Review of The Ringmaster

[Jenipher Owino]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Ringmaster" by Karen Restaino.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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The Ringmaster is a captivating thriller that takes the reader on a journey through time and secrets, following the lives of three generations of a family linked by a mysterious ring and a series of murders. The book is divided into three parts, each focusing on a different era and a different protagonist, all connected by the ring and its dark history.

The first part of the book is set in 1937, when Amy, a young woman living on a farm in Derbyshire, England, meets Jack, a charming circus performer who gives her a ring that he claims has magical powers. Amy falls in love with Jack, but soon discovers that he is not who he seems, and that he has a dangerous past that involves a notorious serial killer known as the Ringmaster, who was active in London in the late 19th century. Amy finds herself in peril as Jack's enemies catch up with him, and she has to make a choice between loyalty and survival.

The second part of the book is set in 1979, when Tom, Amy's son, inherits the ring from his mother and decides to investigate its origins. He learns that the ring belonged to the Ringmaster, who was a master of disguise and manipulation, and who used the ring to lure his victims and kill them in gruesome ways. Tom becomes obsessed with finding out the truth about the Ringmaster and his connection to Jack, and he uncovers a shocking secret that changes everything.


The third part of the book is set in 2020 when Georgia, Tom's daughter, moves to High Oakham cottage with her father, Len, after the death of her mother. They soon realize that the cottage is haunted by the ghosts of the past, and that someone is trying to kill them. Georgia and Len must unravel the mystery of the ring and its link to the Ringmaster before it's too late.

The Ringmaster is a gripping and suspenseful novel that keeps the reader hooked from the first page to the last. The author skillfully weaves together the stories of the three generations, creating a complex and intriguing plot full of twists and turns. The characters are well-developed and realistic, each with their own flaws and motivations. The book also explores the themes of family, betrayal, revenge, and destiny, showing how one small change can have significant effects elsewhere.

The book is well-written and engaging, with a fast-paced and thrilling style that suits the genre. The author also uses vivid descriptions and details to create a vivid atmosphere and setting for each part of the book, from the rural farm in Derbyshire to the bustling city of London to the eerie cottage in High Oakham. The book also incorporates elements of historical fiction, fantasy, horror, and romance, making it appealing to a wide range of readers.

I would rate the book The Ringmaster by Karen Restaino 4 out of 5 stars. It is a very well-written and exciting thriller that keeps the reader interested and entertained throughout. The book has a lot of strengths, such as:

The plot is complex and intriguing, with a lot of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing and surprised. The book also has a satisfying and unexpected ending that ties up all the loose ends and reveals the truth about the ring and the Ringmaster.
The characters are realistic and relatable, each with their own personality, background, and motivation. The author makes the reader care about the characters and their fate, as well as understand their choices and actions. The book also shows how the characters evolve and change over time, as well as how they are affected by the events and secrets that surround them.
The book is well-researched and incorporates elements of historical fiction, fantasy, horror, and romance. The author creates a vivid and authentic atmosphere and setting for each part of the book, using historical facts, details, and references. The book also uses elements of fantasy and horror to create a sense of mystery and suspense, as well as elements of romance to add some emotion and drama to the story.
The book also has some weaknesses, such as:

The book is sometimes too fast-paced and rushed, leaving some parts of the story underdeveloped or unclear. For example, some of the transitions between the past and the present are abrupt and confusing, making it hard to follow the timeline and the connection between the characters. Some of the scenes are also too short or vague, leaving some questions unanswered or some details missing.
The book is sometimes too predictable or clichéd, using some tropes or stereotypes that are common in the genre. For example, some of the characters are too good or too evil, lacking some complexity or nuance. Some of the situations or events are also too convenient or coincidental, lacking some logic or realism.
Overall, I think The Ringmaster is a very enjoyable and thrilling book that will appeal to fans of thrillers and mysteries, as well as anyone who likes a good story with a lot of surprises. It is a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The Ringmaster is a highly recommended book for fans of thrillers and mysteries, as well as for anyone who enjoys a good story with a lot of surprises. It is a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. I must also mention that the book is professionally edited with no grammatical errors or typos detected in it.

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The Ringmaster
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Cara Wilding]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Ringmaster" by Karen Restaino.]

The Ringmaster is a captivating thriller that takes the reader on a journey through time and secrets, following the lives of three generations of a family linked by a mysterious ring and a series of murders. The book is divided into three parts, each focusing on a different era and a different protagonist, all connected by the ring and its dark history.

Ooooh! It sounds like each of the parts could almost make up a book in a series! Mystery and murder—you're talking my love language   A complex plot, satisfying ending, and all the loose ends tied up—also something that makes me happier than a kid in a candy store! The Ringmaster sounds like an interesting, ominous character. Your dislikes are like a sassy headline straight out of the "What Not to Do for Wriers" playbook. I'm glad to see you still recommend it, despite those pesky little issues.

[Jenipher Owino]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Ringmaster" by Karen Restaino.]

The Ringmaster is a captivating thriller that takes the reader on a journey through time and secrets, following the lives of three generations of a family linked by a mysterious ring and a series of murders. The book is divided into three parts, each focusing on a different era and a different protagonist, all connected by the ring and its dark history.

Ooooh! It sounds like each of the parts could almost make up a book in a series! Mystery and murder—you're talking my love language   A complex plot, satisfying ending, and all the loose ends tied up—also something that makes me happier than a kid in a candy store! The Ringmaster sounds like an interesting, ominous character. Your dislikes are like a sassy headline straight out of the "What Not to Do for Wriers" playbook. I'm glad to see you still recommend it, despite those pesky little issues.

Thank you so much for leaving a comment. I hope you get time to read this book. Thank you again.