by Tom Reamy
First published 2003
The summer of the 1920s hangs heavy over a small Midwestern town when Haverstock's Traveling Curiosus and Wondershow rolls in. Three teenage girls attend the opening night performance and discover that the magic they witness defies explanation. Francine finds herself drawn to the lusty centaur despite her embarrassment. Rose arranges a meeting with one of the stage hands and finds herself in serious trouble. Evelyn becomes captivated by Angel, the pathetic albino boy who can fly, and together they plot their escape from town. The girls initially dismiss what they see as clever tricks, but the supernatural forces prove undeniably real. Each girl must confront how the carnival's dark power reshapes her ordinary life. The enigmatic Haverstock presides over his collection of strange creatures and performers, inspiring fear even as his show mesmerizes the townspeople.
Genres: historical-fiction, fantasy, horror, supernatural
Vibes: atmospheric, dark, suspenseful
Tropes: coming-of-age, found-family
Setting: Midwestern Town
Period: 1920s
192 pages · Paperback · Wildside Pr
Content warnings: violence