled, but it also provides a thought-provoking parallel for how you can only hide the decay caused by sinful secrets for so long before you begin to stink from it. I really liked Waverly, even though she has her own secrets, and I loved the local undertaker Titus who is taken with her. (First time I think I’ve ever loved a hero who lives in a funeral home and embalms dead bodies, but love him I did.)
The present day timeline features Jennie Phillips, a young woman who has recently inherited the Traeger estate and is determined to solve the century-old mystery surrounding the murders. But she doesn’t figure on finding a body herself, or on her presence opening a volatile can of worms in the town of Newton Creek and, specifically, with the distant relatives of Waverly herself. Her newfound friendship with endearing little Milo and his handsome father Zane, along with Zane’s parents & his sister, delighted me for multiple reasons – the hint of romance and their solving of more than one mystery, yes, but also in how they show Jennie what a warm & welcoming family can look like. I also loved the parallels between the boarded up Traeger Hall and Jennie’s own heart, and I especially loved how Zane is there to help with both. And I don’t mind admitting that I jumped just as much as Jennie did during the scenes in Traeger Hall, that’s how completely immersed I was in the story.
“I have found that the unlikely often becomes the likely, while the likely often never sees the light of day.”
Bottom Line: Y’all, there’s a reason that I stutter blankly when someone asks me for ‘similar authors’ to Jaime Jo Wright – she truly is in a class by herself, and books like her latest novel prove it all over again. The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall is equal parts eerie and uplifting, filled with goosebumps, grace, and characters who feel so real you’ll want to check on them after the last page. Waverly’s and Jennie’s stories echo across the decades in ways that gave me chills – in the best possible way – and reminded me that no darkness is too deep for God’s light to reach. And of course, I can’t forget to mention the unsung star of this story – Foo! I jumped, I gasped, I even grinned a little, but what I didn’t do (once again) was put all the pieces together ahead of time. By the time I finished, I wasn’t just breathless from the twists or satisfied by a story well ‘tolled’ – I was also grateful for the Light that shines through every shadow this author writes.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
January 18, 2026
This one read differently for a Jaime Jo Wright book. If you’ve been on the fence, wondering if she’s too creepy for you, this is a good one to try. There are a few semi-creepy scenes, but nothing like her other books.
There were a lot of secrets to unravel in this one, and I enjoyed the layers.
Milo is a darling and I love him and Jennie together.
Both romances were more slow-burn with a happily ever after.
There didn’t seem to be as strong of a Christian message as some of her other books. Honestly, I’m trying to remember if there was any.
There were of course suspicions of ghosts, but they weren’t over the top.
Once again, another unpredictable read!
There were a lot of secrets to unravel in this one, and I enjoyed the layers.
Milo is a darling and I love him and Jennie together.
Both romances were more slow-burn with a happily ever after.
There didn’t seem to be as strong of a Christian message as some of her other books. Honestly, I’m trying to remember if there was any.
There were of course suspicions of ghosts, but they weren’t over the top.
Once again, another unpredictable read!
October 10, 2025
Wow! Jaime did it again. I absolutely loved this book. It's so atmospheric for this time of year with the spooky setting. Jaime always writes raw, realistic characters and interweaves such touching faith content. Simply put, Jaime writes fictional stories that depict real life. I especially connected with Jennie in this story as she struggles to trust and let people into her heart. I think many of us can relate to that.
Next, I love how Jaime handles time jumps. Both POV (past and present) drew me in and were engaging. All of the main characters were dynamic and captivated my heart. I also love how Jaime throws in sprinkles of romance, but it's not overpowering. It's just right. Like I already said, her faith content always warms my heart. She writes spooky tales, but by the end, you feel the light of Jesus on your face. To me, that's a great story!
Happy reading,
Bethany the Bookworm Girl
Content warnings: death, stabbing, murder, and side two characters are caught in "the act," but it is handled with moral poise by the main character.
Next, I love how Jaime handles time jumps. Both POV (past and present) drew me in and were engaging. All of the main characters were dynamic and captivated my heart. I also love how Jaime throws in sprinkles of romance, but it's not overpowering. It's just right. Like I already said, her faith content always warms my heart. She writes spooky tales, but by the end, you feel the light of Jesus on your face. To me, that's a great story!
Happy reading,
Bethany the Bookworm Girl
Content warnings: death, stabbing, murder, and side two characters are caught in "the act," but it is handled with moral poise by the main character.
January 14, 2026
This dual timeline story has the same feeling as some of Jaime Jo’s older books, like THE HOUSE ON FOSTER HILL and ECHOES AMONG THE STONES. I really enjoyed that element. I do feel like it could’ve been a touch longer, as I wanted more out of both timelines. It’s not as spooky as some of her other books, which was a good thing because I read most of it at night. ;)
Content Notes
Warning: potential spoilers ahead —
- infidelity, affairs, a man sleeping with the housemaid — nothing detailed
- abuse is a strong overhanging theme but none of it is actually described, only hinted at
- murder, stabbing, descriptions of dead bodies etc. also not very detailed
Content Notes
Warning: potential spoilers ahead —
- infidelity, affairs, a man sleeping with the housemaid — nothing detailed
- abuse is a strong overhanging theme but none of it is actually described, only hinted at
- murder, stabbing, descriptions of dead bodies etc. also not very detailed
October 27, 2025
4.5 Stars
Jaime is always an auto buy for me! The beginning of this story really pulled me in and it kept me turning pages. That this is based on a true story is even more intriguing. Truth is stranger than fiction! The romance and ending of the book felt more rushed than most of her books and didn't quite hit like hers normally do which is why it's not five stars. But I did enjoy this book and it is going on my Jaime keeper shelf! Already pre ordered and looking forward to her next book!
Jaime is always an auto buy for me! The beginning of this story really pulled me in and it kept me turning pages. That this is based on a true story is even more intriguing. Truth is stranger than fiction! The romance and ending of the book felt more rushed than most of her books and didn't quite hit like hers normally do which is why it's not five stars. But I did enjoy this book and it is going on my Jaime keeper shelf! Already pre ordered and looking forward to her next book!
October 15, 2025
Every time I sit down to review a Jaime Jo Wright book… I never know where to begin.
I actually looked back at one of my older reviews of her books and yep started it the exact same way. Not knowing where to begin 😂 But truly, there’s no one like her. She’s in her own lane, and I hope she never stops writing. Her books remind me of why I love to read. 📚
Jaime Jo Wright has redefined the gothic genre. Her stories give off those classic Jane Eyre vibes moody, mysterious, and a little eerie but always woven with redemption, hope, and heart. By the end, I’m always tearing up🫶🏻 And her romances? Subtle, honest, and oh-so-perfect.
✨ The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall ✨
Dual timelines. Dual heroines. One haunting mystery.
We follow Waverly (1890) and Jennie (present day) as their lives intertwine around the mysterious Traeger Hall and its chilling bell tower. Wright’s writing is so immersive my heart was racing more than once. Let’s just say… I won’t be walking into any haunted manors anytime soon 👻. The twists and turns of the mystery were SO GOOD. Didn’t see it coming for a mile. Bravo 👏🏼
I adored both women, their strength, their vulnerability, and the people who surrounded them, allowing them to be who they were created to be. The romances are always oh so sweet. Genuine, tender, and beautifully written. (We love a good undertaker 🖤)
But what always stands out to me most are the faith elements in her stories. It feels so real to see Jennie and Waverly wrestle with hard questions in the midst of suffering yet still holding fast. That’s why I love Jaime Jo Wright’s books, God’s hope is always at the heart of every story. 🌿
Simply put: read it. This book was, atmospheric, heartfelt, and full of hope.️ I absolutely loved it and think everyone needs to read it 🤍
Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for the gifted copy!
I actually looked back at one of my older reviews of her books and yep started it the exact same way. Not knowing where to begin 😂 But truly, there’s no one like her. She’s in her own lane, and I hope she never stops writing. Her books remind me of why I love to read. 📚
Jaime Jo Wright has redefined the gothic genre. Her stories give off those classic Jane Eyre vibes moody, mysterious, and a little eerie but always woven with redemption, hope, and heart. By the end, I’m always tearing up🫶🏻 And her romances? Subtle, honest, and oh-so-perfect.
✨ The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall ✨
Dual timelines. Dual heroines. One haunting mystery.
We follow Waverly (1890) and Jennie (present day) as their lives intertwine around the mysterious Traeger Hall and its chilling bell tower. Wright’s writing is so immersive my heart was racing more than once. Let’s just say… I won’t be walking into any haunted manors anytime soon 👻. The twists and turns of the mystery were SO GOOD. Didn’t see it coming for a mile. Bravo 👏🏼
I adored both women, their strength, their vulnerability, and the people who surrounded them, allowing them to be who they were created to be. The romances are always oh so sweet. Genuine, tender, and beautifully written. (We love a good undertaker 🖤)
But what always stands out to me most are the faith elements in her stories. It feels so real to see Jennie and Waverly wrestle with hard questions in the midst of suffering yet still holding fast. That’s why I love Jaime Jo Wright’s books, God’s hope is always at the heart of every story. 🌿
Simply put: read it. This book was, atmospheric, heartfelt, and full of hope.️ I absolutely loved it and think everyone needs to read it 🤍
Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for the gifted copy!
November 9, 2025
Traeger Hall is a house full of secrets and a dark sinister environment starting with that ominous bell that is only to be rung when Leopold Traeger’s life is threatened. Over a century later, Jennie Phillips arrives in Newton Creek and finds a town still spooked by the legend surrounding the bricked up Traeger Hall. Two heroines, two harrowing tales that converge at a grand climactic moment- a Jaime Jo Wright forte that I have come to richly relish.
The Bell Tolls at Traegen Hall, an inspirational, gothic-toned romantic suspense split into two narratives, but four actual timelines. Waverly’s story is told both in 1890’s present tense going back and forth between the time before and time after the murders, and later 1950’s interview shortly before her death. Jennie Phillips is told as a contemporary thread.
The beginning lays out an atmospheric setting and situation that is sometimes chilling and most definitely ominous for the one living in the past and, in this case, the present when Jennie finds a body and a disappearance cold case is solved while a murder mystery is opened.
For Waverly, she’s caught up in something she isn’t entirely sure is sane. Her aunt isn’t the warmest of women and is a stiffly, formal woman who seems cold and unaffected until Waverly realizes the lady is racked with fear. Neither of them know what will set off her uncle and he likes to keep them both cowed to his will. He might be the prosperous mill owner and owns half the businesses in the town of Newton’s Creek, but he is also into other, secretive business ventures. And, what about all the pieces of art hanging about Traeger Hall? Are they priceless? Meanwhile, Waverly has her own secrets.
Then the night-time double murder of her aunt and uncle changes her whole life. His stunning will, the helplessness and fear she lives under while following the dictates of Leopold’s will, fending off greedy men who try to push her around, and the only bright spot? The undertaker who wants her to trust him and get away from the danger. He annoys her and comforts her in turn.
Jennie never wanted Traeger Hall, but her wealthy father who, when alive, abused she and her mother in ways that no one ever saw inexplicably ties it to her. Her mother, the treasure hunter, was the one who researched and was interested in the possibility of art treasure inside bricked up Traeger Hall, but her mother is gone now. Jennie is alone. Half the town wants her to bulldoze the place and the other half want to see if the speculation and legends are true. Jennie comes slowly to the knowledge that for those who cared about Alison’s death, that they need closure and she is starting to care more deeply about a certain widower, Zane, and his son, Milo, finding their answers even while she is putting to rest her own demons that her late father’s abuse have caused.
Incidentally, I appreciated the inclusion of a main character (Jennie) who is an abuse survivor with mental health issues and a neurodivergent side character (Milo)
All in all, I couldn’t have asked for a better tale for my fall spooky season reading stack. I held my breath right along with Waverly when she lay in the dark hearing someone outside her door. And, I figuratively bit my nails when the creak of floorboards alerted Jennie she was no longer alone. The Bells Tolls At Traeger Hall was satisfying from cover to cover and I can’t recommend it enough.
I rec'd a finished print copy from Bethany House and PICT to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 11.5.25 for the Partners in Crime Tour.
The Bell Tolls at Traegen Hall, an inspirational, gothic-toned romantic suspense split into two narratives, but four actual timelines. Waverly’s story is told both in 1890’s present tense going back and forth between the time before and time after the murders, and later 1950’s interview shortly before her death. Jennie Phillips is told as a contemporary thread.
The beginning lays out an atmospheric setting and situation that is sometimes chilling and most definitely ominous for the one living in the past and, in this case, the present when Jennie finds a body and a disappearance cold case is solved while a murder mystery is opened.
For Waverly, she’s caught up in something she isn’t entirely sure is sane. Her aunt isn’t the warmest of women and is a stiffly, formal woman who seems cold and unaffected until Waverly realizes the lady is racked with fear. Neither of them know what will set off her uncle and he likes to keep them both cowed to his will. He might be the prosperous mill owner and owns half the businesses in the town of Newton’s Creek, but he is also into other, secretive business ventures. And, what about all the pieces of art hanging about Traeger Hall? Are they priceless? Meanwhile, Waverly has her own secrets.
Then the night-time double murder of her aunt and uncle changes her whole life. His stunning will, the helplessness and fear she lives under while following the dictates of Leopold’s will, fending off greedy men who try to push her around, and the only bright spot? The undertaker who wants her to trust him and get away from the danger. He annoys her and comforts her in turn.
Jennie never wanted Traeger Hall, but her wealthy father who, when alive, abused she and her mother in ways that no one ever saw inexplicably ties it to her. Her mother, the treasure hunter, was the one who researched and was interested in the possibility of art treasure inside bricked up Traeger Hall, but her mother is gone now. Jennie is alone. Half the town wants her to bulldoze the place and the other half want to see if the speculation and legends are true. Jennie comes slowly to the knowledge that for those who cared about Alison’s death, that they need closure and she is starting to care more deeply about a certain widower, Zane, and his son, Milo, finding their answers even while she is putting to rest her own demons that her late father’s abuse have caused.
Incidentally, I appreciated the inclusion of a main character (Jennie) who is an abuse survivor with mental health issues and a neurodivergent side character (Milo)
All in all, I couldn’t have asked for a better tale for my fall spooky season reading stack. I held my breath right along with Waverly when she lay in the dark hearing someone outside her door. And, I figuratively bit my nails when the creak of floorboards alerted Jennie she was no longer alone. The Bells Tolls At Traeger Hall was satisfying from cover to cover and I can’t recommend it enough.
I rec'd a finished print copy from Bethany House and PICT to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 11.5.25 for the Partners in Crime Tour.
September 6, 2025
Every time Jaime Jo Wright writes a new book I think, "oh, this one is my favorite of hers!"...and then she writes another book, and the cycle continues. It goes without saying, it happened again.
I'm not sure what I loved the most about this book; the suspense, the historical line, the description of Traeger Hall and the bell tower, Milo and Zane, the undertaker and his care for Waverly, the murder-mystery, or the real-life murder mystery that inspired this book. There's so much to love. I was pulled in from the very first chapter, which is something that I love about Wright's books. I never have to read a few chapters to see if the book will hold my attention. Wright has a way of grabbing me from the very first page. I always look forward to this time of year, because I know she'll write a book that is perfect for the fall season.
Way to go, Jaime! You hit this one out of the park (again). Thank you for another beautifully written book.
I'm not sure what I loved the most about this book; the suspense, the historical line, the description of Traeger Hall and the bell tower, Milo and Zane, the undertaker and his care for Waverly, the murder-mystery, or the real-life murder mystery that inspired this book. There's so much to love. I was pulled in from the very first chapter, which is something that I love about Wright's books. I never have to read a few chapters to see if the book will hold my attention. Wright has a way of grabbing me from the very first page. I always look forward to this time of year, because I know she'll write a book that is perfect for the fall season.
Way to go, Jaime! You hit this one out of the park (again). Thank you for another beautifully written book.
September 22, 2025
Honestly what else can I say about Jaime Jo Wright’s books. They have a great creep factor. They have a lovely mystery to them. They have interesting characters and pages you can’t turn fast enough. Get this book, read it and enjoy. Your welcome.
October 21, 2025
OVERALL STAR RATING: 6/5
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
You can’t go wrong with a Jaime Jo! The way she continues to write such stunning gothic novels all with insanely unique plots and characters is absolutely mind blowing. Not to mention, she masters the art of dual timeline in a way that will just WOW you. Simply put, Jaime’s writing is gorgeous. It’s always engaging and incredibly descriptive. She pulls you into creepy settings and you’re on the edge of your seat waiting for the next plot twist with each turn of a page.
This story takes us back to 1890 and then present day. Traeger Hall is an estate full of odd and twisty mystery. Waverly Pembrooke has arrived at the estate and is left orphaned after the death of her aunt and uncle’s murders. Her uncle was eccentric, to say the least, and quite notorious in the town of Newton Creek. Her uncle’s will requires Waverly to “stand watch” over his dead body for seven full days in the event he comes back to life before burial. Nothing crazy about that at all! LOL To say Traeger Hall is consumed with a dark and creepy atmosphere is an understatement. Even more disturbing is that her aunt and uncle’s murderer wasn’t caught. Could the murderer have plans to return for Waverly?
After the chaos that unfolded in 1890, Traeger Hall was then sealed up and abandoned and has been sitting empty for over a century. The town of Newton Creek heavily believes that the family and property had been cursed. Now, Jennie Phillips enters the story after she inherits possession of the estate. She’s determined to solve the cold case of 1890 and unearth Traeger Hall’s many rumored secrets.
The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall is easily one of my favorite Jaime Jo books. There is something extra special about this one and I urge you to get it onto your Fall TBR. The spooky vibes are just perfect for the season. If you’ve never read a book by this author before, this one is a great place to start. The characters in this book are especially endearing, and the subtle romance plot is SO perfectly done by my standards. My goodness – I’m ready for a reread! Lol
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
You can’t go wrong with a Jaime Jo! The way she continues to write such stunning gothic novels all with insanely unique plots and characters is absolutely mind blowing. Not to mention, she masters the art of dual timeline in a way that will just WOW you. Simply put, Jaime’s writing is gorgeous. It’s always engaging and incredibly descriptive. She pulls you into creepy settings and you’re on the edge of your seat waiting for the next plot twist with each turn of a page.
This story takes us back to 1890 and then present day. Traeger Hall is an estate full of odd and twisty mystery. Waverly Pembrooke has arrived at the estate and is left orphaned after the death of her aunt and uncle’s murders. Her uncle was eccentric, to say the least, and quite notorious in the town of Newton Creek. Her uncle’s will requires Waverly to “stand watch” over his dead body for seven full days in the event he comes back to life before burial. Nothing crazy about that at all! LOL To say Traeger Hall is consumed with a dark and creepy atmosphere is an understatement. Even more disturbing is that her aunt and uncle’s murderer wasn’t caught. Could the murderer have plans to return for Waverly?
After the chaos that unfolded in 1890, Traeger Hall was then sealed up and abandoned and has been sitting empty for over a century. The town of Newton Creek heavily believes that the family and property had been cursed. Now, Jennie Phillips enters the story after she inherits possession of the estate. She’s determined to solve the cold case of 1890 and unearth Traeger Hall’s many rumored secrets.
The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall is easily one of my favorite Jaime Jo books. There is something extra special about this one and I urge you to get it onto your Fall TBR. The spooky vibes are just perfect for the season. If you’ve never read a book by this author before, this one is a great place to start. The characters in this book are especially endearing, and the subtle romance plot is SO perfectly done by my standards. My goodness – I’m ready for a reread! Lol
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
November 12, 2025
"Come, know my secrets."
"...curses don't hold any power unless we give it to them."
The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall is the fourth novel I’ve read from Jaime Jo Wright, and it’s one of the books by her for which I had the highest hopes. I had heard this story compared to both Jane Eyre and Agatha Christie, which made me incredibly excited. While I see why others might draw such comparisons, I think they caused me to set my expectations too high. Traeger Hall fell a bit flat for me.
"People are the ones who create the darkness. Traeger Hall is just the place where they lock it up so it can't get out."
"Treasure is an elusive fairy tale that ruins what's beautiful."
Let’s start with the positives. Wright immediately set the tone for the story with her introduction of Traeger Hall in 1890. It brought to mind Hill House and Waverley and other eerie manors of old. Speaking of Waverley, our protagonist in the historical half of the novel shares that name, though the spelling differs. Our story begins in the aftermath of the gruesome murder of Waverly’s aunt and uncle, who grudgingly took her in after the death of her parents. According to her Uncle Leopold’s will, Waverly was required to sit with their bodies for a week, host a funeral, and then vacate the property within forty-eight hours, carrying out only what she herself had brought within. After she left, Traeger Hall was to be bricked shut, not to be opened until a century had passed or no relatives were found still living And so the Hall remained for over a century, as her uncle, Leopold Traeger, decreed in his will. Rumors about as to what may be hidden within. Many speculate that priceless works of art are stored inside. Art plays an important role in both the past and present portions of the novel.
"It was as if each brushstroke carried with it some secret pain, one still tipped with an element of hope. Hope for something better. For love. For belonging.
That was what good art did, Jennie had decided. It could reach inside a person, unravel their emotions, and connect with their spirit. It was a song of color, its imagery a dream yet to be realized."
In the present, we follow Jennie, who recently inherited the Hall after the death of her parents. She has abuse in her past, doled out by her father. While referenced lightly, some of it sounds sexual in nature. (Which could make this a triggering book for some, no matter who delicately Wright handles the topic. Be warned.) Jennie wants nothing more than to sell the Hall, but her father remains as terrible in death as he was in life; he left behind a codicil that forbid the selling or destruction of the Hall for another fifty years after his death. Someone is town will stop at nothing to ensure that the Hall remains closed. But why? And will Jennie brave the present and face the past?
"I have found that the unlikely often becomes the likely, while the likely often never sees the light of day."
Both Waverly and Jennie have narcissistic, oppressive, abuse father figures under whom they suffer. They both have secrets and traumas that want to keep buried, sealing themselves off as completely as Traeger Hall. Both wonder how a good God could allow such terrible men to hold such power and cause so much harm. A major theme here is the importance of finding some way to air your trauma instead of closing it away inside you. There was room for great growth here, but I felt little of it.
"When you tried to fight a monster, they always came back stronger. It was better to hide under the blankets.
She just didn't want to hide anymore."
Which brings me to the aspects of the book that fell flat for me. For some reason with this particular book, there were craft issues that stuck out more to me than in previous works I've read from Wright. A word being used too often within a few sentences, for instance, or an almost metaphor that didn't quite land. Aspects of the writing just felt clunky. There's pretty much no character development. I was never able to develop an emotional connection to the characters, or believe their connections to one another. The presence of faith here was so minimal and slapdash that a small part of me wishes that it hadn’t been included at all. It felt like an afterthought, an inclusion made to ensure that it was still marketable as Christian fiction. Some parts of the plot were underdeveloped, while others were repetitious. In other words, I think this book could have used another round or two of edits.
" 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 fin strength outside of ourselves and hopefully...find beauty again."
This isn’t a bad book. There are the bones of a good story here. But it wasn’t fleshed out in a compelling, believable way. It didn’t dislike it, but I didn’t particularly like it, either. It left me feeling nothing. Which is unfortunate, as I’ve enjoyed the other books I’ve read from Wright. I definitely intend to read more from her, but Traeger Hall didn’t land for me.
October 23, 2025
October is the perfect month for this book to release. I was fascinated from page one! We get 2 1/2 perspectives in this story. Waverly of 1890, Waverly of 1950, and Jennie in current day! That second Waverly added an extra element that kept me on my toes.
The author time and time again has me trying to get what's really going on and it's never until the end that it's all finally revealed. I had no clue when the truth came out! Trying to fit all of the pieces together as I read had me no where near what came to light! Now that I know what's going on, I want to start all over from the beginning with the new information.
Waverly of 1890 has had a hard life and living with her aunt & uncle isn't proving to be any better. When her uncle's insistence that he's going to be done in comes true (along with the aunt) she's left to preside over them until they're buried. During that time, she has to figure out who did it, why, and if she's next. Her one "ally"? The undertaker, Titus. Let's just say that grumpy Titus is probably my favorite character in the story! Well, we can't forget about Foo!
Waverly in 1950 alludes to a secret that she has which she'll never tell a soul and kept me running to the next chapter!
Lastly, there's Jennie. She's inherited Traeger Hall from her father who was loathsome! Her introduction to Newton Creek is one for the books! Oof! To open the Hall back up, to keep it closed is the biggest, and apparently the most dangerous, thing she can do. She has no idea who to trust in this little town with lots of secrets! There's sweet little Milo who she meets right away along with his father, Zane, and Zane's sister, Hannah! There's a lot of history with them and trying to find the answers to what's inside the Hall.
This was nail biting at its best. It was incredibly easy to dislike Uncle Leopold because he was an awful man. The author also touches on, but not in any detail about child abuse through Jennie's storyline. I appreciate how she lets us know without going into any descriptive way of letting us know!
*I was sent the book for review. This is my personal opinion.
The author time and time again has me trying to get what's really going on and it's never until the end that it's all finally revealed. I had no clue when the truth came out! Trying to fit all of the pieces together as I read had me no where near what came to light! Now that I know what's going on, I want to start all over from the beginning with the new information.
Waverly of 1890 has had a hard life and living with her aunt & uncle isn't proving to be any better. When her uncle's insistence that he's going to be done in comes true (along with the aunt) she's left to preside over them until they're buried. During that time, she has to figure out who did it, why, and if she's next. Her one "ally"? The undertaker, Titus. Let's just say that grumpy Titus is probably my favorite character in the story! Well, we can't forget about Foo!
Waverly in 1950 alludes to a secret that she has which she'll never tell a soul and kept me running to the next chapter!
Lastly, there's Jennie. She's inherited Traeger Hall from her father who was loathsome! Her introduction to Newton Creek is one for the books! Oof! To open the Hall back up, to keep it closed is the biggest, and apparently the most dangerous, thing she can do. She has no idea who to trust in this little town with lots of secrets! There's sweet little Milo who she meets right away along with his father, Zane, and Zane's sister, Hannah! There's a lot of history with them and trying to find the answers to what's inside the Hall.
This was nail biting at its best. It was incredibly easy to dislike Uncle Leopold because he was an awful man. The author also touches on, but not in any detail about child abuse through Jennie's storyline. I appreciate how she lets us know without going into any descriptive way of letting us know!
*I was sent the book for review. This is my personal opinion.
November 30, 2025
(4.5 stars rounded up)
My first Jaime Jo Wright novel, and it did not disappoint. I’ll admit I’ve been a little nervous to pick up one of her books—including the one already on my shelf—as I’ve always heard they can lean a bit spooky. But the intrigue surrounding her stories has drawn me in for so long, and I was excited when the opportunity came to read her latest novel.
The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall is a dual-timeline mystery that moves seamlessly between present day and 1890, where a suspicious death and a manor shrouded in secrets tie both eras together. With plenty of twists and turns, I was hooked from the beginning, constantly guessing who the perpetrators could be in both timelines, and I was genuinely surprised by the ending.
I love Wright’s writing. She’s a master storyteller who blends mystery and suspense with light threads of faith, romance, and even a touch of humor that keeps you turning pages long into the night. I also enjoyed the characters and the budding romances in both timelines. The glimpses of hope and restoration woven through deep wounds and brokenness added such meaningful depth. Overall, this was captivating, slightly haunting, atmospherically rich, and emotionally resonant.
✨ Content to consider: This is a clean murder mystery. There are some slightly graphic descriptions of the murder (not overly so), mentions of skeletal remains, narcissistic abuse, and parental, emotional, and psychological abuse. There are references to curses, omens, and ghosts, but everything is ultimately explainable as the story progresses and never presented as real.
Thank you @bethanyhousefiction for my copy in exchange for my honest thoughts!
My first Jaime Jo Wright novel, and it did not disappoint. I’ll admit I’ve been a little nervous to pick up one of her books—including the one already on my shelf—as I’ve always heard they can lean a bit spooky. But the intrigue surrounding her stories has drawn me in for so long, and I was excited when the opportunity came to read her latest novel.
The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall is a dual-timeline mystery that moves seamlessly between present day and 1890, where a suspicious death and a manor shrouded in secrets tie both eras together. With plenty of twists and turns, I was hooked from the beginning, constantly guessing who the perpetrators could be in both timelines, and I was genuinely surprised by the ending.
I love Wright’s writing. She’s a master storyteller who blends mystery and suspense with light threads of faith, romance, and even a touch of humor that keeps you turning pages long into the night. I also enjoyed the characters and the budding romances in both timelines. The glimpses of hope and restoration woven through deep wounds and brokenness added such meaningful depth. Overall, this was captivating, slightly haunting, atmospherically rich, and emotionally resonant.
✨ Content to consider: This is a clean murder mystery. There are some slightly graphic descriptions of the murder (not overly so), mentions of skeletal remains, narcissistic abuse, and parental, emotional, and psychological abuse. There are references to curses, omens, and ghosts, but everything is ultimately explainable as the story progresses and never presented as real.
Thank you @bethanyhousefiction for my copy in exchange for my honest thoughts!
October 8, 2025
I believe this is the most romantic book I've read of Jaime Jo Wright and I absolutely LOVED it.
The suspense and mystery was riveting and had me in a chokehold at the very end. As usual the ending had me jumping back and forth between past and present building the intensity of the final moments.
The entire time I was reading I kept thinking "I want to visit Traeger Hall and walk through its mysterious halls."
Even though the faith was on the lighter side in this book, it was solid and as usual, well done.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good century+ long mystery with the perfect touch of romance and found family.
*I was provided an early gifted copy from the publisher but all opinions are my own
The suspense and mystery was riveting and had me in a chokehold at the very end. As usual the ending had me jumping back and forth between past and present building the intensity of the final moments.
The entire time I was reading I kept thinking "I want to visit Traeger Hall and walk through its mysterious halls."
Even though the faith was on the lighter side in this book, it was solid and as usual, well done.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good century+ long mystery with the perfect touch of romance and found family.
*I was provided an early gifted copy from the publisher but all opinions are my own
November 20, 2025
What a gripping and captivating story! I was immediately drawn in from the first chapter and had a hard time putting it down.
It’s very suspenseful with just the right amount of creepiness to it, and plenty of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. The author did an excellent job of creating a dual timeline, each with a unique mystery, but still seamlessly connected.
The setting at Traeger Hall was eerie, and so vividly described that I felt like I was right there.
I enjoyed the romances that took place in each time period, although they’re very much secondary to the mystery.
This was a well crafted, atmospheric story, and one I thoroughly enjoyed!
It’s very suspenseful with just the right amount of creepiness to it, and plenty of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. The author did an excellent job of creating a dual timeline, each with a unique mystery, but still seamlessly connected.
The setting at Traeger Hall was eerie, and so vividly described that I felt like I was right there.
I enjoyed the romances that took place in each time period, although they’re very much secondary to the mystery.
This was a well crafted, atmospheric story, and one I thoroughly enjoyed!
October 4, 2025
Jaime Jo Wright is in a league all her own writing a genre that only exists with her. She has penned another creepy dual timeline story fraught with mystery, romance and horror. This book follows Waverly in the historic timeline as she learns of intricacies and nuances of her uncle's will that will leave her homeless and destitute in a matter of days, and Jennie in the modern timeline who inherits Traeger Hall and all of its mystery. When she learns of the codicil to her own father's will that prevents her from selling the Hall, she struggles with decisions that will impact not only her, but the rest of the town of Newton Creek.
This story was not quite as "spooky" as most of Wright's other stories. While that possibly makes this one a palatable starting point for those who want to try out her books, but have been "chicken" in the past, it made it move a bit slow for my liking as the creep factor adds to the intensity and the suspense that keeps me turning pages. The writing was still superb and the characters were likable and relatable, though, and the character growth arcs were fantastic. This one had a good mystery element as well and a slow-burn sort of romance in both timelines. The faith thread in this one was more subtle than some of her others, but it was still present. This one dealt with the topic of abuse and neglect amongst others, and I always love how dual timelines speak to the importance of history and how it impacts our present. All in all, this was an enjoyable story and one I'd recommend to fans of mystery novels and dual timelines in particular. Special thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
This story was not quite as "spooky" as most of Wright's other stories. While that possibly makes this one a palatable starting point for those who want to try out her books, but have been "chicken" in the past, it made it move a bit slow for my liking as the creep factor adds to the intensity and the suspense that keeps me turning pages. The writing was still superb and the characters were likable and relatable, though, and the character growth arcs were fantastic. This one had a good mystery element as well and a slow-burn sort of romance in both timelines. The faith thread in this one was more subtle than some of her others, but it was still present. This one dealt with the topic of abuse and neglect amongst others, and I always love how dual timelines speak to the importance of history and how it impacts our present. All in all, this was an enjoyable story and one I'd recommend to fans of mystery novels and dual timelines in particular. Special thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
February 2, 2026
He lived in the shadows planning, hoping for things to fall together, and hoping the bell never rang. He kept an unusually close eye on those around him, especially the new girl whom he couldn't figure out how to put in the puzzle of his life.
She knew there was a secret, but she never realized exposing it would be so costly. Working to carefully gain the knowledge she needed, when it came time to share it was too late.
The house stood in the middle of the secret and the hopes. Would the girl be loyal to a fault? Would the man do whatever he could to protect his secrets? Dual timelines reveal the truth and horror of it all.
No foul language. No sex scenes.
Two love stories played out within the plots.
She knew there was a secret, but she never realized exposing it would be so costly. Working to carefully gain the knowledge she needed, when it came time to share it was too late.
The house stood in the middle of the secret and the hopes. Would the girl be loyal to a fault? Would the man do whatever he could to protect his secrets? Dual timelines reveal the truth and horror of it all.
No foul language. No sex scenes.
Two love stories played out within the plots.
October 29, 2025
I enjoyed listening to this book. Sometimes macabre, but always very interesting how the dual times come together. Clean with just a hint of romance. Surprising twists keep your attention!
September 12, 2025
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.
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.
November 4, 2025
What can I say?! This author does it again! No one writes the spookiest, thrilling filled with faith stories quite like she does!
I was immediately immersed in the storyline and could not turn the pages fast enough to find out what in the world was going on!! I wish I could have read it in one sitting but alas mom life has to happen during the day! But boy this book was quite interesting and the twist I never saw coming!! Seriously I’m not going to divulge any part of the story but I will say that if you enjoy those mysteries that you can’t stop reading and twists that you never expected to jump out of nowhere or that prickly feeling you get when you are scared but know there’s not really anything to be scared of… then you need to grab this book and all her other ones too!
I promise you, you will not regret it!!
I received a copy of this book for review. All views expressed are my own.
I was immediately immersed in the storyline and could not turn the pages fast enough to find out what in the world was going on!! I wish I could have read it in one sitting but alas mom life has to happen during the day! But boy this book was quite interesting and the twist I never saw coming!! Seriously I’m not going to divulge any part of the story but I will say that if you enjoy those mysteries that you can’t stop reading and twists that you never expected to jump out of nowhere or that prickly feeling you get when you are scared but know there’s not really anything to be scared of… then you need to grab this book and all her other ones too!
I promise you, you will not regret it!!
I received a copy of this book for review. All views expressed are my own.
October 22, 2025
The story is told through dual timelines. I like the idea of exploring an old house that has been closed up for years and years. Especially if it was rumored to be full of treasure. Both timelines were a little slow moving and nothing seemed to really happen til the last half of the book. It has a gothic feel to it so some readers will enjoy that.
December 12, 2025
3.5 Stars.
I requested an ARC of this book from NetGalley.
Jaime Jo Wright's The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall has all the expected elements of her trademark gothic mysteries—a decaying estate, dual timelines, and a century-old murder—but somehow lacks the atmospheric dread that makes her best work so compelling. Based loosely on the real-life George Harry Storrs case (the eccentric industrialist murdered at Gorse Hall in 1909), Wright transplants the warning bell, the paranoid victim, and the method of death to 1890s Traeger Hall, where orphaned Waverly Pembrooke must unravel her uncle's murder.
The problem is that the uncle is thoroughly unsympathetic, which saps the 1890 storyline of urgency. Without investment in the victim, the mystery becomes purely mechanical—we're solving a puzzle we don't particularly care about. More crucially, despite the gothic trappings, the book never achieves the spine-tingling atmosphere Wright has delivered before. The creepy manor, the tolling bell, the sense of lurking danger—it's all present on the page, but it doesn't feel present. The pacing doesn't build the tension the premise promises.
The modern timeline fares somewhat better. Jennie Phillips, inheriting Traeger Hall after her mother's death, is depicted as a survivor of narcissistic abuse, which initially felt like promising psychological territory—especially as someone who's navigated similar experiences myself. Unfortunately, this angle remains frustratingly underdeveloped, falling into stereotypical portrayals of male narcissists rather than exploring the complex psychological aftermath with real depth.
Wright's dual timeline structure remains competent (as expected from her previous work), and the historical foundation is intriguing. But this feels like a lesser entry in her catalogue—all the machinery of a gothic mystery without the emotional resonance or genuine dread that distinguishes great atmospheric fiction from merely adequate. Worth reading for Wright completists, but not the place to start with her work.
I requested an ARC of this book from NetGalley.
Jaime Jo Wright's The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall has all the expected elements of her trademark gothic mysteries—a decaying estate, dual timelines, and a century-old murder—but somehow lacks the atmospheric dread that makes her best work so compelling. Based loosely on the real-life George Harry Storrs case (the eccentric industrialist murdered at Gorse Hall in 1909), Wright transplants the warning bell, the paranoid victim, and the method of death to 1890s Traeger Hall, where orphaned Waverly Pembrooke must unravel her uncle's murder.
The problem is that the uncle is thoroughly unsympathetic, which saps the 1890 storyline of urgency. Without investment in the victim, the mystery becomes purely mechanical—we're solving a puzzle we don't particularly care about. More crucially, despite the gothic trappings, the book never achieves the spine-tingling atmosphere Wright has delivered before. The creepy manor, the tolling bell, the sense of lurking danger—it's all present on the page, but it doesn't feel present. The pacing doesn't build the tension the premise promises.
The modern timeline fares somewhat better. Jennie Phillips, inheriting Traeger Hall after her mother's death, is depicted as a survivor of narcissistic abuse, which initially felt like promising psychological territory—especially as someone who's navigated similar experiences myself. Unfortunately, this angle remains frustratingly underdeveloped, falling into stereotypical portrayals of male narcissists rather than exploring the complex psychological aftermath with real depth.
Wright's dual timeline structure remains competent (as expected from her previous work), and the historical foundation is intriguing. But this feels like a lesser entry in her catalogue—all the machinery of a gothic mystery without the emotional resonance or genuine dread that distinguishes great atmospheric fiction from merely adequate. Worth reading for Wright completists, but not the place to start with her work.
November 15, 2025
This was my first time reading a work by Jaime Jo Wright, and I can confidently say it won’t be my last! *The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall* is an engaging dual-timeline mystery that seamlessly blends suspense, a touch of creepiness, and a hint of romance. I found myself completely engrossed, eagerly anticipating each twist and turn with every page I turned. From the opening line to the final chapter, I was captivated.
The atmosphere at Traeger Hall was chilling, perfectly complemented by the eerie events unfolding within its walls. I appreciated how both timelines contained their own unique mysteries while remaining intricately linked. Each narrative also offered heartwarming moments that added depth to the story. The characters were extraordinarily well-crafted; I found myself particularly drawn to Milo, the autistic son of Zane, who plays a significant role in unraveling the mystery of Traeger Hall. His unconditional love for Jennie is incredibly touching, and I must say, Foo, the author’s cat, was a delightful addition! The undertaker’s kind nature towards Waverly also left a strong impression.
With so many unexpected twists that kept me guessing, this book truly kept me on my toes. It’s fascinating how it draws inspiration from a real-life murder mystery set in an old manor house. There’s just so much to appreciate about this story.
I received a complimentary paperback copy from Baker Publishing Group for my honest review.
Kudos to you, Jaime! This is a brilliantly crafted book!
The atmosphere at Traeger Hall was chilling, perfectly complemented by the eerie events unfolding within its walls. I appreciated how both timelines contained their own unique mysteries while remaining intricately linked. Each narrative also offered heartwarming moments that added depth to the story. The characters were extraordinarily well-crafted; I found myself particularly drawn to Milo, the autistic son of Zane, who plays a significant role in unraveling the mystery of Traeger Hall. His unconditional love for Jennie is incredibly touching, and I must say, Foo, the author’s cat, was a delightful addition! The undertaker’s kind nature towards Waverly also left a strong impression.
With so many unexpected twists that kept me guessing, this book truly kept me on my toes. It’s fascinating how it draws inspiration from a real-life murder mystery set in an old manor house. There’s just so much to appreciate about this story.
I received a complimentary paperback copy from Baker Publishing Group for my honest review.
Kudos to you, Jaime! This is a brilliantly crafted book!
October 26, 2025
“Traeger Hall and its legacy was as murky as this creek bed–ruined and marring anything and everything that encountered it.”
I’ve never read a Jaime Jo Wright book before and I’m totally hooked. She writes the exact kind of deliciously creepy stories that I love, and I was quickly swept away with this dual timeline gothic tale. Her style is full of vivid imagery, suspicious characters, and connections that web out and span time, with culminations that stole my breath.
The book begins in the 1890s with a double murder mystery that leaves their niece, Waverly, to solve. The eerie, slightly gruesome, setting sent chills up and down my spine more times than I can count. A back-and-forth shift to nowadays and Jennie’s story and her connection to the Traeger House was also frightfully macabre.
The way the ghastly mysteries are woven together, along with wonderful characters and a spine-tingly plot made this one a definite winner. This is exactly the October read I was hoping for.
Content: death; peril
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
I’ve never read a Jaime Jo Wright book before and I’m totally hooked. She writes the exact kind of deliciously creepy stories that I love, and I was quickly swept away with this dual timeline gothic tale. Her style is full of vivid imagery, suspicious characters, and connections that web out and span time, with culminations that stole my breath.
The book begins in the 1890s with a double murder mystery that leaves their niece, Waverly, to solve. The eerie, slightly gruesome, setting sent chills up and down my spine more times than I can count. A back-and-forth shift to nowadays and Jennie’s story and her connection to the Traeger House was also frightfully macabre.
The way the ghastly mysteries are woven together, along with wonderful characters and a spine-tingly plot made this one a definite winner. This is exactly the October read I was hoping for.
Content: death; peril
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
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