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Circle of Shadows

Evie Winstanley (Book 1)

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What to expect

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 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

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Author Marisa Linton
Narrator Rose Robinson
Series Evie Winstanley
Duration 12 hours and 13 minutes
Release Date
ISBN 9781399740210
Format Audiobook
Publisher Hodder & Stoughton
Genre Classic crime and mystery fiction, Crime and mystery fiction, Crime and mystery: private investigator / amateur detectives, Crime and mystery: women sleuths, Fantasy, Horror and supernatural fiction, Mysticism, magic and occult interests, Mythical and legendary beings, monsters and creatures, Occult fiction, Occult studies, Traditional stories, myths and fairy tales
Availability AU, GB, IE

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