I’m a bit of a sucker for an old school Sherlock Holmes mystery and this book definitely gave off those vibes.
Based in Paris in the very early 1900s and set in a world of the paranormal, where something is killing noble men, the daughter of Draculas killer and Moriartys daughter (yes, that Moriarty) are sent to investigate.

The story is detailed and highly descriptive. It submerges you into the past and creates vivid images, making it very easy to imagine the setting and the world where the story is unfolding. The characters are compelling (we also get Van Helsings son) and the despite the longer chapters the story has a good pace. I did find that the introduction of many different characters at various locations sometimes confusing, but it didn’t take away my enjoyment.

A well written mystery with a paranormal edge and I would love to see these characters in future books. An easy 4.5/5 from me

Thankyou to NetGalley and Bindery books for the ebook ARC

Great set up—monster hunters in a gas lamp fantasy Paris, trying to solve a series of murders. Very intriguing with lots of twists and turns. Unfortunately I felt like the Dracula influence wasn’t very strong and probably would have preferred Sherlock Holmes to have just been an inspiration, rather than this being a reimagined sequel to the Sherlock Holmes series. It felt like some of the characters were not well developed because the book was relying on base knowledge of those franchises to fill in the gaps. I also was a little surprised at the romance; it didn’t feel like there was a ton of build up or tension. Sam and Hel would have been just as interesting, if not more, with leaving the slow burn aspect to push through to the second book in the series so that there would have been time to develop past trust into more affection.

Big fans of Sherlock Holmes (especially the BBC series!) will surely enjoy the many twists and turns in the mystery element.

**Review of *Strange Beasts***

*Strange Beasts* is a dazzling fusion of gothic horror and mystery that invites readers into a richly imagined world where the iconic figures of Dracula and Sherlock Holmes intersect. This novel deftly balances historical fantasy with a thrilling plot, creating a narrative that is as engaging as it is thought-provoking.

Set in early 20th-century Paris, the story centers on Samantha Harker, a uniquely gifted researcher with the ability to channel the minds of monsters. As the daughter of Dracula’s killer, Sam grapples with her heritage while seeking to solve a series of gruesome murders that are terrorizing the city. Her character is both fierce and vulnerable, embodying the complexities of a woman navigating a world dominated by men and their expectations.

Enter Dr. Helena Moriarty, the enigmatic daughter of Sherlock Holmes' nemesis, whose reputation is shrouded in mystery and scandal. Their partnership unfolds amid a backdrop of elite Parisian clubs and the eerie catacombs, where the stakes rise with each turn of the page. The chemistry between Sam and Hel adds an enticing layer to the narrative, blending suspense with the nuances of burgeoning attraction and trust.

The writing is lush and atmospheric, capturing the essence of the era while immersing readers in the darkly enchanting world the author has crafted. Themes of feminine power and resilience are woven throughout the story, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of women in a patriarchal society. The tension between Sam and Hel not only drives the plot forward but also serves as a commentary on the complexities of female relationships and trust.

What truly sets *Strange Beasts* apart is its ability to keep readers guessing. The mystery elements are cleverly constructed, with twists that challenge expectations and keep the suspense palpable. As Sam and Hel delve deeper into their investigation, the line between friend and foe blurs, leading to an electrifying conclusion that leaves readers breathless.

In summary, *Strange Beasts* is an exhilarating read that masterfully combines gothic elements with a captivating mystery. With its strong female leads, intricate plotting, and rich historical detail, it’s a must-read for fans of both horror and mystery genres. Highly recommended for those seeking an enthralling story that celebrates feminine strength and the complexities of human connection. This novel is sure to resonate long after the final page is turned.

Strange Beasts fell like a giant, cozy, gothic hug for me. It's Penny Dreadful meets Emily Wilde with a sprinkling of the Parasol Protectorate by Gail Carriger.
This book yall. It hit all the marks. Dark, delightful, clever, educational, romance, mystery, scandalous. I had so much fun reading this book, looking up all the places mentioned. By 60% it was unputdownable. The twist threw me, which was very enjoyable. I loved how multi-layered the characters were, how much empathy was clearly evident, as well as how human they were. I would have loved to have had more beasts make appearances! I am glad that I read this book on my kindle and could make use of the translation feature as I didn't feel like there were obvious hints in the text as to what some of the French phrases were.

Being who you are and not what other people think of you was a huge theme throughout this book and I didn't know that I was missing in my reading journey. I fell in love with Sam and Hel, and wanted to string Van Helsing up by his boots.
Please oh please let this continue as a series!! I will not be patiently waiting,.

Dracula mixed with Sherlock Holmes characters with offspring of evil Dr. Moriarty Hel, Mina Harkers daughter Samatha & Jakob Van Helsing. They are all working for A Royal Society For The Study Of Abnormal Phenomena in different capacities researcher for ___ & investigators to capture or hit people with later two, of magical creatures & dealers with the malignant solving cases & keeping the mundane safe in Great Britain branch. The duo [with the male third of society sneakily following them] travel to Paris to find a loupe de gaurou or individual acting like one, slaughtering prominent promiscuous men there. What this story also lightly paints is the treatment of women in that point in time & how independent intelligent women were, as still now, considered a threat while at the same time the expendable quality they held for women. Women as the victims did nothing more than create a basic check point if murdered by others outside social norms while it was quite okay to ignore the same by spouses or even those in high positions.
I has some delightful twists & turns that are unexpected, wonderful dialog, an interesting level of society of Paris & the western European as well as US mores & beliefs in the early [1902] 1900s and on to even now. Don't let them drag us back into time in reality in the manner politically they are trying to. I feel this is the beginning of a series I would gladly dive into & hope it becomes one as was thoroughly enjoyable.

I loved this book so much!
Fantasy murder mystery. Two bad-ass women. Paris. Mythical creatures, Magical abilities. This book has it all, and I ate it up.

Sam and Hel are both agents of the Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomena. They enter into an unlikely partnership to solve a string of gruesome murders in Paris. But of course, nothing is as simple as it seems. The convoluted case leads them all over Paris, from the grand Palais Garnier all the way down to the ancient catacombs. And of course, Sam and Hel both have personal motives for solving this case, motives they strive to keep hidden from the other. Can they work together when they don't fully trust each other?

✨

Sam and Hel are both so well-written. Their backstories are slowly revealed throughout the book, and you get to understand how their upbringing shaped them and made them into the person they are. They both have a lot of growing to do, and I loved how we got to see all of that play out. Their dynamic was interesting to read, with Hel being more experienced in the field, more hardened to the gruesome realities of their job, while Sam is new to all of it. As a researcher, Sam is used to getting information from books. But when what she finds in the field is so different from what she's read, she has to grapple with what it means for her and for how the Society operates.

The mystery element kept me hooked. I could not put the book down because I really wanted to get to the bottom of it. The clues were there, as were the red herrings, and when Sam and Hel find the answers, it felt so so so satisfying.

Van Helsing though. Yeah, I don't like him, But he is also a product of his upbringing. Is it weird that I also want to learn more about him? And why he is the way he is?

Reading Strange Beasts by Susan J. Morris was such a fun time. This is definitely a perfect addition to your spooky or Halloween TBR.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the digital ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bindery Books for an advance copy of Strange Beasts by Susan J. Morris! I so, so wanted to be able to read this book and was extremely thankful for the opportunity.

Sam, a researcher for the Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomena (with some unique family history) wants an opportunity to go out into the field hunting monsters, as she believes a case that the Society is investigating relates to the long-ago disappearance of her dear grandfather. She gets paired with Hel, a no-nonsense detective who also has some unique family history, which has resulted in her being a ruthless and suspicious person; not the most easy working relationship to start off with. On top of that, every partner Hel has been assigned to before has died under mysterious circumstances.

Cue the drama! Sam and Hel go on a wild and dangerous adventure through Paris in an effort to catch "the beast" who is murdering men and leaving a gruesome scene and a mysterious puzzle behind at each murder. The story is equal parts the development of Sam and Hel's partnership, and their work in catching the mysterious killer. There's a full cast of characters, a lot of twists and turns, and numerous revelations that have you guessing until the last page. I loved the writing, the characters, and the mystery; a great combination of some of my favorite things.

The "attraction" mentioned in the description of this book is another reason I was interested in reading this story. I loved the idea of a more unique romance unfolding, besides the classic man/woman we're partners, now we're in love trope. I will say I'm not sure how I felt about how this actually landed in this book. It felt like the author either needed to fully dive in, or just leave this out. That said, the ending of the novel does seem like a setup for a sequel, which I would be interested in for many reasons, not least the opportunity for Sam and Hel to determine a clearer relationship with one another, whatever that means.

Overall, loved this combination of detective story, adventure novel, fantasy, and romance. Very thankful I got to read it, highly recommend, and hoping for a sequel in the future.

I really enjoyed this book!! It’s set in a beautifully atmospheric, turn-of-the-century Paris, where all your favorite monsters and classic literary characters feel like they’ve leapt off the page. Samantha Harker, the daughter of Dracula’s killer, has this unique ability to tap into the minds of monsters, which gives the story an extra layer of intrigue. Teaming her up with Dr. Helena Moriarty—yes, the daughter of Sherlock Holmes’ nemesis—was such an amazing pairing!

The relationship between Sam and Hel was one of my favorite parts. The way their dynamic slowly builds from distrust to something deeper was so satisfying to watch unfold. Both women are incredibly complex, and the way they complement each other, despite their differences, really drew me in. The slow burn between them was perfect and when they finally begin to open up, it feels well-earned and heartwarming. I found myself rooting for them both as partners and as something more.

The pacing of the story was just right, keeping me hooked without feeling rushed. And the setting of gothic Paris was so richly described, it almost felt like a character in itself. I could practically feel the dark, shadowy streets and the eerie catacombs beneath them. The mystery and supernatural elements are well-balanced, and if you love stories that mix Holmesian detective work with a supernatural edge, you’ll love this.

I was honestly surprised to learn this is the author’s first book—it’s so well-crafted! I really hope there’s a sequel because the ending left me wanting more of Sam and Hel’s world. If you’re into gothic mysteries, slow-burn romance, and a touch of the supernatural, I highly recommend giving this one a read!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was a great Gothic mystery that was very atmospheric and immersive. The story was compelling but I felt like the author could've put a little more focus on the characters themselves so we as readers would be able to connect to them more. I loved the writing style and will definitely check out the author's other work.

This book takes place in the early 1900s and features are royal Society dedicated to hunting down supernatural beasts. The daughter of Jonathan and Mina Harker works as a researcher at the society and his desperate to become a field agent. When a suspected werewolf runs in France. She jumps at the opportunity to become partners with the daughter of Dr. Moriarty. Can the two discover if there is a werewolf in Paris or is it the machinations of something more sinister?
Thank you to NetGalley and Bindery books for the opportunity to read and review this in exchange for my honest review and I’m giving this 3 1/2 stars.
This was a fast paced not super gory horror With two likable main characters. One of my favorite aspects of this book was the developing relationship between Samantha and Helena. My least favorite aspect of this book would be the fact that the ultimate bad guy was predictable and pretty easy to guess. I have already posted my review of this book on my social media, TikTok and YouTube and will recommend as a spooky season read.

Thank you so much Bindery for the arc copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own!
4.5 stars
Strange Beasts is a truly well-executed atmospheric Gothic sapphic mystery! This may be one of the most perfect examples of my taste in books that I have ever read. Historical, mystifying, mesmerizing, and queer, with heavy themes of feminine power and intellect. A cross between Dracula and Sherlock Holmes reads like a classic old vampire movie or even Phantom of the Opera. Strange Beasts brings so much to the table with werewolves, alchemy, visions, and a dashing and cunning lady with a gun. The vibe and atmosphere alone is reason enough to read this book.

🖤the plot/mystery🖤
The mystery in this book was very well written. It was detailed and complex without being overly convoluted. Mysteries are really hit or miss for me, and I'm very glad to say that this one was definitely a hit. The main mystery is a string of murders seemingly done by a werewolf in the heart of Paris. We follow Sam and Hel as they try to uncover who is behind this murder as well as trying to avoid being caught in Professor Moriarty's web of influence. A strong promise with excellent execution. I will note I did guess one of the culprits pretty early on but there was still a ton of mystery and intrigue that caught me off guard.

🖤the romance🖤
One of the only critiques that I have is I do think we needed some more conclusion or information on the romance. It looks like it's setting up for another book which I would be SO interested in! However, I was under the impression this was a standalone, but I may be wrong. I would love to see another book in this world and with these characters. Their chemistry was so good, and I ship them so hard. Giving heavy Sherlock and Watson vibes, so if you ship those types of characters, you will love this.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait for everyone else to read this. Not only is this like the perfect book for me but it is also a great fall read! I read this at the beginning of fall during a rainy day so I can attest it sets the vibe perfect.

I struggled with this book, I so badly wanted to like it but after the 7th time i picked it up and tried to get into I i realized it just wasn't going to work for me. I think the writing style was great and I wouldn't hesitate to pick up another book from this author if maybe the plot was slightly different. The concept of a dracula/sherlock crossover is SO GOOD, but I could not invested in the characters because I felt as though the book was focusing on the overall mystery. I wish a tiny bit more time had been spent in the very beginning creating investment in the main characters, Ultimately, because I didn't feel tied to them I struggled to be drawn into this story and DNF. I think this book will likely be more successful with people who are able to appreciate the mystery element without needing to be attached to characters from the beginning.

This was excellent! An utterly compelling duo, complex clues, and lush historical details combine with a page-turning mystery and plenty of folklore sprinkled throughout. Strange Beasts is both compelling and enjoyable, and I'm delighted that while the mystery is wrapped up satisfyingly in this installment, there's plenty of room for a sequel--I'll be first in line to read the next book in the series!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc! Opinions are my own.

Last year I've finally watched Sanctuary, the 2008 TV show, and after I was done I wished so badly there was a book I could read that felt similar to the show or had a similar concept. I had no idea that Stranger Beasts was exactly the book I was looking for.

This story follows Dr Helena Moriarty, the daughter of the famed professor Moriarty, and Sam, the daughter of Mina Harker. They both work for a Society that deals with hunting monsters and this time the monster is a beast murdering people of Paris.

I'll admit I wasn't fully sold on the idea of taking children of characters from two books that everyone knows and putting them in a new world together but Susan J. Morris makes it work and makes this world completely her own. The mystery is a fun mix of your typical Sherlock Holmes story with supernatural aspects but it never feels tired. I could honestly read countless of adventures that these two women find themselves in. I even had a moment of dissatisfaction when the characters mention other cases they were on and I didn't get to read about them.

There are plenty of more or less predictable plot twists in this story but the book for me was so much fun that I didn't even care if it was predictable or not.

The one thing I could complain about is that I wish the romance was a little more built up. I mean it wasn't the focus of the book so I wasn't that bothered, I just wish there were some larger hints dropped earlier in the story.

I need this to become a series, with at least 10 books. But for now I'll impatiently wait for a sequel.

The mix of Dracula legend and Sherlock Holmes stories came to be the great entertaibment for me. I loved both the mystery and the characters, not only our main protagonists but also side characters too, even Jacob Van Helsing who I find an interesting person who can be both an enemy and an ally in the future. From how this ended I assume the author is going to write continuation and I am looking forward to it.
Strong 4 stars.

"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.

At the dawn of the twentieth century in Paris, Samantha Harker, daughter of Dracula's killer, works as a researcher for the Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomena. But no one realizes how abnormal she is. Sam is a channel into the minds of monsters: a power that could help her solve the gruesome deaths plaguing turn-of-the-century Paris - or have her thrown into an asylum.

Sam finds herself assigned to a case with Dr. Helena Moriarty, daughter of the criminal mastermind and famed nemesis of Sherlock Holmes and a notorious detective whom no one wants to work with on account of her previous partners' mysterious murders. Ranging from the elite clubs of Paris to the dark underbelly of the catacombs, their investigation sweeps them into a race to stop a beast from its killing rampage, as Hel and Sam are pitted against men, monsters, and even each other. But beneath their tenuous trust, an unmistakable attraction brews. Is trusting Hel the key to solving the murder, or is Sam yet another pawn in Hel's game?"

Has a distinct Penny Dreadful vibe. I love that.

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.

Such a great story! Loved reading this just in time for halloween! Overall a cute and quick read for halloween

Thank you NetGalley and Bindery Books for giving me early access to this book! All opinions are my own.

Strange Beasts is absolutely phenomenal. Top tier writing, amazing story, and the characters make me want to hug them and never let go. I’m not normally into the gothic style of story, but I loved the edginess of darkness and mystery that is throughout this book. The little nods to Sherlock and Dracula were amazing as well! I cannot wait to see if there are follow up books to this one. 5 ⭐️

POV: Third Person Limited

Nothing makes me happier than reading (and yapping about) a book with a promising premise that actually delivers on the premise and keeps me up at night and has me pacing around while internally screaming.

Poetic and mysterious to its core, Strange Beasts is a sapphic feminist murder mystery that is a perfect cross between Enola Holmes (or the story's more familiar counterpart, Sherlock Holmes) and Impossible Creatures (the beautifully written mythical creature fantasy by Katherine Rundell).

It pulls you into an atmospheric gothic world from the very first page and leaves you guessing, guessing and putting pieces of a puzzle together only to steal half the puzzle pieces away just when you were almost done. The red herrings? Susan J. Morris you are a genius for writing this I will forever be in AWE.

I could've never seen the plot twists coming, I was screaming and screeching and glued to the pages throughout, so engrossed and so in love with the way the mystery was woven. The writing style is magnificent as is the theatre scene in 1900s Paris, and and and I see the potential for a sequel okay???

The characters? So beautifully written and their interactions are so raw and real? I NEED to see more of both the MCs families and I need to read more about Hel and Sam solving mysteries together AND I need more of the mythical creatures.

PS: This is a fanclub for Heathcliff the rat. If Hel and Sam don't raise him together and give him a cheese wheel—

Also can we talk about that magnificent cover? And the way it is an elegant nod to the Paris catacombs and the theatre/opera. Genius.

PPS: To anyone picking this book for the queer rep, know that it is a very very subtle slow burn.

(Thank you Netgalley, Bindery Books & Inky Phoenix Press for the e-ARC!)