Night Falls on Predicament Avenue by Jaime Jo Wright

In 1910, Effie James is living a dream for two. Her younger sister is harboring a secret that has left timid Effie determined to fulfill her daring sister's grand plan of seeking out adventure in their small Iowa town. When a British gentleman arrives, disrupting their peace with efforts to find the wife many claim lived her final days at the now abandoned house at 322 Predicament Avenue, Effie is thrust into intrigue she couldn't have prepared for. But what she finds inside will forever link her to the scandal staining the house's walls and to a woman whose secrets promise a curse.

A century later, Norah Richman is living out her late-twin's dream of running their great aunt's bed-and-breakfast on Predicament Avenue--a place Norah believes nothing good can come out of after her sister's abduction and murder thirteen years ago. Her first guest is a crime historian and podcaster, and Norah resolves to stay far away from the charming and enigmatic man--until another guest is found dead. As they dig deeper, something sinister unfurls that will reveal an ominous unknown far greater than the possibility of death itself.

Kindle, 344 pages

Published April 9, 2024

 by Bethany House Publishers

4/5 stars

Another captivating read in this dual timeline book by one of my auto-reads authors. Most Jaime Jo Wright's books have that same formula, it’s one that I enjoy and know that I will get a intriguing read.

With one storyline taking place in 1910, in a small town and the disappearance of a young woman. A century later, Nora is still suffering the loss of her sister 13 years previous. She was murdered and the case remains unsolved.  As a podcaster arrives in town it stirs up memories, suspicions and mayhem while hoping to solve the mystery.

One of the things I like about Jamie Jo Wright is the atmosphere she creates in her books. There is the Gothic feel with dark secrets and an almost supernatural vibe. She kept me on my toes yet again.

Night Falls on Predicament Avenue is a nice mystery, but also grief plays a big role along with a touch of romance. One of those books where I couldn’t quite figure out the bad guy until the end.

My thanks to Bethany House for a digital arc (via Netgalley) in exchange for a honest review.