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jennifer_lynn_3's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
5.0
The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater by Jaime Jo Wright is a gripping and suspenseful novel that kept me captivated throughout. Wright demonstrates exceptional skill in crafting an eerie and thrilling narrative.
jlynnelseauthor's review
3.0
The Barlowe Theater is haunted. There are rumors of “lost boys” who went missing one night in 1915, and a ghostly apparition of a woman in white. Now it seems history is repeating itself when Kit’s closest friend goes missing while leading TV show hosts through the bowels of the theater. In this dual-timeline Christian fiction mystery, two women will risk everything for answers. For Kit, it’s her missing friend; for Greta, it’s the mystery of her brother’s disappearance within Barlowe Theater. Greta is on the brink of being sent to the poorhouse with her younger brothers. She struggles against a society that only sees her low-class station while trying to keep her family together and searching for her missing brother, which puts her at odds with the town’s wealthiest resident and theater owner: Mr. Barlowe.
Jaime Jo Wright has an impressive resume when it comes to writing compelling dual-timeline tales of women overcoming obstacles. In this book, Wright leans heavily on paranormal elements, conjuring up plenty of chillingly spooky moments in the narrative. The timeline-specific stories blend seamlessly together as two women search for those they love.
While typically Wright’s stories suck me in quickly, I found the character of Kit frustrating. She has wounds she is dealing with, which keep me rooting for her. At the same time, she’s constantly running into unnecessary risks and doesn’t listen to those around her or consider different points of view. She makes the same mistakes and gains little information.
Overall, this is a compelling story of class division, family secrets, and trust. There are so many twists and turns, it will keep readers at the edge of their seats. And if you love a good haunted theater yarn, look no further.
Review to be posted via the Historical Novel Society.org at https://historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/lost-boys-of-barlowe-theater/
Jaime Jo Wright has an impressive resume when it comes to writing compelling dual-timeline tales of women overcoming obstacles. In this book, Wright leans heavily on paranormal elements, conjuring up plenty of chillingly spooky moments in the narrative. The timeline-specific stories blend seamlessly together as two women search for those they love.
While typically Wright’s stories suck me in quickly, I found the character of Kit frustrating. She has wounds she is dealing with, which keep me rooting for her. At the same time, she’s constantly running into unnecessary risks and doesn’t listen to those around her or consider different points of view. She makes the same mistakes and gains little information.
Overall, this is a compelling story of class division, family secrets, and trust. There are so many twists and turns, it will keep readers at the edge of their seats. And if you love a good haunted theater yarn, look no further.
Review to be posted via the Historical Novel Society.org at https://historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/lost-boys-of-barlowe-theater/
freddikb's review
Not what you expect, everything gets explained. Ending felt a little rushed.
english_lady03's review
4.0
The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater delivered everything I enjoy in Jaime Jo Wright’s novels: excitement, thrilling mystery, danger and an exhilarating story with a hint of romance. Some of this author’s novels get very dark in terms of the subjects and material which they touch on, this one doesn’t so much. It does go into attitudes towards the urban poor and disadvantaged and how these can perpetuate the cycle of poverty and crime.
Although I did enjoy this one, and I would certainly give it a re-read along with some of my other Jaime Jo Wright novels I didn’t feel there was very much new about it. I don’t know, except for the setting in a theatre, there was a lot that reminded me of the author’s previous books. Maybe that’s a good thing, as it gives the reader a sense of familiarity and so we know what to expect, I don’t know.
Also, I found the modern heroine a bit vapid. She’s like a lot of other female protagonists in mystery novels with little to make her stand out.
Thanks to Bethany House for approving my request for this title via Netgalley. This didn’t influence my opinions in any way and all opinions expressed are my own.
Although I did enjoy this one, and I would certainly give it a re-read along with some of my other Jaime Jo Wright novels I didn’t feel there was very much new about it. I don’t know, except for the setting in a theatre, there was a lot that reminded me of the author’s previous books. Maybe that’s a good thing, as it gives the reader a sense of familiarity and so we know what to expect, I don’t know.
Also, I found the modern heroine a bit vapid. She’s like a lot of other female protagonists in mystery novels with little to make her stand out.
Thanks to Bethany House for approving my request for this title via Netgalley. This didn’t influence my opinions in any way and all opinions expressed are my own.
turquoiseavenue's review
5.0
The perfect read for spooky season! With mystery, ghost stories, rumored hauntings and a hefty dose of historic nostalgia, this brand new release was dramatic and thrilling!
From the first chapter, I was instantaneously enraptured in this sensational story. I thoroughly enjoyed the dual timeline, switching between Greta’s story set in Kipper’s Grove in 1915 and Kit’s story in Kipper’s Grove of present day. Wright, as always, expertly delivers an interwoven tale of dark secrets, mystery, danger and intrigue. Reading this story was like trying to solve a riddle. I devoured the book in a matter of days (would have been hours if I’d had the free time!). I could hardly put it down.
As a long-time fan of Wright’s stories, I enjoyed the spine-tingling sensations of the spooky, dark moments and the rich, multi-layered characters she delivered in this latest release. Her characters are easily seen as real people who face real-life problems while finding themselves in the most suspenseful, creepiest situations! I love every moment of feeling on edge, feeling the heart palpitating fear, the breathless surprise, the eye-widening wonder of moments that are designed to frighten, to intrigue and to draw a reader deeper into the heart of the story.
Of course, these dark moments are expertly interwoven into a story that allows for some lighthearted sarcasm, beautiful friendships, a hint (or two!) of romance and the beauty of hope love and family. This balance offers an opening that displays a strong thread of faith and the light of goodness over evil. In addition, Wright always offers a simple explanation for the unexplained that leaves readers with a sense of satisfaction and knowing that darkness will not prevail.
Overall, I couldn’t have loved this story more for the main characters, Greta and Kit. Greta’s character is strong in her perseverance, her grit and her determination to protect her brothers at all costs. I loved seeing her find restitution and deliverance, as well as love. Kit’s story, all together different, offered a look into an adoptee’s heart and the deep sense of grief and loss, a sense of abandonment that many adoptee’s struggle with and I found her story to be so heartwarming and authentic. Both Oscar and Evan, as Greta and Kit’s counterparts, won me over too for all together different reasons - but for sure for their protective nature!
A definite 5 star read for all things suspenseful and ghostly with the expert delivery of multi-layered characters and that unique hint of romance and faith among it all! DO. NOT. MISS. THIS. BOOK!
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.
From the first chapter, I was instantaneously enraptured in this sensational story. I thoroughly enjoyed the dual timeline, switching between Greta’s story set in Kipper’s Grove in 1915 and Kit’s story in Kipper’s Grove of present day. Wright, as always, expertly delivers an interwoven tale of dark secrets, mystery, danger and intrigue. Reading this story was like trying to solve a riddle. I devoured the book in a matter of days (would have been hours if I’d had the free time!). I could hardly put it down.
As a long-time fan of Wright’s stories, I enjoyed the spine-tingling sensations of the spooky, dark moments and the rich, multi-layered characters she delivered in this latest release. Her characters are easily seen as real people who face real-life problems while finding themselves in the most suspenseful, creepiest situations! I love every moment of feeling on edge, feeling the heart palpitating fear, the breathless surprise, the eye-widening wonder of moments that are designed to frighten, to intrigue and to draw a reader deeper into the heart of the story.
Of course, these dark moments are expertly interwoven into a story that allows for some lighthearted sarcasm, beautiful friendships, a hint (or two!) of romance and the beauty of hope love and family. This balance offers an opening that displays a strong thread of faith and the light of goodness over evil. In addition, Wright always offers a simple explanation for the unexplained that leaves readers with a sense of satisfaction and knowing that darkness will not prevail.
Overall, I couldn’t have loved this story more for the main characters, Greta and Kit. Greta’s character is strong in her perseverance, her grit and her determination to protect her brothers at all costs. I loved seeing her find restitution and deliverance, as well as love. Kit’s story, all together different, offered a look into an adoptee’s heart and the deep sense of grief and loss, a sense of abandonment that many adoptee’s struggle with and I found her story to be so heartwarming and authentic. Both Oscar and Evan, as Greta and Kit’s counterparts, won me over too for all together different reasons - but for sure for their protective nature!
A definite 5 star read for all things suspenseful and ghostly with the expert delivery of multi-layered characters and that unique hint of romance and faith among it all! DO. NOT. MISS. THIS. BOOK!
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.
melmo2610's review
4.0
Another spine tingling story from Jaime Jo. I never miss a new book from Jaime Jo and I have been looking forward to this one all year. It did not disappoint! I eagerly devoured this one and wondered at how all the threads of the historical and contemporary timelines would play out once and for all. Such a gripping read-but I expect nothing less from a Jaime Jo Wright novel!
ejhollister's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
wintermote's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Wow! That was a wild adventure. I could not put this book down because I just HAD to know what was next! The historical story and the present day were woven together masterfully.