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Circle of Shadows

A gripping historical fantasy horror steeped in mystery, romance and the macabre

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Circle of Shadows

By: Marisa Linton
Narrated by: Rose Robinson
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About this listen

 Private detection is no profession for a woman of standing. Evie Winstanley doesn't care.

When Evie's father, a collector of occult books, dies in suspicious circumstances, she decides to uncover the truth. Her only clue is a mysterious reference to the 'circle of shadows.' Her investigation takes her from a séance in a manor house on the Yorkshire moors to a sinister cult hidden amongst the elite of an Oxford University college . . . and all the while, she is haunted by whispers of an ancient monster, and an ominous, ever-changing symbol.

When the body of a young woman is discovered floating in the Cherwell, marked with the same occult symbol, Evie realises that her investigation is far bigger than one death - and that her own life, and the lives of those she loves, might very well be in danger . . .

Blending historical fantasy with Golden Age classic crime, Circle of Shadows is a dark and twisty adventure through an occult Edwardian England where wealthy boys toy with powers they don't understand, and women are forced to pick up the pieces. Perfect for fans of Sarah Painter, Michelle Paver, and Laura Shepherd-Robinson.©2025 Marisa Linton Fantasy Horror Mystery Women Sleuths England

Critic reviews

I loved Marisa Linton's Circle of Shadows, the first adventure of Evie Winstanley, Occult Consulting Detective. I hope there are lots more to come
I was totally gripped from the very first page of this novel of occult mysteries, dangerous deceptions, and daring investigations. It's a hugely enjoyable mix of golden age crime and supernatural mystery, with a heroine you can really root for, and fantastically atmospheric settings from Yorkshire to Oxford. I can't wait to read more of Evie's adventures into the dark corners of Edwardian England. (Sarah Brooks, author of The Cautious Traveller’s Guide to the Wastelands)
A dark and twisty tale full of corrupt magic and even corrupter hearts, but also a stirring story about standing up to evil. A must-read for anyone who likes their academia dark!
Circle of Shadows is a terrifically engaging tale of supernatural goings-on in Edwardian England, complete with séances, spell books and sinister academic cults. I can't wait to read more adventures featuring resourceful investigator Evie Winstanley, who understands that men are capable of greater monstrosities than any demon
Circle of Shadows is everything I want from dark academia-the cruelty and capriciousness of the elite; a tangled web of secret histories and utterly immersive occult folklore; and all the cleverness of a Golden Age detective story set in Edwardian England. Absolutely brilliant
I was completely enthralled by this deliciously dark and haunting historical mystery, with a smart and spirited heroine I'd love to see more of
Circle of Shadows compellingly blends the evils of deep dark places with those of high society, building mystery and dread to a breathless conclusion. I was utterly entranced!
Marisa Linton takes the Golden Age detective tale and gives it a speculative twist. Moving between Edwardian London, a sinister Yorkshire manor house, and the academic halls of Oxford, The Circle of Shadows keeps the reader guessing to the end. I look forward to more from this author and her engaging heroine
Equal parts moving, thrilling, and thought-provoking, Circle of Shadows is an evocative journey of high imagination and unrivalled craft
I enjoyed this a great deal. I love the creepy, macabre tone of it all, flecked with Edgar Allan Poe, Arthur Conan Doyle and John Buchan. Evie is a wonderful creation! (J.S. Barnes, author of Dracula's Child)
All stars
Most relevant
I love classic supernatural and ghost stories and I'm always on the look out for new Sherlock Holmes type tales, So this was a great discovery. It has bucketfuls of atmosphere. The heroine is a determined young woman who rashly embarks on an occult investigation after her father dies in mysterious circumstances. It takes her to a sinister conspiracy of elite students in an Oxford College. Very dark academia, and genuinely scary. The narration is terrific. All the accents and dialogue sounded right to me. Nothing jars. So absorbing to listen to, though maybe not when you're on your own on a dark night.

Dark academia perfect for Sherlock Holmes fans

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