A circus is generally known for its mystique.  But this circus, Le Cirque Secret, isn’t just magical.  It’s dark and sinister.  This is a story of love, magic, mystery, and family legacy.  But don’t be fooled.  This is a very macabre and otherworldly story.

Fantasy or magical realism are not my preferred genres, and this book was also nothing of what I expected based on the synopsis.  But Sayers’ writing style made it easy to believe that something fantastical and surreal was once a part of the fabric of Paris.  The Secret Circus intermingled art and magic.  And Sayers believably painted it into the gay Paris atmosphere right alongside Picasso and Hemmingway sipping champagne and absinthe.     
  
The story pulled me in from the beginning.  I love a good mystery, and the idea of Lara’s fiancé disappearing mere hours prior to their wedding lured me in.  But that was just the beginning of the mystery, for Lara had many more family secrets, dark ones about the women in her lineage, to uncover,  By the time I came to understand the darkness within this novel, I was already hooked and couldn’t turn away…much like the spectators of Le Cirque Secret!   

Step right up…be enraptured by this intensely dark yet magical tale of a circus, mysterious murders, a heritage of brave women, and maybe even a dance with the devil.  

Many thanks to Constance Sayers, Redhook Books, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.