Five friends. One vengeful plan. A carnival that knows their darkest secrets.
Lila Moran’s younger brother took his own life after relentless bullying, and she knows exactly who’s responsible—her four best friends. When their car crashes on a dark and lonely road, they find themselves trapped in a nightmare where every ride is a test, and every game holds deadly stakes. But this is no ordinary carnival—it’s a twisted venue where sins must be confessed, and lies are paid for in blood.
A grinning Ringmaster knows all their secrets. Sweet-talking Miss Ruby runs a motel where no one sleeps peacefully. And a silent Strong Man makes sure there’s no escape. As her friends face their sins one by one, Lila thinks she’s finally getting the justice her brother deserves. But Dead Man’s Carnival plays by its own rules, and even the vengeful sister might find herself facing truths she’s not ready to confess.
Step right up to Dead Man’s Carnival, where the price of admission is your darkest secret. The carnival knows what you did. And it’s time to pay up.
Bella Vex is the dark alter ego of USA Today bestselling romance author Rachelle Ayala. While Rachelle spends her days crafting heartwarming love stories, Bella emerges at midnight to explore the shadows where desire turns to obsession and tradition hides ancient horrors.
Bella’s work explores themes of identity, transformation, and the price we pay for belonging. She believes that the best horror stories are born where passion and fear intersect, and she brings this unique perspective from her romance background into her horror fiction.
Rachelle Ayala is a USA Today Bestselling author: contemporary romance, romantic comedy, romantic suspense, Jane Austen fan fiction and romantasy. She writes emotionally compelling stories featuring endearing characters who are relatable and have fun while tackling their issues and falling in love. With a touch of humor woven throughout her tales, Rachelle ensures her readers not only feel deeply but also share a laugh or two along the way. https://rachelleayala.net