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Mystic Caravan Mystery #2
Freaky Lies
The Mystic Caravan Circus is a place of magic and mayhem. Unfortunately for Poet Parker these days, it’s also packed full of lies. It’s been more than a week since she found out an unsightly Her boss Max is her boyfriend’s father. Despite giving Max an ultimatum, he’s yet to tell Kade Denton the truth, and that’s left Parker in a sticky situation. When the circus goes to Nebraska, Poet can’t dwell on her personal problems for long because a body is found in a nearby field and it’s missing arms, legs and eyes. Everyone agrees there’s something off about the death – other than the obvious, that is – but no one can figure out what kind of force the folks of Mystic Caravan are facing off with next. Between the emotional distress, her best friend Luke threatening to release embarrassing photographs, and a local police presence that is suspicious, Poet has her hands full. That’s on top of a new clown that makes everyone suspect he’s up to no good … even as he leaves the female population salivating. The clues come together slowly, and when the end comes, the enemy is someone no one saw coming. What happens when the face of evil looks like a victim? And, more importantly, what happens when all of the lies are eradicated and Poet is stripped bare and forced to tell the truth? It’s another fun-filled outing for the Mystic Caravan Circus – as long as everyone survives to see another day, that is.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 4, 2016
940 people are currently reading
362 people want to read
About the author
Amanda M. Lee
307 books2,907 followersWhen 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
August 3, 2019
I love these books and the bits of creeptastic to them!!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
October 1, 2020
My rating is on hold.
November 19, 2018
Poet knows a secret about the man she just got involved with, but she has no idea how to tell him, or if she should be the one to tell him. So, when a dead body shows up in the place near them things get even more complicated.
This book was another interesting read in this series. I liked it, but I didn't feel it was great. Again, the Raven issue was annoying, but other than that it was really nice getting to know the hero and heroine, and their crazy friends.
This one does end in somewhat of a cliffhanger though, and I'm super excited to read the next book now.
This book was another interesting read in this series. I liked it, but I didn't feel it was great. Again, the Raven issue was annoying, but other than that it was really nice getting to know the hero and heroine, and their crazy friends.
This one does end in somewhat of a cliffhanger though, and I'm super excited to read the next book now.
July 12, 2016
Love, love, love Amanda M Lee!!!
I absolutely love all of Amanda M Lee's books! I have been waiting for this one and devoured it! Bring on the next!
I absolutely love all of Amanda M Lee's books! I have been waiting for this one and devoured it! Bring on the next!
July 14, 2016
Loved it
I love her Witches series and decided to give this series a try also. I am so glad I did! Very funny and I want to know what will happen next.
I love her Witches series and decided to give this series a try also. I am so glad I did! Very funny and I want to know what will happen next.
February 4, 2020
This one didn’t do much for me
After book 1 I was enthused to continue on with Poet’s story, but this one just felt a bit meh to me and didn’t captivate me quite the same way that the first story did.
Here’s hoping book 3 is a winner.
After book 1 I was enthused to continue on with Poet’s story, but this one just felt a bit meh to me and didn’t captivate me quite the same way that the first story did.
Here’s hoping book 3 is a winner.
September 12, 2019
I love the snarky-ness and setting of the series. Mystic Caravan is so full of secrets and surprises. The suspense is really enjoyable, I know this is a “cozy” series, but wish there was a little more suspense and less romantic angst.
Paranormal is totally my genre so the “monsters” are fun to encounter.
Paranormal is totally my genre so the “monsters” are fun to encounter.
July 12, 2016
Quirky, not for everyone
This is a good follow up on the first book in the series. They are both quirky, faintly dark, and a lot snarky. The setting is at once familiar and new. There is nothing new about a circus as a scene of horror, but this circus is different, populated by a cross section of the supernatural community and humans with powers. What makes it unique is the side job of the circus troupe--finding and disposing of monsters, both human and otherwise.
I did enjoy this book very much...but not as much as the first one. In this case, there was a bit too much snark and focus on the romantic backstory and not quite as much action. In the first book, there were several attacks by monsters and a focus on building all the characters. Somehow, this time we are down to solving murders that occur off camera and a type of monster that can cross into the circus without setting off alarms, (a fact that was never adequately explained, btw), rather than an action story. Some characters introduced to us in the first book barely appear at all and then only as a foil for our heroine or to move along the backstory.
Still, it was good and kept my attention for a few hours, but I'm hoping to see more of the rest of the company in the next book rather than just the Big Three, (heroine, boyfriend, and obligatory gay best friend.) I mean really, we have shifters and pixie and clowns and then there are Max and Raven. Interaction with the other circus characters can only make this even better
This is a good follow up on the first book in the series. They are both quirky, faintly dark, and a lot snarky. The setting is at once familiar and new. There is nothing new about a circus as a scene of horror, but this circus is different, populated by a cross section of the supernatural community and humans with powers. What makes it unique is the side job of the circus troupe--finding and disposing of monsters, both human and otherwise.
I did enjoy this book very much...but not as much as the first one. In this case, there was a bit too much snark and focus on the romantic backstory and not quite as much action. In the first book, there were several attacks by monsters and a focus on building all the characters. Somehow, this time we are down to solving murders that occur off camera and a type of monster that can cross into the circus without setting off alarms, (a fact that was never adequately explained, btw), rather than an action story. Some characters introduced to us in the first book barely appear at all and then only as a foil for our heroine or to move along the backstory.
Still, it was good and kept my attention for a few hours, but I'm hoping to see more of the rest of the company in the next book rather than just the Big Three, (heroine, boyfriend, and obligatory gay best friend.) I mean really, we have shifters and pixie and clowns and then there are Max and Raven. Interaction with the other circus characters can only make this even better
January 14, 2019
The circus sets up in Nebraska, but quickly finds a mutilated body nearby.
What I enjoyed:
* the mystery was interesting although not fully explained
* Looks like they will have a new member joining them
* The prologue explaining Max's issue.
What could have been better:
* I really like Poet, but it is getting hard to believe she is in charge of the entire operation when she acts like a jealous teenage girl.
* The relationship is going through the same problem as last book
* I really wanted to learn more about the other people at the circus, but the focus never left Poet, Kade and Luke.
What I enjoyed:
* the mystery was interesting although not fully explained
* Looks like they will have a new member joining them
* The prologue explaining Max's issue.
What could have been better:
* I really like Poet, but it is getting hard to believe she is in charge of the entire operation when she acts like a jealous teenage girl.
* The relationship is going through the same problem as last book
* I really wanted to learn more about the other people at the circus, but the focus never left Poet, Kade and Luke.
October 13, 2017
Freaky Lies
Okay, why do female leads in books can't remain strong! I had such high hopes for Poet. She us slipping up an letting small details slide. I still have hope in Raven.
Okay, why do female leads in books can't remain strong! I had such high hopes for Poet. She us slipping up an letting small details slide. I still have hope in Raven.
January 3, 2021
4.5 Stars... Nebraska never looked so, terrifying... When a mutilated body shows up in cornfield, Poet, Kade, and crew must discern the nature of the crime and how best to protect the innocent... When the truth finally surfaces, no one is prepared for the reality... Clowns and Scarecrows are the least of their concerns when faced with this supernatural entity... Add into the mix a growing relationship between Kade and Poet and a secret that could destroy any chance they may have at happiness... I t will take the entire power of the circus to solve the mystery and perhaps help Poet repair her broken heart... Told with her signature humor, heartfelt moments, and spine tingling mystery, this read was mesmerizing from the start... Another grand adventure with the Mystic Caravan:)
February 22, 2021
I wanted to but dnf. Book just seemed like a repeat of the first one and the characters were just too immature. I felt like I was reading a book for and about teens. Don't get, me wrong. I love some books aimed for youngsters like Harry Potter, Hunger Games etc but I just could not get into it. I'm disappointed. I realllllly wanted to love it.
July 19, 2022
I still love the IDEA of the monster hunting paranormal circus, and the parts of the book that focused on that were thumbs up, but the interpersonal crap is just too offputting for me. These are grown adults, not teenagers, and I wish they'd act like it.
September 27, 2023
One of my favorite things about this series thus far is that, while still cozy mystery in genre, they are a little darker than average, with characters that are a little less wholesome and perfect. It makes the characters and the stories feel a little more real, despite the paranormal aspects. And while horror and circuses are nothing new as plot devices, they are used very differently in this series. The community of the Mystic Caravan are a blend of supernatural creatures, humans with powers or abilities, and humans that are simply that, human. The circus itself is almost a side hustle to their true job… finding and “solving” the problem of evil, supernatural and human alike.
I enjoyed this second installment, with an interesting story and some great twists and turns. But I did like the first one more. It felt as though there was much more focus on the personal issues between Poet, Kade, Luke, and Max, rather than on the monsters. There was also less of the secondary characters, many of whom I really enjoyed in the first book. I hope there are more of them in the next book.
I enjoyed this second installment, with an interesting story and some great twists and turns. But I did like the first one more. It felt as though there was much more focus on the personal issues between Poet, Kade, Luke, and Max, rather than on the monsters. There was also less of the secondary characters, many of whom I really enjoyed in the first book. I hope there are more of them in the next book.
August 29, 2016
Amanda Lee's Mystic Caravan offers a promising urban fantasy realm, with a mind reader who is really able to read minds, shifters performing as "animals," and other magical beings who together form a dysfunctional family of performers working together to bring down evil.
Book two still offers an interesting premise... but the manuscript could have really used a stronger hand in the content-editing phase. Readers discovered a complex and quirky cast of secondary characters in book one, and they were primed to increase the investment of readers in the Mystic Caravan world, but the plot flattened the story world into a two-dimensional space.
Will I be back for book three? That's more up in the air for me than the cliffhanger, per se. Following the circus or waving goodbye will probably depend upon the timing of the next release, honest opinion of advance reviewers, and the overall value of continuing with Kindle Unlimited versus buying new releases from indie authors on a per book basis.
Book two still offers an interesting premise... but the manuscript could have really used a stronger hand in the content-editing phase. Readers discovered a complex and quirky cast of secondary characters in book one, and they were primed to increase the investment of readers in the Mystic Caravan world, but the plot flattened the story world into a two-dimensional space.
Will I be back for book three? That's more up in the air for me than the cliffhanger, per se. Following the circus or waving goodbye will probably depend upon the timing of the next release, honest opinion of advance reviewers, and the overall value of continuing with Kindle Unlimited versus buying new releases from indie authors on a per book basis.
July 7, 2016
Intoxicating!!
Freaky Lies is the perfect package! It is an excellent blend of murder, evilness, magic, & romance. It is fraught with tension, yet interspersed with snarky dialogue that just made me laugh out loud! The relationship between Poet & Kade is evolving so sweetly, but unfortunately has an unspoken secret looming over their heads. I thoroughly enjoyed the interplay between Poet, Kade, & Luke. (Loved the hair story!) It is great the way the characters put aside their feelings toward each other & band together to fight the evil plaguing the circus. And last but not least, absolutely crazy over the unique covers of both books in this series!
Freaky Lies is the perfect package! It is an excellent blend of murder, evilness, magic, & romance. It is fraught with tension, yet interspersed with snarky dialogue that just made me laugh out loud! The relationship between Poet & Kade is evolving so sweetly, but unfortunately has an unspoken secret looming over their heads. I thoroughly enjoyed the interplay between Poet, Kade, & Luke. (Loved the hair story!) It is great the way the characters put aside their feelings toward each other & band together to fight the evil plaguing the circus. And last but not least, absolutely crazy over the unique covers of both books in this series!
August 19, 2018
Secrets usually come out, and Poet is keeping a whopper, albeit not her own However it is eating her up and whilst she has that to worry over she is not on the top of her game. Murders happen near the circus ground and the wandering group find themselves, unsurprisingly at the front of suspicious local minds. They have to work hard as a team to find out who is murdering locals in a ritualistic manner before they move on or they themselves become victims. All in all it is a heavy week for Poet. Still I enjoyed time with this colourful cast and the warmth and humour, as always with this author, shines through.
April 6, 2019
Enjoyable
It's a really good story, with great characters and interesting twists. I could always see them coming, but they were still enjoyable to read.that said there's a bit of a cliffhanger at the end, which is annoying, but I saw that coming too. The thing I don't understand, and that I think potential readers need to know, is why there is no sex at all between the people who are sleeping together. The writer tries to give us reasons, but they fall short of explaining it. I have a feeling the author is afraid to write them or knows that it's a weakness of hers. As long as you go into it expecting that bit of an oddity oh, the stories are definitely worth reading.
It's a really good story, with great characters and interesting twists. I could always see them coming, but they were still enjoyable to read.that said there's a bit of a cliffhanger at the end, which is annoying, but I saw that coming too. The thing I don't understand, and that I think potential readers need to know, is why there is no sex at all between the people who are sleeping together. The writer tries to give us reasons, but they fall short of explaining it. I have a feeling the author is afraid to write them or knows that it's a weakness of hers. As long as you go into it expecting that bit of an oddity oh, the stories are definitely worth reading.
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November 11, 2016Leaves you wanting more
Another great book by Amanda M. Lee. While it had humor, I did not find myself laughing out loud quite as much as usual with her books. I was on the edge, trying to read faster so I could find out what or who was behind occurrences. Loved the book except for the ending, it felt unpolished. There have to be many more Mystic Caravan Mystery Books to come and I can't wait to see how things work out or don't work out with both situations and people who were left dangling at the end.
Another great book by Amanda M. Lee. While it had humor, I did not find myself laughing out loud quite as much as usual with her books. I was on the edge, trying to read faster so I could find out what or who was behind occurrences. Loved the book except for the ending, it felt unpolished. There have to be many more Mystic Caravan Mystery Books to come and I can't wait to see how things work out or don't work out with both situations and people who were left dangling at the end.
February 20, 2018
Totally awesome!!
Wow what a book. I'm absolutely loving this series. I'm loving the characters and their individual idiosyncrasies.
The story in this book is about a mystery regarding dead bodies being found with arms, legs and eyes missing.
Besides that, poets life is in danger and there is also that little secret she is keeping for Max regarding kade's parentage.
When the mystery of the dead bodies is solved it feels very anticlimactic.
When all secrets come out it has massive repercussions that i feel will be dealt with in the next book.
Loving it.
Wow what a book. I'm absolutely loving this series. I'm loving the characters and their individual idiosyncrasies.
The story in this book is about a mystery regarding dead bodies being found with arms, legs and eyes missing.
Besides that, poets life is in danger and there is also that little secret she is keeping for Max regarding kade's parentage.
When the mystery of the dead bodies is solved it feels very anticlimactic.
When all secrets come out it has massive repercussions that i feel will be dealt with in the next book.
Loving it.
February 7, 2019
What a book
This is definitely a circus of characters and the mystery is always such a fun, entertaining way to enjoy the day. I love reading about all of the characters lives, their quirks and the humorous banter. There is a slight heart pang at the end but I, expecting all will be right in future books.
This is definitely a circus of characters and the mystery is always such a fun, entertaining way to enjoy the day. I love reading about all of the characters lives, their quirks and the humorous banter. There is a slight heart pang at the end but I, expecting all will be right in future books.
March 12, 2019
A Mystic Caravan Mystery book 2
This was another winner. I love this author and her different series. I have read some of them and they all have great storylines and wonderful characters in every book. The characters are fun and living and seem real. So you care what happens to them and you keep reading her books. I highly recommend all her books. Diana Romano
This was another winner. I love this author and her different series. I have read some of them and they all have great storylines and wonderful characters in every book. The characters are fun and living and seem real. So you care what happens to them and you keep reading her books. I highly recommend all her books. Diana Romano
May 16, 2022
Cade is the most annoying love interest I’ve ever encountered.
I can’t give this more than 3 stars even though I enjoyed the action and mystery of the plot because he is such an absolute idiot who sees everything in black and white like an immature child. Grow up!
Also such an manly man man **eye roll**
I can’t give this more than 3 stars even though I enjoyed the action and mystery of the plot because he is such an absolute idiot who sees everything in black and white like an immature child. Grow up!
Also such an manly man man **eye roll**
July 7, 2016
Hard to review
Always love the banter in Lee's stories. Laughed out loud, smiled, and enjoyed everything until the end. Now it is an impatient wait to see what will happen with Poet and Kade in the next book.
Always love the banter in Lee's stories. Laughed out loud, smiled, and enjoyed everything until the end. Now it is an impatient wait to see what will happen with Poet and Kade in the next book.
February 17, 2018
An enjoyable second installment! Poet and Kade went through some ups and downs here, and I am excited to see how book 3 plays out. The mystery in this one was interesting, and I was definitely intrigued by the villain. I also liked seeing more of Poet's powers in action.
September 12, 2018
This is a fun read. This is the kind of book ,when you just clear your mind and read something fun and interesting with paranormal characters working at a moving circus and killing the evil in the world.This was a fun fast read,its straight to the point no guess work,just fun
July 26, 2016
That ending, though....
Would have been five stars but that ending. Hate cliff hanger endings. But I do love this story. Is it time for the next book, yet?!
Would have been five stars but that ending. Hate cliff hanger endings. But I do love this story. Is it time for the next book, yet?!
November 1, 2018
THE SECRET IS OUT
There was tons of subplots going on in the story. I don't know how thought it would all come out alright immediately. He always has to think it over.
There was tons of subplots going on in the story. I don't know how thought it would all come out alright immediately. He always has to think it over.
March 30, 2019
Another great read
Another great read. How do you come up with these books is beyond me. Keep them coming!! Poet, Luke, Kade and the rest of the crew are wonderful characters.
Another great read. How do you come up with these books is beyond me. Keep them coming!! Poet, Luke, Kade and the rest of the crew are wonderful characters.
September 11, 2019
A touch of Husk in the cornfields
Awesome. The main mystery of the deaths is brilliant but the underlying plot of the troupe is pretty predictable. Loved the fact that although children featured in this (I normally hate books with children involved with murder and death directly) it was done in such a way that I really enjoyed it. The characters are gaining lives of their own and lead the story.
Their new stop has them camped between a forest, a cornfield and a main road. Their first day there is taken up by the police after they find the 'body' of a man. He is flanked by two young girls and all that remains of him is his trunk. Now the locals are gossiping about them but the man has been dead for a week. Throw in a scarecrow that seems to attack her and disappears, more bodies, another seer that tells her she is going to die, a need for a new clown, an attack by a sociopath, Luke in fine fettle, her relationship growing in leaps and bounds whilst Max is trying to gain the courage to come clean about things. Will the find out what or who is doing the killing? What will happen to her? Will Max speak up?
Awesome. The main mystery of the deaths is brilliant but the underlying plot of the troupe is pretty predictable. Loved the fact that although children featured in this (I normally hate books with children involved with murder and death directly) it was done in such a way that I really enjoyed it. The characters are gaining lives of their own and lead the story.
Their new stop has them camped between a forest, a cornfield and a main road. Their first day there is taken up by the police after they find the 'body' of a man. He is flanked by two young girls and all that remains of him is his trunk. Now the locals are gossiping about them but the man has been dead for a week. Throw in a scarecrow that seems to attack her and disappears, more bodies, another seer that tells her she is going to die, a need for a new clown, an attack by a sociopath, Luke in fine fettle, her relationship growing in leaps and bounds whilst Max is trying to gain the courage to come clean about things. Will the find out what or who is doing the killing? What will happen to her? Will Max speak up?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews