The Vanishing At Castle Moreau By Jaime Jo Wright

The Vanishing at Castle Moreau

by Jaime Jo Wright

Publisher: Bethany House

ISBN: 9780764238345

A Jaime Jo Wright novel is NOT to be missed. Not a single one. So, when I had the opportunity to join Jaime's launch team, there was no stopping me. I was IN! I was sent her book from her publisher for review.

Summary:

A haunting legend. An ominous curse. A search for a secret buried deep within the castle walls.

In 1870, orphaned Daisy François takes a position as housemaid at a Wisconsin castle to escape the horrors of her past life. There she finds a reclusive and eccentric Gothic authoress who hides tales more harrowing than the ones in her novels. As women disappear from the area and the eerie circumstances seem to parallel a local legend, Daisy is thrust into a web that could ultimately steal her sanity, if not her life.

In the present day, Cleo Clemmons is hired by the grandson of an American aristocratic family to help his grandmother face her hoarding in the dilapidated Castle Moreau. But when Cleo uncovers more than just the woman's stash of collectibles, a century-old mystery and the dust of the old castle's curse threaten to rise again . . . this time to leave no one alive to tell the sordid tale.

Award-winning author Jaime Jo Wright seamlessly weaves a dual-time tale of two women who must do all they can to seek the light amid the darkness shrouding Castle Moreau.

My Review:

Where does one start with writing a review for any of Jaime's book? There's more that you can't say than you can because to say too much would be to give things away! Same goes for The Vanishing at Castle Moreau! The frightening disappearances associated with Castle Moreau will leave you wondering.

This story comes with three perspectives from three different time periods - all to weave together a tale that takes a surprising twist. There's always something with Jaime's books! Readers all KNOW there's something, but what that something is...? THAT'S what initially draws you into her stories and that's what also keeps you going back for more.

We meet sweet Daisy who is escaping the horror of living as an orphan with a family which was less than kind so finding a position at Castle Moreau seems like an escape, but once there, it's clear she's not so sure. Rumors surrounding the castle make their way to Daisy, which are easy enough to believe since the castle leads them to be believable. The lesser of two evils, maybe?

In the current day we get to know Cleo. She's running, but we don't know what from. She takes a position to help declutter the castle, but little does she know what she's in for. You could say that for most people who come into contact with the castle. 

Mystery upon mystery is uncovered in each time period as we move through the story. Much to my pleasure, in 1870 and current day, a man connected with Castle Moreau becomes known to our leading ladies. Life hasn't been easy for either man for their own reasons, but how are they linked to the women disappearing over the years? What do they know?

As always, there's some spine tingling goings on in the story. What's going "bump" in the night? Apparitions speaking to people, doorknobs turning in the middle of the night, a creepy author who writes questionable stories - what could be better in one of Jaime's stories? It has alllll of the elements you hope to find in one of her books.

Of course, you're going to find faith as a strong element to the story, even in subtle ways as the story unfolds towards the end. You can see how God has orchestrated every moment and we're reminded that God isn't blind to what goes on in the world.

Another one of Jaime Jo Wright's books that knocks it out of the park. If you like some spook to your stories and a strong story of hope, then this is not to be missed!

About the Author:

Jaime Jo Wright (www.jaimewrightbooks.com) is the author of eight novels, including Christy Award and Daphne du Maurier Award-winner The House on Foster Hill and Carol Award winner The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond. She's also the Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestselling author of two novellas. Jaime lives in Wisconsin with her cat named Foo; her husband, Cap'n Hook; and their two mini-adults, Peter Pan and CoCo.