Books that take Place in Circuses

Circuses are weird.

They can be wondrous, mysterious, spooky, creepy, macabre, fun, silly and so much more. 

Can you tell I have a complicated relationship with circuses?

Circuses can be incredible settings for novels of all sorts. The wondrous, the mysterious, wait, I already did this.

I set my book in a circus. It was somewhat by accident.

But let’s take a look at some books that take place in circuses.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern: This highly popular fantasy novel features a mysterious, magical circus that only appears at night. It's the backdrop for a secret, lifelong competition between two young magicians who fall in love.

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen: Set during the Great Depression, this historical fiction novel tells the story of a young man who joins a struggling circus and forms a bond with an elephant. It's a poignant tale of love, loss, and the harsh realities of circus life.

Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury: A classic dark fantasy novel where a sinister carnival arrives in a quiet town, bringing with it a malevolent force that preys on the desires and fears of the inhabitants.

Geek Love by Katherine Dunn: A dark and unsettling cult classic about the Binewski family, who breed their own "freaks" for their traveling carnival, exploring themes of identity, family, and exploitation.

Caraval by Stephanie Garber: The first book in a young adult fantasy series, it centers around a magical, immersive game known as Caraval, which takes place within a fantastical circus.

Jimmy James and the Circus of Wonders: A funny, humorous sci-fi story, centering around a middling Earth musician whose abducted to play in an alien’s circus. 

Nights at the Circus by Angela Carter: A magical realist novel featuring a winged aerialist named Fevvers, exploring themes of feminism and identity as she tours with a circus.

Circus of Wonders by Elizabeth Macneal: Set in Victorian England, this historical novel follows a young woman with distinctive birthmarks who is sold to a ringmaster and becomes a star attraction.

The Ladies of the Secret Circus by Constance Sayers: A magical tale that jumps between 1920s Paris and contemporary America, involving a secret, magical circus and a mysterious disappearance.

Cirque du Freak: A Living Nightmare by Darren Shan: The first book in a young adult fantasy series that follows a boy who becomes involved with a vampire circus.

The Book of Speculation by Erika Swyler: This novel connects generations of a family through a curse on their mermaid performers in a traveling circus, blending magic and family history.

This list offers a diverse range of stories, from enchanting fantasies to gritty historical fiction and dark tales, all bound by the captivating world of the circus.

Check out the page for Jimmy James' circus fun at the button below. Click it. I dare you.

Click Me

Cheers.