Strange Beasts

"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’s 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

"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, USA Today bestselling author of Shark Heart: A Love Story

“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

“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

“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 of more than forty novels of science fiction and fantasy

“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

“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.” –Jaleigh Johnson, New York Times bestselling author of The Mark of the Dragonfly

“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

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• NYC launch event with broad influencer and media attendance 

Bindery partners with influential book tastemakers to identify and publish resonant stories. This book will receive continuous prepublication and post launch promotion by book tastemaker Kathryn Budig, whose highly engaged audience exceeds 440k followers and is the largest community on Bindery to date.