Strange Beasts

A well crafted and enjoyable story which I would highly recommend. The characters are well drawn. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me a copy of the book.

I received a ARC e-book of this novel from Net Galley, and the following review hasn't been influenced by Net Galley, the author and/or the publisher.

I adored how this book was more than it appeared. It was horror/supernatural/adventure and a touch of romance. In this alternative history, the characters I love from historical fiction are present, but given a twist. While they aren't front and centre in the book, the characters borrowed are still a seemingly omniscient, deadly threat to Sam, who has ties to Dracula, and Helena Moriarity, daughter of the infamous nemesis of Sherlock Holmes. The author's ability to weave two original characters into a world where the fictional horror world is real took my breath away. This is a world that I can not only imagine, but has depth that surprises me time and time again.

I don't think I can state how brilliant this book is. It ticks all the boxes for me: great world building, believable and 3-D characters, and a plot that yanks the reader off their feet continuously. I never knew what would happen next. I loved each time a new character entered the story. The way Paris was explored made me want to travel back in time and experience it for myself. I am thrilled that the author kept me guessing, and how I was completely wrong with who was the antagonist in this book.

This is a book that I've ordered the audiobook for, and I want a proper kindle book. The editing and formatting is perfect in the proof, but I want to give the author my money and own the final version of this. I don't have much shelf space, but I am deeply tempted to own a physical copy of this book as well.

5 Stars! Highly recommend.

Please buy this book and fall into a world that is amazing!

I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and honestly review an advanced reader’s copy of this book.

I went into this one a bit uncertain, not really sold on the idea. A wolf monster in Paris, killing rich men. The daughter of Dracula’s killer and the daughter of Professor Moriarty in an unlikely partnership to find out the truth. It’s a weird premise!

It sure worked for me though!! The characters were strong; Sam as a main character is very easy to follow along with, the mystery unfolds in a very satisfying way, and the ending sets up perfectly for a sequel.
The pacing was very good in this; we follow Sam and Dr Helena Moriarty (Hel) as they travel to Paris, start to learn to trust each other, chasing clues through the city, into the catacombs and back to the opera; all while being threatened by many sources. (Including Van Helsing’s son? This mismash of characters should not have worked, but it truly did.)

Yeah, loved it, very different to the stuff the current fantasy market is saturated with; more please!

Title: Strange Beasts
Author: Susan J Morris
Pages: 384
Rating: 5/5

Arc Copy (gifted) - review left voluntarily
Publish date - 17th October 2024

"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."

I am so sad that this has come to an end and I really hope that this won't be the end of Sam and Hel!

The intense slow burn between the characters had me hooked. Hel almost reminded me of @craigschaeferbooks
Harmony Black with her no nonsense attitude, black suit and red tie wardrobe and a point to prove. The difference is that Hel isn't afraid to merge the lines when it comes to doing things by the book.

The plot was well composed. I loved how things were based on scent and you could smell what was happening between the pages! SJM really did trigger all those sensory points. From the descriptors of the underground, the scent of the perfumes, the vibrancy of the colours. It was pure perfection.

This is a world I want to continue reading. I want to read more about Hel and Sam's relationship. What happens to Van Helsing. I just need MORE!

You'll love this book if you like
- paranormal reads
- gothic fantasy
- historical fantasy
- vampires and werewolves
- strong female characters
- slow burn, will they, won't they?

Thank you netgalley, hodderbooks and hodderscape for allowing me to review.

Will you be putting this on your tbr? Have you read it already, what were your thoughts??