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Harker & Moriarty #2
Wayward Souls
The 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.
400 pages, Paperback
First published March 17, 2026
About the author
Susan J. Morris
8 books325 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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January 10, 2026
Samantha Harker is a researcher at the Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomena in London, England. All her life she had been conditioned to believe she was especially susceptible to evil because of her supernatural channeling ability--- she can see into the minds of monsters. To offset the risk of merely existing, she must not use her gifts for fear of corruption, like what happened to her mother under Dracula’s enthrallment. Sam is convinced she is a weakness, a liability, and a potential danger to everyone around her. Hel is the daughter of Sherlock Holmes’ notorious nemesis, Professor Moriarty, and her time at the Royal Society as one of the top field agents has earned her a confounding reputation as sterling as it is tarnished. She’s brilliant, but ominously, her partners always end up dead. With just a week away from Samhain, these two women will be dispatched to look into the perplexing disappearances of multiple field agents in Dublin, Ireland. To complicate things even further, the Royal Society has also assigned Jakob Van Helsing as head babysitter for the two women, ratcheting the stakes even higher: should Sam give in to her supernatural abilities or Hel fail to prove her father’s existence, their fates would be held in his hands. Unlocking the truth will become the heart of the matter for both the investigation and for Sam and Hel’s tenuous relationship as partners. Sam and Hel still struggle to trust each other; however, hesitating to do so will swiftly lock them inside a deadly game filled with monstrous secrets, shifting shadows, and masterful subterfuge. This book is powerfully propulsive, an irresistible page-turner, and I couldn’t look away as the chemistry and the mystery deepened. Hel and Sam will face insurmountable odds to exorcise evil, apprehend a killer (or killers), and outmaneuver Death itself!
Susan J. Morris has brilliantly alchimised a darkly atmospheric Victorian fantasy world packed with supernatural phenomena, secret underground societies, perilous puzzles, and thrilling monster and mouse investigations in her debut book series, Harker & Moriarty! The second installment to Morris’ series, Wayward Souls, is penned with great affection for the classically horrific and with great appreciation for a good detective novel. She skillfully sutures the two genres together with an exacting eye, transplanting terrifying villains and beloved characters from these worlds into a plot already rife with exciting exploits and other-worldly danger following Hel and Sam on their thrilling adventures!
I adore Hel & Sam together. Their initial chemistry was undeniable and totally addictive, but now it’s electric & the sapphic longing is absolutely scrumptious! I’m beyond excited that they now have their own series! Just like the first book, there is a continuing thematic presence of feminine strength & resilience in open rebellion against the systemic & prolific patriarchy of the time, which is profoundly satisfactory. Maybe it’s because I have been on a gothic horror novel dive recently, but this time around I also noticed clever connections from the genre including themes of unchecked ambition expanding far beyond defined ethical bounds & the questioning of what really defines monstrosity from humanity (both from Frankenstein), the literal & figurative grappling of good vs evil & our inexplicable obsession with female sexuality (these from Dracula). Morris’ writing is incredible, innovative, and intriguing. She has galvanized new life into long-dead, stodgy tales from the past, successfully giving rise to her very own Promethean creation!
I can’t recommend these books enough since I can guarantee you’ll be in store for a monstrously good time! Thank you so much Net Galley and Bindery Books/Inky Pheonix for the ARC and the opportunity to share what I think! All opinions are my own.
Susan J. Morris has brilliantly alchimised a darkly atmospheric Victorian fantasy world packed with supernatural phenomena, secret underground societies, perilous puzzles, and thrilling monster and mouse investigations in her debut book series, Harker & Moriarty! The second installment to Morris’ series, Wayward Souls, is penned with great affection for the classically horrific and with great appreciation for a good detective novel. She skillfully sutures the two genres together with an exacting eye, transplanting terrifying villains and beloved characters from these worlds into a plot already rife with exciting exploits and other-worldly danger following Hel and Sam on their thrilling adventures!
I adore Hel & Sam together. Their initial chemistry was undeniable and totally addictive, but now it’s electric & the sapphic longing is absolutely scrumptious! I’m beyond excited that they now have their own series! Just like the first book, there is a continuing thematic presence of feminine strength & resilience in open rebellion against the systemic & prolific patriarchy of the time, which is profoundly satisfactory. Maybe it’s because I have been on a gothic horror novel dive recently, but this time around I also noticed clever connections from the genre including themes of unchecked ambition expanding far beyond defined ethical bounds & the questioning of what really defines monstrosity from humanity (both from Frankenstein), the literal & figurative grappling of good vs evil & our inexplicable obsession with female sexuality (these from Dracula). Morris’ writing is incredible, innovative, and intriguing. She has galvanized new life into long-dead, stodgy tales from the past, successfully giving rise to her very own Promethean creation!
I can’t recommend these books enough since I can guarantee you’ll be in store for a monstrously good time! Thank you so much Net Galley and Bindery Books/Inky Pheonix for the ARC and the opportunity to share what I think! All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3 Stars
A smidge of gothic horror, a touch of sapphic romance, and a whole lot of paranormal mystery and mayhem, Wayward Souls is book two in the spooky and compelling Harker & Moriarty historical fantasy series.
I really loved book one (Strange Beasts), with its wildly atmospheric, early 1900s, Parisian setting. I was wowed by the writing quality (for a debut) and the clever way Morris used characters and histories, from several notable classics (namely, Dracula and Sherlock Holmes), as stepping stones to build this engrossing gothic world, following FMCs Sam Harker and Hel Moriarty (both daughters of literary icons), as they use their smarts and skills to solve paranormal mysteries for a secret agency, while fighting their growing attraction to one another while facing dangers unknown.
In this sequel, I was more than happy to step back into this impressively atmospheric world, with these complex and likable female leads—along with their slightly antagonistic, but (to me) still lovable sidekick and thorny watch-dog, Jakob Van Helsing (son of the Dracula slaying legend himself).
This time around, a missing-persons’ case takes the trio to Ireland, where they become entrenched in local folklore and the frightening machinations of a secret society, as well as the expert behind-the-scenes game-play of Hel’s father (the infamous Professor Moriarty), all of which forces Sam, Hel, and Jakob to face their personal insecurities and multi-layered trust issues, in order to work together to foil the villains’ plans, in yet another complex, high-stakes, very time-sensitive, (eventual) murder-mystery case.
The characters and the world-building are no doubt the biggest strengths of this series, but unlike with book one, I found this sequel to be a lot slower in pace and fuzzier in some of its narrative executions. I’ll admit I had to re-read many passages and pages to even fully comprehend what was happening in some scenes here, often confused about who was talking and/or what they were referring to at any given moment. Unfortunately, this left me with a bit of a disconnect to the intricacies of this particular mystery plot that I can confidently say I did not experience with book one. For me, this story was perhaps overly complex, with too many side characters and mentioning’s of histories and folklores that I honestly struggled to keep straight (and visualise clearly) in my head.
Although I didn’t enjoy this story quite as much as its predecessor, I very much like this historic, gothic world and these fascinating lead characters (and their dynamics) a lot, to the degree that I would certainly return for more paranormal adventures as this series expands, should that be Morris’s plan going forward.
***A special thanks to the author and the publishers (via Netgalley) for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A smidge of gothic horror, a touch of sapphic romance, and a whole lot of paranormal mystery and mayhem, Wayward Souls is book two in the spooky and compelling Harker & Moriarty historical fantasy series.
I really loved book one (Strange Beasts), with its wildly atmospheric, early 1900s, Parisian setting. I was wowed by the writing quality (for a debut) and the clever way Morris used characters and histories, from several notable classics (namely, Dracula and Sherlock Holmes), as stepping stones to build this engrossing gothic world, following FMCs Sam Harker and Hel Moriarty (both daughters of literary icons), as they use their smarts and skills to solve paranormal mysteries for a secret agency, while fighting their growing attraction to one another while facing dangers unknown.
In this sequel, I was more than happy to step back into this impressively atmospheric world, with these complex and likable female leads—along with their slightly antagonistic, but (to me) still lovable sidekick and thorny watch-dog, Jakob Van Helsing (son of the Dracula slaying legend himself).
This time around, a missing-persons’ case takes the trio to Ireland, where they become entrenched in local folklore and the frightening machinations of a secret society, as well as the expert behind-the-scenes game-play of Hel’s father (the infamous Professor Moriarty), all of which forces Sam, Hel, and Jakob to face their personal insecurities and multi-layered trust issues, in order to work together to foil the villains’ plans, in yet another complex, high-stakes, very time-sensitive, (eventual) murder-mystery case.
The characters and the world-building are no doubt the biggest strengths of this series, but unlike with book one, I found this sequel to be a lot slower in pace and fuzzier in some of its narrative executions. I’ll admit I had to re-read many passages and pages to even fully comprehend what was happening in some scenes here, often confused about who was talking and/or what they were referring to at any given moment. Unfortunately, this left me with a bit of a disconnect to the intricacies of this particular mystery plot that I can confidently say I did not experience with book one. For me, this story was perhaps overly complex, with too many side characters and mentioning’s of histories and folklores that I honestly struggled to keep straight (and visualise clearly) in my head.
Although I didn’t enjoy this story quite as much as its predecessor, I very much like this historic, gothic world and these fascinating lead characters (and their dynamics) a lot, to the degree that I would certainly return for more paranormal adventures as this series expands, should that be Morris’s plan going forward.
***A special thanks to the author and the publishers (via Netgalley) for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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.
March 4, 2026
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.
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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.
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April 2, 2026
3.5
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This was a great follow-up to the author's first book Strange Beasts. We get more Irish folklore/creatures in this one and the murder mystery was interesting and tied together the first book and main characters well. There's a definite strong message on the power of women and fighting the "patriarchy" throughout, but it was not so overtly out there to take away from the story. The romance is also finally developed, but of course conflict comes into play. Definitely worth a read through once.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This was a great follow-up to the author's first book Strange Beasts. We get more Irish folklore/creatures in this one and the murder mystery was interesting and tied together the first book and main characters well. There's a definite strong message on the power of women and fighting the "patriarchy" throughout, but it was not so overtly out there to take away from the story. The romance is also finally developed, but of course conflict comes into play. Definitely worth a read through once.
March 14, 2026
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!
April 14, 2026
Here’s another title where I’m thinking, “Where do I begin?”—but in the best possible way.
First, thank you to NetGalley and Bindery Books 📖 for the advance copy of this title.
With Wayward Souls, I probably should have read the first book to get better acquainted with the characters. There are so many moving parts and storylines that figuring out how everyone connects was a little confusing at times. I’m assuming the first book in the series would have cleared much of that up. Also, judging by the way this one ends, it’s clear another installment is right on its heels.
That said, I really enjoyed this title and its many twists and turns—especially since it’s not my usual type of read.
Let me break it down for my own sake. We have Samantha Harker, daughter of Mina and Jonathan Harker (yes, that Jonathan Harker—Dracula’s 🧛🏻killer). Her Aunt Lucy visits her as a ghost who drinks blood. Then there’s Dr. Helena Moriarty (daughter of Moriarty… yes, that Moriarty), whose precision and fighting skills are second to none. And of course, Jakob Van Helsing, who really needs no introduction.
All of these players are members of the Royal Society and are sent to Ireland to investigate the disappearance of two of its members.
Now let’s add in the Wild Hunt—which I only recognized from another TV show I’ve watched—along with crows’ feathers emerging from limbs and bodies, a silent song that only one person can hear, characters seeing the dead, witches, people with second sight… and suddenly you’ve got a whole grab bag of eerie elements to latch onto.
What I also found interesting was Samantha’s journey in this part of the series. She’s constantly being told to return home, yet she proves again and again that she’s smart, cunning, and more than capable of handling the task at hand. After all, she’s the one who ultimately puts the pieces together.
Despite the action and tension, this still felt like a cozy kind of story. There’s a brewing love story, strong friendships, betrayal, and men who believe they have the power to control and possess what isn’t theirs. Honestly—what more could you ask for?
I really enjoyed this title and highly recommend it. It would make a perfect read for the Fall/Halloween season.
Rating: 4.5 stars ✨
First, thank you to NetGalley and Bindery Books 📖 for the advance copy of this title.
With Wayward Souls, I probably should have read the first book to get better acquainted with the characters. There are so many moving parts and storylines that figuring out how everyone connects was a little confusing at times. I’m assuming the first book in the series would have cleared much of that up. Also, judging by the way this one ends, it’s clear another installment is right on its heels.
That said, I really enjoyed this title and its many twists and turns—especially since it’s not my usual type of read.
Let me break it down for my own sake. We have Samantha Harker, daughter of Mina and Jonathan Harker (yes, that Jonathan Harker—Dracula’s 🧛🏻killer). Her Aunt Lucy visits her as a ghost who drinks blood. Then there’s Dr. Helena Moriarty (daughter of Moriarty… yes, that Moriarty), whose precision and fighting skills are second to none. And of course, Jakob Van Helsing, who really needs no introduction.
All of these players are members of the Royal Society and are sent to Ireland to investigate the disappearance of two of its members.
Now let’s add in the Wild Hunt—which I only recognized from another TV show I’ve watched—along with crows’ feathers emerging from limbs and bodies, a silent song that only one person can hear, characters seeing the dead, witches, people with second sight… and suddenly you’ve got a whole grab bag of eerie elements to latch onto.
What I also found interesting was Samantha’s journey in this part of the series. She’s constantly being told to return home, yet she proves again and again that she’s smart, cunning, and more than capable of handling the task at hand. After all, she’s the one who ultimately puts the pieces together.
Despite the action and tension, this still felt like a cozy kind of story. There’s a brewing love story, strong friendships, betrayal, and men who believe they have the power to control and possess what isn’t theirs. Honestly—what more could you ask for?
I really enjoyed this title and highly recommend it. It would make a perfect read for the Fall/Halloween season.
Rating: 4.5 stars ✨
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.
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.
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.
April 23, 2026
The 52 Book Club : Published in 2026
4.5 stars
This series continues to be really really fucking great. Not since Jaime Lannister have I had this feeling of "Don't you dare make me like this asshole!" the way I do with Van Helsing-- he was so easy to loathe in book 1, lol, obviously not as bad as Jaime but pretty awful, and man, he's really making a slow turnaround that is awesome to watch.
This is rounding down to 4 stars instead of 5 because while the plot is excellent and well-paced, I do wish Morris had slowed down some during Sam and Hel's pivotal scenes together. Their first night together-- I'm not saying I needed it to be spicier, lol, though I certainly wouldn't have minded that, but the emotional weight of it felt a bit rushed through, the ramifications afterward not as pervasive as I'd wanted. The same with their reconciliation just prior to the climax-- Sam should have had to do more to convince Hel to trust her again, and Hel should have talked more about herself, her feelings, etc. I just wanted MORE from those scenes, they were already so good, it felt like the only part of the book that was lacking, and unfortunately I don't feel right rounding up because of it.
However. I am OBSESSED with Morris's world, where not only Dracula and Sherlock Holmes coexist but gods, ghosts, Frankenstein, hellhounds, and women STILL have to play politics and spend endless energy dealing with the attitudes and assumptions of men (derogatory). Miss Shinagh, Hel, Lucy, Sam, Alice Grey, even a damn goddess are all preyed upon by men who think they can just take what they want from women and it doesn't count because they don't matter. It's infuriating but so different from the way many male fantasy authors are like 'we have to include rape for historical accuracy'-- first because it's told from the female gaze, and second because the women generally succeed at finding ways to get their own back. And blissfully Van Helsing seems to be TOO lawful good to even know the word "friendzone" (or its Victorian equivalent), which would make him almost beyond redemption.
I've barely talked about the meat of the mystery because I don't want to give anything away, but it's really good, and even though I guessed both the identity of Sam's ghost and the source of the Wild Hunt in advance, it didn't dim my enjoyment of watching both plot threads play out in real time. Morris is really good at weaving together many plot threads (Hel's father, Sam's grandfather, Hel's brother, Van Helsing's inner torment, multiple occult murders, the British foreign espionage machine, Irish separatist politics, I could go on) and making them all feel of a piece, a whole whose parts interlock in a way only the detectives themselves can unravel.
I'll be avidly looking forward to more of this series, and hoping it doesn't end with 3 books, because I can confidently assert that I'm on board to read as many Harker & Moriarty supernatural mysteries as Morris wants to write.
4.5 stars
This series continues to be really really fucking great. Not since Jaime Lannister have I had this feeling of "Don't you dare make me like this asshole!" the way I do with Van Helsing-- he was so easy to loathe in book 1, lol, obviously not as bad as Jaime but pretty awful, and man, he's really making a slow turnaround that is awesome to watch.
This is rounding down to 4 stars instead of 5 because while the plot is excellent and well-paced, I do wish Morris had slowed down some during Sam and Hel's pivotal scenes together. Their first night together-- I'm not saying I needed it to be spicier, lol, though I certainly wouldn't have minded that, but the emotional weight of it felt a bit rushed through, the ramifications afterward not as pervasive as I'd wanted. The same with their reconciliation just prior to the climax-- Sam should have had to do more to convince Hel to trust her again, and Hel should have talked more about herself, her feelings, etc. I just wanted MORE from those scenes, they were already so good, it felt like the only part of the book that was lacking, and unfortunately I don't feel right rounding up because of it.
However. I am OBSESSED with Morris's world, where not only Dracula and Sherlock Holmes coexist but gods, ghosts, Frankenstein, hellhounds, and women STILL have to play politics and spend endless energy dealing with the attitudes and assumptions of men (derogatory). Miss Shinagh, Hel, Lucy, Sam, Alice Grey, even a damn goddess are all preyed upon by men who think they can just take what they want from women and it doesn't count because they don't matter. It's infuriating but so different from the way many male fantasy authors are like 'we have to include rape for historical accuracy'-- first because it's told from the female gaze, and second because the women generally succeed at finding ways to get their own back. And blissfully Van Helsing seems to be TOO lawful good to even know the word "friendzone" (or its Victorian equivalent), which would make him almost beyond redemption.
I've barely talked about the meat of the mystery because I don't want to give anything away, but it's really good, and even though I guessed both the identity of Sam's ghost and the source of the Wild Hunt in advance, it didn't dim my enjoyment of watching both plot threads play out in real time. Morris is really good at weaving together many plot threads (Hel's father, Sam's grandfather, Hel's brother, Van Helsing's inner torment, multiple occult murders, the British foreign espionage machine, Irish separatist politics, I could go on) and making them all feel of a piece, a whole whose parts interlock in a way only the detectives themselves can unravel.
I'll be avidly looking forward to more of this series, and hoping it doesn't end with 3 books, because I can confidently assert that I'm on board to read as many Harker & Moriarty supernatural mysteries as Morris wants to write.
March 27, 2026
2.5 ☆
This took me nearly three weeks to finish because I was unbelievably bored for a majority of it. The beginning was slow and I was grateful when the story finally picked up (like halfway through, mind you) and the book felt mostly like filler. It'd been two years since I read the first book so while some details were needing refreshing, there was a lot that still felt repetitive, especially with the actions of the characters.
As far as the romance goes, there wasn't much but it makes sense because of the "pretend we hate each other" trope. I can't say I've read much dealing with this trope, but I expected there to be an insane amount of tension between Hel and Sam. As this story is told in 3rd-person limited (from Sam's pov), we can get but so much on how the characters are feeling. Even from Sam's view, we really only got lust from her and that got old incredibly fast.
When it comes to character growth, I believe Hel has gotten a bit better with trusting people (well just Sam) and Jakob has softened around the edges, but Sam seems the same to me, which is especially unfortunate because we get her thoughts more than everyone else. She preaches about the injustices women face and is strong internally, but then needs to be saved soon after. I get she's a researcher and her strength mainly lies on her intelligence, but could she not have received some basic training or something at any point? And my gripe isn't just with her being the damsel, but her continuously keeping secrets that end up hurting everyone around her. This was a problem in Strange Beasts, though her and Hel weren't close at that point so I can't fault her for it, but there should've been some change. Overall, this felt similar to book one and I didn't have a good time.
The final 10ish% of the book was the best part. It's like all the action was saved for the ending, making the beginning and middle drag. I'll stick around for the third, and I hope final, installment because I'm interested in how it concludes, but I hope Morris keeps with the momentum and doesn't let up.
Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this book!
This took me nearly three weeks to finish because I was unbelievably bored for a majority of it. The beginning was slow and I was grateful when the story finally picked up (like halfway through, mind you) and the book felt mostly like filler. It'd been two years since I read the first book so while some details were needing refreshing, there was a lot that still felt repetitive, especially with the actions of the characters.
As far as the romance goes, there wasn't much but it makes sense because of the "pretend we hate each other" trope. I can't say I've read much dealing with this trope, but I expected there to be an insane amount of tension between Hel and Sam. As this story is told in 3rd-person limited (from Sam's pov), we can get but so much on how the characters are feeling. Even from Sam's view, we really only got lust from her and that got old incredibly fast.
When it comes to character growth, I believe Hel has gotten a bit better with trusting people (well just Sam) and Jakob has softened around the edges, but Sam seems the same to me, which is especially unfortunate because we get her thoughts more than everyone else. She preaches about the injustices women face and is strong internally, but then needs to be saved soon after. I get she's a researcher and her strength mainly lies on her intelligence, but could she not have received some basic training or something at any point? And my gripe isn't just with her being the damsel, but her continuously keeping secrets that end up hurting everyone around her. This was a problem in Strange Beasts, though her and Hel weren't close at that point so I can't fault her for it, but there should've been some change. Overall, this felt similar to book one and I didn't have a good time.
The final 10ish% of the book was the best part. It's like all the action was saved for the ending, making the beginning and middle drag. I'll stick around for the third, and I hope final, installment because I'm interested in how it concludes, but I hope Morris keeps with the momentum and doesn't let up.
Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this book!
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
April 18, 2026
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Hodderscape for providing an eARC in return for an honest review.
4.5 stars for the second installment of Harker&Moriarty.
We follow our two leading ladies (and Jakob van Helsing) to Ireland which seems to be ravaged by unexplained, supernatural deaths.
The unravelling of the mystery is pretty straightforward with the occasional side quest and thrown curveball. I was pleasantly surprised to see Sam developing more confidence in her abilities. Loving shoutout to Heathcliff btw.
I liked how we got more insight into Sams gransfather and the machinations that have been going for ages behind the scenes.
The only suspension of disbelief that the book wriggled from me was Sam not knowing a crucial basic fact. (Gonna try to stay spoiler free)
A very strong second installment which tied off nicely in the end, but i do hope we get another installment of Sam & Hel. Definite recommendation
4.5 stars for the second installment of Harker&Moriarty.
We follow our two leading ladies (and Jakob van Helsing) to Ireland which seems to be ravaged by unexplained, supernatural deaths.
The unravelling of the mystery is pretty straightforward with the occasional side quest and thrown curveball. I was pleasantly surprised to see Sam developing more confidence in her abilities. Loving shoutout to Heathcliff btw.
I liked how we got more insight into Sams gransfather and the machinations that have been going for ages behind the scenes.
The only suspension of disbelief that the book wriggled from me was Sam not knowing a crucial basic fact. (Gonna try to stay spoiler free)
A very strong second installment which tied off nicely in the end, but i do hope we get another installment of Sam & Hel. Definite recommendation
March 22, 2026
I think I liked this was as much as the first book. I'm still not sure how I feel about the romance, mostly because of Hel. I really appreciate the character development of Jakob. He might actually be my favorite character at this point. I think my favorite part of the book was the demonic cat. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next book.
March 20, 2026
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Warward Souls is not a standalone story. It is the second book in the Harker & Moriarty series, following Strange Beasts, and contains spoilers for the previous book.
Read Jovan’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Warward Souls is not a standalone story. It is the second book in the Harker & Moriarty series, following Strange Beasts, and contains spoilers for the previous book.
Read Jovan’s review in its entirety here.
April 12, 2026
didn’t love as much as book 1 but I do need the next one ASAP!! wish we went more slowburn/angst/yearning with the romance. sam baby you’re so high maintenance and it’s lowkey annoying but I live for you.
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.
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March 30, 2026A JoyfullyJay Review
4⭐️
Wayward Souls is a lovely sophomore outing, and the title encapsulates the varying degrees Moriarty, Harker, and Van Helsing push back against what their legacies shaped them to be. Being in the field makes Sam question the ethics of indiscriminately killing creatures while men human monsters act with impunity. Since her transformation, channeling is no longer simply about finding clues; it’s about existing as herself. She chafes even more at being trapped under men’s fear—the double standards, patriarchal patronizing, and threat of being put down or caged like a rabid animal.
Her pain, rage, and resentment have grown exponentially, and she feels more oppressed. So much so she sometimes thinks Hel wants to control her too. However, Sam was forbidden to harness her power, so she can’t control being completely taken over, and her gift was tidily manipulated to trap her in her worst fears in Paris. Hel’s problem isn’t with channeling; it’s with Sam’s lack of caution in the land of the Folk.
They also clash because Sam can’t play her own game. As enamored as she is with Hel; as honest and as fervent Hel’s emotions; and as deeply as she wants Hel to trust her, she doesn’t trust Hel. Though Hel is more open, she still has secrets; however, they are rooted in fear that Sam will see her as a monster. Despite Sam’s assurances, she wonders if some of Hel remains Moriarty’s destructive creation. Sam is the one with many secrets, and they endanger them all. She wastes time they do not have by hiding information that practically gives them the answer.
Jakob’s presence is an interesting fly in the ointment—as subtle as the Vegas strip, ridiculously uncurious, and a fierce protector, though in unsettling ways. He’s the friend you’d tap to kill you if you got bit by a zombie. . .except Sam isn’t asking. She’s his Lucy Westenra and caring enough to murder her is good, actually. However, she glimpses the boy who was her best friend, who loved the stories of creatures and monsters until his father burdened him with responsibility for Sam’s life. It’s hard to reconcile the man who clearly cares with the Butcher of Bran Castle whose protection entails murder.
Between Sam’s increasing struggles, Hel’s past and her father’s presence, their burgeoning relationship, Jakob’s character development, and the time clock mystery, there’s a lot going on, but Morris balances it all well. I really enjoyed the story and subplots, but found the main mystery less engaging. While the antagonist in the first book is easy to spot, the journey is intriguing, unique, and more obscure. Here, it’s like the baddies/situation are more upfront to make room for Jakob and everyone’s emotional beats; maybe my familiarity makes it feel that way.
While I like the direction of the characters’ development, several necessary changes in tone and style reduce some elements I previously enjoyed. Yet, it’s handled well, and Jakob doesn’t feel out of place. Previously, I noted that Sam has a Holmesian bearing and is quick on her feet; her channeling an extension of her intellect. Not so much this time. Her channeling is an extension of her mental and emotional state. She’s damselled more, and the path of her emotional journey makes her seem less competent.
4⭐️
Wayward Souls is a lovely sophomore outing, and the title encapsulates the varying degrees Moriarty, Harker, and Van Helsing push back against what their legacies shaped them to be. Being in the field makes Sam question the ethics of indiscriminately killing creatures while men human monsters act with impunity. Since her transformation, channeling is no longer simply about finding clues; it’s about existing as herself. She chafes even more at being trapped under men’s fear—the double standards, patriarchal patronizing, and threat of being put down or caged like a rabid animal.
Her pain, rage, and resentment have grown exponentially, and she feels more oppressed. So much so she sometimes thinks Hel wants to control her too. However, Sam was forbidden to harness her power, so she can’t control being completely taken over, and her gift was tidily manipulated to trap her in her worst fears in Paris. Hel’s problem isn’t with channeling; it’s with Sam’s lack of caution in the land of the Folk.
They also clash because Sam can’t play her own game. As enamored as she is with Hel; as honest and as fervent Hel’s emotions; and as deeply as she wants Hel to trust her, she doesn’t trust Hel. Though Hel is more open, she still has secrets; however, they are rooted in fear that Sam will see her as a monster. Despite Sam’s assurances, she wonders if some of Hel remains Moriarty’s destructive creation. Sam is the one with many secrets, and they endanger them all. She wastes time they do not have by hiding information that practically gives them the answer.
Jakob’s presence is an interesting fly in the ointment—as subtle as the Vegas strip, ridiculously uncurious, and a fierce protector, though in unsettling ways. He’s the friend you’d tap to kill you if you got bit by a zombie. . .except Sam isn’t asking. She’s his Lucy Westenra and caring enough to murder her is good, actually. However, she glimpses the boy who was her best friend, who loved the stories of creatures and monsters until his father burdened him with responsibility for Sam’s life. It’s hard to reconcile the man who clearly cares with the Butcher of Bran Castle whose protection entails murder.
Between Sam’s increasing struggles, Hel’s past and her father’s presence, their burgeoning relationship, Jakob’s character development, and the time clock mystery, there’s a lot going on, but Morris balances it all well. I really enjoyed the story and subplots, but found the main mystery less engaging. While the antagonist in the first book is easy to spot, the journey is intriguing, unique, and more obscure. Here, it’s like the baddies/situation are more upfront to make room for Jakob and everyone’s emotional beats; maybe my familiarity makes it feel that way.
While I like the direction of the characters’ development, several necessary changes in tone and style reduce some elements I previously enjoyed. Yet, it’s handled well, and Jakob doesn’t feel out of place. Previously, I noted that Sam has a Holmesian bearing and is quick on her feet; her channeling an extension of her intellect. Not so much this time. Her channeling is an extension of her mental and emotional state. She’s damselled more, and the path of her emotional journey makes her seem less competent.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. - Freya, arc & monthly book box pick reviewer (on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/athenafreya... )
Initial thoughts: My favourite f/f partners->more are back, and no one is happier than me!
About the book: Hel is still distrusted by their Society, and in fact, they are actively trying to find any evidence to arrest her. Sam is by her side and supports until they find themselves on an investigation in Ireland- Moriarty's homebase. Men keep disappearing, ominous birds and songs surround Sam, and everything happens while Van Helsing is there distructing everyone.
What I liked 🤩: If I really, really liked book 1 (Strange Beasts), then I LOVED book 2 (Wayward Souls). The suspense, the who-did-it, but also Moriarty's threatening aura and the omissions of truth between Sam, Hel, and Van Helsing had my brain doing sommerhaults in the best way possible.
Sam is tormented by things she doesn't feel comfortable saying to Hel or to Van Helsing. About the song she keeps hearing and how tempted she is to surrender to it. About the feathers she keeps finding in slightly creepy ways because she doesn't want Hel to worry and do something extreme against her father. But she also grows steadily into a woman who does what she wants, rules be damned, and that character growth was sooo satisfying.
Hel learns to trust Sam and lets her in. As usual, she is hot with dry humour that I absolutely love and incredibly smart. She observes and sees everything, and I do have a thing for smart, competent characters.
I disliked Van Helsing in the first book and still dislike him but a lot less. We get to see things from his traumatized perspective, and it truly makes you dislike him a lot less, which makes me believe that the author did a great job with his character development.
The plot was tight, no loopholes, no lacking pacing, just suspense and mystery and tons of different plot threads waiting to be discovered and pulled. The worldbuilding was awesome, from Irish lore to secret societies, Irish separatists, and Moriarty's criminal network consisting of human and magical resources. It blew my mind.
This book is perfection and managed to pull me from a reading slump.
What I didn’t like 🙃: Nothing. This was perfect!
Overall: I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY MORE PEOPLE DON'T TALK ABOUT THIS SERIES. IT IS AMAZING!!!! Everything about this book is amazing: the plot, the worldbuilding, character development, representation! 5 stars aren't enough! I sincerely hope we get more books in this universe. I need a closure so badly.
SE info: This series of standalones have beautiful Goldsboro editions. Yes, I got mine.
Initial thoughts: My favourite f/f partners->more are back, and no one is happier than me!
About the book: Hel is still distrusted by their Society, and in fact, they are actively trying to find any evidence to arrest her. Sam is by her side and supports until they find themselves on an investigation in Ireland- Moriarty's homebase. Men keep disappearing, ominous birds and songs surround Sam, and everything happens while Van Helsing is there distructing everyone.
What I liked 🤩: If I really, really liked book 1 (Strange Beasts), then I LOVED book 2 (Wayward Souls). The suspense, the who-did-it, but also Moriarty's threatening aura and the omissions of truth between Sam, Hel, and Van Helsing had my brain doing sommerhaults in the best way possible.
Sam is tormented by things she doesn't feel comfortable saying to Hel or to Van Helsing. About the song she keeps hearing and how tempted she is to surrender to it. About the feathers she keeps finding in slightly creepy ways because she doesn't want Hel to worry and do something extreme against her father. But she also grows steadily into a woman who does what she wants, rules be damned, and that character growth was sooo satisfying.
Hel learns to trust Sam and lets her in. As usual, she is hot with dry humour that I absolutely love and incredibly smart. She observes and sees everything, and I do have a thing for smart, competent characters.
I disliked Van Helsing in the first book and still dislike him but a lot less. We get to see things from his traumatized perspective, and it truly makes you dislike him a lot less, which makes me believe that the author did a great job with his character development.
The plot was tight, no loopholes, no lacking pacing, just suspense and mystery and tons of different plot threads waiting to be discovered and pulled. The worldbuilding was awesome, from Irish lore to secret societies, Irish separatists, and Moriarty's criminal network consisting of human and magical resources. It blew my mind.
This book is perfection and managed to pull me from a reading slump.
What I didn’t like 🙃: Nothing. This was perfect!
Overall: I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY MORE PEOPLE DON'T TALK ABOUT THIS SERIES. IT IS AMAZING!!!! Everything about this book is amazing: the plot, the worldbuilding, character development, representation! 5 stars aren't enough! I sincerely hope we get more books in this universe. I need a closure so badly.
SE info: This series of standalones have beautiful Goldsboro editions. Yes, I got mine.
February 1, 2026
3.5/5
Wayward Souls is the sequel to Strange Beasts and the second book in the sapphic historical fantasy mystery series Harker & Moriarty. Samantha Harker and Dr. Helena Moriarty may have solved their Paris case, but Hel remains under suspicion. No one believes her villainous father, Professor Moriarty, is truly dead. Now the pair are specially assigned to Ireland to investigate the disappearance of several men, including two agents sent before them. However, the Special Branch insists they be accompanied by Jakob Van Helsing, who is determined both to restrain Samantha’s channeling abilities and to catch Helena in wrongdoing. When their investigation leads to a secret society of wealthy and powerful men dabbling in magic, they must unravel a dangerous web of intrigue before Samhain, when the barrier between worlds grows thin.
I thought this was much stronger than Strange Beasts. It retains the gothic atmosphere and feminist energy without tipping into the heavy-handed, man-hating rhetoric that tainted the first book. The central mystery also feels more integrated with the characters’ emotional arcs instead of playing second fiddle to them. The novel continues unresolved threads: Sam’s search for her beloved grandfather and Hel’s complicated relationship with her father and brother, one of which reaches a satisfying conclusion. While the romance between Sam and Hel still lacks strong chemistry, it at least features more pining and subtle emotional cues woven into their interactions.
Of the central sapphic duo, Sam is the more fully realized character since the story unfolds primarily through her perspective. Hel remains distant, her guarded nature and the plot’s structure limiting opportunities for her to open up. Unexpectedly, the standout character for me was Jakob Van Helsing (which is probably the wrong takeaway for a sapphic fantasy). Despite his deeply flawed beliefs and actions, he is written with emotional complexity and a compelling internal conflict that allows his character arc to shine. The narrative does an effective job of showing how his upbringing shaped him, making him feel more layered and human than the protagonists at times.
While richer in mystery and atmosphere than the first book, Wayward Souls still struggles to make its central romance as engaging as its supporting cast.
*Thank you to both Hodder & Stoughton and Bindery Books for the eARC via NetGalley
Wayward Souls is the sequel to Strange Beasts and the second book in the sapphic historical fantasy mystery series Harker & Moriarty. Samantha Harker and Dr. Helena Moriarty may have solved their Paris case, but Hel remains under suspicion. No one believes her villainous father, Professor Moriarty, is truly dead. Now the pair are specially assigned to Ireland to investigate the disappearance of several men, including two agents sent before them. However, the Special Branch insists they be accompanied by Jakob Van Helsing, who is determined both to restrain Samantha’s channeling abilities and to catch Helena in wrongdoing. When their investigation leads to a secret society of wealthy and powerful men dabbling in magic, they must unravel a dangerous web of intrigue before Samhain, when the barrier between worlds grows thin.
I thought this was much stronger than Strange Beasts. It retains the gothic atmosphere and feminist energy without tipping into the heavy-handed, man-hating rhetoric that tainted the first book. The central mystery also feels more integrated with the characters’ emotional arcs instead of playing second fiddle to them. The novel continues unresolved threads: Sam’s search for her beloved grandfather and Hel’s complicated relationship with her father and brother, one of which reaches a satisfying conclusion. While the romance between Sam and Hel still lacks strong chemistry, it at least features more pining and subtle emotional cues woven into their interactions.
Of the central sapphic duo, Sam is the more fully realized character since the story unfolds primarily through her perspective. Hel remains distant, her guarded nature and the plot’s structure limiting opportunities for her to open up. Unexpectedly, the standout character for me was Jakob Van Helsing (which is probably the wrong takeaway for a sapphic fantasy). Despite his deeply flawed beliefs and actions, he is written with emotional complexity and a compelling internal conflict that allows his character arc to shine. The narrative does an effective job of showing how his upbringing shaped him, making him feel more layered and human than the protagonists at times.
While richer in mystery and atmosphere than the first book, Wayward Souls still struggles to make its central romance as engaging as its supporting cast.
*Thank you to both Hodder & Stoughton and Bindery Books for the eARC via NetGalley
March 18, 2026
The premise of this book was really interesting, a next generation mash up of Dracula and Sherlock Holmes. A gas lamp paranormal fantasy meets mystery thriller.
This is the second book in the series and I do recommend reading the first book prior to this one. I didn’t realise that it was the second so I feel like I didn’t connect to the characters as much as I might have if I’d read book one first.
The main characters are Samantha Harker, the daughter of Dracula’s killer, Helena Moriarty, daughter of Moriarty and Jakob Van Helsing, son of Van Helsing. Sam and Helena are a couple but I didn’t even notice at first. Their relationship grows throughout the book but I didn’t find myself rooting for them.
I particularly enjoyed the world building, when the trio go to Ireland there’s lots of great folklore, which was fun to read. I enjoyed the mystery and tension too.
However, it was a little bit too dialogue heavy which struggled to keep my interest.
Overall, I did enjoy the concept of the story, the folklore and paranormal elements, so I rate it 3 ⭐️.
This is the second book in the series and I do recommend reading the first book prior to this one. I didn’t realise that it was the second so I feel like I didn’t connect to the characters as much as I might have if I’d read book one first.
The main characters are Samantha Harker, the daughter of Dracula’s killer, Helena Moriarty, daughter of Moriarty and Jakob Van Helsing, son of Van Helsing. Sam and Helena are a couple but I didn’t even notice at first. Their relationship grows throughout the book but I didn’t find myself rooting for them.
I particularly enjoyed the world building, when the trio go to Ireland there’s lots of great folklore, which was fun to read. I enjoyed the mystery and tension too.
However, it was a little bit too dialogue heavy which struggled to keep my interest.
Overall, I did enjoy the concept of the story, the folklore and paranormal elements, so I rate it 3 ⭐️.
March 12, 2026
I am loving this series more and more with every installment! 🙌
We’re on another case with Sam Harker and Hel Moriarty with Jakob Van Helsing keeping an eye! 👀 I love this trio of characters and am enjoying the connection between Sam and Hel further develop. I was drawn in from the get go and stayed engaged throughout! Oh and let’s talk about the cover for a sec - is it not gorgeous?!! The covers for this series so far have been so beautifully intricate! 😍 Highly recommend this series, book peeps! Especially if you love historical fantasy mixed with mystery and gothic vibes! 👏
Thank you to Inky Phoenix Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for my honest review! ❤️
We’re on another case with Sam Harker and Hel Moriarty with Jakob Van Helsing keeping an eye! 👀 I love this trio of characters and am enjoying the connection between Sam and Hel further develop. I was drawn in from the get go and stayed engaged throughout! Oh and let’s talk about the cover for a sec - is it not gorgeous?!! The covers for this series so far have been so beautifully intricate! 😍 Highly recommend this series, book peeps! Especially if you love historical fantasy mixed with mystery and gothic vibes! 👏
Thank you to Inky Phoenix Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for my honest review! ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.25 stars
This was a fun read with a good amount of the fair folk and mystery. Being a sequel, I enjoyed that the plot picked up shortly after the events of the first novel and I didn’t feel any disconnect between the characters and storyline.
This was heavy on the character development, which I appreciate, but I did feel at times the plot was getting stagnant. Overall, this was an interesting addition to the series. The plot was full of the Fair Folk and Irish Folklore that gave a feeling of being in another world entirely. The mystery was interesting and fun and was not entirely predictable. Always a plus!
I received this eARC by the publisher and Netgalley for an honest review.
This was a fun read with a good amount of the fair folk and mystery. Being a sequel, I enjoyed that the plot picked up shortly after the events of the first novel and I didn’t feel any disconnect between the characters and storyline.
This was heavy on the character development, which I appreciate, but I did feel at times the plot was getting stagnant. Overall, this was an interesting addition to the series. The plot was full of the Fair Folk and Irish Folklore that gave a feeling of being in another world entirely. The mystery was interesting and fun and was not entirely predictable. Always a plus!
I received this eARC by the publisher and Netgalley for an honest review.
March 20, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for approving me to read this book, I’m rating it 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.0.
I enjoyed being back in this world and the characters on page again. I found book 2 to be slightly slower than book 1 pacing wise but I enjoyed the flow with the paranormal horror taking center stage.
I like this duology though as it takes characters we widely recognise and it feels fresh with strong femal characters and queer representation. I like the dynamics and the way the story unfolds with mystery and supernatural tones.
I enjoyed being back in this world and the characters on page again. I found book 2 to be slightly slower than book 1 pacing wise but I enjoyed the flow with the paranormal horror taking center stage.
I like this duology though as it takes characters we widely recognise and it feels fresh with strong femal characters and queer representation. I like the dynamics and the way the story unfolds with mystery and supernatural tones.
March 22, 2026
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley
I love this series, it is a mash up between Dracula and Sherlock Holmes. I love the time period that it has been set in (the early 1900's), the banter and tone of the book was amazing. This book follows on from the first book with a new case to solve and more of the characters back story nicely interwoven in the story. The banter and relationship between the two main characters made me smile, sigh and exasperate me all at the same time.
I liked the action and found the Irish myths great although they are not anything new. I liked the way that they came across in this tale and am waiting for the next one eagerly. This does feel like a series that could go on for installment after installment with a new case each book, and that would make me happy.
I dont think it does anything new but this book does a gaslamp mystery well, with great characters.
I love this series, it is a mash up between Dracula and Sherlock Holmes. I love the time period that it has been set in (the early 1900's), the banter and tone of the book was amazing. This book follows on from the first book with a new case to solve and more of the characters back story nicely interwoven in the story. The banter and relationship between the two main characters made me smile, sigh and exasperate me all at the same time.
I liked the action and found the Irish myths great although they are not anything new. I liked the way that they came across in this tale and am waiting for the next one eagerly. This does feel like a series that could go on for installment after installment with a new case each book, and that would make me happy.
I dont think it does anything new but this book does a gaslamp mystery well, with great characters.
April 18, 2026
This is second in the series that I hope is continued. The blend of supernatural intrigue and captivating sapphic romance has me completely hooked. The narration was absolutely superb, bringing the complex characters and haunting atmosphere to life. I'm eagerly anticipating where the story will go next. This series is quickly becoming a favorite of mine! ✨📚
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Dark, twisty, and scrumptious! I love this series!
This latest installment takes us into deep mysteries and desperate fates. It was exquisitely written and engrossing.
This is more female strength and using the skills you have in the face of adversity than say female rage. I think that made it even more interesting the more I read.
Sam's abilities take turns that no one expected and the team grew!
I enjoyed this book and highly recommend both books of this series to anyone who loves a meld of Sherlock Holmes mystery solving and the paranormal.
Thank you so much to Edelweiss and Bindery Books for this arc.
This latest installment takes us into deep mysteries and desperate fates. It was exquisitely written and engrossing.
This is more female strength and using the skills you have in the face of adversity than say female rage. I think that made it even more interesting the more I read.
Sam's abilities take turns that no one expected and the team grew!
I enjoyed this book and highly recommend both books of this series to anyone who loves a meld of Sherlock Holmes mystery solving and the paranormal.
Thank you so much to Edelweiss and Bindery Books for this arc.
March 20, 2026
Thanks to Bindery Books for the preview. I also listened to the audio from the library. All opinions are my own.
I continue to enjoy this series. I love Sam and Helena and their almost-but-not-quite relationship. VanHelsing drove me insane in the last book, but he really grew on me in this book. I really appreciated his character growth and how he became more of an ally than an antagonist.
Setting the mystery in Ireland (especially Dublin) in this installment was really fun. It also added a ton of tension and suspense with it being Prof Moriary's homebase, and everything that meant for Helena. And instead of more strictly literary characters in this book, we got more folktale characters which was interesting.
I think the first book was the stronger of the 2, but I'm still super invested in these characters and the overall conflict with Prof Moriarty. I'll eagerly await the next book!
I continue to enjoy this series. I love Sam and Helena and their almost-but-not-quite relationship. VanHelsing drove me insane in the last book, but he really grew on me in this book. I really appreciated his character growth and how he became more of an ally than an antagonist.
Setting the mystery in Ireland (especially Dublin) in this installment was really fun. It also added a ton of tension and suspense with it being Prof Moriary's homebase, and everything that meant for Helena. And instead of more strictly literary characters in this book, we got more folktale characters which was interesting.
I think the first book was the stronger of the 2, but I'm still super invested in these characters and the overall conflict with Prof Moriarty. I'll eagerly await the next book!
January 5, 2026
*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.
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