In the Circus of Strange Marvels, dead bodies don’t always stay dead. Several months after the great big top fire, private investigator Max and the circus crew are being investigated for murder. They must escape the police and the sinister Dr. Evil to find freedom from the circus and restoration of their peaceful lives. Morally gray characters with macabre powers play well in Amy L. Saunder’s sequel Picked Up Pieces, exploring the power of words and personal identity. This second book in the series is best read directly after book 1, Unfixed. Although its unique writing style juggles many character psychologies and experimental acts, Picked Up Pieces assembles a grand finale to answer lingering reader questions and reveal secrets.

Best for: Adult fans of dark paranormal and circus tales.

Discern: Murder, death, and curse-like magic.