This writing style of including diary extracts,letters, police reports, dissertation journaling and newspaper extracts is quite engaging. I'm beginning to identify the author's signature - multiple voices, multiple view points almost creating the feeling of an intimate bookclub for academics or an appointment to defend a thesis.

This novella has it all but it small doses, fantasy or magic, easily explained away by science in the 20th and 21st century. Kangaroo courts and injustice, Freakshows, Abuse, misguided notions of love.

It feels a little less than whole. I am not sure what it's missing, but there is something... more
Still, it made for an interesting hour and break from everything else ( )

Series Info/Source: This is a stand alone short story. I borrowed a copy of this on ebook from my library.

Thoughts: This was a well done short story about a woman who is trying to figure out the past of one of her ancestors. One of her ancestors suffered from a rare genetic disease that caused her to have wood like growths all over her body. Her ancestor's murder was supposedly solved, but our main protagonist wants to dig into it futher.

I enjoyed this quick read. I liked learning about this rare genetic disease and enjoyed the look into sideshow attractions from the past. There is a good little mystery here as well. I found the story and characters to be engaging and interesting. The writing was easy to read and beautifully written.

My Summary (4/5): Overall this was a well done short story. I enjoyed the topic, the characters, the mystery, and the plot as a whole. I always enjoy Goss's writing style and plan to pick up more books and short stories by her in the future. This was a quick and engaging short read that I would recommend. ( )

It was okay for me. Came to know about quite a few human conditions and how those who were afflicted had no option but to be part of the freak show. Feels good that we now live in times where our individuality is valued and celebrated. For that part the book has been very educational.

Coming to the story it was just okay. ( )