The Black Carnival

by Harlequin Grim

The year is 1886 in New Sarum, England, and Atherton Graves only knows a life surrounded by corpses. Amidst a rash of child deaths, he alone suspects they are the product of murder. At least, that’s what the ghosts in his mortuary tell him. But there’s hardly time to hunt the killer; Atherton has just sold a cadaver to a spiritualist at the notorious Black Carnival, and the town gang known as the Disciples are not going to take that lightly.

Caught between a serial killer, a circus bursting with foul characters, and his spiraling madness amongst the restless dead, Atherton will undoubtedly become the villain of his own story. The question remains: who, if any, will be unscathed by the rampant destruction he’s invited?

Genres: Horror, Fantasy, Gothic, Fiction, Paranormal, Mystery, Thriller

302 pages, Paperback

First published October 25, 2025

About the author

Mortuary worker turned full-time circus artist, Harlequin Grim leads a dual life as an entertainer and writer. He co-founded The Grim Theatre, a troupe dedicated to creating dark yet whimsical stories through literary, illustrative, and performing arts.

Reviews

[aleeza♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

dnf - 19%

ੈ✩‧₊˚ 𝕟𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕤 ੈ✩‧₊˚

an extra special thank you to the author and NetGalley for this ARC 💗💗💗

ੈ✩‧₊˚ 𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 ੈ✩‧₊˚
✩✩ stars

ੈ✩‧₊˚ 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 ੈ✩‧₊˚

alright, here it comes. I really tried to like this book. It was my first arc read and we all love supporting small authors and finding niche reads. however, i just couldn’t find myself excited to pick up this book. it felt more like a “have to” than a “want to”. the writing was confusing and the story just wasn’t pleasant to follow along with. i forced myself to at least get to page 100 before the final decision but at this point i already know i won’t enjoy the book. the characters were not that interesting and this book wasn’t exactly friendly, especially for people whose first language isn’t English. even though my first language very well is English, it just couldn’t make sense to me. i’m so sad that i have to drop this book however i’ve been trying to read it for over a month now and i just don’t think it’s worth it anymore.

ੈ✩‧₊˚ 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕔𝕝𝕦𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟 ੈ✩‧₊˚

so, with that, i’m dropping this book and i don’t think i’ll ever pick it up again. some feedback i’d give to the author is to make their next read more easy to follow along and be a little more easy on the writing. perhaps make the characters a little more relatable and interesting. thank you again to netgalley and the publisher for this arc read and i really hope the feedback is helpful.

ੈ✩‧₊˚ 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 ੈ✩‧₊˚

AHHH my first arc read!!! tbh I got this a while ago but I’ve finally gotten around to reading it, especially since it’s October vibes.

[Chewable Orb · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Black Carnival by Harlequin Grim
3.8 rounded up to 4 🔮🔮🔮🔮orbs
Est. Pub. Date: Oct. 25, 2025
Published by Quill & Crow Publishing House

1886 New Sarum, England…

Orbs Prologue: My body is bloodstained; fingerprints are embedded upon my fibrous existence. Upon my person, I allow entry. Tattooed on my lower half in bold letters is 'Admit One.' At the moment, I seem nowhere near my destination. The pocket in which I find myself is currently unmoving. The chill bites into my papery skin. Upon the sunrise, I am greeted by the flesh of a hand. A man by the name of Atherton, an undertaker by trade, has taken me into possession, and with him, my hopes gain purchase that I might proceed to the Black Carnival….

In a dark, atmospheric tale written by Harlequin Grim, readers can expect to read a novel told through the eyes of multiple characters: Atherton Graves, undertaker extraordinaire; Lester the Black Carnival Owner; Boo, a talented clown; and Mason Cross, leader of the Disciples gang.

As the story unfolds, Atherton steps into the shadows of the local mortuary. The cadavers await his examination. A rash of children have turned up deceased, with one calling card synonymous among all of them. Tired of being extorted by Mason Cross, Atherton makes a side deal with the carnival spiritualist Ivory Todd, who is eerily similar in nature to Atherton himself. Mason is not one to be trifled with, and he decides Atherton must atone for these actions. The judgment comes swiftly and without remorse, yet one clown comes to Atherton’s rescue; his name is simply Boo. Thus begins a feud between the Disciples, Atherton, and the carnival workers. The carnival moves along to the next city, awaiting retaliation from Mason for their interference.

"Come one, come all," I shout through the bullhorn. The sun was beating down on the colorful tents adorning the spacious lot. Gehennics, a cult-like people, have a place within the canvas walls of the Black Carnival. Their spiritually charged beliefs bring the book into the netherworld of death, or witchcraft, as it were. Atherton’s romantic interest, Lillian Butler, has her own secrets, which are revealed piece by bitter piece. On the run, Atherton must decide if he can trust those in the Black Carnival, not only for survival but also for answers to the questions that seem to be eluding him.

Harlequin Grim has segmented the novel into two acts. I found myself thoroughly engaged through Act 1; however, as Act 2 began, my fervor waned. This is not to say I wasn’t entertained, because the story as a whole was well written. Yet, the back-and-forth between mobsters dragged like a corpse behind a horse. Fortunately, I could overlook some of this because the ending was oh-so satisfying. I would recommend this for people who love being mesmerized by what a carnival provides—eeriness, mysteriousness, and atmosphere, albeit with bits of corpses and necromancy.


Orbs Epilogue: Black, beady-eyed crows adorned the branch of a tree overlooking a campus filled with tents. Atherton took me out of his pocket and headed toward the gates. The music galloped along, inviting the innocent eyes to the fabulous wonders hidden beneath the big top. Penetrating the onlooker's nostrils, popcorn and sugary apples pound the onlooker’s willpower into submission. The crows' beaks tap nervously, and for a split second, I thought they might mistake me for a tasty morsel. As Atherton hands me over to Boo, I wait nervously for his reaction. Boo, accepting me into his warm hands, scans the words along my body. Satisfied, Boo waves his hand through the gates… However, dear reader, what happened next is horrific: with a simple nod of Boo’s head, a spark descended upon the crown of my head, and within a nanosecond, my entire existence erupted into a ball of flame.

Recommended!

Many thanks to Quill & Crow Publishing House for the ARC through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Livlyy ⭑.ᐟ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 ⭐️

I feel like this could be a great novel for those who are the fans of classic literature and murder mystery and have exceptional English . As a person whose first language is not English , I found it harder at times because of its very complicated English😭 The Different POVS were also not my cup of tea. I did not connect with the characters , although I must admit the last part of the book was quite good. I loved the aesthetics of the book ( in fact I was looking forward to it because I’m obsessed with books with circus vibes) but it just wasn’t enough for me to love this book.


You liked The Night Circus but want something a bit more mysterious and much darker , you might like this one ( Check the trigger warning before reading) Thank you NetGalley and Quill & Crow for the E arc in exchange for an honest review!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debut novel??? What! This was an exceptional piece of work for a first book. The plot had so much depth. At times I felt like I was in the story.
This is an adult dark atmospheric book. The trigger warnings are very much as stated. The darkness is what makes this story perfect for spooky time. I only wish the publishing date were sooner for everyone to enjoy during October.
There are many pov’s but only one true main character. It was easy to follow along.
Finding out the author was a mortuary worker only adds to how well the main character was written.
This would make for a really great mini tv series.

Thank you NetGalley and Quill & Crow Publishing House for this arc set to publish Oct 25th.

[Milda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read The Black Carnival by Harlequin Grim in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

What really worked for me in this book was the atmosphere. Set in 19th century England, the tone is grim and dark, steeped in corruption, death, and haunting secrets. The Undertaker, plagued by ghosts 👻, was a fascinating main character to follow, and the introduction of the creepy circus 🎪 with its clowns, ghouls, and hidden horrors was a fantastic twist that kept me hooked for a while.

Unfortunately, the mystery itself didn’t land as strongly for me. The reveal came too early, making the tension fizzle out, and the second half slid into repetitive gang conflicts rather than maintaining that gothic, eerie pull. I found myself wishing for more intricacy and slow-burning dread.

Would I recommend it?
Yes, if you love gothic settings, atmospheric horror, and a good dose of the macabre—even if the mystery itself doesn’t dig as deep as it could.

#TheBlackCarnival #NetGalley

[The Pastel Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Polish or Greek review scroll

So we begin as we have begun a hundred times before - from darkness to bring people stars.

Black Carnival by Harlequin Grim is one of those books that sinks its claws in and lingers. I went into it expecting something along the lines of Caraval or maybe even The Night Circus—you know, whimsical, mysterious, dazzling. But this? This is darker. Grimmer. And honestly, way more unsettling in the best way.

We are no better than those men. We never were. We hold candles to the Devil and stand in the shadows they cast.

This book delivers big on atmosphere—creepy, cultish circus vibes that feel like they’re creeping up your spine with each page. It’s the kind of story that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a twisted funhouse where every mirror shows something a little too real. The death toll is high, and yes, child death is present, so that’s something to know going in. Some scenes are genuinely haunting. This isn’t a book for the faint of heart, and I mean that sincerely. Read at your own risk—but if you're into that dark, unflinching storytelling, you’ll probably devour this like I did.

What made this even more fascinating for me is the author himself. Harlequin Grim isn't just a pen name with a flair for the dramatic—he actually lived a life that feels tailor-made for a gothic novel. A mortuary worker turned full-time circus artist? Yeah, you feel that authenticity bleeding into the pages.

A man who spends most of his waking life with the dead should never be afraid to live.

This was strange, eerie, and totally unique. It won’t be for everyone, but if you like your fiction soaked in death, mystery, and carnival shadows, it might just be for you.

૮꒰ ˶• ༝ •˶꒱ა ♡ ૮꒰ ˶• ༝ •˶꒱ა ♡

🎪 Polish 🎪

Black Carnival autorstwa Harlequina Grima to jedna z tych książek, które wbijają się w głowę i zostają tam na długo. Sięgając po nią, spodziewałam się czegoś w stylu Caraval albo może The Night Circus — czegoś magicznego, tajemniczego, pełnego blasku. Ale to? To było mroczniejsze. Cięższe. I, szczerze mówiąc, bardziej niepokojące — w jak najbardziej pozytywnym sensie.

Atmosfera w tej książce jest niesamowicie gęsta — upiorna, niemal sekciarska, z cyrkiem, który przyprawia o ciarki. Ciała się mnożą, a tak — są tu też śmierci dzieci, więc jeśli to dla ciebie trudny temat, miej to na uwadze. Niektóre sceny naprawdę zostają w głowie. To nie jest książka dla wrażliwych — czytasz na własną odpowiedzialność. Ale jeśli lubisz opowieści, które nie boją się być brutalnie szczere, ta książka cię pochłonie.

Co jeszcze dodaje jej uroku, to sam autor. Harlequin Grim to nie tylko artystyczny pseudonim z gotyckim klimatem — to były pracownik kostnicy, który został cyrkowym artystą na pełen etat. I naprawdę to czuć w jego pisaniu.

Dziwna, mroczna i absolutnie wyjątkowa. Nie każdemu przypadnie do gustu, ale jeśli lubisz śmierć, tajemnice i cyrkowe mroki — to coś dla ciebie.

૮꒰ ˶• ༝ •˶꒱ა ♡ ૮꒰ ˶• ༝ •˶꒱ა ♡

🎪 Greek 🎪

Το Black Carnival του Harlequin Grim είναι από εκείνα τα βιβλία που σου κόβουν την ανάσα. Μπήκα σε αυτό περιμένοντας κάτι στο ύφος του Caraval ή ίσως του The Night Circus — ξέρεις, μαγικό, μυστηριώδες, εντυπωσιακό. Αλλά αυτό; Αυτό είναι πιο σκοτεινό. Πιο βαρύ. Και ειλικρινά, πιο ανατριχιαστικό — με την καλύτερη δυνατή έννοια.

Η ατμόσφαιρα είναι τρομερά έντονη — απόκοσμη, σχεδόν αιρετική, με ένα τσίρκο που σε κάνει να νιώθεις ότι κάτι σε παρακολουθεί μέσα από τις σελίδες. Οι θάνατοι είναι πολλοί, και ναι, υπάρχει θάνατος παιδιών, οπότε αν αυτό είναι κάτι που σε επηρεάζει, κράτα το υπόψη σου. Κάποιες σκηνές είναι πραγματικά στοιχειωτικές. Δεν είναι βιβλίο για όλους — και το λέω με ειλικρίνεια. Διάβασέ το με δική σου ευθύνη. Αλλά αν σου αρέσουν οι ιστορίες που δεν φοβούνται να σε ταράξουν, αυτό θα σε μαγέψει.

Και κάτι ακόμα που το κάνει ακόμα πιο ενδιαφέρον: ο ίδιος ο συγγραφέας. Ο Harlequin Grim δεν είναι απλώς ένα καλλιτεχνικό ψευδώνυμο με γοτθική αισθητική — ήταν πραγματικά εργαζόμενος σε νεκροτομείο που έγινε επαγγελματίας καλλιτέχνης τσίρκου. Το νιώθεις αυτό να διαπερνά κάθε λέξη.

Περίεργο, σκοτεινό και απόλυτα μοναδικό. Δεν θα είναι για όλους, αλλά αν αγαπάς το θρίλερ, τον θάνατο και τα σκοτεινά παραμύθια, αυτό το βιβλίο είναι για σένα.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just finished The Black Carnival by Harlequin Grimm, and I have to say, it was a bit of a rollercoaster (pun intended). The first half of the book was slow. Like, painfully slow. I found myself re-reading sections just to stay grounded in the narrative. That said, I do think the choice to structure it the way Grimm did made the story more digestible eventually. Putting certain revelations or developments earlier in the book (instead of saving them all for the end like most novels in this genre) gave the pacing an unusual rhythm. This kind of made the direction of the book feel… wobbly. There were moments where I genuinely wasn’t sure if even the book knew where it was going.

Now, as a Licensed Mortician/Embalmer/Crematory Operator myself, I have to nitpick: some of the historical deathcare references were off, and that’s always a sticking point for me—especially considering the author has worked in the industry. It’s one of those little things that can take me out of a scene, and unfortunately, it happened more than once here.

If this had been reworked, tightened up, clarified in its trajectory, I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more. That said, I will give credit where it’s due. The cult-like elements in this novel are fascinating, especially because they’re set in a place not often explored in modern dark fiction. That unique setting really helped carry the story once I got past the bumpy start.

And of course, there’s the “found family” thread. While subtle, it’s there, and it softened some of the book’s more morbid edges. I mean, isn’t that just the circus way? A bunch of broken people making something beautiful out of the grotesque.

[cyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced readers copy in exchange for a honest review. I reallyyyyy wanted to like this book but unfortunately that was not the case. Some things i liked were the atmosphere and the beginning of the book. This book started super strong but it fizzled out fast for me. The different povs made the story a bit hard to follow at times for me and the main mystery lost its mystique about 60% of the way through. I think some people may like this more if you are really into circus related aesthetics but the aesthetic alone was not enough to carry the story for me. The characters weren’t super strong in my opinion and i wasn’t really rooting for them. This was a good start for a debut novel but this book just wasn’t my cup of tea.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Black Carnival defies expectations. It is a gothic historical fiction set in England full of ghosts, murder, dark rituals, and clowns. With a lot of old-timey slang.

Atherton Graves is a beleaguered man whos line of work deals with the dead. He is only one of this storie’s narrators but he is the main character. His chance encounter with the Black Carnival sets in motion a grim and bloody set of happenings that end in mayhem.

As a debut novel, this is a gem. The author kinda lost me in the first half with the switching of characters in each chapter but all being told in third person. Grim managed to tie it up in a neat black bow for a satisfying ending.

The trigger warnings are true. Heed them if you have a sensitive nature. A lot of dark underground, mob-like feels (aka Legend or Peaky Blinders) mixed with an AHS vibe.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC of this book. Unfortunately this book was not for me. I generally enjoy carnival books, but this one was not exactly what I was expecting. It definitely has a darker feel to it, which the book does provide warnings for death, including death of children. My main issue though is the normalization and constant discussions about siding with the devil and how God is against them. I would have dnf’d for this, but I did want to provide an honest review of the book.

The author is a great writer and the book flowed nicely through the writing. I was able to get immersed into the world and story.

The story’s main character is Atherton Graves, but there are a few other point of views as well. Including Mason, Boo, Lestor and Ivory. Atherton and his family’s business is a mortuary, therefore Atherton is constantly around corpses. Mason is a Disciple (who under the guise of being righteous is essentially a mobster), Mason expects a cut of any proceeds from the businesses and townspeople, including the mortuary. Atherton runs afoul of the Disciples when he sells a corpse to the Carnival and Mason finds out. Now Atherton and the Carnival have to try to survive the wrath of the Disciples.
There are a few other side plots as well, and I was disappointed that some of these side plots did not get resolved at the end of the story (without getting into spoilers, the problems with Florence and Lillian did not get resolved).

I also never felt very connected to any of the characters, it seemed like the characters were being moved to fit the story instead of acting based upon the personality of their character. I could not really tell you what type of character Atherton is, since his actions did not follow as expected. For example, in the beginning he appeared to be close to his family, but he drops them without thought later on and they’re never brought up again.

Again, this just was not my type of book. It does have some good action and suspense scenes, I just wish there was more resolution for some of the plot lines and I personally did not enjoy essentially the devil worshipping or accepting.

[Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Who can be prepared for everything the world asks of them? The truth is, we rarely are. But can you stand up when the moments come? That’s all that matters. To hell with being ready.’ 🎪🖤

Wow, I absolutely loved this book! I wasn’t sure what to expect before reading it; but it is easily one of my favourite books I have read so far this year! ❤️

This book is a horror and historical fiction book set in spooky and gothic New Sarum and London, England in 1886. Throughout the book you are fully immersed within this world of sprits, magic and crime, getting both a depiction of what life and people really would have been like during this period, with an intriguing fantastical twist. We follow Atherton Graves, the 19 year old undertaker working in his family business, as he uncovers a series of strange and disturbing child deaths, which he alone suspects are murders. Whilst working to uncover the cause of this rash of child deaths, he also becomes wrapped up in the world of the notorious Black Carnival after selling a cadaver to a spiritualist there. This sale enrages the town gang called the Disciples- they work closely with his family’s business and feel wronged by Atherton, thinking that he sees himself above them and that he’s trying to make a mockery of their power and their fear-invoking presence in the town. They will look to seek vengeance and right his perceived wrongs. 🖤

✨ ‘You cannot weigh the truth of your actions by the uncertainty of their consequences.’ ✨

One of the things I absolutely loved about this book was the multiple POV’s- I don’t think I have read a book with more POV’s but it works absolutely perfectly for this book! It conveys a great depth and understanding of each of the characters, giving the reader insight into their thoughts and feelings and understanding them in a way that the other characters wouldn’t. This makes you realise that even though they are all different, conduct themselves in different ways, they are actually more similar to one another than they believe. I thought it was a great and very clever choice to have a POV chapters for Mason throughout the book- it brought him from being seen as just a mob boss, crime leader who’s merciless and just acting out of his power hunger, to understanding exactly why he feels pressure or the need to act this way. ESPECIALLY when we see his thoughts when talking to his father.

✨ ‘Everybody deserves to find their place in this world. Where they fit in. Where they can trust their efforts mean something.✨

I also really loved the characters in this book- they all had their own purpose and part to play in the story, and I loved that you could clearly see their part in influencing Athertons’s development as a character. Especially Ivory, who shows up in a lot of ways like a father figure as the book goes on- both in a way to help him controlling being a phantom, and also personally as he sees a lot of himself in Atherton. I also thought Boo was an extremely likeable character- I liked that he seems misunderstood by a lot of people, but not by Atherton who seems to form an understanding with him from the get go. I really enjoyed getting to see an insight into his life before the circus and when joining it! 🎡

✨ ‘Some nightmares are merely dreams in disguise. Trust that, together, we may yet find some purpose in yours.’ ✨

I loved the way friendship was shown between the characters and the progression of Atherton and Lilian’s relationship- Harlequin Grim shows love, both romantically and platonically, and the emergence of love in a way that feels very natural, accurate and beautiful. On the other end of this, I loved how death was shown- as someone who often questions the existential it was incredibly interesting to me. There were so many great quotes I loved about death in this book, and how love and death are intertwined. 🖤

✨ ‘And what would friends be for, if not the shouldering of weights we cannot bear on our own?’ ✨

The circus as a place was also described so very beautifully, in a way that is detailed but also very easily to follow along with. You can really tell that Harlequin Grim has a circus background as you feel incredibly immersed within the world he is describing. It is both magical, fantastic and wondrously captivating, yet eerie and laced with dark and horrific undertones- all balanced in the perfect way! 🎪

✨ ‘We’re going where people like you and I belong, Atherton Graves. We’re going back to the circus. And soon it’ll be autumn. The best season yet.’ ✨

As you can tell by my review I loved this book and highly highly recommend it- I read this within 3 days and couldn’t put the book down 😂 it’s full of emotion, with lots of twists, a gothic yet magical world and characters that are so intriguing and that you can really connect to. Definitely give this a read when it releases!!

Thank you very much to NetGalley and Quill & Crow for providing this ARC to me to read! 🎪🖤

[Adrianna Heaney-velu · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I am damned to see things for what they will become, not as they are…”

“The Black Carnival,” by Harlequin Grim

This was such a great book for spooky season. I loved the vintage circus setting of the entire book with gangs and undertakers, it was such a good mix. There was so many moving parts in the book; murder mystery/ serial killer, ghouls, ghosts, and witches, circus, undertaker, gangs, and tons of character to love and hate. I absolutely loved the disability rep in the book. My favorite part was Atherton learning to live with his burdens, and I loved how his story ended up developing. I didn’t find the book scary, but I loved the gothic atmosphere. One of the best spooky books I’ve read for my favorite season, 5 out of 5 stars.

-Ghouls, Ghosts, Witches
-Circus
-Mortuary/Undertaker
-Disabled Character
-Multi POV
-Murder Mystery
-Gangs

Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.

“Then again, I suppose most everyone bears the weight of burdens they never asked for.”

“Tragedy always comes knocking when we’ve enough on our plates as it is.”

“As soon as you stand out of the crowd, that’s the moment folks assume they know everything about you. At precisely the same moment, they fail to see anything.”

“Sometimes, it feels good to fight, even when you know you’ll lose.”

““You can only take so much from a man until he’s not one any longer.”

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had such high hopes :(

I was confused the entire way. None of the characters resonated with me. The “plot” was all over the place and incoherent.

If you like circus books with a bit of mystery, try The Night Circus or The Dreammonger. At least they have a coherent plot and decent storytelling.

[Clarice Gilray · Rating 5 out of 5]

"In circus, nothing is impossible ( . . .) you carry it with you."

The Black Carnival blew me away. I don't want to stop talking about this book. It subverted my expectations in every possible way, in the best way imaginable.
Harlequin Grim truly wrote the settings of this novel from experience, it's plainly obvious how much love and attention he paid to create a real place that just happens to exist within a fictional novel. As a fellow circus performer, I am deeply appreciative of Grim's portrayal of the Circus in his novel and feel thankful that our community was given such a beautiful place within its pages.

This novel is a goth daydream (nightmare?) where even emotionally pleasant scenes are riddled with cobwebs with colors muted by the cigarette smoke in the air. Of course, with an undertaker as a central character, brought up surrounded by death and grieving, what else would you expect?

1. Grim's writing style painted every single scene in vivid detail. I could see so plainly every character, every building and room, article of clothing and piece of furniture. I genuinely watched a movie unfold behind my eyes.

2. I was warned the novel wasn't packed with action and reads a little slower - I think that was a severe undersell. Sure, there's not fist-fights on every page, but it's an addicting page turner, and when a book sucks you in and you can't put it down "waiting for the next 'event' to happen" is the least of my concerns (neck pain from reading for too long being at the top of my list.)

3. I have never read a book structured in this manner and it felt like a breath of fresh air. The way the plot lines ran together, and structure of the novel was like 2 books rolled into 1, or getting to binge watch 2 seasons of an incredible TV show in 1 sitting. I got to enjoy multiple plot arcs, resolving, or not, all with different timelines, the way I would in a TV show, without waiting for the "next episode to drop."

4. I am obsessed with the way modern Circus was blended into this old-timey story, adding to the fantastical and magical aspects of the ghostly traveling Carnival.

I desperately want to run away and join the Black Carnival.

[Catriona Mowat · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Black Carnival is a classic gothic tale best read by candlelight. With a Victorian carnival setting, you can really immerse yourself in the story, with flickering candles/lanterns, street urchins, grease paint, and a smoky atmosphere. Within this classic atmosphere is a compelling murder mystery, as Atherton Graves finds multiple children on his mortuary table, a strange silver pendant on their body. This element really moves the story forward, with a colourful and very well developed cast of characters. You can feel the love in every page, and it is very clear from the passion and attention to detail that the author has experience both in a mortuary and in the circus: and what a unique perspective that is!

My criticism of this story is that it is 2 books rolled in to one, as the murder mystery wrapped up far sooner than I expected, and the second half became very Gangs of New York very quickly. But the added plot of revenge did make for an explosive ending, in more ways than one.
This will be a good read for fans of the gothic classics, fans of revenge stories, and fans of the circus. The gore is minimal, with the story built instead on mystery and subtle terror which works very well indeed.
Had this book been more developed in terms of the initial murder plot I would have rated it higher, but I still enjoyed the read.

[Krystelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

I’m not sure quite what I expected from this book. I suppose I was hoping for a well-developed, character driven story, with a sense of menace lurking in the back of the carnival atmosphere.

I don’t think that’s entirely what this book was though, and it felt muddled as I got further in. There were parts I really enjoyed (like the scene with Spider) and the atmosphere was really top notch sometimes, but I don’t feel like it was quite able to achieve what it was seeking to do.

The first half of the book was meandering. It was slow, and while I understand why, it meant that it was very difficult to get into. The second half was definitely more of a standout, but I still felt like it was a bit too little reward for such a preamble.

I feel like we didn’t quite get a good grip on the characters because the point of view changed so many times. It meant that things felt a little too vague, and we didn’t get a grasp on all of the players in the book.

I think there’s a gem of a book in here for some audiences, and with some tighter editing, it would have been a really solid book. I think there’s definitely something to be said for the first half, and if you’re a gothic atmosphere tragic, you’ll probably like this one!

[Nerwen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Atherton Graves works as an undertaker. When he notices an unusual high number of children deaths, he begins to suspect it can't be all natural cause. At the same time the black carnival resides in his town. And a gangster is demanding money from the Graves family.....

I expected the book to be a murder mystery, some horror/thriller elements, maybe a serial killer investigation, maybe some supernatural elements. But to be honest I do not know what this book wanted to be. The murder was solved fairly early in the book and the other plot points were more subtle. At the same time it is not a "only" vibes book.
The shifting POV's were interesting, yet the characters were not fully fleshed out, like I would hope them to be. As the story demanded a more character driven focus in my opinion.

The author describes the atmosphere of the circus very well and you can read their love for it out of the pages.

I wanted the book to be a bit more. Either deeper character or a gripping plot. Especially the first part was interesting to me, but then lost momentum for me in the second half, it felt more like two stories with the same main character(Atherton) to me. Why some characters got an occasional POV chapter was sometimes not clear to me.

Nevertheless a good debut novel of the author and even though it wasn't necessarily a pageturner for me it entertained me.

[BombshellDanielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Grim for letting me review, these opinions are my own.

This was not at all what I was expecting. Honestly I’m not even sure what I was expecting. I have a VERY vivid imagination but the way in which this is written, I could picture every scene in detail in my mind. The banter, the world building, the character development… the drama, the pain and the trauma…

This story was intense and dark and just intriguing and addicting!! We’ve got circus and mafia vibes. There is a supernatural twist. This was so fun!!

There’s no smut so no worries there. There are some dark concepts so check your triggers!!!

This comes out in October which is perfect time for spooky season!!

#circus #bigtop #ghosts #supernatural#seance #magic #gravedigger #undertaker

[Nikki O'Brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a perfect gothic read. I loved the eerie circus vibes and thought the language fit the setting perfectly. The world building was really well done and i enjoyed seeing how different character relationships developed. The suffering of poor Atherton was really apparent and i felt true horror at how far Lilian was truly willing to go for her beliefs! She really had me fooled!

Thanks so much to NetGallet and Quill and Crow Publishing for the ARC of this book, definitely one to add to the TBR for some great October Vibes!

[David Paul Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent first novel.
well imagined period settings - the situations drawn from the author's life experience.
realistic depictions of gang violence and its effects.
great depiction of adopted family with the Circus troupe.
our young hero certainly goes through a pilgrim's progress.
highly recommended.

[Riles Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, thank you so much to Netgalley for entrusting me with leaving an honest review of an author’s debut novel. I am honored, flattered, and do my best to ensure that readers get trustworthy information throughout my reviews. Harlequin Grim’s The Black Carnival utilizes vibrant imagery of multiple shades of red, gray, and other dark colors to set up the gothic tone of the story. The settings themselves, from mortuary to nightly carnival and everything in between and beyond, feel realistic for the story’s plot. Every sense is harnessed in order to emulate the symbolic catalytic mural that is Atherton Graves’ tragic life. Despite being told in a third person omniscient format, each chapter focuses on different or alternating characters’ point of view which allows the reader to begin comprehending the characters’ inner psyches while maintaining cohesive vocabulary, guided storytelling, and highlighting character dynamics seen throughout the novel to reveal the found family’s rich history. All of the characters have unique backstories, personalities, and relationships that make them simultaneously stand out while being seamlessly woven into the novel’s mysterious circus and gloomy England-esque inspired historical setting (New Sarum and London). I was entranced by the mystifying and realistic word choice which kept me entertained even when the story produced true horror! This novel is unlike anything I’ve previously read. In fact, it was so gruesome that I had to stop reading for a night! With that being said, readers should consider the trigger warnings, relative mature content, and language if they believe it will ruin the book’s experience for them; The indexes at the back of the book provide substantial information for readers to know what they’re getting into before diving into it. Based on the book’s promotional social media allure, I remained intrigued and updated about the official publishing roll out. The author utilizes his own personal experiences and circus expertise which makes the story much more convincing and lifelike as well. Overall, this novel is a delightfully wondrous, horribly haunting read full of hope, betrayal, and certain curiosity from start to finish! I recommend this novel to those who enjoy stupefying satanic fiction and murder mystery with a cirque twist.

[Anna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Netgalley ARC- I really wanted to like this but it fell flat fast. The switching POVs as noted by others makes.it hard. to stay with the story and the mystery wasn't really a mystery and didn't capture my attention. I think this would be a great novel for young teens who are just starting to read longer more complex books and aren't interested in lots of details or accuracy.

[Lozz’s Random Reads McKenzie - Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE BLACK CARNIVAL —


This book has one of the best opening prologues I have read in a long time

This story is dark, gruesome, tension filled, violent, and heartbreaking at times.

Set between April 21, through to August 16, 1886, in the city of New Sarum, we get a look into the life of Atherton Graves.

Atherton is, by trade, a young undertaker working for his father.

There has never been any choice in this matter

Having been raised among the dead, he worked on his first corpse at the tender age of ten.

So as he is called out to collect numerous bodies from homes, forests or lakes. This requires him to develop an iron stomach, get used to the stench, the bodily fluids, and the overall decomposition.

What he, and his family are having trouble with though, is the mobster Mason Cross and his gang, the Disciples, known for extorting money from business for “ protection”

“ if not us, it will be someone else, possibly worse “

You pay up, or else…

AND, the other thing that concerning Atherton is…

The ghosts.

Every time he attending another collection, the spirit of the lost soul will attach themselves to him.

As a coping mechanism, Atherton relies on a copious amount of cigarettes, and a healthy dose of “ mother’s little helper” …Laudanum

One of the brighter moments in his life however, is the young widow, ten years his senior Lilian Butler who runs a small orphanage.

There is nothing he enjoying more than spending time with the pretty Lilian, and her motley bunch of foundlings, …her children.

Unfortunately, things take a turn, when The Black Carnal rolls into town in all its steam punk glory.

The Carnaval is renowned for the fact that it is owned and run by Lester Black, a witch, and that the performers are members of a coven known as Gehennic church, the “House of the Morning Star,”

“We give devils a run for their money and put angels to shame”

It’s here where, while on a date with Lilian, the Atherton crosses paths once again with Ivory Todd, a spiritualist from America at

“IVORY’S SPIRIT ASYLUM “

(The first time they met was when a body of a young girl was discovered in a lake.
It is later discovered that a pendant, a sigil, used by the Gehennic was lodged in the young girl’s throat.)

Ivory had attempted to procure the corpse from Atherton, so he and his wife Kayne, ( the circus surgeon ) could “look after her” by offering Athie, four pounds

As it so happens, Ivory’s afflicted with the same abilities as Atherton,

Seeing the dead.

“Did you not stop to wonder, perhaps, that what makes a spiritualist is not what he calls upon, but what instead calls upon him?”
- Ivory Todd

Unlike Atherton, Ivory harness it to be used in his performances, and he tries to help Atherton see it for what he feels, it is….a gift.


Unfortunately for both men, trouble comes a calling when Mason Cross is informed about the under the table transaction between the two men.

A transaction that they cut him out of

A transaction that like the butterfly effect will reverberate throughout the rest of this story as Atherton and Mason ( along with his Lieutenants Arthur and Henry,)
are doomed to clash.

“You know, every time I see you, your face is bruised to a pulp. You’re either the luckiest bastard I’ve met or an ill omen.”


This, along with a parallel story concerning a serial killer of young children sets the tone for one of the most shockingly horrific, scenes in this whole dark, gothic,book.

Deliciously delivered in the most beautiful, at time poetic prose.

The ending delivers in a very profound redemption moment where Atherton finally finds his place in the world and realises where he belongs

“In circus, nothing is impossible. But even we cannot escape the confines of mortality. In fact, our work is an ode to it,”
- Ivory Todd

LOVED IT !!!

Current waiting for the physical hardback copy to arrive.

This story this BOOK! Will stay with me for a long time



“Ghosts are just that—fragments. Mangled remnants of who we were, trying to make sense of what we couldn’t understand in life.”

[Dayna Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harlequin Grim's The Black Carnival is a dark, atmospheric tale soaked in the grotesque beauty of Victorian England and layered with slow-burning, psychological horror. From the fog-choked streets of 1886 New Sarum to the velvet-draped tent flaps of a supernatural carnival, the book is a hypnotic descent into madness, grief, and the dangerous bargains struck between the living and the dead.

At the heart of this novel is Atherton Graves, an undertaker by trade and a deeply haunted man by nature. Isolated, introverted, and emotionally scarred, Atherton makes for a refreshing protagonist—flawed, deeply human, and anything but a traditional hero. His ability to hear the whispers of the dead becomes both a curse and a calling when strange deaths begin afflicting the city’s children. Instead of seeking answers through science or society, the mystery leads him to something older, darker, and far more theatrical: The Black Carnival, an eerie traveling spectacle that seems to leave misfortune in its wake.

The carnival itself is one of the book’s greatest triumphs—a macabre, mesmerizing entity full of sinister magic, illusions, and riddles. The performers are otherworldly, their tricks bending reality, their motives unclear. Each tent feels like a descent into a different psychological pocket of fear, memory, or twisted wonder. It’s a place where the laws of nature don’t apply—and neither does mercy.

Harlequin Grim’s writing is steeped in rich prose that evokes the gothic traditions of Poe and Shelley, but with a modern, sharp edge. Their imagery is sumptuous and unsettling, their pacing deliberately tense. It's the kind of book that thrives on atmosphere—where silence can scream louder than words, and dread is delivered in a slow drip rather than a flood. The tone is haunting, almost lyrical at times, and beautifully unsettling.

That said, the novel’s ambition can also be its limitation. The pacing, particularly in the first third, may test readers’ patience. The prose occasionally overindulges in its own density, and the story takes its time revealing its true stakes. There are also multiple POVs and time shifts that, while enriching, can muddy the clarity of Atherton’s arc. Some readers may wish for a more direct emotional payoff or a stronger narrative throughline.

However, what The Black Carnival may lack in urgency, it more than makes up for in emotional depth and thematic complexity. At its core, it is a story about grief, guilt, and the fragile line between sanity and surrender. Atherton’s slow unraveling is heartbreakingly rendered, and the moral ambiguity woven throughout the book elevates it beyond simple horror—it’s a character study in the grotesque.

🔍 Final Thoughts

The Black Carnival isn’t horror in the jump-scare sense; it’s elegant, eerie, and intimate—a gothic novel for those who prefer the slow unraveling of dread over action-packed spectacle. With its brooding protagonist, beautifully sinister setting, and emotionally resonant themes, it casts a spell you’ll find hard to shake.

I give it a solid four stars for its bold vision, haunting voice, and compelling descent into the uncanny. Perfect for fans of The Night Circus with a darker twist, or Something Wicked This Way Comes with more teeth.

[Nessie F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, author Harlequin Grim, and publisher Quill & Crow for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

DISCLAIMER ; Any quotes mentioned in this review come strictly from the uncorrected Advanced Reader Copy and may not appear in the final, published copy.

“It is the living who haunt the dead, not the other way around.”

A friend recommended this arc to me, and while it’s incredibly helpful to read descriptions, I went into this book completely blind save for the mention of “casual cannibalism”. Hook, line, and sinker consider me sold I guess. Based on the genre tags and what my friend told me, I expected a story of a circus with nefarious intentions for human flesh and either the main character working to defeat said circus or the main character being a part of said circus also with nefarious intentions.

I did NOT, however, go into this book expecting a world of vivid magic, authenticity, and found family that will make you weep at times (IYKYK). The multiple points of view, while not everyone’s cup of tea, add layers to the already well articulated characters and the situations they find themselves in. By far my favorites were Ivory and Boo (who, I will say with my whole chest reminds me SO much of Val Kilmer’s “Doc Holliday” from Tombstone) and I would give my soul for a sequel or novella with more of THEM. At first Atherton wasn’t my cup of tea but by the end he’s just a lil guy y’know?? I’d love more of his and Boo’s (Mr. “He doesn’t talk unless he likes you”) friendship.

The story has good pacing, though I do think some moments could’ve been in different order but C’est la vie the story WORKS. Absolutely loved the atmosphere of this book, the descriptions of New Sarum and the Carnival invoke such a sense of dark fantasy magic that will surely stick with the reader for a long time.

Now for the gripes. I wholly understand this is closer to realistic fantasy, sort of “just left of reality” however I do wish some things (such as the casual cannibalism and subsequent ghouls, the coven system, and basically just the things that make this a fantasy) were a bit more expounded upon. The reader gets /just/ enough information to tell the story but not enough to have a full understanding of the concepts themselves. Additionally, I gripe about certain storylines not having closure, such as Florence, the reanimation projects, and the haunted Locus and matrimonial curse by [spoiler]. Yes, the big bad was dealt with but unfortunately there are bigger bads that need explaining unless it’s a set up for a sequel mayhaps?? (if so consider me first in line I could read a whole Patterson length series set in this world) (also I truly thought, with the mention of the reanimation projects and then never mentioned again, that they were gonna try to bring back [spoiler] and was so sad they didn’t ;3;)
Overall, 4.5⭐️but rounding up to 5 because I really enjoyed stepping into the mystical world of the Black Circus and would LOVE to see more from this author.

TRIGGER WARNINGS! (censored for GR and other social media)
Alc*hol/Dr*g Use
Bl*od/G*re
De*d children (graphic)
D*ath (graphic)
G*ng vi*lence
M*rder of children
Su*cide (ritualistic)
Vi*lence towards women

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Black Carnival is grand, gothic adventure that takes place in England during the turn of the century. In a world where ghouls and witches walk among us, the Black Carnival takes readers on an adventure of the macabre. This book is a goth's dream come true and will draw in a wide audience, just as the circus promises to do. The circus is in town and it’s a dark and magical affair. I give Black Carnival a 4.5/5.

The story follows Atherton Graves, an undertaker who tends to the newly dead of New Sarum. Training in his field since he was young, Atherton is good at what he does. In fact, he might be too good. Atherton has the uncanny ability of seeing ghosts who haunt him from time to time, and after meeting Ivory, who holds seances at the carnival, and selling him a corpse, Atherton finds himself in the middle of a failing business arrangement between the Black Carnival and local mob boss, Mason. High tension, ghostly encounters, and some good old fashioned terror ensue.

The Black Carnival is a heavy on mood and tone, and pulls you along with the promise of adventure. The pacing is overall good, and the setting is awesome. At times I found myself missing the carnival specifically as we moved around New Sarum and London, but the dark tone never ceased to keep me engaged. I imagined a Tim Burton or del Toro vibe throughout this read, and I loved every minute of it.

Boo, the clown, is my favorite character and leaves the reader with a mix of compassion and angst, while bordering on frightening. Atherton feels as though he could have been pulled directly out of a Burton film, and other cast members fit their roles perfectly. I was left at times a bit overwhelmed with the number of characters, many only appearing for brief portions of the book and one seemingly important side character’s arc was left unfinished—at least in my mind.

I was lucky enough to attend the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus as a kid and my parents bought me the vhs. I watched it endlessly and can still imagine the aerialists flying through the sky, some 30 years later. As I grew older, the darker side of the circus caught my attention and I was hoping that someday I would find something that fit my gothic circus dreams. The Black Carnival successfully reintroduced in me the excitement of the circus, and added in my affinity for all things goth.

Triggers (as noted in the book itself): these may cause some slight spoilers, but are importantly to note.

Alcohol/Drug use
Blood/Gore
Dead Children (graphic)
Death (graphic)
Gang Violence
Murder of children
Suicide (ritualistic)
Violence toward women

Thanks to NetGalley and Quill & Crow Publishing house for the digital ARC to give my honest review.

[Paulette Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Black Carnival is a visceral, fearless journey into darkness, where morally gray misfits are enthroned as heroes and given full reign over the shadows. Grim seduces and disarms readers with his lyrical prose, only to subvert their expectations at every turn. Like a freefall from a highwire, this bone-chilling debut is both terrifying and shocking, with the kind of unfathomable terror that devastates the senses. There are monsters between these pages--and they might not be the ones you suspect.

In late nineteenth-century England, young mortician Atherton Graves is tasked with escorting the dead to their final resting place--a necessary, if morbid--calling. When a rash of child deaths leads Atherton to suspect a serial murderer, he's alone in his concerns. Beset with the ability to see and hear the restless spirits of the dead he tends to, Atherton's skills as a reluctant medium lend weight to his work...and threaten his sanity.

When Atherton is coerced into selling a cadaver to a spiritualist with The Black Carnival, an enigmatic traveling circus on the outskirts of town, he draws the ire of a local organized crime syndicate, The Disciples, who use religion as a means to seize control of whatever they want to attain. In a serious of bloody, violent episodes, Atherton reckons with the gang while courting the affections of a kind-hearted widow who is just as concerned with the fate of the children of New Sarum as Atherton. But as the darkness closes in, and unexpected enemies emerge, Atherton must trust his instincts--and his newfound friends from The Black Carnival--if he's to survive.

If you enjoyed The Night Circus and Peaky Blinders, this is the book for you, with the caveat that this is truly a gothic horror novel in every sense of the word. There are a few scenes that feature gore and violence, including child death, although these scenes are written with all the gravity and empathy they necessitate. This is a story about the loss of innocence in a bleak world, but there are threads of melancholic beauty, of love and passion, and the solemn dignity of grief.

Grim is an old soul, and it shows in his confident, atmospheric writing. His experience as a mortuary worker lends scientific perspective to the body horror present in the novel, and his skills as a circus artist inform the talents of the carnival's performers.

We cannot appreciate the light without shadows, and in The Black Carnival, both are manifest. I can't wait to see what Harlequin Grim writes next

[Stina Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review: The Black Carnival by Harlequin Grimm
The Black Carnival is a darkly atmospheric, genre-bending novel that blends the grotesque beauty of a gothic circus with gritty historical fiction. Set in the 1800s, it captures the era with an immersive voice and rich, moody descriptions that made me feel transported to another time. While the book didn’t fully work for me, there’s a lot to admire in its ambition.
The strongest aspects, in my opinion, are the setting and the atmosphere. The circus backdrop is vivid and eerie in all the right ways, haunting, strange, and uniquely compelling. Grimm’s use of language is elegant, and their prose effectively evokes a sense of unease. The “found family” theme, while subtle, adds a touch of heart that helps ground the darker elements of the story.
That said, the pacing was a real challenge for me. The first half felt overly slow, with a heavy emphasis on worldbuilding and scene-setting. While this eventually pays off to some extent, the plot felt uneven overall. Most of the action and emotional payoff is packed into the final chapters, which made the structure feel unbalanced. I think a bit more momentum earlier in the book could have helped maintain engagement and allowed for deeper immersion in the later twists.
The shifting points of view were intriguing but didn’t always feel necessary. Atherton stood out as the most compelling character, and I found myself wishing the narrative had centered more firmly around him, or perhaps just him and Boo. Some characters, like Lester, showed real promise but didn’t get the development or page time they seemed to deserve.
Dialogue, while authentic to the historical setting, was at times hard to follow. I appreciated the commitment to period accuracy, but I found myself occasionally lost in the language early on. Fortunately, that eased as the story progressed.
Overall, The Black Carnival is a beautifully written novel with a unique concept and standout characters, but its slow pace and uneven plot progression made it hard for me to stay fully invested. Readers who enjoy rich atmosphere, moral ambiguity, and slow-burn storytelling will likely find more to love here. It’s a book I wanted to love more than I ultimately did, but I’m still intrigued by Harlequin Grimm’s voice and vision, and I’d be open to reading more from them in the future.

[🌸 Tana 🌸 · Rating 5 out of 5]

30/06/2025

2025 reads book 32

The world makes fools of people who think they know it well.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review. Trigger warnings at the end of the review under a spoiler warning.

Anybody who knows me, knows that I adore any book about a circus/carnival, bonus points if the book is a fantasy. And while the title is named after the carnival and the carnival wasn't the main part in the story at all, I still adored it. This absolutely blew me away! Fair warning to people wanting to read it, this book is DARK.

We follow multiple POV's, but Atherton is the most important one. We follow his story navigating through his work in a mortuary, trying to uncover why so many kids are ending up on his table while also dealing with the Disciples (a mobster family) before and after he sells a body to the circus in town.

While I did figure out really quickly who the killer was (but that is nothing new with me), it happened multiple times that I was sitting with my hand in front of my mouth in absolute shock because of what was happening in the story. The atmosphere and the characters were amazing, and while things were gruesome it never felt like it was too far fetched or too over the top. What I loved was that the main antagonist throughout the story felt so real, and I loved that there were a couple of chapters from their POV as well, making them feel more human and fleshed out as a character.

Can't wait to have the finished copy of this in my hands so I can read it again. I saw on the author's website that there will be a sequel, and even though this book isn't out yet, I can't wait to see what happens next!

trigger warnings: (also mentioned at the back of the book)
alcohol and drug use, blood and gore, graphic depictions of dead children, graphic depictions of death, gang violence with hanging and gunshots, murder of children with descriptions of their bodies, ritualistic suicide and violence towards women.