In 1921, Marian Arnold, the heiress to a brewing baron's empire, seeks solace in the glass butterfly house on her family's Wisconsin estate as Prohibition and the deaths of her parents cast a long shadow over her shrinking world. When Marian's sanctuary is invaded by nightmarish visions, she grapples with the line between hallucinations of things to come and malevolent forces at play in the present. With dead butterflies as the killer's ominous signature, murders unfold at a steady pace. Marian, fearful she might be next, enlists the help of her childhood friend Felix, a war veteran with his own haunted past.
In the present day, researcher Remy Shaw becomes entangled in an elderly biographer's quest to uncover the truth behind Marian Arnold's mysterious life and the unsolved murders linked to an infamous serial killer. Joined by Marian's great-great-grandson, can Remy expose the evil that lurks beneath broken wings? Or will the dark legacy surrounding the manor and its glass house destroy yet another generation?
Renowned as a "trailblazer extraordinaire" (Booklist) of inspirational dual-time suspense, award-winning author Jaime Jo Wright weaves a haunting tale of mystery, legacy, and the relentless pursuit of truth across two distinct eras.
"It's what we do with that fear that's important. What we allow it to shape us into."
Eerie, fascinating and absolutely delightful! Jaime Jo Wright never fails to amaze me with her brilliance in crafting a tale that has me reading way past my bedtime. This book has it all - eerie setting in both timelines cloaked in intrigue, murder mystery, intricate plot with plenty of surprises, strong faith thread, and tender romance. Jaime Jo Wright is one of the few authors that I keep coming back to who continues to enchant and enthrall with each new book. If you've never read her book, you must pick up this one. If you're a fan, this book is also a must-read.
Walking through 1921 Prohibition era with Marian and Felix was fascinating. As a sheltered heiress now without any means, Marian is a naive and scared young woman. Though she comes across as a cowering mouse, she does have a soft and compassionate heart and a desire to be really seen and loved. Remy and Tate in the present time are quite fun but there is so much brokenness in both of them. The Mullerian Manor and family history meld the two timelines together seamlessly and it's shocking and satisfying when all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place to give the reader the whole picture. The subplot involving a mental health condition is approached with care and sensitivity. The theme of overcoming fear and invisibility with faith and unconditional love is powerful and poignant.
This is one of my favorite books of 2024! Well done, Jaime Jo Wright!
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House via Interviews and Reviews and through NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
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