‘THE HOUSE ON FOSTER HILL’: Atmospheric, Gothic-Inspired Time Slip Novel

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‘THE HOUSE ON FOSTER HILL’: Atmospheric, Gothic-Inspired Time Slip Novel. Review of the 2017 mystery by Jaime Jo Wright. Text © Rissi JC

STORY: Kaine Prescott is no stranger to tragedy… or mental anguish. In the aftermath of her husband’s death, which the police rule an accident, Kaine believes he was murdered. No one believes her, but she knows the truth. Further reinforcing her theory is an unknown shadow who begins to stalk her. But when she can’t prove her case, she picks up the pieces of her life and heads for a place she’s never been….

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Her destination is Wisconsin where her ancestral family home sits. A century earlier, Ivy Thorpe tries to unlock the mystery of Foster Hill – and piece together the puzzle of the murder that took place at the home. Decades apart, these women work to solve a mystery that may have surprising answers.

The House on Foster Hill, by Jaime Jo Wright | Book Review

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From the moment I read the synopsis of this debut (Bethany House debut, anyway) author’s novel, it was one of those novels that begged to be read. The teasers promised a story sure to keep readers excitedly flipping the pages – for some of us, maybe even long into the night. Inside the intricate cover art lays a story that does indeed pull its reader in. Just not always for the reasons we may assume.

Well written and constructed, Jaime’s novel tells an intriguing story. Tagged with the newer “time slip” subgenre (also, does anyone else feel like this is the genre with that “it” factor right now?), the story’s dual points work well together. Best of all, I appreciate that Wright doesn’t switch off every other chapter (each time) but instead uses larger sections of the novel that remains with Kaine and vice versa. It helps hold the story together in a format that can sometimes be off-putting. That said, don’t be fooled, Jaime’s story knows precisely when to switch between the duel perspectives. Just as we’re settling into Kaine’s side of the story, we’re abruptly sent back into Ivy’s world as the tension fueled mystery continues to build.

Intricate and full of mysterious puzzle pieces, The House on Foster Hill is a novel worth picking up. The characters are interesting (side note: plus, unique character names – Kaine, for the win), and the story keeps a good pace regardless of the switch off duel perspectives. Inside the doors of Foster Hill, you’ll find mystery, danger and maybe, just maybe, even that elusive happy ending.

ABOUT the BOOK

Author: Jaime Jo Wright
Publisher: Bethany House
Publication Date: 2017
Genre: Fiction; Contemporary, Historical
Source: Author Launch Team / Publisher Provided – thank you, Bethany House
Add the Book: Goodreads
FIND the REVIEW ELSEWHERE: Goodreads
Rating: ★★★★

Sincere thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this book; all opinions are my own. (Apologies to the author and publisher for the delay in publishing this review.) 

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

12 comments

  1. I'm really excited to read this one. I love the gothic sound of it (really wish there were more gothic stories being published). I agree with you about time-slip being the new "it" genre, but I love it! It's the best of both worlds; contemporary and historical all in one book.

    1. How fun. I'm glad you are a fan of the blended genres. I'm not usually its most avid supporter, but Jaime's novel is lovely. Hope you enjoy once you have the chance to read it, Brittaney. :) Let me know what you think if you do.

  2. This sounds really interesting! I've been wanting to read it, but hadn't seen many reviews for it (other than Goodreads, obviously), so I'm glad to see yours! I agree that time-slip seems to be a big thing right now–I have mixed feelings about it, but sometimes it works out really well. Nice review!

    1. Thank you for reading, Jordan – I hope you enjoy this one if/when you read this one. Like you, I also have mixed thoughts on the whole time slip genre. If it's done well (as I believe it is in Jaime's story), I don't mind it. :)

      Happy reading – and thanks for visiting.

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