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"Such an absolute joy to read. Highly recommended."–TJ Klune, New York Times bestselling author of The House in the Cerulean Sea
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?
Genre: Fantasy
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?
Genre: Fantasy
Praise for this book
"A riveting gaslamp fantasy that's equal parts bloody mystery and flat-out supernatural romp. Morris deftly weaves existing lore - from both the classic literature her characters are born of, and a taxonomist's handbook worth of supernatural creatures - into a vivid feminist tale whose pages fly. A delightful debut, bursting with affection for its magical world." - Melissa Albert
"Strange Beasts offers us fantastic and fresh new stories about old monsters and legends. Morris displays exceptional skill with her prose and storytelling as she leads readers through the dark and atmospheric underbelly of gothic Victorian Paris. Sam and Hel are a great team-up, and will make you want to know what happens next well after you reach the last page. It's going to be a terrible crime to have to wait for the sequel!" - Wesley Chu
"Engaging and delightful, Strange Beasts draws the reader into a gothic setting that seems all too real. I was at once intrigued and a little spooked by all the familiar names, especially when I began to realize just how effectively Susan Morris has used our own nightmarish archetypes to trap us in her tale." - Troy Denning
"A magnificent book. Of gaslamps and murders, of Paris, of secrets and love, and of finding yourself and trust. I treasure this tale, I hope it's the first of many, and until those many start appearing, I'll reread this one. Often." - Ed Greenwood
"What a luscious and fantastical treat! With virtuoso world-building, Morris effortlessly transported me to an enchanting realm teeming with monsters, mysticism, and the paranormal. Prepare to be utterly absorbed. Strange Beasts is a magical debut!" - Emily Habeck
"In Strange Beasts, Susan J. Morris gives readers a subtle alchemy of beauty, poetry, suspense, and horror, nestled perfectly in Paris during the Belle Epoque, a world that is recognizable but also uniquely her own. Hel and Sam are a stunning pair, fighting monsters in the darkest catacombs, while at the same time fighting against a world that would make monsters of them. A delightfully wicked read." - Jaleigh Johnson
"Strange Beasts is filled with something I think people sometimes take for granted: sensual, lush prose that shows the mark of a dynamic writer. This can be difficult on a good day - but then Susan J. Morris adds mystery, murder, and monsters on top of it. It is a juggling act of sorts, and Morris handles it deftly. Such an absolute joy to read. Highly recommended." - TJ Klune
"Morris cleverly weaves together historical, literary, and mythological threads to create the endlessly rich world for her supernatural sleuths in this gripping mystery. With gorgeous prose and an unforgettable pair of heroines, Strange Beasts romps through the opulence and intrigue of turn-of-the-century Paris, offering an exploration of femininity, power, and the nature of monsters-as well as a thrilling adventure full of wit and heart. I can't wait for the sequel." - Kate Alice Marshall
"Deftly blending literary homage, gothic mystery, and supernatural adventure, Strange Beasts takes readers on a thrilling journey through the dark underbelly of Belle Epoque Paris. Inventive, engaging, and terrific fun." - H G Parry
"Strange Beasts is a propulsive collision of historical fiction and fantasy, all tied together with an opulent, gothic bow. A terrifying delight." - Signe Pike
"Susan J. Morris checks all the boxes in the wonderful Strange Beasts. Engaging characters, true suspense, well-played horror, great storyline, but where she really shines above is in her ability to paint such a vivid picture that the reader is right there with those engaging characters, and in that time frame. With merely a brief and succinct description, Morris can put you right there in England around the turn of the 20th century, with enough familiarity to the sister horror novels written in and about that same time frame. You recognize the names, you see the terrain unfold before you, you know enough of the horrors, and so you are carried along this adventure as if you too have much to lose. Now that's a thriller!" - R A Salvatore
"A whip-smart, lusciously atmospheric adventure through the dazzling theatres and chilling catacombs of turn of the century Paris." - Frances White
"Strange Beasts offers us fantastic and fresh new stories about old monsters and legends. Morris displays exceptional skill with her prose and storytelling as she leads readers through the dark and atmospheric underbelly of gothic Victorian Paris. Sam and Hel are a great team-up, and will make you want to know what happens next well after you reach the last page. It's going to be a terrible crime to have to wait for the sequel!" - Wesley Chu
"Engaging and delightful, Strange Beasts draws the reader into a gothic setting that seems all too real. I was at once intrigued and a little spooked by all the familiar names, especially when I began to realize just how effectively Susan Morris has used our own nightmarish archetypes to trap us in her tale." - Troy Denning
"A magnificent book. Of gaslamps and murders, of Paris, of secrets and love, and of finding yourself and trust. I treasure this tale, I hope it's the first of many, and until those many start appearing, I'll reread this one. Often." - Ed Greenwood
"What a luscious and fantastical treat! With virtuoso world-building, Morris effortlessly transported me to an enchanting realm teeming with monsters, mysticism, and the paranormal. Prepare to be utterly absorbed. Strange Beasts is a magical debut!" - Emily Habeck
"In Strange Beasts, Susan J. Morris gives readers a subtle alchemy of beauty, poetry, suspense, and horror, nestled perfectly in Paris during the Belle Epoque, a world that is recognizable but also uniquely her own. Hel and Sam are a stunning pair, fighting monsters in the darkest catacombs, while at the same time fighting against a world that would make monsters of them. A delightfully wicked read." - Jaleigh Johnson
"Strange Beasts is filled with something I think people sometimes take for granted: sensual, lush prose that shows the mark of a dynamic writer. This can be difficult on a good day - but then Susan J. Morris adds mystery, murder, and monsters on top of it. It is a juggling act of sorts, and Morris handles it deftly. Such an absolute joy to read. Highly recommended." - TJ Klune
"Morris cleverly weaves together historical, literary, and mythological threads to create the endlessly rich world for her supernatural sleuths in this gripping mystery. With gorgeous prose and an unforgettable pair of heroines, Strange Beasts romps through the opulence and intrigue of turn-of-the-century Paris, offering an exploration of femininity, power, and the nature of monsters-as well as a thrilling adventure full of wit and heart. I can't wait for the sequel." - Kate Alice Marshall
"Deftly blending literary homage, gothic mystery, and supernatural adventure, Strange Beasts takes readers on a thrilling journey through the dark underbelly of Belle Epoque Paris. Inventive, engaging, and terrific fun." - H G Parry
"Strange Beasts is a propulsive collision of historical fiction and fantasy, all tied together with an opulent, gothic bow. A terrifying delight." - Signe Pike
"Susan J. Morris checks all the boxes in the wonderful Strange Beasts. Engaging characters, true suspense, well-played horror, great storyline, but where she really shines above is in her ability to paint such a vivid picture that the reader is right there with those engaging characters, and in that time frame. With merely a brief and succinct description, Morris can put you right there in England around the turn of the 20th century, with enough familiarity to the sister horror novels written in and about that same time frame. You recognize the names, you see the terrain unfold before you, you know enough of the horrors, and so you are carried along this adventure as if you too have much to lose. Now that's a thriller!" - R A Salvatore
"A whip-smart, lusciously atmospheric adventure through the dazzling theatres and chilling catacombs of turn of the century Paris." - Frances White
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