Synopsis: Ladies and gentlemen, the show is about to begin… All Laura Fitzpatrick wanted to do was tell her lab partner, Maddie, how she really feels about her, but when a perfect opportunity falls into her lap, Laura does what she does best – chickens out. Then, Laura is dared to check out the abandoned carnival grounds outside of town, and she seizes the opportunity to prove to herself and others that she can be brave after all. To her surprise, Maddie isn’t about to let her go alone. As they explore the eerie property, they’re thrust into an endless night of terror, where danger lurks around every corner. With a century-old mystery waiting to be uncovered, Laura must learn what true bravery means if she hopes to get herself – and Maddie – out of the Plum Creek Carnival alive. Whatever you do, don’t let the Carnival Man see you…
Review:
Ever since Ray Bradbury took us to Mr. Dark’s show of horrors, the amusement park has haunted speculative fiction in all the finest ways. “Carousel” is Sarah McKnight’s latest work, and a delightful throwback to the horror of old. Laura Fitzpatrick wants to tell her lab partner Maddie about her romantic feelings but Laura has never been brave and cannot bring herself to say it. Until an opportunity arises to visit an abandoned carnival and prove her bravery.
But the Plum Creek Carnival has secrets and nightmares in equal measure and Laura is about to be drawn into them. And the center of them is the absolute highlight of the book. McKnight’s chief villain, the Carnival Man, is an exemplary villain. Colorful, flamboyant, ostentatious and yet capable of quiet menace and ferocious wrath in equal measure. A wicked pierrot who intends to safeguard his own power no matter the cost.
Carousel is a strong and powerful debut, with rounded characters and a strong story. The pace is solid, with McKnight painting a picture of a terrifying carnival and numerous little details that help the story come alive. Laura is a great lead, and the reader can’t help but care about her and the impending doom.
And McKnight knows how to ratchet up the gore and the terror. The brutal scenes help to elevate the book and brings the elements together. It’s a recipe of horror that comes together for a satisfying meal and the Carnival Man is absolutely the most savory part.
Rating: 7.5/10
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