Kayla Cottingham

Submitted for the approval of The Midnight Society: Are You Afraid of the Dark?: The Tale of the Vanishing Circus is out today!

This book was my first time writing IP and it was such a honor to get to play in the AYAOTD? sandbox. Middle grade horror is so fun to write and I’m so glad @abramskids and @nickelodeon gave me the opportunity to try it out. If you’re a fan of creepy circuses, queer coming of age stories, and ghosts, I highly recommend it!

Official synopsis:
Thirteen-year-old Riley Beasley is focused on her future―especially her goal of leaving the small town of Lake Glory to attend an Ivy League school. It’s a lot of pressure, and her mom’s reminders to live in the moment only make her feel more misunderstood. Even Riley’s best friend, paranormal-obsessed Genna, just doesn’t get it.

On the night of the Blood Moon, Genna convinces Riley to sneak out and investigate some strange lights that beckon from the woods. There the two friends discover a mysterious circus and its teenage ringleader, Starr.

At first, both girls are drawn to the magic of the big top. But soon, they can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t quite right. Where did all these circus kids come from? Why aren’t there any adults around? Like anyone, Starr certainly has her secrets . . . but can she be trusted?

As the girls become more entrenched in Starr’s hypnotic world, their friendship faces the ultimate test. Will they be best friends forever? Or will the sinister truth tear them apart?

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