4.3 (206 ratings)

The Girl Who Joined the Circus: A Novel

Name: The Girl Who Joined the Circus: A Novel
Rating: 4.3 (206 reviews)
Author: J.R. Rain
ISBN: B0H1M4B654

by J.R. Rain

ghosts

About this book

- [x]

Cirque du Noir… the circus of the night, where the line between the real and the imagined is a thin one.

I’m nineteen years old, and I have high hopes of joining the circus with my best friend, Amelia.

But when I find myself alone at the train station with no sign of Amelia, I have no choice but to find my own way to the Cirque du Noir, all the while figuring Amelia must have already arrived.

As I reach the circus grounds, I’m summarily greeted by the alluring owner of the circus and ringmaster, Laurent, who tells me he’s been awaiting my arrival.

And yet there’s still no sign of Amelia…

I soon learn she’s had to rush back home to tend to a family emergency, which means I’m now all alone as I embark on the next chapter of my life.

While Laurent welcomes me to his circus wholeheartedly, something about him feels off—though I can’t put my finger on just what. Perhaps the strange feeling is owing to the fact that I feel like I know him—that I’ve known him my whole life, and yet, I’ve never laid eyes on him before.

Or maybe it’s the circus itself—the more time I spend here, the stranger things get—like seeing people whose faces I can’t make out, or an old gypsy woman I’m reasonably convinced is a ghost, or the caravan parked on the far side of the circus which is off-limits. Yet, I can’t help but feel an unearthly call to the place.

Or maybe all the angst I’m feeling is owing to one man: Rex, the caretaker, and manager of Cirque du Noir.

For as charismatic and charming as Laurent is, Rex is the opposite. Dour, rude, and quick to anger, it’s clear Rex not only doesn’t want me here but also harbors a grudge against me though I don’t know why.

Even though I have the same sense of familiarity with Rex that I do with Laurent, with his surly attitude, Rex makes me nothing but nervous.

And yet I can’t deny that I’m drawn to him—that he makes me feel a passion the likes of which I’ve never experienced before. Strangely, I feel a similar draw to Laurent, and I’m convinced they feel it too.

Between searching for answers to the myriad of questions regarding the Cirque du Noir, Laurent, and Rex, I wonder if perhaps I’ve made a colossal mistake in joining the circus…

Publication Date: May 25, 2026
ASIN: B0H1M4B654

Reader Reviews

Entertaining fantasy listening 🎶🔰

October 3, 2022

Another will written fantasy world 🌎 haunting horror ghost 👻 adventure thriller short story by J. R. Rain ☔ and H. P. Mallory (The Dark Circus Trilogy book one). A girl 👧 joins the circus and all kinds of strange things are happening. Her act is different and becomes fan favorite then trouble beings. Then she finds her friend that was joining the circus with her. Her friend is a China doll, continued in book two. I would recommend this novella and series to readers of fantasy mysteries....

The curious contortionist

November 21, 2025

I stumbled upon this book as I normally do and was so pleasantly pleased with how well written this book was. It's a really great story and who doesn't love a story about the circus and all the quirks that go along with it. I like that the author keeps you guessing throughout the story although I feel like I already know what the big reveal will be but I am still intrigued to see how it will turn out. I think the characters were interesting but I don't like how Laurent and Rex never answer...

eerily clever

August 2, 2023

Things are strange for Bindi as she joins the circus. She was supposed to meet her best friend there at the same time but Amelia wasn’t there and the people seem to know her. Not only that but she has a feeling she knows some of them and there are pictures of someone that looks like her. Plus really strange stuff is happening like her memory; she can’t remember things before. Then there is the black caravan and the two men that she feels things for. This is an eerily clever book written with...

I like it but…

August 2, 2022

I like where this series is going. I feel like the first installment was a bit rushed. Kind of reminds me of cross between Cirque de Freak and Immortal Circus, both I love. I kind of wish Bindi had more time with the Cirque de Noir and the different characters introduced before things started spiraling. ) One person found this helpful

Expect The Unexpected!

July 30, 2022

This book took me about two chapters to really get into. That is okay because the authors were setting the stage, the intrigue and mystery that was to come. Bindi and her friend Amelia are suppose to join the circus, but Amelia doesn’t show. That doesn’t stop Bindi from trying out and joining the Circus. So many twists and turns happen that keep you wondering what is going to happen next. With the way the book ended, I can’t wait to read the next one! ) 2 people found this helpful