Real Rating: 3.5* of five

Like the first in the series, it's very unlikely to occir in real life but it doesn't matter. Too much fun was happening to make it at all important in this quozy. I'm sure the jokes about a woman's avoidupois will put off plentry of readers but the fact is she uses them to reclaim unkindness the same way we're using "queer" these days. That's not to say the conversion is perfect...Hayden likening her to a mattress is cringey indeed...as is her being a lesbian named Burley, so be aware of this, more sensitive readers of size.

The Romanian acrobats in the circus setting are played for fun, too, but there's less to interpret in their presentation. I thought Hayden's interpolated blog posts were deployed well. Sometimes that knowing wink actually helps the context get established in the reader;s mind. Entertaining fun but not as much in my wheelhouse as the first one.

Cirque Du Slay

Note: This book is the second in a series, but all references to the past book that readers need to know are explained in this one.

I thought this book was a cute little cozy, but for me, there was too much going on outside of the crime investigation. There are entries from main character Holden’s blog, romances and dating, caring for and moving in with an elderly friend, rescuing and then adopting a dog, a drag show and a drag make over, an inexplicable doppelganger… all cute, fun, and LGBTQ+ community focused on their own, but too much in the way of getting to the crime investigation.

I think some will really enjoy this book, but I wanted more time on crime and less on everything else. Maybe if I had read the first book and was already invested in the characters, I wouldn’t have minded all the character focuses outside of the mystery.

Cirque du Slay: A Hayden and Friends Mystery
By Rob Osler
Crooked Lane Books
March 2024

Review by Cynthia Chow

The circus is in town, and natural introvert Hayden McCall has been invited for a night out to attend Seattle’s Mysterium’s new artistic circus performance. The show has been sold out for months, but Hayden and his best friend Hollister have been given tickets by their frenemy Sarah Lee. The baker is busy preparing for the charity event Bakers without Borders, with her coup being that she booked Mysterium’s star and director to perform. Kennedy Osaka and Sarah Lee were college roommates together, but when Kennedy is found dead in a hotel with Sarah Lee standing over the body holding scissors, she of course becomes the main suspect. A series of angry texts Sarah Lee had sent to Kennedy certainly doesn’t look good, but on the plus side they’ve hired stellar defense attorney Jess Gemalto. His being transgender and a near perfect doppelgänger for Hayden adds a fascinating element, even if Jess is better dressed and his red hair far better styled.

While Hayden is initially reluctant to again delve into an investigation, his far more extroverted BFF Hollister quickly has them mapping out suspects and planning their interrogations. The six-foot, mohawked, queer African American woman is the opposite of the petite, shy, middle-school teacher, but Hayden has to admit that she has helped him to push his boundaries and make him more sociable. He explores that in his Mates on Dates blog, where he documents his dating experiences and identity as a gay man. It’s here where he shares his confusion and struggles with the dancer “Carlos,” the Venezuelan dancer Camilo whom Hayden met in the previous installment. Camilo teases his interest in Hayden and always dangles the possibility of something more, but never fully commits or takes the next step. This has left Hayden confused and unable to move on, but the more overt interest from a physically gifted Mysterium acrobat not only stirs up Camilo’s jealousy, it gives Hayden a much healthier romantic suitor. This still leaves Hayden, Hollister, and bakery owner Burley the opportunity to track down suspects, which include those in line for Kennedy’s artistic director position and the accompanying million-dollar salary.

This second in the series welcomes readers into the delightful community in Seattle, and an included quote from Amistad Maupin appropriately reflects the classic “Tales from the City” vibe the author Rob Osler seems to honor here. Hayden’s Mates on Dates blog is relatable and a genuine delight, all ending with the phrase “If you can’t be good, be safe!” I honestly could have used his advice on relationships long ago! The topic of pronouns, as well as queer and transgender identities, are discussed sympathetically and without ever coming across as being preachy or as forced exposition. Hayden is a very vulnerable and likable character, and all will be able to relate to his insecurities and relationship troubles. His exuberant friends Hollister and Burley add an immense amount of fun and humor, especially as they confidently bluster their way through the investigation. Readers will enjoy spending time with these engaging characters as they entertain one another and genuinely love just hanging out together and sharing their life experiences.

In Rob Osler's "Cirque Du Slay," we follow Hayden McCall, a middle school teacher and gay dating blogger who finds himself entangled in the vibrant and diverse world of contemporary circus troupe Mysterium.

Led by ambitious magician Kennedy Osaka, Mysterium promises excitement and spectacle under her new artistic direction. When tragedy strikes and Kennedy is found murdered, Hayden, along with his friend Hollister, takes it upon themselves to unravel the mystery. As they delve into the circus community, they encounter a colorful cast of characters, each with their own motives and secrets. From the cowgirl comedian Kit Durango to the enigmatic Romanian acrobats of Adrenalin!, Hayden and Hollister navigate a web of suspicion and intrigue.

While their investigation may be marked by wrong turns and risky tactics, "Cirque Du Slay" is less about intricate plotting and more about the vibrant tapestry of LGBTQ+ inclusivity within the circus world. As Hayden grapples with unrequited love and the search for justice, readers are treated to a thrilling and immersive journey under the big top that celebrates diversity and community in more ways than one.

Book Review: Cirque du Slay by Rob Osler

Rating: 4 Stars

Cirque du Slay by Rob Osler is a rollicking mystery that will captivate readers looking for a madcap adventure filled with high-flying excitement. Set in the glamorous world of an upscale circus arts show, the novel follows the quirky LGBTQ+ amateur sleuths Hayden McCall and his best friend Hollister as they dive headfirst into a high-profile murder investigation.

The story kicks off when Hayden and Hollister find themselves embroiled in a murder mystery at a fundraiser for Bakers Without Borders. The plot thickens as the enigmatic celebrity performer, Kennedy Osaka, is found dead in her hotel suite, with their frenemy Sarah Lee discovered at the scene. Determined to clear Sarah Lee's name, Hayden and Hollister embark on a thrilling journey to unmask the real killer among a colorful cast of suspects.

Osler's writing shines in this fast-paced and well-plotted mystery, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they unravel the intricate web of secrets surrounding the eccentric characters of Mysterium. The author skillfully weaves together humor, suspense, and heartwarming moments, creating a delightful reading experience.

The book's setting, reminiscent of a glittering circus with a dark underbelly, adds depth and intrigue to the narrative, immersing readers in a world of magic, acrobatics, and unexpected twists. The camaraderie between Hayden and Hollister is a highlight, with their witty banter and unwavering friendship bringing warmth and authenticity to the story.

Cirque du Slay stands out as a standalone novel that excels in delivering a satisfying mystery while introducing a cast of endearing characters that readers will root for until the very end. With its well-crafted plot and engaging narrative, this book is sure to leave readers eager for more.

In conclusion, Cirque du Slay is a must-read for fans of quirky mysteries and captivating storytelling. Rob Osler has crafted a gem of a novel that promises an entertaining ride from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and eagerly anticipate diving into the next installment in the series.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Cirque du Slay by Rob Osler is now one of my favorite series! Upon getting this ARC I read book 1, Devil's Chew Toy and was blown away. The found friendships/families, vivid characterizations and character growth were compelling; not to mention the humor and ameteur sleuthing. Love the characters! Adore the writing! I hope this series never ends.

I requested this for consideration for Book Riot's All the Books podcast for its release date. After sampling several books out this week, I decided to go with a different book for my review.

A clever follow-up to Cirque du Slay, with Hayden taking on a higher-stakes mystery as he investigates a murder rather than a missing persons case. Especially enjoyed the transmasc rep.

Another entertaining mystery by this author even if it's a bit less fun than the first as there's too much going on.
Quirky and fleshed out characters, the intriguing world of the circus, solid mystery
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This book made me so invested on how the victim died. The circus setting was super unique and I love that this book is a cast of almost all queer characters that is not a romance. There is a tiny bit of romance but that is in no way the main focus. This is the second book in the series and there’s some stuff that connects to the first book so I do recommend reading that first. This was a fun mystery. Not a cozy mystery, but not a thriller. Just a good mystery with a good cast of characters.

*Thank you netgalley and crooked lane for an advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

A light hearted and fast paced queer and cosy crime novel.

Circe Du Slay follows dynamic duo Hayden and Hollister, as they test their amateur crime solving abilities to clear their innocent friend’s name. Their investigation takes them to the travelling home of the wild and wonderful Mysterium circus show.

Although this book is the second of a series titled ‘Hayden and Friends’, I read it as a standalone and didn’t feel like I was disadvantaged at all. However, after reading this one, I’d definitely be looking into the previous novel and any future ones in this series.

One particular downfall for this book was there was a lot of unnecessary plot lines that either didn’t add anything to the story, or didn’t get wrapped up by the end of the novel which is always a little disappointing.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and thought it was such a fun read! I especially loved the queer found family aspects of the story.

What to Expect:
🎪acrobat hotties
🎪sleuthing queer besties
🎪relationship blog inserts
🎪”if you can’t be you, then who can you be?”
🎪can be read as a stand alone
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🫶🏽What worked for me
This has almost everything I want in a cozy! It’s a fairly light hearted easy read, full of characters you will love. I did read Devil’s Chew Toy first, and appreciated the storyline and characters more because of it. I was happy to get a follow up on Carlos (who went missing in book 1) and thrilled to see Hayden and Hollister are now besties! 🤩 That said, this book does include enough recaps to be read as a stand alone. I loved the way Hollister (artistic genius lesbian) and Jess (Hayden’s trans lawyer doppleganger) continue pushing Hayden (gay teacher/blogger) out of his comfort zone in the best way. If this continues as a series, I will absolutely keep reading!
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🤷🏻‍♀️What might not work for others
It’s a cozy mystery so don’t go into this expecting mind blowing plot twists. I still had a question or two at the end about the mystery aspect, but the overall vibe of the book was chill enough that it didn’t bother me to not have all the answers.

Middle school teacher by day and blogger by night, Hayden keeps himself busy. Now that spring break is right around the corner, though, he’s ready to let his hair down. The first order of business is to support his friends Burley and Sara Lee as they plan a huge fundraiser for Bakers without Borders. With his best friend Hollister in tow, Hayden arrives at the event space to see the main attraction: an exclusive appearance by Kennedy Osaka, creative director of the renowned Mysterium circus and childhood friend of Sara Lee. However, what should have been a night of fun fizzles fast when Kennedy is a no show. But nothing could have prepared Hayden, Hollister, and the rest of their gang for what happens later that night… when the police arrest Sara Lee for Kennedy’s murder.

Truth be told, Hayden thinks of Sara Lee as an annoying frenemy more than anything else. But her trouble strains the fabric of his friend group just as much as it lights a fire under Hollister. Determined to reprise their roles as crack-pot investigators, Hollister ropes Hayden into unraveling the mystery of how Kennedy died and who did it. Only by sleuthing around the Mysterium tents and their stars–not to mention one particularly attractive acrobat named Vlad–and with help from a lawyer named Jess who’s the spitting image of Hayden, can Hayden and Hollister hope to clear Sara Lee’s name and bring balance back to their found family.

Cirque du Slay is the second book in the Hayden & Friends series from author Rob Osler. The story is set in chilly, spring-time Seattle where Hayden and Hollister ping-pong between the Mysterium grounds, Jess’ houseboat, and the bakery run by Burley and Sara Lee. The short chapters are all told from Hayden’s perspective and, every now and again, the murder mystery plot is broken up with blog posts Hayden publishes to his queer slice-of-life blog.

I jumped into this book not knowing there was an earlier story in the series. It’s not my usual approach, but even before I realized there was more backstory to be had, I thought the events in this book stand well enough on their own. My understanding is that Hayden and Hollister do more amateur sleuthing in book one to help save/rescue/locate a man named Camilo. In this book, it’s clear Hayden has been crushing hard on Camilo, but he gets such mixed signals from the guy that Hayden never screws up enough courage to act. Vlad, one of the circus acrobats, adds a little more explicit romantic intrigue. Vlad is much more of an on-page presence and swings between “total murder suspect” and “emotional support rebound.” Personally, the romantic threads these two weave into the story are more decoration than plot, but they are a pleasant distraction from the sneaky sleuthing Hayden gets involved in.

The murder mystery plot is at the front and center of just about everything in the story. As the two MCs investigate, interview, and otherwise intervene on Sara Lee’s behalf, there are lots of clues about who the Mysterium cast and crew are. I think good mysteries present the reader with information and clues, but in ways that do not immediately lead them to the correct answer. Olser has done a fine job incorporating a large supporting cast in ways that build up the details about the circus. Many perspectives on the murder are introduced and many of the suspects are introduced as well. Personally, even with all this information, I never felt like our two MCs were making any real progress until Sara Lee takes an out of town trip the day before having to report back to police. When the investigation kicks into high gear, some of the details finally start gelling and Hayden helpfully spells it out on page through some guesswork. I did have the pleasure of a few “aha!” moments by the time the truth was uncovered, which is always great in a mystery.

As much as this book is about Hayden and Hollister solving the mystery of who murdered Kennedy Osaka, there is so much more going on. Osler does a great job incorporating the characters’ real worlds into the fabric of the book. For example, Hayden has an ailing 91-year-old best friend and Hollister is coping with an on-again-off-again girlfriend. I always enjoy it when there’s more to a story than just plowing through the plot and I absolutely felt like Hayden, Hollister, and their group of friends are more than just avatars going through the motions. The depth of these characters made the story more cozy for me.

Overall, this was a fun read. Fans of murder mysteries will appreciate the layers and details in the cast and constellation of events presented in this book. Readers who enjoy queer representation will also enjoy how multifaceted the characters are in their queer identities and a smidge of discussion on queer identities as Hayden blogs about befriending a transgender person. If you enjoy stories about tight-knit found families and that feature strong, well-defined characters, then I think you’ll really enjoy this story.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending an eARC in exchange for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I’m so, so disappointed. The premise of this book, title, and cover all had my hopes so high! I wanted to enjoy this. I really, really did. The writing felt undeveloped. I didn’t love any of the characters. The writer tried to have too many things going, too many little side stories. I feel like the story needed more time to be thought out and edited. I’m rating two stars for the idea because I love any and all support for the LGBTQ+ community, murder mysteries, and circuses.

Hayden McCall and his BFF Hollister are entranced by a preview of the visiting Mysterium circus show. Mysterium's artistic director Kennedy Osaka has agreed to be the headliner for their friend Sarah Lee's Bakers Without Borders fundraiser. But Kennedy is a no-show & an angry Sarah finds Kennedy stabbed to death in her hotel room.

Hayden and Hollister want to find the real killer. With the help of a look-alike transgendered lawyer named Jess, they act as freelance reporters to question the Mysterium crew. To complicate matters, Hayden is infatuated with Vlad, a member of Adrenalin!, a sexy troop of Romanian male acrobats.

I really enjoyed the first book, Devil's Chew Toy, but this second book fell flat for me.

I received a digital ARC from Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books. All opinions are my own.

<i>Cirque du Slay</i> by Rob Osler is the second book in his Hayden and Friends Mystery Series. Before I get into the book itself, I do want to point out that this is the second book in the series, something that is not overly clear on the cover of the book itself. I have not read the first book in the series, <i>Devils Chew Toy: A Mystery</i>, so I cannot completely tell you if it's necessary to read book one before you dive into book two. However, there were enough callbacks to book one that it definitely seems like it would be useful to read book one before reading book two. With that said, I did find the book enjoyable even though I hadn't read book one. I have since picked up a copy of Book 1 and plan on reading it at some point in the future.

Let's dive into <i>Cirque du Slay</i>. Obviously, the title of the book is a clear pun on Cirque du Soleil, which I found to be a good title because it draws attention to the circus, which plays a large part in the story, and the use of "slay" as a term used in the gay community.

Hayden McCall is a schoolteacher minding his own business when a quasi-friend of his is accused of murder. Hayden and his trusty sidekick, Hollister (though she would hate that term), set off to solve the murder of Kennedy Osaka, the new artistic director of the Mysterium, a high-end circus. Their "friend" Sarah Lee is accused of the murder because she's caught red-handed holding the knife. In Sarah Lee's defense, she doesn't remember anything about the night, a PTSD-induced amnesia?

Hayden and Hollister set out to find the truth. Along the way, we meet a cast of crazy circus performers from a gun-toting Annie Oakley type to a Russian hair-hanging acrobat. With so many possible people wanting Osaka dead, pinning down motives and alibis is far from easy.

And then there's Vlad, an Eastern European acrobat who has his eyes set on Hayden romantically. The only problem is, Vlad thinks Hayden works for the hotel where the murder happened and doesn't realize he's actually investigating the murder.

And during all of this mayhem, Hayden writes a relationship blog, which just seems to come out of nowhere and doesn't really serve the plot. Furthermore, Hayden worries that kids or parents will see the blog, so he puts it on Reddit where he can secure it? Again, this whole subplot just seemed extraneous and slowed down the whole story. Out of nowhere, we'd get these blog posts that seemed more like the author's way of delivering some internal monologue. How very Shakespearean meets 21st century.

Overall, I did enjoy this book. It's a fun, easy read. If you're looking for a good weekend book or something to take with you to the beach this summer, I would highly recommend checking out <i>Cirque du Slay</i>. It's far from perfect, but it's a lot of fun. And I truly appreciate the wide LGBTQIA+ cast shown in this book. Sure, they're all members of the tribe, but the book is less about that "tribe" than it is about creating family and then supporting that family.

I want to thank the author/publisher for the opportunity to read this book prior to publication. As a whole, I found this book very entertaining. While I am thankful for the opportunity to read the book before it hits the shelves, my review was not influenced by the publisher/author's generosity.

Hayden and Hollister are back! Don't worry if you missed the first one- this second in the cozy series is just delightful, if perhaps a bit too more madcap in spots, as a standalone. The Mysterium has come to town and Kennedy, the star, has been murdered. Sara Lee didn't do it but who did? Hayden and Hollister must sort through members of the circus to find the villain and wow are these some characters. It's a hoot. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A nice twist for fans of the genre.

A new mystery set at the circus. It features amateur detectives Hayden and Hollister as they investigate a murder in the hopes to clear the name of their frenemy, Sarah.

I wanted to like this because it sounded so fun! The characters were interesting, but I just didn't enjoy the writing a lot. Maybe others will enjoy it more.

This is a quirky LGBTQ+ mystery filled with entertaining characters. Hayden McCall and his best friend Hollister are drawn into solving another mystery when Sarah Lee, a frenemy of Hayden's, is accused of murdering magician Kennedy Osaka.

The story is centered around Mysterium which is a traveling circus show featuring a variety of acts and including a Michelin-star dinner. Kennedy Osaka is the new star and artistic director for the show. Kennedy is an old college friend of Sarah Lee's. Kennedy had promised to perform at an event Sarah Lee is hosting. She doesn't show up which sends her to Kennedy's hotel in a raging temper. Next thing she knows she arrested standing of the corpse with dressmaker's sheers in her hands and no memory of what happened.

Hayden is a pint-sized, gay middle school teacher who also writes a column about gay dating. He's not much for putting himself out there. Hollister is a lesbian Black furniture designer who's fearless and imposing and Hayden's best friend. She's good at pushing him into situations that take him out of his comfort zone. This happens a lot in this case as they investigate the various acts at Mysterium to figure out who wanted Kennedy dead.

There are lots of suspects from fellow performers Kit, who has a comedy sharpshooting act, and Yazminka Smilova, a trapeze artist whose father owns the show. To Sasha Smilov who is Yazminka's brother and the manager of the show and Zell who does the costumes. Also included as suspects with one being a new crush for Hayden are a troupe of Romanian acrobats.

This was an entertaining mystery told by Hayden. I liked the diverse cast of characters which includes a new friend in transgender lawyer Jess Gemalto who looks enough like Hayden to be his twin. The story was filled with humor and lots of heart and had a nice lashing of danger for our main characters.

2SLGBTQIA+ Cozy Mystery featuring a Washington middle school teacher and gay dating blogger and his best friend as they turn sleuthing duo when a friend's indicated in magician's murder.

5/5 stars: This is the second entry in Osler's Hayden & Friends series, which is a Cozy Mystery that takes place in Seattle, Washington and features a middle school teacher and gay dating blogger and his sleuthing partner, his best friend. With plenty of twists and turns, Osler has crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Osler's characters are diverse, complex and incredibly likable. Hayden's down-to-earth and I love his relationships with his quirky and hilarious friends and family. I especially get a kick out of Hollister, his sleuthing partner, and his elderly friend Jerry. Additionally I really like the inclusion of Hayden's Mates on Dates blog posts, the topics are timely and heartfelt. And I can't wait to read more about Hayden's new dog, Alice, the hyperactive squirrel-chaser Dalmatian. Osler touches on some sensitive topics, so take care and check the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading this series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Devil's Chew Toy.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.