What if the world you knew hid a darker truth beneath its veneer of societal order? Susan Morris dives into this unsettling abyss with “Strange Beasts,” a novel that reimagines beloved literary characters within an alternate Victorian era where paranormal beings walk among humans.
Sam Harker, a descendant of the infamous Dracula’s victims, is pulled from the library’s hushed stacks and thrust into the chaotic world of investigations for The Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomena. Whispered rumors about her psychic abilities, passed down like a legacy of inherited strength, plague her. Her secret: she can touch objects to peer into the past, but the price of that power is a fear-driven isolation.
Meanwhile, Helena Moriarty, daughter of Dr. Moriarty’s legendary shadow, steps out from the literary spotlight and claims her own agency. Driven by ambition to surpass her father’s legacy, Helena plunges into a shadowy investigation of a series of gruesome murders in Paris. The Society is tasked with solving this mystery but also seeks to exploit Sam’s psychic abilities, a secret that threatens to shatter their rigid social hierarchy.
The tension simmers between the two women as they unravel the truth behind the beast attacks, each one a masterclass in gothic intrigue. But as the investigation draws them closer, an undeniable undercurrent of romantic promise ignites, a tantalizing dance of power and vulnerability.
Morris weaves together this intricate tapestry with a masterful blend of action, mystery, and romance. Her world is populated by creatures like grindlows and carcolhs, their existence both terrifying and fascinating. This novel serves as a masterclass in how to craft engaging subplots and satisfying resolutions. “Strange Beasts” is not just another retelling; it’s a fresh perspective that throws light on the familiar.
What makes this book so extraordinary? It isn’t just a good story, it’s a complete experience—a cocktail of suspenseful investigation, thrilling action, and captivating romance. With a masterful blend of Gothic mystery, paranormal action, and sapphic love, “Strange Beasts” is a must-read for anyone seeking a gripping journey through the realms of magic and darkness.