Welcome to the circus – the most demonic show on earth!Ten years ago, I ran away from my home in the circus, leaving behind things my teenage self couldn’t handle. I kept my life on the straight and narrow, even building a career in law enforcement to make amends.Now my boss wants me back there, undercover. The cool, hipster carnival troupe I infiltrate is miles moved from the rough and tumble … moved from the rough and tumble circus I grew up in but it has its own dangers: murder, mayhem and demonic forces.
Grisly murders trail this troupe and make them prime suspects. I need to get hard evidence to build a case but, as emotions become entangled and old fears resurface, it’s time for a tough decision: embrace the powers I’ve rejected for the last ten years or let innocent people die.
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A series worth checking out.
Very enjoyable urban fantasy. Three-dimensional characters, an atypical setting and the beginning of an intriguing series.
Refreshing that the author didn’t follow the typical overused tropes that are far too common in the genre. A lot of questions yet to be answered and Jayne’s background still a little blurred, but I’m hoping these will be addressed in future titles in the series.
I received an eARC of this book and chose to write a review.
LOVED it.
Smoke, Mirrors & Demons” is the first book in Kat Cotton’s “Carnival Society” paranormal romance series. It is set in Australia (yay! G’day 😉 ) but really the setting is lightly described and could be just about any city in America.
Jayne is an intriguing heroine with some mysteries she’s determined to protect – her past is to be avoided – and a stressful police career. Now she’s going undercover as a circus performer to investigate a series of murders … and things are about to get supernaturally good (or bad, it depends).
First let me state, I received an Advance Reader Copy, (ARC), but this in no way influences my review. I always leave an honest review. Also this author is new to me.
Holy shiznet this story was amazing. Jayne has some really bad hangups but considering what she has done and can do, I don’t blame her. I can’t wait to read the next book to find out more about her and Duke, like what are his powers, or Lily, what is she, or even Nuno, with that freaky scream. I recommend this read 5 Thumbs up
Kat Cotton is one of my absolute favorite urban fantasy authors. Her Clem Starr character simply can’t be beat in the pantheon of great urban fantasy characters and I loved all the Clem Starr books, both main series and offshoots. No surprise then that I was so happy to get Smoke, Mirrors and Demons, which is the first in a new series, The Carnival Society. This book bears all the hallmarks of what makes this author so special. Superb lead and supporting characters? Check. Neat plot that’s not predictable? Check (c’mon, you gotta love the demons in a circus vibe). Top-notch writing? Check. The start of a cool overarching story arc? You betcha … oops, I mean “Check”. It’s all here. I am not going to summarize this story as the publisher’s blurb gives all that’s needed, but I will simply note that following along as Jayne, the lead, develops into a pretty cool character was a total pleasure. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises – the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
I already love this new series by Kat Cotton. The story line is original, action-packed, and has left me with tons of questions that I know will be answered as the story progresses. The world-building and character development isn’t complete yet, but that just leaves more to be revealed in time. I’m hooked and anxiously waiting for the next one!
This is the first I have read of this author, and I will definitely be looking for more.
The characters are interesting and the storyline will suck you in. Cannot wait to see where book 2 takes us.
What a fantastic start to the series! Jayne has closed herself off and shies away from any type of relationship. But she will have to confront her memories and embrace her talents fully. It will be interesting to see what happens next.
I was gifted an ARC in return of an honest review.
I liked this book. There is no romance or steamy scenes which makes a great change. Most paranormal books tend to focus on that, but this just focuses on the story line. There is also no swearing or foul language so this is a good story for younger teens all the way up.
Jayne is a detective. She does love her job, way more than the life she had in the carnival. She also has a gift that can get in the way of what she is doing. Now, she has to investigate a group of “carnies.” She plans to blow the interview, but instead gets challenged and refuses to lose, oops.
Our intrepid detective finds something she doesn’t expect. Friends. Through all the “smoke and mirrors” of the demon who is out to get here bonds are made and a sort of trust developed. Sex is mentioned, but not heavy on content. I do appreciate a story that doesn’t need gratuitous activity.
Enjoy the story, it leaves lots to be discovered in the next book.
late night reading
good book w/a good story & characters. enjoyed it
This is a bit different from the usual fare, characters are interesting.
I can’t wait to read the next one.
Original story line and is very well done.
Not a bad story, but moves slowly & needs some pizazz! A few bad words & some grammatical errors. Hopefully the sequel steps it up!
Good character and world development. An original take on demon fighting.
Good characters, enjoyed reading this book.
High Rolling Act
The start of a new series and the characters are really different. You will meet Lilly, Nuno, Duke, Buzz and Jayne.
If you ever thought about running away to the circus…stop and read this book first. Jayne is a cop with a past and her life is getting ready to change but the question is will it be for better or worse?
Jaynes past will come back to help her in her current job but it is not something she wants to use.
If the story seems a little slow in the beginning stick with it as the author is taking time to build the base story line and let me tell you it is necessary.