Review: Ladies of the Secret Circus

Ladies of the Secret Circus
By Constance Sayer

Published By: Little Brown Book Group
Publication Date: November 11, 2021
Date Read: January 2, 2022
Genre: Adult – Historical Fantasy
Source: Bought
Format: Paperback
Pages: 464

From Goodreads:
Paris, 1925: To enter the Secret Circus is to enter a world of wonder-a world where women tame magnificent beasts, carousels take you back in time, and trapeze artists float across the sky. But each daring feat has a cost. Bound to her family’s strange and magical circus, it’s the only world Cecile Cabot knows-until she meets a charismatic young painter and embarks on a passionate love affair that could cost her everything.

Virginia, 2005: Lara Barnes is on top of the world-until her fiancé disappears on their wedding day. Desperate, her search for answers unexpectedly leads to her great-grandmother’s journals and sweeps her into the story of a dark circus and a generational curse that has been claiming payment from the women in her family for generations.

The Ladies of the Secret Circus is a book that is very different to the sort of books that I usually read. I came across one of Constance’s other books last year and thought it sounded amazing, so when I got a chance to read this one as an ARC I jumped at the chance. It sounded intriguing and unusual and as I am trying to branch out and read books outside of my comfort zone I thought I would give it a go. I am really glad that I did as I really enjoyed this book.

This book is part modern day fantasy, part historical fantasy. It following two storylines that intertwine, one modern day and one in 1925. I actually really loved this split as it was so intriguing seeing the mysteries that started in the 20s, still affecting this family decades and decades later. I loved the mystery and the magical element of this hidden circus that nobody can see unless they are invited. It was so intriguing and I really couldn’t put this book down.

The Ladies of the Secret Circus is a magical and mystical journey through time and has a definite ‘who dunnit’ element. It really hooked me in and I cannot recommend this book enough. If you’re looking for something a little bit different yet something that will grab you then I highly recommend this book. It was absolutely fantastic.

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