By Jaime Jo Wright

1890

The will states that her aunt and uncle’s bodies must be laid out for a week while she keeps vigil. Two days after the funeral, their mansion will be bricked up with everything inside and must not be opened for at least 100 years. She will be left penniless and homeless. 

No one in their right mind would put up with such insanity – especially with the murderer still at large. But Waverly Pembrooke has her own secrets to keep, so she’ll stay with the bodies in Traeger Hall until the bitter end, even if it casts suspicion on her for the unsolved murders, and even if it puts her in danger of being the next victim.

Present Day

Her wealthy and abusive father is dead. But Jennie Philip’s dreams of being free from her late father’s manipulation dies when she finds out she has inherited the abandoned mansion, Traeger Hall. No one has been inside since it was boarded up years ago, but rumors of a valuable art stash abound. Yet Traeger Hall still has a deadly reputation. In addition to the 1890 homicides, a more recent cold case is connected to the mansion. And someone is willing to kill again to keep the secrets inside those walls unspoken.

Pros: While the 1890 characters were my favorite, it is always a treat to read an authentic portrayal of modern Midwest small-town living. All the details sparkle and seem so real. I was legit jealous when Jennie finally got to explore Traeger Hall after it had been boarded up for over 100 years. Five star setting!

I also liked that the romance was kept in the background. The mystery took the center stage and kept you guessing. Great twists!

Cons: While the book is well-written, I wouldn’t place it in my top 5 JJW books. I’m still a little confused over the 1890 “big reveal”, and I can’t stand it when characters (looking at you, Jennie) are too stupid to live. 

Bottom Line: Indiana Jones meets Cold Case with a touch of Edgar Allen Poe in this split-time abandoned mansion mystery.