Freaky Shadows

Mystic Caravan Mystery #21

by Amanda M. Lee

Poet Parker and Mystic Caravan Circus are back for another crazy adventure.

Full blurb coming soon!

Genres: Paranormal, Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Vampires, Magic

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 7, 2026

About the author

When I was a kid, I was torn between whether or not I was going to grow up and be the Incredible Hulk or Wonder Woman. I flirted with being a Jedi Knight for awhile, but I wasn't up for the intense travel associated with the gig. In my teens, I settled on being a writer -- although I had no idea the effort that would entail.
Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.

Reviews

[Heyer 100 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed revisiting Mystic Caravan; however, I do feel that the magic, mystery adventure part of these stories are getting overlaid with too much psychoanalysis, which I personally find, detracts from the stories.
I also find Scout a very annoying person and not very likeable. Characters from other story arcs are now crossing over constantly - so much so that it is at times, difficult to identify just whose world the action is set in.
Mystic Caravan has a huge cast of Paranormals, whose role now seems to have been reduced to who is having a relationship with whom and not so much about how their various gifts compliment and support, grow and develop, in order to overcome whatever situation they are facing.

[Cindy B Drouin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

I read every episode. You make each set of characters distinctive awhile using familiar catch phrases as in inside joke (That is the meanest thing that anyone has ever said to me),the tomato juice. I enjoy the way the different sets of characters are connected and their individual stories. They have different perspectives. Usually when a series is this long it can be like reading the same story over and over, no problem with boredom here. Thanks for sharing you imagination with us. I am a Michigander so I appreciate the locales.

[Joan Husmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you!

I so enjoy these characters and their interactions.
I also appreciate that the author has gotten much better at writing without the annoying, repetitive words and phrases that were almost a hallmark. No hip-wiggling, very little smirking, and only a couple of neck rolls. She has even toned down Luke’s inane tirades.
I would like to read a novel with Raven as the main character. Think about it.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is actually my favorite series from Lee. However, my least favorite FMC of her series list is Scout. This cross over with the snark and snipping between Luke and Scout was just too much. It's just not funny to me. Scout is way over the top and mean - I don't care how "caring" she actually is. There is a long crossover with Scout and Gunnar with a cameo from Bay (Winchester Witches). Baron and Brigette are also in play. Most of the team is involved and Kade finally seems to come to agreement with his abilities. THAT has taken way too much time. As usual the storyline has a decent degree of creepiness - possessed children that dress like the cover? Ick..... Poet draws some hard moral lines in this one and it turns out better than expected. It's also very interesting to see how each character is handling the upcoming move to Moonstone Bay. I look forward to future stories.

[Starla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love It!

This story was a bit creepy as I saw the cover and anytime the children were front and center I imagined them all looking like cover. There was a
lot of snark and sarcasm which fit right into a family being together all the time. Once a friend of Poet's arrived the rolling on the ground laughing began. Even though there was creepy children it was a fun story. Loved it!

[Shawne Strahm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Book

I love the cast of characters in this series. I love how quirky they are and how they are all so loyal to each other. I'm looking forward to their move to the island but will admit I'm nervous too. Can't wait until the next book. I highly recommend this book and any other book by this author. You'll love every second of her books. Enjoy!!

[Candace Manns · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! Totally loved this book 😎

I’m a native Oregonian. Born in Portland. You nailed it! Although we do have lots of sun to go with our gloom. Adding so much of our history was wonderful. I had actually forgotten about Vanport. Before my time. Thank you for the stroll down memory lane.
Btw, chapter 29 is still not my fave! 😎

[Rosemary Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read everything this author has written under her various pseudonyms - this is the best

The author's heroines are feisty and all unique. Having 2 of them in this book really lifted it above the others. Even Luke became background noise. So if you like magical detective stories with a feel good ending this is one of the best.

[Melanie Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Just when you wonder if the Mystic Caravan Circus can have another adventure that is mind blowing, it happens.
Portland presents like so many cities the circus visits. Full of its own quirks and stories. But when Poet has a bad feeling, the little stories may hide a big truth.
Not your average ending…happy ending as always but excellent character growth

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good addition to this series.
Not my favorite series by this author, but still entertaining. This one also includes a couple characters from another series of hers, I enjoy when she does that.
Ebook has not been released yet, but audiobook has.

[SusanR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Thank the Loa!

Just when I was about to rant about Kade still being afraid of his magic….. he steps up. This is a book worth reading. I like the way the characters evolve, the truths they face, and the actions they take regarding those truths. Enjoy!

[Loraina Snowden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freaky Shadows #21-Mystic Circus

Another great story in the series. I love how the author has intermingled her various series characters in a crossover way that seems flawless. Storytelling at its best.

[DKW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freaky Shadows

Creepy children and missing women. Soon Mystic Caravan will be going to their island. But on this last tour of the west coast evil children are playing deadly games. No cliffhanger and hea. Love this series.

[Perry Owler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy with things turned out, even was surprised with one unexpected twist... the bickering between Scout and Luke was a bit obnoxious but thats who Scout is and I love her for that. On to the next adventure.

[Nicole Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the Mystic Caravan

I love Amanda M Lee's books. They are filled with quirky characters and magic. Poet and her merry gang are coming to the end of their travels. I hope the books continue after they settle on the island.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed the mystical caravan especially when other characters from other series are included in the storyline. Can't wait to see the circus settle down on Moonstone Bay.

[Kathy Brickert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner!

So happy to read about Poet and Kade again and the crew! Missed getting to see Nellie in action, but the storyline was fascinating! Loved it!

[Diane Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!!!!!

Kade and Poet are amazing together. Scout and Gunner show up to help. The whole circus is involved in the rescue. Great story!!!

[Conny CONE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters and a wonderful series—I love this author.

[Patricia Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

The plot lines come together well with some anxiety and suspense. The characters are realistic and its fun to see the interactions between different stories. By by

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Child monsters

Awesome read, great characters and plenty of snarky humor but Poet and company with Scout and Gunner, must save kids from demons possessing them.

[Dana F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic

I love the freaky circus and love it even more with Poet and Scout with a quick glimpse of Bay. Loved it

[Linda Sadler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good adventure. Not too much whining going on. Some of the characters are coming into their own.

[Cindy Mcallister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great 👍

Another great one!! I really enjoy these books. If the next one is the last I will be extremely sad not to be able to meet up with these characters again.

[Patrea Beard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I enjoyed this book a lot. It was great with the crossover with Scout and the brief cameo of Bay. Looking forward to the next book.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

oooh boy, a new something rears its head.

[CONNIE BALTHROP · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars:)

[Terry Cleland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freaky Shadows Delivered A Good Read!

Amanda M. Lee never fails to deliver! I Love all of her books! Keep them coming! I put them on my calendar so I don't miss any new releases!

[Kimberly Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read...

I love catching up with all of the people at the circus. And I enjoy all of the crossovers from all the different series. We're getting close to that Prophecy!