Night Falls on Predicament Avenue provides a compelling mystery, page-turning suspense, and a sweet romantic thread.
Book Blurb
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.
My Thoughts
I always going to lose sleep because of a Jaime Jo Wright novel. But it’s not because it’s so scary I can’t sleep. In fact, a Jaime Jo Wright novel is a great way for me to get a spooky story without jumping at my own shadow. Rather it’s because she weaves such a great mystery that I can’t put the book down.
Night Falls on Predicament Avenue is no different. From the first chapter, I was sucked into the story. I’m struggling to write this review without giving away any spoilers. But I will say that I never saw the ending coming. Wright throws several curveballs, especially close to the end, and there are red herrings a plenty. I found myself suspicious of so many characters. And just when I thought I had it figured out, something else happened that made me second guess myself.
The romantic element in both Effie and Norah’s storylines is subtle but sweet. It made my hopeless romantic heart melt while the mystery satisfied my suspense-loving soul.
Overall, Night Falls on Predicament Avenue is a compelling dual timeline with plenty of suspense and a sweet romantic thread.
(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.)
