Thank you to Susan J. Morris, Bindery Books, and NetGalley for giving me an ARC in exchange for a honest review-- all opinions are my own.

Strange Beasts is a really thrilling read that is filled with suspense, new takes on classic literary characters, and all set in a mysterious and constantly changing game of cat and mouse in Paris. This book has elements of fantasy intertwined with mystery. The main characters in this book are all so interesting and we get to see multiple sides to each one, which I really enjoyed. This book was a perfect gothic fantasy book that drew me in from the very beginning. I really liked the motivations and musings from the main character as well as others we get to see through the main character's eyes. The story presents us with a couple of different mysteries that are explored throughout the story(and hopefully a sequel). I just thought that this book was really enjoyable! It's the perfect book for readers who are looking for a good case-solving mystery book that has fantasy elements. The pacing for this book was good too, I never felt rushed nor were there any parts that moved too slow. A very good atmospheric read overall. Perfect for the Fall season.

I was surprised to find that this was my least favorite out of what I have read from Bindery Publishing. I think I was expecting more of a thriller or horror story based on the cover alone which caused the transition into the story to be a little hard. I will say I think fans of Divine Rivals will eat this book up! Definitely would suggest this book to those individuals however I didn't find this book to align completely with my tastes.

Strange Beasts was the perfect mix of mystery and the supernatural with a *very* slow burn romance. This one will be getting a permanent spot on my bookshelf!

Thank you for the opportunity of an eARC and I am leaving this review willingly.

I honestly really liked this book. It was really fun to read and I loved the main characters and how they interacted with each other. The only thing that I didn't really like about it was the pacing and how the plot unfolded. It felt kind of choppy how they got from one place to another with little explanation as to how they got there or why they went there. Certain aspects of the story I felt weren't explained that well and I didn't really get how they fit into the main plot of the story but other than that I didn't have any problems with it and would probably recommend it. Thank you to Netgalley and Bindery Books for an E-arc copy of this book!

[2.5] i definitely loved the overall vibes of this book, and i think i chose the perfect time to read it (rainy weather, start of autumn, etc.). the whole idea of sam working in this society was giving me 'tortured poets department' energy which really intrigued me, so i was a little disappointed not much of the story takes part in those offices / bases. further to that, i found the plot would jump from one place to another quite abruptly, and this came across like the author had exhausted all scenes in this place, so we would just find an excuse to go somewhere else. similarly, i thought the romance almost seemed to spring out of nowehere and could have been woven into the story better - i think both of these things could have been improved if the events in this book were spread over 1.5 or 2. that said, i did enjoy the mystery element to the plot (even if i was confused most of the time), and think some people would really love this.

thank you to netgalley and bindery books for the advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book well enough- the idea of a Sherlock Holmes/Dracula crossover novel is a great premise. The pacing was quite good, making reading a breeze. I did find that the twists and turns of the plot toward the end actually had me getting less and less interested in the outcome, which was unusual for me. I think it mostly stems from feeling no real connection to the characters. I think, perhaps, if more of an effort was made at the beginning of the novel to connect the read with the characters, allow us to feel like we had a stake in the outcome, it would have remained interesting throughout. Overall an easy read with an engaging plot.

This was ok! The author did an amazing job setting the scene and immersing the reader in the time period and world. This being mainly set in early 20th century France truly added to the "otherworldliness" of it. I especially loved the mythical and paranormal aspects.

As far as the "romance" goes, I found it to be lacking. So I suggest you don't go into this thinking there's a strong romance subplot to accompany this gothic mystery. I'd classify this as a slow burn for sure but even then, Hel and Sam's dynamic was more friendly to me than romantic. As you read and get to know Hel a bit, you can understand why she doesn't allow others to get close to her. And it makes sense, but I don't see why a "romance" should've been pursued. This could've been about two women becoming friends and embracing their strengths in a world where men see nothing but fragile beings.

That's not why it gets 3 stars, though. I liked the twists and how there were many possibilities to who the guilty party could be, but I found myself getting bored here and there. I don't mind a book with a slower pace sometimes, but something still needs to be happening and there were times when not much was going on. I'm definitely not saying this was bad in any way, I see that a lot of people enjoyed it, I just found that it wasn't perfect for me.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this arc!

wasn't the biggest fan of this cause at first it was like heehee parisian murder mystery! and then it became some kind of family drama thing and i didn't really care enough about the characters to be invested in that

special thanks to netgalley for the arc

I’m a bit of a sucker for an old school Sherlock Holmes mystery and this book definitely gave off those vibes.
Based in Paris in the very early 1900s and set in a world of the paranormal, where something is killing noble men, the daughter of Draculas killer and Moriartys daughter (yes, that Moriarty) are sent to investigate.

The story is detailed and highly descriptive. It submerges you into the past and creates vivid images, making it very easy to imagine the setting and the world where the story is unfolding. The characters are compelling (we also get Van Helsings son) and the despite the longer chapters the story has a good pace. I did find that the introduction of many different characters at various locations sometimes confusing, but it didn’t take away my enjoyment.

A well written mystery with a paranormal edge and I would love to see these characters in future books. An easy 4.5/5 from me

Thankyou to NetGalley and Bindery books for the ebook ARC

Great set up—monster hunters in a gas lamp fantasy Paris, trying to solve a series of murders. Very intriguing with lots of twists and turns. Unfortunately I felt like the Dracula influence wasn’t very strong and probably would have preferred Sherlock Holmes to have just been an inspiration, rather than this being a reimagined sequel to the Sherlock Holmes series. It felt like some of the characters were not well developed because the book was relying on base knowledge of those franchises to fill in the gaps. I also was a little surprised at the romance; it didn’t feel like there was a ton of build up or tension. Sam and Hel would have been just as interesting, if not more, with leaving the slow burn aspect to push through to the second book in the series so that there would have been time to develop past trust into more affection.

Big fans of Sherlock Holmes (especially the BBC series!) will surely enjoy the many twists and turns in the mystery element.

**Review of *Strange Beasts***

*Strange Beasts* is a dazzling fusion of gothic horror and mystery that invites readers into a richly imagined world where the iconic figures of Dracula and Sherlock Holmes intersect. This novel deftly balances historical fantasy with a thrilling plot, creating a narrative that is as engaging as it is thought-provoking.

Set in early 20th-century Paris, the story centers on Samantha Harker, a uniquely gifted researcher with the ability to channel the minds of monsters. As the daughter of Dracula’s killer, Sam grapples with her heritage while seeking to solve a series of gruesome murders that are terrorizing the city. Her character is both fierce and vulnerable, embodying the complexities of a woman navigating a world dominated by men and their expectations.

Enter Dr. Helena Moriarty, the enigmatic daughter of Sherlock Holmes' nemesis, whose reputation is shrouded in mystery and scandal. Their partnership unfolds amid a backdrop of elite Parisian clubs and the eerie catacombs, where the stakes rise with each turn of the page. The chemistry between Sam and Hel adds an enticing layer to the narrative, blending suspense with the nuances of burgeoning attraction and trust.

The writing is lush and atmospheric, capturing the essence of the era while immersing readers in the darkly enchanting world the author has crafted. Themes of feminine power and resilience are woven throughout the story, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of women in a patriarchal society. The tension between Sam and Hel not only drives the plot forward but also serves as a commentary on the complexities of female relationships and trust.

What truly sets *Strange Beasts* apart is its ability to keep readers guessing. The mystery elements are cleverly constructed, with twists that challenge expectations and keep the suspense palpable. As Sam and Hel delve deeper into their investigation, the line between friend and foe blurs, leading to an electrifying conclusion that leaves readers breathless.

In summary, *Strange Beasts* is an exhilarating read that masterfully combines gothic elements with a captivating mystery. With its strong female leads, intricate plotting, and rich historical detail, it’s a must-read for fans of both horror and mystery genres. Highly recommended for those seeking an enthralling story that celebrates feminine strength and the complexities of human connection. This novel is sure to resonate long after the final page is turned.

Strange Beasts fell like a giant, cozy, gothic hug for me. It's Penny Dreadful meets Emily Wilde with a sprinkling of the Parasol Protectorate by Gail Carriger.
This book yall. It hit all the marks. Dark, delightful, clever, educational, romance, mystery, scandalous. I had so much fun reading this book, looking up all the places mentioned. By 60% it was unputdownable. The twist threw me, which was very enjoyable. I loved how multi-layered the characters were, how much empathy was clearly evident, as well as how human they were. I would have loved to have had more beasts make appearances! I am glad that I read this book on my kindle and could make use of the translation feature as I didn't feel like there were obvious hints in the text as to what some of the French phrases were.

Being who you are and not what other people think of you was a huge theme throughout this book and I didn't know that I was missing in my reading journey. I fell in love with Sam and Hel, and wanted to string Van Helsing up by his boots.
Please oh please let this continue as a series!! I will not be patiently waiting,.

Dracula mixed with Sherlock Holmes characters with offspring of evil Dr. Moriarty Hel, Mina Harkers daughter Samatha & Jakob Van Helsing. They are all working for A Royal Society For The Study Of Abnormal Phenomena in different capacities researcher for ___ & investigators to capture or hit people with later two, of magical creatures & dealers with the malignant solving cases & keeping the mundane safe in Great Britain branch. The duo [with the male third of society sneakily following them] travel to Paris to find a loupe de gaurou or individual acting like one, slaughtering prominent promiscuous men there. What this story also lightly paints is the treatment of women in that point in time & how independent intelligent women were, as still now, considered a threat while at the same time the expendable quality they held for women. Women as the victims did nothing more than create a basic check point if murdered by others outside social norms while it was quite okay to ignore the same by spouses or even those in high positions.
I has some delightful twists & turns that are unexpected, wonderful dialog, an interesting level of society of Paris & the western European as well as US mores & beliefs in the early [1902] 1900s and on to even now. Don't let them drag us back into time in reality in the manner politically they are trying to. I feel this is the beginning of a series I would gladly dive into & hope it becomes one as was thoroughly enjoyable.

I loved this book so much!
Fantasy murder mystery. Two bad-ass women. Paris. Mythical creatures, Magical abilities. This book has it all, and I ate it up.

Sam and Hel are both agents of the Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomena. They enter into an unlikely partnership to solve a string of gruesome murders in Paris. But of course, nothing is as simple as it seems. The convoluted case leads them all over Paris, from the grand Palais Garnier all the way down to the ancient catacombs. And of course, Sam and Hel both have personal motives for solving this case, motives they strive to keep hidden from the other. Can they work together when they don't fully trust each other?

✨

Sam and Hel are both so well-written. Their backstories are slowly revealed throughout the book, and you get to understand how their upbringing shaped them and made them into the person they are. They both have a lot of growing to do, and I loved how we got to see all of that play out. Their dynamic was interesting to read, with Hel being more experienced in the field, more hardened to the gruesome realities of their job, while Sam is new to all of it. As a researcher, Sam is used to getting information from books. But when what she finds in the field is so different from what she's read, she has to grapple with what it means for her and for how the Society operates.

The mystery element kept me hooked. I could not put the book down because I really wanted to get to the bottom of it. The clues were there, as were the red herrings, and when Sam and Hel find the answers, it felt so so so satisfying.

Van Helsing though. Yeah, I don't like him, But he is also a product of his upbringing. Is it weird that I also want to learn more about him? And why he is the way he is?

Reading Strange Beasts by Susan J. Morris was such a fun time. This is definitely a perfect addition to your spooky or Halloween TBR.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the digital ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bindery Books for an advance copy of Strange Beasts by Susan J. Morris! I so, so wanted to be able to read this book and was extremely thankful for the opportunity.

Sam, a researcher for the Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomena (with some unique family history) wants an opportunity to go out into the field hunting monsters, as she believes a case that the Society is investigating relates to the long-ago disappearance of her dear grandfather. She gets paired with Hel, a no-nonsense detective who also has some unique family history, which has resulted in her being a ruthless and suspicious person; not the most easy working relationship to start off with. On top of that, every partner Hel has been assigned to before has died under mysterious circumstances.

Cue the drama! Sam and Hel go on a wild and dangerous adventure through Paris in an effort to catch "the beast" who is murdering men and leaving a gruesome scene and a mysterious puzzle behind at each murder. The story is equal parts the development of Sam and Hel's partnership, and their work in catching the mysterious killer. There's a full cast of characters, a lot of twists and turns, and numerous revelations that have you guessing until the last page. I loved the writing, the characters, and the mystery; a great combination of some of my favorite things.

The "attraction" mentioned in the description of this book is another reason I was interested in reading this story. I loved the idea of a more unique romance unfolding, besides the classic man/woman we're partners, now we're in love trope. I will say I'm not sure how I felt about how this actually landed in this book. It felt like the author either needed to fully dive in, or just leave this out. That said, the ending of the novel does seem like a setup for a sequel, which I would be interested in for many reasons, not least the opportunity for Sam and Hel to determine a clearer relationship with one another, whatever that means.

Overall, loved this combination of detective story, adventure novel, fantasy, and romance. Very thankful I got to read it, highly recommend, and hoping for a sequel in the future.

I really enjoyed this book!! It’s set in a beautifully atmospheric, turn-of-the-century Paris, where all your favorite monsters and classic literary characters feel like they’ve leapt off the page. Samantha Harker, the daughter of Dracula’s killer, has this unique ability to tap into the minds of monsters, which gives the story an extra layer of intrigue. Teaming her up with Dr. Helena Moriarty—yes, the daughter of Sherlock Holmes’ nemesis—was such an amazing pairing!

The relationship between Sam and Hel was one of my favorite parts. The way their dynamic slowly builds from distrust to something deeper was so satisfying to watch unfold. Both women are incredibly complex, and the way they complement each other, despite their differences, really drew me in. The slow burn between them was perfect and when they finally begin to open up, it feels well-earned and heartwarming. I found myself rooting for them both as partners and as something more.

The pacing of the story was just right, keeping me hooked without feeling rushed. And the setting of gothic Paris was so richly described, it almost felt like a character in itself. I could practically feel the dark, shadowy streets and the eerie catacombs beneath them. The mystery and supernatural elements are well-balanced, and if you love stories that mix Holmesian detective work with a supernatural edge, you’ll love this.

I was honestly surprised to learn this is the author’s first book—it’s so well-crafted! I really hope there’s a sequel because the ending left me wanting more of Sam and Hel’s world. If you’re into gothic mysteries, slow-burn romance, and a touch of the supernatural, I highly recommend giving this one a read!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was a great Gothic mystery that was very atmospheric and immersive. The story was compelling but I felt like the author could've put a little more focus on the characters themselves so we as readers would be able to connect to them more. I loved the writing style and will definitely check out the author's other work.

This book takes place in the early 1900s and features are royal Society dedicated to hunting down supernatural beasts. The daughter of Jonathan and Mina Harker works as a researcher at the society and his desperate to become a field agent. When a suspected werewolf runs in France. She jumps at the opportunity to become partners with the daughter of Dr. Moriarty. Can the two discover if there is a werewolf in Paris or is it the machinations of something more sinister?
Thank you to NetGalley and Bindery books for the opportunity to read and review this in exchange for my honest review and I’m giving this 3 1/2 stars.
This was a fast paced not super gory horror With two likable main characters. One of my favorite aspects of this book was the developing relationship between Samantha and Helena. My least favorite aspect of this book would be the fact that the ultimate bad guy was predictable and pretty easy to guess. I have already posted my review of this book on my social media, TikTok and YouTube and will recommend as a spooky season read.

Thank you so much Bindery for the arc copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own!
4.5 stars
Strange Beasts is a truly well-executed atmospheric Gothic sapphic mystery! This may be one of the most perfect examples of my taste in books that I have ever read. Historical, mystifying, mesmerizing, and queer, with heavy themes of feminine power and intellect. A cross between Dracula and Sherlock Holmes reads like a classic old vampire movie or even Phantom of the Opera. Strange Beasts brings so much to the table with werewolves, alchemy, visions, and a dashing and cunning lady with a gun. The vibe and atmosphere alone is reason enough to read this book.

🖤the plot/mystery🖤
The mystery in this book was very well written. It was detailed and complex without being overly convoluted. Mysteries are really hit or miss for me, and I'm very glad to say that this one was definitely a hit. The main mystery is a string of murders seemingly done by a werewolf in the heart of Paris. We follow Sam and Hel as they try to uncover who is behind this murder as well as trying to avoid being caught in Professor Moriarty's web of influence. A strong promise with excellent execution. I will note I did guess one of the culprits pretty early on but there was still a ton of mystery and intrigue that caught me off guard.

🖤the romance🖤
One of the only critiques that I have is I do think we needed some more conclusion or information on the romance. It looks like it's setting up for another book which I would be SO interested in! However, I was under the impression this was a standalone, but I may be wrong. I would love to see another book in this world and with these characters. Their chemistry was so good, and I ship them so hard. Giving heavy Sherlock and Watson vibes, so if you ship those types of characters, you will love this.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait for everyone else to read this. Not only is this like the perfect book for me but it is also a great fall read! I read this at the beginning of fall during a rainy day so I can attest it sets the vibe perfect.

I struggled with this book, I so badly wanted to like it but after the 7th time i picked it up and tried to get into I i realized it just wasn't going to work for me. I think the writing style was great and I wouldn't hesitate to pick up another book from this author if maybe the plot was slightly different. The concept of a dracula/sherlock crossover is SO GOOD, but I could not invested in the characters because I felt as though the book was focusing on the overall mystery. I wish a tiny bit more time had been spent in the very beginning creating investment in the main characters, Ultimately, because I didn't feel tied to them I struggled to be drawn into this story and DNF. I think this book will likely be more successful with people who are able to appreciate the mystery element without needing to be attached to characters from the beginning.