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Will Rees Mysteries #8
A Circle of Dead Girls
The circus arrives in Durham and the whole town is excited... until the body of a Shaker girl is found beaten.
The circus has arrived in Durham, Maine. Before weaver Will Rees is able to take in its spectacle, he spots Magistrate Hanson - the man he blames for his family's having to flee Dugard two years earlier.
On his journey home he encounters Shaker brothers searching for a girl from their Zion community. Despite women not being allowed inside the circus, Leah had snuck out to visit it. They quickly come across her lifeless body beaten and thrown into a farmer's field on the road leading to the circus.
Bored of his household chores, Rees begins investigating at the expense of his home life. He becomes entranced by the lives of the circus performers, including the charismatic horse rider and tightrope walker. Is his longing for his old journeyman's life causing him to take his eye off the case, and can he stay out of Hanson's way and keep his family safe?
The circus has arrived in Durham, Maine. Before weaver Will Rees is able to take in its spectacle, he spots Magistrate Hanson - the man he blames for his family's having to flee Dugard two years earlier.
On his journey home he encounters Shaker brothers searching for a girl from their Zion community. Despite women not being allowed inside the circus, Leah had snuck out to visit it. They quickly come across her lifeless body beaten and thrown into a farmer's field on the road leading to the circus.
Bored of his household chores, Rees begins investigating at the expense of his home life. He becomes entranced by the lives of the circus performers, including the charismatic horse rider and tightrope walker. Is his longing for his old journeyman's life causing him to take his eye off the case, and can he stay out of Hanson's way and keep his family safe?
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2020
4 people are currently reading
1872 people want to read
About the author
Eleanor Kuhns
21 books1,260 followersEleanor is a lifelong librarian. She wrote her first story at the age of ten and hasn't stopped since. She lives with her husband and dog in New York State.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 21, 2020
There's nothing quite like jumping into a series with the eighth book! While I never felt as though I was missing anything in order to feel immersed within the story and its historical setting, I do feel that had I started from the beginning, I would better understand all of the nuance surrounding Rees and his decision-making. This is by no means a fault of the book, but definitely more of a personal preference. I'm sure that I had experienced his story from the first book, his motives and personality would have been clearer; however, there just wasn't enough back story presented within the narrative to make him anything more than a difficult protagonist to like.
This is a solid and intriguing mystery about a weaver in 18th century Maine who married into the Shaker community. Unfortunately, crime is rearing its ugly nature into this pure neighborhood and several Shaker girls turn up murdered. Rees falls into solving murders not only out of his own interest and curiosity, but also as an escape from the general sense of boredom he feels surrounding his current station in life. While I never warmed up to him as a character, his amateur sleuthing skills are what make the story and provide an interesting glimpse into the police procedures of the time. It was an incredibly intriguing concept to explore criminal activity within this specific historical setting, especially one that I have not read much from before.
The circus elements are sprinkled here and there within the story and add the allure that seems to be playing with Rees's mental state as he vacillates between his duties to his family and the temptations of the performance. Rees prides himself on being a very principled and steadfast man, yet the call of the revelry is creating much internal struggle and confusion for him. This strife adds so much layering to the course of direction he follows for the investigation as well as a few gasps of surprise by the end!
Overall, this was an engaging and beautifully descriptive piece of fiction that was not only historically accurate based on the author’s own extensive research, but incredibly readable.
Many thanks to the author and Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for providing me with a free copy of the book. This is my honest and thoughtful review.
August 10, 2020
I've read and enjoyed the previous 7 books in the series.
This one, I didn't find as much fun although, I did like how Kuhns wove in the tolerance or lack there of with the townspeople and outsiders (circus folk & Shakers). I liked how she wove Will's feelings and longings for traveling versus actual day to day farming.
This one, I didn't find as much fun although, I did like how Kuhns wove in the tolerance or lack there of with the townspeople and outsiders (circus folk & Shakers). I liked how she wove Will's feelings and longings for traveling versus actual day to day farming.
March 17, 2020
I usually like historical mysteries, but this was an exception. I think if I had read the first 7, I might feel differently, but -- too late. I either hated or heartily disliked most of the characters, with Lydia being an exception. I thought Will was a wuss who SO wanted someone to pay attention to him, and he totally lost interest in solving the murders once he met Bambola. Then his small brain took over. And where did the title come from? There was ONE girl and a boy that was mistaken for a girl. All the other murders were adults. Sorry Eleanor -- just not my type of book.
September 1, 2020
This might be my first single star rating. Rees is not a character to be respected or endeared. Perhaps reading the previous books in the series would have helped? Finishing the book was excruciating.
September 16, 2020
Will Rees is a conflicted man. Accused of murder, he and his family fled their town and ended up on a farm in a Shaker community near the town of Durham where they now live safely but Will detests farming. What he does enjoy is being a traveling weaver and, now that spring has come to Maine, he’ll be heading out soon. First, though, he’s attracted to Asher’s Circus and has gone to town to see it. While he does get to see a couple of amazing acts, he’s soon forced to head back home.
On the way, Will runs into a small group of Shaker men who are searching for a missing teenaged orphan, Leah, and he agrees to help look for her; they very quickly find her, dead, clearly murdered. Because he has established a reputation for solving crimes, Will is soon following leads but his interest in the circus, and one performer in particular, distracts him from his investigation while his absence from home is leaving his wife, Lydia, with the burden of his normal farming work. It seems that Will might not be able to carry out his accepted duty and stay focused so well this time but the twists in the case and the memory of the murdered girl won’t let him ignore it all for long.
One of the highlights of this tale, for me, was learning a little about the sort of circus that existed in 1800, before trains and big tents. In my opinion, this series is one that has been greatly underappreciated and deserves much more attention. The stories are intriguing, the characters are vividly drawn and appealing and Ms. Kuhns is a good writer. While I haven’t read every book in the series and it’s natural that reading in order gives a better understanding of the settings and primary players, each one has a self-contained story and is very satisfying. Give it a try!
On the way, Will runs into a small group of Shaker men who are searching for a missing teenaged orphan, Leah, and he agrees to help look for her; they very quickly find her, dead, clearly murdered. Because he has established a reputation for solving crimes, Will is soon following leads but his interest in the circus, and one performer in particular, distracts him from his investigation while his absence from home is leaving his wife, Lydia, with the burden of his normal farming work. It seems that Will might not be able to carry out his accepted duty and stay focused so well this time but the twists in the case and the memory of the murdered girl won’t let him ignore it all for long.
One of the highlights of this tale, for me, was learning a little about the sort of circus that existed in 1800, before trains and big tents. In my opinion, this series is one that has been greatly underappreciated and deserves much more attention. The stories are intriguing, the characters are vividly drawn and appealing and Ms. Kuhns is a good writer. While I haven’t read every book in the series and it’s natural that reading in order gives a better understanding of the settings and primary players, each one has a self-contained story and is very satisfying. Give it a try!
December 23, 2025
There is a lot going on in A Circle of Dead Girls, the eighth book in the Will Rees Mystery series, by Eleanor Kuhns .... and readers cannot help but love it !! Hopefully you are a fan of this series already but if not, you have some reading to do, which I'm sure you will enjoy.
In A Circle of Dead Girls main character Will Rees is excited that a circus will be stopping in town. Unfortunately, only men and boys are allowed to see it so his wife and daughters cannot attend. The best that they can hope is that Will will be able to describe everything he sees.
But before he returns home from seeing a little bit of the circus performances, he comes across some of the men from the Shaker community who are looking for one of their own, a young girl who left with a boy but has not returned. He agrees to help them search for her only to find her body in a farmer's field.
Everyone wants to blame the members of the circus, but Will knows he has to have an open mind especially when he has to convince the local constable that the man he quickly arrested is not the guilty party.
Will will stop at nothing to solve the murder and bring justice to the victim, even if it jeopardizes his marriage and homelife. Will wants to be more than just a farmer, he wants to be able to do weaving jobs and solve any criminal cases that occur. And readers cannot help but want that also.
In A Circle of Dead Girls main character Will Rees is excited that a circus will be stopping in town. Unfortunately, only men and boys are allowed to see it so his wife and daughters cannot attend. The best that they can hope is that Will will be able to describe everything he sees.
But before he returns home from seeing a little bit of the circus performances, he comes across some of the men from the Shaker community who are looking for one of their own, a young girl who left with a boy but has not returned. He agrees to help them search for her only to find her body in a farmer's field.
Everyone wants to blame the members of the circus, but Will knows he has to have an open mind especially when he has to convince the local constable that the man he quickly arrested is not the guilty party.
Will will stop at nothing to solve the murder and bring justice to the victim, even if it jeopardizes his marriage and homelife. Will wants to be more than just a farmer, he wants to be able to do weaving jobs and solve any criminal cases that occur. And readers cannot help but want that also.
September 18, 2020
This is my first Will Reese novel and I had some trouble liking him. He seemed to react too quickly and harshly, all based on his previous experiences. He didn't give the magistrate the time to explain himself before throwing him out, for example. He assumed facts based on his own reactions rather than careful observations. He is not my kind of likable amateur investigator. One of the Shakers, Reese admits, must see him as brash, opinionated, and habitually angry. He hurts the feelings of his wife frequently. He admits he behaves in a spiteful and petty manner toward her. I really had trouble being engaged by his thoughtless and lying personality.
The setting of the plot is very interesting, a small town in Maine. And the most interesting aspect of this historical mystery was the circus. Kuhns adds more facts about its origin and history in her Author's Note. The mystery was interesting with several suspects. I was a little disappointed Reese did not really solve it but came upon the conclusion only with the insightful help of his wife. Perhaps she should be the heroine of the next in the series.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
The setting of the plot is very interesting, a small town in Maine. And the most interesting aspect of this historical mystery was the circus. Kuhns adds more facts about its origin and history in her Author's Note. The mystery was interesting with several suspects. I was a little disappointed Reese did not really solve it but came upon the conclusion only with the insightful help of his wife. Perhaps she should be the heroine of the next in the series.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
March 28, 2022
This is the 8th book in the Will Rees series by Eleanor Kuhns. Will is a traveling weaver in 18th century Maine trying to make money for his family. He does not enjoy farm life and would much rather be weaving or selling his wares than doing chores. He can’t wait to leave on his spring travels, but before he can do so he goes to check out the circus that just rolled into town.
On his way back home, he sees a group of Shaker men looking for a young girl, Leah, who had also walked to town to see the circus. He helps them locate the body of the girl, who was clearly murdered. Will finds himself once again attempting to solve a murder. His investigation takes him to the circus where the female ropewalker intrigues him and distracts him from his investigation…and his chores and family. Rees does rely on the insights of his wife, Lydia, and she accompanies him a few times to question folks.
The author does a great job describing the circus and all of the elements that comprise a circus in 1800, before trains and big tents.
Finally, it is not necessary to read the books in order as the author does a good job filling the reader in on the pertinent details of Will and Lydia’s lives up to this point but doing so could provide a better understanding of the story.
On his way back home, he sees a group of Shaker men looking for a young girl, Leah, who had also walked to town to see the circus. He helps them locate the body of the girl, who was clearly murdered. Will finds himself once again attempting to solve a murder. His investigation takes him to the circus where the female ropewalker intrigues him and distracts him from his investigation…and his chores and family. Rees does rely on the insights of his wife, Lydia, and she accompanies him a few times to question folks.
The author does a great job describing the circus and all of the elements that comprise a circus in 1800, before trains and big tents.
Finally, it is not necessary to read the books in order as the author does a good job filling the reader in on the pertinent details of Will and Lydia’s lives up to this point but doing so could provide a better understanding of the story.
February 1, 2021
I was disappointed with this continuation of the Will Rees series, the title did nothing to endear me to this mystery. I was really hoping that Will had finally met the man who would recognize his skills and offer him a job. Instead Will is again feeling trapped at the farm, hating the chores, wanting to weave the day away, and travel selling his fine fabrics. The tension between him and Lydia is the same as in the previous books. I thought that the accusations that have caused the the Rees family to relocate and hide from Hanson were resolved. I was wrong. This book did little in moving this series forward and now knowing how it ends, the title is confusing. I could not believe "who did it" there were so many characters...it just felt like a circus...oh yeah, the circus comes to town. Enough said.
September 8, 2020
This book will have you going in circles trying to figure out who killed all those girls. It certainly had Will Rees and the sheriff going in circles.
That circle primarily revolved around the circus and the Shakers. Maybe a townie or two.
Will’s investigation was also affecting his marriage and work. He admitted he was basically lazy when it came to working his farm.
Thank you, Ms Kuhns, for introducing me to Will Rees. I wish I had discovered him sooner.
***Book provided without charge by PICT.***
That circle primarily revolved around the circus and the Shakers. Maybe a townie or two.
Will’s investigation was also affecting his marriage and work. He admitted he was basically lazy when it came to working his farm.
Thank you, Ms Kuhns, for introducing me to Will Rees. I wish I had discovered him sooner.
***Book provided without charge by PICT.***
September 18, 2020
This is book eight in this series. I haven't read the previous books. When the circus comes to town, so does mystery and murder. Women and girls aren't allowed to attend the circus. When Leah sneaks out and doesn't return the search leads to her dead body. This series is about a Weaver Will Reese who was forced out of town and now works on his farm. He married into a Shaker family and solves crimes. I enjoyed this and I'm looking forward to going back to book one reading this series from the start.
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte Review
Hudson Valley NY
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte Review
Hudson Valley NY
November 9, 2025
The writing is still good, the stories are interesting if a bit predictable, but once a lead character shows what a spectacular asshole he really is, I can no longer read his viewpoint with anything but disgust. It kind of interferes with the ability to enjoy the reading experience. So, despite there being more books in this series, I am now done with it. Again, good writing and everything, but I can't root for a jackass I'd rather see dead.
February 3, 2021
It has been too long since I read #7 in this series, I have missed the characters. When a young teen girl is found dead in a farm field while the circus is in town there is no shortage of suspects, starting with some of the men in the circus but then there is a suspect among the Shakers too. It takes Will working together with his wife to solve the case.
July 7, 2025
The glimpse into circus life was interesting. But this book was an intersection of too many stories. Wrapping up loose threads from past books, and addressing issues in Will's new life. I am not sure how Will ad time to solve the mystery when he only seemed worried about how to get out of farm work.
September 15, 2020
A small community of Shakers , the circus comes into town but women are not allowed a young shaker girl sneaks away and found strangled . Who could of done it Shaker community, townspeople or the circus? Enjoy
October 13, 2024
Very good story - learned a lot about the circus. Kuhns does such a great job of educating us! Another good entry into this series. Love the characters, the interactions with the town people and the Shakers. Definitely recommend this author
April 5, 2020
Good characters with an entertaining story
September 22, 2020
Excellent!! Love this series....all are well-written and interesting. They just keep getting better.
October 25, 2020
Already anxious for next book!
I had an hour left on my library check out! Whew!!!
I had an hour left on my library check out! Whew!!!
November 12, 2020
Much, much better than the two preceding books.
September 26, 2021
This one was just ok for me. I didn't connect with the Shaker aspect of the story and the MC was super selfish in my opinion.
January 23, 2022
Fitting continuation of the series. Possibly could be read as a stand-alone but best read as a series in order.
March 18, 2020
My husband always jokes that I can figure out the "who done its" before he does! I had a feeling who the culprits(s) were in this story. It did not fail. Well done.
March 4, 2020
When the circus comes to Durham, Maine, it brings mystery and intrigue with it. In the late eighteenth century, only men and boys are allowed to attend performances, but despite this, two youngsters from the Shaker community, Leah and Shem, set out to see for themselves. Will Rees also goes, but leaves early. On his way home he encounters some of the Shakers, searching for Leah, who never returned. Her body is found in a field, and Will becomes once again determined to discover the culprit. The circus performers are obvious suspects, and one is arrested, but Will believes him to be innocent. Unfortunately, Will's preoccupation with the circus and his investigation takes him away from home, just when planting and other farm chores need to be done, causing a bit of a rift between him and his wife, Lydia. Can Will both solve the murder and his personal problems? This is a fascinating view at life in another time, with many differences from today. The characters are interesting, and plot imaginative, and the setting unusual. Highly recommended.
March 5, 2020
A very good historical mystery, well written and gripping.
I liked the well researched historical background, the solid mystery and the well thought cast of characters.
Can't wait to read the next instalment in this series.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I liked the well researched historical background, the solid mystery and the well thought cast of characters.
Can't wait to read the next instalment in this series.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
February 27, 2020
If you haven't read this series- try this intriguing mystery about a weaver in 18th Century Maine married into the Shaker community and solves murders. Will and his family are living in Durham, Maine. He's a little bored (not bored, exactly) so when the circus comes to town, it's as big a deal for him as it is for the kids. Then Leah, a young Shaker woman, is found dead in a field off the road leading to the circus. Will, of course, invesigates- and along the way we meet the various members of the troupe as well as members of the community. It's a well thought out tale with great characters and twists. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Historical mystery fans will relish this one.
February 10, 2020
I’m still captivated by the life and adventures of stubborn and principled former Revolutionary War soldier and now weaver and farmer, Will Rees. There’s interesting history, twisty mystery, family, friends and not friends, life in Maine and in this latest installment, a traveling circus! Read this series from the beginning to best appreciate how people and situations have evolved to become as they are.
January 15, 2020
The circus has arrived in Durham, Maine. Before weaver Will Rees is able to take in its spectacle, he spots Magistrate Hanson - the man he blames for his family's having to flee Dugard two years earlier.
On his journey home he encounters Shaker brothers searching for a girl from their Zion community. Despite women not being allowed inside the circus, Leah had snuck out to visit it. They quickly come across her lifeless body beaten and thrown into a farmer's field on the road leading to the circus.
Bored of his household chores, Rees begins investigating at the expense of his home life. He becomes entranced by the lives of the circus performers, including the charismatic horse rider and tightrope walker. Is his longing for his old journeyman's life causing him to take his eye off the case, and can he stay out of Hanson's way and keep his family safe?
A very good installment of this series.
On his journey home he encounters Shaker brothers searching for a girl from their Zion community. Despite women not being allowed inside the circus, Leah had snuck out to visit it. They quickly come across her lifeless body beaten and thrown into a farmer's field on the road leading to the circus.
Bored of his household chores, Rees begins investigating at the expense of his home life. He becomes entranced by the lives of the circus performers, including the charismatic horse rider and tightrope walker. Is his longing for his old journeyman's life causing him to take his eye off the case, and can he stay out of Hanson's way and keep his family safe?
A very good installment of this series.
December 5, 2019
1790s. The circus has arrived in Durham topleasure of the inhabitants. Including Will Rees, but he notices that Magistrate Hanson is also there. A man he blames for his and his family's flight from Dugard two years earlier.
But soon Will is drawn into a murder investigation when a body of a young girl is discovered. Bored with his farm life he seeks out all opportunities to visit the circus, and one person in particular, using the excuse that he is asking them all questions. But will Will's stubbornness and temper distract him from the case.
An enjoyable and well-written mystery, with a cast of well-drawn and mainly likeable characters.
A NetGalley Book
But soon Will is drawn into a murder investigation when a body of a young girl is discovered. Bored with his farm life he seeks out all opportunities to visit the circus, and one person in particular, using the excuse that he is asking them all questions. But will Will's stubbornness and temper distract him from the case.
An enjoyable and well-written mystery, with a cast of well-drawn and mainly likeable characters.
A NetGalley Book
February 6, 2020
Again-would give it 4.5 stars if I only knew how!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews