The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall

By: Wright, Jaime Jo

An abandoned estate encased in stagnant darkness . . .
A haunting legacy intent on silencing all within reach . . .

In 1890, the ominous tolling of the bell announces that death has come to Traeger Hall, leaving orphaned Waverly Pembrooke to piece together the puzzle behind her uncle's and aunt's murders. Bound by the terms of her uncle's eccentric will, Waverly finds herself alone in a manor shrouded by death and questioning the reasons for her uncle's paranoia. A madness hovers over Traeger Hall, and Waverly--as well as the people of nearby Newton Creek--are ill-prepared for the woe that has descended.

In present day Newton Creek, whispers of a family curse still cling to the century-old, abandoned property of Traeger Hall. When Jennie Phillips takes possession of the estate after her mother's passing, she is intent on solving the mystery of the Traeger murders. Yet a modern cold case suggests that untimely deaths and mysterious occurrences still plague the property. And as thorny truths surface, Jennie realizes the dark legacy threatens not only the town and the Traeger descendants . . . but also, chillingly, Jennie herself.

"Readers will be eager to take this twisty, suspense-filled ride."--Publishers Weekly on Specters in the Glass House

Follow two timelines set centuries apart in this clean Gothic suspense tale of unsolved murders, haunting rumors, and a troubling family legacy for readers who crave atmospheric thrillers with multilayered mystery, a hint of romance, and glimmers of hope.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764243802
• ISBN13: 9780764243806
• Release Date: October 2025
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

fabulous dual timeline mystery/suspense

“But curses don’t hold any power unless we give it to them. I guess I need to remember that.” Jaime Jo Wright has done it again. This dual timeline story of 1890 and present day Newton Creek, Wisconsin will suck you in and not let go until the very last page. Waverly and Jennie’s story is more about intrigue, grief, longing and consequences of greed and less scared-out-of-mind-reading-at-night. Yes, the author’s trademark eeriness does blanket the entire book in somber, watching-over-your-shoulder atmosphere but it is probably the least eerie and gothic out of all of her books to date. Waverly in 1890 was easy to connect with; her confusion and loneliness garnered much sympathy. I really enjoyed getting to know Titus in this timeline who provided much needed logic, guidance, and steadfastness for Waverly. I also loved Jennie in the present timeline. She embodied a strong woman who had reclaimed her life from one of abuse but needed to learn that God and trustworthy people can be on her side. Zane was a delightful hero, even with the tragedies in his past. As always, the two plots merged seamlessly and the book held me spellbound. There were plenty of plot twists that tied the entire book together. It’s another delicious offering from Jaime Jo Wright. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House via Interviews and Reviews and NetGalley. I was under on obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.