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Circle of Shadows
Evie Winstanley (Related to this series)
- Author
- Marisa Linton
- Narrator
- Rose Robinson
- Publisher
- Hodder & Stoughton
- Publish Date
- 9 October 2025
- Run Time
- 12 hours 13 minutes
- Format
- Audiobook
- Genre
- Fantasy, Crime and / or mystery fiction, Crime and mystery: private investigator / amateur detectives, Occult fiction / Paranormal Horror, Horror, ghost stories and supernatural fiction, Crime and mystery: women sleuths / detectives, Mythical, legendary and supernatural beings, monsters and creatures, Traditional or cultural fiction and true stories, tales and retellings, Classic crime and mystery fiction, Mysticism, magic and alternative spiritual practices, Occult studies / Supernatural studies
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What to expect
'Everything I want from dark academia' Susan J. Morris
'A terrifically engaging tale of supernatural goings-on' Tim Major
It's 1904, and being a detective - let alone an occult detective - is no profession for a woman. But that won't stop Evie Winstanley.
When her father, a collector of occult books, dies in strange circumstances, Evie is determined to investigate. Her only lead: a cryptic mention of the 'Circle of Shadows.' From a chilling séance on the lonely Yorkshire moors to the sinister, hedonistic halls of Oxford's elite, Evie hunts for answers, stalked by whispers of an ancient monster and an ever-shifting, ominous symbol.
But when a young woman's body surfaces in the Cherwell, bearing that same mark, Evie uncovers a truth far more terrifying than a single murder. Now, Evie isn't just seeking justice; she's fighting to save her sister, in a dark and twisted adventure where gilded boys unleash hell and defiant women must pick up the pieces. Nothing will stop her investigation, not outraging Edwardian notions of female propriety, and certainly not offers of romance.
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 a lone woman takes a stand against them. Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes, The Frozen People and Rivers of London.
NETGALLEY READERS LOVE CIRCLE OF SHADOWS!
'If you're looking for an eerie, gothic, historical fantasy packed with secrets, suspense, and a dash of horror, then Circle of Shadows is for you'
'An eerie and evocative Edwardian occult mystery, with a wonderful protagonist in Evie'
'A suspenseful historical fantasy'
'Plenty of twists and an all round great story. I hope there will be more books featuring Evie!'
Critics Review
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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
Greg Mosse, author of The Coming Darkness trilogy and The Maisie Cooper Mysteries
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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!
Julia Golding, author of The Persephone Code
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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
Tim Major, author of the Sherlock Holmes novel The Back to Front Murder
See more reviews See fewer reviews
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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
Susan J. Morris, author of Strange Beasts and Wayward Souls
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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
Frances Quinn, author of The Smallest Man
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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!
Melissa Caruso, international bestselling author of The Last Hour Between Worlds
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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
Anne Corlett, author of The Space Between the Stars
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Equal parts moving, thrilling, and thought-provoking, Circle of Shadows is an evocative journey of high imagination and unrivalled craft
David Green, Secretary of the British Fantasy Society
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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
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Had I read it before the end of last year, it would have been my choice for the best book I'd read in 2025. I can't wait for the sequel,Domain of Darkness.
David Brzeski Review of Circle of Shadows for Occult Detective Magazine
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I'm loving these novels featuring feisty Victorian sleuth Evie Winstanley. This is Dark Academia at its best, pacy and well-researched. We're in very safe hands with the excellent, Marisa Linton.
Sue Bentley, author of We Other
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Circle of Shadows, takes readers back to Edwardian England while immersing them in the world of ancient British mythology and occult practices. Think Arthur Conan Doyle meets Arthur Machen.
Historical Novel Society
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Mystery, fantasy, historical fiction, dark academia...this is a difficult book to classify as it's all of those things and more. Most importantly, it's also a fascinating, entertaining read[.]
She Reads Novels
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Centred around what can only be described as a plucky heroine, Circle of Shadows explores notions of wealth and privilege, abuse and misogyny in the early twentieth century. But it does so through an ultimately page turning horror-tinged mystery.
Pile By The Bed
User Reviews
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Details
- Author
- Marisa Linton
- Narrator
- Rose Robinson
- Duration
- 12 hours 13 minutes
- Release Date
- 9 October 2025
- ISBN
- 9781399740210
- Format
- Audiobook
- Publisher
- Hodder & Stoughton
- Genre
- Fantasy, Crime and / or mystery fiction, Crime and mystery: private investigator / amateur detectives, Occult fiction / Paranormal Horror, Horror, ghost stories and supernatural fiction, Crime and mystery: women sleuths / detectives, Mythical, legendary and supernatural beings, monsters and creatures, Traditional or cultural fiction and true stories, tales and retellings, Classic crime and mystery fiction, Mysticism, magic and alternative spiritual practices, Occult studies / Supernatural studies
Synopsis
SHERLOCK HOLMES DIDN'T DEAL WITH THE SUPERNATURAL. EVIE WINSTANLEY DOES.'Everything I want from dark academia' Susan J. Morris'A terrifically engaging tale of supernatural goings-on' Tim MajorIt's 1904, and being a detective - let alone an occult detective - is no profession for a woman. But that won't stop Evie Winstanley.When her father, a collector of occult books, dies in strange circumstances, Evie is determined to investigate. Her only lead: a cryptic mention of the 'Circle of Shadows.' From a chilling séance on the lonely Yorkshire moors to the sinister, hedonistic halls of Oxford's elite, Evie hunts for answers, stalked by whispers of an ancient monster and an ever-shifting, ominous symbol.But when a young woman's body surfaces in the Cherwell, bearing that same mark, Evie uncovers a truth far more terrifying than a single murder. Now, Evie isn't just seeking justice; she's fighting to save her sister, in a dark and twisted adventure where gilded boys unleash hell and defiant women must pick up the pieces. Nothing will stop her investigation, not outraging Edwardian notions of female propriety, and certainly not offers of romance.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 a lone woman takes a stand against them. Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes, The Frozen People and Rivers of London.NETGALLEY READERS LOVE CIRCLE OF SHADOWS!'If you're looking for an eerie, gothic, historical fantasy packed with secrets, suspense, and a dash of horror, then Circle of Shadows is for you''An eerie and evocative Edwardian occult mystery, with a wonderful protagonist in Evie''A suspenseful historical fantasy''Plenty of twists and an all round great story. I hope there will be more books featuring Evie!'
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