Wayward Souls
The lusciously atmospheric sequel to supernatural gaslamp mystery set in the worlds of Dracula and Sherlock Holmes
Will be published approx. on 19. November 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
400 pages
978-1-3997-3491-2 (ISBN)
Description
Monsters are rising in Ireland and the only ones who can stop them are two women who might be more dangerous than the beasts they fight...
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 . . .
Readers LOVE the Harker and Moriarty series
'This was a gripping read, I thought the characters were intriguing and I'm going to keep an eye out for more from this author'
'Such a unique story and fabulous characters. Everyone please read this asap'
'Okay I loved it. I'm such a sucker for anything Sherlock Holmes and Dracula. This was so well written and just adored the characters'
'I am speechless! One of my favourite books of the year, and I swear if this isn't the first book in a series I may go feral!'
'Think Sherlock Holmes x Fantastic Beasts x Supernatural with a sprinkle of Van Helsing ... I loved this book!'
'The perfect book for anyone who loves a puzzley mystery, badass ladies, and a dark atmosphere'
'The perfect mix of murder mystery, gothic horror, fantasy and historical fiction'
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 . . .
Readers LOVE the Harker and Moriarty series
'This was a gripping read, I thought the characters were intriguing and I'm going to keep an eye out for more from this author'
'Such a unique story and fabulous characters. Everyone please read this asap'
'Okay I loved it. I'm such a sucker for anything Sherlock Holmes and Dracula. This was so well written and just adored the characters'
'I am speechless! One of my favourite books of the year, and I swear if this isn't the first book in a series I may go feral!'
'Think Sherlock Holmes x Fantastic Beasts x Supernatural with a sprinkle of Van Helsing ... I loved this book!'
'The perfect book for anyone who loves a puzzley mystery, badass ladies, and a dark atmosphere'
'The perfect mix of murder mystery, gothic horror, fantasy and historical fiction'
Reviews / Votes
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. -- Scott Lynch, author of The Lies of Locke Lamora In Strange Beasts, Susan J. Morris gives readers a subtle alchemy of beauty, poetry, suspense, and horror, nestled perfectly in Paris during the Belle Epoque, 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 -- Jaleigh Johnson, New York Times bestselling author 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 -- Kate Alice Marshall, USA Today bestselling author of What Lies in the Woods and Rules for Vanishing 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 -- Troy Denning, New York Times bestselling author 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! -- Emily Habeck, author of Shark Heart: A Love Story Strange Beasts is a propulsive collision of historical fiction and fantasy, all tied together with an opulent, gothic bow. A terrifying delight -- Signe Pike, author of The Lost Queen series 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 -- Ed Greenwood, creator of the Forgotten Realms A whip-smart, lusciously atmospheric adventure through the dazzling theatres and chilling catacombs of turn of the century Paris -- Frances White, Sunday Times bestselling author of Voyage of the Damned 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 -- Melissa Albert, New York Times bestselling author of The Hazel Wood 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! -- Wesley Chu, #1 NYT Bestselling author of the War Arts Saga 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 -- H.G. Parry, author of The Scholar and the Last Faerie Door and The Shadow Histories duology 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! -- R.A. Salvatore, New York Times Bestselling author of DemonWars and the Legend of Drizzt 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 joyto read. Highly recommended. -- TJ Klune, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author 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 * Library Journal * 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 -- Mary Robinette Kowal, Hugo, Nebula and Locus Award-winning author of the Lady Astronaut series 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! -- Sadie Hartmann, Bram Stoker Awards (R) winning author of 101 Horror Books to Read Before You're Murdered 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. -- Stephanie Burgis, USA Today bestselling author of Enchanting the Fae Queen Twisty plots, monstrous secrets and some truly engaging characters. -- Adrian Tchaikovsky, author of the Children of Time series Fans of Morris's Harker & Moriarty series will enjoy diving deeper into Sam and Hel's world, and new readers will find plenty to keep them hooked. Morris offers another genre-bending thrill-ride to give to fans of either gothic fantasy or historical mystery. -- Library Journal Review If you enjoy atmospheric, supernatural Gothic mysteries with a side of sapphic romance, you're going to love this series. -- M. Stevenson, author of Behooved
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Hodder & Stoughton
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Illustrations
Possible B&W line drawings and map included in prelims
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 129 mm
Thickness: 21 mm
Weight
392 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-3997-3491-2 (9781399734912)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Susan J. Morris is a fantasy author and editor, best known for a writing advice column featured on Amazon's Omnivoracious blog and her work editing Forgotten Realms novels. Susan delights in running workshops for Clarion West and in moderating panels for writing symposiums. When not writing or reading, Susan indulges in playing video games, training in Pilates, and experimenting with new plant-based food recipes. She lives in Sammamish, Washington with her partner, two cats, and entirely too many plants. Strange Beasts is her debut novel.