by Brandon Mull
First published 2023
In the heart of a bustling carnival, 12-year-old Zack stumbles upon a gruesome discovery - a fellow fairgoer has been murdered, their body left among the spinning rides. As the police investigate, Zack realizes the carnival games harbor dark secrets. With the killer still on the loose, Zack must navigate a web of treachery, facing off against ruthless carnies to uncover the truth before he becomes the next victim. In this thrilling adventure, Zack's courage and quick thinking are put to the test as he races to unravel the carnival's sinister underbelly and save himself from a deadly fate.
Genres: adventure, mystery, crime, thriller
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thrilling
Tropes: amateur-sleuth, investigation
Setting: Carnival
Period: 21st-century
390 pages · Hardcover · Shadow Mountain
Content warnings: murder, violence