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Harker & Moriarty #1
Strange Beasts
In Belle Époque Paris, a monster is murdering powerful men. Stopping it is beginning to look like a woman's job.
When the Gendarmes ask the Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomena for help, they don't expect them to send Samantha Harker.
She's a researcher, more used to papercuts than knife fights. Sam is also the daughter of Dracula's killer and can see into the minds of monsters. It's a perilous power, one that could help her crack this case ─ or have her thrown into an asylum.
Dr Helena Moriarty is Sam's reluctant partner, the Society's finest agent who has forged a formidable path in her notorious father's shadow. Professor Moriarty is in hiding, but he still makes his presence known: Hel's partners have a way of dying in mysterious circumstances.
From Paris' glittering opera house to its darkest catacombs, the investigation pits Sam and Hel against magic, monsters, and men. And beneath their tenuous partnership, something else is growing . . .
But is trusting Hel the key to solving the murders? Or is Sam just another pawn in a Moriarty game?
With characters drawn from the worlds of Dracula and Sherlock Holmes, Strange Beasts is a twisty puzzle box of a historical fantasy ─ perfect for fans of Genevieve Cogman, Theodora Goss, Freya Marske, T. Kingfisher, and Gail Carriger.
When the Gendarmes ask the Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomena for help, they don't expect them to send Samantha Harker.
She's a researcher, more used to papercuts than knife fights. Sam is also the daughter of Dracula's killer and can see into the minds of monsters. It's a perilous power, one that could help her crack this case ─ or have her thrown into an asylum.
Dr Helena Moriarty is Sam's reluctant partner, the Society's finest agent who has forged a formidable path in her notorious father's shadow. Professor Moriarty is in hiding, but he still makes his presence known: Hel's partners have a way of dying in mysterious circumstances.
From Paris' glittering opera house to its darkest catacombs, the investigation pits Sam and Hel against magic, monsters, and men. And beneath their tenuous partnership, something else is growing . . .
But is trusting Hel the key to solving the murders? Or is Sam just another pawn in a Moriarty game?
With characters drawn from the worlds of Dracula and Sherlock Holmes, Strange Beasts is a twisty puzzle box of a historical fantasy ─ perfect for fans of Genevieve Cogman, Theodora Goss, Freya Marske, T. Kingfisher, and Gail Carriger.
371 pages, Hardcover
First published October 15, 2024
292 people are currently reading
26.7k people want to read
About the author
Susan J. Morris
8 books199 followersSusan J. Morris is a fantasy author best known for her Harker & Moriarty novels, including Strange Beasts and its sequel, Wayward Souls. Before succumbing to books entirely, Susan worked as a novels editor at Wizards of the Coast, ran workshops for Clarion West, and penned a popular writing-advice column—all of which, she is coming to realize, are more or less books. Susan makes her home in the rainy Pacific Northwest with her partner, her cats, and entirely too many plants. Find her online at susanjmorris.com.
Content warnings available on her website.
Content warnings available on her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 573 reviews
May 31, 2024
I absolutely loved this! Who doesn't love a 1900s romantic whodunit with mystical creatures and Sherlock Holmes vibes? This book had everything. It was well written, and the storyline was beautiful as well as disturbing (up my alley, for sure).
Sam and Hels, two affiliates of the Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomenon in London, are dispatched to Paris to solve a string of brutal murders. All of the victims are wealthy men yet no valuables have been taken. It is apparent that the culprit is not human, but what is it? Sam and Hels are both no stranger to mysterious phenomenon. Sam is hiding secrets of her own. Hels has a bad reputation - all of her previous partners have died in the field. Who or what is killing these men and why?
Sam and Hels were the perfect sleuthing duo. I enjoyed the slow burn romance throughout the book but the mystery of solving brutal murders was my favorite part.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bindery books for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
❤️❤️❤️
Sam and Hels, two affiliates of the Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomenon in London, are dispatched to Paris to solve a string of brutal murders. All of the victims are wealthy men yet no valuables have been taken. It is apparent that the culprit is not human, but what is it? Sam and Hels are both no stranger to mysterious phenomenon. Sam is hiding secrets of her own. Hels has a bad reputation - all of her previous partners have died in the field. Who or what is killing these men and why?
Sam and Hels were the perfect sleuthing duo. I enjoyed the slow burn romance throughout the book but the mystery of solving brutal murders was my favorite part.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bindery books for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
❤️❤️❤️
February 16, 2025
Susan Morris has brilliantly engineered a darkly atmospheric Victorian fantasy world, complete with monster hunting, secret underground societies, mystical alchemy, and a thrilling monster and mouse investigation surrounding a supernatural murder mystery in her debut novel, Strange Beasts!
Samantha Harker is a researcher at the Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomena in London, England. It’s the beginning of the 20th century but the end of life as Sam knows it. She feels the most at home in her library of tomes or laboratory of alchemy, but she hungers for more. All her life she had been conditioned to believe she was especially susceptible to evil because of her supernatural channeling ability--- she can see into the minds of monsters. To offset the risk of merely existing, she must not use her gifts for fear of corruption, like what happened to her mother under Dracula’s enthrallment. Sam is convinced she is a weakness, a liability, and a potential danger to everyone around her. Sam grapples with using these gifts, feelings of inadequacy, and navigating a society where women are only one misstep away from being declared insane and institutionalized. Sam expertly negotiates her way onto a beastly assignment with Dr. Helena Moriarty, a field agent for the Royal Society. Hel is the daughter of Sherlock Holmes’ notorious nemesis, Professor Moriarty, and her time at the institute has earned her a confounding reputation, as sterling as it is tarnished. She’s brilliant, but ominously, her partners always end up dead. Together, these women will traverse a bloody killing field in hot pursuit of a serial killer on the prowl in Paris, France and face insurmountable odds while racing against the clock on the count down for the next murder. Unlocking the truth will become the heart of the matter for both the investigation and for Sam and Hel’s tenuous relationship as partners. Sam and Hel cannot afford to trust each other, but should they fail to do so, it could cost them everything and swiftly lock them inside a deadly game filled with monstrous secrets, shifting shadows, and masterful subterfuge. Consequently, we as the reader must deduce that failure isn’t an option, but understandably, neither is a clean kill.
I consumed this book in just two days. Obviously, readers who enjoy classic horror, such as Dracula or Frankenstein, and detective novels, like Sherlock Holmes, would love this book, but I also think more contemporary readers of gothic, feminist re-imaginings, such as An Education in Malice or A Dowry of Blood both by S. T Gibson, would also relish the opportunity to sink their teeth into this story! I ended up losing large chunks of time getting lost inside the pages of this book. It was absolutely thrilling to pick up and lamentable when life required me to come back to reality. Morris is making quite the debut with this book! Her writing whisks you away inside a gothic fantasy where you will be fighting tooth and nail with beasts and men, examining dead bodies, analyzing crime scenes, channeling dizzying visions from the monsters responsible, and running through the bowels of the Paris Catacombs on the hunt for a killer! I obsessively read this book at breakneck speed, and I absolutely need more. I loved Hel and Sam together, and how they bring out the best in each other. Their chemistry together is undeniable and totally addictive. The thematic presence of feminine strength and resiliency in open rebellion against the systemic and prolific patriarchy of the time was exhilarating and profoundly satisfactory. If history teaches us anything, it’s this: the real monsters are always men. I will be on the hunt for more books from this author, and I hope another book will be in the works very soon! I could for sure see this becoming a series following Hel and Sam on their thrilling adventures! Read this book. It’s a monstrously good time…
Thank you so much Net Galley and Bindery Books for the ARC and the opportunity to share what I think! All opinions are my own. Publication day is October 15th!
Samantha Harker is a researcher at the Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomena in London, England. It’s the beginning of the 20th century but the end of life as Sam knows it. She feels the most at home in her library of tomes or laboratory of alchemy, but she hungers for more. All her life she had been conditioned to believe she was especially susceptible to evil because of her supernatural channeling ability--- she can see into the minds of monsters. To offset the risk of merely existing, she must not use her gifts for fear of corruption, like what happened to her mother under Dracula’s enthrallment. Sam is convinced she is a weakness, a liability, and a potential danger to everyone around her. Sam grapples with using these gifts, feelings of inadequacy, and navigating a society where women are only one misstep away from being declared insane and institutionalized. Sam expertly negotiates her way onto a beastly assignment with Dr. Helena Moriarty, a field agent for the Royal Society. Hel is the daughter of Sherlock Holmes’ notorious nemesis, Professor Moriarty, and her time at the institute has earned her a confounding reputation, as sterling as it is tarnished. She’s brilliant, but ominously, her partners always end up dead. Together, these women will traverse a bloody killing field in hot pursuit of a serial killer on the prowl in Paris, France and face insurmountable odds while racing against the clock on the count down for the next murder. Unlocking the truth will become the heart of the matter for both the investigation and for Sam and Hel’s tenuous relationship as partners. Sam and Hel cannot afford to trust each other, but should they fail to do so, it could cost them everything and swiftly lock them inside a deadly game filled with monstrous secrets, shifting shadows, and masterful subterfuge. Consequently, we as the reader must deduce that failure isn’t an option, but understandably, neither is a clean kill.
I consumed this book in just two days. Obviously, readers who enjoy classic horror, such as Dracula or Frankenstein, and detective novels, like Sherlock Holmes, would love this book, but I also think more contemporary readers of gothic, feminist re-imaginings, such as An Education in Malice or A Dowry of Blood both by S. T Gibson, would also relish the opportunity to sink their teeth into this story! I ended up losing large chunks of time getting lost inside the pages of this book. It was absolutely thrilling to pick up and lamentable when life required me to come back to reality. Morris is making quite the debut with this book! Her writing whisks you away inside a gothic fantasy where you will be fighting tooth and nail with beasts and men, examining dead bodies, analyzing crime scenes, channeling dizzying visions from the monsters responsible, and running through the bowels of the Paris Catacombs on the hunt for a killer! I obsessively read this book at breakneck speed, and I absolutely need more. I loved Hel and Sam together, and how they bring out the best in each other. Their chemistry together is undeniable and totally addictive. The thematic presence of feminine strength and resiliency in open rebellion against the systemic and prolific patriarchy of the time was exhilarating and profoundly satisfactory. If history teaches us anything, it’s this: the real monsters are always men. I will be on the hunt for more books from this author, and I hope another book will be in the works very soon! I could for sure see this becoming a series following Hel and Sam on their thrilling adventures! Read this book. It’s a monstrously good time…
Thank you so much Net Galley and Bindery Books for the ARC and the opportunity to share what I think! All opinions are my own. Publication day is October 15th!
October 26, 2024
4 Stars
Exhilarating, grisly, and irresistibly atmospheric, this turn-of-the-twentieth-century, gothic vibing, sapphic DEBUT NOVEL blew my socks right off, in a very quick and commanding way.
I’ll be honest and admit the synopsis for this story had me immediately at “the worlds of Dracula and Sherlock Holmes collide”—and it was just a bonus that the author absolutely delivered on that arc-divergent promise, creating a very masterfully written, paranormally-tinged, murder-mystery story, set across (and under) the streets of Paris in 1903.
I loved, loved, loved how the backstories and identities of the two female MCs—bookish Samantha Harker and monster hunter Dr. Helena Moriarty—cleverly tied in with famous literary characters and events of multiple classic novels of that time (again, Dracula and the Sherlock Holmes series, for those unaware of the Harker and Moriarty names). It was a very crafty character and story concept, building off the beloved in a unique and revitalising way.
I won’t go into plot details because it was so rewarding going into a virtually mysterious plot, but I was delighted by how quickly and entirely I was drawn into this story and the world of these keenly drawn characters. I’m no expert in folklore or mythology, but I find myself often obsessed and riveted by stories of this kind—one’s that mix the supernatural with a whodunnit-type crime-hunting narrative, especially when they’re historical set and have strong queer representation.
The story itself is kind of darker and grittier than I expected, honestly, but if you enjoy/can handle a little captivatingly macabre, gothic storytelling, you’ll be just fine. Think novels written by the likes of Jordan L. Hawk or K.J. Charles and you’ll get this whole vibe and what to expect.
I can only begin to hope this story finds its audience, and in a big way, because I’m already crossing my fingers and toes that we get a sequel, pretty keen am I in continuing the monster-hunting adventures of Sam Harker and Hel Moriarty.
***A special thanks to Bindery Books (via Netgalley) for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Exhilarating, grisly, and irresistibly atmospheric, this turn-of-the-twentieth-century, gothic vibing, sapphic DEBUT NOVEL blew my socks right off, in a very quick and commanding way.
I’ll be honest and admit the synopsis for this story had me immediately at “the worlds of Dracula and Sherlock Holmes collide”—and it was just a bonus that the author absolutely delivered on that arc-divergent promise, creating a very masterfully written, paranormally-tinged, murder-mystery story, set across (and under) the streets of Paris in 1903.
I loved, loved, loved how the backstories and identities of the two female MCs—bookish Samantha Harker and monster hunter Dr. Helena Moriarty—cleverly tied in with famous literary characters and events of multiple classic novels of that time (again, Dracula and the Sherlock Holmes series, for those unaware of the Harker and Moriarty names). It was a very crafty character and story concept, building off the beloved in a unique and revitalising way.
I won’t go into plot details because it was so rewarding going into a virtually mysterious plot, but I was delighted by how quickly and entirely I was drawn into this story and the world of these keenly drawn characters. I’m no expert in folklore or mythology, but I find myself often obsessed and riveted by stories of this kind—one’s that mix the supernatural with a whodunnit-type crime-hunting narrative, especially when they’re historical set and have strong queer representation.
The story itself is kind of darker and grittier than I expected, honestly, but if you enjoy/can handle a little captivatingly macabre, gothic storytelling, you’ll be just fine. Think novels written by the likes of Jordan L. Hawk or K.J. Charles and you’ll get this whole vibe and what to expect.
I can only begin to hope this story finds its audience, and in a big way, because I’m already crossing my fingers and toes that we get a sequel, pretty keen am I in continuing the monster-hunting adventures of Sam Harker and Hel Moriarty.
***A special thanks to Bindery Books (via Netgalley) for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
April 15, 2024i saw dracula and sherlock and lesbians and my eyes started to blur and my throat constricted and (reaches towards the light) aaaggggghhhhh.....
September 10, 2024
One of the first books to be released under the Bindery banner and a debut novel from Susan J. Morris as well. First time for everyone! I was gifted a stunning press kit from Inky Phoenix Press (editor Kathryn Budig). If this is any indication of what we can expect from Bindery imprints, then this is very exciting for readers.
This review is not influenced by the impressive press kit or the beautiful cover art (although as a reader who is incredibly drawn to good cover design, I will say that I knew I wanted this book from the moment I saw it)
Instead of a review or deep dive into my reading experience (for fear of too much information) let me just list a few things so you can see if you're the right reader for this book:
-Sherlock Holmes
-Dracula
-Badass female protagonists overcoming misogyny and the patriarchy-women doin' it for themselves!
-Sapphic desire and romance
-MONSTERS
-Puzzlebox murder mystery investigation
-Paris
-Cults & secret societies
-Dark fantasy & folklore
-Gothic vibes with a rich, historical setting
-A supernatural & paranormal adventure set in the Holmes-era Paris written with a strong female lens. What, honestly, could be better?
This review is not influenced by the impressive press kit or the beautiful cover art (although as a reader who is incredibly drawn to good cover design, I will say that I knew I wanted this book from the moment I saw it)
Instead of a review or deep dive into my reading experience (for fear of too much information) let me just list a few things so you can see if you're the right reader for this book:
-Sherlock Holmes
-Dracula
-Badass female protagonists overcoming misogyny and the patriarchy-women doin' it for themselves!
-Sapphic desire and romance
-MONSTERS
-Puzzlebox murder mystery investigation
-Paris
-Cults & secret societies
-Dark fantasy & folklore
-Gothic vibes with a rich, historical setting
-A supernatural & paranormal adventure set in the Holmes-era Paris written with a strong female lens. What, honestly, could be better?
October 21, 2024
This was such an enjoyable book: the Paris setting, the brilliant daughters of characters from Dracula and Sherlock Holmes working together, all the lush and lovely historical details. It's the perfect gothic story to lose yourself in on a gloomy autumn day.
Samantha Harker works as a researcher for the Royal Society of the Study of Abnormal Phenomena, while hiding her ability as a channel into the minds of monsters. She jumps at the chance to be assigned to a field case with Dr. Helena Moriarity, even though none of her previous partners have survived their case investigations. Their investigation ranges from the Catacombs of Paris to the opera, barely evading tragic outcomes and struggling with both their doubts in trusting each other and an underlying slow-burn attraction.
I loved the historic details of this story, the chemistry between the characters and the development of their working relationship. It's fast-paced and will keep you guessing until the end. If you are looking for a spooky season read, I highly recommend this one!
Thank you so much to Bindery Books and Netgalley for this book!
Samantha Harker works as a researcher for the Royal Society of the Study of Abnormal Phenomena, while hiding her ability as a channel into the minds of monsters. She jumps at the chance to be assigned to a field case with Dr. Helena Moriarity, even though none of her previous partners have survived their case investigations. Their investigation ranges from the Catacombs of Paris to the opera, barely evading tragic outcomes and struggling with both their doubts in trusting each other and an underlying slow-burn attraction.
I loved the historic details of this story, the chemistry between the characters and the development of their working relationship. It's fast-paced and will keep you guessing until the end. If you are looking for a spooky season read, I highly recommend this one!
Thank you so much to Bindery Books and Netgalley for this book!
October 11, 2024
My thanks to Netgalley and Bindery Books for the ARC in exchange for my review.
This book very easy to dive into. Straight away I was thrown into the story by the pace of the plot, the complex and genuine characters and the beautiful city of Paris in what I like to think of as a more civilised time that the author so wonderfully describes even if monsters here are real.
The relationship between the two main characters continuously develops throughout the story and it’s that which draws you in and keeps you glued to the pages. I loved reading about Paris; the fashion, trends and the historical culture were very detailed and the author did a fantastic job of describing it so beautifully.
This is a quirky historical crime, thriller mixed with monsters and friendships pushed to the limits by secrecy and family history. I did feel a bit dizzy constantly flipping from one suspect to another at breakneck speed but it was still good fun. A book to be enjoyed by most ages but mainly young adults.
This book very easy to dive into. Straight away I was thrown into the story by the pace of the plot, the complex and genuine characters and the beautiful city of Paris in what I like to think of as a more civilised time that the author so wonderfully describes even if monsters here are real.
The relationship between the two main characters continuously develops throughout the story and it’s that which draws you in and keeps you glued to the pages. I loved reading about Paris; the fashion, trends and the historical culture were very detailed and the author did a fantastic job of describing it so beautifully.
This is a quirky historical crime, thriller mixed with monsters and friendships pushed to the limits by secrecy and family history. I did feel a bit dizzy constantly flipping from one suspect to another at breakneck speed but it was still good fun. A book to be enjoyed by most ages but mainly young adults.
September 20, 2024
Look at me—reading mystery-thrillers in every genre known to man: literary fiction, historical fiction, epistolary, science fiction, fantasy, YA, I've gotten to them all this year. Next up on the list is...a historical fiction gothic classic retelling. It's a mouthful, but it delivers a brilliant and engaging story.
Susan J. Morris stands on the shoulders of giants to bring to life the daughter of Dracula’s killer, Samantha Harker, and the daughter of Sherlock Holmes' nemesis, Dr. Helena Moriarty in a world rife with magic, murder, and monsters. Oh, how I fell in love with the flowery, redolent aesthetic of this novel. Speaking as someone who has read and reread all of Sherlock Holmes compulsively, and read quite a few gothic novels as a kid, I loved the opportunity to sink into those worlds again. Morris also stitches a lot of European folklore into the novel. All the pieces of tales I love and feel a tinge of nostalgia about, weaved into a brand new world with finesse, with a completely feminist perspective (I'm actually in love). Coming to the mystery, I guessed a large portion of the reveal, which usually means I mark the book low, but this one was an aesthetic experience and I was mesmerized. When do we get Book 2 and the movie adaptation??
Thanks to Netgalley and Bindery Books for a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review! Strange Beasts will be published on October 15th, 2024.
Susan J. Morris stands on the shoulders of giants to bring to life the daughter of Dracula’s killer, Samantha Harker, and the daughter of Sherlock Holmes' nemesis, Dr. Helena Moriarty in a world rife with magic, murder, and monsters. Oh, how I fell in love with the flowery, redolent aesthetic of this novel. Speaking as someone who has read and reread all of Sherlock Holmes compulsively, and read quite a few gothic novels as a kid, I loved the opportunity to sink into those worlds again. Morris also stitches a lot of European folklore into the novel. All the pieces of tales I love and feel a tinge of nostalgia about, weaved into a brand new world with finesse, with a completely feminist perspective (I'm actually in love). Coming to the mystery, I guessed a large portion of the reveal, which usually means I mark the book low, but this one was an aesthetic experience and I was mesmerized. When do we get Book 2 and the movie adaptation??
Thanks to Netgalley and Bindery Books for a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review! Strange Beasts will be published on October 15th, 2024.
October 29, 2024
Books like this make me feel like such an easy mark.
Bookseller: “Hey, Gabrielle! Would you like to read a gothic mystery with characters inspired by ‘Sherlock Holmes’ and ‘Dracula’, two of your favorite stories? Also, sapphic romance! And it’s set in Paris during the Belle Époque! Have you seen this insane cover art??!!”
Gabrielle: “Sigh… Give me that book immediately!”
Since I am a sucker for Victoriana, and this book is based on classic works I have been reading and rereading since childhood, I threw money at a pre-order, obviously, but I was still a touch weary. Feminist and/or queer retellings of classics can be very tricky: sometimes they are brilliant and very creative, and sometimes they are… eh.
“Strange Beasts” is about Samantha Harker, daughter of Jonathan and Mina Harker. She inherited a strange gift from her mother, the ability to see into the minds of monsters. This gift makes her work with the Royal Society of Abnormal Phenomena very interesting, but also risky: if she is found out to be one of the so-called monsters she should be studying, she might be locked up. When a case involving the brutal murder of several men comes up, Sam notices a specific detail about the crime scenes that makes her go against her natural inclination to stay in the library, where she works as a researcher, and go investigate on the field. But she is only allowed to do so if she will work alongside Dr. Helena Moriarty, the daughter of Holmes’ nemesis, who is now a famous detective herself. Sam is less than excited about this team-up because the last few partners who worked with the infamous Lady M all died by murder during the course of previous investigations. Both women obviously have secrets, but they find out really quickly that if they want to solve this mystery and stay alive, they have to trust each other.
This book is a seriously fun and rollicking fantasy-mystery: we follow our heroes through the Paris underground, both literal and figurative, and get an often-neglected female perspective on life at that time, and how limiting one’s gender could be. This is obviously not new information, but there are precious few interesting female characters in the Holmesian cannon, and I really appreciate this attempt at correcting this. I also think the characters were well-developed, and an interesting speculation on what the next generation of people who had lived adventures with Sherlock and the Harkers would be like. It is safe to assume they would carry some weird baggage, having been raised by vampire slayers and criminal masterminds, and so on, and I think Sam and Hel to be interesting and believable.
I also really enjoyed the fact that Morris took source material she clearly loves and built something fresh, original and period-consistent on it instead of awkwardly shoe-horning feminist and queer elements in a straight-forward retelling. I think that approach is really key to making what is essentially loving fanfiction into a work that can stand on its own. That makes for much more interesting story-telling than a simple copy-paste. Also, huge shout out to Morris for name-dropping the Beast of Gévaudan: “Brotherhood of the Wolf” is one of my favorite movies and now I must go re-watch it immediately (if you haven’t seen it, you should check it out, it’s fantastic)!
It lost a star because I had slightly higher expectations with regards to the prose. Morris isn’t a bad writer at all, but this is her debut and I am sure that her style will develop a bit more over time.
I will shelve this book alongside “Our Hideous Progeny”; the tone was completely different, but both those books truly honor the works that inspire them, and I will keep my eyes peeled for more works by these authors. Recommended to all fans of Sherlockian literature and the tv show “Penny Dreadful”. I hope there will be sequels!
Bookseller: “Hey, Gabrielle! Would you like to read a gothic mystery with characters inspired by ‘Sherlock Holmes’ and ‘Dracula’, two of your favorite stories? Also, sapphic romance! And it’s set in Paris during the Belle Époque! Have you seen this insane cover art??!!”
Gabrielle: “Sigh… Give me that book immediately!”
Since I am a sucker for Victoriana, and this book is based on classic works I have been reading and rereading since childhood, I threw money at a pre-order, obviously, but I was still a touch weary. Feminist and/or queer retellings of classics can be very tricky: sometimes they are brilliant and very creative, and sometimes they are… eh.
“Strange Beasts” is about Samantha Harker, daughter of Jonathan and Mina Harker. She inherited a strange gift from her mother, the ability to see into the minds of monsters. This gift makes her work with the Royal Society of Abnormal Phenomena very interesting, but also risky: if she is found out to be one of the so-called monsters she should be studying, she might be locked up. When a case involving the brutal murder of several men comes up, Sam notices a specific detail about the crime scenes that makes her go against her natural inclination to stay in the library, where she works as a researcher, and go investigate on the field. But she is only allowed to do so if she will work alongside Dr. Helena Moriarty, the daughter of Holmes’ nemesis, who is now a famous detective herself. Sam is less than excited about this team-up because the last few partners who worked with the infamous Lady M all died by murder during the course of previous investigations. Both women obviously have secrets, but they find out really quickly that if they want to solve this mystery and stay alive, they have to trust each other.
This book is a seriously fun and rollicking fantasy-mystery: we follow our heroes through the Paris underground, both literal and figurative, and get an often-neglected female perspective on life at that time, and how limiting one’s gender could be. This is obviously not new information, but there are precious few interesting female characters in the Holmesian cannon, and I really appreciate this attempt at correcting this. I also think the characters were well-developed, and an interesting speculation on what the next generation of people who had lived adventures with Sherlock and the Harkers would be like. It is safe to assume they would carry some weird baggage, having been raised by vampire slayers and criminal masterminds, and so on, and I think Sam and Hel to be interesting and believable.
I also really enjoyed the fact that Morris took source material she clearly loves and built something fresh, original and period-consistent on it instead of awkwardly shoe-horning feminist and queer elements in a straight-forward retelling. I think that approach is really key to making what is essentially loving fanfiction into a work that can stand on its own. That makes for much more interesting story-telling than a simple copy-paste. Also, huge shout out to Morris for name-dropping the Beast of Gévaudan: “Brotherhood of the Wolf” is one of my favorite movies and now I must go re-watch it immediately (if you haven’t seen it, you should check it out, it’s fantastic)!
It lost a star because I had slightly higher expectations with regards to the prose. Morris isn’t a bad writer at all, but this is her debut and I am sure that her style will develop a bit more over time.
I will shelve this book alongside “Our Hideous Progeny”; the tone was completely different, but both those books truly honor the works that inspire them, and I will keep my eyes peeled for more works by these authors. Recommended to all fans of Sherlockian literature and the tv show “Penny Dreadful”. I hope there will be sequels!
February 23, 2025
"No one was ever safe being kept in the dark! The darkness doesn't mean the monsters are gone - it only means you can't see them coming."
This is my definition of a fun brain-off read. The daughters of Jonathon Harker and James Moriarty, a researcher and detective at the Royal Society for Abnormal Phenomena, are paired up to investigate a string of murders while dealing with the corruption in the Society. And it was fun. In a lot of ways it felt reminiscent of a mix old gas-lamp detective stories and Indiana-Jones-esque adventures (that might be a hear me out, but it is the vibe I got). There were some things that I definitely had to ignore/not think too hard about, but the fact that I was able to push them aside for my enjoyment is a feat in itself.
This is my definition of a fun brain-off read. The daughters of Jonathon Harker and James Moriarty, a researcher and detective at the Royal Society for Abnormal Phenomena, are paired up to investigate a string of murders while dealing with the corruption in the Society. And it was fun. In a lot of ways it felt reminiscent of a mix old gas-lamp detective stories and Indiana-Jones-esque adventures (that might be a hear me out, but it is the vibe I got). There were some things that I definitely had to ignore/not think too hard about, but the fact that I was able to push them aside for my enjoyment is a feat in itself.
October 26, 2024
“And then her gaze smacked into the mutilated corpse, and Sam and Hel clutching each other in the puddle of blood. “What the—you know what? I’m not going to ask.”
In this fresh-yet-familiar gothic tale―part historical fantasy, part puzzle-box mystery―the worlds of Dracula and Sherlock Holmes collide in a thrilling exploration of feminine power.
In this fresh-yet-familiar gothic tale―part historical fantasy, part puzzle-box mystery―the worlds of Dracula and Sherlock Holmes collide in a thrilling exploration of feminine power.
April 11, 2024
A slow burn for the ages!!! Loved this atmospheric mystery driven novel with unforgettable characters.
Shelved as 'dnf'
February 22, 2025. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁
₊˚♱ pre-read: arc approved!! super excited about this one because i read a review by a friend and was really intrigued with the plot 🌱
₊˚♱ pre-read: arc approved!! super excited about this one because i read a review by a friend and was really intrigued with the plot 🌱
June 9, 2024
2.5. Dracula and Sherlock Holmes are literally my favorite classics, so a story featuring the daughters of Jonathan Harker from the former and Professor Moriarty from the latter sounded amazing. Throw in a mystery, action set in early 20th century Paris, and a little romance, and it seemed like the recipe for a perfect book. Unfortunately, the whole thing fell flat for my taste. I mean, the book isn't bad, but other than the great creative idea, I don't really have much to praise it for.
The worldbuilding is quite poor, and the reader has to figure out most of its rules. It's not really clear what the attitude towards magical monsters and creatures is in this world, or what the unit the heroines work in actually does. I won't hide the fact that not understanding why British field agents would solve a criminal case in France lowered the stakes for me.
Added to this was the rather mediocre portrayal of the characters, who seemed very one-dimensional, with their actions poorly motivated. For example, I don't understand the plot imperative of making Jakob Van Helsing a negative character. Maybe it would have worked if it had influenced the deepening of the relationship between the heroines, but unfortunately it was not the case. The chemistry between Helena and Sam was practically nil; at one point I forgot that there was supposed to be a romance between them at all, as Sam seemed much more interested in every man she met during the investigation.
Speaking of the crime mystery itself, on a plot level it was the strongest and most interesting part of the book, but unfortunately, somewhere around the middle, I was pushing myself to continue because I didn't feel any connection with the characters or the story at all.
Overall, the book is based on a great idea, but lacks a lot in terms of execution. I hope we'll see a sequel that gives readers a chance to get to know the characters, their relationships, and their actions better.
Thank you NetGalley and Bindery Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The worldbuilding is quite poor, and the reader has to figure out most of its rules. It's not really clear what the attitude towards magical monsters and creatures is in this world, or what the unit the heroines work in actually does. I won't hide the fact that not understanding why British field agents would solve a criminal case in France lowered the stakes for me.
Added to this was the rather mediocre portrayal of the characters, who seemed very one-dimensional, with their actions poorly motivated. For example, I don't understand the plot imperative of making Jakob Van Helsing a negative character. Maybe it would have worked if it had influenced the deepening of the relationship between the heroines, but unfortunately it was not the case. The chemistry between Helena and Sam was practically nil; at one point I forgot that there was supposed to be a romance between them at all, as Sam seemed much more interested in every man she met during the investigation.
Speaking of the crime mystery itself, on a plot level it was the strongest and most interesting part of the book, but unfortunately, somewhere around the middle, I was pushing myself to continue because I didn't feel any connection with the characters or the story at all.
Overall, the book is based on a great idea, but lacks a lot in terms of execution. I hope we'll see a sequel that gives readers a chance to get to know the characters, their relationships, and their actions better.
Thank you NetGalley and Bindery Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 16, 2024
Are you interested in stories about government organizations dedicated to investigating supernatural phenomena? Are you curious what a partnership between the daughter of Mina and Jonathan Harker from Bram Stoker's Dracula and the daughter of Professor Moriarty from the Sherlock Holmes series would look like? Did you like the idea of the bookish researcher (with an academic and personal interest in the occult, like Ninth House) taking to the field like in the Emily Wilde books? The possibility of a quasi-religious/political group being behind horrific beastly attacks like in The Brotherhood of the Wolf? The scheming to trap a potential werewolf at the opera like in Gabriel Knight: The Beast Within? Do you appreciate queer representation in the books you read, with a gentle romance arc that takes a backseat to the adventurous and mysterious plot? Do you like your feminist rage to have actual, literal bite?
If you said yes to any of the above, then do I have a treat for you!
In 1903, Sam and Hel are agents of the London Field Office of The Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomena. Ostensibly, the group hunts dangerous monsters of the paranormal variety. Our two heroines are sent to Paris to look into a spree of brutal murders thought to have been committed by some kind of Capital B Beast. Their investigation takes them to illicit salons, the catacombs, the opera, and many other places besides.
The two women must learn to trust one another, which does not come easy. Sam is used to keeping her ability as a channel secret, as most people believe this means she will inevitably fall under the sway of monsters and is therefore a danger herself. Conversely, everyone knows the identity of Hel's father, but what they don't know is that by making the choice to free herself from his influence, she guaranteed that he will always target people she gets close to.
Some relatively minor complaints: 1) I didn't always follow the characters' lines of reasoning with some conclusions they made, and 2) it seems like this book tried to be and do a little too much. There's Sam channeling, false visions, a hidden rage, Jakob Van Helsing (son of Abraham) foiling her wherever she goes in a bid to save her from her own inexorable descent into monstrousness, the men in the Royal Society discounting the abilities of the women, personal agency, the question of monster versus victim, alchemy, religious and political motivations, the potential for Moriarty to be manipulating their investigation, covert ciphers, messages sent via bees...all on top the of the basic premise of uncovering who is responsible for the murders and stopping them.
(And one extremely niggling issue: I understand that "wills o'the wisp" is probably the proper plural form, but it still sounds off enough to kick me from the immersion in the story, and it is a term that gets used SO. MUCH.)
Even with being a bit extra, this is a 4.75 star book for me. I really liked the characters, the early twentieth century Paris setting, the paranormal elements, and the investigation into the Beast killings. It was a lot of fun, and I wasn't bored for even a moment. It does leave the door open for another adventure to come. I will be keeping an eye on this author, and this publisher, for sure.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bindery Books, and Inky Phoenix Press for the eARC in exchange for my unbiased review.
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If you said yes to any of the above, then do I have a treat for you!
In 1903, Sam and Hel are agents of the London Field Office of The Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomena. Ostensibly, the group hunts dangerous monsters of the paranormal variety. Our two heroines are sent to Paris to look into a spree of brutal murders thought to have been committed by some kind of Capital B Beast. Their investigation takes them to illicit salons, the catacombs, the opera, and many other places besides.
The two women must learn to trust one another, which does not come easy. Sam is used to keeping her ability as a channel secret, as most people believe this means she will inevitably fall under the sway of monsters and is therefore a danger herself. Conversely, everyone knows the identity of Hel's father, but what they don't know is that by making the choice to free herself from his influence, she guaranteed that he will always target people she gets close to.
Some relatively minor complaints: 1) I didn't always follow the characters' lines of reasoning with some conclusions they made, and 2) it seems like this book tried to be and do a little too much. There's Sam channeling, false visions, a hidden rage, Jakob Van Helsing (son of Abraham) foiling her wherever she goes in a bid to save her from her own inexorable descent into monstrousness, the men in the Royal Society discounting the abilities of the women, personal agency, the question of monster versus victim, alchemy, religious and political motivations, the potential for Moriarty to be manipulating their investigation, covert ciphers, messages sent via bees...all on top the of the basic premise of uncovering who is responsible for the murders and stopping them.
(And one extremely niggling issue: I understand that "wills o'the wisp" is probably the proper plural form, but it still sounds off enough to kick me from the immersion in the story, and it is a term that gets used SO. MUCH.)
Even with being a bit extra, this is a 4.75 star book for me. I really liked the characters, the early twentieth century Paris setting, the paranormal elements, and the investigation into the Beast killings. It was a lot of fun, and I wasn't bored for even a moment. It does leave the door open for another adventure to come. I will be keeping an eye on this author, and this publisher, for sure.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bindery Books, and Inky Phoenix Press for the eARC in exchange for my unbiased review.
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October 23, 2024
This was such a fun supernatural mystery!
I thought it'd be much darker, but that's okay. I needed something a lot less heavy to balance out my usual dark fantasies. It also reads more YA than adult, so take that in mind before diving into the novel.
I loved how the author basically wrote a fanfic with the adult children of Dracula and Sherlock Holmes characters that we know and love. She really managed to make it her own while also immersing readers into a world full of supernatural creatures that live among humans. The historical period this is set in (early 1900s) was also a really neat touch that gave more depth to the story, so it didn't feel like the usual urban fantasy.
The mystery was pretty easy to figure out and the romance felt sort of random, but I won't hate too much. Like I said, this was more of a lighthearted read, so my expectations weren't super high.
Here's hoping there's a follow-up, maybe?? I fell in love with Sam and Dr. Moriarty and would love to read another installment, especially with the big and little twists near the end.
Thank you to Bindery Books and NetGalley for this arc.
I thought it'd be much darker, but that's okay. I needed something a lot less heavy to balance out my usual dark fantasies. It also reads more YA than adult, so take that in mind before diving into the novel.
I loved how the author basically wrote a fanfic with the adult children of Dracula and Sherlock Holmes characters that we know and love. She really managed to make it her own while also immersing readers into a world full of supernatural creatures that live among humans. The historical period this is set in (early 1900s) was also a really neat touch that gave more depth to the story, so it didn't feel like the usual urban fantasy.
The mystery was pretty easy to figure out and the romance felt sort of random, but I won't hate too much. Like I said, this was more of a lighthearted read, so my expectations weren't super high.
Here's hoping there's a follow-up, maybe?? I fell in love with Sam and Dr. Moriarty and would love to read another installment, especially with the big and little twists near the end.
Thank you to Bindery Books and NetGalley for this arc.
November 28, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Bindery Books for the arc. The cover really caught my eye and the premise intrigued me as it wasn’t exactly what I usually read and was a great exploration into the different genres of fantasy and murder mystery.
I really enjoyed this book! The premise was really interesting and I never found myself bored by the plot. It constantly kept you on your toes wondering what Sam & Hel would experience next. I don’t read many murder mysteries but found myself really enjoying it, even with the occasional gore- the gothic and murder aspects were great for a novice like me sticking their toe into the genre. I (embarrassingly) have never read Dracula & Sherlock Holmes, so I didn’t initially understand the references at all to either of the books characters and googled it in order to immerse myself more into it. I imagine having read them would add even more experience to this book- however I didn’t feel like it was necessary in me enjoying it which I think is great when referencing as I was compelled enough to keep reading.
There is so much to love about the two main characters in this book. I love how the author explored different characterisations that may seem stereotypical to people but highlight how fleshed out people can be even if they fit (or don’t fit) certain stereotypes within their gender identity. I adored Sam and how she was the reclusive researcher but also was a blonde fashionista that fit into the archetype of a more ladylike character from the time- and played the part of ditzy when it was in her advantage! I loved the banter between Hel and Sam. The chemistry was incredible and I loved their characters so much, their dialogue and wit were entertaining. I wish we had more scenes of romantic tension, just because I loved them so!
I love the authors take on monsters- however do not want to spoil anything for any readers- but just want to highlight that their exploration into monsters was unique in its depth.
There is so much to love about this book and the ideas explored within it, the ideas of women-hood, victimisation, identity, gender, (especially gender identity + gendered roles), how the era impacts all of these concepts and how this is all explored through a compelling and thoughtful murder mystery fantasy. A 4.5 read for me.
I really enjoyed this book! The premise was really interesting and I never found myself bored by the plot. It constantly kept you on your toes wondering what Sam & Hel would experience next. I don’t read many murder mysteries but found myself really enjoying it, even with the occasional gore- the gothic and murder aspects were great for a novice like me sticking their toe into the genre. I (embarrassingly) have never read Dracula & Sherlock Holmes, so I didn’t initially understand the references at all to either of the books characters and googled it in order to immerse myself more into it. I imagine having read them would add even more experience to this book- however I didn’t feel like it was necessary in me enjoying it which I think is great when referencing as I was compelled enough to keep reading.
There is so much to love about the two main characters in this book. I love how the author explored different characterisations that may seem stereotypical to people but highlight how fleshed out people can be even if they fit (or don’t fit) certain stereotypes within their gender identity. I adored Sam and how she was the reclusive researcher but also was a blonde fashionista that fit into the archetype of a more ladylike character from the time- and played the part of ditzy when it was in her advantage! I loved the banter between Hel and Sam. The chemistry was incredible and I loved their characters so much, their dialogue and wit were entertaining. I wish we had more scenes of romantic tension, just because I loved them so!
I love the authors take on monsters- however do not want to spoil anything for any readers- but just want to highlight that their exploration into monsters was unique in its depth.
There is so much to love about this book and the ideas explored within it, the ideas of women-hood, victimisation, identity, gender, (especially gender identity + gendered roles), how the era impacts all of these concepts and how this is all explored through a compelling and thoughtful murder mystery fantasy. A 4.5 read for me.
October 9, 2024
Equal parts clever and charming.
And a fun page turner.
But the best part? It’s a debut that promises more mystery shenanigans to come.
I kinda love it’s a world of the grown children of fictional characters we know already. There is an odd comfort in that when jumping into a new historical fantasy world. I was surprised how fast I read this- it was full of nerdy gems.
Highly recommend to my Sherlock fan friends looking for a feminist vibe.
I was unsure if I needed the romance… but it slowly grew on me.
Thank you @netgalley & Bindery Books for this ARC- I’m excited to see how this world grows!
Pub Date 15 October 2024
4/5
And a fun page turner.
But the best part? It’s a debut that promises more mystery shenanigans to come.
I kinda love it’s a world of the grown children of fictional characters we know already. There is an odd comfort in that when jumping into a new historical fantasy world. I was surprised how fast I read this- it was full of nerdy gems.
Highly recommend to my Sherlock fan friends looking for a feminist vibe.
I was unsure if I needed the romance… but it slowly grew on me.
Thank you @netgalley & Bindery Books for this ARC- I’m excited to see how this world grows!
Pub Date 15 October 2024
4/5
October 18, 2024
TL;DR Review: Sherlock Holmes meets the League of Extraordinary Gentlewomen. A gothic mystery that sucks you in, with marvelous characters that keep you coming back for more.
Full Review:
Step aside Watson and Holmes; the age of Harker and Moriarty has dawned!
Strange Beasts brings everything I loved about the Sherlock Holmes mysteries (including my old favorite villain, Dr. Moriarty himself) and adds a dash of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The result is something truly spectacular and enjoyable.
Samantha Harker, daughter of Jonathan and Mina Harker, has grown up knowing about and, eventually, wanting to help eradicate monsters. She has joined The Society, a British organization that hunts down, captures, and kills monsters around the globe. She does it to carry on her parents’ legacy, but also hoping she will one day be able to find her grandfather, who vanished mysteriously and left only a sequence of numbers as a message.
When that exact same sequence pops up on the graffiti of a snarling wolf painted over a corpse clearly killed by some monster, Sam ventures out of the safety of her library and into the field to find clues. Her partner is none other than Dr. Moriarty—Dr. Helena Moriarty, daughter to the infamous villain himself.
From their first meeting, we’re treated to a series of deductions that could have been ripped straight out of a Sherlock Holmes novel (this is very much a compliment!), but also the addition of some magic and mysticism that promises fascinating developments as the story evolves.
Together, the two of them set off for Paris to begin their investigation into the mysterious and grisly murders. And inevitably, things go very, very wrong!
I won’t spoil the mystery for you, but suffice it to say, it combines both the Sherlock Holmes-style bizarre-but-real and all the extraordinary arcane and supernatural elements of stories like Dracula, Dorian Gray, and the very first fantasy books ever penned.
The setting is fascinating, too—the story takes place in the glitz and glamor of Paris in the early 1900s, with all the cultural quirks and foibles that characterized that era.
But it’s the characters that make this story truly sing.
Sam Harker is hiding a secret: she is a channel who can see visions from anything she touches that is imprinted with strong memories, such as a blood-covered jewel or a murder victim’s lifeless hand. This secret would get her banned from The Society and hunted down, so she has guarded it carefully. Yet as she’s working with Dr. Moriarty—or Hel—she tries to talk herself around to lowering her guards and trusting her companion. Even though Hel has done nothing (or very little) to earn it, Sam’s optimistic nature makes her want to try it anyways. And when she does, it’s just the thing to break through the walls Hel has built around herself as a defense mechanism against the world that sees her as nothing more than the daughter of Europe’s most notorious villain.
Hel’s story is incredibly fascinating, giving us a Sherlock Holmes character but with all the psychological issues that would stem from being raised by Dr. Moriarty. Sam is just the thing that will bring her out of her shell—albeit very, very slowly.
I loved every minute of this book—from the colorful setting to the fascinating Sherlock Holmes-esque mystery to the development of the characters’ relationship—and can’t wait to be back for more in future installments!
Full Review:
Step aside Watson and Holmes; the age of Harker and Moriarty has dawned!
Strange Beasts brings everything I loved about the Sherlock Holmes mysteries (including my old favorite villain, Dr. Moriarty himself) and adds a dash of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The result is something truly spectacular and enjoyable.
Samantha Harker, daughter of Jonathan and Mina Harker, has grown up knowing about and, eventually, wanting to help eradicate monsters. She has joined The Society, a British organization that hunts down, captures, and kills monsters around the globe. She does it to carry on her parents’ legacy, but also hoping she will one day be able to find her grandfather, who vanished mysteriously and left only a sequence of numbers as a message.
When that exact same sequence pops up on the graffiti of a snarling wolf painted over a corpse clearly killed by some monster, Sam ventures out of the safety of her library and into the field to find clues. Her partner is none other than Dr. Moriarty—Dr. Helena Moriarty, daughter to the infamous villain himself.
From their first meeting, we’re treated to a series of deductions that could have been ripped straight out of a Sherlock Holmes novel (this is very much a compliment!), but also the addition of some magic and mysticism that promises fascinating developments as the story evolves.
Together, the two of them set off for Paris to begin their investigation into the mysterious and grisly murders. And inevitably, things go very, very wrong!
I won’t spoil the mystery for you, but suffice it to say, it combines both the Sherlock Holmes-style bizarre-but-real and all the extraordinary arcane and supernatural elements of stories like Dracula, Dorian Gray, and the very first fantasy books ever penned.
The setting is fascinating, too—the story takes place in the glitz and glamor of Paris in the early 1900s, with all the cultural quirks and foibles that characterized that era.
But it’s the characters that make this story truly sing.
Sam Harker is hiding a secret: she is a channel who can see visions from anything she touches that is imprinted with strong memories, such as a blood-covered jewel or a murder victim’s lifeless hand. This secret would get her banned from The Society and hunted down, so she has guarded it carefully. Yet as she’s working with Dr. Moriarty—or Hel—she tries to talk herself around to lowering her guards and trusting her companion. Even though Hel has done nothing (or very little) to earn it, Sam’s optimistic nature makes her want to try it anyways. And when she does, it’s just the thing to break through the walls Hel has built around herself as a defense mechanism against the world that sees her as nothing more than the daughter of Europe’s most notorious villain.
Hel’s story is incredibly fascinating, giving us a Sherlock Holmes character but with all the psychological issues that would stem from being raised by Dr. Moriarty. Sam is just the thing that will bring her out of her shell—albeit very, very slowly.
I loved every minute of this book—from the colorful setting to the fascinating Sherlock Holmes-esque mystery to the development of the characters’ relationship—and can’t wait to be back for more in future installments!
September 27, 2024
Thank you to Susan J. Morris, Bindery Books, and NetGalley for giving me an ARC in exchange for a honest review-- all opinions are my own.
Strange Beasts is a really thrilling read that is filled with suspense, new takes on classic literary characters, and all set in a mysterious and constantly changing game of cat and mouse in Paris. This book has elements of fantasy intertwined with mystery. The main characters in this book are all so interesting and we get to see multiple sides to each one, which I really enjoyed. This book was a perfect gothic fantasy book that drew me in from the very beginning. I really liked the motivations and musings from the main character as well as others we get to see through the main character's eyes. The story presents us with a couple of different mysteries that are explored throughout the story(and hopefully a sequel). I just thought that this book was really enjoyable! It's the perfect book for readers who are looking for a good case-solving mystery book that has fantasy elements. The pacing for this book was good too, I never felt rushed nor were there any parts that moved too slow. A very good atmospheric read overall. Perfect for the Fall season.
Strange Beasts is a really thrilling read that is filled with suspense, new takes on classic literary characters, and all set in a mysterious and constantly changing game of cat and mouse in Paris. This book has elements of fantasy intertwined with mystery. The main characters in this book are all so interesting and we get to see multiple sides to each one, which I really enjoyed. This book was a perfect gothic fantasy book that drew me in from the very beginning. I really liked the motivations and musings from the main character as well as others we get to see through the main character's eyes. The story presents us with a couple of different mysteries that are explored throughout the story(and hopefully a sequel). I just thought that this book was really enjoyable! It's the perfect book for readers who are looking for a good case-solving mystery book that has fantasy elements. The pacing for this book was good too, I never felt rushed nor were there any parts that moved too slow. A very good atmospheric read overall. Perfect for the Fall season.
September 26, 2024
This was ok! The author did an amazing job setting the scene and immersing the reader in the time period and world. This being mainly set in early 20th century France truly added to the "otherworldliness" of it. I especially loved the mythical and paranormal aspects.
As far as the "romance" goes, I found it to be lacking. So I suggest you don't go into this thinking there's a strong romance subplot to accompany this gothic mystery. I'd classify this as a slow burn for sure but even then, Hel and Sam's dynamic was more friendly to me than romantic. As you read and get to know Hel a bit, you can understand why she doesn't allow others to get close to her. And it makes sense, but I don't see why a "romance" should've been pursued. This could've been about two women becoming friends and embracing their strengths in a world where men see nothing but fragile beings.
That's not why it gets 3 stars, though. I liked the twists and how there were many possibilities to who the guilty party could be, but I found myself getting bored here and there. I don't mind a book with a slower pace sometimes, but something still needs to be happening and there were times when not much was going on. I'm definitely not saying this was bad in any way, I see that a lot of people enjoyed it, I just found that it wasn't perfect for me.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this arc!
As far as the "romance" goes, I found it to be lacking. So I suggest you don't go into this thinking there's a strong romance subplot to accompany this gothic mystery. I'd classify this as a slow burn for sure but even then, Hel and Sam's dynamic was more friendly to me than romantic. As you read and get to know Hel a bit, you can understand why she doesn't allow others to get close to her. And it makes sense, but I don't see why a "romance" should've been pursued. This could've been about two women becoming friends and embracing their strengths in a world where men see nothing but fragile beings.
That's not why it gets 3 stars, though. I liked the twists and how there were many possibilities to who the guilty party could be, but I found myself getting bored here and there. I don't mind a book with a slower pace sometimes, but something still needs to be happening and there were times when not much was going on. I'm definitely not saying this was bad in any way, I see that a lot of people enjoyed it, I just found that it wasn't perfect for me.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this arc!
June 2, 2024
Strange Beasts is everything you could want from a murder mystery. It leaves you guessing again and again, leading you to think you've figured the puzzle out, only to divert your expectations entirely. Aside from that, it immerses you in a perfectly gothic, almost whimsical world of mythical creatures and catacombs and potions. This is the type of book you forget you're even reading, because it's just that good.
Don't even get me started on the slow burn sapphic romance. That one kiss was not enough for me. Give me a second book please!!!!
Don't even get me started on the slow burn sapphic romance. That one kiss was not enough for me. Give me a second book please!!!!
November 1, 2024
I fear I am not smart enough for this book and maybe that’s why I don’t enjoy it as much…
September 28, 2024
thank you to netgalley & bindery books for a copy of the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
let’s say what we’re all thinking, okay? one, two, three… THIS WAS SO CREATIVE!! if anyone had told me i would ever, at any point in my life, be reading a sherlock holmes x dracula crossover & immensely enjoying myself i would not have believed them (mostly because i really, really didn’t like ‘dracula’ when i read it. i know, i know, i’m shocked as an english literature major myself). no, but seriously, how fun and intriguing a concept is that, meshing together two of the most well-known worlds in the literacy word? how could i resist? besides!! this is a sapphic romance between the daughters of jonathan harker (sam) & moriarty (hel), who could ask for more? and, this was just perfect for the start of fall, the vibes were exquisite!! it was well-written (i loved being inside sam’s head, honestly. her voice was so neatly done. also, i too would love to borrow her perfume and smell like a library myself) and the mystery was throughly enjoyable, and this is being said as someone who usually shies away from mystery / thriller novels because they tend to bore me!
but, if i have to be honest, what really enamoured me about this book were sam & hel. frankly, if i could’ve had a whole book just focused on them, sans the murders & the mystery, i would’ve jumped at the chance because their interactions were the highlight of every chapter (in my opinion! as i’ve said, i’m not the biggest sleuth fan out there, and this a me issue, not a reflection on the book in the least). this was a lot of fun and i’m hoping everyone else enjoys it as much as i have because it’s a killer read!
let’s say what we’re all thinking, okay? one, two, three… THIS WAS SO CREATIVE!! if anyone had told me i would ever, at any point in my life, be reading a sherlock holmes x dracula crossover & immensely enjoying myself i would not have believed them (mostly because i really, really didn’t like ‘dracula’ when i read it. i know, i know, i’m shocked as an english literature major myself). no, but seriously, how fun and intriguing a concept is that, meshing together two of the most well-known worlds in the literacy word? how could i resist? besides!! this is a sapphic romance between the daughters of jonathan harker (sam) & moriarty (hel), who could ask for more? and, this was just perfect for the start of fall, the vibes were exquisite!! it was well-written (i loved being inside sam’s head, honestly. her voice was so neatly done. also, i too would love to borrow her perfume and smell like a library myself) and the mystery was throughly enjoyable, and this is being said as someone who usually shies away from mystery / thriller novels because they tend to bore me!
but, if i have to be honest, what really enamoured me about this book were sam & hel. frankly, if i could’ve had a whole book just focused on them, sans the murders & the mystery, i would’ve jumped at the chance because their interactions were the highlight of every chapter (in my opinion! as i’ve said, i’m not the biggest sleuth fan out there, and this a me issue, not a reflection on the book in the least). this was a lot of fun and i’m hoping everyone else enjoys it as much as i have because it’s a killer read!
October 19, 2024
i'm really sad about this i really hoped to love this one. following two daughters of characters in classic novels (Dracula and Sherlock Holmes two of which i've not read so i felt in the dark about some of the insider knowledge) teaming up together to solve a murder mystery in 1930s ish paris, sounds like a grand time! similar premise to The Forgotten Phantom with a society of monster hunters just without the smut lmao.
this entire story was lacking, in characters, in character relationships, and in mystery plot. i never understood why i should care about sam's missing grandfather story or hel's ongoing challenge with her father. i never understood why these two characters remotely liked each other let alone should be together in the end? and that's maybe most disappointing of all tbh. also, i don't care about a monster killing rich men in paris so that also kept me quite bored throughout.
i think this author has promise, i won't likely read more in this series but not oppose to watching out for another book in a few years from this author. i didn't hate the writing or atmosphere i just kept wanting more from this story that i wasn't finding and instead i didn't want to pick up this book.
this entire story was lacking, in characters, in character relationships, and in mystery plot. i never understood why i should care about sam's missing grandfather story or hel's ongoing challenge with her father. i never understood why these two characters remotely liked each other let alone should be together in the end? and that's maybe most disappointing of all tbh. also, i don't care about a monster killing rich men in paris so that also kept me quite bored throughout.
i think this author has promise, i won't likely read more in this series but not oppose to watching out for another book in a few years from this author. i didn't hate the writing or atmosphere i just kept wanting more from this story that i wasn't finding and instead i didn't want to pick up this book.
August 26, 2024
This BETTER end up being a series.
February 19, 2025
sigh. 1 extra star for the cool concept and gothic vibes.
Im rlly disappointed because this had SO SO much potential. It was reminding me a little of fantastic beasts plus it was wlw!!!! But was it…? It’s tagged as romance but Sam and Hel’s relationship was so lacking the whole time. I mean…they kissed once and never talked about it after and Sam was too focused on every male character that gave her the slightest bit of attention.
Sam was also kind of annoying in my opinion. Her inner monologue only consisted of her thinking about how she was a channel, her visions, her grandfather/the numbers, and how weak she was. Her character hardly developed throughout the book and I just didn’t really care for her or Hel.
The mystery was also boring and none of the characters stood out. Sam, Hel, and Van Helsing were really the only ones I could tell apart the and had distinct characteristics/voices. Everyone else just blended together in my head which made everything ten times more confusing. Like maybe 75% of this just went way over my head but…idk I just didn’t enjoy this as much as I hoped to.
Im rlly disappointed because this had SO SO much potential. It was reminding me a little of fantastic beasts plus it was wlw!!!! But was it…? It’s tagged as romance but Sam and Hel’s relationship was so lacking the whole time. I mean…they kissed once and never talked about it after and Sam was too focused on every male character that gave her the slightest bit of attention.
Sam was also kind of annoying in my opinion. Her inner monologue only consisted of her thinking about how she was a channel, her visions, her grandfather/the numbers, and how weak she was. Her character hardly developed throughout the book and I just didn’t really care for her or Hel.
The mystery was also boring and none of the characters stood out. Sam, Hel, and Van Helsing were really the only ones I could tell apart the and had distinct characteristics/voices. Everyone else just blended together in my head which made everything ten times more confusing. Like maybe 75% of this just went way over my head but…idk I just didn’t enjoy this as much as I hoped to.
September 27, 2024
The occult detective team-up I didn’t know I needed! This novel is an absolute delight, doing justice to the authors and stories it is building off of, while creating something unique and fun. The characters are complicated and feel remarkably well-situated, the world-building is simple yet exciting, and the story itself is fun and keeps you guessing.
The world is a really enticing one, a 20th century Europe where the governments fund societies to track and control supernatural phenomena in public, because everyone acknowledges the existence of the supernatural, the strange, the fantastic. In these stories such societies usually work in secret, in the shadows, so that simple twist is enough to have a ripple effect on what the world feels like. Both the main characters feel like real people, both tormented by their pasts and their respective family inheritances. They are strong and vulnerable, both, and were really exciting to get to know. Similarly, the supporting characters, while fitting a little more into expected archetypes, still feel multi-dimensional and help make this world feel more grounded. Since our narration follows Samantha our experience of the other characters is through her perspective, and we get to know an interiority with her character that we don’t in others, which worked well for this story, for the sense of un-knowing and adventure. In future books it might be fun for the perspective to switch back and forth between the two leads, but it made sense in this story for it to be focused on Sam’s journey, including her doubts about her new partner. The writing is wonderful, it never feels rushed but it also doesn’t lag, it simply moves along at a good clip. There are moments of flourish and color, but these are usually to emphasize the characters’ emotional states, otherwise the writing is mostly straight-forward. The bulk of the story does take place in France, and I appreciated the occasional use of French without translation, letting the reader experience the same disorientation as the character.
There is nothing wildly new or inventive about this mystery, once you settle into the interesting characters and the world. That isn’t to say it is boring, though, or feels stale. On the contrary it feels quite fresh and new, even though it has the same flavor as other mysteries. Having two strong women at the helm, and having them actively questioning the parochial and patriarchal system that is complicit in the harm and violence they’re trying to resolve, brings a different type of tone to the story. There is an analysis of privilege in terms of both gender and class that might be a little heavy-handed at times but also gets to the core of the mystery and how these two particular agents are equipped to do this job differently than others. Additionally, the story explores ideas of righteousness indignation and revenge (or, some would say, justice) that are definitely weightier than a simple detective story would need to. On top of that both of our main characters have been defined by society by their family lineages, and it is interesting to see how that shapes their understanding of themselves as they fight against inheritance and legacy. Situating the protagonists as marginalized members of society we get a different exploration of monstrosity than other similar stories.
The story does follow a somewhat expected structure, but it has some clever twists and tweaks that, even when you see them coming, are fun reveals, as the seeds are deftly planted throughout the story. It is almost an odd couple story, with the two leads being so different that they balance each other out while at the same time having narrative friction, which keeps it fun. I did feel like some of the relationship building felt a little rushed at the end but given the plot mechanics I understand why it was done that way, and it didn’t diminish my joy in the story. Ultimately, this novel is able to explore a somewhat common and expected story using a fresh lens, making for a fun, engrossing, mostly cozy supernatural mystery filled with people you’re rooting for. It was easy and a lot of fun to read, the kind of story you don’t want to put down. The conclusion was satisfying and also open-ended enough to let you know there are many more adventures to come, and it leaves you excited to go on them with these characters.
(Rounded up from 3.5 stars)
I want to thank the author, the publisher Bindery Books, and NetGalley, who provided a complimentary eARC for review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The world is a really enticing one, a 20th century Europe where the governments fund societies to track and control supernatural phenomena in public, because everyone acknowledges the existence of the supernatural, the strange, the fantastic. In these stories such societies usually work in secret, in the shadows, so that simple twist is enough to have a ripple effect on what the world feels like. Both the main characters feel like real people, both tormented by their pasts and their respective family inheritances. They are strong and vulnerable, both, and were really exciting to get to know. Similarly, the supporting characters, while fitting a little more into expected archetypes, still feel multi-dimensional and help make this world feel more grounded. Since our narration follows Samantha our experience of the other characters is through her perspective, and we get to know an interiority with her character that we don’t in others, which worked well for this story, for the sense of un-knowing and adventure. In future books it might be fun for the perspective to switch back and forth between the two leads, but it made sense in this story for it to be focused on Sam’s journey, including her doubts about her new partner. The writing is wonderful, it never feels rushed but it also doesn’t lag, it simply moves along at a good clip. There are moments of flourish and color, but these are usually to emphasize the characters’ emotional states, otherwise the writing is mostly straight-forward. The bulk of the story does take place in France, and I appreciated the occasional use of French without translation, letting the reader experience the same disorientation as the character.
There is nothing wildly new or inventive about this mystery, once you settle into the interesting characters and the world. That isn’t to say it is boring, though, or feels stale. On the contrary it feels quite fresh and new, even though it has the same flavor as other mysteries. Having two strong women at the helm, and having them actively questioning the parochial and patriarchal system that is complicit in the harm and violence they’re trying to resolve, brings a different type of tone to the story. There is an analysis of privilege in terms of both gender and class that might be a little heavy-handed at times but also gets to the core of the mystery and how these two particular agents are equipped to do this job differently than others. Additionally, the story explores ideas of righteousness indignation and revenge (or, some would say, justice) that are definitely weightier than a simple detective story would need to. On top of that both of our main characters have been defined by society by their family lineages, and it is interesting to see how that shapes their understanding of themselves as they fight against inheritance and legacy. Situating the protagonists as marginalized members of society we get a different exploration of monstrosity than other similar stories.
The story does follow a somewhat expected structure, but it has some clever twists and tweaks that, even when you see them coming, are fun reveals, as the seeds are deftly planted throughout the story. It is almost an odd couple story, with the two leads being so different that they balance each other out while at the same time having narrative friction, which keeps it fun. I did feel like some of the relationship building felt a little rushed at the end but given the plot mechanics I understand why it was done that way, and it didn’t diminish my joy in the story. Ultimately, this novel is able to explore a somewhat common and expected story using a fresh lens, making for a fun, engrossing, mostly cozy supernatural mystery filled with people you’re rooting for. It was easy and a lot of fun to read, the kind of story you don’t want to put down. The conclusion was satisfying and also open-ended enough to let you know there are many more adventures to come, and it leaves you excited to go on them with these characters.
(Rounded up from 3.5 stars)
I want to thank the author, the publisher Bindery Books, and NetGalley, who provided a complimentary eARC for review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 8, 2024
this is somewhat of a hard book to rate, because while i love some aspects of it, other parts left me mildly disappointed.
first of all, what i love about the book is the plot and mystery itself. i love following our main characters, sam and hel, as they go around Paris to find out who's the culprit behind a string of murders. i also like the incorporation of monsters and sam having visions and creating this conflict on whether she can trust these visions or if they'll drive her insane instead.
now, to the things that i found quite lacking. first of all, for a book that deeply points out how monsters and monstrous acts aren't always synonymous and that humans are often more monstrous, this felt quite surface-level. i couldn't help but somewhat compare it to monsters of verity, which is wildly unfair to me, but it made me realize that this aspect of the book left me unsatisfied.
secondly, the ending was also unsatisfactory to me. the book was very violent when it comes to the killing and how easily people died, but the resolution was so lukewarm and too easy compared to the rest of the book that i was frowning hoping there was something more to this. not to mention the insane misogyny that, while it's true very apparent in the time that the book was set on, was bothering me so much by how prevalent it is but there's nothing to it except for it to be there. simply put it, the men should've gotten their well-deserved violent karma at the end and not whatever the fuck that ending was.
lastly, while the characters are okay enough for me, the romance was barely there, and i would've been fine with it if they kept it as that and not had sam and hel develop into something more when there's barely any build-up towards there. they had angst here and there, but the romantic development was so barely there that i almost forgot they're supposed to be romantically entangled and when we do get to them kissing, it caught me by surprise. i was soooo disappointed because i love them even as just partners in crime, and i wanted them to have actual romantic chemistry if they were to be more than just friends.
all and all, i quite like the story, but i can't brush off the major aspects of the book that bother me throughout reading it. i would still recommend it for anyone who wants a gothic murder mystery sapphic story, because maybe more people would love it more than me.
first of all, what i love about the book is the plot and mystery itself. i love following our main characters, sam and hel, as they go around Paris to find out who's the culprit behind a string of murders. i also like the incorporation of monsters and sam having visions and creating this conflict on whether she can trust these visions or if they'll drive her insane instead.
now, to the things that i found quite lacking. first of all, for a book that deeply points out how monsters and monstrous acts aren't always synonymous and that humans are often more monstrous, this felt quite surface-level. i couldn't help but somewhat compare it to monsters of verity, which is wildly unfair to me, but it made me realize that this aspect of the book left me unsatisfied.
secondly, the ending was also unsatisfactory to me. the book was very violent when it comes to the killing and how easily people died, but the resolution was so lukewarm and too easy compared to the rest of the book that i was frowning hoping there was something more to this. not to mention the insane misogyny that, while it's true very apparent in the time that the book was set on, was bothering me so much by how prevalent it is but there's nothing to it except for it to be there. simply put it, the men should've gotten their well-deserved violent karma at the end and not whatever the fuck that ending was.
lastly, while the characters are okay enough for me, the romance was barely there, and i would've been fine with it if they kept it as that and not had sam and hel develop into something more when there's barely any build-up towards there. they had angst here and there, but the romantic development was so barely there that i almost forgot they're supposed to be romantically entangled and when we do get to them kissing, it caught me by surprise. i was soooo disappointed because i love them even as just partners in crime, and i wanted them to have actual romantic chemistry if they were to be more than just friends.
all and all, i quite like the story, but i can't brush off the major aspects of the book that bother me throughout reading it. i would still recommend it for anyone who wants a gothic murder mystery sapphic story, because maybe more people would love it more than me.
July 18, 2024
Strange Beasts by Susan J. Morris is an enthralling read, a wonderful blend of historical fiction, fantasy, and mystery that will have you eagerly turning pages. The main characters, Samantha Harkins and Dr. Helena Moriarty are unique characters, inspired from Dracula and Sherlock Holmes stories, with Sam being the daughter of a vampire hunter who had ties to Dracula and Hel being the daughter of Sherlock Holmes's nemesis, James Moriarty.
Sam works as a researcher for The Royal Society for the Study or Abnormal Phenomena, however, when brutal murders start happening in Paris, she feels compelled to work in the field, believing she can solve this case and find who is summoning these beasts. She trusts her extensive knowledge along with her unique gifts of channeling and her strong sense of smell can help her crack the case. She teams up with Hel and together they set out to solve this mystery.
This book has a very creative and unique premise, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I love historical fiction, but also love fantasy just as much, so this book was the ideal book for me and kept me engaged the entire read! It has light romance, fantasy creatures, monsters, paranormal beast hunters, mentions of Dracula, Holmes, and Van Helsing, and has an overall gothic feel to it which was all executed perfectly. The pacing does drag on at times though, with the middle being the slowest part. Overall, I would recommend! 4 stars!
Thank you NetGalley, Bindery Books, and Susan J. Morris for this ARC!
Sam works as a researcher for The Royal Society for the Study or Abnormal Phenomena, however, when brutal murders start happening in Paris, she feels compelled to work in the field, believing she can solve this case and find who is summoning these beasts. She trusts her extensive knowledge along with her unique gifts of channeling and her strong sense of smell can help her crack the case. She teams up with Hel and together they set out to solve this mystery.
This book has a very creative and unique premise, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I love historical fiction, but also love fantasy just as much, so this book was the ideal book for me and kept me engaged the entire read! It has light romance, fantasy creatures, monsters, paranormal beast hunters, mentions of Dracula, Holmes, and Van Helsing, and has an overall gothic feel to it which was all executed perfectly. The pacing does drag on at times though, with the middle being the slowest part. Overall, I would recommend! 4 stars!
Thank you NetGalley, Bindery Books, and Susan J. Morris for this ARC!
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