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!

was expecting sapphic detectives investigating a mystery murder but it was anything but that..... the book fell flat for me, it had a great premise and great ideas but it just didn't work.
the worldbuilding is quite poor.... i don't understand what magical monsters exist, what's the attitude towards them and what the society helena and samantha work for actually does??
the characters also seemed one-dimensional and flat. why is van helsing the villain?? plus i almost forgot there's supposed to be a romance? the chemistry between hel and sam in practically non-existent.
the crime itself was probably the strongest plot point but around the 50% mark i wanted to dnf the book and pushed myself to continue even though i didn't feel any connection with the characters or story.

I was utterly captivated by this book! Who can resist a romantic mystery set in the 1900s featuring mystical creatures and a Sherlock Holmes-esque atmosphere? It honestly had everything. The writing was excellent, and the story was both beautiful and unsettling, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

The plot was solid and well-crafted, but the writing truly stood out. The challenges women agents face in a society that typically views them as workers, wives, or mistresses—and rarely as influential or authoritative figures—added a compelling frustration to Sam and Hel’sHel'sney. I also appreciated the various monsters encountered throughout their adventure.

The story unfolds gradually, and by the end, the characters begin to understand their feelings for each other. This might not be the best fit if you are for a book with more romance than plot. I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy.

Samantha Harker and Helena Moriarty are sent to investigate a strange series of murders in 1903 Paris.
Yes, they are the daughters of Mina and Jonathan Harker from Dracula and Sherlock Holmes's nemesis. Yes, I loved that.
What I loved even more is how the real life history and daily life from early XX century gets intertwined with fantasy elements (even referencing the Beast of Gévaudan, which sent me down a rabbit hole a couple of years ago, and the Phantom of the Opera).

The plot is quite intricate, full of twists which you may or may not see coming – I definitely didn't. The characters are strong and quite well defined, it's easy to love them. I found myself reading very little in fear of having to let Sam and Hel go, but that means I am soo ready for the sequel. And the romance, oh god, I loved it! Being quite a fan of slow burn, I was sooo happy to not have them declare their love by the first half of the book. I can't wait to see more.

Another thing I really liked were the descriptions, whether it was of the ambience and the setting or the physical ones. They are done in such a clever and vivid way, you can really see the scene as if you were there.

To sum up, I really enjoyed this book and I was so surprised to find out it's a debut novel. I will be definitely reading the next books in the series and I cant't wait to follow Sam and Hel!

(little note: I went down another rabbit hole about strange things that happened in European history and I would LOVE to know what Sam and Hel think about the dancing plagues.)

I really enjoyed this book! It had mystery, adventure, suspense. And monsters! The story line was great and it had really good character development. I loved Hel and Sam’s relationship and hope it will be explored more in another book. Man, I hope there is another book!

The first 70% or so is pure slog. Sam is genuinely irritating as a protagonist because there's nothing anchored about her; she acts as an eye into the world without much quality to make it her own. Her power is an interesting aspect to explore, but it only came up when the plot needed it, and not much else was elaborated on. In fact, I think this could really benefit from a more concrete backstories. It reads like a second installment in a series and I'm not sure I vibed with it. Sam's chemistry with Hel is also very fleeting, with Sam's feelings flip-flopping all the time and Hel not being a fully realized character in the first place. The last arc of the book did pick up, the twist was okay, and I had a relatively good time with way it was handled.

It was a story I was not expecting. The writing style was great. I really loved it. Truly. It was worth the read. Would definitely read it again.
10/10

Dracula is one of my favourite classic novels, so the blurb for Strange Beasts by Sarah J. Morris immediately appealed. The novel is a compelling dive into a fantastical extension of the Dracula universe, featuring a fresh and intriguing protagonist, Sam Harker, the daughter of Mina and Jonathan Harker, and detective Dr. Helena Moriarty, daughter of the formidable enemy for the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes. This book blends gothic horror and fantasy with an atmospheric narrative that pulls readers into a world filled with dark magic, monstrous creatures, and hidden secrets.

One of the standout elements is Sam Harker herself. As Jonathan and Mina Harker's daughter, she inherits not just her parents’ legacies but also a set of unusual powers. Her character is well-developed and relatable, balancing vulnerability and strength as she navigates the dangers surrounding her. Morris explores Sam's internal and external struggles, making her a captivating and dynamic heroine alongside her partner.

The setting of the Paris catacombs adds a wonderfully eerie backdrop to the story and enhances the novel's gothic atmosphere. The catacombs, with their claustrophobic passages and haunting history, serve as the perfect stage for the unfolding supernatural occurrences.

Another highlight is the inclusion of monsters and fantastical elements. Morris doesn't shy away from exploring the macabre, creating a sense of tension and suspense. The creatures that inhabit this world touch on myth and legend, contributing to the novel's historic allure.

Van Helsing’s son Jakob was another appealing addition, albeit in a deuteragonist role. The conflict between Sam Harker and Jakob Van Helsing added another layer of complexity and excitement to the story. However, I would’ve liked to see more of Jakob.

Strange Beasts is a well-written and thoroughly engaging novel. Morris's prose is tidy and immersive, perfectly capturing the gothic tone. The atmosphere she creates is thick with tension and foreboding, making it easy for readers to lose themselves in this darkly enchanting world.

In conclusion, Strange Beasts by Sarah J. Morris is an intriguing read for gothic horror and fantasy fans. Its strong connection to the Dracula legacy, compelling characters, and richly atmospheric setting make it an enjoyable addition to the genre. I hope to see a sequel.

I LOVED THIS!!!!!

Sherlock x Dracula x Feminine Pursuits series

It was a perfect balance of Sherlock-style supernatural murder mystery with historical details and fun characters taking you on a perfectly-paced adventure. I loved how I couldn't guess a lot of the twists and I really hope it gets a sequel because there is SO much more to be done with these characters and the universe, especially the hints to Helena's past and parentage.

Ancient beast , mythical tales and combine that with the offspring of Van Helsing , Professor Moriarty, Jonathan and Mina Harker made this feel fresh with its new characters but giving a sense of comfort.

It was beautiful written and I could picture each monster, area and imagine smells described. I enjoyed we was set in Paris for most of the book instead of London. Which isn't a problem but for the type of book Strange Beasts is , it makes a change.

If your looking for a LGBT romance then this isn't the book for you. I feel like if there was a book 2 (which I hope ) there could be some massive character development. Sam and Hel are our main characters and even though there was a moment which come up once at the very end of the book , it was honestly unexpected and I didn't feel any short of slow burn. Sam blushed around men and had a very attractive man illude her thoughts but she never had this with Hel. I could sense Hel cared for her but I wasn't getting the feels of her pining after Sam. So for me this fell very flat and some of the reviews I read made me go back through some chapters to understand if I missed something but I feel like I didn't. Slow burns are my favourite books but this wouldn't make it to my slow burn list.

However it is an amazing Fantasy / PG Horror and I loved the duo. I could she a second book of stollen glances , lust and embracing moments. Obviously filled with monsters , magic and research.

The front cover of this book is so stunning. I find myself keep going back looking at it.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Author for an arc copy.

Really liked this book! It wasn’t as sapphic as I had hoped it would be. But a good story with interesting female leads. Sam and Helena were a good match. I haven’t read Dracula or Sherlock Holmes so I probably missed a lot of references but i didn’t feel like i was missing anything. Definitely recommend for people who like paranormal type stories.

Continuing my excellent luck with NetGalley ARC Reviews - Strange Beasts is just completely WOW. Honestly its a bit annoying that its far easier to criticize books in words, but trying to express how great this book is is very difficult. I'm going to have to get on Tik-Tok or some BS just to gush and compliment Morris on this masterpiece.

About the only thing I can think of that could potentially be a probably is if you're simply not looking for this genre! Strange Beasts is a sort of Victorian Urban Fantasy, its set in that kind of 'League of Extraordinary Gentlemen' type universes where literary character are all real - for example the MC is the daughter of Dracula's Mina Harker, her partner Hel is Moriarty's daughter. Now this sort of thing can always fail on execution, but Morris pulls it off. I think because the story would be strong without everyone being a walking literary reference, but the added detail gives the story a lot of flavour.

And flavour this story has - Mein Gott - the pacing is just immaculate. I was saying to a IRL book friend that its odd to read a novel without some part or element that drags a wee bit, or feels like you have to read that section to get through the whole book - Strange Beasts never had me bored, or disinterested. Not only was there an adequate variety of action, it felt like each scene was carefully crafted to perfection.

I am beyond overjoyed to have had the opportunity to read this, and doubly so that this (should) have a sequel. I normally hate sequel-bait but the threads of the future story and the current tensions are carefully interwoven to not create and sense of disappointment but rather anticipation. (not to mention the relationship dynamics, what I really like with Strange Beasts is the relationships feel human, despite the supernatural backdrop and strike the perfect balance of being intriguing and titillating without distracting from the main plot and/or being melodramatically perfect - this doesn't feel like an attention seeking romantasy to me)

Suppose now I have to wait for the sequel :( Thanks so much Netgalley for giving me access to this book and thanks a TONNE to Morris for penning this spectacular piece - I'm looking forward to the movie!

Thank You Susan Morris, Bindery Books and Netgalley for the ARC.
I rate this book a solid 3.5 / 5
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Synopsis
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?
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The synopsis describes the plot well and I enjoyed the read. The sub 400 pages felt good and not bloated. Knowing Montmartre reasonably well and having spent many hours of my life stood in queues for the catacombs it was nice to hear these names in the story rather than the usual Paris departments and landmarks. In the time-zone of the book, the cheeky little gift shop at the end of the Catacombs (The best part of the attraction to be honest) was not mentioned 😊

Going in to the book I was apprehensive about the mention “thrilling exploration of feminine power.” But thankfully we got a normal woman with a love of her revolver and a mastery of Raising her eyebrows. With the mention of Dracula, Van Helsing and Moriarty, I was also thinking we might get some very Sherlock Holmes sleuthing, this was not the case and we ended up with a more Magnum PI type of investigation. This is not a dig at the book but not sure why it was really necessary to have big well known names and then not go full Sherlock (Just an observation)
The 2 main ladies Hel and Sam were likeable enough and they got us through the plot nicely. Both ladies were involved in Romantic undercurrent stories but it stayed low key which I am grateful for as I am not a fan of Romance, I prefer Monsters and battles which is why I picked this book.

Some French was used regularly throughout the book. I think having the translation would be nice no matter how trivial the phrases used. I couldn’t help but think I was missing out on something when French was written.

I believe this is the authors first novel. I would happily read the next book as I presume there is a part 2 with the way this book ended.