Strange Beasts: A thrilling gaslamp fantasy set in the worlds of Dracula and Sherlock Holmes

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Description

In Belle Epoque Paris, a monster is murdering powerful men.

Stopping it may be a woman's job.

A researcher at Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomena, Samantha Harker is more used to papercuts than knife fights. She also harbors a special power, allowing her to into the minds of monsters. It could help her crack this case - or have her thrown into an asylum.

Dr Helena Moriarty is the Society's finest agent who has forged a formidable career, despite the looming shadow of her notorious father. Where Hel's partners have a way of dying in mysterious circumstances, the recluse Professor Moriarty doesn't seem far behind.

From Paris' glittering opera house to its darkest catacombs, the investigation pits Sam and Hel against magic, monsters, and men. And beneath their tenuous partnership, something else is growing . . .

The worlds of Dracula and Sherlock Holmes collide in this thrilling exploration of feminine power.

Reviews

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, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author
A whip-smart, lusciously atmospheric adventure through the dazzling theatres and chilling catacombs of turn of the century Paris -- Frances White, Sunday Times bestselling author of Voyage of the Damned
Imagine the daughter of Mina Harker, the daughter of Dr. Moriarty, teaming up to solve supernatural crime, murder mystery in Paris, beautiful fashions, lesbian romance, and again, a super-smart murder mystery. Oh, I love one where I can't tell what is going to go down. It's so good -- Mary Robinette Kowal, Hugo, Nebula and Locus Award-winning author of the Lady Astronaut series
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, #1 NYT Bestselling author of the War Arts Saga
In Strange Beasts, Susan J. Morris gives readers a subtle alchemy of beauty, poetry, suspense, and horror, nestled perfectly in Paris during the Belle poque, 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, New York Times bestselling author
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, author of The Scholar and the Last Faerie Door and The Shadow Histories duology
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, New York Times bestselling author of The Hazel Wood
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, USA Today bestselling author of What Lies in the Woods and Rules for Vanishing
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, New York Times bestselling author
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, author of Shark Heart: A Love Story
Strange Beasts is a propulsive collision of historical fiction and fantasy, all tied together with an opulent, gothic bow. A terrifying delight -- Signe Pike, author of The Lost Queen series
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, New York Times Bestselling author of DemonWars and the Legend of Drizzt
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, creator of the Forgotten Realms
While the novel's world is based on well-known Dracula lore, Morris delivers a fresh, unique tale that will delight mystery, fantasy, and horror readers alike. Give it to fans of C.L. Polk, Alix E. Harrow, and T. Kingfisher * Library Journal *

Author Bio

Susan J. Morris is a fantasy author and editor, best known for a writing advice column featured on Amazon's Omnivoracious blog and her work editing Forgotten Realms novels. Susan delights in running workshops for Clarion West and in moderating panels for writing symposiums. When not writing or reading, Susan indulges in playing video games, training in Pilates, and experimenting with new plant-based food recipes. She lives in Sammamish, Washington with her partner, two cats, and entirely too many plants.

Strange Beasts is her debut novel.