The Bookshop of 99 Doors

by Jaime Jo Wright

In 1910, Minnie Tipton finds herself beset by the onslaught of superstitions that envelope the Pennsylvania mansion her father bought. Convinced the house is haunted by the vengeful spirit of a Civil War captain, and worried by her father's rapidly worsening illness, Minnie delves into the home's dark past in an effort to help bring him peace. Yet the lingering impact of the war and the gruesome tale of murder she uncovers only foster more fear and threaten to unravel Minnie's own sanity.

In the present day, Triss Bellamy eagerly steps into the role of bookshop manager in the mansion-turned-museum boasting ninety-nine doors. But Triss's dream job turns into a nightmare when havoc breaks loose with the arrival of her brother's team of self-proclaimed paranormal investigators. Their determination to find a rumored one-hundredth door--a dangerous portal to the madness long said to plague the mansion--results in calamity, leaving Triss no choice but to unravel the truth or watch her brother slip forever beyond her reach.

A shadowy tale of historical hauntings and present-day mysteries masterfully penned by acclaimed thriller author Jaime Jo Wright, who is "in a class by herself" (Library Journal).

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Mystery, Dual Timeline, Christian, Fiction, Gothic

352 pages, Paperback

Published April 7, 2026

About the author

Daphne 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!

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jaime Jo Wright has done it again - harnessed the triple H’s of horror, haunted, and hope - to present us with an eerie dual timeline that’s rich in atmosphere and mystery.

As with most of her gothic fiction, Wright has nailed the gothic architecture with Ambrose Fields, a haunted Civil War-era mansion, where both heroines of her dual timeline come in contact with a vengeful Civil War ghost. The mansion, previously used to serve the wounded, is now unsettling the characters, and they vow to get to the source of the superstitions.

Wright has also shown how the weight of the past impacts the present. The ghosts of the past most definitely touch the Bookshop of 99 Doors, and the rumours about a 100th door fuelled the sightings and gave them plausibility. My heart was pounding as the characters dealt with what haunted them, knowing that reminders of the past always come back. The building terror Wright crafts in her slow arc brought out goosebumps on me and had me frantically trying to identify my fear. The tension and anticipation were paramount, making Wright’s subtle unsettling more outstanding.

What I love about Wright’s stories is that they’re like a Scooby Doo cartoon; She holds our hand through the dark and spooky and shows us that we don’t need to stay there, that there’s a reason for our discomfort. All of a sudden, poof, the paranormal activity is explained. And hope, it’s ALWAYS there. I love that.

If you love Wright’s storytelling, you’ll get lost in this historical haunting - there are so many doors to open and close!

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Janae McNally · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re an “ain’t no ghost but the Holy Ghost” kind of ghost story person, this book is for you. Triss is running from her ghost-hunting family and ends up in a Civil War-era house—basically every ghost hunter’s dream.

Told from two points of view across two different time periods in the house’s history, the story weaves together tragedy and mystery beautifully. It delivers genuine thrills without crossing boundaries, handling the spiritual elements with class and a clear nod to faith. I especially appreciated the reminder that while the darker side of the spiritual realm may be real, most of the trouble we face comes from people—very much an “it was Old Man Jenkins all along” vibe.

It took me a little while to get fully invested, but overall I really enjoyed this clean ghost story and its thoughtful integration of faith. Add in a little romance, and it made for a great cozy mystery.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House for the complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Alicia (aliciasbooksanctuary) · Rating 5 out of 5]

OVERALL STAR RATING: 5/5
CLEAN RATING: 5/5

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Baker Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Reviewing @jaimejowright novels has proven to be one of my most challenging tasks as a Bookstagrammer! LOL I can never properly put into words how exceptional her writing is. I want to scream from the top of my lungs how PHENOMENAL her books are, yet I can’t say much because, well…spoilers! Her stories are a journey of jaw dropping suspense from start to finish. One thing about Jaime’s books – I can never properly speculate how things are going to turn out and what reveals are coming. Any working theories I have while reading go down the drain. I’m always wrong and always shocked at the outcome at the end. How she continues to write such twisted stories blows my mind. Always dual-timeline, gothic Christian suspense that will likely spook you, but shock you with how the dots all connect at the end. I just have no words. I mean, clearly, I came up with some…but they don’t feel adequate. I absolutely beg you to pick up this author’s work if you haven’t yet. You won’t regret it!

In this novel we follow Minnie Tipton in 1888 and Trissa Bellamy in present day. Both women find themselves a part of the haunting spectacle of an infamous Pennsylvania mansion. Rumor has it that the spirit of a Civil War captain haunts the property who was apparently connected to gruesome murders. The mansion has 99 doors, but the long running theory is that a 100th door has yet to be found – the secret door acting as a portal for the haunting spirits that continue to wreak havoc. Both Minnie and Trissa are determined to unearth the many unanswered questions to this seemingly haunted house.

The Christian faith elements layered into this story were stunning. SO well done and heartfelt. Again, I don’t want to spoil and say too much, but I was incredibly impressed with this storyline.

*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was very spooky and I didn't like the present day story as well. I'd have liked it to be longer to give the characters more of a resolution as the ending felt rather abrupt. However, other than those two gripes, I very much enjoyed the story and would like to see what happens to both sets of characters next.

[Janixa - Her Bible and Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Wow! Wow! This book was AMAZING! The suspense was top notch! It had me a little afraid to walk my house alone at night lol.
Sometimes books are predictable and easy to figure out but that was not the case with The Bookshop of 99 Doors! I had no idea what was happening at Ambrose Fields until it was revealed and the truth was better than I expected!

I LOVED the dual timelines! It kept the story moving along beautifully and kept me engaged and wanting more. If you like a good historical mystery with some faith elements sprinkled throughout, The Bookshop of 99 Doors is the book for you!

Jaime Jo Wright has a new number one fan!

[Joanne | wellreadcoffeeaddict · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love a good Jaime Jo Wright book, but this book sat on the very edge of a line I don’t want to cross. I had the thought halfway through that I should just dnf it, but because I’ve read so many of her books before and trust the direction she takes, I kept reading. While the ending does explain away the ‘ghosts and spirits’, I didn’t find it satisfactory enough for how creepy and weird the first half of the book was, nor did Triss’s journey to discovering what is truth come to any clear answers. I love Jaime’s books but this one was a miss for me.

[Janyre Tromp · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some authors you simply trust to deliver an experience—and Jaime Jo Wright is one of those rare storytellers who never misses. Set between an 1888 Pennsylvania mansion and its present-day life as a museum bookshop, this novel promises everything readers love about her work: dual timelines, a deeply atmospheric setting, and a mystery that hums with unease. The idea of a rumored “one-hundredth door” is especially compelling, hinting at secrets buried so deeply they’ve begun to shape—and possibly destroy—the lives around them.

At its core, the story carries a strong emotional thread, balancing gothic tension with deeply personal stakes. From Minnie’s fight to save her father to Triss’s determination to protect her brother, the pull of family and the weight of the past feel just as powerful as the haunting itself. With her signature blend of faith, suspense, and richly layered storytelling, Wright once again delivers a story that lingers—perfect for readers who love eerie intrigue grounded in heart.

[Emily Waits (emilylovesreading_) · Rating 4 out of 5]

(I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.)

Believe it or not, “The Bookshop of 99 Doors” is the first Jamie Jo Wright book I’ve ever read! I always hear amazing things, and I’m happy I was finally able to read one of her books! I really enjoy gothic mysteries–think “Rebecca” or “The Woman in White,” so I really should’ve picked this author up sooner!

This story is a dual POV, dual timeline novel, which takes place in two vastly different but somehow connected times, with two very different but also connected women. The story follows Minnie Tipton in 1910 and Triss Bellamy in the present day as they both find themselves at Ambrose House, a house full of history, mysteries, and tragedy.

I especially enjoyed Minnie’s POV, but I found the stories of both women to be fascinating. The suspense and the mysteries were very well done! I truly could not figure out what would happen next or who the perpetrator was in either timeline until the very end when everything came together.

I also really enjoyed the faith elements of this story and the themes of seeking God and the truth setting you free.

I definitely enjoyed this story and would absolutely recommend it to anyone who loves gothic mysteries and Christian fiction!

A warning to readers: paranormal investigations are described but not condoned.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure a ghost story mixed with Christian fiction really works for me. I didn't fully buy into either element.

Now with that said, the characters were a strong point. They were likable and there was enough backstory to keep things moving and to keep things interesting. The premise of the 99 doors was also very creative and gave the story a unique hook.

Two timelines were used and they both had their strengths, but more often than not, they felt overly complicated. It has hard to stay fully engaged.

Overall, the characters and the 99 doors shined, but I can't say that about the mix of genres and the conclusion. So 3 stars.

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actual rating: 4.5 stars.

The Bookshop of 99 Doors is a split-time suspenseful mystery, one following Minnie Tipton in 1888 and Triss Bellamy in the present day. The stories of the two women are bound together by a shared setting: Ambrose Fields, a mysterious and haunting manor in Pennsylvania. In Minnie’s time period, we follow her story after she and her father take up residence in the manor as she seeks to uncover the mysteries of the manor, what is haunting her father, and why they moved into this dark home in the first place. In the present, we follow Triss as she takes a job manning the bookshop in the manor-turned museum.

This story—and all of Wright’s body of work— is absolutely fantastic for those who love ghost stories and scary movies but are trying to be more Christ-honoring in their media consumption. And I definitely fit into that camp. In this novel we are invited into haunting locale, the kind of massive and mysterious home that has been central to countless horror stories. Ambrose Fields boasts 99 doors, with a rumored hundredth door that is believed to open into the spirit world, the realm of the dead. Spawning from that rumor, as well as the manor’s bloodied history, there have been “sightings” of ghosts, those of murderous civil war captains and creepy little girls. And in Minnie’s time, there is also Mrs. Pickston, the deeply unsettling and off-putting housekeeper who brought to mind Mrs. Danvers from Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca.

Minnie's father has PTSD (before that was a diagnosis) from fighting in the Civil War. She fears death, as she's not completely sold on the existence of Heaven, and fears the death of her father, which would leave her alone in the world. She is afraid of four things: the unknown, the unseen, the unexplainable, and the uncontrollable.

Triss comes from a family of highly “spiritual” people, those who care too much about spirits and the macabre and what can't been seen. Mom is a "Christian medium," Dad is a funeral director, and brother Casper has a ghost hunter show. Triss has an inability to take anything on faith, good or bad, because of it. She is filled with doubt over everything. It's one of her biggest struggles. She scared of the dark and what rests there because she's seen things she can't explain. And yet, the reason she ran from her family is because their spiritualism didn’t mesh with her fledgling Christian faith. It is through her beliefs and her struggles with them that we get much of the faith content for the story.

In the past, I’ve heard Wright describe her own work as “Scooby Doo for adults,” in that she tackles something seemingly supernatural and unmasks it by the end of the book, and I can’t think of a more apt description. The Bookshop of 99 Doors is the fifth book I’ve read from Jaime Jo Wright, and it’s without a doubt my favorite to date. I’ve enjoyed all of those I’ve read, but in this particular book Wright is more blatant and unashamed with her inclusion of faith than was true of the other novels I’ve read from her, and the story was stronger for it.


Below are some of my favorite quotes from the book:

“So you’re afraid of ghosts.”
“I suppose I am,” she admitted. “I’m afraid of who they might really be. I’m afraid of what I can’t see, what we can’t explain. There’s a power there, and whether you think the spirit is a dead person like Captain Vickers, or something far darker, I don’t want to try to make friends with it anymore.”
“No one expects you to make friends with spirits, Triss.”
“No, just to make contact with them.” She shook her head. “But isn’t it safer to reach out to God? Isn’t He the one who created everything? Why give them the power over my curiosity when God could have it?”

"Coincidence is for the faithless, Miss Tipton. You know the secret your father hides from you and why it is you’re here at Ambrose Fields."

"So you see, Miss Tipton, even the most pious can be wicked. And as for those accused of wickedness? Well, we can be good.”

“God doesn’t make himself so complex and mysterious that He cannot be found by you.”

“God is not a ghost who haunts your room at night, Minnie. He works mysteriously, yes, but always with peace, not confusion.”

"And what of this door? Must we truly believe the deceased go to-and-fro through it, or is that a diversion from what it really is?”

"She’d accepted a new belief that God was bigger than everything she had ever experienced. A belief that if she pursued knowing Him, then she had joined the ultimate investigation. An investigation of who God was and whether the promises He’d made in Scripture were trustworthy and could be counted on."

"I’m still trying to figure it all out, but I believe there’s good and there’s evil, and I believe God is good. So I need to test what I can and can’t see, and if it’s not in line with who God is, then I need to be wary of it.”

"It was the insatiable human quest to seek what one could not hold onto, be it wealth or fame or legacy. These were the true ghosts. And the paranormal were the distractions that summoned the spiritually hungry away from what was already there and waiting."

“I will chase after truth with you, even if it hurts.”

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

“God doesn’t make himself so complex and mysterious that He cannot be found by you.“

I have come to a decision, y’all. Even though I know Jaime Jo Wright always has a perfectly natural explanation – rather than a supernatural one – for the shiver-inducing things that go bump in the night (and sometimes the day too) in her Gothic mysteries, I’m going to quit trying to figure it out ahead of the reveal. Because, let’s face it, I’m not very good at it. Mostly, it only takes me about two chapters into each new novel by Wright to say, “Okay. THIS time it HAS to really be a ghost because I can’t figure out any other explanation.” But this uber-talented author clearly can – and does – and I am officially surrendering to her brilliant storytelling and all the deliciously spooky possibilities as well as the ‘Scooby-Doo’ answers she seamlessly incorporates. And The Bookshop of 99 Doors is quite the perfect example of all of the above.

Both Minnie Tipton and Triss Bellamy intrigued me from the moment I met each heroine, their stories taking place in the same house over a hundred years apart, as is a fave aspect of all Jaime Jo Wright’s dual timeline Gothic novels. They each have more beneath the surface of their stories than we know upfront, and part of the readerly joy I found on these pages came from learning more about them and what has led them to the Ambrose Fields mansion in the shadow of Gettysburg and its infamous battle. For Minnie, in 1888, this house of 99 doors (and a rumored, secretive, 100th door) is her new home. For modern-day Triss, it’s also a job – the house itself having been turned into a museum which needed a bookshop manager. For both of them, it’s a place of grim secrets and ghostly rumors… and a multifaceted history. I could not tear myself away from any of these elements (or the hint of romance in each timeline too) until the answers are made known, and even then I wanted to linger just a little bit longer with these characters – including the setting itself. Oh man, and that 100th door?? The search for it across the timelines had me totally captivated. I would have loved to be exploring the mansion for clues to its existence right along with Minnie, Dexter, Triss, and Beck. (Though I confess the potential of running into the ghost of Captain Vickers would definitely have had me creeping around, glued to someone else’s back with my heart in my throat haha.)

“You’ll find the truth, and you don’t have to look alone… And you are promised by God himself that if you search for Him, the truth will set you free.”

Bottom Line: The Bookshop of 99 Doors is definitely going to forevermore be one of my fave Jaime Jo Wright books. I absolutely loved the immersive & atmospheric setting, the mysteries that seem to be synonymous with the old house (it was even old in Minnie’s day), and the unexpected plot twists that caught even this seasoned reader off guard. Not to mention, the story within a story – a novel by an author that Wright had me so convinced were real that I googled both. And let’s not forget that Wright also isn’t afraid to explore complex issues like wrestling between faith and doubt, or even between faith in God and spiritualism, as well as other deep things that I won’t mention here lest I spoil any plot points for you. Suffice it to say, this is a story that will capture your full imagination and give your soul something to feast on at the same time. If you love the idea of a book where Poe meets Scooby-Doo meets Jesus, then The Bookshop of 99 Doors needs to be high on your TBR list!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Alison (readinginazaleawoods) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A person hopes they can lead a quiet and simple life, one that isn’t shrouded in secrets and suffocated by lies. This is what I had hoped for. It was not to be.” — Minnie Tipton

Jaime Jo Wright is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.

This is only my second novel by her, but as of now, it’s my favorite.

With a haunting atmosphere, layered suspense, emotional depth, and thoughtful faith elements, Wright’s writing is masterful and flows almost like a waltz—moving effortlessly between suspense, mystery, heartbreak, and truth. Every chapter pulled me deeper into the story.

While this dual timeline centers around a historic Pennsylvania estate, rumored hauntings, and the mystery surrounding a dangerous “one-hundredth door,” it’s also a story about love, forgiveness, perseverance, and fighting for truth. We see acts of bravery alongside acts of desperation, and we’re reminded how grief, war, and heartbreak can leave devastating wounds in their wake. Lies may feel justified for a time, but truth always has a way of coming to light.

One thing I especially appreciated was how thoughtfully Wright handled the supernatural elements throughout the novel. She explores both biblical and nonbiblical perspectives through the characters and their experiences, while ultimately making it clear where truth stands through the lens of God’s Word. There are perceived spiritual elements present throughout the story, but it never crossed into anything overly dark or unsettling, and I thought she balanced this incredibly well.

If you’re looking for a story that will take you into history while also pulling you into a present-day mystery involving paranormal investigators—where fiction and truth collide, and themes of faith, family, forgiveness, and restoration are woven throughout—I highly recommend picking this one up.

Thank you @bethanyhousefiction for my copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Content to Consider: Murder, death by fire, grief and loss of family members, addiction, kidnapping, paranormal investigation themes, and perceived supernatural activity/spiritual elements.

[Tawni Suchy · Rating 5 out of 5]

And another Jaime Jo Wright book had me sleeping with one eye open, on the edge of my seat, and filtering through a million different logical explanations.

As someone who used to watch Ghost hunter type adventures on TV, I found this book especially fascinating. The whole obsession with searching for the paranormal was something the Lord convicted me of many years ago now, but this story handled the topic very well.

Because like every other Jaime Jo Wright mystery, this one had an explanation behind it. All the things that went bump in the night had a purpose and ultimately pointed back to reality and standing on the Lord--even if that foundation may be a little shaky. I found that specific part of the story extra realistic, because the FMC did not have a perfect relationship with Jesus. She was seeking and He was waiting for her.

I enjoyed both the past and present timelines and can't say which I really liked more than the other. They both brought their own twists and excitement.

Overall I found this to be a fabulous read and certainly wouldn't mind reading it again!

RATINGS:
✝️✝️ ✝️ .5
💋
16+

*I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher but all opinions are my own.

[(Katie) Paperbacks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mysterious ghosts, ghost hunters and people acting out of sorts?

Jaime Jo Wright's newest book kept me on my toes. Trying to figure out what was going on along the way. I really enjoyed the dual perspectives and the characters in each time. I actually think I enjoyed both timelines about equally. Really liked the mystery of the 99 Doors

*Thank you to the publisher for a complimentary book, all thoughts are always my own.

[Rachel {bibliopals} · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐
Not at all what I was expecting. I should have read the description better. I like thrillers, but not with dark spirits and trying to contact the dead.
I thought it was a Christian fiction...
Maybe it's because this is the first book I've read of this author, but I couldn't tell her view on spirits and ghosts until the very end. (Looked at her other books, think this might be her thing-not likely to read any more of hers) Her mentions of following Christ seemed forced and not authentic. Almost stopped reading several times.

[Elizabeth Eckmeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, the negative about every one of Jamie Jo Wrights books is they have to end. It always makes me sad. I devour the books so fast because of what a page turner they are. This one was no exception!! 


Minnie Tipton moved to Ambrose Fields with her father as a young adult. When moving there things quickly are not as they seem. Her father becomes sick and she inherited a housekeeper that is less then welcoming to both of them. 


Triss ballamy is running from her old life to Ambrose Fields to a new job as the book shop manager. Soon her past comes back to haunt her. She has to decide who she is and where she is going. 


The Bookshop of 99 doors is a page turning mystery that will have you guessing until the last chapter. Everyone of Jamie Jo Wrights books are amazing! It is a great read! 


A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Baker Publishing Group through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Jaime Jo Wright has done it again! What a compelling story that keeps you guessing and ends on a hopeful note!

Reading a Jaime Jo Wright book is an experience. I usually put it off for a while and then wonder why I waited! In The Bookshop of 99 Doors, two women from different times, but the same place search for answers. Full of ghost stories and hauntings, they search for the truth. And sometimes that truth is hard. We live in a broken world. "Wherever you want to go. I will chase after truth with you, even if it hurts."

I love this quote from the author's note: "Life is a legacy you leave behind for the generations to come. Live it well. Live it fully. Live it honorably. Live your life in such a way that whatever is revealed later will offer hope and a future to those who discover it."

If you like stories that keep you guessing, stories that have hope, stories with a side of creepy, look no further, Jaime Jo Wright has a corner on this market!

Thank you to the publisher and net galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmm. I like where it landed in the end, but it was a tortuously twisty ride. I seriously considered abandoning it more than once.

This one didn’t seem as plausible as other books I’ve read by this author.

[Katie (kt_readz) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[SusanReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw another review that mentioned Wright’s Scooby Doo effect which came to my mind as well. There is always an explanation for the “ghostly” aspects in her stories.
I consistently enjoy JJW’s books, and this was no exception. However, I finished this one and was left wanting more continuity, suspense, and depth to relationships.
My favorite quote from the story: “ It was the insatiable human quest to seek what one could not hold onto, be it wealth or fame or legacy. These were the true ghosts. And the paranormal were the distractions that summoned the spiritually hungry away from what was already there and waiting.” pg. 311

[Adrianna | cozycraftyreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book. An absolutely phenomenal suspense. With ghost hunters and faith mixed together, I didn’t know what to expect. But, I really enjoyed reading it.

One thing I always appreciate about Jaime Jo Wright’s books is how well she seamlessly merges two timelines. Though they each may have their own story, they fit together perfectly and make the story jump off of the pages. You know it’s a winner when you’re equally invested in both, and get so excited to jump between.

With this story, I was hooked within the first couple of chapters and it was nearly impossible for me to put down. I loved the character development, appreciated how well the author slowly revealed the truth of it all, and knew it would easily be a favorite.

And her inclusion of faith through the story? Well done. It can be difficult to add it into suspense novels, especially ghost type stories. But how she did it, and resolved it? Just…wow.

Absolutely one I’d recommend. If you like suspense novels, dual timeline books, and great writing, then this one may be for you!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from Bethany House Fiction and Jaime Jo Wright. However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.

[Suzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn’t put The Bookshop of 99 Doors down. The spooky, paranormal elements mixed with a bit of a mystery kept me hooked the whole time. The dual timeline added a lot of interest and depth, and I loved how everything eventually came together.

Wright’s stories always feel so carefully crafted, and this one is no different. It’s twisty, atmospheric, and builds to an ending that’s really satisfying.

If you like Gothic suspense, haunted mansions, wonderfully eerie moments, some faith elements, and great storytelling, this one is definitely worth picking up.

[Chris Jager · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want a book full of things that go bump in the night, The Bookshop with 99 Doors is the book for you. Not only does it have a murderous Civil war officers wandering the halls, there is also a creepy little girl ghost who pops in and out at the worst possible moments.
Once again Jaime Jo Wright weaves a story that keeps the reader turning pages as fast as they can to find the answers to mystery that is keeping them up at night. It is always fun to read Wright’s books. She takes the reader on a journey that not only is a ghost story, she makes you want to understand the characters and what they are going through. Which just adds layers to the story.
So wait for a bright sunny day and this will be a perfect read, just get it done before dark.

[Becky Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I learned to be afraid. That was the way of it. I thought Papa and I would create a new life with new memories. Instead, we entered a nightmare.”

Every sentence of The Bookshop of 99 Doors makes me feel more like I am creeping down a drafty, moldy, critter- infested staircase leading to a forbidden tunnel, unable to stop myself. Jaime Jo Wright is a master of creating spooky atmospheres, and her words suck me in, daring and enticing me to proceed with the story.

I enjoy trying to piece together the puzzles that Wright presents in this dual timeline ( because, to me, a dual timeline is like a puzzle, with the author feeding you a piece or two at a time). I have yet to figure out one of the total mysteries that Wright lays out, but it sure is intriguing to try! I was curious enough to check out her Pinterest boards for help in imagining the characters as she envisioned them.

In the historical story, Wright transports us to Ambrose Fields, PA in 1888. Spinster Minnie Tipton and her slightly deranged father move to an new home, a mansion that is purported to be haunted by Civil War-era ghosts. Minnie struggles to manage her father’s reputation and her standing as new mistress of the home. She also battles the rumors of a massacre and ghosts in the home, a secret 100th door, and a vagabond ne’er-do-well who begins hanging around. Who has the truth and who will tell it?

In the present day, Triss Bellamy has secured a new job as bookshop manager for the museum that was Ambrose Fields. He own phantoms from the past rise to pursue her when her brother, Casper, and his best friend, Beck Monroe, show up to film an episode of Haunted Frequencies. Strange things begin to happen. In the mansion and to Casper, team lead. The same rumors from over a century ago surface, and the race is on to find the 100th door. Will finding it bring closure to the eerie, frightening events and healing for Casper, or will its discovery unleash even more evil and chaos? And of course, how will the two storylines be woven together into one connected cord?

I wasn’t sure what to make of most of the the characters. Did each belong on the villain or the hero side? Often, I just couldn't determine the truth. I loved that Dexter, whatever the truth about his survival was, exhorts Minnie to look for the truth. He urges her to turn to God. “…give Him your full attention. Because when you have nothing left…He is all you can rely on.”

What a great story, traversing from eerily spooky to nearly supernatural (not in good way) to faith and logic, showing God’s Power over events and hearts. And I love the great twists! I liked how Wright shows we don’t have to leave others behind in our pursuit of Truth, even though they may not be at the same stage we are. Probably my biggest takeaway from this story.

I received a copy of the book from publisher via Netgalley. I also bought my own pb copy for my “trophy shelf.” No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“A door is just an opening. It is what comes through the door that I don’t trust. Whether it goes inside or comes out. Whether spirit or real.” - Dexter

“It’s the door...We need to close the door… The one-hundredth door!”- Birdie

“…emotions could be wicked and unreliable. They doomed a person to shame, to assumptions larger than life, and to grief that overtook you. Emotions were not something to be followed or even believed. Emotions led one astray from the truth, from what was right and what was real. They betrayed you. They betrayed others. Just like Mama had betrayed Papa.” - (Minnie)

“…how one views God influences how they view those who have wronged them.” - Dexter

“Perhaps she was truly afraid of four things. The unknown, the unseen, the unexplainable, and the uncontrollable.“ - (Minnie)

“If anyone knew anything about paranormal investigating, it was that spirits weren’t always friendly—and they weren’t always the spirits of the dead. Sometimes they were darker, more dangerous, and they could make people sick.” - (Triss)

“He’d have to choose between his life as he now lived it or follow her on her quest to find peace in someone greater. God. Not a god or all things being god, but the God. The Creator.” (Beck)

“If fear took human form, it would be a ghoulish creature.”- Victor Barringsworth, Esq.

[Andrea Anderson-Bain · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bookshop of 99 Doors

✨ Reading Mood:

Author: Jaime Jo Wright
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)

My Review:

April has really brought me some incredible reads and even a few new favorite books and authors—and Jaime Jo Wright’s The Bookshop of 99 Doors is absolutely one of them. This was such an incredible, atmospheric read!

At its core, this is a story about good and evil, about tragedy and mystery, and ultimately about turning our attention back to the true Creator who holds us through it all—even when everything around us feels uncertain or dark.

This is an eerie dual timeline novel set at Ambrose Fields, a haunting Civil War-era mansion turned museum, known for its mysterious 99 doors. In 1910, we follow Minnie Tipton as she tries to uncover the mansion’s unsettling past in hopes of bringing peace to her ailing father. But what she finds only deepens the fear surrounding Ambrose Fields and begins to threaten her own sense of reality.

In present day, Triss Bellamy steps into what feels like a dream job—becoming the bookshop manager inside the mansion-turned-museum. But that dream quickly unravels when her brother, Casper, and his paranormal investigative team are brought in to explore the mansion’s secrets. As they dig deeper, the line between curiosity and danger begins to blur, and Triss watches helplessly as her brother starts to slip beyond her reach.

The history within this story is haunting, but also so beautifully written, and I loved how everything was woven together across both timelines. It gave the entire story such depth and emotional weight, almost like the past and present were echoing into one another.

As the two timelines slowly intertwine, the truth behind Ambrose Fields is finally brought to light in a way that is both haunting and deeply powerful.

I really appreciated how this story balances an eerie, suspenseful atmosphere with meaningful spiritual undertones. It gently reminds us that while there is a very real darkness in the spiritual realm that we should be mindful of, much of the brokenness and fear we face in this world stems from human hearts that have turned away from goodness and truth.

This was haunting in the best way—immersive, thought-provoking, and one I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:32

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say??? Jaime Jo Wright sure knows how to write an excellent mystery full of suspense, spooky happenings and dare I say...hope.

I truly enjoyed this book and the dual timeline mystery. Minnie in the 1888 timeline and Triss in the contemporary timeline are both intriguing characters. They are strong, but they have times of weakness and vulnerability. Their personalities and experiences come alive on the pages of this book. The writing is superb and the reader is transported into the pages of this book. I experienced my heart racing alongside the characters in all of the spooky and suspenseful moments that happen.

This book is full of twists and turns and it took me until practically the end to find out who is the culprit in each timeline. I had suspicions and then retractions as to who I thought it was but as always...she surprises us all. I loved how she wrote 2 of her cats into this book and the moments with Triss and the cats were definitely some of the lighter moments of the book.

There are some very strong Christian faith elements which I loved. Triss is trying to get away from her family's paranormal investigation lifestyle as she knows it's against her growing faith. Minnie is trying to figure out who she can trust and is learning about God in her life as well, especially after meeting an intriguing Quaker gentleman.

There are so many quoteworthy parts of this book and I wanted to share two of my favorite quotes in this review:

"If God isn't safe, then we have nothing left to believe in."

"God doesn't make himself so complex and mysterious that He cannot be found by you."

These two quotes are the tip of the iceberg in this well written story. I just want to tell anyone that's a fan of Jaime's other books or enjoys Christian suspense stories to check this one out. This may have many dark places, but there really is a lot of hope and light sprinkled into the story. This is definitely one of my top reads so far in 2026.

Thank you to the author and publisher Bethany House for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. I was not required to leave a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wright's stories always include a wonderful fascination with hauntings and a deep history about a place that has been misunderstood over time. Through the eyes of Minnie Tipton and Triss Bellamy, we learn much about the haunted history of the Ambrose Estate.

Minnie's story follows her and her father moving into the property and his sickness during their stay. Minnie has been warned about the ghost stories surrounding Captain Vickers haunting the halls after he supposedly took out his own group of men inside these walls. As Minnie continues to uncover those mysteries, she finds that the history of the house isn't that far removed from her own.

Then in present day, Triss Bellamy is the manager of the estates bookshop and also tries to escape her own haunted history. Her family is renowned for their ghost hunting skills, but Triss wants to move in from all that. That is until her new employer brings her family's haunting skills directly to the property.

Both timelines are women working to unravel the secrets and each has their own stake in the matter. I loved both women's determination for different reasons. Minnie is trying to help hose around her that have been harmed by the history of the home and Triss is working to set those secrets to bed.

A great story about how history is always intertwined with our present and only when we see through the distractions, can we see what's right in front of us all the time.

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two timelines:
1888 at the fictitious Ambrose Fields Estate, Pennsylvania, not far from Gettysburg
And current day, same location, but the mansion had been turned into a historical site with a bookshop.

Current day Main Characters:
Triss Bellamy (aka Viatrix Lockhart), born to a family of superstitious ghost hunters
Casper Lockhart, Triss’s brother
Beck Monroe, Casper’s ghost-hunting partner
Mrs. Nickles, managing director of the historical property
Merlin, part-time archivist

1888 Main Characters:
Minnie Tipton, daughter of Ambrose Fields Estate new owner
Mrs. Pickston, long time estate housekeeper, unkind
Bertram Tipton, Minnie’s father, emotionally damaged from the Civil War
Dexter Price, A Quaker neighbor whose farm burned down 8 months before, family gone with it

I’ll have to look back in my past Jaime Jo Wright reviews, but I think I must say, "This was my favorite" often. This might be my new favorite, though. I had some questions about the so-called spirits that one of the characters saw most of her life, but I love how Miss Wright turned it around to be the character's search for truth in God, rather than in the spirit realm.

The mansion called Ambrose Fields had 99 doors in it. It was rumored that there were really 100 doors, but the last door couldn’t be found. That elusive door was the topic in both time frames. No one knew where it was, and no one knew what was behind it. However, it was rumored that it was where spirits lived, ghosts. And if anyone found the door and opened it, it would let loose something no one wanted to experience.

That’s as far as I will go with this review because there’s so much to the book, and none of it should be given away. Extremely entertaining, and a book I will definitely read again.

As far as the faith element, I can’t say that the current day was particularly Christian, more of a generic God inclusion. However, in 1888 the gentleman neighbor who was a Quaker had plenty to say about faith. He was absolutely my favorite character… not at first, but he really grew on me.

Really good book I will remember!

[Melinda | bookswithmelin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jaime Jo Wright, a creepy old manor, and a bookshop.. what a perfect combination for the most gothic, atmospheric story!
True to her fashion, Wright includes a duel timeline, mystery, ghosts, and dynamic characters with complex pasts.

This one wasn’t as spooky or as gripping as others I’ve read by this author but still very enjoyable. I was left with a couple of questions (mild spoilers ahead):

1. If Triss was so bent on avoiding ghosts: the unknown, why did she continue to read a book that’s full of dark spirits and themes as entertainment?
2. Also, I would have loved to have a clearer understanding and story with Triss’s faith compared to her family’s, such as how did she come to want deeper truth than what her family believed, or for her to end with a more solid knowledge of who God says He is, etc.

[Ann's Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

IN LOVE 😍😍 As always another 5 ⭐ read! I love books about books and this one knocked it out of the park! And plot twists?! Huge! I definitely didn't see them coming! Expertly wove the two stories together and the search for truth and inner peace❤️ The history was also very interesting and very detailed. I want to go there now myself! And I do believe this is her first book that wasn't set in Wisconsin but instead Pennsylvania. Very excited to see her write in different states and hopes there are more to come!! Thank you Jaime❤️

A Forever Fan💖😍