This is a light-hearted, short, and fast paced cozy murder mystery. It is filled with quirky characters, gimmicky banter, and an unrelated relationship blog side plot.
It was a clever premise with mediocre delivery. I could have done without the relationship blog, and the author's obsession with describing everyone's size. Seriously, Hayden's nickname was based on how short he was, and he had a friend literally named Burley who was frequently described as extremely large. For a book that promoted being yourself in regards to gender and sexual preferences, there was a lot of body size shaming which I found obnoxiously hypocritical.
Hayden's frenemy/neighbor is accused of murdering a circus performer. Hayden is gay, his bff Hollister is a lesbian, and they pose as reporters to go to the circus and try to figure out who actually committed the murder.
The book did get significantly more entertaining about halfway through, but unfortunately I would not read another in this series. I appreciate the ARC from NetGalley and the publishers.

1⭐️

This is my first time giving a 1 star review. I was really looking forward to this audiobook. The premise looked promising, but once i started listening I was so disappointed.
The narrator is trying to do women’s voices but the result is so bad and stereotypical. Like every woman sounds high pitched or sultry.
The comments on the body of a big character were scandalous. I couldn’t stand it.

I always finish books provided for a honest review, but this time I couldn’t stand it. I’m a proud feminist and this book is everything I’m not.
Thank you netgalley for providing the arc. This is my honest review.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because I really enjoyed the found family aspect of the story.

What I didn’t enjoy as much is that there were just. So. Many. Topics and plots. Most of them worked, but a few didn’t.

I loved the cozy mystery aspect of this book, just like the first book, but the numerous threads including a look-a-like trans drag queen, the politics of being a gay teacher, and (mainly) the relationship blogs just felt like a bit took much. I honestly would have been happy without any romance plot at all, because it seemed like rhe only point of the relationship blog was to explain the background romance - as the actual action of the story sees next to zero romantic interaction between our MC and other characters. That’s totally okay and I actually rather enjoyed it because of that - but it made the blogs often feel a bit jarring and unnecessary.

I enjoyed the characters and setting a lot, and appreciated that it was two friends who seem a bit opposite pulling each other into hijinx.

There was some slight fatphobia that seemed done in the interest of "description," "joking," or "body acceptance." It was rarely done by the person described that way and mostly by the main character as a detailed description or joke about the person who was overweight.

I loved the backdrop of the Cirque, and thought that it was a pretty fun read. I'd recommend it with the caveat that if the descriptions will trigger someone it may not be for them. It's only an issue maybe 3-4 times from what I recall.

I’m always nervous to read book two of a series, especially when book one was so joyous

However, Pete Cross’s narration made it feel like I’d never left the lovable mismatched group of LGBTQ+ friends. He’s a great narrator and I especially love his Burley voice - he makes the massive intimidating woman so much more than just her looks

A murder occurs almost immediately and the sleuthing begins. It’s a lot faster with less exposition than book one - so if possible, read Devil’s Chew Toy first - I think it’s really vital to understand how this group was formed

I loved new trans character Jess and the fact that he’s MC Hayden’s doppelgänger! Plus who doesn’t crave drag?!

Again, I enjoyed Hayden’s sporadic blog entries and they only added to the gay, cozy and loving aspect of the book

Although the backdrop of the mystery was fun (Cirque du Soleil if you didn’t get that!) my mind did occasionally wander with all the new characters and for some reason I struggled to care as much about Sara Lee’s innocence

Hayden is more confident than last time which makes sense but I missed the unbalanced power dynamic and feel like I related more to how-am-I-here-Hayden

Overall this a really fun, lighthearted cozy mystery and I’m looking forward to hearing more from Hayden and friends

Thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for access to this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review

This is the 2nd book in a cozy mystery series. I hadn't read the first book, and it definitely didn't hinder my enjoyment of this book.

The book follows Hayden McCall and his friends as they walk the tight rope of life, love and solving a murder. Hayden and his best friend Hollister are helping out with a fundraiser that is being hosted by Hollister's friend Sarah Lee. However, the main act (Kennedy Osaka) for the fundraiser fails to show. Since Sarah Lee is a longtime friend of Kennedy, she decides to look for her in Kennedy's hotel room. Not only does Sarah Lee find Kennedy murdered, but she is found there by the police while holding the murder weapon. Even though Hayden doesn't really like Sarah Lee, he decides to help his friend Hollister in clearing Sarah Lee's name.

This book is phenomenal! I listened to the entire book in one day. I did have to pause a few times to walk away from the book, but that was with great reluctance. I love the wonderful friendship between Hayden and all his quirky friends. They will go to any length to help each other out. When I say quirky, I really do mean it too. One friend has a pot farm in her basement and raises emus. The majority of the characters are LGBTQIA+ which isn't something that you see in a lot of cozy mysteries.

Pete Cross did a wonderful job with his voices for the various characters. He definitely kept me entertained with his narration.

I am planning on getting Devil's Chew Toy (the first book in the series). Even though some of the plot from that book was mentioned, I loved this book so much that I want to read the first one.

Definitely be on the lookout for this book as it is set to publish on March 5th. It is a good one.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an open and honest review.

Cirque du Slay is the second in a quirky, cozy mystery series following an awkward gay guy, Hayden, and his tough lesbian friend, Hollister, who keep stumbling into crimes that need solving. This time around, a famous magician ends up dead, and a friend is the main suspect. So, of course, these two are back on their bullshit to figure out what the cops can’t.

I adore how quickly Hayden and Hollister get into researching crime scene layouts, doing low-key interviews, and generally getting into shenanigans. Their strong friendship is heartwarming and joyful. I appreciate how it continues to develop over the course of their adventures. I also love the return of Hayden’s elderly neighbor with great life advice, and the introduction of a cute puppy! And there’s a little light romance with a handsome acrobat. What more could anyone want from a cozy mystery?

If you’re looking for a good time, this is a perfectly fun romp!

The follow-up to “Devil’s Chew Toy,” I was NOT left disappointed in Hayden’s newest zany mystery. Could there have been a bit more drama, twists, and turns? Sure, but considering how so often the second book in a series is such a flop, I’d consider this a win for Osler.

Narrator, Pete Cross, was great as usual. No complaints.

Overall, I was pleased with this book and would even consider listening to it again in the future after re-reading “Devil’s Chew Toy.”

Would recommend to those who enjoy queer reads, cute mysteries, and a side of humour.

(I received this ALC via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you.)

Oof. I was excited for this one, but sadly it fell flat. The audiobook narration was awkward, and the writing felt choppy. It also felt like a super high stakes story consistently, and the lack of variety in stakes made this fall flat for me.

rep: all queer cast

I am really loving Rob Osler’s Hayden & Friends Cozy Mystery Series! Fast paced with a hilarious cast of characters Cirque du Slay kept me chuckling and guessing until the last page!

📚 Second in the Series
🎪 Circus
🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQIA+
🔍 Cozy Mystery
🕵️‍♂️ Amateur Sleuth
🐾 Adorable Pups
😹 Hoot and a Half

Method Read: 🎧
Pete Cross did a fantastic job narrating and bringing the story to life!

Thank you Dreamscape Media for the gifted copy!

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this ALC! *all thoughts and opinions are my own*

I had such a fun time listening to this book. If you enjoy murder mystery, amateur sleuthing, found family and make all the characters Queer and diverse, this one’s for you!

It had all the cozy feels with the perfect amount of suspense and comedy to make this an easy read/listen and I was still trying to figure out who the killer was at the end.

The narrator did a phenomenal job-it felt like I was listening to a best friend tell me a story.

Hayden is a middle school teacher and gay dating blogger, not a detective, but that won't stop him being dragged into solving a murder case with his best friend, Hollister. Eager to clear their friend of a friend, Sarah Lee, when she's found at the scene of crime where Kennedy Osaka, the new artistic director of an upscale circus show, has been murdered, they are on the case in this madcap murder mystery.

I appreciated listening to this cozy LGBTQIA+ mystery. This is a sequel, but it doesn't seem critical that you have read the first one. Parts of Hayden's narration felt scattered so it took me a while to get into the story and feel invested. You'll probably enjoy this if you are looking for a quirky Pacific NW low stakes mystery romp.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media for an ALC on NetGalley.

I'm not quite sure if this would be a cozy mystery or not but it seems to have most of the elements. I didn't know this was a sequel but I feel like I managed just fine with the story without the other book. I think this book's biggest problem is that it literally takes the readers hand and points at the things you are supposed to know. It has no trust in it's readers. To the point where after almost every conversation Hayden would recap it and say something like - I caught on to the fact that they said red shirt but how would they know what color shirt the suspect was wearing? Like...that takes ALL the fun out of clues. Hayden spells out Every. Single. Thing. The blog posts were meh. For a book trying to drop an LGBTQ+ message or two in here and there, I really hated they way it talked about bodies and it just made everything seem insensitive and insincere. Overall the book is fine. Pete Cross is a good narrator and made the audiobook entertaining. Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my goodness but this is such a fun series! It is extraordinarily farfetched but I don't care at all, I am absolutely in love with Hayden and his friends. The characters are fantastic - they are fully three-dimensional and quirky and delightful and I love their interplay. Pair that with funny and funky plots that take myriad twists and turns and sprinkle in some heartfelt emotion, and the result is an absolutely endearing series that is a delight to listen to. I love the narrator and he sounds exactly as I picture Hayden would!

Cirque Du Slay is about a new circus show opening up in Seattle. It's a high-end show that a lot of people are excited to see. However, that is not the only thing people are talking about with this show. Shortly before opening night, the newest member of the team is murdered. The question is who killed her? The number one suspect is someone in our main character Hayden's circle of friends. While he might not know for sure if she is innocent he does know that he wants to know the truth. So the Middle school teacher uses his spring break to play detective with another friend to find out the truth.

This book had me guessing the whole time about the who and why. It was a quick fun read, and even though it's a sequel it's one you could read on its own and still enjoy the story and know what was going on.

Thank you netgalley and dreamscape media for rhe free alc my opinions are my own. This was the most nizarre mystery book I've ever encountered and founs it quite slow moving. I didnt realize this was book 2 but pretty sure i wasnt miasing anything not reading book 1

3 1/2 / 5

I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was great - I definitely recommend listening to the audiobook of this one! It’s the same narrator as ‘The Threat,’ I think, and his voices are so fun.

Premise - when Sara Lee’s childhood friend-turned-magician is killed, Hayden and friends set out to solve the case and clear Sara Lee from suspicion.

I loved that this is a LGBTQIA cozy mystery. I don’t see those often. That, and the fun title, made me so excited to read this! Unfortunately, it wasn’t as funny as I was hoping for and the plot dragged a bit. It was a very pleasant read, but not something that’ll stick with me. It was too easy to put down.

📚 Series or Standalone: series, can be read as a standalone
📚 Genre: LGBTQIA cozy mystery
📚 Target Age Group: adult
📚 Cliffhanger: no

✨ Will I Reread: no
✨ Recommended For: fans of Legends & Lattes looking for a cozy mystery, non-fantasy, equivalent

💕 Characters: 4/5
💕 Writing: 4/5
💕 Plot: 3/5
💕 Pacing: 2/5
💕 Unputdownability: 2/5
💕 Enjoyment: 3/5
💕 Book Cover: 3/5

Thanks, NetGalley and Crooked Lane, for the gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.