Despite having read many haunted/creepy circus books without truly liking a single one, I kept trying them in hopes of finding the one that would scratch that itch in my brain. Finally, I have found it.

In The Black Carnival, we follow a multiple-POV narration of what I can only describe as a nightmarish yet fascinating spectacle, a series of characters that are, in some way or another, all linked to the cursed funhouse that is the circus.

I thoroughly enjoyed each and every character, infused with their own distinctive voice, and I felt transported to the underside of Victorian London with them all. The narrative is lush and exquisite, even poetic at times, fitting for the setting and tone of the story. That was, for me, the best aspect of the book.

I would have liked for the author to delve a bit more into the specifics of the worldbuilding, magic system and characters' backstories, because I felt a bit lost at times, but the story was well worth sticking around.

Overall, a very enjoyable read that has finally proven to me that haunted circus books can indeed be exactly what I expected them to be.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc of The Black Carnival.

I unfortunately had to DNF this book at a little over 50%, not because it was a "bad" book, but it ended up not being for me at this time. That being said, I can see myself giving it another try in the future.

This book was set in the 1800s, which absolutely felt like I was transported back in time. The conversations were hard for me to follow since the characters spoke as if they were from the time period, but they did get easier to follow as it went. I think the idea of having the main character as a mortician who got caught up in not only a Carnival of dark and twisty characters, but with a gang as well, was a very interesting plot idea. It did feel very slow paced for me, and perhaps it does pick up later on in the book, but I was finding myself unable to retain all of the information out of boredom. There was a lot of story building in the beginning, and the Carnival setting was very unique to anything else I have read. I typically read a lot of Fantasy books, so I figured this would scratch that itch and give me a little bit of a mystery too, but it just could not keep my attention.

As I said before, this book was not for me, but I think it could really cater to someone who likes very dark story with a murder mystery. Make sure you read through the trigger warnings before you pick this book up, as it has very dark themes and graphic scenes.

The Black Carnival is a nightmarish spectacle—equal parts grotesque, mesmerizing, and emotionally charged. Harlequin Grim has crafted something that feels like falling into a cursed funhouse mirror: disorienting, dazzling, and deeply unsettling in the best possible way.

From the moment I stepped into the carnival’s twisted world, I knew I wasn’t coming out the same. The imagery is vivid and macabre, the atmosphere thick with dread and wonder. But beneath the blood-streaked glamour and surreal horror, there’s a beating heart—a story about identity, pain, performance, and what it means to be seen for who you truly are.

Grim’s prose is lush and lyrical, almost hypnotic at times, with a voice that pulls you under like a song you can’t stop hearing. The characters—outsiders, freaks, survivors—are unforgettable, and their stories ache with truth. I wasn’t just reading this book—I was living it, one dizzying, horrifying, beautiful moment at a time.

If you love horror that’s theatrical, queer, and unapologetically strange, The Black Carnival is for you. It’s a celebration of the monstrous, the magical, and the marginalized—and it absolutely blew me away.

Well, buckle up because this one is not your average Victorian romp. Imagine a grimy English town where the circus isn’t just fun and games—it’s dark, twisted, and full of secrets that will haunt you long after you turn the last page. Our guy Atherton? He’s an undertaker with a serious knack for rubbing the wrong people the wrong way, especially when he sells a cadaver to a spiritualist connected to the creepiest carnival ever. Drama? Oh, yes. Plus, there’s a gang ready to make his life a living nightmare.

What really got me hooked was the vibe: think gothic meets carnival nightmare with a sprinkle of ghostly whispers and cultish tension. The world-building is rich and atmospheric—like you can almost hear the carnival music mixed with distant screams. The multiple POVs give a cool layered effect, letting you peek inside some pretty messed-up minds without getting totally lost. And the characters? So flawed, so human, it’s like watching a dark circus where everyone’s both performer and victim.

If you’re into spooky, slow-burn tales with a side of mystery and just a dash of madness, this will definitely fill that craving. Just maybe don’t read it before bedtime unless you want some seriously weird dreams.

Huge thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

The Black Carnival lures you in with a velvet-gloved hand and promises of ghost whispers, murdered children, and a cursed circus. And to its credit—it delivers on atmosphere. The vibes are gothic, immersive, and absolutely soaked in decay (in the best way). The writing is beautiful and lyrical, almost too much so at times—it felt like the prose was embalmed before the plot had a chance to sit up and scream.

I wanted to love this. A haunted undertaker, creepy clowns, cults? Yes please. But the pacing wandered like a ghost without unfinished business. The multiple POVs made it hard to latch onto the emotional core, and by the halfway point, I started to feel like I’d been trapped in a velvet coffin lined with beautiful metaphors and not enough momentum.

That said—Boo the clown? Iconic. The ending? Worth sticking around for. And the world? So richly built, I could smell the grave wax.

Fans of slow-burn gothic horror will find plenty to enjoy here. Just maybe don’t read it while drowsy.

Thank you to NetGalley and The Grim Theatre for the ARC!

The Black Carnival is a horror historical fiction novel set in early 1800s London. Grim does a fantastic job at setting the scene in each chapter. His attention to detail in the exposition was refreshing and immersive, making the spooky elements even spookier throughout the novel. I thoroughly enjoyed each character's POV, which is rare for me! Every character is fully fleshed out and perfectly fits into the world Grim built. They feel like they had lives before the beginning of the novel that will continue after the final chapter, which I loved. It's clear from the opening line that Grim has a raw, innate talent at writing in this genre. I couldn't believe this was a debut novel. Upon finishing the novel, I feel like I lived an entire life within the pages of this book.

I've said this before, but this time I really mean it: I can't WAIT to read more from this author.

I just finished The Black Carnival by Harlequin Grimm, and I have to say, it was a bit of a rollercoaster (pun intended). The first half of the book was slow. Like, painfully slow. I found myself re-reading sections just to stay grounded in the narrative. That said, I do think the choice to structure it the way Grimm did made the story more digestible eventually. Putting certain revelations or developments earlier in the book (instead of saving them all for the end like most novels in this genre) gave the pacing an unusual rhythm. This kind of made the direction of the book feel… wobbly. There were moments where I genuinely wasn’t sure if even the book knew where it was going.

Now, as a Licensed Mortician/Embalmer/Crematory Operator myself, I have to nitpick: some of the historical deathcare references were off, and that’s always a sticking point for me—especially considering the author has worked in the industry. It’s one of those little things that can take me out of a scene, and unfortunately, it happened more than once here.

If this had been reworked, tightened up, clarified in its trajectory, I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more. That said, I will give credit where it’s due. The cult-like elements in this novel are fascinating, especially because they’re set in a place not often explored in modern dark fiction. That unique setting really helped carry the story once I got past the bumpy start.

And of course, there’s the “found family” thread. While subtle, it’s there, and it softened some of the book’s more morbid edges. I mean, isn’t that just the circus way? A bunch of broken people making something beautiful out of the grotesque.

"In circus, nothing is impossible ( . . .) you carry it with you."

The Black Carnival blew me away. I don't want to stop talking about this book. It subverted my expectations in every possible way, in the best way imaginable.
Harlequin Grim truly wrote the settings of this novel from experience, it's plainly obvious how much love and attention he paid to create a real place that just happens to exist within a fictional novel. As a fellow circus performer, I am deeply appreciative of Grim's portrayal of the Circus in his novel and feel thankful that our community was given such a beautiful place within its pages.

This novel is a goth daydream (nightmare?) where even emotionally pleasant scenes are riddled with cobwebs with colors muted by the cigarette smoke in the air. Of course, with an undertaker as a central character, brought up surrounded by death and grieving, what else would you expect?

1. Grim's writing style painted every single scene in vivid detail. I could see so plainly every character, every building and room, article of clothing and piece of furniture. I genuinely watched a movie unfold behind my eyes.

2. I was warned the novel wasn't packed with action and reads a little slower - I think that was a severe undersell. Sure, there's not fist-fights on every page, but it's an addicting page turner, and when a book sucks you in and you can't put it down "waiting for the next 'event' to happen" is the least of my concerns (neck pain from reading for too long being at the top of my list.)

3. I have never read a book structured in this manner and it felt like a breath of fresh air. The way the plot lines ran together, and structure of the novel was like 2 books rolled into 1, or getting to binge watch 2 seasons of an incredible TV show in 1 sitting. I got to enjoy multiple plot arcs, resolving, or not, all with different timelines, the way I would in a TV show, without waiting for the "next episode to drop."

4. I am obsessed with the way modern Circus was blended into this old-timey story, adding to the fantastical and magical aspects of the ghostly traveling Carnival.

I desperately want to run away and join the Black Carnival (and desperately waiting for book #2!!!!)

3.5 stars
First off I want to thank NetGalley and Quill & Crow Publishing House for the advanced copy of The Black Carnival. Upon further research I learned Harlequin Grim is a circus performer himself which makes the story concept even more exciting. I tend to gravitate towards books set in modern time when the characters have technology and live in a world into which I could picture. I liked the title, cover & description when checking out NetGalley and thought l'd give this story set in the 1880s a try. I applaud Harlequin Grim with his ability to take me back in time. I was intrigued by the writing style...so simple yet so detailed. While I struggled with this book I highly recommended it to my friend. It's right up her alley and she looks forward to trying it. This book may not have been for me but l'm giving it a positive review because I know there's a group of people out there who'd be hooked and I thought it was well written.

As always, I am going to do my best to do this without any spoilers.
Let me start by saying that I consider myself pretty cold hearted when it comes to fiction. I can count on one hand the number of books that have even brought me close to tears. This book managed to bring me to the verge of tears not once, but three times. There were a few times I actually had to shut the book in order to collect myself.
In my opinion, that is one of the highest praises a fictional work can receive, to make the audience feel something even when they know it is not real. That being said, let me be perfectly clear, this book is not for everyone.
⚠️Make sure you read the trigger warnings⚠️
As much as I fell in love with this book, I do have one major complaint with it… Now I want to run away and join the circus 😭The writing in this book was so immersive, it truly felt at times you were standing amongst the crowd. At one point I found myself wanting to jump into a conflict only to remember that I wasn’t actually watching the event unfold.
If you enjoy a profound, yet heartbreaking fiction that centers around imperfect characters doing their absolute best- this is definitely the book for you!

"Caught between a serial killer, a circus bursting with foul characters, and his spiraling madness amongst the restless dead, Atherton will undoubtedly become the villain of his own story. "
I was concerned this would be a light carnival story, but it absolutely was not. Creepy, grim, and savage are a few words to describe how this book feels. I will say that this story may not be for everyone given the horrific nature of some of the scenes. Definitely check your trigger warnings. However, I absolutely loved this book and could not turn the pages fast enough, while still wanting to take all of it in. This was up my alley, and a bit unhinged which is fabulous in my eyes. I also loved that, being historical fiction, it felt like I was whisked away to New Sarum and London, England in 1886.

Unfortunately I DNF’d this book. I really liked the attention to detail and world building but I just couldn’t really get into it. I loved the sound and cover of this, but it just wasn’t for me.

Thank you @netgalley and Quill & Crow Publishing House for a chance to review this novel in exchange for an honest review! 3.5/5 stars

*THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS*

The Black Carnival by Harlequin Grim is a fascinating, dark story that follows a murder mystery, a circus crawling with questionable characters, and a steampunk gang combing the streets of London. This novel was a pleasant surprise. The imagery and atmosphere pulled me in, as if I was Victorian London myself. The characters were well fleshed out and all morally grey with questionable pasts leaving me wanting more. Though graphic at times, the darkness added an interesting level to the novel as a whole. *Read trigger warnings before reading*

This novel would have been a 5-star read for me though I have a few critiques. I struggled with the pacing and length of the novel. When Atherton discovered Lilian and the murdered children at the orphanage just before the second act, I thought I was almost finished the book. However, I discovered I was only just over halfway through. This climax felt like this was the ending so the continuation of Act II felt dragged out (Atherton's time at the circus with Ivory). Once the action came back through revenge on the Disciples, it was a page-turner but that 50% to 90% chunk was a bit of a slug for myself personally. My second critique is about the characters. I liked the characters and thought they were well thought out individually but the relationships between characters I didn't quite grasp. They felt a bit disconnected - like they didn't quite mesh. Lastly, I ended the novel with some questions like what was the true story of happened to Boo as a child? and what happened to Holmes?

Overall, an enjoyable read!

This book is very dark and atmospheric with some incredible plot twists that I didn't see coming. I loved the writing and how the circus performers were portrayed. Definitely read this during the spooky season!

This is a book you can genuinely get LOST IN. The atmosphere, the setting and the way it's written were amazing. I would have loved to read this book in one sitting and just get completely immersed in it.
The descriptions are done so well that it basically feels like you're right there with the characters as things are happening.

As for the characters, it was nice to see each character have their own fleshed out personality, even outside the POV characters. None of the characters were ever one sided, even the main antagonistic figure, Mason Cross. There were times where you could see his logic and see the way he got to this point and that's how a good antagonist is set up.
I also loved the different relations between the characters themselves and seeing how those developed.

The plot is also incredibly concise and nicely gets through the story it set up to tell. There were parts where I wanted to know more about side characters and their own stories but I could definitely understand the author committing to the main plot and not diverting to many different subplots. I came to appreciate that a lot when reaching the end of the book.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for letting me read an ARC of The Black Carnival.

This book did not know what it wanted to be, and ir couldn't commit to one thing. The lovw interest made sense on the surface, but the whole plot involving that felt underdeveloped. I understand that its not easy for an undertaker to find someone, but it made the whole reveal feel lazy and it felt like it came out of the blue, even though it was foreseeable from the beginning. I feel like there could be some more doubt peppered in there. Also, I love me a flawed character, but come on, what do you expect a gangster to do,if you let him live?
I also felt like I would have liked so much more history from the other characters. There was so much more world building to be done, I really wanted to also know more about how the magic system worked, and that lacked too.. it really did leave me frustrated and wanting more..

The Black Carnival is a dark, imaginative thrill ride that pulls you into its eerie atmosphere from page one. Harlequin Grim blends horror and fantasy with haunting imagery and bold storytelling. A quick, chilling read that lingers long after the final page. Perfect for fans of twisted carnival tales and dark folklore.

Many thanks to Quill & Crow Publishing House and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Black Carnival is brimming with atmosphere and dark promise. The gothic 1880s setting is captured perfectly—moody, immersive, and just the right amount of eerie. There’s a slow, deliberate build as the story introduces the strange town and the mysterious traveling carnival, and it works. You can feel the tension simmering beneath the surface. I’m already getting the sense this could be the Halloween read of the year—it delivers all the right amounts of horror and spooky-season energy.

The blend of gaslamp fantasy, a demonic/devil-like religion, and strong character work adds a dark, unsettling edge that deepens the gothic atmosphere without ever feeling overdone. The multiple POVs are handled really well—each voice is distinct, and the shifts add richness and dimension rather than confusion. It’s a smart narrative choice that enhances the story’s complexity.

There’s a lot of potential here. The book explores compelling themes and plotlines: found family, romance (albeit sinister), religious cults, gang violence, feminist progressive movement, and an overarching serial murder mystery. But while each thread is intriguing, they all feel just a bit underdeveloped. They hit, but don’t quite land with the impact they could have—which is why I can’t give it a full 5 stars. I actually feel like this book could have been longer, allowing more space to elaborate on these themes and plot lines, which would have led to a more satisfying payoff in the end. I also finished the book with a few lingering questions (like… what ends up happening to Florence’s hands?!).

Also: be prepared for lots of dead bodies. The murder mystery doesn’t pull its punches—the trail of corpses is long and grisly.

That said, the bones of something truly great are here. If you’re in the mood for a layered, moody gothic tale with eerie vibes, solid characters, and a story that creeps under your skin—this one is absolutely worth your time.

I have so much to say about this book. Firstly, if i had this book in my hands i KNOW for a fact it'd smell like caramel popcorn, old books and the joyous spirits that linger in the corners of this land.

Overall this is book gets you in a chokehold so vicious that you'd willingly stay. The atmosphere feels like a warm, wet hug that reminds you of deaths embrace (in a good way).

The characters are well written and genuinely feel real and they struggles these characters go through- both physically and mentally made me fall in-love with book. Even characters like Mason Cross felt very fleshed out (though i hate this man with every bone and neuron in my body, and im glad Boo kept his promise and 'dug two graves' for Mason since well... best say he's in two pieces :D) Not to mention Characters like Boo and Atherton who (somewhat) found a missing piece of their soul with each other (in a friendship way) and i never knew i needed to see the both of them get so close but hey here we are.

The Plotting in the story was very well done and honestly i gotta say, im glad i caught onto the whole 'Lilian is the witch behind the child murder' stuff cuz it made the story more intriguing since i wanted to be proven right (which i was :3) and the descriptions in this book??? amazing like genuinely i have never highlighted more lines a book.

Finally the ending of the book. I just want to say i will never get over Ivorys' Death like why must all the media I've consumed and the books I've read have to end with so much grief? but seriously well written and well executed story that sinks its teeth into you page one.

Thanks to NetGally, the Author and the publisher for giving me an ARC for The Black Carnival

It's like being there. The setting is decribed in such ways it takes you there. The characters feels like real people. That makes the horror part even more scary... Loved it!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC. All opinons are my own.