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Cold-Blooded Carnival
In a circus of shadows, death takes centre stage.In the shadowy heart of Prague, beneath the looming towers of Vysehrad Castle, DCI Nash finds himself ensnared in a web of malevolence. As a once-celebrated circus unravels into a maelstrom of death, the macabre discovery of a fifteen-year-old trapeze artist signals the start of a nightmare murder spree that disrupts the colourful façade of the big top.
With the spectral hum of an uninvited carousel heralding a curse, Nash is thrown into a case where the performers live by superstition and folklore.
With time running out, Nash battles the clock to unmask the mastermind behind the madness. But the circus is a place where crazy isn’t always fun. Every smile conceals an agenda. As the secrets unravel, the real monsters aren’t in the funhouse . . . they walk among the innocent.
‘Cold-Blooded Carnival is the best Silas Nash thriller yet. Written in a more vivid style than Black’s trademark stripped-back prose, it’s a pulse-pounding thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the shocking reveal. Brilliant. A movie-worthy masterpiece.’ — Brian Dawson
Step right up, if you dare, for a performance where fear and suspense fly under the glittering lights of the big top.
With the spectral hum of an uninvited carousel heralding a curse, Nash is thrown into a case where the performers live by superstition and folklore.
With time running out, Nash battles the clock to unmask the mastermind behind the madness. But the circus is a place where crazy isn’t always fun. Every smile conceals an agenda. As the secrets unravel, the real monsters aren’t in the funhouse . . . they walk among the innocent.
‘Cold-Blooded Carnival is the best Silas Nash thriller yet. Written in a more vivid style than Black’s trademark stripped-back prose, it’s a pulse-pounding thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the shocking reveal. Brilliant. A movie-worthy masterpiece.’ — Brian Dawson
Step right up, if you dare, for a performance where fear and suspense fly under the glittering lights of the big top.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2023
10 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 2, 2025
Review
Cold Blooded Carnival
Author Katherine Black
My rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow! What a spooky spectacular crime thriller Cold Blooded Carnival, book 4 in the DCI Nash detective series is.
From the first look at the cover, I was enticed into reading this fast-paced gripping thriller.
DCI Silas Nash is called to join a detective exchange and to travel to Prague to help investigate a mysterious disappearance of a fifteen-year-old trapeze artist at a circus.
After days of searching, he is found alive, left for dead, which begins a nightmare of a series of murders.
With an unexpected and uninvited delivery of a carousel that is said to carry a curse, the Carnival troupe is nervous and suspicious of each other.
The circus performers and workers live by folklore and are a superstitious group, believing the murders and mysterious happenings could be caused by the supernatural or is there something more sinister going on, maybe by someone close and within the circus spurred on by jealousy.
Can top detective Silas Nash find out the truth and solve the mystery and sift out a culprit?
Katherine Black excels again in writing an incredibly suspenseful thriller, with her exceptional characters and amazing descriptive settings.
I am always captivated by Katherine's writing style and stunning storylines.
💯% recommend this series.
Cold Blooded Carnival
Author Katherine Black
My rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow! What a spooky spectacular crime thriller Cold Blooded Carnival, book 4 in the DCI Nash detective series is.
From the first look at the cover, I was enticed into reading this fast-paced gripping thriller.
DCI Silas Nash is called to join a detective exchange and to travel to Prague to help investigate a mysterious disappearance of a fifteen-year-old trapeze artist at a circus.
After days of searching, he is found alive, left for dead, which begins a nightmare of a series of murders.
With an unexpected and uninvited delivery of a carousel that is said to carry a curse, the Carnival troupe is nervous and suspicious of each other.
The circus performers and workers live by folklore and are a superstitious group, believing the murders and mysterious happenings could be caused by the supernatural or is there something more sinister going on, maybe by someone close and within the circus spurred on by jealousy.
Can top detective Silas Nash find out the truth and solve the mystery and sift out a culprit?
Katherine Black excels again in writing an incredibly suspenseful thriller, with her exceptional characters and amazing descriptive settings.
I am always captivated by Katherine's writing style and stunning storylines.
💯% recommend this series.
November 4, 2023
A cursed carousel taking out carneys! This book will definitely hold your interest! Okay so this book will have you thinking literally everyone did it and when the actual person was revealed I was STUNNED!
June 15, 2024
Brilliant!
This book grabs you right away with its creepy carousel and a series of chilling events that keep you guessing. Katherine's writing is sharp and descriptive, making the circus feel real with its bright lights and hidden secrets. The main character, Silas Nash, is very well-developed and interesting as he moves through a mix of colourful but tricky characters. Each one adds more layers and mystery to the plot. The reveal of who did it is shocking, showing how good Black is at creating a compelling mystery. This book is a must-read if you like stories that combine danger and the spectacle of the circus. Well done!
This book grabs you right away with its creepy carousel and a series of chilling events that keep you guessing. Katherine's writing is sharp and descriptive, making the circus feel real with its bright lights and hidden secrets. The main character, Silas Nash, is very well-developed and interesting as he moves through a mix of colourful but tricky characters. Each one adds more layers and mystery to the plot. The reveal of who did it is shocking, showing how good Black is at creating a compelling mystery. This book is a must-read if you like stories that combine danger and the spectacle of the circus. Well done!
June 3, 2024
Book Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: Cold-Blooded Carnival
Subtitle: (DCI Nash Book 4)
Author: Katherine Black
Genre: Thriller/crime/mystery
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series: 4
Best read after earlier books in series? Yes
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
Silas is back and is sent to Prague to assist the Prague police in their investigations into a murder in a circus. With superstitions running rife, it’s difficult to work out what is really happening. Is there really a supernatural force at work? He is joined on this semi-holiday by his partner and Max also makes an appearance. Will Silas succeed to find the killer and avoid further murders taking place?
What I liked about the book:
This book was action-packed, full of intrigue and twists and turns.
What I didn’t like about the book:
There was nothing I disliked about the book.
My favourite bits in the book:
I loved the entire book.
My least favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
Detective Chief Inspector Nash is fast becoming one of my favourite detectives. I can’t wait for the next Silas Nash mystery to come my way.
What books could this be compared to and why?
The book finds itself in the category of crime, thrillers and mysteries. It is written to a very high standard.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Maybe
Adult Yes
If you like suspenseful psychological thrillers, this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
Book Description by Author:
In a circus of shadows, death takes centre stage.In the shadowy heart of Prague, beneath the looming towers of Vysehrad Castle, DCI Nash finds himself ensnared in a web of malevolence. As a once-celebrated circus unravels into a maelstrom of death, the macabre discovery of a fifteen-year-old trapeze artist signals the start of a nightmare murder spree that disrupts the colourful façade of the big top.
With the spectral hum of an uninvited carousel heralding a curse, Nash is thrown into a case where the performers live by superstition and folklore.
With time running out, Nash battles the clock to unmask the mastermind behind the madness. But the circus is a place where crazy isn’t always fun. Every smile conceals an agenda. As the secrets unravel, the real monsters aren’t in the funhouse . . . they walk among the innocent.
‘Cold-Blooded Carnival is the best Silas Nash thriller yet. Written in a more vivid style than Black’s trademark stripped-back prose, it’s a pulse-pounding thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the shocking reveal. Brilliant. A movie-worthy masterpiece.’ — Brian Dawson
Step right up, if you dare, for a performance where fear and suspense fly under the glittering lights of the big top.
About the Author:
.
Basic Details:
Book Title: Cold-Blooded Carnival
Subtitle: (DCI Nash Book 4)
Author: Katherine Black
Genre: Thriller/crime/mystery
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series: 4
Best read after earlier books in series? Yes
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
Silas is back and is sent to Prague to assist the Prague police in their investigations into a murder in a circus. With superstitions running rife, it’s difficult to work out what is really happening. Is there really a supernatural force at work? He is joined on this semi-holiday by his partner and Max also makes an appearance. Will Silas succeed to find the killer and avoid further murders taking place?
What I liked about the book:
This book was action-packed, full of intrigue and twists and turns.
What I didn’t like about the book:
There was nothing I disliked about the book.
My favourite bits in the book:
I loved the entire book.
My least favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
Detective Chief Inspector Nash is fast becoming one of my favourite detectives. I can’t wait for the next Silas Nash mystery to come my way.
What books could this be compared to and why?
The book finds itself in the category of crime, thrillers and mysteries. It is written to a very high standard.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Maybe
Adult Yes
If you like suspenseful psychological thrillers, this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
Book Description by Author:
In a circus of shadows, death takes centre stage.In the shadowy heart of Prague, beneath the looming towers of Vysehrad Castle, DCI Nash finds himself ensnared in a web of malevolence. As a once-celebrated circus unravels into a maelstrom of death, the macabre discovery of a fifteen-year-old trapeze artist signals the start of a nightmare murder spree that disrupts the colourful façade of the big top.
With the spectral hum of an uninvited carousel heralding a curse, Nash is thrown into a case where the performers live by superstition and folklore.
With time running out, Nash battles the clock to unmask the mastermind behind the madness. But the circus is a place where crazy isn’t always fun. Every smile conceals an agenda. As the secrets unravel, the real monsters aren’t in the funhouse . . . they walk among the innocent.
‘Cold-Blooded Carnival is the best Silas Nash thriller yet. Written in a more vivid style than Black’s trademark stripped-back prose, it’s a pulse-pounding thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the shocking reveal. Brilliant. A movie-worthy masterpiece.’ — Brian Dawson
Step right up, if you dare, for a performance where fear and suspense fly under the glittering lights of the big top.
About the Author:
.
June 11, 2024
Fantastic read!
Isiah Quinn, owner of the Quinn Brothers Flying circus, currently entertaining in Prague. There was unrest in camp, some deep seated rot that needed eliminating. The arrival of a mysterious but cursed horse ride left Isiah and his circus in grave danger if warnings were not heeded. The murder of a trapeze artist sent the camp into chaos and a new case loomed for British DCI Silas Nash.
My favourite book yet by this talented author Katherine Black. Her creative and imaginative story telling is intriguing, it starts off grabbing your attention and doesn't slack througout in the slightest. Intricate webs of deceiption are weaved in a great setting for any number of people to be guilty of such heinous crimes and as snippets of information and clues are revealed, the accusations move from one character to another, I was baffled! Great storyline, well written, great job!
Isiah Quinn, owner of the Quinn Brothers Flying circus, currently entertaining in Prague. There was unrest in camp, some deep seated rot that needed eliminating. The arrival of a mysterious but cursed horse ride left Isiah and his circus in grave danger if warnings were not heeded. The murder of a trapeze artist sent the camp into chaos and a new case loomed for British DCI Silas Nash.
My favourite book yet by this talented author Katherine Black. Her creative and imaginative story telling is intriguing, it starts off grabbing your attention and doesn't slack througout in the slightest. Intricate webs of deceiption are weaved in a great setting for any number of people to be guilty of such heinous crimes and as snippets of information and clues are revealed, the accusations move from one character to another, I was baffled! Great storyline, well written, great job!
January 28, 2025
Cold Blooded Carnival is another great addition to
the DCI Nash series. This time DCI Nash finds
himself in Prague as part of a detective exchange programme where he is tasked with solving a series
of murders taking place in a circus.
Black does a great job of bringing the circus environment to life, the writing is beautifully atmospheric, with vivid descriptions and as always,
a wonderful host of colourful characters who really bring the story to life. Throw in a little creepiness
and some murders and you’ve got a really fantastic whodunnit that kept me guessing right to the end.
I did miss seeing more from Molly Brown and the
rest of Nash’s usual team, however I was really
glad we got to see more from Kelvin and his developing relationship with our DCI Nash.
One thing I like about this series is that whilst it is
a series with many of the same characters between books, each one has it’s own fully fleshed out, intricate plot line and can be read as a standalone.
the DCI Nash series. This time DCI Nash finds
himself in Prague as part of a detective exchange programme where he is tasked with solving a series
of murders taking place in a circus.
Black does a great job of bringing the circus environment to life, the writing is beautifully atmospheric, with vivid descriptions and as always,
a wonderful host of colourful characters who really bring the story to life. Throw in a little creepiness
and some murders and you’ve got a really fantastic whodunnit that kept me guessing right to the end.
I did miss seeing more from Molly Brown and the
rest of Nash’s usual team, however I was really
glad we got to see more from Kelvin and his developing relationship with our DCI Nash.
One thing I like about this series is that whilst it is
a series with many of the same characters between books, each one has it’s own fully fleshed out, intricate plot line and can be read as a standalone.
May 21, 2024
DCI Silas Nash, on a detective exchange programme in Prague becomes involved with a series of murders in an interntional circus. Brilliantly constructed and with a host of enagmatic and colourful characters, the vibrant atmosphere of the circus is captured in all of its splendour. With the carnies on edge due to the introduction of a so-called cursed and haunted merry-go-round, their attitude to the detective outsider provokes suspicion. An excellent read that leaves the reader guessing the identity of the killer until the final pages. Another first-rate Silas Nash episode.
November 23, 2024
This is the fourth book I have read in this series, and this time DCI Nash is sent to Prague to solve the murders which are taking place at the Quinn Brothers Flying Circus. The book is beautifully written with some wonderfully vivid descriptions of life in the circus, as well as some colourful characters. It is a carefully crafted whodunnit, and I, for one, was baffled until the end. An entertaining read and my favourite in this series so far.
June 6, 2024
I had high hopes going into this one, and it did not disappoint! Atmospheric, tense, great characters and very creepy at points. You don't need to read the prior books to enjoy this one (it helps, but it's not really necessary as this one stands alone quite well).
Highly recommended for people who like some supernatural in their police procedural/murder mystery.
Highly recommended for people who like some supernatural in their police procedural/murder mystery.
November 2, 2024
I loved the story and the atmosphere, I really could ‘see’ the circus in my head.
However and this is a big spoiler so don’t read unless you’ve finished the book, Nash behaved in such a negligent manner I’m surprised he had a job to go back to. He tells people not to be alone with anyone else in the circus and then leaves a vulnerable boy alone either a suspect.
However and this is a big spoiler so don’t read unless you’ve finished the book, Nash behaved in such a negligent manner I’m surprised he had a job to go back to. He tells people not to be alone with anyone else in the circus and then leaves a vulnerable boy alone either a suspect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2023
This book was everything I've come to expect from Katherine Black and more. I'm a huge fan of the Detective Nash series and had eagerly anticipated this book's release. The characters are beautifully created and engaging, as are the backdrops and intricate plot. This is an author who always takes you on a wild and unexpected ride, and this book was no exception!
I really enjoyed the unique idea of using a circus as a background and basing the book outside of the UK where Nash is taken out of his comfort zone and finds himself tested to his limits. As a detective, Nash is up there with the best. Readers of Ian Rankin and Val McDermid will enjoy this series.
I'd suggest reading all of them as this would give you the best perspective on Nash's growth as a character, but they can all be enjoyed as standalones too.
Hurry up and bring out Book 5!!
I really enjoyed the unique idea of using a circus as a background and basing the book outside of the UK where Nash is taken out of his comfort zone and finds himself tested to his limits. As a detective, Nash is up there with the best. Readers of Ian Rankin and Val McDermid will enjoy this series.
I'd suggest reading all of them as this would give you the best perspective on Nash's growth as a character, but they can all be enjoyed as standalones too.
Hurry up and bring out Book 5!!
October 14, 2023
Hypnotic
Silas Nash’s new case may prove the most dangerous yet. Taking part in an officer exchange program he finds himself in the Czech Republic investigating a series of baffling murders at a circus. But when the circus folk are openly suspicious of the police it will not be easy for him to get them on his side. Plus as a superstitious lot and the likely suspect a cursed merry go round this could take all of Nash’s skill and mental ability to solve. As with the previous Silas Nash books this will keep you guessing until the end and with illusions the circus’s trade and being able to put on a good show their main ability, the murderer could be anyone. Another fantastic book and I can’t wait for the next Silas Nash.
Silas Nash’s new case may prove the most dangerous yet. Taking part in an officer exchange program he finds himself in the Czech Republic investigating a series of baffling murders at a circus. But when the circus folk are openly suspicious of the police it will not be easy for him to get them on his side. Plus as a superstitious lot and the likely suspect a cursed merry go round this could take all of Nash’s skill and mental ability to solve. As with the previous Silas Nash books this will keep you guessing until the end and with illusions the circus’s trade and being able to put on a good show their main ability, the murderer could be anyone. Another fantastic book and I can’t wait for the next Silas Nash.
October 25, 2023
A spooky but compelling read!
This is book four of the Silas Nash books, and in my opinion, it's the best. I've read them all.
The circus is in town when a carousel is unexpectedly delivered, leaving the ring master Isiah is perplexed. After being warned that the carousel is cursed, he begins to heed the warning after three of his performers die in mysterious circumstances!
The book grabbed my attention from the beginning and I quickly turned each page as I tried to guess who thee killer was.
Silas Nash takes on this very dangerous case, which almost costs him his life, in his determination to find the killer.
A mind-blowing conclusion that will take you completely by surprise.
Highly recommended!
This is book four of the Silas Nash books, and in my opinion, it's the best. I've read them all.
The circus is in town when a carousel is unexpectedly delivered, leaving the ring master Isiah is perplexed. After being warned that the carousel is cursed, he begins to heed the warning after three of his performers die in mysterious circumstances!
The book grabbed my attention from the beginning and I quickly turned each page as I tried to guess who thee killer was.
Silas Nash takes on this very dangerous case, which almost costs him his life, in his determination to find the killer.
A mind-blowing conclusion that will take you completely by surprise.
Highly recommended!
December 14, 2023
True Silas Nash!
The fourth book in the series, and to my mind, the best so far. This one sees the detective in Prague as part of an officer exchange programme. However, following a series of murders within the close-knit community of the local circus, Nash is drafted in to help solve the case. Thrown in a supposedly haunted carousel, the fact that the carney community does not trust the police and a wide variety of colourful characters, each of which could easily be the murderer, you have an excellent whodunnit. A very clever twist in true Nash style makes this for an entertaining read. I can't wait for the next one; this series is phenomenal.
The fourth book in the series, and to my mind, the best so far. This one sees the detective in Prague as part of an officer exchange programme. However, following a series of murders within the close-knit community of the local circus, Nash is drafted in to help solve the case. Thrown in a supposedly haunted carousel, the fact that the carney community does not trust the police and a wide variety of colourful characters, each of which could easily be the murderer, you have an excellent whodunnit. A very clever twist in true Nash style makes this for an entertaining read. I can't wait for the next one; this series is phenomenal.
October 20, 2023
disturbing who done it
This is the fourth book in the Silas Nash series, and the third I have read. It stayed true to the Nash feel and it’s always nice to reconnect with a great character. This mystery has a bit of a supernatural element to it, and while that isn’t the sole focus of the book, it’s a nice addition.
As the mystery unfolds, you will suspect everyone, but when the truth comes out, it’s far more sinister than you might have imagined.
It’s difficult to say more without spoiling anything.
This is the fourth book in the Silas Nash series, and the third I have read. It stayed true to the Nash feel and it’s always nice to reconnect with a great character. This mystery has a bit of a supernatural element to it, and while that isn’t the sole focus of the book, it’s a nice addition.
As the mystery unfolds, you will suspect everyone, but when the truth comes out, it’s far more sinister than you might have imagined.
It’s difficult to say more without spoiling anything.
October 21, 2023
I loved the circus setting and the fact that our hero, Silas Nash, has to come up against so many colorful and suspicious characters in it. Some are clever and deceptive, and one is evil and even has it out for Silas and his partner, which makes the whole thing personal and dangerous. I read the book straight through. Everyone loves a good circus, with its incredible acts, colorful personalities, and gossip; this was no exception. Well done!
December 12, 2023
The fourth and probably the best of the Silas Nash books sees the detective involved in murder at the circus. There are suspects aplenty amongst the colourful cast of characters, and the story unfolds seamlessly as he investigates seemingly impossible killings. Like all the others in this series, the mystery is saved to the very end. The mystery keeps you turning the pages. A very enjoyable and recommended book.
December 3, 2023
Wonderfully complicated with many suspicious characters, but I did not guess whodunnit. Then in the end it seemed obvious. Hope to read more books about Silas Nash.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews