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Wayward Souls
- Author Susan Morris
- Narrator Amélie Roch
- Publisher Hodder & Stoughton
- Publish Date 12 March 2026
- Run Time 10 hours
- Format Audio
- Genre Crime and mystery fiction, Crime and mystery: women sleuths, Fantasy, Fantasy romance, Mythical and legendary beings, monsters and creatures.
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What to expect
In the cities and untamed wilds of Ireland, monsters are rising up against Unionists. Luckily. Sam and Hel aren't English.
Samantha Harker and Dr. Helena Moriarty might have solved the Paris case, but that doesn't mean the Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomena trusts them. Sam's power to see into the minds of monsters is a slippery slope to corruption. Worse, Hel's uncanny habit of turning up wherever her notorious father's hand is felt has the Society questioning whether he exists at all . . . or whether it's been Hel all along.
So when Special Branch requests aid in Ireland, the heart of Professor Moriarty's hidden empire, they send another agent to monitor them: Van Helsing, who is perpetually suspicious of Sam and a bit of an arse.
Their investigation takes them from ancient ruins to the clandestine clubs of the rich and powerful, untangling the mysteries of magic, monsters, and men. But even as Sam and Hel fall deeper into each other's orbit, the secrets between them multiply. Things Hel can't bear to confess; things Sam doesn't dare confide. Things which not only put Sam in terrible danger from Van Helsing, but leave her haunted by death omens, mysterious black feathers, and a song no one else can seem to hear. And, as ever, Professor Moriarty lurks in the shadows, waiting to make his next move . . .
Samantha Harker and Dr. Helena Moriarty might have solved the Paris case, but that doesn't mean the Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomena trusts them. Sam's power to see into the minds of monsters is a slippery slope to corruption. Worse, Hel's uncanny habit of turning up wherever her notorious father's hand is felt has the Society questioning whether he exists at all . . . or whether it's been Hel all along.
So when Special Branch requests aid in Ireland, the heart of Professor Moriarty's hidden empire, they send another agent to monitor them: Van Helsing, who is perpetually suspicious of Sam and a bit of an arse.
Their investigation takes them from ancient ruins to the clandestine clubs of the rich and powerful, untangling the mysteries of magic, monsters, and men. But even as Sam and Hel fall deeper into each other's orbit, the secrets between them multiply. Things Hel can't bear to confess; things Sam doesn't dare confide. Things which not only put Sam in terrible danger from Van Helsing, but leave her haunted by death omens, mysterious black feathers, and a song no one else can seem to hear. And, as ever, Professor Moriarty lurks in the shadows, waiting to make his next move . . .
Critics Review
PRAISE FOR STRANGE BEASTS
Rad as hell... uncorking a phantasmagorical 19th century Paris that seethes with gritty depth, as explored by an ever-more-delightful sapphic pair.
In Strange Beasts, Susan J. Morris gives readers a subtle alchemy of beauty, poetry, suspense, and horror, nestled perfectly in Paris during the Belle Époque, 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
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
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
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!
Strange Beasts is a propulsive collision of historical fiction and fantasy, all tied together with an opulent, gothic bow. A terrifying delight
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
A whip-smart, lusciously atmospheric adventure through the dazzling theatres and chilling catacombs of turn of the century Paris
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
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!
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
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!
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.
to read. Highly recommended.
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
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
PRAISE FOR WAYWARD SOULS
Wayward Souls is a genre-blending knockout! A richly detailed historical fantasy, cloaked in spooky, Gothic vibes, infused with a pulse-pounding, twisty paranormal/mystery, and lightly sweetened by a swoony romance-it is one addictive ride. Hands down, one of my favorite reads of the year-historical fantasy fans, do not sleep on this one! I'm loving this so much...the lore and the world building are so intoxicating--I could live in this world!
A thrilling mix of magic, danger, and romance. I'd die for either of these two amazing heroines as they quest to fight the monsters of the world - while desperately trying not to become them.
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