When we first moved to our old century home, the youngest definitely thought it was haunted. The previous owner had some family troubles, and although he loved the place, he just wasn’t able to keep it. The pool was a murky, bottomless pit of despair, and we kept dredging up odd objects: goggles, a glove, sunglasses, small animals. We were sure the previous owner had murdered his wife and her lifeless body would one day float to the top of our summer project.

Then we discovered quirky things within the old house. A weird spot for a light fixture that didn’t turn anything on. A “secret” tunnel through a duct in the guest room closet. (We followed it as far as we could and only found dust bunnies and mice droppings). Then the basement storm cellar hatch was sealed off from the outside… only leaving a tiny hole. Could something other than chipmunks hide there? And what about that bullet casing we found in another closet? Could the date scrawled in black marker on it mean anything besides a first hunting expedition? How about the poor Elf on the Shelf lost in the basement rafters? A Christmas tradition gone wrong, or was he left to haunt us with sprinkles as we slept? What about the rifle-sized floor board in the porch that just so happens to be loose….

Don’t even get me started on the woods. How many half finished projects did we find out there? Just kids goofing around or were hermits living off the land in a previous life? And the rumours of the “pot house” nearby burned to ruins? Local legend? Or something more sinister? The land has been owned by the same families for generations. Whose to say our century farmhouse wasn’t akin to the black sheep of the family? One never knows what the walls would say if they could talk….

Of course, I am just kidding about all these things. We did find some quirky things left behind, but they are just tidbits and old junk. The previous owner of our property was a nice guy. Still, we love a good story, don’t we? It may be nothing more than a rumour fueled by a piece of history gone haywire. Shared secrets by the campfire, designed to frighten us just enough to keep us on our toes. So it is with Christy-Award winning author Jaime Jo Wright’s book: The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater. Finally, a “romantic” book that wasn’t gag inducing! I quite enjoyed it! Just enough intrigue and mystery to keep you on your toes, and plenty of thought provoking paragraphs.

“Those folks who’d been dealt a hard blow by life should’ve experienced the grace of God through the actions of sharing and service. This was why Kit worked at the food pantry…. People were what mattered most. Not buildings. Not even history. The here. The now. The souls whom God let cross Kit’s path to be impacted today so that in the future, their legacy would speak of healing and not brokenness. Of hope and not destitution. Of God and not a world alienated from its Creator, who wildly loved all people.”

The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater pp.332-333

It’s a twisted tale of rumours steeped in small town suspicions. A parallel between two girls, Kit from present day, and the young lady Miss Greta Mercy from yesteryear. Both linked by ghosts and tales of something deadly lurking beneath the stage of Barlowe theater. Who are the lost boys? Who is the lady in white? You’ll have to read it to find out. It’s a good read. Easy enough to follow as it jumps back and forth from past to present. In the end it all comes together, of course, like a Christian version of Scooby-Doo and Mystery Inc. As an added bonus, the author includes her own “background story” and discussion questions. She weaves her own character into that of adoptee Kit.

” ‘Then you’re not abandoned. You don’t need anyone else but Him. That’s why I’m not afraid. Not afraid of losing my job, not afraid of people leaving me. Human nature is conditional. People, unfortunately, are conditional for good or bad reasons. But God is not. So you trust Him, you step out in faith that others will care for you in His strength and grace, and you realize that sometimes people make mistakes. They leave you. Or they betray you. Or life just sends you in different directions.’ …She hated his truth. Hated the way he’d stated it so bluntly and plainly, and yet he was right.”

The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater pp.230

Overall, I have to admit that this was a delightfully creepy story that had just enough intrigue to keep you engaged, with bits and bobs of inspiration thrown in. Only a hint of romance. Just the way I like my books! Apparently, it’s also how I like my farmhouses. Eerie elegance? Perhaps that should be my next decorating style. Incorporating the left behind Elf on the Shelf maybe. Nah, I just love a good story, don’t you?

I’ll have to check out Jaime Jo Wright’s new book on BethanyHouse.com for 2024. If your interested, The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater is available now at numerous locations. Happy Reading, my beloveds!