THE NEW YORK TIMES EDITOR'S CHOICE. IDEAL FOR RICHARD HOSMAN FANS.

Tattoos Foretold Her Death...Just a few years ago, Willoughgean Parker was an ordinary traveling circus performer. Now she works with Lillian Pentecost, the most famous detective in New York. But the past doesn’t want to let her go... Someone killed the “Amazing Tattooed Woman,” Will’s circus friend. She was stabbed in the back, and the only suspect was Valentin Kalishchenko, the man who replaced Will's father. To protect Kalishchenko from a date with the electric chair and to understand the intricacies of the circus, Miss Pentecost and her assistant go to the sleepy town of Stoppard, Virginia. Very soon they begin to realize that Will's former colleagues are also masters of illusion, and secrets can be hidden not only under the ink on the skin... A charming and witty detective with two brave detectives, a traveling circus and a fascinating investigation in the center of the plot.

< p>“Delightful! It's fun to watch Pentecost and Parker solve the mysteries one by one and develop as characters. Stephen Spotswood is a master at creating amazing stories." — The New York Times Book Review "Outstanding style, color, and great jokes are what make this noir detective story so special." — Tana French “Expect a believable traveling circus atmosphere and mind-bending puzzles...” — Kirkus Reviews “A vibrant and exciting story with great characters and funny dialogue! Stephen Spotswood is now one of my favorite authors, and I will recommend the Pentecost and Parker series to everyone.” — Criminal Element