One of Us
- Judith D Collins
- 5 days ago
- 7 min read
By: Dan Chaon
Narrators: Dan Chaon, John Pirhalla, Stephanie Németh-Parker
Macmillan Audio
ISBN: 9781250175236
Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
Publication Date: 09/23/2025
Format: Other
My Rating: 5 Stars (ARC)
A playfully macabre and utterly thrilling tale about orphaned twins on the run from their murderous uncle who find refuge in a bizarre traveling carnival, from master of literary horror Dan Chaon
It’s 1915 and the world is transforming, but for thirteen-year-old Bolt and Eleanor—twins so close they can literally read each other’s minds—life is falling apart. When their mother dies, they are forced to leave home under the care of a vicious con man who claims to be their long-lost uncle Charlie, the only kin they have left. During a late-night poker game, when one of his rages ends in murder, they decide to flee.
Salvation arrives in the form of Mr. Jengling, founder of the Emporium of Wonders and father to its many members. He adopts Bolt and Eleanor, who travel by train across the vast, sometimes brutal American frontier with their new family, watching as the exhibitions spark amazement wherever they go. There’s Minnie, the three-legged lady, and Dr. Chui, who stands over seven feet tall; Thistle Britches, the clown with no nose, and Rosalie, who can foretell the death of anyone she meets.
After a lifetime of having only each other, Eleanor and Bolt are finally part of something bigger. But as Bolt falls in deeper with their new clan, he finds Eleanor pulling further away from him. And when Uncle Charlie picks up their trail, the twins find themselves facing a peril as strange as it is terrifying, one which will forever alter the trajectory of their lives. An ode to the misfits and the marginalized, One of Us is a riotous and singularly creepy celebration of the strange and the spectacular and of family in its many forms.
My Review
Prepare yourself for an exhilarating WILD journey into the imagination of the renowned storyteller, Dan Chaon, as he unveils his fifth novel, ONE OF US. Following the critically acclaimed works "Sleepwalk" and "Ill Will" (two favorites), this darkly comedic narrative takes readers on a thrilling adventure with twin orphan siblings whose lives intertwine with an eclectic band of misfits when they join a traveling circus to escape a crazy serial killer uncle.
Set against a backdrop of whimsical chaos, this tale is not only filled with spectacular performances and vibrant characters but also weaves in profound life lessons that resonate deeply.
Chaon's storytelling is deftly inspired by literary and cinematic masterpieces, drawing from the haunting 1932 film "Freaks" directed by Tod Browning, and the unsettling allure of Thomas Tryo's novel "The Other," a pivotal read that captivated the author at the tender age of 13. With a rich tapestry of extensive references illuminated in the Author's Note, ONE OF US promises to be a riveting exploration of identity, belonging, and the beauty found in our differences.
About...
Set against the backdrop of the somber Midwestern United States in 1915, the story follows Bolt and Eleanor, thirteen-year-old orphans whose lives have taken a harrowing turn under the sinister guardianship of “Uncle C,” known to others as Charlie. A con man with a chilling blend of charm and malice, Charlie is not only a psychopath but also a serial killer, casting a dark shadow over the twins’ existence.
In the weeks leading up to their mother’s tragic passing in 1914, she had foreseen her untimely fate, a chilling prophecy that left the twins to navigate a world filled with danger and deceit.
In a desperate bid for freedom, Bolt and Eleanor finally manage to escape Charlie's clutches with the unexpected help of a mysterious figure known as Mr. Jengling. This enigmatic man runs a circus that roams from town to town, the Jengling Traveling Emporium of Wonders, a kaleidoscope of both spectacle and sorrow.
The circus is a gathering of society’s misfits and marvels—intellectually and physically unique individuals—whose extraordinary talents are showcased as they traverse the landscapes of small towns, captivating audiences while revealing their own poignant stories.
As the narrative unfolds, readers are introduced to the vibrant personalities within this unconventional family: the strongwoman with her formidable presence, the dog-faced boy whose condition evokes both fascination and sympathy, and, most unsettlingly, Rosalie—a woman cursed with a second head protruding from the side of her neck, gifted with the morbid ability to predict the time and manner of a person’s death. Each performer’s background is intricately woven into the tapestry of the circus, highlighting their unique abilities and the struggles they've overcome.
In their newfound home, the twins discover a sense of belonging, family, and acceptance that had long eluded them. They uncover their own extraordinary talents, possessing the rare abilities of telepathy and telekinesis, which further set them apart and strengthen their bond with their fellow performers.
Yet, lurking in the shadows is Uncle Charlie, relentless in his pursuit of the twins and leaving a trail of bloodshed in his wake. Who would ever suspect that these two cherished infants would bravely flee from the so-called protection of their guardian? And who could have imagined that the only flicker of altruism in Uncle Charlie's dark heart would ignite such a bitter, furious chase? The tension mounts as Bolt and Eleanor’s fight for freedom intertwines with their struggle to forge a family in a world fraught with both wonder and horror.
My Thoughts...
As an ardent admirer of the author’s work, I am endlessly captivated by his signature eccentric characters, each more vivid and intriguing than the last. His dark humor weaves through every page, adding an unsettling depth to the bizarre settings he masterfully creates. The larger-than-life personas leap off the page, while his innovative storylines keep readers on their toes.
There’s always a sprinkle of heart intertwined with the thrillers, which makes his writing uniquely compelling—guaranteeing that avid fans keep coming back for more.
In this latest tale, the author guides us through the chaotic allure of a traveling carnival, where every curtain hides a dark and twisted secret, leading to unexpected revelations and intense surprises.
Upon their arrival in this peculiar and vibrant family, the twins uncover a sense of safety, purpose, and a spark of wonder amid the chaos, yet paradoxically, they find themselves drifting further apart as their journeys unfold.
At the core of the narrative are the twins, and the meaning of family, from the Orphan Train, the Jengling Carnival, and even Charlie, each looking for family, longing, and embarking on divergent paths that reflect their evolving identities.
Told through multiple perspectives, the narrative captivates readers with the adventures and complexities of this eccentric, darkly enchanting ensemble. The experience is fully immersive—a heady blend of dark entertainment and deeply disturbing elements, paired with exuberant liveliness that keeps one enthralled.
Dan Chaon adeptly leads us into the captivating world of the twins and their intriguing circus—a tale that challenges us to ponder the true meaning of belonging in a world filled with whimsical chaos and hidden depths.
Recs...
For fans of the author and those who enjoy their books with some freaky, weird, strange vibes with a side of horror, crime, mystery, suspense, eccentric — a thoughtful 'thriller with heart' that emphasizes the deep personal and emotional connections of its characters.
Readers who savor tales infused with eerie peculiarities, ONE OF US is a treasure trove. Picture a story laced with unsettling atmospheres, where mysteries unfold amidst a cast of intriguing misfits. The thoughtful narrative offers not only chills but also profound insights that resonate deeply. If you’re drawn to captivating narratives that intertwine the strange and haunting with meaningful life lessons, this is a journey you won’t want to miss.
Special thanks to Henry Holt & Company and NetGalley for providing an advanced review copy for my honest thoughts. I can't wait to see what Chaon comes up with next.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub date: Sept 23, 2025
Praise
"Chaon has also delivered a sharp thriller … Set mainly in 1915, the novel captures a vanished vaudeville world that Chaon resurrects in thoughtful detail, down to the era’s slang (ziggety, conflustered, woofits). But in its latter chapters, the novel is also powerfully otherworldly, deliberately warping assumptions about life, death, and the nature of souls…. A magic trick: A novel that’s both deeply unsettling and tenderhearted."―Kirkus (starred)
“Only in Dan Chaon's hands does a rollicking tale of a traveling sideshow carnival, serial killer, and psychic orphaned twins become a complex, soaring elegy for an America that never was and never will be. One of Us is a brilliant novel and a beating heart in the darkness.”
―Paul Tremblay, New York Times bestselling author of Horror Movie and A Head Full of Ghosts
“One of Us is an immersive, thrilling, and wonderfully twisted funhouse mirror of a novel. Dan Chaon builds a reality just familiar enough to lure you in―then distorts it in the most unsettling, exhilarating ways. I couldn’t look away.”
―Danielle Trussoni, New York Times bestselling author of The Puzzle Box
“I’ve run off to join the circus, Ma! It’s Dan Chaon’s. And I don’t ever want to leave."
―Stephen Graham Jones, New York Times bestselling author of The Buffalo Hunter Hunter
"Chaon dazzles with his vision of family, strangeness, and the tension between care and exploitation. This captivating adventure is not to be missed."―Publishers Weekly (starred)
"Chaon’s writing evokes the surreality of its setting, but the novel is also an affecting story about the nature of acceptance."
―Los Angeles Times
About the Author
Dan Chaon is an American educator and award-winning writer, the author of the national bestseller Ill Will which was recognized as one of the top 10 books of 2017 by a number of publications, including The New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and Los Angeles Times. WEBSITE
