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Joseph Bridgeman #3
The Observer Effect
Time calls the shots.
Unwitting time traveler Joseph Bridgeman is adjusting to life in the present and wondering if his traveling days are behind him. But when he’s contacted by The Continuum, an organized group of time travelers based in the future, he learns his career is just getting started.
The Continuum needs Joe’s help. One of their operatives is missing, last seen in nineteenth-century Paris and they believe Joe’s ability to see the past might be the only way to find him. Teamed up with Gabrielle Green, an acerbic, wisecracking traveler, Joe heads back to 1873 on his most dangerous mission yet, one that will take him deep inside a burning opera house.
But how will Joe succeed when his new companion clearly hates his guts, the missing traveler disappears the second anyone sets eyes on him, and a familiar foe threatens to trap them in the past for good? With help on hand from his best friend, Vinny, and mysterious clues hidden in his sister Amy’s paintings, Joe must hone his gift, develop new skills, and figure out a way to complete his mission before the blazing inferno comes crashing down around them all.
Unwitting time traveler Joseph Bridgeman is adjusting to life in the present and wondering if his traveling days are behind him. But when he’s contacted by The Continuum, an organized group of time travelers based in the future, he learns his career is just getting started.
The Continuum needs Joe’s help. One of their operatives is missing, last seen in nineteenth-century Paris and they believe Joe’s ability to see the past might be the only way to find him. Teamed up with Gabrielle Green, an acerbic, wisecracking traveler, Joe heads back to 1873 on his most dangerous mission yet, one that will take him deep inside a burning opera house.
But how will Joe succeed when his new companion clearly hates his guts, the missing traveler disappears the second anyone sets eyes on him, and a familiar foe threatens to trap them in the past for good? With help on hand from his best friend, Vinny, and mysterious clues hidden in his sister Amy’s paintings, Joe must hone his gift, develop new skills, and figure out a way to complete his mission before the blazing inferno comes crashing down around them all.
344 pages, Hardcover
First published March 15, 2022
81 people are currently reading
2350 people want to read
About the author
Nick Jones
19 books633 followersAuthor of the Joseph Bridgeman series. Page-turning time travel mysteries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews
April 11, 2022
Joe Bridgeman is back home in 2020, after his previous time travelling adventures in 1960s London, where he prevented the death of a woman critically important to the future. Working in his London antiques store, he’s wondering if he will ever get to travel in time again, when he’s contacted by the Continuum, an organisation of time travellers formed in the future. They have a new job for him to do if he’s willing to time travel again.
One of their agents has disappeared and appears to have been kidnapped by a rogue time traveller. He has been tracked to Paris in 1873, to the site of the Salle Le Peletier Opera House just before it was destroyed in a fire. Although time travel doesn’t allow the Continuum to change large events in history that were observed by a lot of people, such as the fire itself, they are able to make subtle changes to less observed events that may impact on the future. The Continuum is sending agent Gabrielle Green to change the outcome of the fire for one man in particular. If Joe accepts the new job, he will accompany Gabrielle on her mission back in time to Paris in an attempt to locate the missing agent and send him home.
This third novel in the series builds on the events that occurred in the first two books. Although the novel could still be enjoyed as a stand-alone, it’s worthwhile taking the time to make the whole journey with Joe and his sister Amy from the beginning of the series. In this episode, Joe not only learns more about how to use his own special abilities but also about the Continuum and its work. The mix of some magic with some futuristic scifi in the novel makes for a good combination to support the rules and mechanism of the time travel without going overboard with gadgets and wizardry.
The dynamics between the characters are one of the best features of this series and the prickly relationship between Gabrielle and Joe adds some amusement to the novel as well as leaving Joe stumbling in the dark working things out for himself. Fortunately, back in 2020, Joe has his best friend Vinny, who accompanied on his trip to 1960s London and understands what he has been through to help keep him grounded. Vinny is such a delightful character with his love of life and unique approach to problems that I really hope he gets to accompany Joe on another trip at some stage.
This is both a smart and fun time travel series. Nineteenth century Paris comes vividly alive in full colour and texture as Gabrielle and Joe visit the opera house and its staff and patrons just prior to and during the fire. Although the tale of the Phantom of the Opera is associated with the Palais Garnier, the subsequent home of the Paris Opera after the fire, glimpses of a phantom might be seen in this opera house. Against this colourful backdrop, it’s easy to become engrossed in this fascinating plot which culminates in a thrilling climax. Fortunately, Nick Jones has left the way open for Joe to engage in more time travelling adventures in the future as he becomes further involved with the Continuum. 4.5★
With thanks to Blackstone Publishing via Netgalley for a copy to read. Original review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/th...
One of their agents has disappeared and appears to have been kidnapped by a rogue time traveller. He has been tracked to Paris in 1873, to the site of the Salle Le Peletier Opera House just before it was destroyed in a fire. Although time travel doesn’t allow the Continuum to change large events in history that were observed by a lot of people, such as the fire itself, they are able to make subtle changes to less observed events that may impact on the future. The Continuum is sending agent Gabrielle Green to change the outcome of the fire for one man in particular. If Joe accepts the new job, he will accompany Gabrielle on her mission back in time to Paris in an attempt to locate the missing agent and send him home.
This third novel in the series builds on the events that occurred in the first two books. Although the novel could still be enjoyed as a stand-alone, it’s worthwhile taking the time to make the whole journey with Joe and his sister Amy from the beginning of the series. In this episode, Joe not only learns more about how to use his own special abilities but also about the Continuum and its work. The mix of some magic with some futuristic scifi in the novel makes for a good combination to support the rules and mechanism of the time travel without going overboard with gadgets and wizardry.
The dynamics between the characters are one of the best features of this series and the prickly relationship between Gabrielle and Joe adds some amusement to the novel as well as leaving Joe stumbling in the dark working things out for himself. Fortunately, back in 2020, Joe has his best friend Vinny, who accompanied on his trip to 1960s London and understands what he has been through to help keep him grounded. Vinny is such a delightful character with his love of life and unique approach to problems that I really hope he gets to accompany Joe on another trip at some stage.
This is both a smart and fun time travel series. Nineteenth century Paris comes vividly alive in full colour and texture as Gabrielle and Joe visit the opera house and its staff and patrons just prior to and during the fire. Although the tale of the Phantom of the Opera is associated with the Palais Garnier, the subsequent home of the Paris Opera after the fire, glimpses of a phantom might be seen in this opera house. Against this colourful backdrop, it’s easy to become engrossed in this fascinating plot which culminates in a thrilling climax. Fortunately, Nick Jones has left the way open for Joe to engage in more time travelling adventures in the future as he becomes further involved with the Continuum. 4.5★
With thanks to Blackstone Publishing via Netgalley for a copy to read. Original review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/th...
August 17, 2024
Well the gangs all back; Joe, his BF Vinny, and sis Amy for another time traveling escapade. In the first installment, where Joe went back in time to save Amy from dying, and then Amy told Joe in the last installment that she didn’t want him to tell her anything more about her past or future. However, now in #3, Amy can’t avoid it, visions of the future are coming to her and she’s painting scenes of her visions and dreams. It isn’t until Joe recognizes one of her paintings as something he just saw on a journey back in time for the Continuum; a painting she painted weeks ago. As he takes another journey back, he recognizes another one of Amy’s paintings. This storyline is actually a secondary storyline and there is another secondary storyline of Joe still trying to make up to Alexia for what the “other” Joe (pre time traveling Joe) for cheating on her.
”I want someone special to share my life with, to eat toast with, watch tv with, climb mountains, to put the world to rights, to laugh and cry with. If that were Alexia? I would feel like all my Christmases come at once.”
Joseph Bridgeman
The primary storyline is Joe is contacted again by the Continuum to help them find a missing traveler, Niles, who was last seen in a Paris opera house, in 1873, that burned down. The opera house conductor, Phillip, was seen going back into the burning opera house and the Continuum wants to know why. The Continuum, an organization of time travelers, was organized about 100yrs in the future. The Continuum developed a device that allows them to communicate through time with their 300+ time travelers all over the world. Joe gets read into the workings of the Continuum and implanted with the communication device in preparation for the journey back to Paris. Complicating matters is a disgruntled former Continuum student, Scarlett, who is trying to thwart the Continuum’s and Joe’s mission because she feels that the Continuum isn’t using time travel in the way she thinks it should be used.
Most of the story revolves around Joe going back to Paris and following through on his mission. Vinny (LOVE VINNY!!!) works in the background on research to help Joe find out more about Scarlett and Phillip and the opera house fire. On another note, there is another secondary storyline of Vinny finding out he has a 15yr daughter, Charlotte, who he is very nervous about meeting. Making matters worse, Vinny realizes that he is still hot for his ex and baby momma, Cassandra. Lots of entertainment and amusement in Vinny’s efforts to impress Cassandra as well as making a good impression on Charlotte.
I love a really great time travel story, and this is a really good time travel series with shades of sci-fi with tech and devices that are presented as so much more advanced than anything we’ve ever seen and won’t see for decades. There’s comedy and humor in the chemistry and interactions between some of the characters, especially Vinny and Gabrielle, Joe’s fellow time traveler, whose cover career is as a rock journalist. Just an overall fun reads that have me engrossed from start to end.
The continuing character development of Joe, Amy and Vinny is wonderful. I suspect that there will be more character development for the cast of characters at the Continuum as well as the other time travelers in later installments. The pacing was steady to fast and the story very interesting. The writing was well done and, for me, this was my fave installment, so far. The ending was a lead-in to the next installment that I look forward to finally getting around to reading. Loved the author's notes!!! I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.5 that I will be rounding upto a 5star rating.
”We often see vulnerability as a weakness, but the truth is that strength is about being honest, authentic and brave enough to show people who we are.”
Joseph Bridgeman
”I want someone special to share my life with, to eat toast with, watch tv with, climb mountains, to put the world to rights, to laugh and cry with. If that were Alexia? I would feel like all my Christmases come at once.”
Joseph Bridgeman
The primary storyline is Joe is contacted again by the Continuum to help them find a missing traveler, Niles, who was last seen in a Paris opera house, in 1873, that burned down. The opera house conductor, Phillip, was seen going back into the burning opera house and the Continuum wants to know why. The Continuum, an organization of time travelers, was organized about 100yrs in the future. The Continuum developed a device that allows them to communicate through time with their 300+ time travelers all over the world. Joe gets read into the workings of the Continuum and implanted with the communication device in preparation for the journey back to Paris. Complicating matters is a disgruntled former Continuum student, Scarlett, who is trying to thwart the Continuum’s and Joe’s mission because she feels that the Continuum isn’t using time travel in the way she thinks it should be used.
Most of the story revolves around Joe going back to Paris and following through on his mission. Vinny (LOVE VINNY!!!) works in the background on research to help Joe find out more about Scarlett and Phillip and the opera house fire. On another note, there is another secondary storyline of Vinny finding out he has a 15yr daughter, Charlotte, who he is very nervous about meeting. Making matters worse, Vinny realizes that he is still hot for his ex and baby momma, Cassandra. Lots of entertainment and amusement in Vinny’s efforts to impress Cassandra as well as making a good impression on Charlotte.
I love a really great time travel story, and this is a really good time travel series with shades of sci-fi with tech and devices that are presented as so much more advanced than anything we’ve ever seen and won’t see for decades. There’s comedy and humor in the chemistry and interactions between some of the characters, especially Vinny and Gabrielle, Joe’s fellow time traveler, whose cover career is as a rock journalist. Just an overall fun reads that have me engrossed from start to end.
The continuing character development of Joe, Amy and Vinny is wonderful. I suspect that there will be more character development for the cast of characters at the Continuum as well as the other time travelers in later installments. The pacing was steady to fast and the story very interesting. The writing was well done and, for me, this was my fave installment, so far. The ending was a lead-in to the next installment that I look forward to finally getting around to reading. Loved the author's notes!!! I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.5 that I will be rounding upto a 5star rating.
”We often see vulnerability as a weakness, but the truth is that strength is about being honest, authentic and brave enough to show people who we are.”
Joseph Bridgeman
January 5, 2023
4.5★s
The Observer Effect is the third book in the Joseph Bridgeman series by British author, Nick Jones. Two months after a successful mission back to the 1960s, Joe is getting viewings that feature Scarlett, the woman who locked an inexperienced time traveller like him into that vital mission. Now, she’s in sixteenth Century Macau, telling another time traveller that she can give him another chance to redeem his failed mission. And interfering with the very special pocket watch on which all time travellers rely.
That’s not the only thing disturbing Joe’s equilibrium: his sister Amy seems to be upset, and not just about their father’s blatant disregard of his only daughter; his friend Vinny has been told by an old flame that he’s a dad; and the woman Joe loves, Alexia Finch has taken an office right next to her new boyfriend’s, making Joe’s successful romancing of her even less likely.
But when he shares those viewings of Scarlett with one of the Continuum founders, Iris Mendel, in a mind-bending conversation with the future, it seems he’s going to have to travel to nineteenth Century Paris, to a burning opera house, to rescue that man, Nils Petersen, one of their most successful travellers.
He’ll be travelling in tandem with a cranky woman who’d rather he wasn’t coming along, but armed with the predictive images that Amy’s mad crazy mind-dumps produce. Gabriella Green makes it clear that she works better alone, thank you very much, but grudgingly takes rookie Joe with her, in period costume, false side-burns and all, if it will save Nils. Will they succeed?
Despite Gabrielle’s grumpiness, Joe does eventually learn quite a bit more about time travel: her reluctance to teach him makes for an effective device to give the reader facts without doing it with a massive info-dump. This instalment introduces new characters and expands on the roles that Joe and Amy will play as the story progresses.
Vinny remains a favourite, being an unfailing source of humour: ”I’m terrified of fire… My biggest fear is being barbecued. Let’s be frank, I’ve got some layers of fat on me. I’d burn for hours, like a ginormous man-candle. If I got caught by cannibals, they’d have quite a conundrum on their hands: ‘Do we eat him, or do we use him as a light source?’”
Reading this series in order is highly recommended as there are many spoilers in this book for the previous two and, read as a stand-alone, The Observer Effect would be rather confusing. It will be interesting to see what Nick Jones has in store for his protagonist in The Quantum Chain. This one is the best of the series so far.
The Observer Effect is the third book in the Joseph Bridgeman series by British author, Nick Jones. Two months after a successful mission back to the 1960s, Joe is getting viewings that feature Scarlett, the woman who locked an inexperienced time traveller like him into that vital mission. Now, she’s in sixteenth Century Macau, telling another time traveller that she can give him another chance to redeem his failed mission. And interfering with the very special pocket watch on which all time travellers rely.
That’s not the only thing disturbing Joe’s equilibrium: his sister Amy seems to be upset, and not just about their father’s blatant disregard of his only daughter; his friend Vinny has been told by an old flame that he’s a dad; and the woman Joe loves, Alexia Finch has taken an office right next to her new boyfriend’s, making Joe’s successful romancing of her even less likely.
But when he shares those viewings of Scarlett with one of the Continuum founders, Iris Mendel, in a mind-bending conversation with the future, it seems he’s going to have to travel to nineteenth Century Paris, to a burning opera house, to rescue that man, Nils Petersen, one of their most successful travellers.
He’ll be travelling in tandem with a cranky woman who’d rather he wasn’t coming along, but armed with the predictive images that Amy’s mad crazy mind-dumps produce. Gabriella Green makes it clear that she works better alone, thank you very much, but grudgingly takes rookie Joe with her, in period costume, false side-burns and all, if it will save Nils. Will they succeed?
Despite Gabrielle’s grumpiness, Joe does eventually learn quite a bit more about time travel: her reluctance to teach him makes for an effective device to give the reader facts without doing it with a massive info-dump. This instalment introduces new characters and expands on the roles that Joe and Amy will play as the story progresses.
Vinny remains a favourite, being an unfailing source of humour: ”I’m terrified of fire… My biggest fear is being barbecued. Let’s be frank, I’ve got some layers of fat on me. I’d burn for hours, like a ginormous man-candle. If I got caught by cannibals, they’d have quite a conundrum on their hands: ‘Do we eat him, or do we use him as a light source?’”
Reading this series in order is highly recommended as there are many spoilers in this book for the previous two and, read as a stand-alone, The Observer Effect would be rather confusing. It will be interesting to see what Nick Jones has in store for his protagonist in The Quantum Chain. This one is the best of the series so far.
December 4, 2022
Ray Porter is a genius. His narration makes everything better. In this case, however, the story works on every level. Now, the Joseph Bridgeman series doesn't break new ground, but it's competent and compelling. And that's all I expect from entertainment.
There are more time travel shenanigans, some family drama, and an intriguing plot involving the Phantom of the Opera and the Paris Opera fire. The relationships between the characters get deeper and better, and it's impossible not to like Joseph and his "sidekick" Vinnie.
If you're looking for a compelling time-travel story that's easy to follow and centers on likable characters, you can't go wrong with this book. And if you're an audiobook listener, Ray Porter's narration makes it a real treat.
There are more time travel shenanigans, some family drama, and an intriguing plot involving the Phantom of the Opera and the Paris Opera fire. The relationships between the characters get deeper and better, and it's impossible not to like Joseph and his "sidekick" Vinnie.
If you're looking for a compelling time-travel story that's easy to follow and centers on likable characters, you can't go wrong with this book. And if you're an audiobook listener, Ray Porter's narration makes it a real treat.
December 7, 2024
Love this series!
April 15, 2024
I'm entertained. Off to read the last one!
March 15, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed The Observer Effect, the third book in the Joseph Bridgeman time travel series. Joseph finally connects with other time travelers who are doing what they can to right some of the wrongs from the past -- without changing so much they actually alter the course of history. As his understanding grows and he begins to see some of the effects of his efforts, he moves from a reluctant time traveler to a convert to the cause.
There's plenty of action in this volume, and a bit of subdued romance. Recurring characters Vinny, Amy and Alexia return, and new individuals, from the past, present and future, make their debuts.
If you haven't read the first two volumes, this might not make much sense. But it really carries the arc of the story forward, and left this reader ready for Volume 4!
I received my advanced copy from the publisher. Thanks to Nick Jones and Blackstone Publishing for this engaging, exciting and satisfying read.
There's plenty of action in this volume, and a bit of subdued romance. Recurring characters Vinny, Amy and Alexia return, and new individuals, from the past, present and future, make their debuts.
If you haven't read the first two volumes, this might not make much sense. But it really carries the arc of the story forward, and left this reader ready for Volume 4!
I received my advanced copy from the publisher. Thanks to Nick Jones and Blackstone Publishing for this engaging, exciting and satisfying read.
April 29, 2022
"We often see vulnerability as a weakness, but the truth is that strength is about being honest, authentic, and brave enough to show people who we are." -from chapter 34And this is also why the book succeeds. It takes the time to show us not only what the characters are doing, but what emotionally drives them to do it. Even better, this is typically done through delicious subtext.
My full video review with detailed thoughts is at https://youtu.be/u59KqqJaLEw?t=798
In this book, Joseph Bridgeman is still picking up the pieces from his previous time travel adventures when he is recruited to a new mission. This one involves a 1873 opera house fire (yes, the opera does have a phantom, yes that phantom may or may not be a time traveller).
One of the frameworks of this book is putting together pieces without full context. And that is a compliment! This creates many little mysteries in this book (in how time travel really works, in character motivations, etc). Every time I figured out one of these little mysteries, I got such a thrill (and even when it turned out that I had reached the wrong conclusion, that did not lessen my delight). The main character is living a life in a parallel dimension than the one he is used to (kind of, it’s time travel after all), and having to adjust again and again to the curveballs that life throws at him. He is constantly dealing with situations without the right context, and having to work through it anyway. This gives the book such a rich layer of emotional complexity. It’s further impressive that these layers are a direct fallout of character actions in a previous book (and real consequences in a story are one of my favorite things).
(Coincidentally, my experience of reading this book was also one lacking proper context. This is the third in the series, and I haven’t read books 1 or 2. Being confused with the details of time travel ALONGSIDE the narrator was such a pleasure, and helped me feel like I was still along for the adventure. It’s okay to be a little confused in this book, because that’s part of the ride.)
AUDIOBOOK:
The audiobook was well done. The narrator, Ray Porter, provides an appropriate amount of emotion to the book (I especially appreciated the gravitas in the dramatic moments), and gives each character a distinct voice. However, I feel that this narrator was miscasted. Our main character is very British (in hometown and vocabulary used), and the audiobook narrator is American. No matter how talented the narrator is (and he is), that doesn’t stop the dissonance in my ears from hearing the story through the wrong accent.
Thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.
March 21, 2022
The story started out with a individual who started traveling through time in the first book, the stakes were upped in the 2nd book and again now in the third. This was well worth the read, it was not quite as good as the first book but I am optimistic about where the story is going from here.
#timetravel
#josephbridgeman
#timetravel
#josephbridgeman
June 18, 2022
I feel like time travel books can be difficult to get right but Nick Jones does it so well.
I love Joe and I love Vinnie. I love that its british. Im really enjoying this series and cant wait for the next one!
I love Joe and I love Vinnie. I love that its british. Im really enjoying this series and cant wait for the next one!
August 3, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️This is my personal 5 star rating system because I’m too lazy to write a review for every book.
5 stars -> OMFG. I couldn’t stop listening. I was engaged from beginning to end. The story & narrator was amazing. I 100% recommend this book & author. I was able to clearly follow each and every character.
4 stars -> It was pretty good. I would’ve rated 5 stars, But either the ending was lacking, I struggled to keep up with characters, or the story didn’t keep me fully engaged. The narrator was pretty good as well. I’m on the fence about recommending this book, It could go either way.
3 Stars -> It was boring at times & I missed chunks of the story. I most likely struggled to keep up with character developments. The only way I would recommend this book is if it was part of a series. The narrator was most likely average or just couldn’t fix a mediocre book.
2 Stars -> It was pretty horrible. I used it as background noise because I hadn’t had a chance to search for another book. The book either had a bad narrator, The character development was non existent, or the story was hot garbage. I would not recommend this book.
1 Star -> The absolute only reason I listened to this book was because i had no time to search for another one & I needed background noise. It was 1 step up from listening to the radio. I wouldn’t recommend this book to my worst enemy. Everything about this book was terrible. This is only recommended for people on death row and have absolutely nothing else to read.
5 stars -> OMFG. I couldn’t stop listening. I was engaged from beginning to end. The story & narrator was amazing. I 100% recommend this book & author. I was able to clearly follow each and every character.
4 stars -> It was pretty good. I would’ve rated 5 stars, But either the ending was lacking, I struggled to keep up with characters, or the story didn’t keep me fully engaged. The narrator was pretty good as well. I’m on the fence about recommending this book, It could go either way.
3 Stars -> It was boring at times & I missed chunks of the story. I most likely struggled to keep up with character developments. The only way I would recommend this book is if it was part of a series. The narrator was most likely average or just couldn’t fix a mediocre book.
2 Stars -> It was pretty horrible. I used it as background noise because I hadn’t had a chance to search for another book. The book either had a bad narrator, The character development was non existent, or the story was hot garbage. I would not recommend this book.
1 Star -> The absolute only reason I listened to this book was because i had no time to search for another one & I needed background noise. It was 1 step up from listening to the radio. I wouldn’t recommend this book to my worst enemy. Everything about this book was terrible. This is only recommended for people on death row and have absolutely nothing else to read.
September 20, 2025
This was a good one! Mr Bridgeman continues to be our favorite time traveler as he goes back to 1800’s Paris to solve this case. Such a fun ride!
April 25, 2023
Someone needs to tell this guy that we don't need entire scenes repeated when Joe wants to tell Vinny what just happened. Was there a word count requirement from the publisher?
Miraculously, we didn't have to sit through the repetition when he got back from the final trip to Paris...so I know the author is capable of it.
Miraculously, we didn't have to sit through the repetition when he got back from the final trip to Paris...so I know the author is capable of it.
March 10, 2022
SPOILER FREE: WOW! This review will convince you!
I gobbled this book up in a day! I truly enjoy a good sci-fi yarn, and this one actually has the chops of science to back up some of its assertions. Most importantly, the characters are compelling and you cannot help but like them. I really like time travel stories and this one sets a very high bar. It has lots of twists and turns to weave the story with a totally unexpected ending.
The first book, when Joe is discovering his time travel ability, is still my favorite. The emotional level about his sister was so high. The second book, though, was less exciting for some reasons, but it was still a good sequel. The third book, however, is close to the same expectations of "And Then She Vanished". It's greatly helped by Nick Jones' way of telling a compelling story.
I must also mention this: The Joseph Bridgeman series features the best cover artworks ever!
All in all, I read this book in one sitting, I enjoyed it that much. If you like time travel and just a good story this is for you. (I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.)
OTHER MUST-READ TIME TRAVEL SUGGESTIONS.
Link:: paradox hotel
My Thoughts: It's a newly published book that I read. I found most of the time travel elements very smart. All the main characters have real flaws, but also real strengths and virtues. I was hooked at the very beginning, and could not stop till I was done. The ending. Great. And one I did not see coming.
Link:: Timeloop : A Dark Time Travel Tale — Project Dechentreiter
My Thoughts: This one, sadly, is a sleeper hit. And trust me, it's a must-read. Very, very unique horror-styled time travel story. Reminded me of Stephen King during his early days.
The story flows along well, building and climbing for the climax that's not disappointing. I couldn't put it down. The details alone make this a truly great piece of work. I enjoyed the idea of time travel, and I think Prince handled all the inherent issues with going back in time in a truly amazing way and the buildup up to the novel's big seemingly inevitable showdown has a well-layered payoff.
I might go as far as to say the last 20 pages or so of this book are about as intensely moving as anything I've read in a very long time.
Grab this one immediately.
Link:: 11/22/63
My Thoughts: Only Stephen King, with his brilliant and signature character development and penchant for the supernatural could think of combining the assassination of President Kennedy with a character piece, and that is what 11/22/63 is... it is a character piece, it is a book about fighting for love, about struggling with right and wrong, about making difficult choices.... and about stopping the assassination of President Kennedy. Stephen King's straightforward approach to a complex subject is refreshing and very entertaining.
I gobbled this book up in a day! I truly enjoy a good sci-fi yarn, and this one actually has the chops of science to back up some of its assertions. Most importantly, the characters are compelling and you cannot help but like them. I really like time travel stories and this one sets a very high bar. It has lots of twists and turns to weave the story with a totally unexpected ending.
The first book, when Joe is discovering his time travel ability, is still my favorite. The emotional level about his sister was so high. The second book, though, was less exciting for some reasons, but it was still a good sequel. The third book, however, is close to the same expectations of "And Then She Vanished". It's greatly helped by Nick Jones' way of telling a compelling story.
I must also mention this: The Joseph Bridgeman series features the best cover artworks ever!
All in all, I read this book in one sitting, I enjoyed it that much. If you like time travel and just a good story this is for you. (I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.)
OTHER MUST-READ TIME TRAVEL SUGGESTIONS.
Link:: paradox hotel
My Thoughts: It's a newly published book that I read. I found most of the time travel elements very smart. All the main characters have real flaws, but also real strengths and virtues. I was hooked at the very beginning, and could not stop till I was done. The ending. Great. And one I did not see coming.
Link:: Timeloop : A Dark Time Travel Tale — Project Dechentreiter
My Thoughts: This one, sadly, is a sleeper hit. And trust me, it's a must-read. Very, very unique horror-styled time travel story. Reminded me of Stephen King during his early days.
The story flows along well, building and climbing for the climax that's not disappointing. I couldn't put it down. The details alone make this a truly great piece of work. I enjoyed the idea of time travel, and I think Prince handled all the inherent issues with going back in time in a truly amazing way and the buildup up to the novel's big seemingly inevitable showdown has a well-layered payoff.
I might go as far as to say the last 20 pages or so of this book are about as intensely moving as anything I've read in a very long time.
Grab this one immediately.
Link:: 11/22/63
My Thoughts: Only Stephen King, with his brilliant and signature character development and penchant for the supernatural could think of combining the assassination of President Kennedy with a character piece, and that is what 11/22/63 is... it is a character piece, it is a book about fighting for love, about struggling with right and wrong, about making difficult choices.... and about stopping the assassination of President Kennedy. Stephen King's straightforward approach to a complex subject is refreshing and very entertaining.
January 2, 2025
This is the 3rd installment of the series, and you can definitely say that I'm in love as I've been binge listening to the series one after another, other books don't even tempt me. Its like im on a marathon to complete this series.
I love how the main caharcters come closer by the end of the book. I like the mission in this book, it was a heartfelt mission with a hidden sweet greater good, I like the results when the past was changed, it was so satisfying to read.
Coming to my rating : out of 5 ⭐️
Title : ⭐️⭐️⭐️ the title is something which is also the concept of the story. So a good one, causing enough curiosity for the ones who have read the previous books, and also for the ones who have come across the author the first time.
Cover :⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ the cover is beautiful which aptly covers the main event in the story, and is somewhat capturing. The details on the cover, the dressing style of the person, everything is so relatable... wow.
Character development :⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ i like how Joe comes along the idea of helping the group, joining them and becoming a team player. I liked the banter between him and Gabriell too. Its so nice to see the ML grow gradually as the story comes to the end, he becomes more open to the concepts of time and also relatio ships and friends.
Writing style :⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I'm already a fan of the authors writing, it help me to picture the scenes in my mind so evidently, and the building of scenes, conversations and all is so good.
Originality and Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ the concept of time travel is a common one, but how the plot is build is something very nice. I like the background story how it gradually progresses through the series and also the main story for each book.
Emotional Impact :⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ satisfying and contended with enough curiosity for me to pick the next read.
Overall :⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ this is a 4.5 rating. I'm very much eager to read the next book.
Audio rating : out of 5 🎶
Narration Quality :🎶🎶🎶🎶 the narrator has a very good voice, the intensity and various emotions in his voice were superb
Pacing :🎶🎶🎶 the pacing of the book is a bit slow, but the narrator narrates in such a way with timely spaced pauses that ypu don't even feel as if he is lagging the read. It is oddly satisfying to listen to his pace and feel very contended.
Production Quality :🎶🎶🎶
Engagement : 🎶🎶🎶🎶 as I've already said, the narrators voice has a weird kind of attractiveness that you get addicted to listening.
Overall Enjoyment : 🎶🎶🎶🎶 I loved listening to this book.... and I love the narrator and his voice.
I love how the main caharcters come closer by the end of the book. I like the mission in this book, it was a heartfelt mission with a hidden sweet greater good, I like the results when the past was changed, it was so satisfying to read.
Coming to my rating : out of 5 ⭐️
Title : ⭐️⭐️⭐️ the title is something which is also the concept of the story. So a good one, causing enough curiosity for the ones who have read the previous books, and also for the ones who have come across the author the first time.
Cover :⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ the cover is beautiful which aptly covers the main event in the story, and is somewhat capturing. The details on the cover, the dressing style of the person, everything is so relatable... wow.
Character development :⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ i like how Joe comes along the idea of helping the group, joining them and becoming a team player. I liked the banter between him and Gabriell too. Its so nice to see the ML grow gradually as the story comes to the end, he becomes more open to the concepts of time and also relatio ships and friends.
Writing style :⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I'm already a fan of the authors writing, it help me to picture the scenes in my mind so evidently, and the building of scenes, conversations and all is so good.
Originality and Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ the concept of time travel is a common one, but how the plot is build is something very nice. I like the background story how it gradually progresses through the series and also the main story for each book.
Emotional Impact :⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ satisfying and contended with enough curiosity for me to pick the next read.
Overall :⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ this is a 4.5 rating. I'm very much eager to read the next book.
Audio rating : out of 5 🎶
Narration Quality :🎶🎶🎶🎶 the narrator has a very good voice, the intensity and various emotions in his voice were superb
Pacing :🎶🎶🎶 the pacing of the book is a bit slow, but the narrator narrates in such a way with timely spaced pauses that ypu don't even feel as if he is lagging the read. It is oddly satisfying to listen to his pace and feel very contended.
Production Quality :🎶🎶🎶
Engagement : 🎶🎶🎶🎶 as I've already said, the narrators voice has a weird kind of attractiveness that you get addicted to listening.
Overall Enjoyment : 🎶🎶🎶🎶 I loved listening to this book.... and I love the narrator and his voice.
December 8, 2024
Another cool adventure and listen from this series. Expanding on Joseph’s world of time travel, developing the relationships with those around him and leaving us with some small teases and plenty of room to grow.
Looking back at my review for the previous book, this entry did what I hoped it would and focused back onto the act of time travelling and his abilities. I really enjoyed learning the ways of the Continuum with Gabrielle and having all the great cliches that come with time travel and alternate timelines.
The only reason I haven’t given it 5 stars is because I felt it played it a little safe and things seemed to be resolved fairly well without much difficulty or sacrifice, unlike the previous 2 books. And mostly I want more, which in itself is a compliment!
Three books in and it still feels like we’re only brushing the surface. I would have liked to learn a bit more about the continuum and dive deeper into the lives of some characters. And perhaps we could have had a bigger climax or twist at the end to make me want to run to the next book.
Looking back at my review for the previous book, this entry did what I hoped it would and focused back onto the act of time travelling and his abilities. I really enjoyed learning the ways of the Continuum with Gabrielle and having all the great cliches that come with time travel and alternate timelines.
The only reason I haven’t given it 5 stars is because I felt it played it a little safe and things seemed to be resolved fairly well without much difficulty or sacrifice, unlike the previous 2 books. And mostly I want more, which in itself is a compliment!
Three books in and it still feels like we’re only brushing the surface. I would have liked to learn a bit more about the continuum and dive deeper into the lives of some characters. And perhaps we could have had a bigger climax or twist at the end to make me want to run to the next book.
March 17, 2022
Thank you to Nick Jones for an ARC of his book which I was really looking forward to and it didn’t disappoint.
I loved the first two books and was keen to see more of Joe and Vinny. This time Joe’s help is needed to rescue a fellow traveller who is trapped in the void and Joe needs to travel to 19th century Paris. Vinny is unable to go with Joe this time so he teams up with a fellow traveller, the determinedly unsentimental but sassy Gabby, who reluctantly shows him the ropes.
We see glimpses of the future in this book and how the Continuum was founded, along with a glimpse of the Downstream computer and it’s mysterious founder, Felix.
This is a fun, fast paced read with a great cast of characters. Joe is so relatable with his passion for music and his self doubt, and Vinny is his perfect foil. Love the fact that Alexia seems to be softening towards Joe and I can’t wait to see where Amy’s story goes from here. All in all a great third book and I am already looking forward to the next adventure for Joe.
I loved the first two books and was keen to see more of Joe and Vinny. This time Joe’s help is needed to rescue a fellow traveller who is trapped in the void and Joe needs to travel to 19th century Paris. Vinny is unable to go with Joe this time so he teams up with a fellow traveller, the determinedly unsentimental but sassy Gabby, who reluctantly shows him the ropes.
We see glimpses of the future in this book and how the Continuum was founded, along with a glimpse of the Downstream computer and it’s mysterious founder, Felix.
This is a fun, fast paced read with a great cast of characters. Joe is so relatable with his passion for music and his self doubt, and Vinny is his perfect foil. Love the fact that Alexia seems to be softening towards Joe and I can’t wait to see where Amy’s story goes from here. All in all a great third book and I am already looking forward to the next adventure for Joe.
May 13, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up because of the sheer amount of research Nick Jones had to do for this one.
I'm very much enjoying this series, and I loved the glimpse into Paris history, particularly the history of the opera house that burned down. It's very cool how in this universe, the past CAN be changed, but there are definitely rules about what can be changed--and definitely not anything that has been widely observed by a critical mass of folks, for example, the opera house fire. We learn alongside Joseph Bridgeman as he figures out the rules that govern time traveling--whether it's a rule of the Continuum or a law of nature. I also love how his relationship with Amy, Alexis, and Vinny need to start all over, although Vinny is a rock, so that's probably the easiest of the three relationships for him to navigate. Still, we can't help but give a sigh of relief when he has at least one non-Continuum person on his side to help him figure this all out.
I highly recommend this series, and although one can read these books out of order, I'd recommend reading them in publication order.
I'm very much enjoying this series, and I loved the glimpse into Paris history, particularly the history of the opera house that burned down. It's very cool how in this universe, the past CAN be changed, but there are definitely rules about what can be changed--and definitely not anything that has been widely observed by a critical mass of folks, for example, the opera house fire. We learn alongside Joseph Bridgeman as he figures out the rules that govern time traveling--whether it's a rule of the Continuum or a law of nature. I also love how his relationship with Amy, Alexis, and Vinny need to start all over, although Vinny is a rock, so that's probably the easiest of the three relationships for him to navigate. Still, we can't help but give a sigh of relief when he has at least one non-Continuum person on his side to help him figure this all out.
I highly recommend this series, and although one can read these books out of order, I'd recommend reading them in publication order.
March 12, 2023
Ahh ok this is getting more interesting by the book. I think Joe has come to terms with travelling now. Or at least he doesn’t feel as blackmailed.
Amy is going through it and I kinda don’t blame her. The struggle is real for both of them really. Amy grew up for the most part with other Joe and they really are trying to get to know each other now. This Joe is so different from other Joe so it’s taking time. But I love that we still got Vinny. And we are meeting new people Gabrielle take a lot to warm up to. I didn’t much like her during most of this book but she grows on ya.
What I am hoping to see in book 4 is more Amy and why her seeing the future is going to mix with Joe going to the past. We saw a little of that in this book but I would love to see more.
Again I am enjoying the narration, I like the different voices it’s not overly done just right.
Amy is going through it and I kinda don’t blame her. The struggle is real for both of them really. Amy grew up for the most part with other Joe and they really are trying to get to know each other now. This Joe is so different from other Joe so it’s taking time. But I love that we still got Vinny. And we are meeting new people Gabrielle take a lot to warm up to. I didn’t much like her during most of this book but she grows on ya.
What I am hoping to see in book 4 is more Amy and why her seeing the future is going to mix with Joe going to the past. We saw a little of that in this book but I would love to see more.
Again I am enjoying the narration, I like the different voices it’s not overly done just right.
March 15, 2022
The time traveling world of "And then she vanished" just keeps getting better and better. The rules may seem to change, but there are logical and compelling reasons for the changes. Each books brings you just enough answers and mystery to want to keep reading. The observer effect was a fun story with some hard hitting moments. I am hoping for more and more interactions with some of the characters, but I appreciate the time we are spending with them in actual growth, rather than it just happening in some illogical and shortcut way.
January 22, 2023
4.25 Stars 🌟
I really liked this book. I feel like this series is really finding its feet and I feel like we are finally seeing Joe adapt to his new life and to the fact that things are not going to go back to the way they were.
This story takes Joe to Paris and introduces us to a new character Gabrielle. Honestly, I REALLY didn't much like her, but I don't think she is really a likeable character....yet. There does seem to be room for improvement, or should I say that she seems to maybe have a hidden interior. Maybe? We'll see.
Regardless, Ray Porter does another great job at narration and the series seems to be only getting better.
Onward to book 4....
I really liked this book. I feel like this series is really finding its feet and I feel like we are finally seeing Joe adapt to his new life and to the fact that things are not going to go back to the way they were.
This story takes Joe to Paris and introduces us to a new character Gabrielle. Honestly, I REALLY didn't much like her, but I don't think she is really a likeable character....yet. There does seem to be room for improvement, or should I say that she seems to maybe have a hidden interior. Maybe? We'll see.
Regardless, Ray Porter does another great job at narration and the series seems to be only getting better.
Onward to book 4....
October 3, 2023
I really love this series!
Joesph Bridgman is back time traveling when a group of like-minded individuals recruits him to join a mission of time travel, back to the 1870’s Paris. Reluctant at first, Joe just wants a normal life again. But he is soon caught between an easy life, or a fulfilling life.
YES I’m so excited to start the last book of the series!!! (Might not be last for forever, but as of now there is only 4 books) it really was an amazing read and I love this book!!
Joesph Bridgman is back time traveling when a group of like-minded individuals recruits him to join a mission of time travel, back to the 1870’s Paris. Reluctant at first, Joe just wants a normal life again. But he is soon caught between an easy life, or a fulfilling life.
YES I’m so excited to start the last book of the series!!! (Might not be last for forever, but as of now there is only 4 books) it really was an amazing read and I love this book!!
October 9, 2023
With this third novel Joe Bridgeman is an established time traveler and the series have found it's form, with established rules and characters, which gives space for a more relaxed and entertaining storyline, without the need for providing background information every second page.
This time Joe is dragged to Paris in 1873 to avoid a conductor becoming severely burned when the opera house burns down, while at the same time attempting to save another time traveler, tucked in between times.
On the personal level he's still struggling to adjust to living the life of the other Joe, without his former girlfriend, who the other Joe cheated on and alienated and at the same time balancing how much he can say to his sister without damaging the future time line.
There's a nice "phantom of the opera" vibe to the story, which combined with the contrast between the Joe/Vinny and Joe/Gabriella team interactions, provides a fun and entertaining story.
The narration by Ray Porter is amazing, it's like he's Born to narrate these kind of stories.
This time Joe is dragged to Paris in 1873 to avoid a conductor becoming severely burned when the opera house burns down, while at the same time attempting to save another time traveler, tucked in between times.
On the personal level he's still struggling to adjust to living the life of the other Joe, without his former girlfriend, who the other Joe cheated on and alienated and at the same time balancing how much he can say to his sister without damaging the future time line.
There's a nice "phantom of the opera" vibe to the story, which combined with the contrast between the Joe/Vinny and Joe/Gabriella team interactions, provides a fun and entertaining story.
The narration by Ray Porter is amazing, it's like he's Born to narrate these kind of stories.
April 27, 2024
This is book three of the Joe Bridgeman time-traveler series. It is as engaging as the first two volumes. Well written, continuing the story of the Joe, Amy (his sister), Vinnie (Joe’s best friend), characters that now feel like they live down the street or around the corner from my house. This is that kind of series. Their third plunge into time-travel adventure is as satisfying, thrilling, and suspenseful as the first two.
I can’t wait to read book four.
I can’t wait to read book four.
January 11, 2025
Observer Effect introduces fresh time travel concepts, blending them with thrilling adventures and advanced sci-fi elements. The innovative take on altering timelines through observation adds depth, while the high-stakes plot and futuristic ideas keep readers hooked.
Packed with action, imagination, and thought-provoking themes, this sequel is a must-read for sci-fi fans. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Packed with action, imagination, and thought-provoking themes, this sequel is a must-read for sci-fi fans. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
March 16, 2022
Thank you Nick Jones and Blackstone publishing for my advanced copy for my honest opinion! This is the 3rd book in the Joseph Bridgeman series, and I have never been disappointed by Joseph's adventures! He's a very reluctant hero who feels honor bound to save a fellow time traveler. With the help of his friend Vinnie and his sister, Amy, Joseph has to try to figure out how to save a fellow time traveler from a fire. If you love time travel novels like me, you'll want to read this series to follow Joseph Bridgeman and his time traveling quest.
October 6, 2024
Though the core DNA of the first book is long gone, "The Observer Effect" still makes good use of its well established characters by constantly putting them in narratively interesting situations, but the soul of the series feels watered down while sci-fi technical time travel jargon reaches an all-time high.
December 12, 2024
Again..... it didn't hit like the first book
The first book in the series somehow gave me an ethereal high, and no matter how much I read the remaining series, it can never compare.
The book was still a very exciting read and it expanded a lot on the time traveling lore, and I really enjoyed the ending.
The first book in the series somehow gave me an ethereal high, and no matter how much I read the remaining series, it can never compare.
The book was still a very exciting read and it expanded a lot on the time traveling lore, and I really enjoyed the ending.
September 26, 2025
I really love this series!
Joseph is such a likeable protagonist, and the time travel is quite unique. It’s not the most theoretical or elaborate plot but it’s fun and heartwarming.
Very easy to follow considering all the different timelines, and you can tell the author enjoyed writing it.
Joseph is such a likeable protagonist, and the time travel is quite unique. It’s not the most theoretical or elaborate plot but it’s fun and heartwarming.
Very easy to follow considering all the different timelines, and you can tell the author enjoyed writing it.
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