I did not want to put thos down! I don't know what I was hoping for but this book far exceeded my expectations. Dark, atmospheric and characters I simply couldn't get enough of

Detective Abby is back, y'all, and this book reminds me why I love fantasy murder mysteries.

Strange Beasts is a historical fantasy mystery novel with one of the most unexpected crossovers I've ever seen in a book: Dracula and Sherlock Holmes. I haven't read either original piece, so I might have missed some easter eggs, but I think I knew enough about them in general to understand the backstories of the characters. I really liked the gothic vibes, and even though I'm typically not a fantasy of monster-hunting tropes, I actually enjoyed it in this book. Also, I've said it so many times recently but you have to forgive my current game obsession...this gave Betrayal at the House on the Hill vibes.
The story follows Sam (the daughter of the woman who killed Dracula) and Hel (Moriarty's daughter) as they navigate the streets of Paris on the hunt for a murderous beast. The pacing was well done, and the book kept my interest the whole time. The story is peppered with plot twists, and although I called most of them (including the main killer), I only called the twists a few chapters before they happened. The ending was satisfying, and it leaves the potential for a sequel, which I would definitely be interested in.
The cast of characters was quite interesting. I really liked Sam and how her visions of monsters helped with the mystery. I also liked the development of Sam and Hel's relationship dynamics. Hel reminded me a lot of Alice Quicke from the Talents trilogy, and I really liked her air of mystery and how it related to the case. I can't say much about side characters to avoid spoilers, but I didn't hate Cyprien, and I found most of the other side characters to be rather intriguing.
If you're in the mood for a gothic historical fantasy and murder mystery for the upcoming spooky season, be sure to check out Strange Beasts.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!

4/5

What a tale! So many monsters. Love where you least expect. All the sights of Paris, above & below ground. Enjoy the hunt!

What if the characters of classic lit were real and lived in the same world? And what if the monsters and magic of those books were also real? Well, you’d get this book if you also threw in a murder mystery!

This was engaging and entertaining. The beginning felt a little like League of Extraordinary Gentlemen as we’re introduced to the Harkers and Van Helsings from Dracula and Moriarty’s daughter from the world of Sherlock Holmes. We also get monsters like vampires, werewolves, grindylows, and more. (The Phantom from the Opera is also real!).

Sam Harker is our sunshine and Helena Moriarty is our grumpy, and they must work together to solve some brutal murders in Paris, while also dealing with the baggage from their parents. There is the slowest of burns with their relationship, and I’m definitely hooked to see where it goes in future books.

The muster itself was well done with tons of red herrings and plenty of danger. I did figure out the murderer before the climax, so I was proud of myself for that. But Professor Moriarty himself looms over everyone in the background.

I would recommend for a great supernatural mystery and plenty of classic lit references for fans. I’ll absolutely pick up future books.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the preview. All opinions are my own.

I've seen this book described as a gothic, sapphic Sherlock meets Dracula. Definitely a very intriguing premise to me! I think it accomplished some of those elements better than others. The gothic vibes were definitely there. I'd say it's a feminist gothic mystery with elements of Sherlock and Dracula.

The main characters being the daughters of major players from the aforementioned books was a fun and intriguing plot point. I enjoyed the mystery, though it ended up being predictable, I liked being along for the ride. The misdirections had me questioning myself at times for who I suspected. I liked the idea of this paranormal society who is out and open among the public. I do question why it seems to only have one headquarters in at least Western Europe in 1903, with agents having to travel to other countries. I'd have loved some further world building on The Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomena!

Sam and Hel brought their own unique strengths and weaknesses to their partnership and I think they complemented each other well as work partners, especially once they learned to trust each other.

The sapphic element is where it missed the mark for me. Look, I love slow burn. I LOVE it. However, to accomplish a successful slow burn you need chemistry, tension, yearning, build-up, etc. I didn't sense any of that between these characters. While I liked them both, at no point was I envisioning them together, nor did I care if they ever got together. Somehow more chemistry was written between Sam and all the toxic men in her life.


One other small gripe: as someone who doesn't speak any French, I don't want to have to manually get the translation for dialogue in a book written in English more than a few times. I appreciate using the local language of the setting, but that became tedious.

3.5 rounded up.

Thank you so much Bindery and NetGalley for the eARC!

𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗦: 𝙵𝙰𝙽𝚃𝙰𝚂𝚈. 𝙷𝙾𝚁𝚁𝙾𝚁. 𝙼𝚈𝚂𝚃𝙴𝚁𝚈. 𝙷𝙸𝚂𝚃𝙾𝚁𝙸𝙲𝙰𝙻. 𝚀𝚄𝙴𝙴𝚁. 𝙶𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙸𝙲. 𝙳𝙴𝙱𝚄𝚃.


"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."

𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗬:⁠
After reading the synopsis , there was no way I was missing out on this one. And when I started it, it was not hard to get in because there is something enticing about Helen's character. Sam is also interesting but Hel is something sapphic and I loved her so. The plot is interesting and the sci-fic with a historical touch was really good. It is not really sci-fic but dark magic. Sam's abilities would be intriguing to see especially since there was a hint of vampire effect to them. And Hel with her revolver and suits... definitely enticing.

𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦:⁠
Hel and her remarks to all the male species in this book was my Roman Empire. I can't really picture how she looks like because I have a problem with that but in any way, every time she pulled her gun, I just know she looked absolutely alluring. That ending could lead one to think that there will be more and if there will be, I will come around.


𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙫𝙞𝙖 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙤 𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.

Thanks to Bindery Books and Susan J. Morris for the ARC.

'Strange Beasts' is a queer gothic mystery inspired by Dracula and Sherlock Holmes, to create an intriguing historic tale around a dangerous beast that is more than it seems.

I enjoyed the novel and the way it intertwined the inspiration of Dracula with the Harkers and the Van Helsing, and Sherlock Holmes with the Moriarty's, while still being able to create a unique mystery with surprising plot twists. Both the main characters, Samantha Harker and Helena Moriarity are incredibly likeable, with how nuanced they are, and their struggles and flaws are realistic to read. I like the way they both fit and deflect against the stereotype of being a 'woman', playing around with the concept of a female detective in gothic literature. Their relationship as well is fun to read about, the development feels natural and well-paced.

Their interactions with side characters are meaningful, especially with the midinettes, I liked the way that misogynist and feminist themes when it comes to being the 'victim' and the 'mistress' in the book, it fits the time period but also is a refreshing take. The Beast itself and other mythical creatures are described and treated in such a way that adds a sense of foreboding horror in the mystery, but also so nicely intertwined with the main plot of the novel.

Overall, 'Strange Beasts' is a recommended read for the way it is a unique and brutal mystery perfectly balanced with a queer slow-burn romance and feminist themes.

Historical queer fantasy horror you say? Where do I sign up? This was my immediate reaction on reading the synopsis for this debut novel by Susan. J. Morris.

For lovers of the Gothic, this book hits perfectly. It's spooky, moody and written in beautifully evocative prose that leaves you shivering in the early 20th century catacombs of Paris, right along with its characters.

A perfect read for your spooky season.

This is an incredibly entertaining, cannot-put-it-down, sapphic murder mystery within a magical realism setting (1903 Paris) - and just as an aside, the romance angle is relatively slow-burn & very unspicy, which suited me perfectly. I truly loved this book and cannot thank Bindery Books & NetGalley enough for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

First of all, the cover - a beautiful piece of art by Zach Meyer with so much depth, I cannot stop staring at it & finding all the subtle details taken from the story. And the beauty of the cover art absolutely matches the beauty of the language Susan Morris uses in her storytelling, with spectacular turns of phrase, intoxicating visual descriptions and plenty of witticisms throughout.

Fair warning that if you don't speak much French, there may occasionally (genuinely, it's only occasionally) be moments when you don't know what certain characters/signs say without googling - but most of the plot-significant phrases are translated or explained at the time, and I think that even if you sometimes aren't sure what's been said, that only helps add to your understanding of Sam also being totally lost!

Aside from the obvious Dracula & Sherlock Holmes references, there are also quite a few very astute references to Greek mythology that I absolutely loved. And the sheer amount of knowledge the author imparts about a wide variety of mythical beings is amazing, she really knows her stuff.

The main characters felt well-developed and 3-dimensional; I felt I understood and cared about the complexities of their values/choices very easily. The relationship between the two FMCs was especially engaging to read, and the championing of women's voices throughout the story was really moving. I think some of the two MCs' relationships with other secondary characters could have been explored more thoroughly (particularly the antagonistic ones), but perhaps that's still to come in a future follow-up novel.

I really enjoyed this book, and found the mystery elements of it very satisfying - I think it was just the right balance of solvable-but-not-easy, at least based on my personal deduction skills. Some of the smaller nuances of the mystery do require a certain degree of suspension of disbelief, but then again, this is book where ghosts are real, so perhaps we as the target audience go into it expecting to suspend some disbelief throughout.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an LGBT+ magical murder mystery, and I am so excited to see what else Susan Morris has in store for us.

Finally, there aren't many major Content Warnings I think need giving, but I am including some here for those who find them helpful.

So STOP READING HERE TO AVOID MINOR SPOILERS:

**Content Warnings**

- Mental health mistreatment (in the context of early 1900s British/French treatment of women re: hysteria etc)
- Misogyny (similar context to the CW above)
- Police corruption, possibly also triggering for police brutality
- Violence, body mutilation, blood & gore

4⭐️

ARC kindly provided by publisher via NetGally in exchange for an honest review.

A turn of the century murder mystery with a slow burn sapphic romance involving Dracula and Sherlock lore?? yes please!! this was the perfect way to start off the fall season. it had everything i was hoping for and more. this was a thrilling and sometimes eerie debut novel by Susan J. Morris and i cannot wait to read the next book!

Strange Beasts is a twisted web that spun me in the wrong direction more than once. The use of our knowledge of literary figures like the Harkers (Dracula), Moriarty (Sherlock Holmes), and Van Helsing (Dracula) help efficiently build up our knowledge of the world and its characters very quickly. And Morris eloquently adds to that world as the story goes on.
I enjoyed the twists and turns this book took me on even if the tension stressed me out more than once.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Actual Rating:: 4.5/5

Strange Beasts was exactly what I was looking for in regards to a paranormal historical fiction. This was interesting story with real stakes that had me hooked from the beginning. The Mystery element was fascinating, and I enjoyed following Dr. Helena Moriarty and Samantha Harker as they tried to solve the case.

Helena and Samantha were both equally charming especially when they were together, and while this is a sapphic book it is incredibly slow burn, and I wish I had a little more of their relationship together but with how this book ends I think this has the protentional to a series of books follow Harker and Moriarty solve crimes related to the Paranormal while also trying to thwart Moriarty's brother and Father.

Overall, I hate a lot of fun while reading this and kept me on the edge of my seat.

A dark and thrilling murder mystery chasing mythic creatures from the luxurious heights of Paris to the depths of its catacombs.

sapphic | gaslamp mystery | slow-burn | atmospheric | Sherlock x Watson dynamic | paranormal fantasy | bi mc

I found this book exciting and compelling, it was truly hard to put down. For hardcover mystery fans, I found one or two points a bit predictable but genuinely enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to any sequels and other books written by Susan J. Morris!

A really great debut novel. This had the perfect mix of gothic horror, fantasy and historical fiction. I really enjoyed the main character partnership of Samantha Harker and Dr. Helena Moriarty and found their dynamic really entertaining. I'm impatiently waiting for a whole series of them investigating murders and supernatural phenomena.

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.

This book was fantastic! The moment I saw a blurb about it, I ran to NetGalley to request an ARC and I was so excited to get one. This is the perfect book for anyone who loves a puzzley mystery, badass ladies, and a dark atmosphere. This book hooked me from the first pages, and following Hel and Sam was so much fun. It was such a great premise to bring in the next generation of so many well known names from fiction and flesh them out as people in their own right, while simultaneously grappling with the effect their famous parents have had on their lives and choices. I am DESPERATELY hoping this is the first in a series, and I’ll be able to follow Sam and Hel on many more adventures together.

3.5 stars

Strange beasts is a mystery novel that takes place in a world where monsters are real. Sam is a researcher for the Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomena. She’s also a bit abnormal herself. Sam is a channel, which means she can channel into the minds of monsters. She decides to become a field agent and partner up with the elusive Dr. Helena Moriarty, daughter of a criminal mastermind. All of her past partners have died mysteriously, so Sam doesn’t know if she can trust her. Men are being brutally murdered in Paris by a monster and the investigation is proving to be complicated. Sam and Hel have to figure out who is behind the murders. Is it a man or a beast?

The premise of this book is really interesting. I love the idea of monsters from stories being real and having a society that hunts them down. The early 1900’s time period for the story was also great. My biggest problems with the book was that sometimes the story felt very disjointed. People did or said things that didn’t make sense. Also, the “romance” aspect didn’t feel very natural to me. It honestly felt forced. I like the idea of Sam and Hel together though. I think they would balance each other out very nicely. I just wanted more I guess. I kept waiting for it to happen, and when it did, I just felt disappointed.

Be still, my heart! And stuff my nose! What an excellent, deftly written novel. Bookworm Sam and aloof Hel Moriarty, Ph.D. (?) team up to tackle murders and mayhem against a lush, monster-filled alternate London at the turn of the last century. I enjoyed the character- and world-building, the reimagined Dracula slash Sherloack Holmes lore, and swift pace. Now, the main baddie was a little too easy to guess, and the sudden sapphary was ... well, too sudden. Or maybe Sam just has the hots for everyone? I couldn't make sense of her various orientations, especially when she's painted as an uninitiated wallflower. Ah, well! I expect the next book to refine this already superb start.

Thank you to Susan J. Morris, Bindery Nooks and NetGalley, for the amazing opportunity to read : Strange Beasts as an ARC.

Key words : Lesbians / Paris 1900s / mystery / magical creatures

This book is a mix of Sherlock Holmes and Dracula but wlw with mystical beasts.

A monster seems to be targeting only young men from the high Parisian society. Hel and Sam will have to discover what it really is.

This book was really good. As a native french reader I expected the French to be a bit strange but it was perfect without any mistakes. it made sense and even the translations regarding idioms etc were good. I was really happy to read a mystery with fantastic creatures. Some parts of the plot were kinda expected but others like the parfume related ones weren’t.
I also didn’t expect the relationship between two characters to take this twists and I hope we will get more of it.
I loved to explore Paris with them, the catacombs, hotels and cabarets. Explaining a bit more of Paris in the 1900s.

Rating : 4 ⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and Bindery Books for the ARC. This was a 3.25-3.5⭐ read for me; I still can't decide *exactly*, but I do know I didn't love it enough to be a 4-star.

I DID like Strange Beasts and its sapphic main characters though. Samantha Harker & Helena Moriarty are compelling characters who went through their own respective character growths in the book that interested me: Sam with her insecurities and lack of confidence in herself as a researcher-turned-field-agent; Hel with learning to trust another person given the odds stacked against her with her notorious father. The romance was definitely a SLOWburn, but that's always infinitely better to me than a rushed insta-attraction. These women actually grew to be friends and confidants first, which made the kiss that finally happened all the more earned.

Sapphic romance aside, oh how I do root for a book that encompasses feminine rage. Microaggressions galore plague our heroines, and I enjoyed reading the solidarity and comfort that they find in each other as women navigating patriarchal institutions. They stand up for each other, such as Sam correcting that it's "Dr. Moriarty" and not Miss. Hel also sidesteps the tired trope of ""Progressive"" Woman Looking Down on Femininity by end of the book; even when she didn't see the value in the same feminine interests as Sam, like perfumes and fashion, it doesn't come off as aggravatingly malicious or sneering. Rather, she operates on utility over aesthetic, but learns to appreciate them after time spent with Sam, while not giving up her own personality and likes.

I do also very much appreciate having a protagonist that doesn't villainize the necessary violence that revolutionaries are forced to utilize to enact tangible change in an oppressive system. Instead, she empathizes with the underprivileged's grievances.

The plot itself—a mystery revolving around a beastly creature behind serial murders—was intriguing. The middle part of the book did fall into a glacial pace that I struggled with, especially with the meandering investigation that had me put this down every few chapters ... but the final 20% was incredible. All the twists kept me guessing that I couldn't put it down. I may not necessarily love this book, but I did fall in love with Sam & Hel and would definitely pick up future adventures of them in this world!