Review Detail

This is the third book that is set in the world of the TV show Are You Afraid of the Dark? In this book, Riley Beasley is a 13-year-old who is focused on her future, especially the goal of leaving the small town of Lake Glory for college. Riley’s mom keeps reminding her to live in the moment, and her best friend, Genna, who is obsessed with the paranormal, also doesn’t seem to understand. It’s the night of the Blood Moon, and Genna really wants to investigate strange lights from the woods so she convinces Riley to come with her. Once there, they discover a mysterious circus and the ringleader, Starr. They are instantly drawn to the magic in this circus until they start feeling that something is off. Will Riley and Genna be able to remain best friends, given the challenges they will face in this story?

What I Liked: This book opens with a group of children telling spooky stories, and one of their choices is to tell The Tale of the Vanishing Circus. Once this is introduced, you're instantly transported into this Tale through meeting Riley and her best friend Genna, as they begin their adventure into the woods.

It takes a while before you get into the action of this book, yet in those moments, you get to experience this amazing circus and everything they have to offer Riley. Through those snippets, you also seem to forget that there was something to be wary of in the beginning. It's fascinating to read as everything unravels and we find out more and more secrets regarding the circus and the ringleader, Starr.

The additional layer of Riley and Genna’s friendship, and the complexity of their wanting different things throughout this story, adds nuance to this book. Their friendship is tested due to Starr’s action, and Starr uses Riley’s feelings to ensure her success. It’s great to see that their friendship remains even after Genna’s secret is revealed, and that Riley accepts her regardless of this secret.

Final Verdict: The Tale of the Vanishing Circus is a mysterious and spooky book that will have you on the edge of your seat page after page until the very end. This book is perfect for fans of Goosebumps who may want something a little more thrilling. Children ages 10 and up will be delighted by the story that unfolds in this book and want to read more from this series.