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Mystic Springs #6

The Circus of Mystic Springs

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He swore he'd never return to Mystic Springs. Now he might pay the ultimate price.
Rufus Wellington swore that he'd never return to Mystic Springs.
Now he has. And he might just pay the ultimate price.

The circus is in town, but there's more than magic and cotton candy in store.

A dead body.
A secret worth dying for.
And a witch who is ready to see how much she's really capable of.

Everyone has a secret in Mystic Springs, and one of them is deadly.
Can you work out who the killer is in this fun paranormal cozy mystery?

130 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 24, 2020

41 people are currently reading
71 people want to read

About the author

Mona Marple

59 books233 followers

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5 stars
70 (58%)
4 stars
38 (31%)
3 stars
9 (7%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Wulfwyn .
1,172 reviews108 followers
February 25, 2020
I love the Mystic Springs series. I’m so excited about this book! Circus of Mystic Springs was so much fun to read. I love the circus though I’m really scared of clowns. Haha. The rest of the circus, though, I adore. The fortune teller is one of my favorite people at one. I was a carny, (carnival worker), in my youth so I totally understood the travel and the motor homes. The author really captured that experience. I loved the mystery as I was kept guessing all the way! I had a delightful time reading it and read it in one night.
Mystic Springs is a paranormal cozy mystery series. This is the sixth book. All of the books have been fun to read. I really love the characters in them. The mysteries are complete in each book. You can read this as a stand alone. I encourage you though to try the whole series. I think you will understand Violet, Ellie, Sheriff Taylor better if you do. The series is entertaining and you will get a real sense of the community of Mystic Springs.
Full disclosure, I’m in this book. I won a character in a book contest. I had no idea what the author was going to do with me. I sent her a couple of paragraphs about Zoey, my shih tzu, and myself. I’ve written my review from my feelings while reading and tried to stay objective with it. I want to be honest so I am adding this. I really had a good time reading the book. I hope you will, too.
Profile Image for Sandy.
51 reviews7 followers
February 28, 2020
Another amazing book by Mona. Loved the circus atmosphere. Enjoyed the paranormal aspect of the book and as always love the characters
Profile Image for Sheila.
117 reviews3 followers
March 1, 2020
I haven't read this series before. I really enjoyed it and enjoyed the characters. I can't wait to revisit Mystic Springs
1,422 reviews5 followers
February 24, 2020
The circus has come to Mystic Springs. Lots of excitement and a little trouble. Ellie is attending magic night school, Violet has an exciting portrait to paint, and Godiva now talks. The co-owner of the circus is found murdered. It appears that he had more connections to the town than would be expected. The townspeople bond together to solve this murder and protect themselves.

I really enjoyed this book. I hadn’t read previous books in this series but look forward to more.
141 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2020
I really liked the book. The storyline was interesting. I hadn’t read any of the other mystic springs series so I was not familiar with some of the characters that were brought into the story. These characters weren’t given a very big background but it didn’t really take away from the story. It was a fun book to read and I’m looking forward to reading more of this series to learn more about the interesting characters.
Profile Image for Barbara Harrison.
3,415 reviews87 followers
February 24, 2020
Set aside a day for this family-friendly cozy mystery about when the circus comes to town in Mystic Springs. I had an ARC and this voluntary review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for Debi Paglia .
621 reviews17 followers
February 22, 2020
Another great addition to the Mystic Springs series! A circus comes to town and changes everything! If you like a good mystery, a little magic, a little laughs, a small town and friendship, then you need to read this one!
Profile Image for Karen.
696 reviews9 followers
February 26, 2020
This latest book in the series was a real delight.
The characters were interesting and the circus premise was entertaining. I really enjoy the paranormal aspect of the series.
The whodunit was well written and kept me guessing.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Nadine.
1,907 reviews2 followers
February 26, 2020
Completely captivating!

A different style than Marple’s previous books. Third person, but more importantly, multiple POVs. And that worked really well! It was a book that I just didn’t want to put down. Upon reading the first sentence I was already completely drawn into the story. So well-written! Completely captivating. Seemingly effortlessly Marple has created an addictive story. It flowed so well, and the mystery had twists and turns that had me gasping.

Violet is quite a character! Very much herself and a bit odd, but at an age where she’s deserved that bit of oddness. Ellie, well, I just have a major soft spot for her, because she’s so relatable. Insecure but learning. Her powers are growing, at least she’s tapping into them now. And I loved Frances Hampton, who works at the circus, and her dog-who-thinks-she’s-a-cat Zoey! Just quirky enough for my liking, but realistic enough to be lifelike.
Profile Image for Gayle B.
380 reviews
March 15, 2020
Another really good book in this series. The story is fast paces, interesting, with a surprise ending. A little magic adds to the mystique. In this book, we learn more about Violet and her past. The characters are indeed colorful and interesting. A feel good ending that may change someone's life. You will love the residents of Mystic Springs. They may not all get along all of the time but they are truly an extended family.
798 reviews11 followers
March 23, 2020
This is another wonderful Mystic Springs mystery by the awesome Mona Marple. The man who broke Violet’s heart many years ago returns with the circus. He had sworn never to return. Fates throw them back together when a man is found dead and it looks like murder. As with all of her books, this one can be read as a stand-alone and they’re never scary! This is another fun cozy mystery!
Profile Image for Darcysmom.
1,515 reviews
March 6, 2020
The Circus has come to Mystic Springs. What should have been fun for the residents for Mystic Springs, quickly becomes a nightmare when the co-0wner of the circus, Rufus Wellington is found murdered.
When it is revealed that Rufus Wellington had deep ties to Mystic Springs the mystery becomes much more convoluted. The police have several suspects, including resident artist/witch, Violet. Ellie is determined to help her friend and find the real killer.
Investigating Rufus's murder leads Ellie to team up with Frances, who is in charge of selling tickets for the circus. Ellie, Frances, and Violet need to find the real killer before he or she strikes again.
I love the Mystic Springs series. Mona Marple does a fantastic job of taking the paranormal elements and making them a very normal part of the world of Mystic Springs. She has written a compelling cast of characters, writes consistently clever mysteries, and built a world that is fun to visit over and over again.
Profile Image for Babe Johnson.
54 reviews
March 10, 2020
I always enjoy a visit to Mystic Springs. This can be read as a standalone but I encourage people to read the entire series. New characters are introduced and the mystery is well crafted. I love that Marple’s stories are not gory or gruesome. Although I enjoy the mystery in each novel, my enjoyment is more from the characters and their interactions.

I received a complimentary eARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Roxx Tarantini.
574 reviews4 followers
February 26, 2020
Violet and Ellie are back!   And though Violet is a trifle reluctant, they're in thick of another murder investigation too!  This time it's Violet's childhood beau.  But before the untimely truncation of his life, he had managed to astound Violet with quite a revelation.

I love these two ladies!   Violet so comfortable in her own skin, fully accepting of her powers.  Ellie just starting really to acknowledge to herself that she has powers and what those can mean.   And it would seem that she has - has always had in fact - a familiar!

Marple has done it again!   Mystic Springs is a vibrant community and in each of these books you'll find some of the familiar characters we've come to love.    While I love that this thread of familiarity brings us up to date on our favourites, it's wonderful too that each volume stands alone extremely well.   I highly recommend this latest visit to Mystic, don't miss it!

[Many thanks to the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.   The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. ]
Profile Image for Jill DeBellis .
248 reviews
March 3, 2020
Out of the past, comes a killing

The past comes to Violet in the form of the circus and boy, does it bring surprises. It brings family and it also brings murder. It will take Violet and Ellie to solve it and make sure the right person is punished for it. It is a fun read and there is plenty of drama. Nice job Mona.
21 reviews
February 27, 2020
Who Killed Rufus??? Only way to find out is read this book & see if you can figure it out before the ending...with Ellie a novice witch trying to figure it all out, Violet & her feline Godiva (who knew she could talk!) and Frances and her little dog with a series identity crisis going on, & the police, you’ll be reading into the night just to find out who-dun-it...it’s a page turner & has suspense & quirkinesses & loads of mystery! Awesome read for those who have a love of the paranormal & murder mysteries combined
Profile Image for Victoria Williams.
Author 52 books432 followers
February 29, 2020
I loved the characters, the mystery, and the setting. Who knew there could be so much going on behind the scenes of the circus. My interest was caught in the first couple of pages, and held right on through to the end, as I tried to figure out who the murderer was. Love the snarky cat! The family elements to this murder made it all that much more interesting. I would recommend to anyone who loves magic and murder.
I was an ARC reader for this book, lucky me!
155 reviews2 followers
February 26, 2020
This is another carefully crafted tale by Mona Marple. The circus returns to Mystic Springs and with it mayhem, murder and mystery. Town witch Violet makes a point of seeking out Rufus, the man who broke her heart 30 years ago. Rufus reveals a secret that enrages Violet to the point where she knows she needs to do something. Rufus is found dead and Violet was the last person to see him alive... or was she? There are many people who weren’t enamored with Rufus and the suspect list grows. This series is fun written with a lot of humor. This is an enjoyable, delightful read.
1,024 reviews19 followers
February 27, 2020
You will laugh at the antics of Violet and Ellie as they try to solve the murder of Rufus. Rufus left town over 30 years ago, breaking Violet’s heart. Can she forgive him enough to find his murderer? Can she move on with new friends? Frances joins the townies (Violet and Ellie) in following the clues, she and Violet are the main suspects. They need to find the killer before one of them spends their life in jail. The paranormal aspects of this series are fun and entertaining. Mona Marple has written really fun stories, and this one is one of the best.
Profile Image for Dorothy  Scott.
923 reviews4 followers
February 28, 2020
The circus and Violet’s past have come to town. However, as secrets are revealed, a killer strikes. Ellie and Violet team up to find who that is. Mona Marple creates stories that keep me laughing and coming back for more. My favorite quote about Violet was, “One of the many advantages of her age and profession was that she was allowed-and almost expected-to be odd.” I recommend The Circus of Mystic Springs and the entire series.
Profile Image for Jodi Stoffel.
26 reviews
February 28, 2020
This great cozy mystery is the sixth in the series, but can certainly be read as a stand alone book. There is enough background of the characters in this book to know what they’re all about. Rufus did not want to bring the circus back to Mystic Springs and doing so revealed a family secret, created drama, and tragically, the end of someone’s life. I loved this book! It’s a magical cozy murder mystery with the perfect length. If you like this book, you’ll love the series.
Profile Image for Sue Rae Buck.
345 reviews13 followers
February 28, 2020
The Circus returns to Mystic Springs, along with Rufus Wellington who broke Violet's heart many years ago. Rufus never wanted to return the Mystic Springs but he did and now he's dead. Violet and Ellie have another murder to solve!

If you enjoy a good cozy with a paranormal mixed in then this is the book to read along with the complete series! I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. Great writing and enjoyable characters.
Profile Image for Michele.
22 reviews
February 29, 2020
The Circus of Mystic Springs is another page turner by Mona! The characters are so fun and interesting that you don’t want the book to end. You just want to keep reading to see what happens next! I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next for Ellie, Violet and Glory!
30 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2020
The circus of Mystic Springs

I love this series. Nice quick read. Violet is a quirky character. Colorful and a bit eccentric. Hope to see more of Gloria in future installments.
78 reviews4 followers
February 28, 2020
Fun story, funny characters and a mystery to solve. What more can you ask for? I especially love the character who knows all about the police and investigations because she has read plenty of mysteries, and the dog who thinks she's a cat. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with some witchcraft, you'll love this visit to Mystic Springs.
Profile Image for Carolann Hiller.
312 reviews7 followers
March 1, 2020
Fun ala Murder

The circus is in town. Old acquaintances. Old trysts. Murder. Too many suspects. A witch or three in the mix. Great read. Go get it!
Profile Image for Robin.
137 reviews
February 26, 2020
When the Circus comes to town, Violet Warren is shocked to discover that one of the performers is clearly related to her. When the girl's 'uncle' is murdered, Ellie Bean wants Violet's help to solve the murder, just like they had at their school reunion. Soon they learned that the circus ticket-seller, Frances, fancied herself an amateur sleuth as well. The 3 team up to uncover the murderer, all while the Sheriff tried to catch up on some sleep!
Profile Image for Roval.
20 reviews
February 26, 2020
The Circus is both a fun and mysterious read!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The setting of a circus was fun and different. The characters were well-developed and interesting. I liked learning more about Violet and Ellie and seeing their relationship develop, as well as the introduction of Glory. She sounds like an interesting character.
Profile Image for Theresa Conner.
58 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2020
You can never know what will happen when the Circus comes to town! Make sure that you are in a comfortable place when you start this book. I didn't want to put it down. There are some big surprises in store for the people of Mystic Springs when the circus arrives and a man is murdered. Whether or not you're a fan of this series, you don't want to miss this book.
Profile Image for Tammy Hudson.
205 reviews34 followers
February 28, 2020
The circus comes to Mystic Springs Rufus gets killed and Ellie and Violet work together to solve the murder. I love the characters This is a good cozy paranormal mystery. I enjoy Mona Marple's writing.I would recommend this

I received a complimentary copy for a honest review
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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