I'm definitely in the minority here, but I really struggled with this one... I was immediately drawn to it when I saw it listed: the cover, the title, and the description all drew me in straight away. I liked the way it started, and there was definite promise for exciting things to come - but for me they never came. Or more accurately, I suppose, they never stayed. There would be really strong scenes followed by lots of nothing - repetitive thinking on the parts of the protagonists, repetitive scene setting, and repetitive ideology. The characters, despite fascinating backstories, didn't seem to be going anywhere developmentally. Ditto the plot. Halfway in I felt like I'd been reading this book for weeks instead of days. That's when I realized it was time to call it - this one wasn't for me.

What an enjoyable book! I really did like this.
It started out so so well, it was so so intriguing, I kept going! The middle was kind of slow for me, but overall, a very enjoyable light read, yet dark and mysterious, and very feminist, all of my facourite things! I highly recommend you give it a read!

Strange Beasts is a rather dark and unexpectedly sapphic historical fantasy based mainly in Paris. It had a really enjoyable setting, with scenes ranging from the cabaret and theatre, to the morgue and the catacombs. Basically everything you would want from an intriguing, historical Parisian murder mystery with a monstrous twist.

I loved Sam and Hel. I have to say Hel was my absolute favourite and I adore a strong female character that you are left questioning their motives. Sam was a really interesting main character and I loved seeing her grow throughout. I think she had a very compelling backstory and thought the magical elements added an additional mystery and helped drive the plot forward.

I would definitely recommend this to lovers of historical fantasy with a captivating twist.

The story takes place in Paris and follows Sam Harker, a channel that is plagued by visions of monsters, giving her a special insight in murder cases. She can see what happened when touching what has been touched by these monstrous beings.

She joins The Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomena for investigation purposes and in hopes of finding the truth about what happened to her grandfather.

She gets assigned to a special case led by the famous Dr. Helena Moriarty.

A series of gruesome murders are taking place in the french capital and no one knows who is behind it, but the targets are clearly wealthy men. Together, the two women must fight their way in a maze of mysteries and danger putting their lives and sanity at risk.

This book mixed elements of fantasy, mystery and gothic literature and it was very pleasant to read. Feminism was a clear and important theme to the plot. Altogether, I had a lovely time reading this story and seeing how it ends, I am expecting another tome. I think it's a great debut.

Thank you to Bindery Books and Netgalley for the ebook advanced copy.

This was a dark but fun detective story. I enjoyed that the romance was there but not much. Their bond was built up so much and it was fascinating to watch them grow close. The setting was amazing and it’s a perfect october read.
Overall the writing was okay, i found myself drifting away a lot which is sad cuz this shouldve been right up my alley. The mystery was also a little too obvious which I didnt mind too much cuz i really liked the Sam and Hel, but it did make it boring sometimes.

I loved this book. The world, the locations, the time period, everything about the setting was perfect. I loved that the mystery of it was high stakes while still maintaining a cozy vibe that continued pulling readers along throughout early 20th century Paris. The characters were interesting and fresh. There were a few hiccups in pacing, but I don't feel it greatly affected the overall story arc. It was a fun and spooky read that I enjoyed cozying down with.

I absolutely adored this debut novel, with aspects of sherlock and moriarty meets Dracula, werewolves and other paranormal beings it is a unique murder mystery unlike anything ive ever seen before. From powerful female characters in the forms of Hel and Sam, we see the tracking an unknown killer across paris which in turn connects them and their pasts.

Not too much can be said about their pasts without completely spoiling the plot but its safe to say it was completely unpredictable but also heartwarming with the bonds that developed between the two and the subtle hints at them being sapphic. Overall, it was a thoroughly engaging book and takes cues from all sorts of myths, legends and lore but was a thoroughly worthwhile read and a great debut from our author. With how it ended I am excited to see this world potentially further grow and develop in future.

Thank you NetGalley and Bindery Books for this eARC.

I didn’t like this book. Which seems weird because it had mystery, monsters, and strong women. But it couldn’t keep my attention and I had a really hard time finishing it.

My issues were mainly that it was really heavily focused on the plot, slow on world building, and super slow on character development. I don’t know, I just couldn’t connect with most of it.

I definitely expected more from characters with such iconic names. It felt like they got stuck in between being two and three dimensional.

The ending was okay. Overall, wasn’t my favorite.

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