Strange Beasts by Susan J Morris will be one of the first releases from the pioneering publishing group Bindery, a publisher powered directly by the bookish community. This is Inky Phoenix Press’s debut release under their Bindery imprint and Morris’s debut adult novel was an absolutely stellar choice.
We follow Sam Harker as she teams up with Helena Moriarty to solve a series of grisly murders in Paris, supposedly committed by a famed Beast. This is a gas lamp murder mystery that burrows into Paris’s cunning underbelly, unearthing cults, creatures, and a shedload of period-accurate misogyny towards our badass leading ladies. However, they soon prove that they are more than up to the task of tracking down the elusive killer. Sam has strange (but helpful) abilities that she desperately tries to keep to herself, while Helena has an extensive network of connections and the natural consequences of being raised by the infamous Professor Moriarty on her side.
This story was everything I wanted it to be and more. It’s a slow-burn sapphic romance that dips into all of the most interesting elements of Paris in this era: private clubs, theatre performances, perfumeries, the catacombs, and so much more. It even has a healthy dose of fantastical creatures which I was pleasantly surprised by.
The setting and the plot were the stars of this show for me. The mystery had some complex twists and plenty of red herrings that I thought I had gotten the better of, but I was the one left gasping in the end. Morris does a fantastic job of keeping the explanations organic and easy to understand, while still keeping the tension taut throughout the story. Paris is a looming beauty in the background of the story and the smattering of French dialogue felt like it had been written by a native speaker rather than put through Google translate, and avoided the easy clichés. Morris’s prose is deft and effective, and spirits you into the Paris nightlife in the space of a breath.
I would highly recommend this story to anyone looking for sapphic or women-centred stories set in the Holmesian era that isn’t afraid to dabble in fantasy elements. Fans of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen or The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter will also adore this novel and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Strange Beasts comes out on 15th October 2024.

Strange Beasts is a delicious adventure and mystery wrapped in threads of gothic paranormal fiction and gives us a fresh look at stories we have loved before. Here, the children of Professor Moriarty and Mina Harker (of Sherlock and Dracula fame), Hel and Sam, are women working for the Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomena out of London. Sam is a researcher out of her depth trying to outrun a family curse. Hel is a field agent that no one trusts due to her parentage. But in this case, they end up as reluctant partners.

As with all great mysteries, both women have secrets they’re trying to keep while tracking down the Beast who’s gone on a killing spree in Paris. At every turn they are met with resistance and tricks, often at the hands of people they know well. Forming a tenuous alliance filled with tension and faint whispers of trust, they must work together to reach a resolution that will leave both of them alive.

The writing was sharp, the tension and secrets played out well, and the atmosphere was rich and inviting. You felt like you were in the salons and catacombs of Paris. The dynamic between Hel and Sam is perfection, and the end sets us up for a continuation of the world and the underlying mysteries that go beyond the Beast murders the women were sent to solve. We also have a slow-burn romantic tension between Hel and Sam that is lovely to see unfold. They are the definition of opposites attract, and I would love to see more of their story unfold.

I liked this novel a lot. I wasn’t sure what to expect given that the blurb has a LOT going on (a theme that continued into the novel for sure) but I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. This novel does an excellent job in weaving together a lot of different elements of mythology and fantasy into a unique and yet familiar story. There is a LOT going on in this story, with many interwoven elements and plotlines, and the author pulled it off very well. The characters were particularly great, being well developed and feeling like real, living, genuine people. I would recommend this novel for sure!

This novel had action, mystery, fantasy, and a lot of other elements. It wasn’t just one single thing and I think it would be hard to pin it down into one genre. Thankfully they did a good job of everything attempted in this novel, and it didn’t feel like there was too much crammed into the pages.

There is a romantic plotline, but it is very minor. For some reason I was expecting more of a romance in this novel but that might be my own bias as I have been on quite the romance kick for a while.

I don’t know if there is a plan to make sequels to this, but I certainly hope so. This novel definitely has the “first in a series” feel to it with plenty of room for future development. At the same time, this novel would stand perfectly fine as a standalone novel if that’s the case.

I think the reader would benefit from knowing the two stories of origin of our protagonists, however its not essential.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of Strange Beasts! While I was very eager to read this book and dive into this world, it ultimately fell flat for me for multiple reasons. To begin with, I felt that the novel lacked some important world building, and in particular, more context for its monsters and magic. We get some hints at what alchemy is capable of in this novel with the unguent that Hel uses, for example, but no understanding of its limits or overall usage. While you always have to take some things for granted with fantasy, I would have appreciated some more familiarity with the magic system or even a better understanding of the Society’s role in this world. In terms of the mystery itself, while I was initially intrigued, I didn’t feel engaged with it up and through the end. I wasn’t particularly surprised by the twist, and honestly, was left with the feeling of wanting more despite how clever the murderer ended up being. I was also pretty disappointed with the romance between Hel and Sam; despite being advertised as one, I really didn’t feel a lot of chemistry between them and, as other reviewers have mentioned, Sam seems a lot more invested in other male characters than in her supposed counterpart. While I can respect a slow burn, there’s really only one event in the whole novel that betrays some kind of romantic interest between the two, which was not personally enough for me. All this isn’t to say that Strange Beasts is not worth reading—it definitely fits well into what is becoming a popular niche in fantasy and I’m sure will thrill a lot of readers—it just wasn’t my cup of tea this time.

Samantha, daughter of Jonathan and Mina Harker (yes, those ones), joins Helena, Professor Moriaty’s daughter (yes, that one) to hunt down maybe-werewolves in Paris. Sam and Hel (who are just platonic partners in crime and nothing else, obviously) are attacked by half the cast of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them, including a very thirsty grindylow. Even more dangerous than the giant man-eating snail slithering about the catacombs is THE PATRIARCHY, because our daring duo live in a time where wearing a perfume with more than one flower scent brands you as a shameless harlot, and women can and will be involuntarily hospitalised for expressing an emotion. God forbid a woman pour a vat of pig’s blood on her cheating husband. At least there’s a cute rat called Heathcliff to lighten things up.

3.5 stars. Strange Beasts brings about feelings of Sherlock Holmes style mystery, which is no surprise considering our biggest supporting character is Helena Moriarty, who is trying to distance herself from her father's reputation. Our main character is a delight in an exploration of feminine empowerment, particularly that power we get from supporting one another.
My only fault to the book is that some small side character stories don't make particular sense due to just abruptly ending or being somewhat contradicted by the way the main story is continued. I hated that nothing was said about Hel and Sam sending for the woman at the asylum's friend, and there was an entire section about Clotilde, but we never find out about where she ends up. There was a bit about how if it came to light that the Wolves of God hadn't committed the murders, the leadership would fall through, but then they could get their help at the end to block tunnels, but it didn't even seem like they were actually even around in the catacombs.

Let me first say that I was 100% pulled to this book because the cover is beautiful and I read somewhere that the description was “Dracula, Sherlock Holmes and lesbians”. Obviously it is a must read? I am SO happy that I was given an ARC of Strange Beasts. I DIVOURED it. This book is *chef kisses*

Samantha Harker is quickly submersed into the real world of monsters and beasts when she demands to be apart of a case that she believes will lead her to her grandfather, who mysteriously vanished. She is put on a case in Paris with the notorious Dr. Helena Moriarty who is an amazing investigator but who is being watched by the Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomena (their work) due to her partners that keep ending up dead on the job. Even though Sam has zero field work, she is determined to be on this case and give Hel the benefit of the doubt.
We soon find out that there is layers to this story. Sam has secrets about who she is, Hel has secrets of who her family is and what that means for her partners. The police in Paris are keeping secrets, even though they want to solve the murders of high society men in their town. Discovering all the pieces to the puzzle was so much fun, especially with the setting of this book.
I really enjoyed all the layers to this novel and all the twists. When you think you know where the story is going, it switches you in another direction in the best way.

I gave this story 5 stars for multiple reasons. It was a fast pace read that kept me entertained the entire time. I loved all the different parts of this book, the lore, the love, the mystery and of course, the murder. The setting of this book was also amazing. I loved the catacombs, miner tunnels, theater and fancy hotels. I loved the fancy dresses and the impeccable descriptions of them. Over all this book as so much fun and is such a vibe. Highly recommend!

I'm going to be honest - I put this book off for a moment. I was contemplating whether or not this would really be my style to read. I am so glad I didn't put it off for too long because I loved this book.
It starts with the introduction of some interesting literary legends. We have the daughter of Mina from Dracula and the daughter of Moriarty from Sherlock Holmes. What could go wrong?
We add a bit of spice with the fantasy element. As first I thought this was going to be a little more steampunk and focus on the murder mystery, but I was pleasantly surprised when we met mythological creatures (some of which were out to kill them!).
The romance between the two women was also really well written and very realistic. I liked how the main character seemed to be more interested in men until push came to shove and she realised. I also love how a big deal wasn't made about it. Even in those times were homosexuality wasn't common (and often illegal), it was just part of their lives and the story the author had created.
Really well done!

///// English /////

*Disclaimer: I had received a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 9/10 – 4,5 stars out of 5
Genre: Mystery, thriller, fantasy, romance

You have to be a monster to hunt them… or not.

I really loved this story. We have the perfect mix between Sherlock Holmes vs. Dr. Moriarty, a little bit of a slow burn romance, a social critic against patriarchy, the 20th Century and fantasy with monsters like Dracula or werewolves.

There are some things I would change, as some problems of misunderstanading, but it gives the plot a lot of sense.

I loved the dinamics between Hel and Sam, the descriptions of the monsters and the inclusive part in the romance. The apparition of Dracula, Van Helsing and Dr. Moriarty are awesome and really enjoyable.

The mystery was well-written, not as much previsible (only a little bit) and intense.

The romance is not the principal plot here, and it’s more a friendship the most of the time. They are the person that trust on you when you don’t. There are some child traumas that have the characters in conflict, but they are part of their personalities.

It was really cool and I am waiting for the second part.

Men are afraid of what a woman with power can do. And they will define you as a monster instead of it.




///// Español /////

Puntuación: 9 / 10 – 4,5 estrellas de 5
Género: Misterio, policíaco, fantasía, romance

Hay que ser un monstruo para cazarlos... o no.

Esta historia me ha encantado. Tenemos la mezcla perfecta entre Sherlock Holmes vs. el Dr. Moriarty, un poco de romance a fuego lento, una crítica social contra el patriarcado, el siglo XX y fantasía con monstruos como Drácula o los hombres lobo.

Hay algunas cosas que cambiaría, como algunos problemas derivados de malentendidos, pero le dan mucho sentido a la trama.

Me gustó la dinámica entre Hel y Sam, las descripciones de los monstruos y la parte inclusiva en el romance. Las apariciones de Drácula, Van Helsing y el Dr. Moriarty son increíbles y realmente disfrutables.

El misterio estuvo bien escrito, no es tan previsible (solo un poco) y es intenso.

El romance no es la trama principal aquí, y es más una amistad la mayor parte del tiempo. “Es la persona que confía en ti cuando tú no lo haces”. Hay algunos traumas infantiles que tienen a los personajes en conflicto, pero son parte de sus personalidades.

Me gustó muchísimo y ya estoy esperando la segunda parte con ansias.

Los hombres tienen miedo de lo que puede hacer una mujer con poder. Y en vez de eso la definirán como un monstruo.

“Supernatural” meets “Sherlock” in this new gas-lamp fantasy book by Susan J. Morris that was optioned with TheInkyPhoenix and published through Bindery Books. The time period and locations were described beautifully. The characters were believable and the journey was filled with as many twists and turns as the catacombs depicted. I hope this becomes a series! I love strong female leads and that Hel and Sam can hold their own, without their family intervening or keeping them from their full potential.

Taking Samantha Harker and Dr Helena 'Hel' Moriarty, the erstwhile daughters of Sherlock Holmes and Dracula's nemeses, and placing them in the middle of a Parisian supernatural murder mystery seems like a no-brainer. It's one of those concepts that really should work.

Unfortunately, it just didn't hit the mark for me as the world building and character development weren't quite there and the mystery that underpins everything is a bit too predictable. It's never a good sign when a character first appears, I think 'Hmm, there's your perpetrator' and I'm right.

That being said, it is the author's first novel and shows just enough potential that I would actually give the sequel a read in hope that things improve.

Thanks to NetGalley, Inky Phoenix Press and the author for an advance copy.

A gothic story, with beasts, strong women, mentions of Sherlock Holmes and Dracula and a sapphic subplot? I'm in
This book was a very enjoyable read, there are a few things that could've made it better, like a deeper focus on the worldbuilding and a more in depth analysis of the characters.
But it's very good as a cozy mistery, it's well written so it's an easy read and there are many cool aspects that keeps your attention, like references to Dracula and Moriarty, the catacombs of Paris and the romance subplot that are done great because they don't take away space from the storyline of the mistery and just adds to the gothic vibes
I'll recommend this book, especially during spooky seasons!
Very thankful to NetGalley and the publishers that gave me the opportunity to read this book in exchange of an honest review

This book was very atmospheric and the setting was icing on the cake that is this book. The characters, setting, pace, writing….i wouldn’t change anything.

This book was weird, good but weird. It was like a sci-fi and horror book gone wrong to me. It just wasn't what I expected or wanted to be honest. 2.5/5 stars.

okay, the prose is gorgeous and gothic and vibes

i wanted to adore this book so bad but there were areas that fell very thin. three problems that come to mind include worldbuilding, depth of characters, and pacing. three +’s that come to mind are concept, execution and romance. strange beasts will make for a fantastic moody spooky season read. i just wish i could love it more.

thank you susan j. morris and netgalley for the ARC!

3,5 stars.
Sam Harker and Hel Moriarty need to find a monster, and things take many shapes (pun intended) and twists.
Set in Paris in the 1900s, Strange Beasts contains some strange beasts.
Sam has a lot to learn, and both women have a lot to unfold.
The pros: Paris catacombs have a role in this story, although a bit annoying at times, Sam and Hel are interesting characters, and show agency, the mood and the atmosphere is lovely, the romance subplot does not overshadow the macabre elements.

The mystery and some of the descriptions were not %100 effective for me, but overall, this was an enjoyable read.

Concept: 4.5
Characterisation: 4
Prose: 3
Prose for the mood and worldsetting: 4
Dialogue: 3.5

Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

3 1/2 Stars

Ok this is a hard one.

I loved the book after page one.
The style is on point. No description too long or too short or to flowery. I loved it. I loved the characters and how quickly the author established who they were and in what relation they stood to each other. I loved the world building even though there were many questions left unanswered. I was fine with it. What I needed to know, I knew because the book told me what was important. Perfect.

And then I immediately knew who the killer was. :/ No unimportant character dumps his lore on a woman he had just met. We spend way too much time on a character of not that much importance just to get him back in critical moments (the opera), where he then betrays us in another critical moment (the opera again). He was obviously not Moriarty and for a long time we didn't know about the brother. Also makes no sense for him to hide in a perfume shop...

So with this in mind a lot of the book fell flat.

Sure I still enjoyed the characters and how smart Sam was and the red herrings were laid out rather nicely, but the tension was out, because nothing in the book told me it couldn't be the guy I had in mind.
I had no idea how exactly the perfume guy did it, but I knew it was him. I even got the method halfway right.
And I don't read many crime books.
I don't think this should happen. But happen it did. Which is sad, because when I started this book I was sure it was at least a four star read.

If I haven't guesses the killer is WOULD be 4 stars. Sadly, me knowing this killed the tension in certain parts.

Now my other problem was that I found the romance between Sam and Hel unconvincing. Both are very interesting characters but Hel's secretive nature plus the fact that the book is told from Sam's perspective mean that we don't really get that much time with Hel that isn't tied to the case. Which makes sense! But it's a problem at the end, when both of them haven't spend that many meaningful moments together that weren't tied to life-or-death-situations were both of them had different things to care about than any connection to each other they might have. It's clear early on that Hel cares and so does Sam - but Hel is just for parts of the book not there while Sam makes heart-eyes at random men, who flirt with her and at least try to have a connection with her.

I am fine with both of them not ending up as a couple (yet). But I had the feeling the romance was an add on and the story was the important part.
I wanted to root for these two but I could barely do it. There was just not much to root for. The grant gestures and flirty moments were between Sam and two guys.
Hel failing to get closer or obviously struggling with it or being conflicted with it would have helped, I think. The bit of jealousy was not enough.
Again, I get she's not the kind of character, but half the fun in the will-they-won't-they is the struggling, the pining and the failing for me.

I wouldn't be surprised if my complain about "not enough Hel" will be remedied in the second book though! I will be reading it, because I love it when people remember that Moriarty is not a crime boss but a consultant and I want Helena to kick his and her brother's ass.

Bit worried what it means that her old man has a thing for bees (like Holmes.). We will see what this means.

The strained and complicated relationship between van Helsing and Sam was also interesting. Really made me feel that this is not easy for both of them and what weird kind of thread he is to Sam!

So all in all a good book. Twist ruined for me by myself and a bit by the book but according to the other reviews I seem to be the only one with this problem, which I'm glad to hear! This is a good book and I enjoyed every minute with it.

Strange Beasts was an incredibly fun and witty read. I couldn't put it down! The characters were fun to get to know and the mystery was interesting with a fun feminist spin. I wasn't able to guess who was the culprit ahead of time!

The one thing keeping this from being a five star rating was that I would often get confused about where the characters were or how they got there. It felt like they'd be in a conversation and suddenly the entire location shifted without me realizing they were moving. I would often have to reread certain passages to figure out what was going on location-wise.

Overall, really enjoyed this book. Already recommended it to a friend!

Fantasy mystery staring the daughters of famous literary figures evil genius Moriarty and the Dracula-hunter Harkers.
If you love that late 1800s period, unusual creatures and magic, a good detective mystery, this could very well be what you are looking for.
There is a lot to like in this novel. I must say I always have a fondness for things that touch on perfume. But mainly, I absolutely adore to be surprised with new folklore that I'm unfamiliar with - and this book makes plenty of references to new creepy creatures and uses them in smart meaningful ways.
I really enjoyed the story, but will admit I found the main character, Sam, annoying, and that dropped the book down for me, her suspicions were very shallow and her motivation a little light. All the other characters around her were a lot more fun and colourful and interesting. I think I would have enjoyed this a lot more from the perspective of Hel.

Strange Beasts is a fantastic debut and I can't wait to see what the author puts out next! The two main characters are the children of very famous classic characters, Dr. Moriarty from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Mina and Jonathan Harker from Bram Stoker. These two ladies work together to solve a series of murders that are suspected to have been done by a sort of beast. Their relationship starts from mutual distrust but slowly builds into much more and it is such a wonderful ride!