Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Synopsis
"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?
Is Strange Beasts appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 16 and up.
This gothic fantasy mashup combines Dracula and Sherlock Holmes lore with a sapphic romance and murder mystery set in turn-of-the-century Paris. Contains investigation of gruesome murders, supernatural elements, and developing romantic tension between two women.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, mild sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include murder, death, and violence (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens who love Sherlock Holmes, Dracula, and atmospheric mysteries with LGBTQ+ representation will enjoy this detective partnership exploring Paris's dark underbelly.