Some of the books also explore the psychological side of being a clown or dealing with the mysteries of a carnival experience, which at times leads to a dark decline of the character’s psyche, leaving us wondering what hides behind that smile and laughter. While I love all these books that I selected to feature, I would love to see more of these books by women and authors of color. Pick any of the books below and get ready for a scare of the clownish kind. Have you read any favorite creepy clown tales that you’d like to share with us? Let us know on Twitter @BookRiot and let me know on Twitter @AuroraMiami. The circus itself features clowns that never get out of character, constantly in their makeup and clown attire. But behind the clownish façade there is talk about a place called Clown Street that no clown, even the most sinister one, wants to visit. This tale, with its many surprises, will have even older readers creeped out by its development. Following her turbulent turn into jester Harley Quinn, Dr. Quinzel slowly becomes what she once feared the most while working with her patients: one of Gotham City’s most troubled souls. As she treats those in Arkham Asylum, this origin story also follows her obsession with Joker, as the relationship wreaks havoc in the city and on her inner self and sense of being. Clown Girl showcases a woman who masters the art of the laugh, like Charlie Chaplin, yet her theatrical ways don’t save her from becoming a “corporate clown” to support her performance artist boyfriend. Her escapades turn dark as we follow the performer’s struggle. This tale veers mostly in the dark and psychological, leaving us wondering if at times those jesters who laugh the most are suffering from their own inner demons and how hard it is to overcome them. This is when deputy Vanessa Castro steps in, trying to solve the unsolvable and track down a selection of missing people. This thriller, full of carnival creeps, will surely keep you thinking about it and its characters.
