Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Poet Parker put the past behind her. At least she thought she did.
Life on the streets wasn’t what she had in mind for her forever and she jumped at the chance to join Mystic Caravan Circus when an invitation was extended. She didn’t look back.
That was ten years ago, and now Poet is going back to the exact area she used to haunt … and she’s nervous.
The friends she left behind are scattered. Some are dead. Some have moved on to other things. Some turned out to be something else entirely. Others simply disappeared into the wind.
Unfortunately for Parker, forgetting isn’t easy … especially when a group of banshees start infringing on Mystic Caravan’s territory and the creatures seemingly have ties to the people Poet left behind.
Between the reapers also working the case – a crazy family called the Grimlocks who can’t stay out of trouble – and the guilt weighing Poet down given the way she fled, she has her hands full.
Someone is controlling the banshees, stealing girls from the streets and creating a merry band of monsters. It’s up to Poet to find out who and protect two street girls who remind her of herself.
Poet doesn’t want to look back but she has no choice … what she finds might be more evil than she ever imagined.

254 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 6, 2019

1059 people are currently reading
264 people want to read

About the author

Amanda M. Lee

305 books2,903 followers
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.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,877 (73%)
4 stars
562 (21%)
3 stars
119 (4%)
2 stars
9 (<1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
Profile Image for Wendy Schindler.
360 reviews
August 21, 2019
Excellence!!

I love the Mystic Caravan Circus! The interaction between Poet and the Grimlocks was really good too!
Spoiler alert! You're going to need a tissue at the very end!
Profile Image for Elisa.
3,231 reviews43 followers
August 14, 2019
There was so much to love in Freaky Reapers, I mean seriously Poet, Aisling, and Izzy talk about a triple treat of hilarious proportions and then we add in the rest of the circus and the Grimlock family it was written so well, it was truly freaky in an awesome way.
I love Amanda's way of writing with mystery, humor, romance, and sarcasm her books are addictive and always entertaining.

A new breed of Banshee's, Redmon Grimlock still hasn't found true love... lol but he thought Poet could be it, that was funny, poor Redmond I can't wait to meet the woman he finally falls for.

Amanda has a way of writing the most engaging and lovable character's even when you want to hate them you can't help but love them I really love her books a lot.
Profile Image for Rae.
165 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2019
She did it again!

I love all of Amanda Lee's work and grab it up every single time she has a new release. She makes me laugh and cry in almost every book. I didnt join the circus but I did run away with the carnival when I was 18 and that's how I met my husband that I have been married to for 25 years. Reading this series brings up many fond memories. Obviously I'm not Poet and my husband isn't Kade but if we had magic powers this could be us.
Profile Image for Mist Willingham.
142 reviews
August 11, 2019
Best crossover ever

I normally don’t like it when an author does a crossover of two of their series, but this was well integrated and great fun. Keep it up!
Profile Image for Tonya (Rustic Book Reviews).
368 reviews39 followers
2019-release
June 28, 2019
Wow!!! How did we get to 8 in this series so far??? Where have I been!!! I have read the first 4 in this series and had no idea we are already on book 8????? I have got to get myself updated.... I love a good circus book and when you throw in a little paranormal into the mix, it makes it so fun! I really need to do a re-read on these now to get myself caught up but they were such fast reads. I remember how much I loved them. I hope they still hold up!

Here is the Goodreads synopsis on Book one: Freaky Days Released in 2016

The show must go on … even when monsters are afoot.

Poet Parker is Romani by birth and a fortune teller by choice. As a member of Mystic Caravan Circus, she’s spent the past ten years using her psychic talents to tell people what their future holds by day and hunting paranormal monsters by night.

You see, Mystic Caravan is more than just a circus – it’s also a force of good in a world that needs help fighting evil.

Poet is set in her ways – and happy with her life – until Kade Denton shows up and upends the entire operation. He’s loud and proud – and Poet doesn’t like anyone telling her what to do.

As the new head of security, Kade thinks his only job is going to be tackling drunken revelers when they get out of hand. He’s in for a rude – and bloody – awakening.

When monsters strike and the truth comes out, Kade finds he has to learn on the job with Poet as his somewhat reluctant instructor.

Sparks are flying – both real and figurative – and when a truly terrible beast targets the circus for extermination it’s all magical hands on deck for the final showdown.

Some things are born evil, but the people in Mystic Caravan were born to fight it.

Prepare to be amazed.

Goodreads synopsis to this book: Freaky Reapers
Don't read if you don't want spoiler!

Poet Parker put the past behind her. At least she thought she did.
Life on the streets wasn’t what she had in mind for her forever and she jumped at the chance to join Mystic Caravan Circus when an invitation was extended. She didn’t look back.

That was ten years ago, and now Poet is going back to the exact area she used to haunt … and she’s nervous.

The friends she left behind are scattered. Some are dead. Some have moved on to other things. Some turned out to be something else entirely. Others simply disappeared into the wind.
Unfortunately for Parker, forgetting isn’t easy … especially when a group of banshees start infringing on Mystic Caravan’s territory and the creatures seemingly have ties to the people Poet left behind.

Between the reapers also working the case – a crazy family called the Grimlocks who can’t stay out of trouble – and the guilt weighing Poet down given the way she fled, she has her hands full.
Someone is controlling the banshees, stealing girls from the streets and creating a merry band of monsters. It’s up to Poet to find out who and protect two street girls who remind her of herself.
Poet doesn’t want to look back but she has no choice … what she finds might be more evil than she ever imagined.
80 reviews1 follower
August 9, 2019
I love every single goofy and eccentric character in the Mystic Caravan. I love that Amanda brings her signature sass, sarcasm, and plain ridiculousness to every book she writes. I have read most of but not all the Aisling Grimlock books and love her and her crazy family of Grim Reapers. The fact that Amanda Lee is crossing her series in this way makes me love her writing that much more.

Poet has come back to her past in the city of Detroit and has had to face some old friends and acquaintances and finally put the past really and truly behind her. When they arrive in Detroit she finds herself meeting one of the Grimlock boys in the cemetery across the road from where the circus has set dispatching a Banshees with a sword. After the appearance a Banshee which in not usually in this part of the country and the news that 5 missing girls that were on street and homeless Poet decides she is going to solve the mystery and stop the disappearances. Kade is supportive as well as all her circus family.

Poet delves back into her past and what she finds makes her sad and guilt ridden that Creek, one of her companions on the street, that had big dreams and was sweet had not received her good bye letter or made it out of the area and had been beat down by life in general. Poet faces many and ghosts from her past some had made better life and some were gone. To solve the mystery of the disappering girls and the appearance of them as Banshee's she would need the assistance of the Grimlock's and an old friend and now FBI agent.

Another awesome addition to the Mystic Caravan Mystery series and a perfect meshing of the Gromlock family chaos and all the circus folk. Looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Jessica (Read book. Repeat).
806 reviews23 followers
February 21, 2021
I had taken a bit of a break from the mystic caravan series and I'm glad that I did. It meant that I could jump back into it with renewed vigor and I feel like I am enjoying it just as much as when I first started the series.

I loved this instalment because it took us back to Poet's home turf when she was a teenager living on the streets. We got to see where she came from and learn more about her past. I also loved the addition of the Grimlocks and I absolutely LOVE how Lee crosses her series over like this. I haven't read the Grimlock's yet, but I do have book one sitting on my kindle which I'm more excited to read now that we've had a taste of them in this story.

It annoyed me how Poet felt like she had to take charge of everything because she's former "street" and she knows how it all works. I get that logically it's true, but it came across more that she was lording it over the others in her group. Kade still drives me batty insane with his stupid need to be the alpha protector when Poet has done just find for the rest of her life without him. As I said in an earlier review of an earlier book in this series, Kade is one character that I don't think I'll ever really like, but I enjoy the series too much to let it deter me.

A wonderful addition to the series and new monsters to boot. I'm hoping the characters we met in this book do show up again in later instalments.
Profile Image for Mike Lewis.
1,761 reviews8 followers
August 8, 2019
Extraordinarily spectacular

An extraordinary story with a fantastic group of characters. In this particular story it is two different series by the same author doing a crossover event. The main series is a traveling circus that is actually a group of supernatural monster hunters that travel the country searching out evil in reading the world of it. Poet Parker is the main character and his second in command of the traveling circus. She returns home to the city of Detroit where she lived as a child before her parents died and she was pushed into the foster care system in a bad situation and then left and lived on the streets for time. Until she met Max the owner of the traveling circus. From then on the monster hunting journey began. As she returns home and finds out that girls from the street are disappearing and in due course bumps in to a character from another series one of the gridlock brothers a family of reverse. Anyone who is read either one of the series can imagine what it’s going to happen next. Read on and find out. You will not be disappointed as this was one of the most exciting in this particular series so far. A wonderful offer with a sarcastic wit and a bit of Snark that can spin A tale that will amaze you.
Profile Image for S.M. Dapelo.
Author 10 books22 followers
August 18, 2019
I liked this book, but I had issues with a few things.
1. Without being in Asling's head, she's extremely obnoxious. Aisling was always difficult, but when you're in her head, you understand her reasoning.
2. Redmond comes across as a jerk. And God help me, I'm terrified he's going to end up with Aisling's nemesis. The problem with that is that he used to come across as a flirt, but highly responsible big brother. It didn't come across at all in this book.
3. I think a couple of the Grimlocks would have been great, but almost all of them and all of the member's of Mystic Caravan just gave me to many characters to keep track of.
However, there were many things I loved.
1. I loved that Raven was showing maturity and came across more intelligent. It's been difficult to understand why a being as old as her would bother bugging Poet all the time.
2. I liked that we got something of Poet's past.
3. I loved that Kade had issues with Coney's (not everyone loves them) and really hated thinking of Poet living on the streets.
4. Max. I'm so glad he's with the group more.

Overall, Mystic Caravan is one of my favorites series and I'm hoping this series continues on for a long while.
Profile Image for Patty .
1,353 reviews7 followers
February 2, 2021
Love it!

I can’t tell you how much I love this series.

Poet and the gang are at the next stop. Milwaukee and in Poet’s old stomping grounds. She is feeling somewhat lost and a bit nostalgic. She doesn’t quite understand why she feels so guilty about leaving the life and friends behind.

Those feelings only worsen when she discovers the missing homeless girls. As the guilt grows, Poet becomes more determined to figure out who is taking them. But at what costs will Poet go forward in her mission? Will she let guilt override her soul enough to become a target? Will Poet beat death to find them?

This book introduced a new set of paranormal characters and they were awesome. Who knew Reapers were so much fun. The story was intriguing and steady throughout. The mystery kept me guessing till the very end. A thrilling ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Overall this book is a great and spooky adventure. It is full of things that go bump in the night. The characters and story plots are unique and fun. The books grab the readers attention and entertains fully. I highly recommend this book and series. Definitely start at the beginning. You would not want to miss out on the fun.
1,143 reviews18 followers
August 8, 2019
Revisiting my favourite reapers.

The Grimlocks are my favourite of all the series done by Ms Lee, (although Aunt Tillie from the Winchester witches series is my favourite character). In this Poet is back in Detroit where she lived on the streets as a teenager --- it's also where she first met Max---- she can't be in the area and not try to see.if any of her old friends are around. Some are but Poet doesn't get the welcome she expects, it all leaves her feeling very upset which is why she reacts so strongly when she hears young girls are.going missing off the streets and nobody seems to be doing anything about it. Determined to get to the bottom of the.disappearances Poet and Kade run into Redmond Grimlock in the midst of dealing with a Banshee, Banshees are not native to Detroit so Poet is suspicious especially when more show up, they are normally solitary creatures. Wondering if the Banshees are somehow connected to the missing girls the Circus folk join forces with the Grimlocks to pool their resources and work together to get to the bottom of the mystery. As always the Grimlocks are loads of fun but this book.is all POET and the emotional journey she takes.
31 reviews
August 14, 2019
Crossover Story with the Paranormal Circus Family and the Grimlocks.

Who could ask for more. A story allowing us to catch up with Poet, Luke, Kade, Raven, Max and the rest of the Mystic Caravan family with the added delight of visiting with the Grimlocks. I love when one of Ms, Lee's series connects with another. This story was just such an occasion. We learn a bit more of Poet's life and friends on the street when the circus goes to Detroit for a festival. It seems that Poet and the Grimlocks were destined to run into each other as they are both hunting paranormal monsters on the side. I have missed the Grimlocks since finishing the series so I really enjoying visiting with them again. While this book can be read on its own, I strongly suggest that you read the Grimlock series first as well as all the previous books in this seties. Actually, read everything by Amanda Lee. You won't be disappointed!
Profile Image for Amanda Jane.
1,337 reviews9 followers
December 11, 2019
Freaky Past

As Poet returns to Detroit and the streets she lived on she finds that while little has changed a lot has too.

Finding Creek, Shadow, Groove, Beacon, Tawny and Hazy still alive and with very different lives she has to reconnect, some of them aren't that happy to see her, to find a way to find out what happened to the missing girls.

Parked close to a cemetery it's inevitable that she stumbles across the Grimlocks a family of reapers who are also looking out for the missing girls and several lost souls.

With banshees roaming around the cemetery and new girls on the streets just asking to become victims can Poet manage to rein in her need to look after everyone, and beg forgiveness for departing so suddenly 12 years earlier.

She needs to catch the killer but will it cost her too much?

Amanda Lee is brilliant at colliding two series into one she's done it before with her Midwest series and this is if anything even better.
Profile Image for Diane ~Firefly~.
2,205 reviews86 followers
August 13, 2019
They head to Poet's old stomping grounds and meet the Grimlock family as they search for missing street girls.

What I enjoyed:
* I enjoy the gang and learning more about Poet's past was interesting
* Not sure if this is a good or bad thing, but with the last couple books interacting with characters from her other books has made me interested in checking them out - the Grimlocks seem intriguing
* I like that Poet and Raven are getting along and working together
* I'll be curious to see if Cotton and Michelob show up in future stories

What could have been better
* I wish more time was given to the secondary characters. I understand this was all about Poet's past, but I'm very curious to learn more about Nadia and Nixie and even Raven. Plus even Luke seems to get little time to shine lately.
Profile Image for Vivian.
769 reviews13 followers
August 24, 2019
I can't get enough of this series - I find it fascinating and very well-written. A stop in Detroit for the Mystic Caravan Circus - and a painful and emotional return for Poet to her earlier years as a homeless girl living on the streets before Max found her and changed her life. With the past and the present colliding in an unexpected way with young homeless girls going missing in the city, Poet can't possibly ignore the need to assist in the investigation and along with her circus family do just that. The Grimlock family cross-over fit very nicely into the storyline without overpowering it. The author provided one red herring suspect that would have made me very sad, but in a twist it turned out to be someone else - which, in hindsight, made perfect sense. And I always look forward to whatever freakily fabulous cover art the author chooses! Highly recommend this series.
68 reviews
Read
August 8, 2019
Wow.

I have been eagerly awaiting this book since I saw A.M. Lee was monster-mashing my two favorite families: The Grimlocks and the Mystic Caravan. Pitting Ainsling with Poet seemed a match made in Heaven, or at least Michigan. Throw in some Izzy? Yes, please. This book, while having some amusing bits, was not funny. It is probably her most serious yet. And, it was hauntingly, heartbreakingly brilliant. I knew Ms. Lee was an amazing author going in, but this felt so personal and touching. Please read this book, but not until you have the full flavor of these wonderfully developed families by reading up on their prior adventures. Bring lots of tissues for this one. Again, wow.
169 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2021
Poet’s Past with a Prologue! And Crossover!

The circus is heading to Detroit, where Poet’s past lies. She left an untenable situation without time to say good-bye to her friends.
But she took her chance to get off the street, and never had time to look back.
As the circus arrives in Detroit, close to her old haunts, though slightly more upscale, Kade is obviously saddened and uncomfortable with hardships Poet formerly lived with. While Poet soon learns that girls from the street have been going missing. And no one seems to have any idea where they have gone. Seeing old friends and acquaintances is hard on Poet. But she learns more, and meets some very interesting people (crossover) when she follows a scream.
Profile Image for Patrea Beard.
447 reviews2 followers
August 15, 2019
Loved

I've been looking forward to reading this book and wasn't disappointed. Interesting mystery and great characters. Loved the cross over with the Grimlocks and great that Izzy was also there. A new look at baby Lily by the circus group. All the Mystic Caravan characters had entertaining and even some moving parts. Nice to see Raven in a different light.

I have been saving the Luke short til this book came out so reading that next then have the Millie short. Amanda M Lee is (as Lily Harper Hart also) a fabulous author and I'm never disappointed. I recommend all her books under both names.
Profile Image for Kat, lover of bears....
611 reviews23 followers
November 4, 2020
After binge reading this series for three solid months last year, I had to step away. I missed the characters and the theme of the series so decided to pick it back up. It was like returning to an old friend which ironically the main character also does in this book. Poet returns to Detroit for the first time in 12 years, when she left with the circus. This return to her original hometown opens old scars and an evil she didn't know existed. This particular book involves characters from two other Amanda M. Lee series; Aisling Grimlock and Death Gate Grim Reapers (I have read all of the former and a couple of the latter). This foray into the past was a satisfying for Poet Parker as it was for me. I am definitely re-hooked on the series.
Profile Image for Katie Storer.
673 reviews2 followers
September 22, 2023
4.5 stars
My favorite book in the series (so far).

I was worried at the beginning of the story. We are taken back 12 years to Poet’s life-on-the-streets. We meet her street friends. We see how she lived.
It moved slowly and was slightly depressing.

Then, POUF!, we are back in the present time and the Mystic Caravan is setting up in Poet’s old neighborhood. How hard will it be to look back? Learning of the friends who didn’t survive will hurt. Meeting the rest will run from uneasy, angry, and joyful. But then, Poet, and her circus family, learn that young teenaged girls are going missing. That is all I’m gonna say.

Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Jeni.
399 reviews7 followers
August 8, 2019
More depth than usual

Poet is my favorite MC in all the Lee/Hart series so far (with Charlie and Hadley close seconds) and it was interesting reading about her background. This book had alot more depth than Lee's usual books, which was nice considering the subject. Also, a subjective observation - I know the crossovers are a favorite of many, but here I found it to be really forced. The reapers inclusion was not only unneccessary but it was a distraction from the storyline. I hope the next crossover is more relaxed and natural. Anyway, good read, interesting progression.
470 reviews
August 15, 2019
Another great read!

This series is one of my favorites because of the quirky and interesting cast of characters! I never thought I would enjoy a series based in a circus, but it has quickly become a favorite of mine! This book held the usual intriguing mystery that kept you guessing right up until the end, but also had the element of Poet's history and her struggle to put it behind her. The mystery was wrapped up by the end, but there is enough of the overarching story to keep you coming back for the next! Can't wait for the next installment!
1,246 reviews8 followers
September 11, 2019
Homecoming

Poet didn't have much of a home life the last couple of years she lived in Detroit, mostly because she didn't have a home. So coming back to her old stomping grounds with the circus wasn't exactly easy. To make worse, young street girls, like Poet used to be, are disappearing and nobody has a clue. This is another mash up story with one of the author's other series. I haven't read that other series yet, so I missed out on all of the inside jokes, but this story was fun enough that I'll definitely give that other series a try.
Profile Image for Jeanie.
120 reviews2 followers
October 10, 2019
Always a pleasure!

I am a huge fan of Amanda Lee. Have read all of her works and have never been disappointed. This book especially drew.me.in because she incorporated characters from 2 of her other series. Like visiting old friends and catching up on gossip! Oh yeah...and fighting bad guys together....what could be better?! I would suggest reading the Grim series then the Death Gate series first along with the previous Freaky installments only because it will really enhance this reading experience! I hate when these books end!
6 reviews
August 7, 2019
I enjoyed this book

It was a good book, I like this series a lot. Poet is strong and growing stronger in magic but the constant analyzing her and boosting from everyone got old quick. I started skimming ....

I have to applaud the young lady for having the fortitude and patience to deal with such a high maintenance man who makes everything about him and his sensitive feelings. My eyes rolled so much I got dizzy!

Still I will buy the next book
Profile Image for Cathy P.
1,788 reviews9 followers
August 8, 2019
Loved it. Great addition to the series.

Loved this addition to series. It's always good to catch up in the Grimlocks andntheir brand of crazy. Poet heads back to Detroit, to the area she used to call home while on the streets. she struggles with her decisions back then, though she didn't have a choice. The while circus is super supportive. Banshees on the loose and memories to fight. Poet is put to task in this one, but has plenty of help.
667 reviews7 followers
August 8, 2019
A Mystic Caravan Mystery book 8

This is another winner. I love this series and all its fantastic characters. This author writes wonderful storylines in every book. What a wonderful imagination she has for all her different series. I love all of her different series and especially the one of Aunt Tilly and the whole witch family. I highly recommend all her and different series. Ghosts, witches, soul catchers ect. You will love them to. Diana Romano
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.