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I deeply enjoyed Rose’s narration; from how she describes the circus and her role in it, when she meets and interacts with new characters, and the hints at her past… the book has stunning descriptive narration. I would like to read more in this series.” – Whistler Independent Book Awards

…like a giant game of Clue, as Rose so cleverly works to try to solve this mystery, clear her name, and save her new friends. The writing style is so descriptive and fast-paced, and I was totally invested in this character, this mystery, and her future.” – Crystal Cahill, Books in the Wild

"Impressive! Bannerman's voice is strong, her phrasing colourful, her sense of how to write a mystery strong.” – W. L. Hawkin, author of ‘To Charm a Killer’

"A rollicking good read, especially for folks interested in quirky mysteries! A lively plot and delightful characters offered up against a circus backdrop.” – Kim Letson, author of ‘In the Footsteps of a Roman Legion’ and ‘Soul of a Nomad’

Truly the Devil's Work


$25.00

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Book Specs
Author name: Kim Bannerman
Page count: 189
Genre: Historical Mystery
Binding: Soft Cover
ISBN number: 978-1-7780567-0-3
Publication date: 2022
Dimensions: 6 x 9 x .5 inches
Shipping Weight: 321 grams
Summary
After the rigors of the Great War and Spanish Flu pandemic, Miss Rose Ivy is eager to leave tragedy behind and enjoy a new career as Circus Salmagundi’s tattooed lady.

But their engagement in the quiet town of Esquimalt is cut short when a housekeeper is bludgeoned to death, a nightmarish devil mask is stolen from a private art collection, and Rose is accused of both murder and theft.

To clear her name, Rose must root out the real killer. Her investigation unravels a seedy history of stolen artifacts, forgotten folklore, and hidden identities. Where did the devil mask come from and who would kill to get it back? Is the murderer a stranger, a villager… or one of her troupe? Her new circus family has welcomed her with open arms but Rose wonders, who can she really trust?

Set against the vibrant backdrop of sideshow performers, carnival prodigies and fortune tellers, Truly the Devil’s Work explores the sinister nature of imperialism, vengeance, and family secrets. Can Rose uncover the killer’s identity, or will she take the fall for their crimes? In a world left scarred by war and tragedy, Rose Ivy must use the skills of her violent past to protect any hope for her future.

Truly the Devil's Work is the first book in the Circus Salmagundi Mysteries.