"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?
A fun gothic take on a murder mystery featuring Mina Harker's daughter and the daughter of Moriarty as they learn to trust one another and solve crime. Samantha Harker is the daughter of Dracula's killer and works for a group of individuals who fight against paranormal creatures who are evil. She is a researcher and enjoys spending her time in libraries... yet she is also hiding a secret, she is a channel an has the ability to go into the minds of monsters. Sam's powers would help her solve the gruesome deaths happening... or they could get her thrown into an asylum. When she is assigned to work the case the last thing she expects is to be partnered up with the infamous Dr. Helena Moriarty, daughter of the criminal mastermind who was the famous nemesis of Sherlock Holmes. Helena has a reputation for being both extremely brilliant... and for having all three of her last partners murdered. Sam and Hel must learn to trust one another and work together if they want to solve the murders... but can they survive being pitted against men, monsters, and one another? This was a fun gothic murder mystery featuring a new spin on our favorite classic characters. I loved the relationship between Hel and Sam and the very light and subtle romance hint dropped (I need more and would love for their relationship to grow in the second book if there is one). The story ends in a way that could lead to many more possible books and I absolutely would read them if the author makes them. The story was a fun read and I loved the way the mystery was worked out throughout. It's definitely a book I'd recommend for fans of the classic monsters and characters who want a new historical fantasy murder mystery!
Release Date: October 15,2024
Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)
*Thanks Netgalley and Bindery Books for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*
