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About this item
Highlights
- After Aggie Dunkirk's career is unceremoniously ended by her own mistakes, she finds herself traveling to Wisconsin, where her grandmother, Mumsie, lives alone in her rambling old home.
- Christy Awards (Mystery/Suspense) 2020 3rd Winner
- About the Author: Jaime Jo Wright is winner of the Christy, Carol, Daphne du Maurier, and INSPY Awards.
- 384 Pages
- Fiction + Literature Genres, Christian
Description
About the Book
Mystery begins to follow Aggie Dunkirk when she exhumes the past's secrets and uncovers a crime her eccentric grandmother has been obsessing over. Decades earlier, after discovering her sister's body in the attic, Imogene Grayson is determined to obtain justice. Two women, separated by time, vow to find answers . . . no matter the cost.Book Synopsis
After Aggie Dunkirk's career is unceremoniously ended by her own mistakes, she finds herself traveling to Wisconsin, where her grandmother, Mumsie, lives alone in her rambling old home. She didn't plan for how eccentric Mumsie has become, obsessing over an old, unsolved crime scene--even going so far as to re-create it in the dollhouse.Mystery seems to follow her when she finds work as a secretary helping to restore the flooded historical part of the cemetery. Forced to work with the cemetery's puzzling, yet attractive archeologist, she exhumes the past's secrets and unwittingly uncovers a crime that some will go to any length to keep quiet--even if it means silencing Aggie.
In 1946, Imogene Grayson works in a local factory and has eyes on owning her own beauty salon. But coming home to discover her younger sister's body in the attic changes everything. Unfamiliar with the newly burgeoning world of criminal forensics and not particularly welcomed as a woman, Imogene is nonetheless determined to stay involved. As her sister's case grows cold, Imogene vows to find justice . . . even if it costs her everything.
From the Back Cover
Praise for Jaime Jo Wright's Novels"Wright creates an inspirational mystery with thrilling finesse."--Booklist
". . . masterful dual narrative, subtle romance, and spine-tingling suspense."--Bookpage
"A lushly detailed time-slip novel that transitions seamlessly between past and present."--Library Journal
"A complex story with sympathetic characters and many surprises."--Historical Novels Review
After Aggie Dunkirk's career is unceremoniously ended by her own mistakes, she finds herself traveling to Wisconsin, where her grandmother, Mumsie, lives alone in her vintage, though very outdated, home. Aggie didn't plan for how eccentric Mumsie has become, obsessing over an old, unsolved crime scene--even going so far as to re-create it in a dollhouse.
Mystery seems to follow Aggie when she finds work as a secretary helping to restore the flooded historical part of the town's cemetery. Forced to work with a puzzling yet attractive archaeologist, she exhumes the past's secrets and unwittingly uncovers a crime that some will go to any length to keep hidden--even if that means silencing Aggie.
In 1946, Imogene Grayson works in a beauty salon but has her sights set on Hollywood. But coming home to discover her younger sister's body in the attic changes everything. Unfamiliar with the burgeoning world of forensic science and, as a woman, not particularly welcomed into the investigation, Imogene is nonetheless determined to stay involved. As her sister's case grows cold, Imogene vows to find justice . . . no matter the cost.
"A decades-old murder case brings together a grandmother and granddaughter in this excellent inspirational mystery from Wright. . . . Wright eloquently weaves in Imogene's faith and belief in redemption, and the prose easily jumps between the two eras as Aggie gets closer to the truth. Fans of Terri Blackstock will love this."--Publishers Weekly
"In a chilling tale that links 1946 and the present, Wright conducts a haunting and profound examination of human grief. Again she shines in her unnerving encapsulation of small-town complexities, supernatural forces both sinister and saving, and persistent loyalty to the fascinating interconnectedness of
a place's past and present. Its shocking passages are balanced by themes of justice and a reassuring message of faith that provide hope in the face of unspeakable loss and pain."--Booklist
"Clear, evocative descriptions of small-town American life, with its tangled relations and economic postwar struggle are incorporated. . . . The book's mysteries aside, its central question is one of faith. Both Aggie and Imogene struggle with grief and hope that, by understanding what really happened, they can find justice. Echoes among the Stones is a deeply felt novel that mixes suspense with the heartfelt need for healing."--Foreword Reviews
"Jaime Jo Wright has written a unique mystery with lifelike characters and a complex plot. . . . The two stories intertwine well; past and present coming together in a memorable, thrilling conclusion. Highly recommended."--Historical Novel Review
About the Author
Jaime Jo Wright is winner of the Christy, Carol, Daphne du Maurier, and INSPY Awards. She's also the Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestselling author of three novellas. Jaime works as a human resources director in Wisconsin, where she lives with her husband and two children. Visit her at jaimewrightbooks.com.Dimensions (Overall): 8.4 Inches (H) x 5.5 Inches (W) x 1.1 Inches (D)
Weight: .75 Pounds
Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up
Number of Pages: 384
Genre: Fiction + Literature Genres
Sub-Genre: Christian
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Format: Paperback
Author: Jaime Jo Wright
Language: English
Street Date: December 3, 2019
TCIN: 77823800
UPC: 9780764233883
Item Number (DPCI): 247-14-9040
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
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Estimated ship dimensions: 1.1 inches length x 5.5 inches width x 8.4 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.75 pounds
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5 out of 5 stars with 5 ratings
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5.0 out of 5 stars with 11 reviews
100% would recommend
10 recommendations
Mystery, suspense, and romance make an unforgettable story!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
- 5 years ago
Echoes Among the Stones, by Jaime Jo Wright, is a gripping, time-slip novel that skillfully intertwines mysterious events of the past with puzzling events of the present to create a unique story that is eerily chilling and absolutely captivating. With undeniable talent and imagination, Ms. Wright has crafted a novel that is simply impossible to put down. Pulse-quickening scenes, ominous settings, and enigmatic characters ensure that this book is thoroughly intriguing and utterly entertaining.
Whether set in an old farmhouse, a cold attic room, or a flooded corner of the town cemetery, the scenes in this book unfurl with a contemplative precision that is emotionally stirring and cleverly appealing. With excellent pacing throughout the novel, important facts and details are thoughtfully uncovered, revealing the truth behind the secretive and disturbing events the characters encounter. The quest to make sense of the unsettling and frightening circumstances makes for an extremely riveting reading experience.
This novel also abounds with purposeful themes that uplift and encourage. When presented with alarming truths and baffling secrets, the characters possess a spirit of perseverance and strength that is remarkably inspiring. As they struggle with fear, loss, and insecurities, the characters manage to grasp meaning and pursue hope. No matter what secrets are revealed or what facts are discovered, the characters learn to open their hearts to the healing power of faith, forgiveness, and family.
With terrific talent and careful attention to detail, Ms. Wright has fashioned an unforgettable novel. Echoes Among the Stones is an incredibly fascinating story from beginning to end. The absorbing mystery, meaningful themes, and thrilling suspense are intensely satisfying. It is a well-written, engaging, and relevant novel, and I recommend it wholeheartedly.
*I was given a copy of this novel by the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.
Outstanding!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Connie Saunders - 5 years ago
"And then I read her book, now I'm a believer!" were my thoughts after I read Jaime Jo Wright's first book. The House on Foster Hill reminded me why I so love mysteries and the dual timelines were just icing on the cake. Since then, Wright has consistently amazed me with her writing and with her fourth book she has proven herself "Queen of Dual Timeline Mysteries". I do believe, however, that Echoes Among the Stones may be her best book yet because it explores a subject that all of us have known or will know eventually. Sooner or later, each of us will experience grief and this book shows the different layers of grief, how it affects people in different ways as they deal with the pain and loss, and finally, how healing can occur.
The two stories in Echoes Among the Stones center around Imogene Grayson in 1946 and her granddaughter Aggie Dunkirk in present time and their individual journeys to deal with the griefs that have consumed them all of their lives. Aggie's return to her grandmother's home in Wisconsin shines light on a mystery that has plagued Mumsie for over seventy years and now threatens Aggie's life. Along with this mystery there is sweet romance for Aggie with an archaeologist but it is the faith message you will find yourself remembering. Wright shows the certainty of grace and redemption with her depiction of Mumsie's deep, unwavering belief and Aggie's questioning faith. She also makes some notable observations about grief and healing that are certainly worth remembering!
"There was never a good time for Death to visit. There was never a time when Grief would leave."
"You go ahead and let the grief consume you, because then it will heal you, free you, and the good Lord can move into its place and show you promise." ....."And the footprints of those who’ve gone before you? They’ll still be there. Memories to warm you when you’re old."
Echoes Among the Stones is outstanding Christian suspense and I wish that I could give it more than five stars!
I received a copy of this book from the author and Bethany House Publishers. These are my own thoughts and opinions.
What a page turner!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
writerchic86 - 5 years ago
This was a thrilling, mesmerizing read that will stay on my mind for a long while. My new favorite from Wright!
A powerful story merging past and present that tackles themes of grief and loss, remembrance and faith. And whew you had me at archaeologist & British accent! What a fascinating love interest! Swoon.
I’ll be reading this again in the future! Jaime Jo Wright has become one of my favorite authors!
I love her books so much I jumped at joining her launch team for this book and received a complimentary copy of it from the publisher to review with my honest opinions which I have done.
This author doesn’t disappoint! She keeps getting better and better. Can’t wait to read her next one!
Fantastic split-time novel
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
- 5 years ago
“Grief isn’t wrong, but it can paralyze. It can thwart a life. A person can choose to let time stand still, and while they hold the pieces of the past, the hope of their future passes them by.”
Another thought-provoking and incredibly well-written split-time novel by Jaime Jo Wright! This book really delves into the process of grieving and the consequences of unresolved and unprocessed grief. It’s emotional, raw, and quite relatable. The characters Imogene from 1946 and Aggie from the present time are quite similar and unforgettable. I really liked Collin from the present day and enjoyed his quirks as an archeologist. I wish I had gotten to know Ollie from 1946 a bit better through Imogene’s eyes. If you’ve read the author’s previous book The Curse of Misty Wayfair, this book is not as eerie though it still has an unsolved murder as the basis of the plot and the way the author unravels the murder mystery is a masterpiece in itself. If you enjoy split-time novels that unearth resolution to cold cases, you will absolutely love this book.
I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Attention Getting
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Lucy Reynolds - 5 years ago
Definitely a MUST READ and as much as I loved this authors previous books this one is the best and deserves awards. Kudos to Jaime Jo Wright for having the ability to draw you into the midst of a split time novel and never lose your attention. The writing is spot on and the characters mesmerizing as the words build on each other until the final climatic finish. I found this book to be cathartic after my father just passing with insightfulness that we can hang on to our grief, or choose healing that comes from letting go and letting God do a work in our lives. I love that the story has a satisfactory ending, but not idealistic. When we hang on to hurts the best thing God has planned for us can pass us by. This will be on my top ten list for this year.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Fabulous Dual Timeline Mystery
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
- 5 years ago
Jaime Jo Wright has mastered the art of dual timeline mysteries and Echoes Among the Stones is no exception. Personally, I have never been one to choose to read historical fiction because I prefer to read more contemporary fiction. However, I really enjoy reading stories like this one that connect the past to the present. Imogene and Aggie, the main characters of past and present, are such strong female characters. Imogene had discovered her sisters body in the attic of her family home in 1946 and Imogene was determined to figure out who was responsible for her sisters death. Aggie now works in the cemetery where Imogene's sister is buried and some mysterious events take place as if someone does not want Aggie to discover the truth about what happened to Imogene's sister. Readers will keep turning the pages to discover the answers to the mystery surrounding the death of Hazel and be quite surprised at the end. In addition to writing fabulous page-turning suspense, the author deals with themes of grief, forgiveness, reconciliation, and includes just the right amount of romance.
I was given a copy of this novel by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
(no review title)
5 out of 5 stars
Babbling Becky L - 5 years ago
My mother told me that when the boys came home from the war, people thought the world would go back to the way it was before. But it didn’t. The war lived on in souls for years after, and people were just never really the same again.”
This quote by Jaime Jo Wright in Echoes Among the Stones so aptly captures the mood of Mill Creek, Wisconsin in July of 1946. Wright recreates the ominous heaviness that the war brings to America's hearts. Some people, like the young men who survive, come home brooding or unable to find their way out of the horror now relegated to memory. Others are affected by the loss of family members or the great personality change in a family member who returns. Still others like Imogene and Hazel are also affected second-hand by the war brought to America.
Jaime Jo Wright has penned yet another mystery novel with spooky, ominous undertones that beckon the tentative reader in. Echoes Among the Stones is a time-slip novel, marrying two distinctly different and at first seemingly unrelated plots, no pun originally intended. In the present day, Aggie loses her real estate job and returns to her selfish, demanding grandmother’s home, while working a cemetery job. Collin, the archaeologist who works with Aggie, frustrates her, intrigues her, and challenges her by turns.
There was enough eerie mystery, romance, and humor (“You have all the sense of an addlepated muskrat, ”) plus faith scattered throughout the book that this book is a big winner for me. Also, I loved the way the solution took me by surprise. Look for this book among my favorites in 2019.
Quotes:
"Sometimes...you must step outside of your own strength and realize there’s a greater Strength waiting to hold you.”
"All I can say right now is that we sell God short when we look at the pain. Instead, we should focus on what He’s provided us to help us heal.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. This in no way affected my opinions, which are solely my own.
(no review title)
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Abby - 5 years ago
Love love and love this story!! We all will experience times of grief, it's something we unfortunately can't escape in life. It's what we do with that pain and heartache than can either help or harm us. God is always there for us, offering the hope and peace that only He can give. We don't have to become prisoners to our grief. It's okay to grieve, we just can't let it stop us from living the life that God has for us. He knows our hearts and our pain and will never leave us.
Chilling story which captivates you!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Stacy T Simmons - 5 years ago
Jaime Jo Wright's flawless writing seams the story of a present-day Aggie and Mumsie, her grandmother, and Mumsie in the World War II years when she was a young lady.
Mystery, suspense, romance all combine together to meld into a story I found myself thinking about at work and wishing the clock would move faster so I could read more pages at home.
The characters are very realistic and the usage of commonplace things that take on a whole new meaning is a hallmark of this talented writer.
While reading, when the chills came over me, I knew this was taking a story to another level. I really enjoyed the piano-string tight suspense.
Echoes Among the Stones is one I'll recommend others to read. It's the perfect novel to stay at home and read on a wintry day. I can't wait for another one to be published.
I received this book from the publisher but was under no obligation to write nor post a review.
An Extraordinary Story!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Rebecca Maney - 5 years ago
"Their voices will always echo, here, among the stones, . . .
A grandmother and a granddaughter; both consumed by sorrow, both living with regrets, both fighting to either hold on or to move on, both realizing that "grief can become its own prison, . . . once there, getting out is--nigh impossible". Can it ever be over? Will it ever be over?
Aggie Dunkirk arrives at her "Mumsie's" Wisconsin home following a career debacle, assuming that she will spend her unsolicited free time caring for an old woman with a broken hip. Nothing could be further from the truth. Taking a random job opening in the area, she finds herself paired with an engaging young archeologist; both of them tasked with re-cataloguing and re-configuring old grave sites after the town's old cemetery is damaged by a flood. It's not long before voices from those graves come calling.
A brutal murder happened in Mill Creek back in 1946. One that baffled everyone in the small town; for the victim, Hazel Grayson, was beloved by all and her brutal death changed the lives of the entire community, but none more than that of her sister, Imogene. Determined to seek justice for Hazel, Imogene immersed herself in the case, following every possible lead; to the point that she began to lose her own life through her efforts to live for another.
As Aggie, and her co-worker Collin O'Shaughnessy, unwittingly get wrapped up in the cemetery's secrets, Mumsie's secrets also become increasingly hard to ignore. Something else becomes increasingly hard to ignore as well, Collin's way of softening Aggie's rough edges; around her attitude, around her perspective, and quite possibly around her heart. "When you walk a lonely road take hold of the hand of a friend when it is offered to you".
What a stunning story! The author has done everything right!
. . . .and in our hearts. It is how it was meant to be."
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
Clever and hope-filled
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Moonglotexas - 5 years ago
“She should have paid more attention to her longtime neighbor, Oliver Schneider, when she passed him on the road at dawn.” - Opening line of “Echoes among the Stones” by Jaime Jo Wright
Jaime Jo Wright has an amazing ability to write thrilling split-time fiction! In “Echoes among the Stones”, she weaves a 1946 murder into a modern-day cemetery mystery. Captivating from the first page, I raced through it wanting to know who killed Imogen’s sister, Hazel and why and equally wanting to know how it would relate to the modern day story.
Each of cast of characters is complex, each individual multifaceted. At it’s heart, the book struggles with the challenges of grief and how God fits into the death of loved ones. Whilst the central theme is a sad one, it’s written with hope and so, the mood of the story is positive. Aggie and Imogen are easy to relate to and root for and I enjoyed the archeologist, Collin’s, intelligence, sensitivity and British wit.
I loved this mystery, it’s clever and carefully plotted but to share more would be to spoil the journey. If you enjoy a good whodunit full of clues for you to work out as you go along, this is one to read!
All in all, another stellar read from Jaime Jo Wright and a five out five en-JOY-ment. It’s highly recommended, one not to be missed!