There's something interesting about a mystery novel where the culprits and detective might not be the most corporeal of people. Really interesting and strange in the best way.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

This is a standalone book within the Onyx Webb series, which I had never heard of previously. The varying POVs all came together and then ended on a cliffhanger. Interested in reading other books in this series.

"The Ghost Circus" by Diandra Archer is a captivating supernatural thriller that blends elements of horror, mystery, and the paranormal. Published on July 26, 2022, this novel serves as both a standalone story and an extension of the Onyx Webb series.

The plot revolves around a traveling ghost circus that arrives in the small town of Crimson Cove, Oregon, where the legend of Onyx Webb, a supposedly murderous ghost, is already well-established. As mysterious deaths begin to occur, FBI agents Newt Drystad and Maggie become involved, adding a procedural element to the supernatural narrative.

Archer excels at creating a rich, atmospheric setting that brings the eerie world of Crimson Cove to life. The author's vivid descriptions and attention to detail make the ghostly circus and its performers feel tangible and unsettling.

Character development is a strong point in this novel. The diverse cast, including both living and spectral beings, is well-crafted and multifaceted. Particularly noteworthy are FBI Agent Newt, whose intelligence and obsession with serial killers add depth to the investigation, and Onyx Webb herself, whose complex past and present circumstances drive much of the story's intrigue.

The narrative structure, which employs multiple perspectives, may initially challenge some readers. However, as the story progresses, these seemingly disparate threads skillfully intertwine, creating a satisfying and cohesive plot.

While the novel touches on dark themes, including serial killers and the nature of existence after death, Archer manages to balance these elements with moments of humor and levity, particularly in the interactions between the ghostly circus performers.

"The Ghost Circus" is a compelling read that will appeal to fans of supernatural thrillers and horror. Its unique premise and well-executed blend of genres make it stand out in the crowded field of paranormal fiction. However, readers should be aware that the book ends on a cliffhanger, setting up future installments in the series.

In conclusion, Diandra Archer's "The Ghost Circus" is an engaging and imaginative supernatural thriller that successfully combines elements of horror, mystery, and dark humor. It's a promising addition to the Onyx Webb universe and a solid entry point for new readers interested in this ghostly world.

I enjoyed some of this book! I felt like some bits were a bit rushed but loved Newt because he felt like familiar detectives to me! It left me wanting more!

In 2019 my health started going down hill and I didn't take into consideration what that would mean for my book reviewing. Sadly, I've been trying to play catch up for years and it's been affecting my ability to keep up with present day tasks. So I greatly apologize for this but I am going to clear out all these older review books and focus on present day. I will come back and update this review if I end up reading the book, which is very possible as a lot of these books are still ones I would like to read, I just don't think the pressure looming over me is helpful. Thank you for giving me a chance to early read these books and I am so sorry I wasn't able to provide what was needed.

Thank you for the early ARC but this was not the book for me. I couldn’t finish it and put it down about halfway through. I wanted to love it because it did seem interesting but maybe I should have read more of the series first?

I didn't start from the beginning of the series with this book, so I was a little lost at times. However, I did enjoy the book. I like spooky books, especially with the circus setting which really makes them so much better.

I’ve been invested in Onyx Webb from the very beginning. I’ve followed every book from the moment they were put into my greedy little hands. No one writes stories the way onyx Webb is put together. It’s a soap opera inside of a paranormal thriller. Highly recommend

An interesting and entertaining novel. I definitely feel that I need to go back and start with book one in order to get more of the backstory.
Many thanks to the author and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is one fast paced thriller. Onyx and the gang are back. This story is full of unexpected twists and turns. I was so intrigued by this book. It's well written by a very talented author. I hated that it ended in a cliffhanger because I love these books and I can hardly wait for the next one to come out.

It’s pretty fast paced and it has short chapters. I don’t care much about the stories or the characters tho. Because so much is happening at the same time and so many characters were introduced in such a short time, kinda overwhelming me. I love new the infos about serial killers and their habit, tho. It’s pretty fascinating. The writer did a lot of unnecessary repetitions, which annoy me. Like go on already. And I found out that this book might be a part of a long series… maybe that’s why it’s kinda overwhelming.

The story is centered around Onyx Webb, a ghost who is a killer, maybe? Legend has it when there is an unsolved murder and blamed is placed on Onyx Webb. There is a traveling circus that settled in a town in California and an unexplained murder happened. The circus moves on the famed town where Onyx Webb haunts and the chaos begins. An imaginative plot and a great array of characters around out this story out and it has wonderful storytelling.

Disclaimer: Thank you NetGalley and the author Diandra Archer for this copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was a very creative story. I was hoping for a bit more creepy scariness. I did enjoy the characters but struggled to finish.

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook.
Love the cover. The novel itself was fun to read. The concept was interesting and I did enjoy it. I did feel like it was rushed a bit. But the story itself was an interesting concept and perfect for horror fans out there

What I thoroughly enjoyed about this book is that it wasn’t up typical ghost story. I loved the incorporation of ghosts into real life. It did a good job of keeping me engaged and interested in what would happen next. My only complaint is the one character was named Stan Lee… as a comic boon fan I chuckled and couldn’t take his character as a serial killer seriously. Otherwise, decent book!

Unfortunately I ended up DNF'ing this book. I tried to push through but I struggled to connect with the characters or storyline. The cover, title, and description seemed like this word be a pretty creepy book, but it felt more like a cozy horror to me. I think that this is a preference issue for me, I like books that are dark and creepy - but if you enjoy more of a light horror you may enjoy this one.

Cool premise and I like the tie-in of the circus with the ghost already in town…but this was just ok for me. Couple of creepy baddies, but the rest of the characters (including the supposedly main character) fell flat for me. Onyx (the main character of the series) seemed a bit player in this book. Maybe I’m missing something, having not read the earlier books in this series

I expected a straight horror story, but I would put Ghost Circus in the subgenre of cozy-horror (if that's a thing). It doesn't take itself too seriously, and while there are super creepy aspects to the story, the tone is generally lighthearted.

I thought the varying POVs were done perfectly (but I could have done without Dolly's perspective: since it was so brief, it felt extraneous). There were multiple storylines that ended up coming together in unexpected ways and enough of a cliffhanger to keep me intrigued for a sequel.

I noticed that the story focuses more on plot than the characters. This works well for the pacing, but I would have liked a bit more character development. And FYI, there's not a ton of time spent on the actual circus - which doesn't take away from the story at all, but if that's a big draw for you be prepared.

I would like to thank Diandra Archer and NetGalley for granting me this ARC in exchange for writing an honest review!

Unfortunately, I have DNF the book @60%.

I tried so hard to keep reading but it felt forced. The plot felt scattered but I did enjoy reading about some of the characters, for example, Newt because he reminds me of Sherlock Holmes. I dream of having such brains. On the other side, I feel more scared and paranoid of ghosts because I mean maybe ghosts do suck souls to live in the human world-
This book could be a masterpiece to someone else (as I have seen 5 stars on Goodreads) but it just wasn’t for me and I feel so bad reviewing it the way I just did but that’s my honest opinion.

I received a complimentary ARC of this murder mystery on November 30, 2022, from Netgalley, and author and self-publisher Diandra Archer. Thank you for sharing your fine novel with me. I have read The Ghost Circus of my own volition and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. I can't wait for the next novel in this series! I am pleased to recommend Diandra Archer to friends and family. She has a fertile imagination and used it well.

Taking place in Oregon and parts of Washington State, this is an exceptional and at times hilarious look into the afterlife of - you guessed it - circus performers. Financially even most living circus vendors aren't doing well, and the Ghost Circus is no exception. They work out of the small town of Crimson Cove, a historical stopping point for ghosts and ghost stories, on the Oregon coast.

Things got so bad, owner and manager Dolly sold off the elephants which are hard and expensive to transport and eat a LOT, but without the pachyderms, people quit coming to her circus at all, so she had to buy them back. Things are just barely creeping by. Thank goodness ghosts don't eat. Or drink. Or sleep. And perhaps the only thing scarier in our world today than a clown - is a ghost clown. Meet the late Doyle Slade, in his former life a well-known serial killer.

The ariel act pulls in the majority of the circus' paying patrons, but though aerialist Antoinette was and is a skilled performing trapeze artist, her catcher, the Indian Mohawk Joe, is not. He keeps dropping her. And, adding insult to injury, laughing about it, consoling her with the notion that she can't die again, so why worry? If she goes on strike as she suggests, Dolly will be in an untenable place with no money to maintain the circus and its many employees.

Enter Onyx, a 120-year-old ghost who is a resident of the lighthouse in Crimson Cove. Onyx is fighting the notion of the town movers and shakers that taking advantage of their ghost legends would add to their tourist trade and increase the income of the town citizens. Onyx wants the ghost stories to go and stay gone. They don't need ghost busters rattling around Crimson Cove.

What an interesting story~. I loved it. And it's a series - what could be better?