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Carnival of Mysteries
The Extraordinary Locket of Elijah Gray
Don’t look. It isn’t there. On the day Eli almost drowned in Coup d’Oeil Lake, a boy pulled him to shore and took him to a carnival. Nobody saw the boy or the carnival—not the lights, not the crowds, not the rides. So Eli kept quiet and ignored what he’d seen. He’s good at ignoring things now…
Except for the shadows.
Those he can’t ignore.
One step from homelessness and flirting with assault and battery every time somebody pisses him off makes the caretaker gig on out-of-the-way Greenwood Glen a safe place for Wade to cool his jets for a while. All he has to do is take care of a ramshackle house nobody lives in. Easy peasy.
At first. The house was quiet until the prickly Elijah Gray returned home with his fluffy cat and woke something up.
Something dark and mysterious… and deadly.
The Extraordinary Locket of Elijah Gray is part of the multi-author Carnival of Mysteries Series. Each book stands alone, but each one includes at least one visit to Errante Ame’s Carnival of Mysteries, a magical, multiverse traveling show full of unusual acts, games, and rides. The Carnival changes to suit the world it’s on, so each visit is unique and special. This book contains a lonely artist who sees ghosts, a fuzzy black cat, a disgruntled caretaker, and a guaranteed HEA. Expect some dark “horror” scenes, but Gus the cat will be living a very long and very happy life.
Except for the shadows.
Those he can’t ignore.
One step from homelessness and flirting with assault and battery every time somebody pisses him off makes the caretaker gig on out-of-the-way Greenwood Glen a safe place for Wade to cool his jets for a while. All he has to do is take care of a ramshackle house nobody lives in. Easy peasy.
At first. The house was quiet until the prickly Elijah Gray returned home with his fluffy cat and woke something up.
Something dark and mysterious… and deadly.
The Extraordinary Locket of Elijah Gray is part of the multi-author Carnival of Mysteries Series. Each book stands alone, but each one includes at least one visit to Errante Ame’s Carnival of Mysteries, a magical, multiverse traveling show full of unusual acts, games, and rides. The Carnival changes to suit the world it’s on, so each visit is unique and special. This book contains a lonely artist who sees ghosts, a fuzzy black cat, a disgruntled caretaker, and a guaranteed HEA. Expect some dark “horror” scenes, but Gus the cat will be living a very long and very happy life.
468 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2023
18 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Kayleigh Sky
23 books121 followersKayeigh Sky is a m/m erotic romance writer.
Kayleigh’s stories are tales of struggle and pain, loss and despair. Love is won in the battle to rise out of the depths of darkness. Victory is in the sweet bliss of happily ever after.
Once upon a time Kayleigh hid out in a cold dark garage reading a book her parents forbid her to read. She was nine years old. The book? Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin, a story of love between two men–well, actually the story was a little more complicated than that, but hey, she was nine.
In the dark of the garage, a light, a passion, a sheer joy for love in all its manifestations awoke.
And love between two men–Hot!
Kayleigh’s men are often broken, always brave, and always memorable.
Kayleigh’s stories are tales of struggle and pain, loss and despair. Love is won in the battle to rise out of the depths of darkness. Victory is in the sweet bliss of happily ever after.
Once upon a time Kayleigh hid out in a cold dark garage reading a book her parents forbid her to read. She was nine years old. The book? Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin, a story of love between two men–well, actually the story was a little more complicated than that, but hey, she was nine.
In the dark of the garage, a light, a passion, a sheer joy for love in all its manifestations awoke.
And love between two men–Hot!
Kayleigh’s men are often broken, always brave, and always memorable.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 10, 2023
At 37%, note "surprise goodness" tag, and fingers crossed this holds up the rest of the way.
SPOILER: IT HELD UP.
Now, much of what I found engaging and satisfying is exactly what the negative reviews complained of.
Wade, for example, put some people off. His motivations are a little shady at the outset: having been booted by his father after coming out to his family, he's spent a fair amount of time homeless -- not just unhoused, but wandering, doing odd jobs and sleeping in his car. He wants the security of money, of course he does, and if that means finding and digging up a rumored stash that the actual owner of some property doesn't even know about, well, why shouldn't he? Just because it feels uncomfortably like stealing? Just because it feels more and more uncomfortably like stealing the better he knows Eli and the more he cares for him? It's not like he can rely on their relationship to last.
We're in the middle of another heatwave in Brooklyn and it's making me crabby enough to snarl about how secure someone's life must be, for them not to understand why the precarity of Wade's would keep him on the lookout for the main chance, or to empathize with his chronic anger.
Another objection to Extraordinary Locket is that it doesn't entirely meet genre expectations. It's as much paranormal suspense/horror as it is a romance, and I can appreciate why, if you walk into this book expecting lighthearted carnival! midway! rides! fun!, you'd be taken aback not only by Wade's imperfect morality but also by the, uh, terror. And -- no spoilers, and there is a happy ending, but the source and reasons for the haunting are nothing short of monstrous. That having been said, supernatural terrors don't usually grab me, but Kayleigh Sky gets full marks for creeping me the hell out.
I'm giving this 4.5 stars rather than 5, because the Carnival of Mysteries isn't a structural element of the narrative; it could easily have been written out. I even wonder whether Sky wrote it into an existing manuscript so that it could be published as part of this series -- but I can't bring myself to care much, because Extraordinary Locket was such a surprising pleasure overall. I liked Wade and Eli (and Gus the mooing cat!) enormously and I grieved for Jay and Rob (yep, I cried at the end when . Now Kayleigh Sky just needs to learn how commas work.
SPOILER: IT HELD UP.
Now, much of what I found engaging and satisfying is exactly what the negative reviews complained of.
Wade, for example, put some people off. His motivations are a little shady at the outset: having been booted by his father after coming out to his family, he's spent a fair amount of time homeless -- not just unhoused, but wandering, doing odd jobs and sleeping in his car. He wants the security of money, of course he does, and if that means finding and digging up a rumored stash that the actual owner of some property doesn't even know about, well, why shouldn't he? Just because it feels uncomfortably like stealing? Just because it feels more and more uncomfortably like stealing the better he knows Eli and the more he cares for him? It's not like he can rely on their relationship to last.
We're in the middle of another heatwave in Brooklyn and it's making me crabby enough to snarl about how secure someone's life must be, for them not to understand why the precarity of Wade's would keep him on the lookout for the main chance, or to empathize with his chronic anger.
Another objection to Extraordinary Locket is that it doesn't entirely meet genre expectations. It's as much paranormal suspense/horror as it is a romance, and I can appreciate why, if you walk into this book expecting lighthearted carnival! midway! rides! fun!, you'd be taken aback not only by Wade's imperfect morality but also by the, uh, terror. And -- no spoilers, and there is a happy ending, but the source and reasons for the haunting are nothing short of monstrous. That having been said, supernatural terrors don't usually grab me, but Kayleigh Sky gets full marks for creeping me the hell out.
I'm giving this 4.5 stars rather than 5, because the Carnival of Mysteries isn't a structural element of the narrative; it could easily have been written out. I even wonder whether Sky wrote it into an existing manuscript so that it could be published as part of this series -- but I can't bring myself to care much, because Extraordinary Locket was such a surprising pleasure overall. I liked Wade and Eli (and Gus the mooing cat!) enormously and I grieved for Jay and Rob (yep, I cried at the end when . Now Kayleigh Sky just needs to learn how commas work.
September 12, 2023
Most of this book was good but I had issues with the first 50 pages or so and some of the last pages where I really had no clue what was going on.
I am not sure Wade and Eli really gelled as a couple and why the locket was in the title. ( totally confused about that).
However, I did enjoy Gus' part, even his mooing.
I am not sure Wade and Eli really gelled as a couple and why the locket was in the title. ( totally confused about that).
However, I did enjoy Gus' part, even his mooing.
August 20, 2023
So far all the books on this series that I've read have been lighthearted and whimsical. The fact that this has the same vibes as Stephen King's the shining hit me like an 18 wheel truck at high speed. It's slow, tense, meant to have you on your toes. Part of why it wasn't a favorite for me is because I didn't walk into this book wanting or expecting a paranormal horror.
The other reason is the pace. Again, I understand that speed isn't what you go to for tension. But, again, I didn't want or expect a suspenseful novel, so that combined with the fact that it is slow made it drag. And as a cherry on top, the climax wasn't all that satisfying. It happened as it was convenient, no one knows why, done, the end.
I can't say it was bad, it was just not what I expected or wanted to read based on those expectations.
The other reason is the pace. Again, I understand that speed isn't what you go to for tension. But, again, I didn't want or expect a suspenseful novel, so that combined with the fact that it is slow made it drag. And as a cherry on top, the climax wasn't all that satisfying. It happened as it was convenient, no one knows why, done, the end.
I can't say it was bad, it was just not what I expected or wanted to read based on those expectations.
Read
September 8, 2023DNF ~6%
I was very confused and not feeling it. I was also very out of it when I was reading, so I won't rate out of fairness, but I also don't have any desire to try again, so *shrugs*
I was very confused and not feeling it. I was also very out of it when I was reading, so I won't rate out of fairness, but I also don't have any desire to try again, so *shrugs*
September 7, 2023
a muddy mix of some interesting elements
Rating: 3🌈
Here’s a book I wanted to like and rate much higher than I eventually did. And it came after much thought, dissecting the book until I realized what exactly kept bothering me about the narrative and the characters.
The plot, some of the issues:
🔹Some major elements treated like minor aspects: Jay, the locket, spirit appearances, different townspeople.
🔹
🔹Some sections made no sense except that it was part of the series. Why was the Carnival of Mysteries involved? The boy made an appearance but it wasn’t explained. The main characters went there but it didn’t make much of an impact on the story except for a fight scene that could have happened outside anyway.
🔹That Carnival is supposed to have a protective effect. Didn’t have much of one . Carnival isn’t a well layered in element.
Characters:
🔹The main characters have no chemistry imo. Immediately jump into sex with no relationship.
🔹One mc is actively plotting to steal money from the other if he can find it. 🔹This continues until almost 47%. Even knowing that the other person is in financial trouble.
🔹This same MC has anger management issues, and a “self first”approach that Sky thinks the reader should find connectable. Not for this reader.
Even with supplying a sad back history of rejection for Wade, his shady behavior and intentions just make him cringe worthy rather than a good character to invest our emotional energy in.
Eli on the other hand is a well conceived character. Haunted, his memory jumbled, in financial stress, with a beloved cat in tow, he’s so beautifully written that he almost makes the story. Eli and his ghost.
The ghost too is poignancy itself. A ghost named Jay. And this entire thread is both a great one and an excellent example of how Sky’s story went wrong.
We get bits of Jay. But he’s so much of the heart of the story, why not more. Jay’s the past and it’s present. Sky starts and stops with Jay’s voice, and his history, making it a muddle instead of a clearly defined bridge between Eli and his own troubles. Even the locket of the title is a element that’s not used to fullest. The author trots out a tiny bit at the end of the book, and then it becomes a item that made me ask more questions about the ending than it answers.
Really, where’s Rob been all this time? How’d that spirit get vanquished? Spoiler alert 🚨 A group of men, not just one, trespass and commit arson, and one gets off with a tap on the wrist? That’s satisfying?
Another thing that really made me think about the choices made here. Over and over.
When I thought it through, one character I liked, one character , Jay, whose potential I thought was wasted, and a feline character I liked, wasn’t enough to raise the rating higher than a 3. Too many issues,too muddy a plot, too unbalanced a relationship.
Too bad there is some things that are horrifically interesting. But the way in which the story is written dims the lights on the best this book has to offer.
Carnival of Mysteries series:
- [x] Crow's Fate by Kim Fielding❤️
- [x] Step Right Up by L.A. Witt
- [x] Magic Burning by Kaje Harper ❤️
- [x] Night-blooming Hearts by Megan Derr
- [x] Go For The Company by Ander C. Lark❤️
- [x] Roustabout by Morgan Brice❤️
- [x] Assassin by Accident by E.J. Russell❤️
- [ ] Dryad on Fire by Nicole Dennis - Sept 13
- [x] The Extraordinary Locket of Elijah Gray by Kayleigh Sky
- [ ] Smoke and Mirrors by Elizabeth Silver - September 20
- [ ] You Can Do Magic by R.L. Merrill - September 27
- [ ] Sting in the Tail by TA Moore - October 4
- [ ] Gods and Monsters by Rachel Langella - October 25
Rating: 3🌈
Here’s a book I wanted to like and rate much higher than I eventually did. And it came after much thought, dissecting the book until I realized what exactly kept bothering me about the narrative and the characters.
The plot, some of the issues:
🔹Some major elements treated like minor aspects: Jay, the locket, spirit appearances, different townspeople.
🔹
🔹Some sections made no sense except that it was part of the series. Why was the Carnival of Mysteries involved? The boy made an appearance but it wasn’t explained. The main characters went there but it didn’t make much of an impact on the story except for a fight scene that could have happened outside anyway.
🔹That Carnival is supposed to have a protective effect. Didn’t have much of one . Carnival isn’t a well layered in element.
Characters:
🔹The main characters have no chemistry imo. Immediately jump into sex with no relationship.
🔹One mc is actively plotting to steal money from the other if he can find it. 🔹This continues until almost 47%. Even knowing that the other person is in financial trouble.
🔹This same MC has anger management issues, and a “self first”approach that Sky thinks the reader should find connectable. Not for this reader.
Even with supplying a sad back history of rejection for Wade, his shady behavior and intentions just make him cringe worthy rather than a good character to invest our emotional energy in.
Eli on the other hand is a well conceived character. Haunted, his memory jumbled, in financial stress, with a beloved cat in tow, he’s so beautifully written that he almost makes the story. Eli and his ghost.
The ghost too is poignancy itself. A ghost named Jay. And this entire thread is both a great one and an excellent example of how Sky’s story went wrong.
We get bits of Jay. But he’s so much of the heart of the story, why not more. Jay’s the past and it’s present. Sky starts and stops with Jay’s voice, and his history, making it a muddle instead of a clearly defined bridge between Eli and his own troubles. Even the locket of the title is a element that’s not used to fullest. The author trots out a tiny bit at the end of the book, and then it becomes a item that made me ask more questions about the ending than it answers.
Really, where’s Rob been all this time? How’d that spirit get vanquished? Spoiler alert 🚨 A group of men, not just one, trespass and commit arson, and one gets off with a tap on the wrist? That’s satisfying?
Another thing that really made me think about the choices made here. Over and over.
When I thought it through, one character I liked, one character , Jay, whose potential I thought was wasted, and a feline character I liked, wasn’t enough to raise the rating higher than a 3. Too many issues,too muddy a plot, too unbalanced a relationship.
Too bad there is some things that are horrifically interesting. But the way in which the story is written dims the lights on the best this book has to offer.
Carnival of Mysteries series:
- [x] Crow's Fate by Kim Fielding❤️
- [x] Step Right Up by L.A. Witt
- [x] Magic Burning by Kaje Harper ❤️
- [x] Night-blooming Hearts by Megan Derr
- [x] Go For The Company by Ander C. Lark❤️
- [x] Roustabout by Morgan Brice❤️
- [x] Assassin by Accident by E.J. Russell❤️
- [ ] Dryad on Fire by Nicole Dennis - Sept 13
- [x] The Extraordinary Locket of Elijah Gray by Kayleigh Sky
- [ ] Smoke and Mirrors by Elizabeth Silver - September 20
- [ ] You Can Do Magic by R.L. Merrill - September 27
- [ ] Sting in the Tail by TA Moore - October 4
- [ ] Gods and Monsters by Rachel Langella - October 25
September 4, 2023
So I’ve realised that one of my least favourite formulas for a romance is a late meeting of the MCs. We get almost 25% of the book without the MCs meeting, and then after one 2-minute encounter (where one doesn’t know who the other is), they’re making out at their next meeting. Too instalust for me.
By about 60% of the way through, what I know about these characters: one is meek and indecisive, loves his cat and beading beautiful art but has decided to instead do up and run a B&B with no reno/construction or hospitality experience. The other has major anger management issues, works out a fair bit, and wants to get rich quick either by writing a novel or finding a hidden treasure. They just don’t seem to talk and actually spend meaningful time with one another, at least not that we get to see.
Eli and Wade experience multiple unexplainable paranormal events but spend most of the book brushing it off, so while the mystery of the ghosts underpins everything, there’s very little attempt to *solve* that mystery for most of the novel, it’s just this thing they don’t talk about or which they deny. Wade spends most of the book planning to rip Eli off if he finds the treasure. It felt like these two were in the same place but so rarely connecting (unless they were in bed together), which was unfortunate, especially as the tone had a lot more horror than I prefer. I would have preferred a much lighter tone, but that’s obviously personal preference.
I was more engaged in the later half of the book, as we were finally starting to get some answers. I liked Gus a lot, and I liked how both Eli and Wade cared about him. I was glad to find out what happened to Jay, and I liked the end result for everyone (though I still don’t totally understand why what Eli did worked. But I’m grateful it did).
I received an ARC from GRR. This is my honest review.
By about 60% of the way through, what I know about these characters: one is meek and indecisive, loves his cat and beading beautiful art but has decided to instead do up and run a B&B with no reno/construction or hospitality experience. The other has major anger management issues, works out a fair bit, and wants to get rich quick either by writing a novel or finding a hidden treasure. They just don’t seem to talk and actually spend meaningful time with one another, at least not that we get to see.
Eli and Wade experience multiple unexplainable paranormal events but spend most of the book brushing it off, so while the mystery of the ghosts underpins everything, there’s very little attempt to *solve* that mystery for most of the novel, it’s just this thing they don’t talk about or which they deny. Wade spends most of the book planning to rip Eli off if he finds the treasure. It felt like these two were in the same place but so rarely connecting (unless they were in bed together), which was unfortunate, especially as the tone had a lot more horror than I prefer. I would have preferred a much lighter tone, but that’s obviously personal preference.
I was more engaged in the later half of the book, as we were finally starting to get some answers. I liked Gus a lot, and I liked how both Eli and Wade cared about him. I was glad to find out what happened to Jay, and I liked the end result for everyone (though I still don’t totally understand why what Eli did worked. But I’m grateful it did).
I received an ARC from GRR. This is my honest review.
September 7, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
The Extraordinary Locket of Elijah Gray is part of the Carnival of Mysteries multi-author collection. Author Kayleigh Sky creates a delightful liminal space that is mostly set in the modern day on a nearly abandoned house on an island. The aesthetics of the setting and the name of the city really help sell the tone of this thriller/mystery story. In addition to the main story, there is a side plot that explores the lives and experiences of different characters and serves as sort of a creation myth for Eli’s house. Taken together, the side story offers a lot of “aha” moments for puzzling things that happen in the present-day timeline. I thought these two aspects of the story balanced each other very well, adding emotional impact that was so bittersweetly sorrowful. (But in case you were worried, there is a HEA for our main MCs.)
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
The Extraordinary Locket of Elijah Gray is part of the Carnival of Mysteries multi-author collection. Author Kayleigh Sky creates a delightful liminal space that is mostly set in the modern day on a nearly abandoned house on an island. The aesthetics of the setting and the name of the city really help sell the tone of this thriller/mystery story. In addition to the main story, there is a side plot that explores the lives and experiences of different characters and serves as sort of a creation myth for Eli’s house. Taken together, the side story offers a lot of “aha” moments for puzzling things that happen in the present-day timeline. I thought these two aspects of the story balanced each other very well, adding emotional impact that was so bittersweetly sorrowful. (But in case you were worried, there is a HEA for our main MCs.)
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
August 22, 2024
'The Extraordinary Locket of Elijah Gray',
(part of the 'Carnival of Mysteries' series), by Kayleigh Sky
First off, I want to mention that I really like the whole concept of this mysterious carnival that just seems to show up wherever and whenever someone needs their help. Sometimes what is needed or what is provided is not always clear to us readers, which just adds to the intrigue!
I'm having mixed feelings about this particular storyline which is very dark and heavy, much more so than the other books in this series, at least the ones that I've read, so far...we shall see. There were times during this tale that the events got really horrific!
《Possible Spoilers & Trigger WARNINGS》~~~~~~~~♠︎~~~~♠︎~~~~♠︎~~~~~~~~
parental neglect, parental deaths, parental and teacher severe punishments of multiple children over many years, including torture and murder, plus homophobia both from parents and from some community members, mob mentality including hatred and planned vengeance and murder from some townies, and also hatred and vengence from some paranormal (ghost) activity, as well. Where were the consequences of all those nasty actions from the locals? Not enough!
PTSD
(Jeez, who wouldn't be experiencing PTSD, what with all the aforementioned crap going on; enough so the Eli wonders if he's actually going crazy!)
~~~~~~♠︎~~~~~~♠︎~~~~~~♠︎~~~~~~
Sooo, both the living and the dead are out to stop these two boys from moving into and fixing up Eli's family's old property, apparently willing to stop at nothing to keep some horrific secrets buried forever!
Not trying to deter anyone from reading it, because it was actually pretty well written, just high angst and a lot of violence (so be prepared).
More backstory about Jay & Rob and the 'School For Boys', would have been good, as Jay was an intregal part of this storyline and what occurances took place in the school's past location had bearing on these present circumstances, including why the owner decided to move to this house's location, many years ago.
Seemed like there were many gaps in the storyline.
I also wanted more backstory on Wade, as his motivations for helping Eli, at least for most of the way through this storyline, seemed incredibly selfish.
I wanted more info about his life.
Not feeling any real connections between the two MCs, for the most part; Wade was just underhandedly using Eli as a way to find a lost treasure and make himself rich. And then what? Dump Eli and run away? Maybe...
Loved Eli's cat, Gus (short for Angus), who was named after a breed of cattle because instead of saying, "Meow", he said, "Moo" (always), lol; he's also integral to this tale.
My empathy went out to Eli who seemed to believe he was supposed to have died when he was a child, and that colored a lot of his actions.
Read the book to discover the secrets!
The attraction between Eli and Wade was a little confusing, since neither is quite sure how they feel about it; runs kind of hot & cold. Even with all that was going on, I was still hoping that they would work it all out and that they each developed genuine feelings for the other, although...still not quite trusting Wade to be honest with Eli. They did seem to take care of each other, which was sweet.
Oh, the Carnival did show up, briefly and sporadically, although Eli was confused and couldn't tell if he mostly remembered it from happening in real time from when he was young, or only in his dreams.
The Carnivale wasn't around anywhere near as much as it was in some of the other books and appeared at odd times...welp, they always show up at odd times, don't they, which is half the fun and mystery in these stories!
I haven't yet read all the books in the series, and mostly out of order. So far, this is not one of my fave books in this series, due to reasons mentioned, although overall this series is enchanting, engaging, and really rocks yer socks off!
Still and all, felt like there were too many missing pieces of this puzzle in this particular book, even though mostly an interesting storyline. It's an odd and curious tale, for sure.
(part of the 'Carnival of Mysteries' series), by Kayleigh Sky
First off, I want to mention that I really like the whole concept of this mysterious carnival that just seems to show up wherever and whenever someone needs their help. Sometimes what is needed or what is provided is not always clear to us readers, which just adds to the intrigue!
I'm having mixed feelings about this particular storyline which is very dark and heavy, much more so than the other books in this series, at least the ones that I've read, so far...we shall see. There were times during this tale that the events got really horrific!
《Possible Spoilers & Trigger WARNINGS》~~~~~~~~♠︎~~~~♠︎~~~~♠︎~~~~~~~~
parental neglect, parental deaths, parental and teacher severe punishments of multiple children over many years, including torture and murder, plus homophobia both from parents and from some community members, mob mentality including hatred and planned vengeance and murder from some townies, and also hatred and vengence from some paranormal (ghost) activity, as well. Where were the consequences of all those nasty actions from the locals? Not enough!
PTSD
(Jeez, who wouldn't be experiencing PTSD, what with all the aforementioned crap going on; enough so the Eli wonders if he's actually going crazy!)
~~~~~~♠︎~~~~~~♠︎~~~~~~♠︎~~~~~~
Sooo, both the living and the dead are out to stop these two boys from moving into and fixing up Eli's family's old property, apparently willing to stop at nothing to keep some horrific secrets buried forever!
Not trying to deter anyone from reading it, because it was actually pretty well written, just high angst and a lot of violence (so be prepared).
More backstory about Jay & Rob and the 'School For Boys', would have been good, as Jay was an intregal part of this storyline and what occurances took place in the school's past location had bearing on these present circumstances, including why the owner decided to move to this house's location, many years ago.
Seemed like there were many gaps in the storyline.
I also wanted more backstory on Wade, as his motivations for helping Eli, at least for most of the way through this storyline, seemed incredibly selfish.
I wanted more info about his life.
Not feeling any real connections between the two MCs, for the most part; Wade was just underhandedly using Eli as a way to find a lost treasure and make himself rich. And then what? Dump Eli and run away? Maybe...
Loved Eli's cat, Gus (short for Angus), who was named after a breed of cattle because instead of saying, "Meow", he said, "Moo" (always), lol; he's also integral to this tale.
My empathy went out to Eli who seemed to believe he was supposed to have died when he was a child, and that colored a lot of his actions.
Read the book to discover the secrets!
The attraction between Eli and Wade was a little confusing, since neither is quite sure how they feel about it; runs kind of hot & cold. Even with all that was going on, I was still hoping that they would work it all out and that they each developed genuine feelings for the other, although...still not quite trusting Wade to be honest with Eli. They did seem to take care of each other, which was sweet.
Oh, the Carnival did show up, briefly and sporadically, although Eli was confused and couldn't tell if he mostly remembered it from happening in real time from when he was young, or only in his dreams.
The Carnivale wasn't around anywhere near as much as it was in some of the other books and appeared at odd times...welp, they always show up at odd times, don't they, which is half the fun and mystery in these stories!
I haven't yet read all the books in the series, and mostly out of order. So far, this is not one of my fave books in this series, due to reasons mentioned, although overall this series is enchanting, engaging, and really rocks yer socks off!
Still and all, felt like there were too many missing pieces of this puzzle in this particular book, even though mostly an interesting storyline. It's an odd and curious tale, for sure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2023
Review by Ulysses Dietz
Member of The Paranormal Romance Guild Review Team
This is a ghost story and a love story—two love stories, actually. The ghostly part of the story is elusive, and intentionally so. Kayleigh Sky introduces us to Elijah Gray as a slightly lost, somewhat tremulous young man. His life appears to be something that happens to him. Soon enough, we understand why.He also seems to have a ghost that haunts him…but in an oddly passive, benign way.
This all changes when Eli decides, against his uncle’s advice, to return to the isolated house on a large private island called Greenwood Glen in an even larger lake. The property is connected to the mainland by a mile-long causeway, which is the site of Eli’s greatest trauma.
Eli decides to return to Greenwood Glen, his only asset, soon after he hires Wade Jenkins to replace the property’s longtime caretaker. Wade is another young man who is only half-living his life. He is the opposite of Eli Gray in every way—big, muscled, tattooed, filled with anger (because he, too, has been shaped by trauma). He sees the long-unoccupied house and the abandoned estate as both a cushy job and a potential hiding place for treasure. Rumors of ghosts and hidden money are the only things about the place that interest him.
Until he meets Eli Gray.
The Carnival of Mysteries plays a familiar, and yet eerily different role in this book. It appears twice in the story; once in the distant past, and once for Eli and Wade to visit. The Carnival also appears, confusedly, in Eli’s memories, linked to the dark night when he lost his mother.
The author weaves a subtle web, the story’s eeriness building as the reader gets to know Greenwood Glen through both Eli’s and Wade’s eyes. The narrative is carefully confusing, not muchclarified by flashbacks into the life of a young man known as Jay, whose father built the house and the boys’ school that used to stand on the island. It’s marvelously creepy. The idyllic green island becomes increasingly oppressive, as Eli and Wade begin to guess at its secrets.
A detail I particularly liked was that Eli feels clearly that, whatever is going on inside it, the house itself is not to blame. It is not a malign place. Something bad happened here, but the house is just a house. Eli finds that he loves the house, and is determined to figure out what happened.
Wade, on the other hand, begins to find that he cares about Eli, whose predicament gives him, for the first time in his young life, something positive on which to focus his energy. For all his bravado, Wade doesn’t think much of himself. Eli makes him feel better, which is more of a super-power than either of them understand.
The locket of the title doesn’t seem to be as extraordinary as one would expect. Like so many of the book’s complications, it’s a subtle detail the importance of which must be figured out slowly. Taking time over this book is worth it, as all of its little pieces come together in a powerful finale that I found very moving.
Member of The Paranormal Romance Guild Review Team
This is a ghost story and a love story—two love stories, actually. The ghostly part of the story is elusive, and intentionally so. Kayleigh Sky introduces us to Elijah Gray as a slightly lost, somewhat tremulous young man. His life appears to be something that happens to him. Soon enough, we understand why.He also seems to have a ghost that haunts him…but in an oddly passive, benign way.
This all changes when Eli decides, against his uncle’s advice, to return to the isolated house on a large private island called Greenwood Glen in an even larger lake. The property is connected to the mainland by a mile-long causeway, which is the site of Eli’s greatest trauma.
Eli decides to return to Greenwood Glen, his only asset, soon after he hires Wade Jenkins to replace the property’s longtime caretaker. Wade is another young man who is only half-living his life. He is the opposite of Eli Gray in every way—big, muscled, tattooed, filled with anger (because he, too, has been shaped by trauma). He sees the long-unoccupied house and the abandoned estate as both a cushy job and a potential hiding place for treasure. Rumors of ghosts and hidden money are the only things about the place that interest him.
Until he meets Eli Gray.
The Carnival of Mysteries plays a familiar, and yet eerily different role in this book. It appears twice in the story; once in the distant past, and once for Eli and Wade to visit. The Carnival also appears, confusedly, in Eli’s memories, linked to the dark night when he lost his mother.
The author weaves a subtle web, the story’s eeriness building as the reader gets to know Greenwood Glen through both Eli’s and Wade’s eyes. The narrative is carefully confusing, not muchclarified by flashbacks into the life of a young man known as Jay, whose father built the house and the boys’ school that used to stand on the island. It’s marvelously creepy. The idyllic green island becomes increasingly oppressive, as Eli and Wade begin to guess at its secrets.
A detail I particularly liked was that Eli feels clearly that, whatever is going on inside it, the house itself is not to blame. It is not a malign place. Something bad happened here, but the house is just a house. Eli finds that he loves the house, and is determined to figure out what happened.
Wade, on the other hand, begins to find that he cares about Eli, whose predicament gives him, for the first time in his young life, something positive on which to focus his energy. For all his bravado, Wade doesn’t think much of himself. Eli makes him feel better, which is more of a super-power than either of them understand.
The locket of the title doesn’t seem to be as extraordinary as one would expect. Like so many of the book’s complications, it’s a subtle detail the importance of which must be figured out slowly. Taking time over this book is worth it, as all of its little pieces come together in a powerful finale that I found very moving.
September 8, 2023
3.5⭐️
Overall, there is definitely more positive than negative for me in this book, but this story felt disconnected to the series and the other books I’ve read. What worked best for me was Elijah, who was such a beautifully written and interesting character. His introduction was very memorable, the author successfully setting a creepy vibe enveloping Eli. I loved the ghostly and haunted feel he has surrounding him. The book is quite long, which for me was a bit of a detriment to the story. There’s a lot going on and a lot to keep track of, that it started to feel long - despite all the excellent ideas happening. I wish Eli and Wade would have engaged with what was happening around them sooner. This is a new author to me, and while not every aspect of the story worked for me, I am a fan of the skill and the creativity in Eli and Wade’s journey. The epilogue in particular was so beautifully melancholy, it was a perfect way to end this unique book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Overall, there is definitely more positive than negative for me in this book, but this story felt disconnected to the series and the other books I’ve read. What worked best for me was Elijah, who was such a beautifully written and interesting character. His introduction was very memorable, the author successfully setting a creepy vibe enveloping Eli. I loved the ghostly and haunted feel he has surrounding him. The book is quite long, which for me was a bit of a detriment to the story. There’s a lot going on and a lot to keep track of, that it started to feel long - despite all the excellent ideas happening. I wish Eli and Wade would have engaged with what was happening around them sooner. This is a new author to me, and while not every aspect of the story worked for me, I am a fan of the skill and the creativity in Eli and Wade’s journey. The epilogue in particular was so beautifully melancholy, it was a perfect way to end this unique book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
September 11, 2023
Elijah and Wade are two lost men who are basically just scraping by in life and find themselves in the same place, same house, forced to face their fears and ultimately solve a bit of a ghostly mystery. I enjoyed the curvy writing style - lots of descriptors and extras. Initially I struggled a bit with the characters, especially Wade who just wasn’t quite likable enough BUT he really grew on me as the story continued and ultimately was able to “redeem” himself in my eyes. It’s a bit of a slow burn, but that’s okay because I needed a little character growth before I could see them together. It’s overall a darker tone than some of the other books in this series but I was feeling it and keeps in the general carnival theme well enough. There were a couple of intermittent chapters at the beginning that were from a random person’s POV, but that also tied itself up in the end. I would overall give it 4.5 stars - 4 stars for a disjointed beginning and at times I has to push myself to stick with it, but 5 stars for how it all came together in the end. Plus, Gus is everything.
August 27, 2023
I loved this book! It was one of those that got under my skin to the point where I both laughed out loud and cried tears. I strongly recommend it for those who need a HEA but aren’t afraid of some darkness and cruelty along the way.
Elijah has a shadow that has accompanied him since the accident that killed his mother and where he almost drowned. On his 30th birthday, he decides to move back to the abandoned family home and give it one last go.
But his shadow isn’t the only spirit hanging around. Something dark inhabits the house and wants Elijah gone.
Fortunately Wade, the caretaker, doesn’t back down from a fight – even though sometimes, he really should.
As Elijah and Wade discover the mystery surrounding the island, they come to care for one another.
You’ll enjoy this if you like seeing old ghosts laid to rest, mystery, pieces falling into place, found community, fluffy cats, and men falling in love (with great steam as well)!
Elijah has a shadow that has accompanied him since the accident that killed his mother and where he almost drowned. On his 30th birthday, he decides to move back to the abandoned family home and give it one last go.
But his shadow isn’t the only spirit hanging around. Something dark inhabits the house and wants Elijah gone.
Fortunately Wade, the caretaker, doesn’t back down from a fight – even though sometimes, he really should.
As Elijah and Wade discover the mystery surrounding the island, they come to care for one another.
You’ll enjoy this if you like seeing old ghosts laid to rest, mystery, pieces falling into place, found community, fluffy cats, and men falling in love (with great steam as well)!
September 8, 2023
I enjoyed this book the more I read it, because I wasn’t a huge fan in the beginning. I’m not a major fan of the main characters taking their time to meet. It took a while for them to meet, it was a slow meeting and that’s not my favorite, but once Eli and Wade finally do meet I became more enthusiastic about the story. I didn’t get wild chemistry from them, but I was more involved in the overall story at that point that their chemistry (or lack of on page chemistry) didn’t bother me.
Also, cat. Who doesn’t love a good side kick cat character? Gus the Cat is my absolute favorite part of the book.
One book set in a larger multi-author universe called the “Carnival of Mysteries”. These books do not need to be read in any order as they are all considered standalone novels, but all make an appearance at the Carnival of Mysteries. These kinds of worlds are amazing to me as you can read as much or as little as you want and be satisfied.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel. I will be making an effort to read more of the Carnival of Mysteries series.
Also, cat. Who doesn’t love a good side kick cat character? Gus the Cat is my absolute favorite part of the book.
One book set in a larger multi-author universe called the “Carnival of Mysteries”. These books do not need to be read in any order as they are all considered standalone novels, but all make an appearance at the Carnival of Mysteries. These kinds of worlds are amazing to me as you can read as much or as little as you want and be satisfied.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel. I will be making an effort to read more of the Carnival of Mysteries series.
September 3, 2023
The plot for this story is intriguing and the suspense level is high. It’s easy to get sucked into the narrative once you’ve started, and things unfold at such a gradual pace that the tension just keeps ratcheting higher…definitely a solid effect if horror is what you’re going for, and I got that vibe from this story. There’s the relationship dynamic as well, and while I liked both Elijah and Wade, for me their chemistry paled a bit against the backdrop of intrigue, mystery, and darkness. Do they fit together well? Yes, I think they do, but often I was too invested in the non-romance parts of the storyline to really focus on it. That said, overall I enjoyed the book– I certainly had a hard time putting it down once I’d started, and that’s not a bad thing at all.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
September 9, 2023
I love a good ghost story…and love me some horror…as well as an unexpected love story. This book by a new to me writer looks to deliver all three as part of the multi-author Carnival Of Mysteries series.
I really like the premise - a gothic-inspired haunted house novel at its heart - and there are some really nice spooky bits. What I didn't get so much, though, was any truly deep connection between Eli and Wade. To me, it feels like there was more time spent developing the plot than the MC's characters. Sure, both have their standout traits (Wade is angry, darker, and Eli is the one who has the lighter, creative elements) but I didn't get many more layers than that which made a book of this length feel a bit unbalanced.
Long story short, I enjoyed this book as a decent ghost story with LGBTQ+ characters but it didn't work as well as a romance to me, so I'd give it 3*.
An ARC was provided by GRR. This is my honest review.
I really like the premise - a gothic-inspired haunted house novel at its heart - and there are some really nice spooky bits. What I didn't get so much, though, was any truly deep connection between Eli and Wade. To me, it feels like there was more time spent developing the plot than the MC's characters. Sure, both have their standout traits (Wade is angry, darker, and Eli is the one who has the lighter, creative elements) but I didn't get many more layers than that which made a book of this length feel a bit unbalanced.
Long story short, I enjoyed this book as a decent ghost story with LGBTQ+ characters but it didn't work as well as a romance to me, so I'd give it 3*.
An ARC was provided by GRR. This is my honest review.
September 8, 2023
This story grabs you right away and keeps you guessing until the end. This is a love story that is both happy and sad and your heart will melt as you watch Eli and Wade meet and fall in love. It’s also sad when you find out what happens at the Boys Schools and what a father will do to so many in his care. This story had magic, a Carnival of Mysteries, and a haunted house on an island that speaks out for justice. This book was very hard to put down once I started reading and I know you will love it. I really don’t want to spoil the mystery and adventure along the way but do read this book and you will definitely understand. Highly recommend the book and series to read and enjoy the adventures and magic that await!
September 9, 2023
ARC received from GRR for an honest review.
This is a long, drawn out, heavy and dark story. It felt disconnected in of itself but also with the feel of the other books in the series. This was too dark for me to truly enjoy. Wade is not a good man. I didn't like him and felt sad that I couldn't really feel for him. Eli is a nice guy and I felt like his character was more fleshed out and likable. I was more interested in him and hoping things would work out. I didn't feel like these two had chemistry together. Maybe it was because it took so long for them to get together and then when they did it was bam instalust. There were several aspects of the story that didn't get a good wrap-up IMO. This is a new to me author and I'm willing to try other books from her.
This is a long, drawn out, heavy and dark story. It felt disconnected in of itself but also with the feel of the other books in the series. This was too dark for me to truly enjoy. Wade is not a good man. I didn't like him and felt sad that I couldn't really feel for him. Eli is a nice guy and I felt like his character was more fleshed out and likable. I was more interested in him and hoping things would work out. I didn't feel like these two had chemistry together. Maybe it was because it took so long for them to get together and then when they did it was bam instalust. There were several aspects of the story that didn't get a good wrap-up IMO. This is a new to me author and I'm willing to try other books from her.
September 8, 2023
I usually enjoy this author's books, but I am sorry to say that this one I did not. It started very slow to me, and I didn't particularly like either MC. Wade, especially, was flaky and dishonest. Treasure hunting on someone else's property and doesn't consider that stealing? Eli, unfortunately, just seemed bland. I ended up scanning and skipping through many pages, looking for something to happen. The story has mystery and does take a darker turn, but I didn't care what happened as much as I wanted to. I loved Gus, though. Everyone needs a steadfast companion like that.😊
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
September 9, 2023
The author did a good job of setting me up with a feeling of foreboding early in the story between the spot that came from who knew where and moved and started to haunt Eli, to his disdain for celebrating his birthday. I could feel something extra ordinary coming and I was not disappointed. I made sure to read this one during the day as it had a bit of a spooky feel to it and I was concerned for Eli and Wade at times as I read because of that. I have been enjoying this series and its paranormal elements but this one had a Jordan Peele movie element to it that will stay with me for a while. Effective!
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 10, 2023
Full of emotion and adventure
My heart feels full after reading this book by Kayleigh Sky that is part of the Carnival of Mysteries series. This book has some definitely scary moments but so much of it is also a love story between Eli and Wade (and Gus). I guess the only thing I would have liked is for Gus to turn out to be something “other” and be more involved in getting rid of the ghosts. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I will definitely be looking out and reading more.
My heart feels full after reading this book by Kayleigh Sky that is part of the Carnival of Mysteries series. This book has some definitely scary moments but so much of it is also a love story between Eli and Wade (and Gus). I guess the only thing I would have liked is for Gus to turn out to be something “other” and be more involved in getting rid of the ghosts. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I will definitely be looking out and reading more.
September 29, 2023
The Extraordinary Locket of Elijah Gray.
This episode of Carnival of Mysteries is much darker than most of the previous episodes. The is a lot of previous anguish and heartbreak in it yet also love and kindness. Both Wade and Eli are haunted by their pasts and their are more just trapped ghosts and unexplained happenings to confuse them. They are for the most part confused by the events surrounding them and by their own feelings. Can two wounded souls help each other to heal and also correct the sins of the past?
This episode of Carnival of Mysteries is much darker than most of the previous episodes. The is a lot of previous anguish and heartbreak in it yet also love and kindness. Both Wade and Eli are haunted by their pasts and their are more just trapped ghosts and unexplained happenings to confuse them. They are for the most part confused by the events surrounding them and by their own feelings. Can two wounded souls help each other to heal and also correct the sins of the past?
September 3, 2023
So, funny thing, I was reading this book. I was at a one of many very suspenseful parts, I was extremely engrossed in the story, my phone rang, I nearly jumped out of my skin. True story. This book is absolutely fantastic! I never wanted to put it down. I loved the m/c’s. The villains were awful but very well done. The story, just wow, fabulous! Great job by this author. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
September 6, 2023
This is part of the Carnival of Mysteries world. This was a wonderful book, full of ghost, mysteries and treasure hunting. All the characters are well developed, the relationships grow over time and experiences. The pace was slow at the beginning, but I think it was just the authors way of building up the mystery. Once that mystery is revealed, layer by layer, it is hard to put down. I absolutely loved this book.
September 6, 2023
I have been reading this series and I have to say this one gives us that more sinister and mysterious vibe. The story and setting are darker and more intense than the previous books. I enjoyed the change of atmosphere and there is quite a bit of suspense as this a bit longer as well. I adored Eli and his cat as they were just what Wade did not want but actually needed to get his life more settled. This would make for a great Halloween time of year read!
August 22, 2023
I've only read two books so far in this series & this was not one of my favorites. I really didn't feel the chemistry between the MC's. The other book in the series I read was more lighthearted, this one was more of a horror read IMO.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest opinion.
September 8, 2023
Woah!!
Buckle up because this is a journey. There is a lot to unpack here. Man Eli had a rough go. But so did Wade. I actually didn’t like him much at first but he grew on me. It may seem confusing but it all comes together and things start making sense the further along you get. It’s a bumpy ride that’ll have you talking out loud.
Buckle up because this is a journey. There is a lot to unpack here. Man Eli had a rough go. But so did Wade. I actually didn’t like him much at first but he grew on me. It may seem confusing but it all comes together and things start making sense the further along you get. It’s a bumpy ride that’ll have you talking out loud.
September 8, 2023
I may still adjust this review, it's a combination of good and lesser parts and I need it to simmer a little longer to be more definite. It's really very different to the other books in this series so far and that made it a bit of a shock as I wasn't really expecting that. The best part is Gus. Wade started off awful and that was hard to shake.
September 8, 2023
A bit slow going in the romance department. This is the second book I’ve read from this series and I really like the premise behind it. I’d actually love to get more details about the carnival. If you enjoy the mm paranormal genre then I definitely recommend this one. It’s a well written tale with a intriguing storyline. This author is a favorite of mine and she didn’t disappoint as usual.
September 9, 2023
What an interesting book! I read some of the book in this series that features many different authors! This is Eli and Wade's story and it features an unusual story that at times I found engaging some parts not s much! Overall I do recommend this book! I read an advanced copy of this book and this is my unbiased review!
September 10, 2023
This book is part of the Carnival of Mysteries world. Full of ghosts and mysteries and treasure hunting. I liked this book. It was a little slow paced at the beginning but it had good character development and world building. Eli and Wade were a decent couple and I was completely hooked by this book!
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