A Living Nightmare

Shan, Darren. A Living Nightmare. Book 1 of the Cirque du Freak series. 2000. 266p. ISBN 9780316603409. Available at FIC SHA on the library shelves.

Darren and his friends are always seeking thrills. And when they spot a poster advertising the Cirque du Freak, they are intrigued. Steve, Darren’s friend, manages to score two tickets to the circus. To be fair, he throws the other ticket in the air, and of the three kids there, the ticket lands in Darren’s hands.

The mysterious freak show takes place in an abandoned theatre. Mr. Tall, the master of ceremonies, introduces the freaks one after the other. The wolfman bites a spectator woman’s off, much to the dismay and the fascination of Steve and Darren. More freaks go by, until Mr. Crepsley appears on the scene, accompanied by a giant spider. Suddenly, Darren is engrossed. He loves spiders.

Mr. Crepsley’s spider is trained, and performs many acts, all while Mr. Crepsley plays a tune on his flute. Darren wants the spider, Madam Octa. At the end of the show, Steve tells Darren to move on, while he confronts Mr. Crepsley. Darren decides to stay, however, and discovers that Mr. Crepsley is a vampire!

Despite the risk, Darren comes back a few days later and steals Madame Octa from Mr. Crepsley. But the spider has a mind of its own, and owning a vampire’s pet can be lethal to one’s health...

The story continues in The Vampire Assistant.