I first read The Ladies of the Secret Circus back in 2021, and at the time, it was an easy five-star read for me. Revisiting it now, I still love the concept, but I found the pacing slower this time around, which brings my rating down to a 3.5. While the story remains beautifully immersive, it didn’t grip me in quite the same way on this reread.
The novel weaves together generations of the Cabot family, spanning from the 1920s to the early 2000s, with a blend of mystery, magic, and romance. At its heart is Lara, who is left at the altar when her fiancé mysteriously disappears. As she pieces her life back together, shocking revelations about her past, her missing fiancé, and her dark family legacy begin to surface.
One of my absolute favorite aspects remains the journal entries. They added so much depth and intrigue to the story, and I found myself flying through those sections the quickest. The way Constance Sayers blends the ordinary with the magical is seamless, creating an atmosphere that feels both enchanting and haunting.
That being said, the pacing felt uneven on this read. While I still adore the concept, there were moments where the story dragged, making it harder to stay fully engaged. Despite this, the book’s rich atmosphere and unique premise make it worth the read—especially for those who enjoy historical fantasy with a touch of mystery.
If you love stories that mix magic, romance, and a sense of deep-rooted family secrets, The Ladies of the Secret Circus is still a journey worth taking. Just be prepared for a slower, more deliberate unraveling of its mysteries.
The Ladies of the Secret Circus by Constance Sayers