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Anglesey Murders #9
Circus of Nightmares
Death is the ultimate illusion.
The draining of a pond on a construction site leads to a grim discovery which could answer the five-year-old what happened to a young couple last seen at the travelling circus? The Circus of Nightmares is an Internet sensation pushing the boundaries of magic and illusion, blurring the lines between excitement and fear. It has become the most popular live show of its kind, but something travels with it. Something dark. Something sinister. When they arrive unannounced on the beautiful island of Anglesey, Detective Inspector Alan Williams and his team uncover a series of sexual assaults reaching back decades. The evidence is clouded by the passing of time, but one thing is beyond clear, evil incarnate has arrived in his piece of paradise.
The draining of a pond on a construction site leads to a grim discovery which could answer the five-year-old what happened to a young couple last seen at the travelling circus? The Circus of Nightmares is an Internet sensation pushing the boundaries of magic and illusion, blurring the lines between excitement and fear. It has become the most popular live show of its kind, but something travels with it. Something dark. Something sinister. When they arrive unannounced on the beautiful island of Anglesey, Detective Inspector Alan Williams and his team uncover a series of sexual assaults reaching back decades. The evidence is clouded by the passing of time, but one thing is beyond clear, evil incarnate has arrived in his piece of paradise.
- GenresFiction
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2021
64 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Conrad Jones
128 books399 followersConrad Jones is a best-selling thriller writer with 30 thriller novels.
The Anglesey Murders 10 books
The Soft Target Series 6 books
The Detective Alec Ramsay Series 6 books
The Inspector Braddick Series 4 books
The Journey Series 3 books
Cuckoos on the Mersey
18 of his books are available in audio and his novels have been translated into six languages.
He is always keen to talk to readers and writers alike, jonesconrad5@aol.com
FaceBook Conrad Jones Author
Twitter @ConradJones
The Anglesey Murders 10 books
The Soft Target Series 6 books
The Detective Alec Ramsay Series 6 books
The Inspector Braddick Series 4 books
The Journey Series 3 books
Cuckoos on the Mersey
18 of his books are available in audio and his novels have been translated into six languages.
He is always keen to talk to readers and writers alike, jonesconrad5@aol.com
FaceBook Conrad Jones Author
Twitter @ConradJones
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 16, 2021
Dark and (very) disturbing!
I always liked Anglesey as a happy and delightful holiday destination but, after reading this book I may have to revise my opinion. A scary circus, specialising in horror themes and staffed by rapists, murderers, drug and people smugglers comes to town. Thereafter comes a series of sexual assaults on local women followed by murder and vigilante reprisals from local men. Throw organised crime families seeking revenge into the mix and, well you get my drift. You will need a strong stomach to read this book but, the story is electric.
I always liked Anglesey as a happy and delightful holiday destination but, after reading this book I may have to revise my opinion. A scary circus, specialising in horror themes and staffed by rapists, murderers, drug and people smugglers comes to town. Thereafter comes a series of sexual assaults on local women followed by murder and vigilante reprisals from local men. Throw organised crime families seeking revenge into the mix and, well you get my drift. You will need a strong stomach to read this book but, the story is electric.
July 16, 2022
What a good book. It wasn’t what I had originally expected but it was really good and gory at times the suspense was really good
March 22, 2021
I've never liked the circus, even as a child. Why? I HATE clowns, they frighten me. This book has done nothing to abate that fear. Dark and menacing, a murderous investigation of the chilling kind. It's not a horror book but it's certainly creepy with a nightmarish disturbing storyline. Creatively plotted and well written. A compelling and foreboding read and makes a great police prodedural book.....with an edge. Hang on to your seats with this one, you're in for a scary ride.
June 16, 2022
Good read
First one of Conrad's I've ever read.
I enjoyed it alot, I'm looking forward too reading more from this author!
First one of Conrad's I've ever read.
I enjoyed it alot, I'm looking forward too reading more from this author!
July 26, 2025
Circus of Nightmares by Conrad Jones
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
An interesting, dark and entertaining, crime/horror story! There’s always something spooky and sinister associated with clowns and circus’s and this story supports that! This is a horrific circus, staffed with crazy and harmful people. The towns that the circus come into, pay the price!
It’s a very creepy, dark and disturbing story and totally sucked me in! There’s a lot of action, and twists going on throughout the book.
Conrad Jones does a great job with the storytelling and using lots of detailed imagery.
Will detectives be able to figure out what is going on with this circus?
I listened to the audio version and the narrator did an excellent job!!
*I recommend reading or listening to this creepy story!!* 🤡🎈🤡🎈🤡🎈
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
An interesting, dark and entertaining, crime/horror story! There’s always something spooky and sinister associated with clowns and circus’s and this story supports that! This is a horrific circus, staffed with crazy and harmful people. The towns that the circus come into, pay the price!
It’s a very creepy, dark and disturbing story and totally sucked me in! There’s a lot of action, and twists going on throughout the book.
Conrad Jones does a great job with the storytelling and using lots of detailed imagery.
Will detectives be able to figure out what is going on with this circus?
I listened to the audio version and the narrator did an excellent job!!
*I recommend reading or listening to this creepy story!!* 🤡🎈🤡🎈🤡🎈
February 28, 2021
Roll up , roll up..Ladies and Gentleman, get your tickets and take your seats in The Circus of Nightmares - a bit like Cirque du Soleil, only darker ...much darker..When The Circus of Nightmares appears overnight on The Newry beach on the beautiful Treaddur Bay, local resident Malcolm Orange, who is also on the council planning committee is outraged, and goes to see the circus owners .The beautiful Lottie Edwards, circus owner/ ringmaster/ and woman in charge exudes charm and insists permission was granted.But later Malcolm is found unconscious outside the public toilets and rushed to hospital, and when he wakes up he has quite the story to tell...Meanwhile DI Alan Williams and DS Davies are questioning a young couple who have witnessed something from the beach..And elsewhere a cold case comes to light .. Suddenly in the beautiful Treaddur Bay ,a scenic, beautiful place ..where tourists flock on golden sands , it has become a dark and dangerous playground..Evil has come a calling ..People are terrified..and no one is talking ..If like me you loved The Child Taker , this is the read for you ...Conrad Jones puts the T into Terrifying..Gritty Dark and Scaringly Good .
March 2, 2021
Five star Review for Circus of Nightmares !!
I practically never write a book review, but this author needs recognition, I read all the time, and particularly love mysteries, psychological thrillers and Police investigations, have read all his books so far and never have been disappointed, I had to read this book in one sitting!! another absolutely gripping storyline from Conrad Jones, he never fails to deliver. I absolutely love The Anglesey Mysteries, the characters are so believable, each investigation keeps you turning the pages !! I can’t wait for the next book, I feel sorry for people who don’t read, and I hope the stories are picked up for a television series, they will be a series to binge watch !!
I practically never write a book review, but this author needs recognition, I read all the time, and particularly love mysteries, psychological thrillers and Police investigations, have read all his books so far and never have been disappointed, I had to read this book in one sitting!! another absolutely gripping storyline from Conrad Jones, he never fails to deliver. I absolutely love The Anglesey Mysteries, the characters are so believable, each investigation keeps you turning the pages !! I can’t wait for the next book, I feel sorry for people who don’t read, and I hope the stories are picked up for a television series, they will be a series to binge watch !!
March 29, 2021
Awesome
I am not really one for being scared when reading a book but omg this one freaked me out. There is something about clowns that's just freaky.
The story, the setting and the characters were such a great fit, the atmosphere just oozed from the words. I found myself thinking about whatever going to happen next in the book while I was at work.
Every book I have read by Conrad Jones has been brilliant. I feel this book has taken the scare factor to a new level. Highly recommended this book. Looking forward to more in this series.
I am not really one for being scared when reading a book but omg this one freaked me out. There is something about clowns that's just freaky.
The story, the setting and the characters were such a great fit, the atmosphere just oozed from the words. I found myself thinking about whatever going to happen next in the book while I was at work.
Every book I have read by Conrad Jones has been brilliant. I feel this book has taken the scare factor to a new level. Highly recommended this book. Looking forward to more in this series.
March 1, 2021
Unputdownable
What can I say ? Another brilliant story from Conrad Jones. I read it in one night. Just couldn't put it down. I love how the plot twists and turns as the tension builds into the finale. I highly recommend any of his books, this one was especially good !
Turn off the tv, switch off the mobile phone, turn down the lights, pour the wine, sit back and enjoy the ride !
What can I say ? Another brilliant story from Conrad Jones. I read it in one night. Just couldn't put it down. I love how the plot twists and turns as the tension builds into the finale. I highly recommend any of his books, this one was especially good !
Turn off the tv, switch off the mobile phone, turn down the lights, pour the wine, sit back and enjoy the ride !
Read
May 7, 2021No stars posted because I couldn't finish this book. My rule of thumb in reading is if I don't care for the book at 30% on my Kindle (100% minus my age), I stop reading. I gave this book 65% and I just have to stop. Based on the reviews here and on Amazon, I'm definitely in the minority. Three murder scenes, far too many characters and a Circus and a bunch of clowns the cops don't want in the neighborhood. Unlike many of the other reviewers, I didn't find this to be scary, creepy, frightening, a page turner or anything else that would make me spend my time getting to the end.
May 25, 2022
Conrad Jones continues to be one of my favourite authors, I think I have read them all now. Circus of Nightmares does not disappoint. Full of great characters, a detective investigation into shady people working at a circus. Not for the faint hearted, its full of the usual torture and violence that feature in all books but I don’t mind at all as its wrapped up in such a great crime detective story.
April 4, 2021
Fantastic
Wow what a rollercoaster of a read. The first part with Mr Orange was hilarious until the darkness sets in, not for the faint hearted! Several crimes committed but all interwoven in a clever intricate plot. Great writing, kept me up all night reading till the final curtain. Would make a great film. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
Wow what a rollercoaster of a read. The first part with Mr Orange was hilarious until the darkness sets in, not for the faint hearted! Several crimes committed but all interwoven in a clever intricate plot. Great writing, kept me up all night reading till the final curtain. Would make a great film. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
April 11, 2021
What a rollercoaster ride of a read! The bad guy(s) scared me, past and present. I came to realize toward the middle of the book what was really going on. Then, after I nearly finished and was feeling safe again, I found out about THE DAD. Yikes. So have fun reading this. The really scary things in life aren't make-believe.
May 13, 2021
Fantastic police procedural
This is the second book of the Anglesey series and didnt disappoint. Fast paced, gruesome well written and everything I want in this type of genre. Great character's and a gripping story which all ties up at the end nicely. I will definitely read more by this author.
This is the second book of the Anglesey series and didnt disappoint. Fast paced, gruesome well written and everything I want in this type of genre. Great character's and a gripping story which all ties up at the end nicely. I will definitely read more by this author.
June 15, 2021
Not so great
This book was better than I expected which isn't saying much. There is no character development so I didn't care much about the victims. Some things that were hinted at (such as the circus owner) were just left hanging. So many deaths happened with no reason. The main killing when you find out who did it makes no sense at all. It is a pretty easy read.
This book was better than I expected which isn't saying much. There is no character development so I didn't care much about the victims. Some things that were hinted at (such as the circus owner) were just left hanging. So many deaths happened with no reason. The main killing when you find out who did it makes no sense at all. It is a pretty easy read.
March 12, 2022
I got to 40% and gave up.
Having just finished A Disturbing Thing Happened Today, I was keen to read another Conrad Jones novel. Unfortunately this one did not connect with me, it feels very disjointed, the plot isn't interesting and I have no feelings towards the characters.
Obviously it is highly rated by many readers so give it a go!
Having just finished A Disturbing Thing Happened Today, I was keen to read another Conrad Jones novel. Unfortunately this one did not connect with me, it feels very disjointed, the plot isn't interesting and I have no feelings towards the characters.
Obviously it is highly rated by many readers so give it a go!
November 27, 2024
A Different Type of Gruesome
Very inventive bad guys in this one, using lots of new, to me, bits of murder and mayhem in their sojourn through life. I learned many useful things by which to defend oneself. 😀. Jones is a master of inventiveness with his plots and characters. I will never trust a circus clown from now on. Love these books.
Very inventive bad guys in this one, using lots of new, to me, bits of murder and mayhem in their sojourn through life. I learned many useful things by which to defend oneself. 😀. Jones is a master of inventiveness with his plots and characters. I will never trust a circus clown from now on. Love these books.
March 1, 2021
Another brilliant read
Wow another brilliant read, conrad Jones you'll have to write quicker every book I've read of yours has been great once I start I can't stop please hurry up for the next book
Wow another brilliant read, conrad Jones you'll have to write quicker every book I've read of yours has been great once I start I can't stop please hurry up for the next book
March 2, 2021
A great read
Another great read from this no messing around author. This book grabs you and pulls you in from the very beginning. Once you’ve read one Conrad Jones you need to read them all, looking forward to the next in the series!
Another great read from this no messing around author. This book grabs you and pulls you in from the very beginning. Once you’ve read one Conrad Jones you need to read them all, looking forward to the next in the series!
March 4, 2021
A gripping read
Another gripping read by Conrad. I live where the book is set so being able to visualise the areas of town really helps bring the story to life for me. Looking forward to the next
Another gripping read by Conrad. I live where the book is set so being able to visualise the areas of town really helps bring the story to life for me. Looking forward to the next
April 9, 2021
Yet another great read from Conrad.
Brilliant reading yet again from Conrad. Couldn't put it down.I live in
North Wales & love reading stories based in this area.well done another excellent read.
Brilliant reading yet again from Conrad. Couldn't put it down.I live in
North Wales & love reading stories based in this area.well done another excellent read.
May 11, 2021
There was a lot more going on in this novel than I thought there would be. It`s got a scary circus, organized crime, human trafficking, and constant threats to normal civilians. This is an interesting thriller about a traveling horror themed circus and a crime that leads back to them.
February 26, 2022
Book started out fantastic, really got me gripped at the beginning.
It started to get less interesting as the book went on, still a pretty good read.
Although, if I took a shot for every time the word “said” was mentioned, I’d have a liver like a dried out shammy leather.
It started to get less interesting as the book went on, still a pretty good read.
Although, if I took a shot for every time the word “said” was mentioned, I’d have a liver like a dried out shammy leather.
March 1, 2021
Brilliant read
Fantastic, brilliant as always I have no other words to describe it Conrad always leaves me wanting more I can't wait for his next book
Fantastic, brilliant as always I have no other words to describe it Conrad always leaves me wanting more I can't wait for his next book
March 2, 2021
Brilliant
Very dark and a bit spooky. Lots going on violence and action right through. In real Conrad style. I can really recommend this book
Very dark and a bit spooky. Lots going on violence and action right through. In real Conrad style. I can really recommend this book
March 2, 2021
Brilliant
Another winner , Conrad does not disappoint I've read and enjoyed every one of his books and this one rates with the best
Another winner , Conrad does not disappoint I've read and enjoyed every one of his books and this one rates with the best
March 2, 2021
This author gets better and better. Be prepared to be put off visiting a circus ever again..and be careful closing your curtains when it's dark...
March 3, 2021
Brilliant
Could not put this down , read it one day , compelling , one of my favourite writers
Love all his books
Could not put this down , read it one day , compelling , one of my favourite writers
Love all his books
March 7, 2021
Awesome
Could not put this book down read it in two nights these books just get better and better a must read
Could not put this book down read it in two nights these books just get better and better a must read
March 17, 2021
Circus of nightmares
A brilliant book couldn't put it down but no surprise there all of Conrad Jones's books are brilliant reads can't wait for the next one
A brilliant book couldn't put it down but no surprise there all of Conrad Jones's books are brilliant reads can't wait for the next one
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews