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The Catcher of Souls
An assassin with a penchant for poisons. A gifted painter with a curse. A girl with mesmerizing eyes. And a Ripper…
Sebastian Blackmore, Viscount Keswick, has two obsessions: concocting poisons and hunting down individuals whose unnatural powers go against the will of the Crown. But when a killer known only as “Jack the Ripper” leaves a trail of dissected women in Whitechapel’s slums, Sebastian finds himself seeking a different sort of prey.
Abel Dunsmore, Earl of Wrenbury and Sebastian’s best friend, is famed as London’s most gifted painter. But his talent comes at a price—a curse he believes unbreakable. When Sebastian enlists his help to solve the mystery behind the gruesome murders in Whitechapel, the walls around Abel’s carefully guarded secrets crumble one by one, risking their friendship—and the life of the person he holds most dear.
Embarking upon a sinister pursuit through the gaslit alleys of London’s East End, Sebastian and Abel are soon to find out that the murderer they seek has much darker designs—and they only have until his next victim to uncover them.
Sebastian Blackmore, Viscount Keswick, has two obsessions: concocting poisons and hunting down individuals whose unnatural powers go against the will of the Crown. But when a killer known only as “Jack the Ripper” leaves a trail of dissected women in Whitechapel’s slums, Sebastian finds himself seeking a different sort of prey.
Abel Dunsmore, Earl of Wrenbury and Sebastian’s best friend, is famed as London’s most gifted painter. But his talent comes at a price—a curse he believes unbreakable. When Sebastian enlists his help to solve the mystery behind the gruesome murders in Whitechapel, the walls around Abel’s carefully guarded secrets crumble one by one, risking their friendship—and the life of the person he holds most dear.
Embarking upon a sinister pursuit through the gaslit alleys of London’s East End, Sebastian and Abel are soon to find out that the murderer they seek has much darker designs—and they only have until his next victim to uncover them.
- GenresFantasyMurder Mystery
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2025
8 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Ruxandra Tarca
6 books32 followersRuxandra has been surrounded by books since forever, her passion for literature and writing dating back to her childhood days. Starting with her university years, and for the most part of her adult life, she has been studying literature and languages, and translating books. She writes steampunk novels, webcomic scripts, and also has a special love for historical fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 14, 2025
Retellings and stories inspired by Jack the Ripper lore are a guilty pleasure of mine, so I was immediately intrigued by this book. The addition of a Dorian Gray-inspired character sealed the deal for me, as The Picture of Dorian Gray is one of my all-time favorite books.
There were several aspects I enjoyed—the story had moments that reminded me of classic 80s/90s films with a clear hero, villain, and resolution, which gave it a nostalgic charm. Though it had a slow start, Ruxandra Tarca's style of writing is easy to read. I also really appreciated the depth of research that went into the historical details, especially regarding poisons and the social hierarchy of the time. Abel was a standout character for me, though I may be a bit biased due to my love for Dorian Gray.
That said, this book wasn’t entirely my cup of tea. The dialogue felt unnatural in places, coming across as more suited for a screenplay than a novel, which sometimes pulled me out of the story. I also found myself rereading the summary a few times in the beginning to clarify what was happening. My biggest struggle was with Sebastian. His characterization felt somewhat lacking depth, and his motivations, while straightforward, didn’t feel as fleshed out as I would have liked.
While this book didn’t fully work for me, I can see how it would appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction with a cinematic feel and detailed research. If you’re a fan of Jack the Ripper-inspired tales and gothic themes, it might be worth checking out!
And thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy~
There were several aspects I enjoyed—the story had moments that reminded me of classic 80s/90s films with a clear hero, villain, and resolution, which gave it a nostalgic charm. Though it had a slow start, Ruxandra Tarca's style of writing is easy to read. I also really appreciated the depth of research that went into the historical details, especially regarding poisons and the social hierarchy of the time. Abel was a standout character for me, though I may be a bit biased due to my love for Dorian Gray.
That said, this book wasn’t entirely my cup of tea. The dialogue felt unnatural in places, coming across as more suited for a screenplay than a novel, which sometimes pulled me out of the story. I also found myself rereading the summary a few times in the beginning to clarify what was happening. My biggest struggle was with Sebastian. His characterization felt somewhat lacking depth, and his motivations, while straightforward, didn’t feel as fleshed out as I would have liked.
While this book didn’t fully work for me, I can see how it would appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction with a cinematic feel and detailed research. If you’re a fan of Jack the Ripper-inspired tales and gothic themes, it might be worth checking out!
And thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy~
August 24, 2025
Cartea surprinde excelent atmosfera Londrei din anii 1800, descrisă cu un realism întunecat care te face să simți ceața și mirosul de lampă cu gaz. Personajele sunt bine conturate, iar relația dintre Abel și Sebastian e una caracterizată de puțină tensiune, dar și afecțiune. Acțiunea e captivantă, cu doze de mister și gotic. Singurul minus e faptul că finalul rămâne deschis, cu un mister nerezolvat care lasă cititorul într-un soi de așteptare. Per total, însă, e o carte bine scrisă, care merită citită pentru atmosferă, personaje și stil.
Aștept volumul 2!
Aștept volumul 2!
September 21, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
A fost o lectura plina de mistere si intorsaturi la care nu m-as fi asteptat. Mi-a placut mult modul in care autoarea a construit povestea si personajele, mai ales prietenia dintre Sebastian si Abel, care a fost surprinzatoare si emotionanta avand in vedere circumstantele dintre cei doi.
Finalul m-a emotionat prin modul in care tatal lui Sebastian i-a respectat dorinta cu privire la casatorie.
Totusi, motivul pentru care ii dau 4 stele si nu 5 este faptul ca, desi povestea a fost bine construita, mi-ar fi placut sa simt mai multa tensiune care sa ma faca sa dau pagina dupa pagina nerabdatoare sa aflu cine este vinovatul.
Per total, o carte foarte buna, cu personaje memorabile pe care o recomand.
A fost o lectura plina de mistere si intorsaturi la care nu m-as fi asteptat. Mi-a placut mult modul in care autoarea a construit povestea si personajele, mai ales prietenia dintre Sebastian si Abel, care a fost surprinzatoare si emotionanta avand in vedere circumstantele dintre cei doi.
Finalul m-a emotionat prin modul in care tatal lui Sebastian i-a respectat dorinta cu privire la casatorie.
Totusi, motivul pentru care ii dau 4 stele si nu 5 este faptul ca, desi povestea a fost bine construita, mi-ar fi placut sa simt mai multa tensiune care sa ma faca sa dau pagina dupa pagina nerabdatoare sa aflu cine este vinovatul.
Per total, o carte foarte buna, cu personaje memorabile pe care o recomand.
March 5, 2025
ARC sent by netgalley.
Book advertised as "Dorian Gray meets Frankenstein in Jack the Ripper's London" couldn't escape my attention. However, I offer a more precise name dropping description: «Adult Ciel Phantomhive did not make a deal with the devil, but instead became one himself while serving the Queen in hunting down criminals with supernatural abilities. Tasked with resolving the soon to become famous Jack the Ripper case, he enrolled aid from his best friend, a tortured artist Basil Hallward, who possessed an incredible talent for portraits but refused to paint any living beings and seemed to hide a dark secret somewhere in Whitechapel. What shall they do if it turns out that Jack is a big fan of a certain Mary Wollstonecraft-Shelley's literary work?»
I immediately started reading upon receiving a copy and was pleasantly impressed by the elegant writing style and the evident research that went into this work. I thoroughly enjoyed the well-paced plot & organic character development. There was no feeling of rushed action-packing to further the story, and it were the characters driving the plot, rather than having an author whisper behind their back of the next steps to take and words to say. It provided the right amount of detailed descriptions to create a sense of being in a Victorian setting without going overboard and reminding you that it was written 100+ years later. Each character retains the aristocratic status quo of never revealing too much of themselves, while still having their own distinct strong personality. I especially loved the portrayal of women, and am particularly glad Lady Georgiana will make a return as a main character in book 2, but also personally hoping to see more of Lady Christabel, who is probably the most interesting character for me so far.
Additionally, I loved the little hints at the rise in women's rights movement at that point in history, both by the one I didn't know about (Elizabeth Cass) referenced by Anais & Abel's inner thoughts: "was that the fate of all women who lacked the protection of a family or a name? The protection of a man?". It did not read as an outlandish modern feminist idea, it read as the kind of argument that a person from late XIX century would actually have.
I admit, when I saw I was 70% done and yet the plot was no closer to a big culmination, I became wary of the book's pacing as it applied to its low number of pages. I was preparing to be disappointed that there won't be enough pages left to properly end the first part of the story, and that it will rely on a cheap hook to keep readers waiting for the sequel. I am relieved to say that was not (entirely) the case. The pace did indeed pick up after this mark, but it somehow felt organic and not rushed, the urgency made total sense story-wise, and while the resolution was so close, I am not mad at all that "the villain escaped this time" - because we were shown that it made sense for him to escape in the chaos! Ah, the wonders one's writing can achieve when authors SHOW AND DON'T TELL!
That said, it wouldn't be my review if I didn't have some critical remarks, even if they do not diminish the star rating this time:
There were a few occurrences where the characters defining traits/characteristics were brought up in almost the same way in a short span (maybe a few chapters apart). Namely, Anais' "eyes going from green to grey when focusing on an object"; Sebastian's special poison blend (also why was a sleeping drought called poison if it was not actually poisonous?) when used by him & his mother's murder argument used against him by Hyden (at least 5 times). Abel's laments about "missing drawing portraits" & "transferring the very soul of the sitter" hint drops too early on in the story, which uses Dorian Gray as an epithet for itself, were too glaring and did take away a little from the big reveal of this story's own Basil Hallward, if he looked & slept around like Dorian Gray.
Some things were a little repetitive and too on the nose for my liking, as a person who above all values narrative subtlety and being left guessing, especially in mysteries. Such as the way that two women (Christabel & Georgiana) were brought under suspicion in the same manner, by hinting or outright stating their connection to the crime scene or a potential suspect, as well as highlighting their interest in unladylike subjects, i.e. science and anatomy. Likewise, Hyden and Sebastian's father kept being hinted at as the big evil masterminds behind Whitechapel crimes, and with the mysterious "vessel" revealed as a woman it just solidified my personal theory (my bet is on Sebastian's father as the mastermind and his mother being the vessel; unless it turns out to be an entirely new character of course & Christabel is actually involved in the crime and was not just gothic literature-obsessed & morbid 15 yo me)
Similarly to the Dorian Gray-Abel link, it irked me a bit to see Frankenstein as a book mentioned directly in the text as a possible evidence of involvement in the crime, when it has already become apparent that the perpetrator is stealing organs in order to create their own "Frankenstein's monster". I'd have probably not minded if it was mentioned earlier in the story, when Sebastian did not yet know what he was looking for, and it was used as foreshadowing rather than proof of fact.
All of these are, however, but minor remarks and did not diminish my experience or enjoyment of the story whatsoever, so I am very happy to mark this as my first 5 star of the year, and will be looking forward to the next part!
Book advertised as "Dorian Gray meets Frankenstein in Jack the Ripper's London" couldn't escape my attention. However, I offer a more precise name dropping description: «Adult Ciel Phantomhive did not make a deal with the devil, but instead became one himself while serving the Queen in hunting down criminals with supernatural abilities. Tasked with resolving the soon to become famous Jack the Ripper case, he enrolled aid from his best friend, a tortured artist Basil Hallward, who possessed an incredible talent for portraits but refused to paint any living beings and seemed to hide a dark secret somewhere in Whitechapel. What shall they do if it turns out that Jack is a big fan of a certain Mary Wollstonecraft-Shelley's literary work?»
I immediately started reading upon receiving a copy and was pleasantly impressed by the elegant writing style and the evident research that went into this work. I thoroughly enjoyed the well-paced plot & organic character development. There was no feeling of rushed action-packing to further the story, and it were the characters driving the plot, rather than having an author whisper behind their back of the next steps to take and words to say. It provided the right amount of detailed descriptions to create a sense of being in a Victorian setting without going overboard and reminding you that it was written 100+ years later. Each character retains the aristocratic status quo of never revealing too much of themselves, while still having their own distinct strong personality. I especially loved the portrayal of women, and am particularly glad Lady Georgiana will make a return as a main character in book 2, but also personally hoping to see more of Lady Christabel, who is probably the most interesting character for me so far.
Additionally, I loved the little hints at the rise in women's rights movement at that point in history, both by the one I didn't know about (Elizabeth Cass) referenced by Anais & Abel's inner thoughts: "was that the fate of all women who lacked the protection of a family or a name? The protection of a man?". It did not read as an outlandish modern feminist idea, it read as the kind of argument that a person from late XIX century would actually have.
I admit, when I saw I was 70% done and yet the plot was no closer to a big culmination, I became wary of the book's pacing as it applied to its low number of pages. I was preparing to be disappointed that there won't be enough pages left to properly end the first part of the story, and that it will rely on a cheap hook to keep readers waiting for the sequel. I am relieved to say that was not (entirely) the case. The pace did indeed pick up after this mark, but it somehow felt organic and not rushed, the urgency made total sense story-wise, and while the resolution was so close, I am not mad at all that "the villain escaped this time" - because we were shown that it made sense for him to escape in the chaos! Ah, the wonders one's writing can achieve when authors SHOW AND DON'T TELL!
That said, it wouldn't be my review if I didn't have some critical remarks, even if they do not diminish the star rating this time:
There were a few occurrences where the characters defining traits/characteristics were brought up in almost the same way in a short span (maybe a few chapters apart). Namely, Anais' "eyes going from green to grey when focusing on an object"; Sebastian's special poison blend (also why was a sleeping drought called poison if it was not actually poisonous?) when used by him & his mother's murder argument used against him by Hyden (at least 5 times). Abel's laments about "missing drawing portraits" & "transferring the very soul of the sitter" hint drops too early on in the story, which uses Dorian Gray as an epithet for itself, were too glaring and did take away a little from the big reveal of this story's own Basil Hallward, if he looked & slept around like Dorian Gray.
Some things were a little repetitive and too on the nose for my liking, as a person who above all values narrative subtlety and being left guessing, especially in mysteries. Such as the way that two women (Christabel & Georgiana) were brought under suspicion in the same manner, by hinting or outright stating their connection to the crime scene or a potential suspect, as well as highlighting their interest in unladylike subjects, i.e. science and anatomy. Likewise, Hyden and Sebastian's father kept being hinted at as the big evil masterminds behind Whitechapel crimes, and with the mysterious "vessel" revealed as a woman it just solidified my personal theory (my bet is on Sebastian's father as the mastermind and his mother being the vessel; unless it turns out to be an entirely new character of course & Christabel is actually involved in the crime and was not just gothic literature-obsessed & morbid 15 yo me)
Similarly to the Dorian Gray-Abel link, it irked me a bit to see Frankenstein as a book mentioned directly in the text as a possible evidence of involvement in the crime, when it has already become apparent that the perpetrator is stealing organs in order to create their own "Frankenstein's monster". I'd have probably not minded if it was mentioned earlier in the story, when Sebastian did not yet know what he was looking for, and it was used as foreshadowing rather than proof of fact.
All of these are, however, but minor remarks and did not diminish my experience or enjoyment of the story whatsoever, so I am very happy to mark this as my first 5 star of the year, and will be looking forward to the next part!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2025
3.7
I really liked the period in which the story takes place and the gothic atmosphere of Victorian London. The relationship between Abel and Sebastian is a big plus, and the book is easy to read. However, it lacked that “sparkle” that would make it truly memorable. I didn’t find out who the gentleman behind everything was, nor the connection with Lady Christabel, which left the ending somewhat incomplete. I understand it’s a trilogy, but I would have liked each volume to resolve its own mystery. Also, the term “unnatural” used for the creatures in the story didn’t sound pleasant to my ears.
I really liked the period in which the story takes place and the gothic atmosphere of Victorian London. The relationship between Abel and Sebastian is a big plus, and the book is easy to read. However, it lacked that “sparkle” that would make it truly memorable. I didn’t find out who the gentleman behind everything was, nor the connection with Lady Christabel, which left the ending somewhat incomplete. I understand it’s a trilogy, but I would have liked each volume to resolve its own mystery. Also, the term “unnatural” used for the creatures in the story didn’t sound pleasant to my ears.
February 9, 2025
I received this book as an arc on netgalley.
This is a wonderful opening to a new series. I admit I had different people picked out as the bad guys, which pleases me immensely. I can't wait to see how book two continues the story!
This is a wonderful opening to a new series. I admit I had different people picked out as the bad guys, which pleases me immensely. I can't wait to see how book two continues the story!
January 29, 2025
In the hunt for 'Unnaturals', Sebastian Blackmore, Viscount Keswick, is the Home Office's premiere assassin. Deemed dangerous criminals simply for existing, Sebastien's job is to eliminate their potential threat but circumstances challenge the young man's commitment as secrets are revealed that cause him to question the government's presumptions. What follows is an absorbing and page-turning tale that ties in with the Jack the Ripper murders in 19th century London. In 'Catcher of Souls', Ruxandra Tarca has produced an intriguing and difficult to putdown story of mystery, adventure and romance that is sure to please all readers of Gaslamp Fantasy and beyond. Highly recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 1, 2025
Silii gata prima carte trilogia "The cursed arts".
Autoarea a construit o atmosfera perfecta a Londrei anului 1888, unde avem contrastele sociale, impreuna cu personaje care ascund mai multe decat arata.
lubirea nu inseamna intotdeauna siguranta, iar prietenia poate sparge orice ura impotriva nenaturalilor.
Sooo, abia astept publicarea urmatoarelor doua volume!
Autoarea a construit o atmosfera perfecta a Londrei anului 1888, unde avem contrastele sociale, impreuna cu personaje care ascund mai multe decat arata.
lubirea nu inseamna intotdeauna siguranta, iar prietenia poate sparge orice ura impotriva nenaturalilor.
Sooo, abia astept publicarea urmatoarelor doua volume!
March 27, 2025
The Catcher of Souls is Jack the Ripper meets Frankenstein meets Dorian Gray, set in a slightly fantastical Victorian England.
This was an enjoyable read. The subject matter was grim, as expected, and the atmosphere of Victorian London was appropriately dismal, especially in the East End. Tarca addresses social issues of gender equality (or the lack thereof) and the division of classes. Interestingly, both protagonists were aristocratic men, which resulted in an ease of movement through the story as well as biased perspectives that are slowly changed through interactions with members of lower classes.
Characters
Sebastian is, in a word, cold. I can't count the number of times 'cold,' 'glacial,' 'icy,' or 'cool' are used to describe him, especially his tone of voice. While I understand the need to portray British manners appropriately, it unfortunately created some distance between the reader and Sebastian. He is an assassin out for vengeance against those who murdered his mother, and his dualist, black and white perspective is slowly changed as he interacts with the very group of people whom he hated.
Abel is repeatedly described as a 'rake.' This is something that we are told by the author, but we see little evidence of his rakish behaviour aside from a few 'devil-may-care' adjectives and descriptions of previous escapades. A reformed rake, perhaps, but not very rakish in the telling of this tale. He does, however, have an interesting secret.
The side characters were interesting but not given much detail beyond broad brushstrokes. Anais was the most intriguing character with the most compelling backstory. No spoilers here. Lady Christabel was enigmatic, and we never quite understand what she's all about. Lady Georgiana was haughty and imperious, kept at a distance from the reader.
Plot
Without spoiling, I'll simply say that this is a tale of speculation, espionage, poison, kidnapping, murder, and the struggle of the classes. The combination of Jack the Ripper with Frankenstein and Dorian Gray is appropriately grim without being too gruesome. Murder details are kept to a minimum while still depicting the horror of the murders. More intriguing was the subtle exploration of why the murders targeted lower-class women in the East End. In this book, Tarca takes this social exploration one step further by imagining another class of humans, the 'unnaturals,' who are humans with supernatural abilities and are targeted by the authorities for these abilities.
Writing Style
This is the first book that I've read of Ruxandra Tarca's. I would describe her writing as an easy reading style. She strives to remain loyal to Victorian English, and I felt appropriately placed in the setting as a result. The pacing is slow and the chapters are long, which is not out of character for the genre, but it did take some time to become immersed in the story. There were a few odd word choices, such as
"The marchioness' dress was impregnated with her memory." (A dress was impregnated?)
"You are not a cold blood murderer." (Cold-blooded?)
"Do me the courtesy of not considering me a wimp." (Wimp? I'm not certain this was used in Victorian England.)
"Scotland Yard is not privy of this information." (Privy to?)
The book could have used another pass at editing. However, the story was enjoyable enough, so it's a four stars for me. I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was an enjoyable read. The subject matter was grim, as expected, and the atmosphere of Victorian London was appropriately dismal, especially in the East End. Tarca addresses social issues of gender equality (or the lack thereof) and the division of classes. Interestingly, both protagonists were aristocratic men, which resulted in an ease of movement through the story as well as biased perspectives that are slowly changed through interactions with members of lower classes.
Characters
Sebastian is, in a word, cold. I can't count the number of times 'cold,' 'glacial,' 'icy,' or 'cool' are used to describe him, especially his tone of voice. While I understand the need to portray British manners appropriately, it unfortunately created some distance between the reader and Sebastian. He is an assassin out for vengeance against those who murdered his mother, and his dualist, black and white perspective is slowly changed as he interacts with the very group of people whom he hated.
Abel is repeatedly described as a 'rake.' This is something that we are told by the author, but we see little evidence of his rakish behaviour aside from a few 'devil-may-care' adjectives and descriptions of previous escapades. A reformed rake, perhaps, but not very rakish in the telling of this tale. He does, however, have an interesting secret.
The side characters were interesting but not given much detail beyond broad brushstrokes. Anais was the most intriguing character with the most compelling backstory. No spoilers here. Lady Christabel was enigmatic, and we never quite understand what she's all about. Lady Georgiana was haughty and imperious, kept at a distance from the reader.
Plot
Without spoiling, I'll simply say that this is a tale of speculation, espionage, poison, kidnapping, murder, and the struggle of the classes. The combination of Jack the Ripper with Frankenstein and Dorian Gray is appropriately grim without being too gruesome. Murder details are kept to a minimum while still depicting the horror of the murders. More intriguing was the subtle exploration of why the murders targeted lower-class women in the East End. In this book, Tarca takes this social exploration one step further by imagining another class of humans, the 'unnaturals,' who are humans with supernatural abilities and are targeted by the authorities for these abilities.
Writing Style
This is the first book that I've read of Ruxandra Tarca's. I would describe her writing as an easy reading style. She strives to remain loyal to Victorian English, and I felt appropriately placed in the setting as a result. The pacing is slow and the chapters are long, which is not out of character for the genre, but it did take some time to become immersed in the story. There were a few odd word choices, such as
"The marchioness' dress was impregnated with her memory." (A dress was impregnated?)
"You are not a cold blood murderer." (Cold-blooded?)
"Do me the courtesy of not considering me a wimp." (Wimp? I'm not certain this was used in Victorian England.)
"Scotland Yard is not privy of this information." (Privy to?)
The book could have used another pass at editing. However, the story was enjoyable enough, so it's a four stars for me. I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Darkly Enchanting Masterpiece! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
From the moment I picked up The Catcher of Souls by Ruxandra Tarca, I was utterly spellbound! ✨📖 This book is an intoxicating blend of gothic horror, historical mystery, and dark fantasy, transporting readers into the eerie streets of Victorian London—a world teeming with shadowy secrets, supernatural abilities, and a touch of the macabre. 🌙🔮
👑 Meet the Mysterious Viscount 👑
At the heart of the novel is Sebastian Blackmore, Viscount Keswick—a man as dangerous as he is fascinating. 🖤⚗️ By day, he’s an aristocrat with an obsession for poisons; by night, he hunts down those who wield unnatural powers. 🕵️♂️☠️ His calculated demeanor and morally gray nature make him irresistibly compelling, keeping you constantly questioning his true motives.
🎨 The Artist Cursed by Fate 🎨
Enter Abel Dunsmore, an artist with a terrifying gift—or perhaps, a curse. 🖌️👁️ His paintings hold power beyond imagination, drawing him into a sinister conspiracy. His uneasy alliance (and deeply complex relationship) with Sebastian is one of the book’s strongest aspects. Friendship? Rivalry? Something more? The tension between them is deliciously palpable! 🔥⚡
🩸 Jack the Ripper Meets the Supernatural 🩸
The story intertwines real history with eerie fiction, thrusting Sebastian and Abel into the heart of the Whitechapel murders. 🚨🔪 The city is haunted by a brutal killer, but are these murders merely human crimes, or is something far darker at play? 😨 The suspense never lets up, making this a gripping page-turner!
💀 Dark, Atmospheric, and Devilishly Addictive 💀
Ruxandra Tarca’s prose is lush and evocative, painting a world that is both beautiful and terrifying. 🌫️🕯️ Every scene drips with Victorian elegance, from the gaslit alleys to the grandeur of high society—yet danger lurks in every shadow. If you love the haunting vibes of The Picture of Dorian Gray or the mystery of Sherlock Holmes, you NEED to read this! 📜🖤
✨ Final Verdict: An absolute must-read for fans of gothic thrillers, morally ambiguous characters, and immersive historical settings. The twists will leave you breathless, the characters will steal your heart, and the eerie atmosphere will linger long after you turn the last page. 📚💫
🔥 5/5 Stars – I’m OBSESSED! 🔥
*** ARC provided via NetGalley ***
From the moment I picked up The Catcher of Souls by Ruxandra Tarca, I was utterly spellbound! ✨📖 This book is an intoxicating blend of gothic horror, historical mystery, and dark fantasy, transporting readers into the eerie streets of Victorian London—a world teeming with shadowy secrets, supernatural abilities, and a touch of the macabre. 🌙🔮
👑 Meet the Mysterious Viscount 👑
At the heart of the novel is Sebastian Blackmore, Viscount Keswick—a man as dangerous as he is fascinating. 🖤⚗️ By day, he’s an aristocrat with an obsession for poisons; by night, he hunts down those who wield unnatural powers. 🕵️♂️☠️ His calculated demeanor and morally gray nature make him irresistibly compelling, keeping you constantly questioning his true motives.
🎨 The Artist Cursed by Fate 🎨
Enter Abel Dunsmore, an artist with a terrifying gift—or perhaps, a curse. 🖌️👁️ His paintings hold power beyond imagination, drawing him into a sinister conspiracy. His uneasy alliance (and deeply complex relationship) with Sebastian is one of the book’s strongest aspects. Friendship? Rivalry? Something more? The tension between them is deliciously palpable! 🔥⚡
🩸 Jack the Ripper Meets the Supernatural 🩸
The story intertwines real history with eerie fiction, thrusting Sebastian and Abel into the heart of the Whitechapel murders. 🚨🔪 The city is haunted by a brutal killer, but are these murders merely human crimes, or is something far darker at play? 😨 The suspense never lets up, making this a gripping page-turner!
💀 Dark, Atmospheric, and Devilishly Addictive 💀
Ruxandra Tarca’s prose is lush and evocative, painting a world that is both beautiful and terrifying. 🌫️🕯️ Every scene drips with Victorian elegance, from the gaslit alleys to the grandeur of high society—yet danger lurks in every shadow. If you love the haunting vibes of The Picture of Dorian Gray or the mystery of Sherlock Holmes, you NEED to read this! 📜🖤
✨ Final Verdict: An absolute must-read for fans of gothic thrillers, morally ambiguous characters, and immersive historical settings. The twists will leave you breathless, the characters will steal your heart, and the eerie atmosphere will linger long after you turn the last page. 📚💫
🔥 5/5 Stars – I’m OBSESSED! 🔥
*** ARC provided via NetGalley ***
September 9, 2025
O carte bună, care te prinde de la primele pagini și nu te mai lasă. Mi-a plăcut atât construcția romanului, cât și cea a personajelor. Pare scrisă după o rețetă clasică, cu regulile de scriere foarte vizibile; nu știu dacă le-am observat pentru că o urmăresc pe autoare pe TikTok sau pur și simplu au ieșit atât de clar în evidență. Misterul se închide doar parțial la final, ceea ce mă bucură și mă frustrează în același timp: primești răspunsuri, dar rămân și multe semne de întrebare. Personajele mele preferate au fost Sebastian și Anais, recunosc, mai mult decât Abel și Lady Georgiana.
Pe la mijlocul cartii am decis sa ma uit la final sa citesc nota autoarei si ma bucur ca am facut-o. Cunosc cateva lucruri despre Jack, am urmarit documentare, filme, dar nu am citit carti asa ca mi-am comandat la recomandarea autorei: "Cinci. Povestea victimelor lui Jack Spintecatorul" si abia astept sa o citesc.
Legat de povestea lui Jack, criminalul, eu nu sunt un fan al istoriei rescrise decât dacă vorbim despre un univers alterantiv si pot sa ma gândesc si la aceasta carte, astfel. Dar m-a deranjat în mod deosebit faptul că criminalul din carte a rămas fidel lui Jack, ucigând doar femei, și mi s-a părut ciudat că în descrierea lucrurilor comune pe care le aveau victimele nu era menționat clar acest aspect: că sunt femei. Astăzi putem spune că Jack Spintecătorul a comis femicid, iar romanul susține involuntar această idee, inspirându-se din victimele reale până spre finalul cartii. Ne aflăm în fața unui bărbat care poate deveni și el victima aceluiași criminal, deși până atunci acesta ucisese doar femei. Probabil din acest motiv, în înșiruirea de asemănări ale crimelor nu a fost inclus și criteriul de gen, dar recunosc că m-a ofuscat puțin lipsa lui. Acum, după ce am citit finalul, înțeleg de ce nu se putea introduce desi la începutul cărtii cu ajutorul lui Sebastian descoperim ca există destui bărbati nenaturali.
Închei prin a spune că îmi doresc foarte tare ca Ruxi să traducă și al doilea volum în limba română, atunci când acesta va fi lansat. Voi fi sigur unul dintre cumparatori.
Pe la mijlocul cartii am decis sa ma uit la final sa citesc nota autoarei si ma bucur ca am facut-o. Cunosc cateva lucruri despre Jack, am urmarit documentare, filme, dar nu am citit carti asa ca mi-am comandat la recomandarea autorei: "Cinci. Povestea victimelor lui Jack Spintecatorul" si abia astept sa o citesc.
Legat de povestea lui Jack, criminalul, eu nu sunt un fan al istoriei rescrise decât dacă vorbim despre un univers alterantiv si pot sa ma gândesc si la aceasta carte, astfel. Dar m-a deranjat în mod deosebit faptul că criminalul din carte a rămas fidel lui Jack, ucigând doar femei, și mi s-a părut ciudat că în descrierea lucrurilor comune pe care le aveau victimele nu era menționat clar acest aspect: că sunt femei. Astăzi putem spune că Jack Spintecătorul a comis femicid, iar romanul susține involuntar această idee, inspirându-se din victimele reale până spre finalul cartii. Ne aflăm în fața unui bărbat care poate deveni și el victima aceluiași criminal, deși până atunci acesta ucisese doar femei. Probabil din acest motiv, în înșiruirea de asemănări ale crimelor nu a fost inclus și criteriul de gen, dar recunosc că m-a ofuscat puțin lipsa lui. Acum, după ce am citit finalul, înțeleg de ce nu se putea introduce desi la începutul cărtii cu ajutorul lui Sebastian descoperim ca există destui bărbati nenaturali.
Închei prin a spune că îmi doresc foarte tare ca Ruxi să traducă și al doilea volum în limba română, atunci când acesta va fi lansat. Voi fi sigur unul dintre cumparatori.
October 5, 2025
This book took longer than expected to read. I truly wanted to savor the story and life kept getting in the way. I have no words for this book. As a woman in STEM who loves all things medical. This book was everything to me. One of my favorite classic tales is Frankenstein and the twist had me screaming. Jack the Ripper has always fascinated me. I have read The Five previously which talks about the victims lives. I highly recommend to others interested. I loved the authors take on the history, the crimes, but also putting her own spin on it. One of my favorite YA series is Stalking Jack the Ripper. Which follows an upper class young lady and her desire for the medical field like her uncle. Which Georgiana reminded me so much of the FMC in that series. While the book was full of mystery, suspense, and all the emotions. I really enjoyed the bits of romance thrown in. While not a romance heavy book it was the perfect amount mixed in. The setting is obviously Victorian London. This book did justice to historically accurate times. The descriptions used to describe the atmosphere, the horrid smells wafting around, and just abysmal living conditions is so well done. That is honestly my favorite part of this book. The accurate setting and experience being had. So many books ghost over the horrid conditions and paint a sunny disposition on the time.
Triggers
-blood
-body parts
-murder
-drugs or pharmaceutical concoctions for harm
-closed door romance (the longing is everything)
-medical instrumentation
-supernatural creations and powers
Be warned before starting this one. The cliffhanger will have you screaming. I didn’t realize it was going to be a series. Which am I excited to continue with these amazing characters? Absolutely! However, I have to know who’s behind it all! I don’t think I have the patience to wait. I can’t wait for the next book which focuses on Abel and Georgiana’s!
Triggers
-blood
-body parts
-murder
-drugs or pharmaceutical concoctions for harm
-closed door romance (the longing is everything)
-medical instrumentation
-supernatural creations and powers
Be warned before starting this one. The cliffhanger will have you screaming. I didn’t realize it was going to be a series. Which am I excited to continue with these amazing characters? Absolutely! However, I have to know who’s behind it all! I don’t think I have the patience to wait. I can’t wait for the next book which focuses on Abel and Georgiana’s!
March 3, 2025
𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐬
𝐛𝐲 𝐑𝐮𝐱𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐚 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐚
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟓𝐭𝐡
- - -
Read this if you like:
□ Dorian Gray meets Jack The Ripper
□ found family
□ morally gray character
□ historical fantasy
□ poisons
□ romance
Thank you, Netgalley and Ruxandra Tarca, for this ARC.
I instantly clicked request on Netgalley when it mentioned a Jack The Ripper retelling. So I had high hopes. And oh my gosh, it did not disappoint!
First time that I am reading a book where two men are the main characters. I loved the dual POV! The most handsome bachelors of England. One of them is an assassin who makes poisons to murder the 'unnaturals'. The other has a secret that no one can know about or it will cost his life (and others). Together, they are on the search for the person behind all those gruesome murders in London, The Ripper. Along the way, they get help from an emerald-eyed beauty and a brazen lady.
The writing is exquisite. You instantly get pulled into the story. The different backgrounds and the strong relationships between the characters in this book are beautiful. All is so well-thought! Never a dull moment throughout the story. I sat on the edge of my seat the entire time. The story was gripping and action-packed, and I loved the mystery. The romance was so enthralling. Even the two men made me swoon! There is no spice. The magic happens behind closed doors. ✨️
This book has an open ending, which made me scream cause the last pages were so suspenseful, and I still have so many questions. So, I hope the second book will soon be released. I want to know more about the characters, their relationships, and the murderer. It's just such an intriguing story!
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐬
𝐛𝐲 𝐑𝐮𝐱𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐚 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐚
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟓𝐭𝐡
- - -
Read this if you like:
□ Dorian Gray meets Jack The Ripper
□ found family
□ morally gray character
□ historical fantasy
□ poisons
□ romance
Thank you, Netgalley and Ruxandra Tarca, for this ARC.
I instantly clicked request on Netgalley when it mentioned a Jack The Ripper retelling. So I had high hopes. And oh my gosh, it did not disappoint!
First time that I am reading a book where two men are the main characters. I loved the dual POV! The most handsome bachelors of England. One of them is an assassin who makes poisons to murder the 'unnaturals'. The other has a secret that no one can know about or it will cost his life (and others). Together, they are on the search for the person behind all those gruesome murders in London, The Ripper. Along the way, they get help from an emerald-eyed beauty and a brazen lady.
The writing is exquisite. You instantly get pulled into the story. The different backgrounds and the strong relationships between the characters in this book are beautiful. All is so well-thought! Never a dull moment throughout the story. I sat on the edge of my seat the entire time. The story was gripping and action-packed, and I loved the mystery. The romance was so enthralling. Even the two men made me swoon! There is no spice. The magic happens behind closed doors. ✨️
This book has an open ending, which made me scream cause the last pages were so suspenseful, and I still have so many questions. So, I hope the second book will soon be released. I want to know more about the characters, their relationships, and the murderer. It's just such an intriguing story!
March 11, 2025
I was hooked by the very first line:
"Death comes in many forms. I am one of them."
The Catcher Of Souls by Ruxandra Tarca is the first book in a series, where the story introduces best friends Viscount Sebastian Blackmore and Earl Abel Dunsmore.
Sebastian is a character right up my alley, eccentric and strange in a Victorian London setting where he hunts for so-called 'unnaturals', people who have strange powers. He has a darkness in him which he covers up with his eccentricity and can use to hunt perfectly.
His best friend Abel is a painter who's insanely talented but refuses to paint ever since an incident in his past. Soon a killer who's called Jack the Ripper appears and leaves behind a trail of bodies missing organs...
I fell in love with the atmosphere of an eerie Victorian London Ruxandra calls to life on page, the blending of historical fiction and mystery added with the supernatural gives a new turn on the story of Jack the Ripper and the characters are wonderfully complex and deliciously dark.
I adore Sebastian's own otherness and Abel's twisted talent. Both are charming in their own ways but getting to know them comes with a price.
The victorian setting is vivid, as a reader I could feel the grime and luxury, was furious for how women have to be due to society standards. The blackmailing, mystery and unaliving is written so well I'm sure I will devour the next books as well.
This is perfect for those who enjoy historical fantasy, dark vibes, and all things Jack the Ripper.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for choosing me for an eARC!
"Death comes in many forms. I am one of them."
The Catcher Of Souls by Ruxandra Tarca is the first book in a series, where the story introduces best friends Viscount Sebastian Blackmore and Earl Abel Dunsmore.
Sebastian is a character right up my alley, eccentric and strange in a Victorian London setting where he hunts for so-called 'unnaturals', people who have strange powers. He has a darkness in him which he covers up with his eccentricity and can use to hunt perfectly.
His best friend Abel is a painter who's insanely talented but refuses to paint ever since an incident in his past. Soon a killer who's called Jack the Ripper appears and leaves behind a trail of bodies missing organs...
I fell in love with the atmosphere of an eerie Victorian London Ruxandra calls to life on page, the blending of historical fiction and mystery added with the supernatural gives a new turn on the story of Jack the Ripper and the characters are wonderfully complex and deliciously dark.
I adore Sebastian's own otherness and Abel's twisted talent. Both are charming in their own ways but getting to know them comes with a price.
The victorian setting is vivid, as a reader I could feel the grime and luxury, was furious for how women have to be due to society standards. The blackmailing, mystery and unaliving is written so well I'm sure I will devour the next books as well.
This is perfect for those who enjoy historical fantasy, dark vibes, and all things Jack the Ripper.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for choosing me for an eARC!
February 28, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for an Advanced Reader’s Copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Catcher of Souls is the first in a promised trilogy of novels based on the murders committed by the infamous Jack the Ripper during London’s Victorian Era. The story follows best friends Viscount Sebastian Blackmore and Earl Abel Dunsmore. Sebastian is employed by a secret department of the Home Office, for whom he puts ‘unnaturals’ – a group of people that have developed an array of strange powers. Abel is a cursed painter, in love with a society lady that isn’t interested in his affections.
When Jack the Ripper begins to leave unnatural women dead in the streets with their organs missing, Sebastian and Abel team up to find a way to stop the murders. Their task leads them down several dangerous paths, meeting unexpected allies and making surprising enemies along the way.
Tarca does a wonderful job of immersing the reader in Victorian London. The setting is extremely believable, from the gaslit streets to the pitch-black carriages and changing fashions. The prose is well written and full of suspense. The pacing was great for a thriller, and while it did become faster towards the conclusion of the novel, the ending remained satisfying. I admit to not knowing precisely who the culprit was until the very end. I am certainly interested in picking up Tarca’s next installment when it arrives.
The Catcher of Souls is the first in a promised trilogy of novels based on the murders committed by the infamous Jack the Ripper during London’s Victorian Era. The story follows best friends Viscount Sebastian Blackmore and Earl Abel Dunsmore. Sebastian is employed by a secret department of the Home Office, for whom he puts ‘unnaturals’ – a group of people that have developed an array of strange powers. Abel is a cursed painter, in love with a society lady that isn’t interested in his affections.
When Jack the Ripper begins to leave unnatural women dead in the streets with their organs missing, Sebastian and Abel team up to find a way to stop the murders. Their task leads them down several dangerous paths, meeting unexpected allies and making surprising enemies along the way.
Tarca does a wonderful job of immersing the reader in Victorian London. The setting is extremely believable, from the gaslit streets to the pitch-black carriages and changing fashions. The prose is well written and full of suspense. The pacing was great for a thriller, and while it did become faster towards the conclusion of the novel, the ending remained satisfying. I admit to not knowing precisely who the culprit was until the very end. I am certainly interested in picking up Tarca’s next installment when it arrives.
April 4, 2025
I've thoroughly enjoyed my read of The Catcher of Souls, its depiction of an alternative Victorian London, and its protagonists. Abel and Sebastian draw you in thanks to the charm of their friendship and backstories until you end up following in their wake, page after page, in pursuit of a mysterious killer until they begin glimpsing an even greater mystery.
While Abel and Sebastian are both part of London's upper class, it's their differences that truly make them shine. Abel is a brilliant artist tortured by the scale and cost of his talent while Sebastian is struggling with himself, on the verge of being consumed by his pursuit of apparent justice. Caught up in a dangerous web that threatens to turn into a noose, the two need to choose between their friendship, their secrets, and their pursuit of what they feel is true to their nature. And what a ride that turns out to be!
The Catcher of Souls will take you from the parlors of the rich and powerful to the slums in which most people struggle to make ends meet, never failing to be an entertaining read. Blending in secret societies, supernatural mysteries, and terrifying murders, this version of London is host to many mysteries lurking in its dark corners, Jack the Ripper proving to be only one of the dangers awaiting the protagonists.
I look forward to getting my hands on the next book in the series, eager to learn more about the lore of its lore and see what Ruxandra Tarca will throw our way next.
While Abel and Sebastian are both part of London's upper class, it's their differences that truly make them shine. Abel is a brilliant artist tortured by the scale and cost of his talent while Sebastian is struggling with himself, on the verge of being consumed by his pursuit of apparent justice. Caught up in a dangerous web that threatens to turn into a noose, the two need to choose between their friendship, their secrets, and their pursuit of what they feel is true to their nature. And what a ride that turns out to be!
The Catcher of Souls will take you from the parlors of the rich and powerful to the slums in which most people struggle to make ends meet, never failing to be an entertaining read. Blending in secret societies, supernatural mysteries, and terrifying murders, this version of London is host to many mysteries lurking in its dark corners, Jack the Ripper proving to be only one of the dangers awaiting the protagonists.
I look forward to getting my hands on the next book in the series, eager to learn more about the lore of its lore and see what Ruxandra Tarca will throw our way next.
December 31, 2025
A true enemies to lovers. He really has a a reason to hate her and the romance is not forced, but grows slowly and surely from both sides. I love it when there is a glimpse of a possible love at first sight that grows into something bigger as the characters grow as well. (Their beliefs change, their thoughts, making the enemies to lovers trope true and heartfelt)
The story really feels like London, I felt the environment and society and the dialogue was very well written. Even though it is a period piece, it didn’t feel forced but rather natural.
I enjoy character driven plots and most of all when the characters are not fully described, physically, i like the freedom to explore their looks, and knowing their main motivations to understand them better from their actions and decisions.
The story follows different characters from the high society investigating a series of murders that are very well though and the mystery uncovers naturally. I loved that, in the beginning, one of the characters made a decision that seemed great at the time, for me as well to be honest, and it ended up hunting him for the rest of the story. I live for this, for the small thing, that we consider small and they turn out to be huge plot points.
I can tell that the ideas of the story were well researched and build step by step to create an immersive experience.
The story really feels like London, I felt the environment and society and the dialogue was very well written. Even though it is a period piece, it didn’t feel forced but rather natural.
I enjoy character driven plots and most of all when the characters are not fully described, physically, i like the freedom to explore their looks, and knowing their main motivations to understand them better from their actions and decisions.
The story follows different characters from the high society investigating a series of murders that are very well though and the mystery uncovers naturally. I loved that, in the beginning, one of the characters made a decision that seemed great at the time, for me as well to be honest, and it ended up hunting him for the rest of the story. I live for this, for the small thing, that we consider small and they turn out to be huge plot points.
I can tell that the ideas of the story were well researched and build step by step to create an immersive experience.
January 18, 2025
I received an ARC of this book from the author. All views are my own.
The Catcher of Souls is the first book in a new series from Ruxandra Tarca- The Cursed Arts.
In this book we are introduced to Sebastian Blackmore, only son and heir of the Duke of Allensmore. He works for the Crown as an assassin under the Home Offices Department for the Handling of Unnaturals. These are people who have strange powers which can make others less susceptible do their bidding, amongst other things.
In this book, Ruxandra has given a feel of Victorian London, the slums with their noisome smells and the thick fogs for which London was famous. She also brings a tale of Jack the Ripper, where the mutilated bodies of the female victims leave questions needing answers. To this end, Sebastian follows his instincts to Whitechapel, where he comes into contact with a beautiful emerald eyed woman, who accuses him of having hands soaked in blood.
The book has the ton running in the background, like a murmuring brook, the mothers trying to marry off their daughters to the highest noble and the fathers hiding behind masks of respectability.
Ruxandra Tarca writes prose which flows, making this an easy book to read. She keeps the suspense high throughout the book, which makes for a page turner.
The Catcher of Souls is the first book in a new series from Ruxandra Tarca- The Cursed Arts.
In this book we are introduced to Sebastian Blackmore, only son and heir of the Duke of Allensmore. He works for the Crown as an assassin under the Home Offices Department for the Handling of Unnaturals. These are people who have strange powers which can make others less susceptible do their bidding, amongst other things.
In this book, Ruxandra has given a feel of Victorian London, the slums with their noisome smells and the thick fogs for which London was famous. She also brings a tale of Jack the Ripper, where the mutilated bodies of the female victims leave questions needing answers. To this end, Sebastian follows his instincts to Whitechapel, where he comes into contact with a beautiful emerald eyed woman, who accuses him of having hands soaked in blood.
The book has the ton running in the background, like a murmuring brook, the mothers trying to marry off their daughters to the highest noble and the fathers hiding behind masks of respectability.
Ruxandra Tarca writes prose which flows, making this an easy book to read. She keeps the suspense high throughout the book, which makes for a page turner.
March 9, 2025
I loved this book so much!
The novel takes place in London in 1888, during Jack the Ripper’s bloody hold over the district of Whitechapel.
Sebastian, Viscount Keswick, has a rather unique job for the Home Office. He spends his days concocting potions and ridding the city of “unnaturals”—or individuals with strange powers that work against the Crown.
His friend, Abel, Earl of Wrenbury, longs to be a painter, but he is burdened by a curse that he has kept secret for years. When Sebastian approaches Abel for help regarding his mission and also for help with solving the Whitechapel case, secrets begin to be revealed one by one that threaten to reveal Abel’s curse.
I really enjoyed the unique premise of this book as well as the blend of fact and fiction. The author does take liberties with events surrounding the Ripper murders but does so in a very compelling way to further the story. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or historical mysteries that take place in the Victorian Era.
The author has confirmed a sequel and I am excited to read it when it comes out!
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.
The novel takes place in London in 1888, during Jack the Ripper’s bloody hold over the district of Whitechapel.
Sebastian, Viscount Keswick, has a rather unique job for the Home Office. He spends his days concocting potions and ridding the city of “unnaturals”—or individuals with strange powers that work against the Crown.
His friend, Abel, Earl of Wrenbury, longs to be a painter, but he is burdened by a curse that he has kept secret for years. When Sebastian approaches Abel for help regarding his mission and also for help with solving the Whitechapel case, secrets begin to be revealed one by one that threaten to reveal Abel’s curse.
I really enjoyed the unique premise of this book as well as the blend of fact and fiction. The author does take liberties with events surrounding the Ripper murders but does so in a very compelling way to further the story. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or historical mysteries that take place in the Victorian Era.
The author has confirmed a sequel and I am excited to read it when it comes out!
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.
August 17, 2025
The Catcher of Souls was such a darkly atmospheric surprise. The story blends Jack the Ripper-inspired horror with the gothic elegance of Dorian Gray and a supernatural twist, making for a haunting yet addictive read.
I really enjoyed the dual POVs of Sebastian Blackmore and Abel Dunsmore—two complex, morally gray men whose perspectives kept the story layered and engaging. Their dynamic was one of my favorite parts, balancing tension, loyalty, and secrets against the backdrop of gaslit Victorian London.
Something that stood out to me was the absence of spice. In a market overflowing with steamy reads, it was refreshing to see a gothic fantasy lean fully into atmosphere, character, and tension without it—and it absolutely worked for the story.
The ending leaves things open and unresolved, clearly setting up the potential for a sequel, and I for one am very curious to see where this series could go.
Overall, this is a richly gothic debut—Jack the Ripper meets Dorian Gray with a supernatural flair—and I thoroughly enjoyed being swept into its eerie world.
Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for the opportunity to read and review.
I really enjoyed the dual POVs of Sebastian Blackmore and Abel Dunsmore—two complex, morally gray men whose perspectives kept the story layered and engaging. Their dynamic was one of my favorite parts, balancing tension, loyalty, and secrets against the backdrop of gaslit Victorian London.
Something that stood out to me was the absence of spice. In a market overflowing with steamy reads, it was refreshing to see a gothic fantasy lean fully into atmosphere, character, and tension without it—and it absolutely worked for the story.
The ending leaves things open and unresolved, clearly setting up the potential for a sequel, and I for one am very curious to see where this series could go.
Overall, this is a richly gothic debut—Jack the Ripper meets Dorian Gray with a supernatural flair—and I thoroughly enjoyed being swept into its eerie world.
Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for the opportunity to read and review.
March 3, 2025
Rating 5/5 ⭐️
The Catcher Of Souls by Ruxandra Tarca is the first book in The Cursed Arts series. We follow an assassin who hunts those who have powers that go against the grain of natural and a painter whose talent goes beyond what is considered normal. When a killer with the moniker “Jack the Ripper” appears and starts a horrific crime spree it is up to both of them to find the killer!
I DEVOURED this!. Ruxandra does such an amazing job blending historical fiction, fantasy, and mystery. The characters were all complex even those who may not have seemed important to the story.
The plot was plotting. I absolutely loved this twist on real life events in history. It was a captivating and dark read luring you into the dark streets of London trying to solve these murders before the killer can take their next victim!
This is perfect for those who enjoy historical fantasy, dark gothic vibes, and a little romance.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
The Catcher Of Souls by Ruxandra Tarca is the first book in The Cursed Arts series. We follow an assassin who hunts those who have powers that go against the grain of natural and a painter whose talent goes beyond what is considered normal. When a killer with the moniker “Jack the Ripper” appears and starts a horrific crime spree it is up to both of them to find the killer!
I DEVOURED this!. Ruxandra does such an amazing job blending historical fiction, fantasy, and mystery. The characters were all complex even those who may not have seemed important to the story.
The plot was plotting. I absolutely loved this twist on real life events in history. It was a captivating and dark read luring you into the dark streets of London trying to solve these murders before the killer can take their next victim!
This is perfect for those who enjoy historical fantasy, dark gothic vibes, and a little romance.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
March 28, 2025
This book ties quite a few of my favorite subjects and elements together in a very fluid way:
-Transports the reader right into late 1800’s London
-Ties in elements of The Portrait of Dorian Gray in fun ways while still respecting the original work
-Has a creative take and motivation for the infamous villain Jack the Ripper
-Includes some dynamic characters that go through some interesting character development and drastically changing relationships and perspectives
Would definitely recommend this book if you are a fan of any or all of the above. It will please escapists, gas lamp, and historical horror fans alike. It reads like a carefully curated collection of historical and personal accounts but with a gripping plot. This is a creepy and creative story. Very interested in reading the next book in this series!
Thank you to Ruxandra Tarca and Book Sirens for the reviewer copy and additional thanks to Ruxandra Tarca for having me on your review team! It was a pleasure to read and review this!
-Transports the reader right into late 1800’s London
-Ties in elements of The Portrait of Dorian Gray in fun ways while still respecting the original work
-Has a creative take and motivation for the infamous villain Jack the Ripper
-Includes some dynamic characters that go through some interesting character development and drastically changing relationships and perspectives
Would definitely recommend this book if you are a fan of any or all of the above. It will please escapists, gas lamp, and historical horror fans alike. It reads like a carefully curated collection of historical and personal accounts but with a gripping plot. This is a creepy and creative story. Very interested in reading the next book in this series!
Thank you to Ruxandra Tarca and Book Sirens for the reviewer copy and additional thanks to Ruxandra Tarca for having me on your review team! It was a pleasure to read and review this!
February 27, 2025
The Catcher of Souls is an exciting new take on the classic Jack the Ripper tale. It introduces us to Viscount Sebastian Blackmore and his best friend Earl Abel Dunsmore - one an assassin who goes after "unnaturals" on behalf of the Home Office, the other a gifted painter with secrets to hide - as they become caught up in the mystery killings and the impact on their own lives. It is an excellent depiction of the class differences of Victorian Era London, and it is clear that the author did significant historical research for the series. Overall I enjoyed the book, however I struggled with the heavy handed exposition and characters who felt two-dimensional for much of the story. That said, the book picks up significantly in both pace and quality as it goes along, and I will certainly continue with the series when book 2 comes out.
3/3.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the eARC to review.
3/3.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the eARC to review.
April 6, 2025
☆3.25
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
One thing that always gets me with books is how fast the sleuthing and action starts. This one definitely did not shy from that, which I really appreciated because a lot of books lately seem to take hundreds of pages before things pick up and this one took about 30 odd pages for me to be on my toes. Was it a little too fast paced? Maybe. It had room for more explanation instead of just BAM! information in your face and now we're off to the next bit. Although this did work in favor of surprise. Everything happens so fast, you don't even have time to speculate certain outcomes. Overall the story was enjoyable and I'm looking forward to part two!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
One thing that always gets me with books is how fast the sleuthing and action starts. This one definitely did not shy from that, which I really appreciated because a lot of books lately seem to take hundreds of pages before things pick up and this one took about 30 odd pages for me to be on my toes. Was it a little too fast paced? Maybe. It had room for more explanation instead of just BAM! information in your face and now we're off to the next bit. Although this did work in favor of surprise. Everything happens so fast, you don't even have time to speculate certain outcomes. Overall the story was enjoyable and I'm looking forward to part two!
February 25, 2025
4.5 rounded up to 5.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for kindly giving me an arc.
This was a very unique and interesting twist on the classic Jack the Ripper tale. I really liked the fantasy element of including the victims being 'unnaturals' as the reason they were targeted. Sebastian goes through some pretty serious character development, which makes him a likeable and understandable character. I also really liked the stark contrast between the rich and poor and the way the author highlights this inequality through their attitudes to the murders. I really appreciated the element of mystery in the ending. Overall, a really solid read!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for kindly giving me an arc.
This was a very unique and interesting twist on the classic Jack the Ripper tale. I really liked the fantasy element of including the victims being 'unnaturals' as the reason they were targeted. Sebastian goes through some pretty serious character development, which makes him a likeable and understandable character. I also really liked the stark contrast between the rich and poor and the way the author highlights this inequality through their attitudes to the murders. I really appreciated the element of mystery in the ending. Overall, a really solid read!
dnf
March 12, 2025I feel like maybe we didn’t all read the same book? DNF @41%. The blurb for this had me extremely excited, but it did not deliver. There was something that was so dull about the execution of this book. Its author had a great cast of characters to work from, but the potential was not fully realized. The writing seemed a bit juvenile and maybe targeted at a mid-age YA crowd, which I was not expecting. There were assumptions and scenes that made no sense given what the characters should know. The pace was slow, and I was bored during most of what I read. Ultimately, I was disappointed and I stopped wasting my time on mediocrity. 1.5⭐️
February 17, 2025
What a great read. I loved the setting, the characters, the secrets, the unnaturals, the attractions, the risks. I hope you will fall in love with this story. It follows in the footsteps of my favorite author, Jacquelyn Benson. There are twists and turns, attractions and love, action and vengeance, art and poison. I could not put it down, it is a page turner. Step into a version of regency England with these amazing characters. ENJOY. Looking forward to the next book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 23, 2025
The Catcher of Souls by Ruxandra Tarca is the first book in her The Cursed Art series.
Taking place in Victorian London, Sebastian, the heir to the Duke of Allensmore, is part of a department that eliminates people who possess "dangerous" abilities.
I loved the historical aspects of this book. Tarca's writing made me wonder if Jack the Ripper would show up.
This is a must read for people who like historical fiction with a little horror/thriller thrown in. Highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley for this free review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Taking place in Victorian London, Sebastian, the heir to the Duke of Allensmore, is part of a department that eliminates people who possess "dangerous" abilities.
I loved the historical aspects of this book. Tarca's writing made me wonder if Jack the Ripper would show up.
This is a must read for people who like historical fiction with a little horror/thriller thrown in. Highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley for this free review copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2025
A Gothic mystery with some steam punk like elements, made this book odd and different, in a good way. Sebastian and Abel are quite the pair, very close, with a lot of secrets, and extremely eligible and titled. Along with 2 exceptional women who keep them on their toes, the heroes have to find the villian, Jack the ripper. The book was thrilling, and very differentiated from normal hist murder mysteries, since it incorporated Dorian Grey, JTR and some fantastical elements. It does end with a cliffhanger, I cannot wait to see what's next.
#netgalley #TheCatcherofSouls
#netgalley #TheCatcherofSouls
May 9, 2025
I think, for me, this book was a 3.5-4 star read, depending on my mood reading it. It definitely is not my usual read, and I found myself struggling at points, so it took me some time to get through it. I think this is more due to the fact I do not, typically, connect with mystery novels; however, the summary of the book was interesting enough for me to want to read it. I think this is a book that many will enjoy, especially if you are a mystery fan and if you are looking for a fresh take on the Jack the Ripper murders.
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