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Harker & Moriarty #2
Wayward Souls
Not yet published
Expected 17 Mar 26The delightfully dark sequel to the gothic supernatural mystery Strange Beasts.
Six days before Samhain—the night when the veil between worlds is thinnest—Samantha Harker, daughter of Dracula’s killer, and Dr. Helena Moriarty, daughter of the famed criminal mastermind, are thrown into their next the mysterious disappearance of two Society field agents in Ireland. Only this time, the Royal Society is sending Jakob Van Helsing to keep an eye on them.
Sam and Hel may have solved the Paris case, but that doesn’t mean the Society trusts them. Sam has the power to slip into the minds of monsters, and Van Helsing has sworn to kill her at the first sign of corruption. And if Hel can’t prove her father’s existence, she’ll soon go down for his crimes.
Their investigation takes them from the crumbling ruins of Ireland’s untamed wilds to the occult societies of the rich and powerful. The connection between the Sam and Hel is electric, but as they fall deeper into each other’s orbit, their secrets only multiply. For Hel, it’s the sins she committed when she was her father’s pawn. For Sam, it’s a plague of death omens, mysterious black feathers, and a siren song no one else can hear. And then comes a chilling revelation that is poised to shatter The agents who disappeared were each haunted by a ghost. And so, it seems, is Sam.
With characters drawn from the worlds of Dracula and Sherlock Holmes, Wayward Souls is a twisty puzzle box of a historical fantasy—perfect for fans of Genevieve Cogman, Theodora Goss, Freya Marske, T. Kingfisher, and Gail Carriger.
Six days before Samhain—the night when the veil between worlds is thinnest—Samantha Harker, daughter of Dracula’s killer, and Dr. Helena Moriarty, daughter of the famed criminal mastermind, are thrown into their next the mysterious disappearance of two Society field agents in Ireland. Only this time, the Royal Society is sending Jakob Van Helsing to keep an eye on them.
Sam and Hel may have solved the Paris case, but that doesn’t mean the Society trusts them. Sam has the power to slip into the minds of monsters, and Van Helsing has sworn to kill her at the first sign of corruption. And if Hel can’t prove her father’s existence, she’ll soon go down for his crimes.
Their investigation takes them from the crumbling ruins of Ireland’s untamed wilds to the occult societies of the rich and powerful. The connection between the Sam and Hel is electric, but as they fall deeper into each other’s orbit, their secrets only multiply. For Hel, it’s the sins she committed when she was her father’s pawn. For Sam, it’s a plague of death omens, mysterious black feathers, and a siren song no one else can hear. And then comes a chilling revelation that is poised to shatter The agents who disappeared were each haunted by a ghost. And so, it seems, is Sam.
With characters drawn from the worlds of Dracula and Sherlock Holmes, Wayward Souls is a twisty puzzle box of a historical fantasy—perfect for fans of Genevieve Cogman, Theodora Goss, Freya Marske, T. Kingfisher, and Gail Carriger.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 17, 2026
2295 people want to read
About the author
Susan J. Morris
8 books268 followersSusan J. Morris is a fantasy author best known for her Harker & Moriarty novels, including Strange Beasts and its sequel, Wayward Souls. Before succumbing to books entirely, Susan worked as a novels editor at Wizards of the Coast, ran workshops for Clarion West, and penned a popular writing-advice column—all of which, she is coming to realize, are more or less books. Susan makes her home in the rainy Pacific Northwest with her partner, her cats, and entirely too many plants. Find her online at susanjmorris.com.
Content warnings available on her website.
Content warnings available on her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
December 3, 2025
I loved this second installment in the series and was so pleased to see it continue to develop in the ways I most hoped. Definitely pick up Strange Beasts if you haven't yet, because Wayward Souls really builds off the events of that book.
My only criticism is that there was a particular reveal that was such a cool and unique idea that it made me jealous I hadn't thought of it first.
Oh! And we better see more of the kitten in the next book.... or else. >:)
I guess if you're the kind of person who hears it's International Women's Day and your response is to ask when International Men's Day is, then this is not the book for you. But for everyone else I had a blast and this is one of my fav reads of 2025!
Does the ~dog die?:
Thank you to NetGalley and Bindery Books for granting me an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My only criticism is that there was a particular reveal that was such a cool and unique idea that it made me jealous I hadn't thought of it first.
Oh! And we better see more of the kitten in the next book.... or else. >:)
I guess if you're the kind of person who hears it's International Women's Day and your response is to ask when International Men's Day is, then this is not the book for you. But for everyone else I had a blast and this is one of my fav reads of 2025!
Does the ~dog die?:
Thank you to NetGalley and Bindery Books for granting me an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 23, 2025
Sam and Hel (the daughters of Jonathan and Mina Harker from Dracula and Professor Moriarty, the nemesis of Sherlock Holmes, respectively) are off on another adventure in this sequel to Strange Beasts. This time London's Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomena have sent them to Ireland with Jakob Van Helsing accompanying to keep an eye on things, as they don't quite trust Hel's loyalties or Sam's abilities.
Like its predecessor, the vibes in this book are perfectly on point! Steeped in the darker aspects of Celtic mythology and folklore, this story is perfect for spooky season reading. People in Ireland are disappearing in ways that smack of the supernatural and it's up to our team of field agents to figure out who or what is behind it all, preferably before the night of Samhain, when the veil between worlds is thinnest and dangers from the Otherworld are at their peak.
A theme of this installment is that no one is only one thing - all good or all bad. Characters who were midlevel villains of the last book have the opportunity here to show that they have another side. Our heroines have to learn to allow themselves as much grace as they do the monsters they confront in their line of work, who are sometimes made the way they are by monstrous acts committed against them.
I hadn't recalled from the first book that the story is all told with third person POV from Sam's perspective, so readers can only really get an idea of Hel and Van Helsing's thoughts and feelings through their interactions with her. I do think a reread of that one would have been beneficial, as I couldn't recall much about the situation with Sam's grandfather, which comes into play as a fairly major plot thread here.
One complaint I have with this book is the same one I had for the first in the series - I couldn't always follow the characters' reasoning when they came to conclusions about things in their investigation. The answers and explanations here were a bit convoluted, with a lot going on. I kind of had to just enjoy the ride and accept the characters' determinations without fully appreciating how they arrived at them.
Still, this was overall a fun story and perfect fit for my October reading, and I am grateful to NetGalley, Bindery Books, and Inky Phoenix Press for the eARC in exchange for my unbiased review.
Like its predecessor, the vibes in this book are perfectly on point! Steeped in the darker aspects of Celtic mythology and folklore, this story is perfect for spooky season reading. People in Ireland are disappearing in ways that smack of the supernatural and it's up to our team of field agents to figure out who or what is behind it all, preferably before the night of Samhain, when the veil between worlds is thinnest and dangers from the Otherworld are at their peak.
A theme of this installment is that no one is only one thing - all good or all bad. Characters who were midlevel villains of the last book have the opportunity here to show that they have another side. Our heroines have to learn to allow themselves as much grace as they do the monsters they confront in their line of work, who are sometimes made the way they are by monstrous acts committed against them.
I hadn't recalled from the first book that the story is all told with third person POV from Sam's perspective, so readers can only really get an idea of Hel and Van Helsing's thoughts and feelings through their interactions with her. I do think a reread of that one would have been beneficial, as I couldn't recall much about the situation with Sam's grandfather, which comes into play as a fairly major plot thread here.
One complaint I have with this book is the same one I had for the first in the series - I couldn't always follow the characters' reasoning when they came to conclusions about things in their investigation. The answers and explanations here were a bit convoluted, with a lot going on. I kind of had to just enjoy the ride and accept the characters' determinations without fully appreciating how they arrived at them.
Still, this was overall a fun story and perfect fit for my October reading, and I am grateful to NetGalley, Bindery Books, and Inky Phoenix Press for the eARC in exchange for my unbiased review.
November 16, 2025
Thank you Bindery Books and Netgalley for this ARC.
My honest opinion is that this book is really good, and I love all the mysteries and the growth of each character! I love how Sam gets to discover more about herself and about the people she has in her life, Hel does some underground work here and we see more of Jakob too which fills my heart as I love these three so much.
The mystery, the research, the Irish folklore that goes deep within the roots of Ireland and the despise they have for the English, which is still true, lol.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and I hope it gets into your hands and hearts and you may all enjoy a good reading.
My honest opinion is that this book is really good, and I love all the mysteries and the growth of each character! I love how Sam gets to discover more about herself and about the people she has in her life, Hel does some underground work here and we see more of Jakob too which fills my heart as I love these three so much.
The mystery, the research, the Irish folklore that goes deep within the roots of Ireland and the despise they have for the English, which is still true, lol.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and I hope it gets into your hands and hearts and you may all enjoy a good reading.
October 10, 2025
Morris' first book in this series, Strange Beasts was one of my favourites of 2025, so I was pretty excited to get hold of the sequel's ARC copy too. For a quick recap these books are set in an 'everything exists' universe and our MCs are descendants of the villain Moriarty, and Dracula's Mina Harker, and Van Helsing.
While Wayward Souls is a strong piece, I do diagnose a little bit of sequelitis. A major appeal of Strange Beasts was the frenemies dynamic between the main characters, but after being somewhat resolved in that book, the story of Wayward Souls feels like it stretches a bit to create some more drama between the main trio also there is a bit of a tear between the "monster of the week" plot and building ongoing tension for the big-bad. Basically I enjoyed the heck out of anything Moriarty related, which did make the main murder mystery type plot feel a bit like a distraction.
But that's all the negatives out of the way, Morris' writing is still some of the best urban fantasy out there. I continue to admire the way Morris is able to draw together to many mythical and supernatural elements without coming across as try-hard or just creating complete chaos. There is a good balance of intrigue and outright (and quite brutal action) scenes throughout the story and snuck between all that is decent social commentary which does some heavy lifting (as its kinda hard to do good social commentary when your fictional universe is full of magic and monsters).
All in all, my massive fanning over these books continue and I'm immediately hanging out for the next one, can't wait.
While Wayward Souls is a strong piece, I do diagnose a little bit of sequelitis. A major appeal of Strange Beasts was the frenemies dynamic between the main characters, but after being somewhat resolved in that book, the story of Wayward Souls feels like it stretches a bit to create some more drama between the main trio also there is a bit of a tear between the "monster of the week" plot and building ongoing tension for the big-bad. Basically I enjoyed the heck out of anything Moriarty related, which did make the main murder mystery type plot feel a bit like a distraction.
But that's all the negatives out of the way, Morris' writing is still some of the best urban fantasy out there. I continue to admire the way Morris is able to draw together to many mythical and supernatural elements without coming across as try-hard or just creating complete chaos. There is a good balance of intrigue and outright (and quite brutal action) scenes throughout the story and snuck between all that is decent social commentary which does some heavy lifting (as its kinda hard to do good social commentary when your fictional universe is full of magic and monsters).
All in all, my massive fanning over these books continue and I'm immediately hanging out for the next one, can't wait.
November 12, 2025
I loved this even more than the first. Not only I am obsessed with Sam and Hel and their relationship but I also loved the Irish setting. The historical background of the Seperatist movement and the industrial revolution, the idea that the country resisted against the English, the folk and the ghosts and all the creatures and of course the mystery were all woven together in the most satisfying way possible.
Sam and her struggles both as a woman and as a channel make her one of my favorite characters and my crush on Hel is still alive and well. It's a bummer she only has eyes for Sam. Never been more sad by a closed door scene btw.
Sam and her struggles both as a woman and as a channel make her one of my favorite characters and my crush on Hel is still alive and well. It's a bummer she only has eyes for Sam. Never been more sad by a closed door scene btw.
October 14, 2025
*I received a copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Samantha Harker and Dr. Helena Moriarty may come from illustrious families, but they've made names for themselves working at the Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomena. Sam is more fond of the research side of things, but got a taste of field work while assisting Hel on a previous case. It also led to the Society distrusting the pair, but they've been given another chance to prove their loyalties when they're assigned a case in Ireland to uncover the mysterious disappearance of two fellow agents. Only this time, the pair will be accompanied by Jakob Van Helsing to oversee them. Their investigation takes them all over Ireland, and as Sam and Hel's connection grows deeper, so do the secrets between them. Hel is haunted by the sins she committed in her father's name, while Sam is plagued by death omens that mark her as the next victim. Can Sam and Hel uncover the truth before it's too late?
One of my favorite aspects of the previous book was its atmosphere, and Morris continued to nail it here. It has all the Gothic, spooky vibes you could want, plus it blends historical mystery and fantasy together in such a cool way. It also has a 'monster-of-the-week' feel that I love. I enjoyed learning more about our two MCs, Sam and Hel, and seeing their relationship develop (it's one for the slow-burn fans.) I liked how Morris incorporated Celtic myth and folklore into the plot. You could tell how much research must've gone into the work to get the story just so. However, it didn't capture my attention as fully as I'd hoped, but I still liked seeing Morris bring it all together. It's not a new favorite, but I would still recommend checking out the series.
Samantha Harker and Dr. Helena Moriarty may come from illustrious families, but they've made names for themselves working at the Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomena. Sam is more fond of the research side of things, but got a taste of field work while assisting Hel on a previous case. It also led to the Society distrusting the pair, but they've been given another chance to prove their loyalties when they're assigned a case in Ireland to uncover the mysterious disappearance of two fellow agents. Only this time, the pair will be accompanied by Jakob Van Helsing to oversee them. Their investigation takes them all over Ireland, and as Sam and Hel's connection grows deeper, so do the secrets between them. Hel is haunted by the sins she committed in her father's name, while Sam is plagued by death omens that mark her as the next victim. Can Sam and Hel uncover the truth before it's too late?
One of my favorite aspects of the previous book was its atmosphere, and Morris continued to nail it here. It has all the Gothic, spooky vibes you could want, plus it blends historical mystery and fantasy together in such a cool way. It also has a 'monster-of-the-week' feel that I love. I enjoyed learning more about our two MCs, Sam and Hel, and seeing their relationship develop (it's one for the slow-burn fans.) I liked how Morris incorporated Celtic myth and folklore into the plot. You could tell how much research must've gone into the work to get the story just so. However, it didn't capture my attention as fully as I'd hoped, but I still liked seeing Morris bring it all together. It's not a new favorite, but I would still recommend checking out the series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4⭐
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read Wayward Souls by Susan J. Morris in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
What really worked for me in this book was the mystery. I loved that the investigation leaned into more Sherlock-style thinking 🧠—careful observation, clever deductions, and outsmarting the antagonist rather than relying purely on action. And Heathcliff the rat 🐀 absolutely stole the show for me. He felt like a true member of the team, fully involved in the adventure and investigation, not just a quirky side detail.
That said, while the romance was clearly with Hel, I couldn’t help but notice the tension between Van Helsing and Samantha 👀. It didn’t ruin the story for me, but it did pull my attention away from the central relationship at times and left me slightly conflicted about where my emotional investment was supposed to land.
Would I recommend it?
Yes. If you enjoy supernatural mysteries with smart problem-solving, a strong investigative thread, and memorable side characters (especially the animal kind 🐾), this is a solid and enjoyable read.
#WaywardSouls #NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read Wayward Souls by Susan J. Morris in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
What really worked for me in this book was the mystery. I loved that the investigation leaned into more Sherlock-style thinking 🧠—careful observation, clever deductions, and outsmarting the antagonist rather than relying purely on action. And Heathcliff the rat 🐀 absolutely stole the show for me. He felt like a true member of the team, fully involved in the adventure and investigation, not just a quirky side detail.
That said, while the romance was clearly with Hel, I couldn’t help but notice the tension between Van Helsing and Samantha 👀. It didn’t ruin the story for me, but it did pull my attention away from the central relationship at times and left me slightly conflicted about where my emotional investment was supposed to land.
Would I recommend it?
Yes. If you enjoy supernatural mysteries with smart problem-solving, a strong investigative thread, and memorable side characters (especially the animal kind 🐾), this is a solid and enjoyable read.
#WaywardSouls #NetGalley
October 17, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
After Strange Beasts ended up on my favorites of 2024, I was both excited and scared when I found out about the sequel. I’m very glad (and relieved) to report that Wayward Souls held up to the very high standards Susan J. Morris established with the first book.
One of my favorite things about this series is the setting. I love the way the author seamlessly weaves together historical events (in this case, we had a lot about Irish Separatism, the Gaelic Revival movement, and the Second Industrial Revolution) and figures with local mythology and famous literary characters and lore. As a reader, you can really tell how much effort she put into researching all of these elements.
Of course, we have our main characters, Samantha Harker and Helena Moriarty, this time accompanied by Jakob Van Helsing, drawing from Dracula and Sherlock Holmes, but I love how there were nods to other stories, as well as more elements of these two (I loved the introduction of Sam’s “aunt”, to keep this review spoiler-free).
I really enjoyed the inclusion of Van Helsing in the main group, both because it was interesting to see how his presence changed Sam’s dynamic with Hel (and with her own powers) for the development of his character and backstory. Learning about his past makes us understand his actions and his complicated relationship with Sam.
I love how much nuance Morris brings to basically all aspects of the book: family dynamics, character relationships, what makes a “monster”, and so on. Nothing is black and white, and it’s incredible how she does this in a way that is not overwhelming or confusing.
Now, I really enjoyed this novel, but there were two things that ended up a bit confusing . The first one being about the mystery. There were too many suspects (both humans and “monsters”), and I often found myself having to reread passages to make sure I understood and wasn’t mixing up any of the characters. I also wish there was more explanation regarding the mythology. I’m personally not familiar with Irish folklore, and obviously, there was a lot of it in this book. We did get information about some of the figures, but for others (and ones that were quite significant to the story) I feel like the author expected the reader to have some previous knowledge of, which I didn’t.
In the end, I settled for a solid 4-star rating. The writing, atmosphere, characters, and relationship dynamics are the highlights of this series and were really well constructed, and even with the issues I had while reading, I do think the mystery overall was good as well.
Personally, I liked Strange Beasts better than Wayward Souls, but that’s mostly due to my taste and experiences. I’ve been to Paris multiple times and love any time it is used as a setting, especially during this time period. On the other hand, I haven’t been to Ireland (yet) and am not familiar with Celtic myths, so I wasn’t as immersed this time around.
This book can be read and understood by itself, but I would highly suggest picking up Strange Beasts beforehand to get more context on the world and characters. This series is incredible and I really, really hope we get many more installments following Sam and Hel solving mysteries all over the world.
After Strange Beasts ended up on my favorites of 2024, I was both excited and scared when I found out about the sequel. I’m very glad (and relieved) to report that Wayward Souls held up to the very high standards Susan J. Morris established with the first book.
One of my favorite things about this series is the setting. I love the way the author seamlessly weaves together historical events (in this case, we had a lot about Irish Separatism, the Gaelic Revival movement, and the Second Industrial Revolution) and figures with local mythology and famous literary characters and lore. As a reader, you can really tell how much effort she put into researching all of these elements.
Of course, we have our main characters, Samantha Harker and Helena Moriarty, this time accompanied by Jakob Van Helsing, drawing from Dracula and Sherlock Holmes, but I love how there were nods to other stories, as well as more elements of these two (I loved the introduction of Sam’s “aunt”, to keep this review spoiler-free).
I really enjoyed the inclusion of Van Helsing in the main group, both because it was interesting to see how his presence changed Sam’s dynamic with Hel (and with her own powers) for the development of his character and backstory. Learning about his past makes us understand his actions and his complicated relationship with Sam.
I love how much nuance Morris brings to basically all aspects of the book: family dynamics, character relationships, what makes a “monster”, and so on. Nothing is black and white, and it’s incredible how she does this in a way that is not overwhelming or confusing.
Now, I really enjoyed this novel, but there were two things that ended up a bit confusing . The first one being about the mystery. There were too many suspects (both humans and “monsters”), and I often found myself having to reread passages to make sure I understood and wasn’t mixing up any of the characters. I also wish there was more explanation regarding the mythology. I’m personally not familiar with Irish folklore, and obviously, there was a lot of it in this book. We did get information about some of the figures, but for others (and ones that were quite significant to the story) I feel like the author expected the reader to have some previous knowledge of, which I didn’t.
In the end, I settled for a solid 4-star rating. The writing, atmosphere, characters, and relationship dynamics are the highlights of this series and were really well constructed, and even with the issues I had while reading, I do think the mystery overall was good as well.
Personally, I liked Strange Beasts better than Wayward Souls, but that’s mostly due to my taste and experiences. I’ve been to Paris multiple times and love any time it is used as a setting, especially during this time period. On the other hand, I haven’t been to Ireland (yet) and am not familiar with Celtic myths, so I wasn’t as immersed this time around.
This book can be read and understood by itself, but I would highly suggest picking up Strange Beasts beforehand to get more context on the world and characters. This series is incredible and I really, really hope we get many more installments following Sam and Hel solving mysteries all over the world.
September 3, 2025
*4.5 Stars*
Thank you to NetGalley and Book Bindery for the eARC.
No sophomore slump here—Susan J. Morris delivers again. Strange Beasts was one of my favorite reads of 2025, and its sequel, Wayward Souls, is a worthy follow-up.
I especially loved the development of the relationship between Sam and Jakob Van Helsing. In this book, you get a stronger sense of who Van Helsing is, and it adds some heartbreaking context to his character. As always, I also loved the dynamic between Hel and Sam. Hel is exactly the kind of prickly love interest I always fall for in books. I also appreciated the new nods to Dracula and Frankenstein—fingers crossed Frankenstein himself shows up in a future installment. As a gothic fiction fan, these literary crossovers are part of what makes this series so compelling for me.
That said, I did find Wayward Souls slightly less successful than Strange Beasts. The writing didn’t feel quite as crisp. For example, there’s a scene where Sam and Hel are joking about how the conversation should be taking place somewhere else—but I didn’t even realize where they were until well after that comment, which pulled me out of the moment. There are a few instances like this where I had to reread to get my bearings. Some of the folklore references could also use more context; creature names were sometimes mentioned without explanation, and I found myself having to look them up to fully understand their significance.
Still, I really enjoyed this book (hence the high rating), but I’m tempted to reread it just to make sure I didn’t miss anything the first time around.
Thank you to NetGalley and Book Bindery for the eARC.
No sophomore slump here—Susan J. Morris delivers again. Strange Beasts was one of my favorite reads of 2025, and its sequel, Wayward Souls, is a worthy follow-up.
I especially loved the development of the relationship between Sam and Jakob Van Helsing. In this book, you get a stronger sense of who Van Helsing is, and it adds some heartbreaking context to his character. As always, I also loved the dynamic between Hel and Sam. Hel is exactly the kind of prickly love interest I always fall for in books. I also appreciated the new nods to Dracula and Frankenstein—fingers crossed Frankenstein himself shows up in a future installment. As a gothic fiction fan, these literary crossovers are part of what makes this series so compelling for me.
That said, I did find Wayward Souls slightly less successful than Strange Beasts. The writing didn’t feel quite as crisp. For example, there’s a scene where Sam and Hel are joking about how the conversation should be taking place somewhere else—but I didn’t even realize where they were until well after that comment, which pulled me out of the moment. There are a few instances like this where I had to reread to get my bearings. Some of the folklore references could also use more context; creature names were sometimes mentioned without explanation, and I found myself having to look them up to fully understand their significance.
Still, I really enjoyed this book (hence the high rating), but I’m tempted to reread it just to make sure I didn’t miss anything the first time around.
December 1, 2025
4/5
Thank you to NetGalley and Bindery Books for providing a copy of this ARC.
In recent years, I—like many other readers—have developed a small phobia surrounding sequels. We’re all aware of famous authors missing their deadlines and leaving fans languishing for years on broken promises. And even if the sequel to the book you love does come out, there’s no guarantee that it’ll live up to your lofty expectations. Worse, what if the second book fails to live up to your lofty expectations and retroactively makes you like the first book less? These are the questions that made me nervous about picking up Wayward Souls, the sequel to Strange Beasts, one of my favorite books of 2024.
Sam and Hel’s story picks up a month after the events of the first book, when they’re thrown into their next mystery case involving the mysterious disappearance of two Society field agents in Ireland. Amidst speculations of Hel’s deceit concerning her father’s crimes, Sam’s childhood friend and modern-day adversary Jakob Van Helsing is sent to accompany—and more importantly—keep an eye on them. Their investigations will take them to Professor Moriarty’s home court, where Hel must revisit the sight of the sins she’s committed as her father’s pawn and Sam must resist the temptations of Ireland’s untamed wilds.
Strange Beasts and Wayward Souls are what I imagine the Sherlock Holmes novels could be like if they were updated for modern readers with 21st-century bones and twentieth-century skin—and of course, the supernatural and righteous feminist anger. I adore how Susan J. Morris isn’t afraid to excavate familiar gothic tales and go through them with a fine-tooth comb, uncovering the buried stories of women and monsters wronged (for women, as we all know, are often framed as monsters so long as they resist men’s control). It’s like finally being able to relive the stories we loved so uncritically as children, but whose flaws and limits we couldn’t look away from or excuse as adults.
Outside of the mystery, which Morris nails once again in the sequel, I was most excited (and nervous) about the progression of Sam and Hel’s relationship. In Strange Beasts, Sam and Hel were often separated for long periods at a time, so I was hoping for them to get more interaction together in the sequel, seeing as they were partners. In Wayward Souls, I am loving how open and unapologetic Sam is about her feelings for Hel in her internal monologue. This girl can get feral. Unfortunately, Morris almost seems scared to keep Sam and Hel on-screen for too long at a time, lest they explode with the sheer amount of chemistry they have with each other. I also can’t help but pity Jakob as the unfortunate third wheel to their whole situation.
Wayward Souls suffers from many of the same flaws as Strange Beasts—flaws that I was willing to overlook because of how exhilarating a time I had reading the first book, but that become more difficult to overtly ignore on a second visit. While I can follow the broad trajectory of the narrative and piece together how the ending occurred, Wayward Souls nevertheless shares similarities with Strange Beasts in how difficult it can be to follow the individual details: There’s such a dizzying amount of locations, character names, and connections that I’m tempted to pull out a whiteboard for my next read.
By the same token, Wayward Souls pulls an emotional explosion in the third act that reminds me a little too much of the first book, down to when it occurs in the narrative. And like the first book, I was left feeling like the resulting aftermath needed more time for the characters to process in a way that felt true to themselves. I wanted more from the conclusion. I wanted to know where the characters stand with each other. But, once again, we’re left waiting for the sequel. In some ways, how similar Wayward Souls ended up being to Strange Beasts made me love the sequel less—yet my overall feelings for the series remain the same.
If you’re a fan of slow-burn, you’re going to love how much this series is cooking.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bindery Books for providing a copy of this ARC.
In recent years, I—like many other readers—have developed a small phobia surrounding sequels. We’re all aware of famous authors missing their deadlines and leaving fans languishing for years on broken promises. And even if the sequel to the book you love does come out, there’s no guarantee that it’ll live up to your lofty expectations. Worse, what if the second book fails to live up to your lofty expectations and retroactively makes you like the first book less? These are the questions that made me nervous about picking up Wayward Souls, the sequel to Strange Beasts, one of my favorite books of 2024.
Sam and Hel’s story picks up a month after the events of the first book, when they’re thrown into their next mystery case involving the mysterious disappearance of two Society field agents in Ireland. Amidst speculations of Hel’s deceit concerning her father’s crimes, Sam’s childhood friend and modern-day adversary Jakob Van Helsing is sent to accompany—and more importantly—keep an eye on them. Their investigations will take them to Professor Moriarty’s home court, where Hel must revisit the sight of the sins she’s committed as her father’s pawn and Sam must resist the temptations of Ireland’s untamed wilds.
Strange Beasts and Wayward Souls are what I imagine the Sherlock Holmes novels could be like if they were updated for modern readers with 21st-century bones and twentieth-century skin—and of course, the supernatural and righteous feminist anger. I adore how Susan J. Morris isn’t afraid to excavate familiar gothic tales and go through them with a fine-tooth comb, uncovering the buried stories of women and monsters wronged (for women, as we all know, are often framed as monsters so long as they resist men’s control). It’s like finally being able to relive the stories we loved so uncritically as children, but whose flaws and limits we couldn’t look away from or excuse as adults.
Outside of the mystery, which Morris nails once again in the sequel, I was most excited (and nervous) about the progression of Sam and Hel’s relationship. In Strange Beasts, Sam and Hel were often separated for long periods at a time, so I was hoping for them to get more interaction together in the sequel, seeing as they were partners. In Wayward Souls, I am loving how open and unapologetic Sam is about her feelings for Hel in her internal monologue. This girl can get feral. Unfortunately, Morris almost seems scared to keep Sam and Hel on-screen for too long at a time, lest they explode with the sheer amount of chemistry they have with each other. I also can’t help but pity Jakob as the unfortunate third wheel to their whole situation.
Wayward Souls suffers from many of the same flaws as Strange Beasts—flaws that I was willing to overlook because of how exhilarating a time I had reading the first book, but that become more difficult to overtly ignore on a second visit. While I can follow the broad trajectory of the narrative and piece together how the ending occurred, Wayward Souls nevertheless shares similarities with Strange Beasts in how difficult it can be to follow the individual details: There’s such a dizzying amount of locations, character names, and connections that I’m tempted to pull out a whiteboard for my next read.
By the same token, Wayward Souls pulls an emotional explosion in the third act that reminds me a little too much of the first book, down to when it occurs in the narrative. And like the first book, I was left feeling like the resulting aftermath needed more time for the characters to process in a way that felt true to themselves. I wanted more from the conclusion. I wanted to know where the characters stand with each other. But, once again, we’re left waiting for the sequel. In some ways, how similar Wayward Souls ended up being to Strange Beasts made me love the sequel less—yet my overall feelings for the series remain the same.
If you’re a fan of slow-burn, you’re going to love how much this series is cooking.
November 5, 2025
This book made me want to reread Lockwood & Co. and rewatch The Irregulars.
Wayward Souls is the second book in the Harker & Moriarty series, and it's a historical fantasy/mystery that explores Irish folklore in a way that made me actually enjoy the supernatural. I'm not always a huge fan of monster hunter and paranormal plots in books, but I think I enjoy them more when the settings are more historical, so I appreciate the aesthetics of this series. I want to note briefly that I did not reread book 1 before I read this one; I had some notes from my read-through, but they were vague, and I do think a reread is necessary to truly enjoy this if you're someone like me who forgets books just a few weeks after you read them.
After two Society agents go missing in Ireland, Sam and Hel are sent to investigate their disappearances...only this time they're to be supervised by Jakob Van Helsing. Everything takes a turn for the worse when it is revealed that the victims were all being haunted, and so is Sam. If Sam wants to live, she'll have to solve the mystery of the disappearances without revealing her true nature to Van Helsing. I liked the mystery aspect of the plot, though it did feel a little overwhelming at times. I felt like I didn't have a good enough grasp on any of the subjects to truly formulate any theories, so I was kind of along for the ride. I didn't really predict any of the plot twists, but like I said, I felt a bit disoriented and couldn't quite find my footing within the mystery. There was a fair amount of action, so I did appreciate the quick pacing. Admittedly, the suspense aspect didn't hit right for me. I'm not sure what it was, given that Sam was in danger pretty much the whole book. Another review pointed out that she acted a bit damsel-like for the majority of the story, and that might have been what didn't work for me. I liked the ending, and I'm excited to see where the plot goes in potential future books, but I do think I enjoyed book 1 more than this one.
Does Van Helsing know he's third wheeling? Someone should tell him...but also, his ignorance is entertaining. Like I said earlier, Sam got on my nerves a bit with the self-pity, but she also continuously got involved in the mystery despite her fears, so I didn't dislike her. I almost wish this book were dual-POV because I think switching between Sam and Hel's minds might help with getting tired of one narrator. Hel is fun; I like her boldness and how her independence comes back to haunt her at times. I still think the dynamic between them is great and they complement each other well, but the fake-enemies trope they had going on annoyed me at times. I understand its importance, but that doesn't mean I like it. Van Helsing was an entertaining addition to the team. It's clear that he cares about Sam, which makes him good to have around, but he's also so stupid sometimes. I didn't care much for any of the side characters; again, I feel like I struggled to remember them at times, and I didn't know much about them to truly create any opinions. Not to worry, though, because Sam and Hel's dynamics can carry the story when side characters can't.
Wayward Souls is the sequel to Strange Beasts, a historical fantasy/mystery series perfect for fans of Lockwood & Co., The Irregulars, and Ordinary Monsters.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!
3.5/5
Wayward Souls is the second book in the Harker & Moriarty series, and it's a historical fantasy/mystery that explores Irish folklore in a way that made me actually enjoy the supernatural. I'm not always a huge fan of monster hunter and paranormal plots in books, but I think I enjoy them more when the settings are more historical, so I appreciate the aesthetics of this series. I want to note briefly that I did not reread book 1 before I read this one; I had some notes from my read-through, but they were vague, and I do think a reread is necessary to truly enjoy this if you're someone like me who forgets books just a few weeks after you read them.
After two Society agents go missing in Ireland, Sam and Hel are sent to investigate their disappearances...only this time they're to be supervised by Jakob Van Helsing. Everything takes a turn for the worse when it is revealed that the victims were all being haunted, and so is Sam. If Sam wants to live, she'll have to solve the mystery of the disappearances without revealing her true nature to Van Helsing. I liked the mystery aspect of the plot, though it did feel a little overwhelming at times. I felt like I didn't have a good enough grasp on any of the subjects to truly formulate any theories, so I was kind of along for the ride. I didn't really predict any of the plot twists, but like I said, I felt a bit disoriented and couldn't quite find my footing within the mystery. There was a fair amount of action, so I did appreciate the quick pacing. Admittedly, the suspense aspect didn't hit right for me. I'm not sure what it was, given that Sam was in danger pretty much the whole book. Another review pointed out that she acted a bit damsel-like for the majority of the story, and that might have been what didn't work for me. I liked the ending, and I'm excited to see where the plot goes in potential future books, but I do think I enjoyed book 1 more than this one.
Does Van Helsing know he's third wheeling? Someone should tell him...but also, his ignorance is entertaining. Like I said earlier, Sam got on my nerves a bit with the self-pity, but she also continuously got involved in the mystery despite her fears, so I didn't dislike her. I almost wish this book were dual-POV because I think switching between Sam and Hel's minds might help with getting tired of one narrator. Hel is fun; I like her boldness and how her independence comes back to haunt her at times. I still think the dynamic between them is great and they complement each other well, but the fake-enemies trope they had going on annoyed me at times. I understand its importance, but that doesn't mean I like it. Van Helsing was an entertaining addition to the team. It's clear that he cares about Sam, which makes him good to have around, but he's also so stupid sometimes. I didn't care much for any of the side characters; again, I feel like I struggled to remember them at times, and I didn't know much about them to truly create any opinions. Not to worry, though, because Sam and Hel's dynamics can carry the story when side characters can't.
Wayward Souls is the sequel to Strange Beasts, a historical fantasy/mystery series perfect for fans of Lockwood & Co., The Irregulars, and Ordinary Monsters.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!
3.5/5
November 23, 2025
Thank you so much to Bindery Books & NetGalley for granting me advance access to this incredible second instalment in the Harker & Moriarty series, following on from ‘Strange Beasts’. This is a book I’ve been really looking forward to from the minute I finished its predecessor last year! I will try to keep this review free of any major spoilers for both books, beyond content warnings at the bottom of this review.
On which note, I would say you DO need to have read ‘Strange Beasts’ before embarking on this sequel - not only due to the multiple major plot spoilers for book 1 contained in book 2, but to adequately understand the groundwork of the main characters’ relationships (with each other, and with other important off-page characters).
Above all else, this book pays so much respect to the mesmerising stories of Irish folklore and brings them to life in such a beautiful & atmospheric way, while not detracting from the ongoing character development for our three MCs who I absolutely adore. The growth of their relationships was everything I’d been hoping for after the foundations were laid in the first book.
I also love how much of the original Dracula/Holmes stories (as well as brief mention of some other gothic classics!) are still being woven into this series, it’s a lot of fun spotting the references - but also perfectly enjoyable to read even without any in-depth knowledge of those stories.
Susan J Morris has such a way with words, and an excellent sense of humour even when handling some dark subjects (this is a book set in the early 1900s, of course we’re going to encounter some pretty dark aspects of the treatment of women, among other things!). The pacing was variable but good, and I really enjoy the mystery elements of her books; this book felt more like it has multiple mysteries to solve concurrently (therefore with slightly less focus on each of them at various points) than in the first book when I felt I was only ever focused on one.
Overall, I highly recommend this wonderful book to any fans of gaslamp fantasy, sapphic romance, Irish folklore and/or supernatural mystery.
I will now include a list of Content Warnings for anyone who finds them helpful - if that’s not you, then fair warning to STOP READING HERE TO AVOID MINOR SPOILERS!:
———————-
Content Warnings:
On which note, I would say you DO need to have read ‘Strange Beasts’ before embarking on this sequel - not only due to the multiple major plot spoilers for book 1 contained in book 2, but to adequately understand the groundwork of the main characters’ relationships (with each other, and with other important off-page characters).
Above all else, this book pays so much respect to the mesmerising stories of Irish folklore and brings them to life in such a beautiful & atmospheric way, while not detracting from the ongoing character development for our three MCs who I absolutely adore. The growth of their relationships was everything I’d been hoping for after the foundations were laid in the first book.
I also love how much of the original Dracula/Holmes stories (as well as brief mention of some other gothic classics!) are still being woven into this series, it’s a lot of fun spotting the references - but also perfectly enjoyable to read even without any in-depth knowledge of those stories.
Susan J Morris has such a way with words, and an excellent sense of humour even when handling some dark subjects (this is a book set in the early 1900s, of course we’re going to encounter some pretty dark aspects of the treatment of women, among other things!). The pacing was variable but good, and I really enjoy the mystery elements of her books; this book felt more like it has multiple mysteries to solve concurrently (therefore with slightly less focus on each of them at various points) than in the first book when I felt I was only ever focused on one.
Overall, I highly recommend this wonderful book to any fans of gaslamp fantasy, sapphic romance, Irish folklore and/or supernatural mystery.
I will now include a list of Content Warnings for anyone who finds them helpful - if that’s not you, then fair warning to STOP READING HERE TO AVOID MINOR SPOILERS!:
———————-
Content Warnings:
September 6, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for providing with an eARC!
To say I was excited to delve back into this world is an understatement. I cherished my reading experience with the first book. The characters of Hel and Sam were immediately endearing to read about. The world of monsters and magic were fascinating and well thought out. Unravelling the personal secrets and the larger mystery kept me awake the whole night. I LOVED Strange Beasts.
All this to say, Wayward Souls had a lot to live up to.
I liked it even more than the first.
Sam and Hel's relationship is deliciously complicated, made even more so by their own decisions--all which feel understandable and real given the circumstances. I loved seeing the characters open up more, to see different facets of them. They both care about each other so much, but neither of them are used to opening up. It felt real and vulnerable and romantic, even when it was to their detriment.
Sam's powers are so interesting to me, and so is her struggle with what using them means for her. How in choosing not to rely on them, she has to actively accept that she is not only capable, but exceedingly successful at being a field agent. I really loved seeing that growth for her.
As with the first novel, I loved how Susan J. Morris explores the monstrous, and contrasts it against morality, good and evil, and the cost-worth of saving something that might be dangerous down the line. How does one justify monstrous behaviour? What makes a monster? Where does culpability hang-on the thing that does the killing, or the one who is directing it? Pairing that with some searing commentary on gender roles, Susan J. Morris's second book in this series is both more challenging, and more daring as it faces these topics. It is not a comfortable read all the time, but it is so worth it to see the narrative payoff.
Between unearthing old family secrets, exploring dark magic, and beginning to mend platonic fences, Wayward Souls also serves a tale of leaving the past behind, and growing beyond what defines your childhood. Seeing the complexitites in family and friends, and learning to accept it, rather than cringe away.
TLDR; Wayward Souls is a fantastic sequel to Strange Beasts, expanding the world and building off the character foundations from the first novel. 10/10 would recommend. Please read it when you get the chance.
To say I was excited to delve back into this world is an understatement. I cherished my reading experience with the first book. The characters of Hel and Sam were immediately endearing to read about. The world of monsters and magic were fascinating and well thought out. Unravelling the personal secrets and the larger mystery kept me awake the whole night. I LOVED Strange Beasts.
All this to say, Wayward Souls had a lot to live up to.
I liked it even more than the first.
Sam and Hel's relationship is deliciously complicated, made even more so by their own decisions--all which feel understandable and real given the circumstances. I loved seeing the characters open up more, to see different facets of them. They both care about each other so much, but neither of them are used to opening up. It felt real and vulnerable and romantic, even when it was to their detriment.
Sam's powers are so interesting to me, and so is her struggle with what using them means for her. How in choosing not to rely on them, she has to actively accept that she is not only capable, but exceedingly successful at being a field agent. I really loved seeing that growth for her.
As with the first novel, I loved how Susan J. Morris explores the monstrous, and contrasts it against morality, good and evil, and the cost-worth of saving something that might be dangerous down the line. How does one justify monstrous behaviour? What makes a monster? Where does culpability hang-on the thing that does the killing, or the one who is directing it? Pairing that with some searing commentary on gender roles, Susan J. Morris's second book in this series is both more challenging, and more daring as it faces these topics. It is not a comfortable read all the time, but it is so worth it to see the narrative payoff.
Between unearthing old family secrets, exploring dark magic, and beginning to mend platonic fences, Wayward Souls also serves a tale of leaving the past behind, and growing beyond what defines your childhood. Seeing the complexitites in family and friends, and learning to accept it, rather than cringe away.
TLDR; Wayward Souls is a fantastic sequel to Strange Beasts, expanding the world and building off the character foundations from the first novel. 10/10 would recommend. Please read it when you get the chance.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Bindery Books for an advance copy of Wayward Souls by Susan J. Morris. I loved Strange Beasts and was thrilled to be invited to review this sequel (that I was crossing my fingers for)!
It’s just before Samhain, and it’s time for the dynamic duo of Samantha Harker and Dr. Hel Mariarty to head back out into the field to address a very mysterious and complicated case that is causing chaos in Ireland, including the disappearance of other field agents who were sent out before them. To ensure they don’t get up to too many antics, and keep the mission forefront, Van Helsing is sent as a third member of the team. Once in Ireland, Hel begins to come face-to-face with some of the darker secrets of her past and her history with her father, while Sam is challenged by hauntings, omens, and a mysterious and powerful song that is calling for her. Will they be able to solve the mystery before Samhain, or will they die trying?
While Sam and Hel do what they do best, using their unique strengths to explore the mystery ahead of them, they also need to navigate their deepening relationship, and the role that Van Helsing is playing in their journey. Sam begins to wonder if she will ever be able to connect with her childhood friend Jakob again, or if he is gone forever.
Susan J. Morris artfully navigates both the mystery at hand, and the complicated web of relationships she started to build in the first novel of the series, Strange Beasts. She continues the thread of questions related to Hel’s father, and Sam’s grandfather, as those mysteries also deepen and intertwine with current events. I enjoyed many aspects of this story. It was well-written and creative just like Strange Beasts. One of my critiques of the first novel, the unclear Sam/Hel dynamic, was more clarified in this novel. There was also more development of Van Helsing’s background and relationship with Sam which I enjoyed. I did find some parts to be more of a slow burn, and it took me a little longer to get into this book as compared to the last one but I don’t think I ended up enjoying the story any less in the end. A great blend of mystery and fantasy with a dash of literary history and romance. Highly recommend!
It’s just before Samhain, and it’s time for the dynamic duo of Samantha Harker and Dr. Hel Mariarty to head back out into the field to address a very mysterious and complicated case that is causing chaos in Ireland, including the disappearance of other field agents who were sent out before them. To ensure they don’t get up to too many antics, and keep the mission forefront, Van Helsing is sent as a third member of the team. Once in Ireland, Hel begins to come face-to-face with some of the darker secrets of her past and her history with her father, while Sam is challenged by hauntings, omens, and a mysterious and powerful song that is calling for her. Will they be able to solve the mystery before Samhain, or will they die trying?
While Sam and Hel do what they do best, using their unique strengths to explore the mystery ahead of them, they also need to navigate their deepening relationship, and the role that Van Helsing is playing in their journey. Sam begins to wonder if she will ever be able to connect with her childhood friend Jakob again, or if he is gone forever.
Susan J. Morris artfully navigates both the mystery at hand, and the complicated web of relationships she started to build in the first novel of the series, Strange Beasts. She continues the thread of questions related to Hel’s father, and Sam’s grandfather, as those mysteries also deepen and intertwine with current events. I enjoyed many aspects of this story. It was well-written and creative just like Strange Beasts. One of my critiques of the first novel, the unclear Sam/Hel dynamic, was more clarified in this novel. There was also more development of Van Helsing’s background and relationship with Sam which I enjoyed. I did find some parts to be more of a slow burn, and it took me a little longer to get into this book as compared to the last one but I don’t think I ended up enjoying the story any less in the end. A great blend of mystery and fantasy with a dash of literary history and romance. Highly recommend!
September 6, 2025
A gripping and immersive read—even without reading Book One
Wayward Souls by Susan J. Morris is an engaging, emotionally layered fantasy that drew me in right from the start—even though I haven’t read the first book in the series. To the author’s credit, the story stands well on its own, offering enough context to follow along without ever feeling lost, while still sparking my curiosity about what came before.
Morris’s writing is confident and vivid, with a clear talent for world-building and character dynamics. The setting feels fully realized without overwhelming the reader, and the plot balances action, emotion, and introspection in a satisfying way. There’s a weight to the story that speaks to deeper themes—identity, belonging, and resilience—without sacrificing pace or engagement.
The characters are undoubtedly one of the strongest aspects of the novel. They’re complex, morally gray at times, and easy to connect with. I found myself especially invested in the relationships and the emotional undercurrents that shaped them. Even without prior knowledge of their full histories, their motivations and struggles felt real and compelling.
One small critique is that, as someone coming in mid-series, I could sense there were emotional beats and subtle references that would likely carry more impact for returning readers. There’s clearly a rich backstory, and while I didn’t feel excluded, I did feel like I was missing some of the emotional weight behind certain moments. That said, it never detracted from my overall enjoyment—if anything, it made me want to go back and read Book One!
Overall, Wayward Souls is a strong, emotionally resonant fantasy novel that works surprisingly well as a starting point, even for newcomers. It’s a thoughtful, character-driven story with enough action and mystery to keep the pages turning. I’m glad I picked it up—and I’ll definitely be returning to the beginning to experience the full journey.
Wayward Souls by Susan J. Morris is an engaging, emotionally layered fantasy that drew me in right from the start—even though I haven’t read the first book in the series. To the author’s credit, the story stands well on its own, offering enough context to follow along without ever feeling lost, while still sparking my curiosity about what came before.
Morris’s writing is confident and vivid, with a clear talent for world-building and character dynamics. The setting feels fully realized without overwhelming the reader, and the plot balances action, emotion, and introspection in a satisfying way. There’s a weight to the story that speaks to deeper themes—identity, belonging, and resilience—without sacrificing pace or engagement.
The characters are undoubtedly one of the strongest aspects of the novel. They’re complex, morally gray at times, and easy to connect with. I found myself especially invested in the relationships and the emotional undercurrents that shaped them. Even without prior knowledge of their full histories, their motivations and struggles felt real and compelling.
One small critique is that, as someone coming in mid-series, I could sense there were emotional beats and subtle references that would likely carry more impact for returning readers. There’s clearly a rich backstory, and while I didn’t feel excluded, I did feel like I was missing some of the emotional weight behind certain moments. That said, it never detracted from my overall enjoyment—if anything, it made me want to go back and read Book One!
Overall, Wayward Souls is a strong, emotionally resonant fantasy novel that works surprisingly well as a starting point, even for newcomers. It’s a thoughtful, character-driven story with enough action and mystery to keep the pages turning. I’m glad I picked it up—and I’ll definitely be returning to the beginning to experience the full journey.
October 1, 2025
First, a note to Susan J. Morris: please keep this series coming--and frequently. I need more Hel and Sam!
This story takes place maybe a few weeks after the events of the first novel, and the latest Otherworld murder mystery takes them to Ireland...with Van Helsing. Sooooo, here's my issue with that: it's like sitting down to watch the next episode of Xena only to realize it's a Joxer episode. I know he's important to the Dracula lore and provides a foil to Sam, but at the same time, he doesn't really "spark" on the page. His presence also means that Hel and Sam are kept apart, so their interaction for a good chunk of the book is limited. I was looking forward to more teamwork between them here, but it felt like a step back to the first novel, where we're entirely in Sam's head while she's investigating on her own or doubting herself and her gifts. I was hoping we could move into some new territory, and while eventually that seemed to happen, there was a lot of re-tread to the Sam of book 1.
I'm also not entirely sure I fully grasped the plot or its resolution. I loved all of the lore, but with all of the red herrings and new characters, I was confused a few times as to how our heroes made the investigative leap to each of their whodunnit conclusions. There is a lot going on here with the plot, sub-plots, and character evolution that I feel like there may have been some loose threads and didn't necessarily get the satisfaction from the actual resolution. Luckily, the pacing of the story is running at a sprint at the end, and we get a taste of what the next book could offer with the final showdown--and a few other contemporary "monster" hints earlier.
This may not have been my favorite of the two (so far) novels, but it has only made me want more, more, more! Strange Beasts set an impossibly high bar, but I trust Susan J Morris to surpass that in the next novel. Cannot wait for the third installment!
Thank you, NetGalley, for this ARC
This story takes place maybe a few weeks after the events of the first novel, and the latest Otherworld murder mystery takes them to Ireland...with Van Helsing. Sooooo, here's my issue with that: it's like sitting down to watch the next episode of Xena only to realize it's a Joxer episode. I know he's important to the Dracula lore and provides a foil to Sam, but at the same time, he doesn't really "spark" on the page. His presence also means that Hel and Sam are kept apart, so their interaction for a good chunk of the book is limited. I was looking forward to more teamwork between them here, but it felt like a step back to the first novel, where we're entirely in Sam's head while she's investigating on her own or doubting herself and her gifts. I was hoping we could move into some new territory, and while eventually that seemed to happen, there was a lot of re-tread to the Sam of book 1.
I'm also not entirely sure I fully grasped the plot or its resolution. I loved all of the lore, but with all of the red herrings and new characters, I was confused a few times as to how our heroes made the investigative leap to each of their whodunnit conclusions. There is a lot going on here with the plot, sub-plots, and character evolution that I feel like there may have been some loose threads and didn't necessarily get the satisfaction from the actual resolution. Luckily, the pacing of the story is running at a sprint at the end, and we get a taste of what the next book could offer with the final showdown--and a few other contemporary "monster" hints earlier.
This may not have been my favorite of the two (so far) novels, but it has only made me want more, more, more! Strange Beasts set an impossibly high bar, but I trust Susan J Morris to surpass that in the next novel. Cannot wait for the third installment!
Thank you, NetGalley, for this ARC
September 23, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Bindery Books for the ARC.
Wayward Souls by Susan J. Morris is a supernatural sapphic sequel that goes deeper into a world inspired by Sherlock Holmes and Dracula, this time set in Ireland, days before Samhain, focusing on brutal murders linked with occult societies.
I liked the worldbuilding in this novel, with the focus on the Otherworld in Ireland portrayed through incredible imagery and supposedly monstrous creatures, and the character of James Moriarty, as the main villain of the novel. The Vespertine society was incredibly dark and well-developed, and seeing how their secrets are revealed was satisfying to read. I also enjoyed Sam's dilemma with being a channel, like in the first novel, but further delved into. The commentary of this novel through feminist themes, along with the 'good' vs 'evil' debate, really enriches the plot and the characters, the main mystery unravelling through these themes.
Hel and Sam's relationship was my favourite in the novel; the development felt genuine and nuanced, their dynamic realistically complicated, but still having hints of romance and vulnerability. Van Helsing's development here creates a morally grey character with a complicated relationship with Sam that is riveting to read as the plot delves deeper into their past, seeing a side of him that makes him more likeable compared to the first novel. I feel like the characters of this novel are its strong point, the relationships they have with each other, and the flaws they have feel realistic. My only issue is that I would have liked the main 'monster' to have more development.
Wayward Souls is an exciting sequel, just as complex as the first book, and I look forward to the third novel to see more of these intriguing characters and gothic mysteries.
Wayward Souls by Susan J. Morris is a supernatural sapphic sequel that goes deeper into a world inspired by Sherlock Holmes and Dracula, this time set in Ireland, days before Samhain, focusing on brutal murders linked with occult societies.
I liked the worldbuilding in this novel, with the focus on the Otherworld in Ireland portrayed through incredible imagery and supposedly monstrous creatures, and the character of James Moriarty, as the main villain of the novel. The Vespertine society was incredibly dark and well-developed, and seeing how their secrets are revealed was satisfying to read. I also enjoyed Sam's dilemma with being a channel, like in the first novel, but further delved into. The commentary of this novel through feminist themes, along with the 'good' vs 'evil' debate, really enriches the plot and the characters, the main mystery unravelling through these themes.
Hel and Sam's relationship was my favourite in the novel; the development felt genuine and nuanced, their dynamic realistically complicated, but still having hints of romance and vulnerability. Van Helsing's development here creates a morally grey character with a complicated relationship with Sam that is riveting to read as the plot delves deeper into their past, seeing a side of him that makes him more likeable compared to the first novel. I feel like the characters of this novel are its strong point, the relationships they have with each other, and the flaws they have feel realistic. My only issue is that I would have liked the main 'monster' to have more development.
Wayward Souls is an exciting sequel, just as complex as the first book, and I look forward to the third novel to see more of these intriguing characters and gothic mysteries.
October 2, 2025
Rating: 3.5 stars.
Thank you Bindery Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This is the second book in the series and it dives even deeper into a very Victorian world where women basically cannot exist without men. They’re treated like accessoires to men instead of people and some of the quotes really stuck with me.
Stuff like that hit hard and made the book feel really grounded in the time period, which can still be relatable in our time period too.
Where I struggled: Sam felt too much like a damsel. I know her arc is about learning to believe in herself, but after the fifth time she needed to be rescued, it got frustrating. Also, the trio sometimes came off way too childish for supposedly being trained agents. A lot of their problems could have been solved if they just talked to each other, and that made the drama feel a little forced.
On the romance side of things, it was pretty tame, but I think that’s just because of the era it’s written in. The yearning was there, and I loved that, but I would have liked more actual romance. Hel is by far my favorite character. She’s ice cold to the world, but then you see these tiny moments of softness for Sam and it just works so well. I wish I could have read more about her complex character.
The mystery itself had so many suspects and side plots that it got confusing. The last couple chapters especially felt rushed and like they belonged in a different book. That said, I was pleasantly surprised by Jakob’s character and ended up liking him by the end.
That being said, I was pleasantly surprised by some of the character's development and the gothic/victorian vibe throughout was strong enough to keep me reading. It wasn’t a perfect sequel, but it had some really good moments.
Thank you Bindery Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This is the second book in the series and it dives even deeper into a very Victorian world where women basically cannot exist without men. They’re treated like accessoires to men instead of people and some of the quotes really stuck with me.
Stuff like that hit hard and made the book feel really grounded in the time period, which can still be relatable in our time period too.
Where I struggled: Sam felt too much like a damsel. I know her arc is about learning to believe in herself, but after the fifth time she needed to be rescued, it got frustrating. Also, the trio sometimes came off way too childish for supposedly being trained agents. A lot of their problems could have been solved if they just talked to each other, and that made the drama feel a little forced.
On the romance side of things, it was pretty tame, but I think that’s just because of the era it’s written in. The yearning was there, and I loved that, but I would have liked more actual romance. Hel is by far my favorite character. She’s ice cold to the world, but then you see these tiny moments of softness for Sam and it just works so well. I wish I could have read more about her complex character.
The mystery itself had so many suspects and side plots that it got confusing. The last couple chapters especially felt rushed and like they belonged in a different book. That said, I was pleasantly surprised by Jakob’s character and ended up liking him by the end.
That being said, I was pleasantly surprised by some of the character's development and the gothic/victorian vibe throughout was strong enough to keep me reading. It wasn’t a perfect sequel, but it had some really good moments.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received this ARC from Netgalley and Bindery Books in exchange for my honest review.
This was just excellent, truly a must read for anyone who has already read Strange Beasts or who like the worlds of Dracula and Sherlock Holmes. It was a really delightful blend of mystery, folklore, and the gothic.
Samantha Harker and Dr. Helena Moriarty are sent on another case given to by the Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomena, this time in Ireland. Jakob Van Helsing is sent with them by the Society, to keep an eye on Hel and Sam. I don’t think he quite realises that he spends the whole case third wheeling them! As men disappear and die in the days before Samhain, Sam, Hel, and Van Helsing race against the clock to solve the mystery of their disappearances and deaths. Hauntings, ghosts, the supernatural, and the folk are abound throughout, creating an eerie, slightly unsettling atmosphere.
The relationship between Sam and Hel is easily one of my favourite parts of the book, I just love their dynamic so much. The tension between them is palpable. I’m rooting for them, always.
I loved how often Heathcliff the rat showed up and how much personality he has. The fact that Hel just carries him around all the time on her shoulder is everything to me.
Lucy Westenra is one my absolute favourite characters of all time, I love any mention of her, so I was very happy with the mentions of her throughout!
I really appreciate that, like in Strange Beast, the victims are all men, instead of women like is often the case in many mysteries. It’s refreshing to read. I also really enjoyed the constant driving home of the message that men, especially wealthy men, are the real monsters in this world, their greed, entitlement, and violence damaging everything and everyone around them.
This was just excellent, truly a must read for anyone who has already read Strange Beasts or who like the worlds of Dracula and Sherlock Holmes. It was a really delightful blend of mystery, folklore, and the gothic.
Samantha Harker and Dr. Helena Moriarty are sent on another case given to by the Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomena, this time in Ireland. Jakob Van Helsing is sent with them by the Society, to keep an eye on Hel and Sam. I don’t think he quite realises that he spends the whole case third wheeling them! As men disappear and die in the days before Samhain, Sam, Hel, and Van Helsing race against the clock to solve the mystery of their disappearances and deaths. Hauntings, ghosts, the supernatural, and the folk are abound throughout, creating an eerie, slightly unsettling atmosphere.
The relationship between Sam and Hel is easily one of my favourite parts of the book, I just love their dynamic so much. The tension between them is palpable. I’m rooting for them, always.
I loved how often Heathcliff the rat showed up and how much personality he has. The fact that Hel just carries him around all the time on her shoulder is everything to me.
Lucy Westenra is one my absolute favourite characters of all time, I love any mention of her, so I was very happy with the mentions of her throughout!
I really appreciate that, like in Strange Beast, the victims are all men, instead of women like is often the case in many mysteries. It’s refreshing to read. I also really enjoyed the constant driving home of the message that men, especially wealthy men, are the real monsters in this world, their greed, entitlement, and violence damaging everything and everyone around them.
September 18, 2025
*Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review*
Another fun, spooky adventure with Hel and Sam! This time, they're off to the moors of Ireland. Once again, the writing in this is so vivid and really plays with the gothic nature of both the book and the setting in a fun way. Although he's still not my favorite, I did appreciate getting a more nuanced look at Van Helsing. He seemed kind of one-note in the first book and I'm glad there was more of his and Sam's past friendship to build on and make him more of an established character.
As always, Sam and Hel are electric. I really love their dynamic and I loved the added tension of them tip-toeing around what happened at the end of book 1 and how that shifts their relationship even more. Plus, there's always a little levity injected into the book when the two of them play off one another so that things don't get too grim.
I will say that I didn't quite love it as much as book 1, plot-wise. I feel like there were a lot of things going on that didn't entirely get explained in a satisfying way. Whereas I felt like book 1's plot all tied back in nicely together and made a fair bit of sense. There's a lot going on both plot and character-wise and I think there was definitely a bit too much focus on the character part. In a way that felt a little repetitive at times (re: Sam waffling about using her power and Sam and Hel's arguments taking on a bit of the same tone throughout). I understand the drama and the necessity of the conflict, but I think the way it came about so often felt like rehashes of the same conversation.
Overall, though, I really enjoy this series and I'm very interested to see what the author has in store for these characters next.
Another fun, spooky adventure with Hel and Sam! This time, they're off to the moors of Ireland. Once again, the writing in this is so vivid and really plays with the gothic nature of both the book and the setting in a fun way. Although he's still not my favorite, I did appreciate getting a more nuanced look at Van Helsing. He seemed kind of one-note in the first book and I'm glad there was more of his and Sam's past friendship to build on and make him more of an established character.
As always, Sam and Hel are electric. I really love their dynamic and I loved the added tension of them tip-toeing around what happened at the end of book 1 and how that shifts their relationship even more. Plus, there's always a little levity injected into the book when the two of them play off one another so that things don't get too grim.
I will say that I didn't quite love it as much as book 1, plot-wise. I feel like there were a lot of things going on that didn't entirely get explained in a satisfying way. Whereas I felt like book 1's plot all tied back in nicely together and made a fair bit of sense. There's a lot going on both plot and character-wise and I think there was definitely a bit too much focus on the character part. In a way that felt a little repetitive at times (re: Sam waffling about using her power and Sam and Hel's arguments taking on a bit of the same tone throughout). I understand the drama and the necessity of the conflict, but I think the way it came about so often felt like rehashes of the same conversation.
Overall, though, I really enjoy this series and I'm very interested to see what the author has in store for these characters next.
October 12, 2025
I can't tell you how much I adored the first book in this series, Strange Beasts, and I had high hopes for this second one. The cover of the version I read is as stunning as the first book too (again appearing to be a face from afar, comprised of characters and elements from the story the closer you look.)
For some reason this cover isn't pictured here on Goodreads. I hope the publishers have the good sense to use the "mushrooms+stairs skull one" in the end.
But it pains me to say that, while I found Strange Beasts to be magical, this second outing was simply...well...kinda boring for me, personally. All of the same cool elements are here. I love Sam and Hel (who have a plausible reason for needing to keep their relationship hidden.) I liked the supernatural quest they're sent on. But, from the beginning, I just could NOT get into this one.
As with Strange Beasts, there are some standout scenes in this book. Morris has a cinematic writing style that make many scenes leap off the page. I think, for me, the problem was the connective tissue linking these scenes felt a little messy. The missions come fast and furious and there are many characters coming and going. But all this action sometimes came at the expense of character development.
For example, I felt like we saw just a tiny glimmer more of who Van Helsing is a person in this book. But then the story quickly moves on, reducing him again to "third wheel with jingly spurs, who saves everyone at the last minute."
However, ultimately this is still a cool series with a nice feminist bent (e.g. "Men throw women into asylums for the crime of having too inconvenient of an emotion.") Thank you to the author and NetGalley for granting me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
For some reason this cover isn't pictured here on Goodreads. I hope the publishers have the good sense to use the "mushrooms+stairs skull one" in the end.
But it pains me to say that, while I found Strange Beasts to be magical, this second outing was simply...well...kinda boring for me, personally. All of the same cool elements are here. I love Sam and Hel (who have a plausible reason for needing to keep their relationship hidden.) I liked the supernatural quest they're sent on. But, from the beginning, I just could NOT get into this one.
As with Strange Beasts, there are some standout scenes in this book. Morris has a cinematic writing style that make many scenes leap off the page. I think, for me, the problem was the connective tissue linking these scenes felt a little messy. The missions come fast and furious and there are many characters coming and going. But all this action sometimes came at the expense of character development.
For example, I felt like we saw just a tiny glimmer more of who Van Helsing is a person in this book. But then the story quickly moves on, reducing him again to "third wheel with jingly spurs, who saves everyone at the last minute."
However, ultimately this is still a cool series with a nice feminist bent (e.g. "Men throw women into asylums for the crime of having too inconvenient of an emotion.") Thank you to the author and NetGalley for granting me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2025
Harker and Moriarty are back again in the sequel to Strange Beasts, solving murders, battling creatures, and trying to fight their personal demons at the same time. All whilst being hovered over by an annoying one-dimensional Dutchman.
Following something as great as the first book in this series was going to be tough and the author almost pulls it off. The character development dives more into each protagonist’s personal minefield while at the same time creating a new battlefield in the middle of their relationship. All while they are on the clock to solve the spooky things happening to people around them and to themselves as well.
* LGBTQIAP+ representation
* Irish culture & mythology
* Critique of controlling/belief systems (ehem patriarchy)
* Feminist?
* Secrets, ghosts, dark creatures of old legend
I REALLY enjoyed the elements of this book that involved atmosphere, setting, creatures, action, danger, etc. It draws on Ireland’s history, myths, and magic and seemed to mash all the creatures and gods together. Morris weaves a delightful spooky adventure.
What I didn’t enjoy were the relationship dynamics that border on toxic and controlling and extending very little autonomy over decision making. There was so much back and forth it became frustrating. This may be considered character development but it went on too long and became waffling instead. The arcs weren’t satisfying and I finished the book annoyed in a way about this.
Other than that, it’s a great book and I would still recommend it to anyone looking for a spooky murder mystery involving creatures of myth and legend.
Thank you to Inky Phoenix Press & Bindery Books for providing this ARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Following something as great as the first book in this series was going to be tough and the author almost pulls it off. The character development dives more into each protagonist’s personal minefield while at the same time creating a new battlefield in the middle of their relationship. All while they are on the clock to solve the spooky things happening to people around them and to themselves as well.
* LGBTQIAP+ representation
* Irish culture & mythology
* Critique of controlling/belief systems (ehem patriarchy)
* Feminist?
* Secrets, ghosts, dark creatures of old legend
I REALLY enjoyed the elements of this book that involved atmosphere, setting, creatures, action, danger, etc. It draws on Ireland’s history, myths, and magic and seemed to mash all the creatures and gods together. Morris weaves a delightful spooky adventure.
What I didn’t enjoy were the relationship dynamics that border on toxic and controlling and extending very little autonomy over decision making. There was so much back and forth it became frustrating. This may be considered character development but it went on too long and became waffling instead. The arcs weren’t satisfying and I finished the book annoyed in a way about this.
Other than that, it’s a great book and I would still recommend it to anyone looking for a spooky murder mystery involving creatures of myth and legend.
Thank you to Inky Phoenix Press & Bindery Books for providing this ARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
August 23, 2025
Irish folklore and monster hunters from Helsing himself – yes – that is what gravitated me to this narrative. This is a fast-paced thriller fantasy narrative that takes several elements of Irish folklore. The Irish landscape was described beautifully alongside the monsters and myth that have haunted Ireland for centuries. I loved the ways that the monster hunters interacted with their monstrous discoveries in Ireland. It is clear that Morris researched a lot about the intricacies of Irish folklore before writing this. However, my issue with the narrative is how The Morrigan was characterized. The Morrigan is a complex goddess across several texts.
The Morrigan is a complicated goddess to write about and there is several conflicting literatures that discuss her origins. However – the outright evil portrayal of the Morrigan did not sit well with me. It gives this idea that the characters were concerned with all mythology and lore lurking around Ireland is inherently evil. The duality between good and evil felt too simple and with Morris writing I expected it to be a bit more complex. I have not read the first in this series to compare the two. I was hoping for more depth for both the characters and the way monsters are approached in this. There were several mentions of the lores and monster and not enough exploration of the famous and infamous lurkers across Ireland. Thank you Susan J. Morris, Bindery Books, and Netgalley for this digital advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Read more recommendations, ARC impressions, and reviews onhttps://brujerialibrary.wordpress.com/
The Morrigan is a complicated goddess to write about and there is several conflicting literatures that discuss her origins. However – the outright evil portrayal of the Morrigan did not sit well with me. It gives this idea that the characters were concerned with all mythology and lore lurking around Ireland is inherently evil. The duality between good and evil felt too simple and with Morris writing I expected it to be a bit more complex. I have not read the first in this series to compare the two. I was hoping for more depth for both the characters and the way monsters are approached in this. There were several mentions of the lores and monster and not enough exploration of the famous and infamous lurkers across Ireland. Thank you Susan J. Morris, Bindery Books, and Netgalley for this digital advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Read more recommendations, ARC impressions, and reviews onhttps://brujerialibrary.wordpress.com/
September 17, 2025
In a beautiful addition to the Harker & Moriarty series, comes another lusciously atmospheric adventure. Wayward Souls is a perfect follow-up to Strange Beasts and continues the adventures of Sam & Hel.
To say that I was blown away by this book... that would be putting it way too simple. Susan J. Morris has done it again.
To begin, I love the way that Sam & Hel interact with each other. Being able to feel their emotions, their interactions and their relationship...to the way they open up... Morris has a way of making characters beautifully complex and being able to relate to even the smallest struggles that they feel as the story unfolds. Even if you have no prior knowledge of their full histories, Morris crafts her words in a way that makes what they struggle with feel real and relatable.
Mix that with a hearty dose of fantasy, beautiful spinoffs of classic tales such as Dracula, then weaving it in with additional tales of legends, and fantastical monsters. Morris has a way of allowing us to explore the good, the evil, and of leaving the past behind as you grow yourself. Of learning to accept oneself for who you are, and not for standards that people hold you to.
Wayward Souls was a fantastical tale I thoroughly enjoyed, and I am looking forward to returning to this fantastical world time and time again.
Thank you to Netgalley, Bindery Books, and the fantastical Susan J. Morris for this copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and the rest of my reviews can be found at https://littlereapling.wixsite.com/fa....
To say that I was blown away by this book... that would be putting it way too simple. Susan J. Morris has done it again.
To begin, I love the way that Sam & Hel interact with each other. Being able to feel their emotions, their interactions and their relationship...to the way they open up... Morris has a way of making characters beautifully complex and being able to relate to even the smallest struggles that they feel as the story unfolds. Even if you have no prior knowledge of their full histories, Morris crafts her words in a way that makes what they struggle with feel real and relatable.
Mix that with a hearty dose of fantasy, beautiful spinoffs of classic tales such as Dracula, then weaving it in with additional tales of legends, and fantastical monsters. Morris has a way of allowing us to explore the good, the evil, and of leaving the past behind as you grow yourself. Of learning to accept oneself for who you are, and not for standards that people hold you to.
Wayward Souls was a fantastical tale I thoroughly enjoyed, and I am looking forward to returning to this fantastical world time and time again.
Thank you to Netgalley, Bindery Books, and the fantastical Susan J. Morris for this copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and the rest of my reviews can be found at https://littlereapling.wixsite.com/fa....
October 2, 2025
I’m going to have a hard time reviewing this one, just like the previous novel in the series (this is book 2, FYI). Summary: its good.
This novel is very well written, which is the biggest takeaway for me. Its detailed and layered and also flows very well. Its clever, which is something I appreciate a lot in a story. I will probably read as many sequels as the author is willing to write.
There is just so much going on in this novel. This is a great mystery, and also a wonderful blend of fantasy and reality that I think is hard to achieve yet this author does. There is a mishmash of so many different elements of folklore and classic literature (Sherlock Holmes meets Dracula meets all things supernatural chilling in the real world) that you think it would go overboard but it doesn’t! Add in a small amount of romance; I want much more than this, but I suppose ill have to read the next 20 books to get development on that front.
I liked how this was a sequel yet for the most part you didn’t need to read the first book. I read it long enough ago that my memory is spotty and thankfully the important details are reviewed well enough that you won’t feel lost if you dive into this one first. I DO think it would be best to read the books in order, but I strongly appreciate the ability to read as a standalone.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
This novel is very well written, which is the biggest takeaway for me. Its detailed and layered and also flows very well. Its clever, which is something I appreciate a lot in a story. I will probably read as many sequels as the author is willing to write.
There is just so much going on in this novel. This is a great mystery, and also a wonderful blend of fantasy and reality that I think is hard to achieve yet this author does. There is a mishmash of so many different elements of folklore and classic literature (Sherlock Holmes meets Dracula meets all things supernatural chilling in the real world) that you think it would go overboard but it doesn’t! Add in a small amount of romance; I want much more than this, but I suppose ill have to read the next 20 books to get development on that front.
I liked how this was a sequel yet for the most part you didn’t need to read the first book. I read it long enough ago that my memory is spotty and thankfully the important details are reviewed well enough that you won’t feel lost if you dive into this one first. I DO think it would be best to read the books in order, but I strongly appreciate the ability to read as a standalone.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
July 12, 2025
Ohhh do I love these characters and this world of Edwardian magic and darkness and folklore and romance all mixed up together! I care SO MUCH about Sam and Hel (Samantha Harker, daughter of Mina and Jonathan Harker; Helena Moriarty, daughter of Professor Moriarty) that I was DESPERATELY anxious for them in this adventure full of the darkest bits of Irish folklore combined with their own deepest secrets and fears - but I looooved watching them adventure through it all, fighting for each other and for their own fledgling romance, which is SO swoonworthy. I also loved all the deepening of the callbacks from Dracula and the Sherlock Holmes stories - you could certainly enjoy this series without having read those earlier books, but I love the extra depth they add AND the way they comment on the biases baked into those classics. And I loooove the way this book explores the question where the line is actually drawn between power and monstrosity when all the rules of their world are designed to keep women weak. (The answer isn't simple, and I really appreciated that!)
This is the blurb I'm sending to the editor: "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."
This is the blurb I'm sending to the editor: "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."
October 6, 2025
Wayward Souls is the gripping second novel in Susan J. Morris’ Harker & Moriarty series. Full of yearning, murderous ghosts, and complicated plans, it’s the perfect follow up to Strange Beasts. There’s so much intrigue in these books! And it keeps getting deeper and deeper! Sam and Hel figure things out just to be thrust into the mysterious dark once again! More seriously: I really love the way that these novels can be a tidy packet: you don’t necessarily have to read the first novel in the series to get the way of things, and you can read them purely for the monster of the week mystery that plays out. It’s absolutely more fulfilling if you’ve read the first one, though; the arc of the story is getting deeper and more complicated: Sam and Hel are keeping secrets and we’re learning more about what makes them tick. The addition of Van Helsing as a more forefront character in this novel is interesting— it added an extra layer of secrecy to things, and it gives us more information about Sam’s childhood and her channeling. It also helps complicate Van Helsing! He’s not just a grouchy antagonist anymore. These novels really feel like they’re working themselves into something fabulous, and I’m excited to see where they go next! Many thanks to NetGalley and to Bindery Books for this ARC!
October 30, 2025
Wayward Souls returns to the world of Sam Harker and Dr. Hel Moriarty shortly after their return from France, where they barely escaped from the machinations of Hel's father: the notorious Professor Moriarty. The two women are sent to Ireland for an investigation that shows a promising link to Hel's villainous father and Sam's missing grandfather. However, things are not as simple as they seem, and this situation in Hel's homeland may prove to not just be physically dangerous, but it may also put their budding relationship in peril.
Once again, Susan J. Morris hits the mark by balancing the perfect amount of nail-biting suspense with heart-warming scene's of Sam and Hel's blossoming love. The way that Morris shows how each character has been shaped by the restrictiveness of their pasts is compelling, and the narrative keeps you at the edge of your seat the entire time.
I absolutely love this series, and I can't wait to see what Susan J. Morris will do with any future books!! This book is for lovers of classic horror with a new, refreshing twist and wonderfully crafted sapphic romance. Thank you to Bindery Books (Inky Phoenix Press) for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Once again, Susan J. Morris hits the mark by balancing the perfect amount of nail-biting suspense with heart-warming scene's of Sam and Hel's blossoming love. The way that Morris shows how each character has been shaped by the restrictiveness of their pasts is compelling, and the narrative keeps you at the edge of your seat the entire time.
I absolutely love this series, and I can't wait to see what Susan J. Morris will do with any future books!! This book is for lovers of classic horror with a new, refreshing twist and wonderfully crafted sapphic romance. Thank you to Bindery Books (Inky Phoenix Press) for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
November 10, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
I have missed Sam and Hel so I was delighted to be invited to read the arc of the sequel.
Susan J Morris has such an enticing way of drawing you in with her story telling.
This was a dark gothic mystery, following our characters to an investigation in Ireland. Together they must solve and find whoever is doing these mysterious murders.
I have found that the sequel focused more on the plots than getting to know the characters, but that was exactly what I needed for Halloween! I also surprisingly found a liking to Van Helsing. I love their banters hahah
Some of my highlights:
- “Turn back,” Hel growled, her eyes dark. “I’m going to murder him.” Sam shot Hel a scandalized look. “Hel!” But Hel was unrepentant. “I’m going to pull the veins out of his throat and strangle him with them.”
- “Am I meant to be the baby manticore in this metaphor?” she asked. How Sam had fallen from Hel’s queen to pigs and manticores.
- A cat. Soaking wet with holy water, but still. He hadn’t killed it; he’d exorcised it. “Here,” Jakob said, thrusting the cat at Sam like an unwanted dishrag, as if it were her fault, which she supposed it was.
(I feel like we’ll see more of Hel and Sam, and hopefully Jakob, in the future 👀)
I have missed Sam and Hel so I was delighted to be invited to read the arc of the sequel.
Susan J Morris has such an enticing way of drawing you in with her story telling.
This was a dark gothic mystery, following our characters to an investigation in Ireland. Together they must solve and find whoever is doing these mysterious murders.
I have found that the sequel focused more on the plots than getting to know the characters, but that was exactly what I needed for Halloween! I also surprisingly found a liking to Van Helsing. I love their banters hahah
Some of my highlights:
- “Turn back,” Hel growled, her eyes dark. “I’m going to murder him.” Sam shot Hel a scandalized look. “Hel!” But Hel was unrepentant. “I’m going to pull the veins out of his throat and strangle him with them.”
- “Am I meant to be the baby manticore in this metaphor?” she asked. How Sam had fallen from Hel’s queen to pigs and manticores.
- A cat. Soaking wet with holy water, but still. He hadn’t killed it; he’d exorcised it. “Here,” Jakob said, thrusting the cat at Sam like an unwanted dishrag, as if it were her fault, which she supposed it was.
(I feel like we’ll see more of Hel and Sam, and hopefully Jakob, in the future 👀)
November 2, 2025
“It seemed to Sam that most anyone could prove a monster. But that it was, for most, a choice, and that meant there was hope.” @susanjmorris
In book 2, Sam and Hel are back for another mystery- this time in Ireland with Van Helsing in tow. Moriarty is still pulling the strings that Hel has been trying to cut for so long. Sam is still looking for her Grandfather. And Van Helsing is trying to maintain his icy exterior when we all know he’s still that sweet American boy at heart.
Working together is not their strong suit. This case requires them each to use their strengths- it’s complex and consistently sends up red herrings and dead ends only to provide the smallest breadcrumbs to lead them on another wild goose chase. This book was Sam’s growth arc for sure. Watching her come into her power and trust herself and her talents was the best part for sure. I can’t wait to see where these three end up next.
Thank you to @netgalley @bindery_books and @theinkyphoenix for this #advancedreaderscopy - It was the perfect Halloween week read! If you haven’t read Strange Beasts go and do that before this one comes out on 3/17/26.
#2025bookchallengebook83of100
#waywardsouls
#heathcliffismyfave
In book 2, Sam and Hel are back for another mystery- this time in Ireland with Van Helsing in tow. Moriarty is still pulling the strings that Hel has been trying to cut for so long. Sam is still looking for her Grandfather. And Van Helsing is trying to maintain his icy exterior when we all know he’s still that sweet American boy at heart.
Working together is not their strong suit. This case requires them each to use their strengths- it’s complex and consistently sends up red herrings and dead ends only to provide the smallest breadcrumbs to lead them on another wild goose chase. This book was Sam’s growth arc for sure. Watching her come into her power and trust herself and her talents was the best part for sure. I can’t wait to see where these three end up next.
Thank you to @netgalley @bindery_books and @theinkyphoenix for this #advancedreaderscopy - It was the perfect Halloween week read! If you haven’t read Strange Beasts go and do that before this one comes out on 3/17/26.
#2025bookchallengebook83of100
#waywardsouls
#heathcliffismyfave
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