Freeks: A Novel

Mara has moved around since she was young, as part of her mother’s traveling carnival. As she has no special abilities of her own – unlike her mother, who can talk to the dead, or her best friend Roxie, who can control fire – so she helps out where she can, restocking, providing drinks, cleaning up. Her group of misfits was assured a huge payday for setting up in Caudry, Louisiana. Mara meets Gabe her first night, and is attracted to him, despite the shadows she sees in him. However, something sinister is hunting the carnival members, and something dark is haunting her dreams. In order to save her friends and family, she needs help interpreting her dreams and controlling her emerging ability, which just may help her beat the sinister force stalking their carnival. Hocking has created a strange and magical carnival setting for her newest stand-alone novel. While the time frame is a little suspect and her big finish predictable, her loyal fans will enjoy this quick romp while waiting for her next project. The 80s setting helps to explain the lack of cell phones and computers. While not her best work, Hocking’s newest book is worth a read.