It's 1904, and being a detective - let alone an occult detective - is no profession for a woman. But that won't stop Evie Winstanley.
When her father, a collector of occult books, dies in strange circumstances, Evie is determined to investigate. Her only lead: a cryptic mention of the 'Circle of Shadows.' From a chilling séance on the lonely Yorkshire moors to the sinister, hedonistic halls of Oxford's elite, Evie hunts for answers, stalked by whispers of an ancient monster and an ever-shifting, ominous symbol.
But when a young woman's body surfaces in the Cherwell, bearing that same mark, Evie uncovers a truth far more terrifying than a single murder. Now, Evie isn't just seeking justice; she's fighting to save her sister, in a dark and twisted adventure where gilded boys unleash hell and defiant women must pick up the pieces. Nothing will stop her investigation, not outraging Edwardian notions of female propriety, and certainly not offers of romance.
Blending historical fantasy with Golden Age classic crime, Circle of Shadows is a dark and twisty adventure through an occult Edwardian England where wealthy boys toy with powers they don't understand, and a lone woman takes a stand against them. Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes, The Frozen People and Rivers of London.
Circle of Shadows is Marisa Linton's debut adult fiction novel and it is a cracker. I loved every single page of it and didn't want to end...it does actually end like it's the start of a series and I hope it isn't the last we've seen of Evie Winstanley.
It does have hints of Sherlock Holmes about it but with a very strong and tenacious female main character who I absolutely loved. It's Edwardian England where women should be seen and not heard but Evie Winstanley is determined to break that mould.
Marisa Linton takes the reader on an atmospheric journey from the rugged landscape of the Yorkshire moors to the historic streets of Oxford. The séance that Evie attends is one of the most vivid scenes I have ever read and I almost jumped out of my seat when I was reading. I love how sceptical Evie is though and she is determined to investigate to find out the truth.
It's a fabulous mystery as well as a haunting historical fiction novel and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I read it in two sittings and would have easily read it in one if I didn't have to sleep!
Circle of Shadows is an evocative and compelling historical mystery that surprised and delighted me. I really enjoyed it and hope to read more of Evie's adventures in the future.
I received a gifted hardback to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
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