3.5 stars 
 Okay, so I have some mixed thoughts about this one. I admit, my expectations were high, so it may have skewed my overall reaction. 
 My first thought was, "Why does this need to take place in the 80s?" It felt a little gimmicky, but I suppose you're not going to find a lot of traveling carnivals anymore, besides the huge money-making extravagant affairs. We have one that comes through out city every year, and it travels across all of North America, but it is NOTHING like the small family-run carnivals that used to exist. Second, while it seemed like a good opportunity to reminisce on the good ole days, taking the story back a few decades also limited their options. When someone goes missing from the carnival, it's not like they can just call up their cell phone to see where they've gone. So, in the end, I accepted the time jump, regardless of my own negative 80s memories. (I really really disliked that whole decade...) 
 I really loved the foreshadowing and tension. This was definitely the book's high point. I had all kinds of possible scenarios running circles through my mind, and I would LOVE to have MORE! This is exactly the reason that I felt it was all over too quickly. After such a huge build up, I felt like the ending was too sudden, too clipped. 
 I have to admit, I was also a little conflicted about the characters. I couldn't get enough of them, in the end, but I had a hard time getting on board with the romance. It all moved a little fast, emotionally. Now that I've grown attached to all the eclectic members of the sideshow, I would love to read a sequel to this, following the group on further hijinx. A possibility? Please? 
 A copy of this book was provided through a First Reads Giveaway.