Waldgeist: A Gothic Tragedy
(The Witch and the Ringmaster Book One)
Bound to a haunted circus, an antisocial aerialist falls in love with the moody ringmaster.
Victorian Gothic tale Waldgeist explores the psyche of Yasmin Lange, a German orphan who joins a haunted circus, is accused of witchcraft, and battles an obsession with the diabolical Ringmaster Erbanhue.
A historical narrative showcasing the passion of restraint, Manteufel’s debut 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.
“The Witch and the Ringmaster” duology beckons 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:
This fire-and-ice duo might become the jewel of your Victorian Gothic collection.
2024 NNL Book Heaven Award
“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
