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Circus Cozy Mysteries #1
Cirque De Slay
If you like fast-paced mysteries with memorable characters, one-click
Claudette Barbarosa, the beautiful bearded lady and rumored girlfriend of the Ringmaster, has been murdered and suspects are everywhere. Trixie is desperate to catch the killer before she is caught herself. Even more, she wants an explanation for what she saw the spooky, rainy night that Claudette died. Were her eyes lying to her…or was everyone else lying? "Just finished love this !!! Refreshing heroine!" "Fast, fun read!"
Claudette Barbarosa, the beautiful bearded lady and rumored girlfriend of the Ringmaster, has been murdered and suspects are everywhere. Trixie is desperate to catch the killer before she is caught herself. Even more, she wants an explanation for what she saw the spooky, rainy night that Claudette died. Were her eyes lying to her…or was everyone else lying? "Just finished love this !!! Refreshing heroine!" "Fast, fun read!"
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2018
146 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 6, 2018
This is definitely a cozy, but not like any I've read before. It was a different setting and different types of characters, but with the unmistakable aspects that mark a cozy. I love that it had a fall/Halloween setting, and was just perfect for this time of year.
I've adored everything I've read by CeeCee James, and this one was no exception. Recommended to cozy lovers, especially cozy lovers that go for the more unique books in the genre.
*5 Stars
I've adored everything I've read by CeeCee James, and this one was no exception. Recommended to cozy lovers, especially cozy lovers that go for the more unique books in the genre.
*5 Stars
August 23, 2020
Step right up!
This is an entertaining mystery full of all the sights, sounds and intrigue of the circus. Trixie is a likable young woman with integrity despite her obscure past, and her natural curiosity and honesty make her a great amateur investigator.
With a cast of colourful characters in vibrantly drawn settings, the story unfolds at a good pace, delivering lots of intrigue and plenty of possible suspects to keep the reader guessing.
Yet another great cozy mystery read from CeeCee James.
This is an entertaining mystery full of all the sights, sounds and intrigue of the circus. Trixie is a likable young woman with integrity despite her obscure past, and her natural curiosity and honesty make her a great amateur investigator.
With a cast of colourful characters in vibrantly drawn settings, the story unfolds at a good pace, delivering lots of intrigue and plenty of possible suspects to keep the reader guessing.
Yet another great cozy mystery read from CeeCee James.
November 23, 2018
She was named Sue after her grandmother, but the Ringmaster changed it to Susie until the other people at the circus started calling her Trixie because of her small size. Trixie was billed as the Smallest Lady Godiva and she rode on Prancer's back. One day the strap on her bathing suit costume is giving her a problem shortly before she was scheduled to perform. She thought she could fix it at an abandoned dressing room. It was near by and Trixie thought she could find a sewing kit there. Entering the tent area, Trixie saw the body of the bearded lady, Claudette Barbarosa, lying on the floor. The fear of potential consequences causes Trixie to remain silent about finding the dead woman.
Claudette was known to be the Ringmaster's girlfriend, but there were also rumors of her having some enemies. When Claudette's death is finally made known, the Ringmaster swore everybody to silence and said things would be handled internally.
Who killed Claudette? Why was she killed? Was it an accident or murder? Can Trixie help figure out what happened without putting herself in danger?
This story starts a little slow, but that is to be expected with a new series, as you have to develop some background information. CeeCee James has a unique way of creating images that let you see everything in your mind as it unfolds in the book. I think this is a great start to a new series.
Claudette was known to be the Ringmaster's girlfriend, but there were also rumors of her having some enemies. When Claudette's death is finally made known, the Ringmaster swore everybody to silence and said things would be handled internally.
Who killed Claudette? Why was she killed? Was it an accident or murder? Can Trixie help figure out what happened without putting herself in danger?
This story starts a little slow, but that is to be expected with a new series, as you have to develop some background information. CeeCee James has a unique way of creating images that let you see everything in your mind as it unfolds in the book. I think this is a great start to a new series.
January 28, 2024
I just finished the last book (The Cabin Conspiracy, book 13) in the Flamingo Realty Mystery series also by CeeCee James prior to this one and was excited to find this new-to-me big top🎪 circus series.
Trixie - as she is monikered because she’s so cute and vertically challenged like a pixie - is a runaway who joins the circus as a teen. She is quiet and small and easily blends into the shadows. Sometimes the circus characters refer to her as a mouse. She isn’t noticed by many, so when she goes to a quiet section of the tent and discovers the bearded lady’s body she easily slips right back out before anyone notices or blames her for something horrible she didn’t do.
However, there are people acting suspiciously and she overhears conversations that may have something to do with the death. Who’s guilty? Trixie feels she can’t trust anyone and it comes down to who she feels lies the best. However, she wants to gather clues before accusing anyone of murder.
Very cute story. As cute as Trixie herself. 😊 Trixie is a likable character and seems honest and has a thirst for justice. I also like Sally, her roommate. And Jerry… can’t wait to see what develops with the two.
Next is Big Top Treachery (Circus Cozy Mysteries #2). Headed to it now…
Trixie - as she is monikered because she’s so cute and vertically challenged like a pixie - is a runaway who joins the circus as a teen. She is quiet and small and easily blends into the shadows. Sometimes the circus characters refer to her as a mouse. She isn’t noticed by many, so when she goes to a quiet section of the tent and discovers the bearded lady’s body she easily slips right back out before anyone notices or blames her for something horrible she didn’t do.
However, there are people acting suspiciously and she overhears conversations that may have something to do with the death. Who’s guilty? Trixie feels she can’t trust anyone and it comes down to who she feels lies the best. However, she wants to gather clues before accusing anyone of murder.
Very cute story. As cute as Trixie herself. 😊 Trixie is a likable character and seems honest and has a thirst for justice. I also like Sally, her roommate. And Jerry… can’t wait to see what develops with the two.
Next is Big Top Treachery (Circus Cozy Mysteries #2). Headed to it now…
October 3, 2018
This book is a little different than others I have read by Cee Cee James. At the first mention of Concello Circus, I was hooked. The story about Trixie, also know as Lady Godiva, the smallest woman in the circus, was very heartfelt. All of Trixie's life, known at birth as Susanna, she felt her nose was to big and her eyes were to small. Her biggest asset was her long beautiful black hair. Trixie was often called a "liittle mouse" because she hid from everyone. It was during one of those times that Trixie found the body of Claudette Barbarosa, the beautiful bearded lady of the circus. When she discovered the body she saw a black apparition go toward the ceiling. Trixie also found a pink ribbon near the body. Afraid she would be blamed for Claudette's death, she slipped away from the tent and went back to get in line for her ride around the circus arena on Prancer, her horse.
This story is loaded with lots of characters and suspects who could have killed Claudette.
The story is very well written and I would recommend it to readers of mysteries. I hope this becomes a new series for Cee Cee.
This story is loaded with lots of characters and suspects who could have killed Claudette.
The story is very well written and I would recommend it to readers of mysteries. I hope this becomes a new series for Cee Cee.
October 17, 2021
Now this was a quick read!
I liked that the setting of this whodunnit was in a circus.
I think it also helped that the main character, Trixie, one who performs in a circus, did not trust the people around her easily. And it's understandable that she was paranoid after discovering a dead body just right before her performance.
The first part of the book was quite hard to read when she was relaying how uncomfortable she was with how her male colleagues teased her. It was pure harrassment!
It's a good quick read. Though the part where the culprit was arrested was quite anti climactic, it was still a good journey towards finding out who did what.
I liked that the setting of this whodunnit was in a circus.
I think it also helped that the main character, Trixie, one who performs in a circus, did not trust the people around her easily. And it's understandable that she was paranoid after discovering a dead body just right before her performance.
The first part of the book was quite hard to read when she was relaying how uncomfortable she was with how her male colleagues teased her. It was pure harrassment!
It's a good quick read. Though the part where the culprit was arrested was quite anti climactic, it was still a good journey towards finding out who did what.
October 3, 2018
I enjoyed every word of this book!
Cirque de Slay is very different from the other books I've read by CeeCee James. It has sadness, yet the inner strength and beauty of the characters shines through to leave you with a feeling of hope rather than despair.
Set in a circus, many of the characters have tragic pasts, with the lovable main character, Trixie, being no exception.
I was drawn into this book from Page One and simply couldn't put it down until the end. I am hoping really hard for this to turn into a series and have several more books!
Very Highly recommended.
Cirque de Slay is very different from the other books I've read by CeeCee James. It has sadness, yet the inner strength and beauty of the characters shines through to leave you with a feeling of hope rather than despair.
Set in a circus, many of the characters have tragic pasts, with the lovable main character, Trixie, being no exception.
I was drawn into this book from Page One and simply couldn't put it down until the end. I am hoping really hard for this to turn into a series and have several more books!
Very Highly recommended.
April 14, 2024
A good start to the series.
Trixie works and lives at Concello Circus. One of many performers. She is a “mouse” of a person, not just in stature but in demeanor too. People don’t usually see her which can be an advantage, especially when she discovers the body of the bearded lady. Trixie can’t be sure the killer didn’t see her so she sets out to solve the case before she becomes the next victim.
This is a well-written cozy. The plot was well-developed and the characters were interesting. I’m curious to read the next book in the series.
Trixie works and lives at Concello Circus. One of many performers. She is a “mouse” of a person, not just in stature but in demeanor too. People don’t usually see her which can be an advantage, especially when she discovers the body of the bearded lady. Trixie can’t be sure the killer didn’t see her so she sets out to solve the case before she becomes the next victim.
This is a well-written cozy. The plot was well-developed and the characters were interesting. I’m curious to read the next book in the series.
November 1, 2018
Being a fan of the author, I knew I would enjoy this book but I was not prepared for the new and fascinating twist in this story. The protagonist is not her normal type of character. The setting is a fascinating one and gives the reader a peek inside the character's world from angles I would not have expected.
The story is engulfing. It draws you in and does not let you go until the very end.
Thank you, CeeCee for something really new to enjoy.
The story is engulfing. It draws you in and does not let you go until the very end.
Thank you, CeeCee for something really new to enjoy.
October 8, 2018
A good start to a new series
I love all of CeeCee James' mysteries. This new series is different from the others, a little darker with the circus setting and an underdog heroine that is unlike all the rest. I am looking forward to seeing how Trixie's character and confidence blossom in this series.
I love all of CeeCee James' mysteries. This new series is different from the others, a little darker with the circus setting and an underdog heroine that is unlike all the rest. I am looking forward to seeing how Trixie's character and confidence blossom in this series.
December 30, 2018
Great start to a new series. The story setting is very interesting, an old style circus. The book is narrated by Trixie (Susanna), the tiny Lady Godiva. I enjoyed the book and have started to read the next book. This is definitely a series to look into, especially if you are a cozy mystery fan. You may also want to read CeeCee James' other series, which are all fun to read.
October 9, 2018
Fast read
This is a good book if you have set a reading goal for the tear. It's a quick read, maybe fifth grade reading level. Nothing remarkable about it. I did like the main character.
This is a good book if you have set a reading goal for the tear. It's a quick read, maybe fifth grade reading level. Nothing remarkable about it. I did like the main character.
November 13, 2018
Intriguing start to a new series! I love the circus setting and am so excited to see where this goes. The characters are interesting, especially Trixie. The plot was good and kept me engaged. I can't wait for more in this series!
December 13, 2018
Great story....................
The author has a kind way of deceiving her little heroine, the woman is a joy to try to keep in your minds eye as a reader reads the story. The characters of the circus are all a mixed group of characters, it's a chore to get though the story.
The author has a kind way of deceiving her little heroine, the woman is a joy to try to keep in your minds eye as a reader reads the story. The characters of the circus are all a mixed group of characters, it's a chore to get though the story.
February 2, 2019
Good buildup and exciting way the bad person got caught.
Trixie (not her real name) alias for the circus. Finds the beautiful bearded lady dead. Because Trixie is quiet and small, she sees things no one else sees. She helps catch the culprit.
Read and enjoy.
Trixie (not her real name) alias for the circus. Finds the beautiful bearded lady dead. Because Trixie is quiet and small, she sees things no one else sees. She helps catch the culprit.
Read and enjoy.
August 28, 2020
A quick read with an interesting setting for a cute, cozy murder mystery - a circus! The main character, Trixie, while a bit offbeat, finally finds her inner strength, gets a backbone, and stops letting others walk all over her - good " moral of the story" message!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2018
I would have given it a 4 star but there were a few editing errors. Enjoyable no graphic violence mystery.
October 28, 2018
Fun Circus Mystery!
A cute mystery with interesting characters and great storyline. A quick, easy, fun read! I look forward to reading more from CeeCee James. Enjoy!
A cute mystery with interesting characters and great storyline. A quick, easy, fun read! I look forward to reading more from CeeCee James. Enjoy!
November 25, 2018
My first book by CeeCee James & I must admit I enjoyed it. Nice short cosy mystery which will make me explore more of the authors books!
December 30, 2018
When is a dark apparition no really a dark apparition??? I enjoyed this story and recommend the book.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews