Unveiling the Shadows of Belle Époque
In the twilight of the 19th century, as gaslit streets cast long shadows and the whispers of progress mingled with ancient superstitions, a new breed of monster hunter emerged. Susan J Morris’s debut novel, “Strange Beasts,” invites readers to step into this shadowy world, where the legacies of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes intertwine in a deadly dance of mystery and magic.
A Monstrous Inheritance
At the heart of this gothic tale is Samantha Harker, daughter of the famed vampire slayers Jonathan and Mina Harker. Sam, as she prefers to be called, is a researcher for the Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomena. But her pedigree isn’t the only thing that sets her apart. Sam harbors a secret power: she’s a channel, capable of glimpsing the thoughts and memories of monsters through touch. It’s a gift that could solve the string of gruesome murders plaguing Paris—or land her in an asylum.
Morris crafts Sam with a delicate balance of vulnerability and strength. Her struggle to reconcile her extraordinary abilities with her desire for normalcy resonates deeply, especially in a world where being different—particularly as a woman—is often seen as dangerous.
A Partnership Forged in Shadow
Enter Dr. Helena Moriarty, daughter of Sherlock Holmes’s nemesis, Professor James Moriarty. Hel, as she’s known, is a brilliant and notorious detective with a trail of dead partners in her wake. The pairing of Sam and Hel is electric from the start, their dynamic crackling with tension, mutual fascination, and a slowly building trust that forms the emotional core of the novel.
Morris excels in developing this relationship, allowing it to evolve organically amidst the chaos of their investigation. The subtle shift from reluctant partners to something more is handled with a deft touch, never overshadowing the main plot but enriching it at every turn.
A Labyrinth of Mystery
The plot of “Strange Beasts” by Susan J Morris is as intricate and winding as the Parisian catacombs that feature prominently in the story. Morris weaves together multiple threads:
- The Beast murders terrorizing the city’s elite
- Sam’s struggle with her abilities and the threat of institutionalization
- Hel’s quest to outrun her family’s dark legacy
- A shadowy conspiracy involving alchemy and transformation
Each element is carefully crafted, with red herrings and genuine clues scattered throughout. The pacing is relentless, driving the reader forward with a mix of action, investigation, and character development that keeps pages turning well into the night.
A Vivid Tapestry of Time and Place
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its rich, atmospheric setting. Morris brings Belle Époque Paris to life with vivid detail, from the opulent opera houses to the grimy underbelly of Montmartre. The contrast between the glittering world of high society and the darkness lurking beneath is stark and effective, serving as a metaphor for the duality present in many of the characters.
The inclusion of historical figures and locations adds depth to the world-building. The Salpêtrière Hospital, with its troubling history of treating “hysterical” women, serves as a chilling reminder of the real-world horrors that often eclipse fictional monsters.
Themes That Bite
“Strange Beasts” by Susan J Morris is more than just a supernatural thriller. Morris uses her fantastical premise to explore themes that resonate in our own world:
- The nature of monstrosity and who gets to define it
- The power dynamics between men and women in a patriarchal society
- The tension between science and superstition at the dawn of a new century
- The weight of family legacies and the struggle to forge one’s own path
These themes are woven seamlessly into the narrative, never feeling heavy-handed but always present, giving the story a depth that lingers long after the final page is turned.
A Fresh Voice in Gothic Fantasy
For a debut novel, “Strange Beasts” shows remarkable assurance. Morris’s prose is elegant and evocative, capturing both the beauty and horror of her world with equal skill. Her dialogue crackles with wit and tension, bringing her characters to life in a way that makes them feel like old friends—or worthy adversaries.
Fans of similar works like Theodora Goss’s “The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter” or Alison Goodman’s “Lady Helen” series will find much to love here. Morris brings her own unique flavor to the genre, blending elements of mystery, horror, and romance into a concoction that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.
A Few Shadows in the Light
While “Strange Beasts” by Susan J Morris is a strong debut, it’s not without its flaws. At times, the complex plot can become overwhelming, with so many moving pieces that it’s easy to lose track of certain threads. Some secondary characters, while intriguing, feel underdeveloped, leaving the reader wanting more.
Additionally, the resolution of certain plot points feels rushed in comparison to the careful build-up, particularly in the final act. These are minor quibbles, however, in what is overall a highly enjoyable and promising first novel.
The Final Verdict
“Strange Beasts” is a captivating debut that announces Susan J Morris as a talent to watch in the world of gothic fantasy. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, and richly realized setting, it offers a fresh take on familiar tropes that will appeal to fans of historical fantasy and mystery alike.
Strengths:
- Vivid, atmospheric setting
- Complex, well-developed main characters
- Intriguing blend of historical and fantastical elements
- Thoughtful exploration of themes
Areas for Improvement:
- Occasionally overwhelming plot complexity
- Some underdeveloped secondary characters
- Slightly rushed resolution
Despite these minor issues, “Strange Beasts” is a thoroughly engrossing read that leaves one eager for more adventures with Sam and Hel. Morris has laid the groundwork for what could be a fantastic series, and I, for one, can’t wait to see where she takes these characters next.