Waldgeist: A Gothic Tragedy
(The Witch and the Ringmaster Book One)
Victorian tale Waldgeist explores the psyche of Yasmin Lange, a German aerialist who joins a haunted circus, is accused of witchcraft, and battles an obsession with the diabolical Ringmaster Erbanhue.
A Gothic historical narrative showcasing the passion of restraint, Manteufel’s debut duology, “The Witch and the Ringmaster,” submerges the reader in Yasmin’s mordant soul and the ringmaster’s fiery nature, culminating in a later-in-life paranormal romance in Book Two, Schattengeist.
Waldgeist and Schattengeist beckon to fans of women’s literary fiction such as Jane Eyre and the mysterious atmosphere of Morgenstern’s The Night Circus.
Order the 2025 hardcover editions from Bookshop.org below:
Blurbs for Waldgeist (2024) and Schattengeist (2025)
In Book 1, “Forest Spirit,” the diary of the aerialist and accused witch Yasmin Lange is discovered after her sudden death in Erbanhue’s Fair of Phantoms. Yasmin’s tale of social isolation, supernatural mystery, and romantic obsession unfolds as the reader ponders whether Yasmin is unhinged or a hex witch, hopelessly in love with the moody Ringmaster Erbanhue.
Book 2, “Shadow Spirit,” takes place ten years later. Now retired to an English mansion that some would consider theatrical, Erbanhue skims Yasmin’s diary over and over again. Before long, his own obsessive thoughts tempt the ghost of Yasmin to haunt him. In this later-in-life romance of empowerment, fantasy, and love at any cost, the former ringmaster must resurrect his ghost-witch by digging deeper into his bloodline than he ever cared to look.
This fire-and-ice duo just might become the jewel of your Victorian Gothic collection.
Reviews for The Witch and the Ringmaster
“The writing is classic gothic with an eerie vibe. The descriptive narration is so immersive with emotional tension. The characterization of Yasmin is clever and well-written. A brilliant gothic tragedy from start to finish.”
—Editorial Review for Waldgeist by NN Light Book Heaven
“Written with an effortless, erudite Victorian sensibility—enhancing rather than detracting from the narrative—Waldgeist and Schattengeist are charming and dark, tragic and triumphant, bitter and hopeful, filled with unforgettable characters who don’t fit into easily defined, formulaic boxes.”
—V. B. Scott, author of Revenge of the Bakeneko
“Schattengeist is an expertly crafted work of Gothic literature. Richelle Manteufel created a love story unlike any other Gothic romance I have read to date.”
—Elise Nelson, author of The Light in Hades
“The writing and characters are simply sublime. I could not stop turning the pages, even late into the night.”
—Waldgeist Amazon Review (starred review)
2024 NNL Book Heaven Award
