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Slim Hardy Mysteries #8
The Circus Lights
THE NEW SLIM HARDY MYSTERY - RELEASED APRIL 17th 2023
One autumn night in 1992, young trapeze artist Maria’s circus career is cut short by a horrific fall. Later investigation reveals sabotage, but by then the ramshackle Southern Cross Circus has folded, and its garrulous ring master and owner fled to Spain.
And the prime suspect in the possible crime, Maria’s boyfriend, has disappeared without trace, never to be seen again.
After a chance encounter with Maria decades afterwards, private investigator John “Slim” Hardy sets out to uncover the truth.
But what starts out as a minor investigation soon spirals out of control into a case of multiple murder, and a series of events that still leave their mark more than thirty years later.
In the glare of the circus lights, Slim could be facing his most complex investigation yet.
One autumn night in 1992, young trapeze artist Maria’s circus career is cut short by a horrific fall. Later investigation reveals sabotage, but by then the ramshackle Southern Cross Circus has folded, and its garrulous ring master and owner fled to Spain.
And the prime suspect in the possible crime, Maria’s boyfriend, has disappeared without trace, never to be seen again.
After a chance encounter with Maria decades afterwards, private investigator John “Slim” Hardy sets out to uncover the truth.
But what starts out as a minor investigation soon spirals out of control into a case of multiple murder, and a series of events that still leave their mark more than thirty years later.
In the glare of the circus lights, Slim could be facing his most complex investigation yet.
250 pages, Hardcover
Published April 30, 2023
22 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Jack Benton
49 books91 followersJack Benton is the mystery writing pen name of British science fiction writer Chris Ward.
Chris Ward is a native of Cornwall, England, but currently lives and works in Nagano, Japan. He is the author of multiple series across several speculative genres, as well as writing under pen names in several more.
He spends his time, snowboarding, writing, playing guitar in his rock band, Steampunk Unicorn (www.reverbnation/steampunkunicorn), and generally having too much to say about just about everything.
For more information, please visit www.amillionmilesfromanywhere.net/tok...
Chris Ward is a native of Cornwall, England, but currently lives and works in Nagano, Japan. He is the author of multiple series across several speculative genres, as well as writing under pen names in several more.
He spends his time, snowboarding, writing, playing guitar in his rock band, Steampunk Unicorn (www.reverbnation/steampunkunicorn), and generally having too much to say about just about everything.
For more information, please visit www.amillionmilesfromanywhere.net/tok...
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 21, 2025
Another great story with the P.I Slim. A fantastic series.
June 19, 2023
Finally finished the series! I enjoyed the series but all the writing had the same flaws. I liked the main characters and the settings but the books usually had too many characters, the plot was too diffuse and lacked excitement. Spoilers ahead.
In this book Slim tries online dating and meets Maria. He notices that she uses a cane and has a limp. It turns out that she was once a trapeze artist in a small local circus. One night she fell from a very high height injuring her leg, possibly due to sabotage. Co-incidentally her boyfriend disappeared off the face of the Earth and after that the circus closed down. And oh, two elderly women at a nearby old folks home died, possibly murdered.
With all this mayhem happening, Slim is intrigued and is determined to find out what happened and if the deaths were connected to Maria's fall. She half-heartedly agrees, mainly to find out what happened to her boyfriend at the time.
First, Slim books a room at the small village where the circus was located before it closed down. Once there, he starts asking questions. This is his usual MO. He basically just keep asking questions, one leading to another until he gets to the bottom of things. And it's pretty effective.
As the occurrence wasn't too long ago, he was still able to find locals who were youths at the time who gave him the local gossip and names of people who interreacted with the circus, either as local help or spectators.
Using his ex-army friends who supply documents and information from government databases (and also equipment when needed), he was able to get a lot of information. He found the boyfriend, unfortunately he had died but he was able to find the son. He was also able to trace the circus ringmaster and owner, and the two women who died.
Eventually he found who everyone was, their stories and how they were connected with each other. Once he had this information he was able to deduce or see why Maria fell, where the ringmaster went, who the two elderly women were and why they died. The plot was pretty convoluted and actually quite well put together. But as usual, because of the complexity of the plot and the number of characters and dead ends that Slim ran into, and because the author wasn't able to keep the suspense high, it still was a slow book most of the time. Because I like the author, I'm now reading another series of his, the Tube Riders, which he wrote as Chris Ward.
In this book Slim tries online dating and meets Maria. He notices that she uses a cane and has a limp. It turns out that she was once a trapeze artist in a small local circus. One night she fell from a very high height injuring her leg, possibly due to sabotage. Co-incidentally her boyfriend disappeared off the face of the Earth and after that the circus closed down. And oh, two elderly women at a nearby old folks home died, possibly murdered.
With all this mayhem happening, Slim is intrigued and is determined to find out what happened and if the deaths were connected to Maria's fall. She half-heartedly agrees, mainly to find out what happened to her boyfriend at the time.
First, Slim books a room at the small village where the circus was located before it closed down. Once there, he starts asking questions. This is his usual MO. He basically just keep asking questions, one leading to another until he gets to the bottom of things. And it's pretty effective.
As the occurrence wasn't too long ago, he was still able to find locals who were youths at the time who gave him the local gossip and names of people who interreacted with the circus, either as local help or spectators.
Using his ex-army friends who supply documents and information from government databases (and also equipment when needed), he was able to get a lot of information. He found the boyfriend, unfortunately he had died but he was able to find the son. He was also able to trace the circus ringmaster and owner, and the two women who died.
Eventually he found who everyone was, their stories and how they were connected with each other. Once he had this information he was able to deduce or see why Maria fell, where the ringmaster went, who the two elderly women were and why they died. The plot was pretty convoluted and actually quite well put together. But as usual, because of the complexity of the plot and the number of characters and dead ends that Slim ran into, and because the author wasn't able to keep the suspense high, it still was a slow book most of the time. Because I like the author, I'm now reading another series of his, the Tube Riders, which he wrote as Chris Ward.
May 15, 2023
I'm a big fan of Jack Benton's Slim Hardy Mysteries. Set in the modern-day UK, Slim is a former soldier from the Gulf War, trying desperately to escape the demons of alcohol addiction and distracting himself with complex murder cases as a private investigator.
I read this new Slim Hardy mystery the week it was released. And once again, Benton has outdone himself with one of the best mystery books of the year.
The setup: Slim finds himself on a blind date with a woman who walks with a limp—and tells Slim the story of how her trapeze artist career was cut short by a nasty fall in the waning days of a failing circus. She suspects sabotage—and Slim, whose need for investigation rivals his need for drink, is drawn to the out-of-business circus like a moth to the flame.
The characters in this investigation are by turns charming, fascinating, or horrifying. Like a ringmaster, Benton keeps many acts in motion at once. Some of Slim's professional assistants make appearances for longtime readers of the series, but this book could stand on its own as well. By the time Slim uncovers two murders in the retirement home next to the land the circus rented, enough intrigue has been spun to ensnare the reader.
One of the interesting aspects of Benton's Slim Hardy novels in the lack of righteous judgment in relating Slim's trouble staying sober. This novel begins to unravel the connection between Slim's addiction to alcohol and his addiction to solving unsolvable cases. It's a fascinating piece of sociological insight as well as being a solid mystery narrative. It was hard to put this book down—the eighth Slim Hardy mystery is a real page-turning delight. Highly recommended for mystery fans!
I read this new Slim Hardy mystery the week it was released. And once again, Benton has outdone himself with one of the best mystery books of the year.
The setup: Slim finds himself on a blind date with a woman who walks with a limp—and tells Slim the story of how her trapeze artist career was cut short by a nasty fall in the waning days of a failing circus. She suspects sabotage—and Slim, whose need for investigation rivals his need for drink, is drawn to the out-of-business circus like a moth to the flame.
The characters in this investigation are by turns charming, fascinating, or horrifying. Like a ringmaster, Benton keeps many acts in motion at once. Some of Slim's professional assistants make appearances for longtime readers of the series, but this book could stand on its own as well. By the time Slim uncovers two murders in the retirement home next to the land the circus rented, enough intrigue has been spun to ensnare the reader.
One of the interesting aspects of Benton's Slim Hardy novels in the lack of righteous judgment in relating Slim's trouble staying sober. This novel begins to unravel the connection between Slim's addiction to alcohol and his addiction to solving unsolvable cases. It's a fascinating piece of sociological insight as well as being a solid mystery narrative. It was hard to put this book down—the eighth Slim Hardy mystery is a real page-turning delight. Highly recommended for mystery fans!
April 27, 2023
The Circus Lights, #8 - A rather sad story; so many losers. At least, the drinking has stopped but not the desire. Still the bumbler but with Kay and Don's help and the questions, several events are solved. 4*
The Man By The Sea, #1 - This book had me immersed in the story lines and so intrigued that I finished the book in one sitting. Good characters and a good pace helped make this an interesting read. 4*
The Clockmaker's Secret, #2 - An intense story that kept me glued to the pages. Intriguing story lines, good characters and justice served. 5*
The Games Keeper, #3 - Another intense read. You want to put the book down, after you just read the next bit, but then it is the last page. Interesting. Intriguing. Good story lines. 4*
The Man By The Sea, #1 - This book had me immersed in the story lines and so intrigued that I finished the book in one sitting. Good characters and a good pace helped make this an interesting read. 4*
The Clockmaker's Secret, #2 - An intense story that kept me glued to the pages. Intriguing story lines, good characters and justice served. 5*
The Games Keeper, #3 - Another intense read. You want to put the book down, after you just read the next bit, but then it is the last page. Interesting. Intriguing. Good story lines. 4*
April 30, 2023
The Circus Lights is the eighth Book of The Slim Hardy Mysteries series written by Jack Benton. This was a rather intriguing mystery with a lot of twists that are really interesting and unique to the story. Which was exciting!
The characters were rather unique like grumpy Slim, being his usual self, and all the others were quite different from normal stories. The writing style was intriguing and the clever execution of the plot. This with the other books in this series, those who love mysteries will not be disappointed! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters were rather unique like grumpy Slim, being his usual self, and all the others were quite different from normal stories. The writing style was intriguing and the clever execution of the plot. This with the other books in this series, those who love mysteries will not be disappointed! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 1, 2023
Interesting PI Investigation
This book is the 8th in a series and the first I've read. The author provides enough background information that a new reader is neither lost nor bored. This is a clean mystery with no bad language, gore, or sex. The plot is very interesting as it involves a 30-year-old cold case that someone does not want him looking into. With the final denouement being neither unexpected nor surprising, it is interesting to see all of the pieces of the puzzle form a complete picture.
This book is the 8th in a series and the first I've read. The author provides enough background information that a new reader is neither lost nor bored. This is a clean mystery with no bad language, gore, or sex. The plot is very interesting as it involves a 30-year-old cold case that someone does not want him looking into. With the final denouement being neither unexpected nor surprising, it is interesting to see all of the pieces of the puzzle form a complete picture.
April 20, 2023
An intriguing mystery novel, with plenty of twists that are quite unexpected. Which was great!
I enjoyed the characters - grumpy Slim being his usual self, and a wide list of others, some of whom we see nowadays plus flashbacks to their younger selves.
I enjoyed the writing style, and the clever evocation of place.
As with the other books in this series, those who love mysteries will not be disappointed!
I enjoyed the characters - grumpy Slim being his usual self, and a wide list of others, some of whom we see nowadays plus flashbacks to their younger selves.
I enjoyed the writing style, and the clever evocation of place.
As with the other books in this series, those who love mysteries will not be disappointed!
May 3, 2023
I've read a lot of books written by Jack Benton; he is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of his books.
This is part of the Slim Hardy Mysteries Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Maria & Slim; after she falls and is injured he’s begin investigating her fall; turns out it was sabotage.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
This is part of the Slim Hardy Mysteries Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Maria & Slim; after she falls and is injured he’s begin investigating her fall; turns out it was sabotage.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
June 4, 2023
I read all books in the series and The Circus Lights is just another great story by Chris Ward. Slim Hardy is a most interesting character - full of flaws, as all we humans are, but also with great investigative and unusual ways to deal with the information he finds. His persistence is his main asset. Great mystery, well-written, and very entertaining.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2023
I liked this story. I think that it was well written. I liked the characters. Slim Hardy was a good investigator and Maria was very real for me. I liked her backstory. I liked the mystery that was in this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 4, 2023
A great read! Suspense, intrigue, and mystery fill the storyline and keep you guessing until the end. It's well written and the author does a great job of pulling the reader in and keeping them engaged in the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 5, 2023
I loved this novel. The characters were deeply human and the setting was enchanting, immersive and engaging. The narrative was crisp, written at an easy pace and perfect for the Detective mystery that is unfolding.
I don't think I have read this author before, but I certainly enjoyed his refreshing and engaging writing style.
Sign me up for more.
I don't think I have read this author before, but I certainly enjoyed his refreshing and engaging writing style.
Sign me up for more.
May 7, 2023
this was a strong entry in the Slim Hardy Mysteries series, I was invested in what was going on and figuring out what was happening. It worked well with the other seven books. The characters were what I was hoping for and glad I read this.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 1, 2023
Like the series and main character. Have re-read some of series more-n-once. Always interesting and, often, sad. Usually ends with a happier thought but the main character has PTSD, so he’s not. Part of the books’ draw from fans. Narrator is always clear and depicts the main character extremely well.
April 30, 2023
Well-written and enjoyable story. I found enough of a mystery in this book to keep my interest and I will be looking for more books by this author as I enjoyed the writing style.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 14, 2023
This was a great read, with lots of mystery and suspense. I really enjoyed it and will now be looking for the rest of the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 22, 2023
Wonderful story
As usual an excellent story. Full of interesting characters and twist and turns. I love his stories they stay with me for awhile after reading them. I highly recommend all of Jack Bentons stories.
As usual an excellent story. Full of interesting characters and twist and turns. I love his stories they stay with me for awhile after reading them. I highly recommend all of Jack Bentons stories.
January 16, 2024
Another good read !
January 19, 2024
Too many characters, and how many cups of coffee can one man drink?
December 5, 2024
Wonderful writing as always.
February 7, 2026
This is a 4.5 🌟 read rounded ⬆️ to 5 🌟.
April 30, 2023
This is book 8 in the Slim Hardy series. Not as good as previous books but still a great read. Once I start there is no stopping, a bit like Slim who starts this investigation and keeps going even though no one really wants him to. He does so well staying away from his demon this time but he is always on the edge and part of the suspense of the story is the hope that he succeeds. Look forward to book 9.
July 7, 2024
An intriguing mystery
PI ‘Slim’ Hardy becomes involved in investigating a mysterious accident which occurred in an old circus back in 1992, and fairly soon his enquiries reveal much more than just an accident.
Never one to dismiss a case until it is solved ‘Slim’ continues to probe, unearthing several suspects for not only the circus accident, but murder as well.
I am quite addicted to this series, and can thoroughly recommend these well written and plotted books to all lovers of crime fiction.
PI ‘Slim’ Hardy becomes involved in investigating a mysterious accident which occurred in an old circus back in 1992, and fairly soon his enquiries reveal much more than just an accident.
Never one to dismiss a case until it is solved ‘Slim’ continues to probe, unearthing several suspects for not only the circus accident, but murder as well.
I am quite addicted to this series, and can thoroughly recommend these well written and plotted books to all lovers of crime fiction.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews