Beecham's Infirmary for the Affluent Afflicted

My Darling Malady #0.5

by Briar Somerset, Christopher Tester (Narrator), Krys Janae (Narrator)

A Victorian Gothic Paranormal Romance Novella by Briar Somerset.

In a town where health is currency and longing is lure, a reluctant investigator and seamstress must uncover whether hunger will anchor a man already slipping into the dark.

Behind the decrepit doors of an infirmary said to offer miraculous cures to London's ailing elite, people are vanishing. Private Investigator and estranged heir to French aristocracy Jacques Valmont is summoned across the channel to sleuth, despite the lingering sickness of his own—one of grief that stirs in his blood and shadows his mind.

Amidst the fog and fever, he finds an unlikely ally in Annie, the quick-witted seamstress working next door to Beecham's Infirmary, whose presence seems to quiet the storm inside him. When she suggests the only way to breach the infirmary's guarded walls is becoming a patient himself, Annie's grandmother warns them both of curses that fester with longing. Unnatural aches that transform a person entirely, if not quelled.

As Jacques nears the truth, desire and dread twist together. Annie may be the last tether holding him to his humanity—or the final thread that unravels it.

Genres: Fantasy, Gothic, Romance, Novella, Paranormal, Ebooks, Vampires

Audible Audio

Published December 15, 2025

About the author

Hawaii-born author Briar Somerset writes Gothic Paranormal Romance, Dark Academia, and Romantasy steeped in horror. She is known for BEECHAM'S INFIRMARY FOR THE AFFLUENT AFFLICTED and the audio-forward Gothic Paranormal Romance series, My Darling Malady, which traces two bloodthirsty partners through the spectral margins of Victorian society.

Living in California with her family, she curates tales that examine empire, identity, and dread through a Southeast Asian diasporic lens.

Reviews

[Nicole is Reading Fantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️ rounded up to 4 ⭐️

Fast-paced, clever, and a bit darker than I expected (in a good way) - this was such a fun Novella! For a short story, it was well-written and paced, and it delivered on the paranormal-mystery vibes. I did not expect the twist towards the end! I found myself wanting just a bit more tension and longing from the romance, but it’s hard to develop that kind of connection in a novella. It sounds like this is just the beginning of the story though, and I’m so intrigued to see what comes next!

Thank you NetGalley and Briar Somerset for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Cydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the absolute honor of beta reading Beecham's Infirmary for the Affluent Afflicted by Briar Somerset, but I also wanted to support this story as much as I could, so I snagged the ARC from NetGalley. In my defense, this included some things I hadn't read, so I enjoyed reading this again very much. Am I nuts? Mind your business! LOL

This is set in Victorian London in the midst of a consumption epidemic, and Jacques is a private investigator summoned to look into an infirmary where many go in and none come out. As with most things, the interest only grows when the affluent begin to be impacted. Annie is a Chinese seamstress who is a lot tougher and smarter than she looks with hopes and dreams of her own. When their paths cross and Jacques begins to be consumed, chaos ensues.

This is such a genuinely spooky, deliciously gothic, vampy paranormal novella that is perfect for spooky season and autumn in general. Somerset's prose is lyrical and engaging, there is genuine horror intertwined with evil genius and breathtaking angst, bloodlust, and longing. There is also social commentary that rings true in this current day and age, and Annie's Chinese culture is rich and prominent. I cannot say enough good things about this book! I am waiting (im)patiently for book 2 in this series, which will be full length and continue on the story of Annie, Jacques, and Amah.

Thank you to Briar Somerset and NetGalley for the ARC! This is OUT NOW (and free until the end of October 5th, 2025)!

5 ⭐️s
1.5 🌶️

[Briar Somerset · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel uniquely qualified to declare BIFTAA a triumph of Gothic hearsay, medico melodrama, and Very Avoidant Flirting. If you’ve wished Pride & Prejudice contained French endearments, an FMC reflecting the Southeast Asian 2nd generation diasporic experience, a restrained protagonist aroused at the sight of blood on his cock, and a whole cast of unreliable narrators, you might enjoy this book. Here’s your prescription, I guess. Your aptly-sized novella.

Book two, CHATEAU VALMONT AND AN INHERITANCE OF THIRST, will release spring 2026.

[Adri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, well, well.
I feel physically hurt by that ending and how long I need to wait for the next one!

I was not expecting anything, as I haven’t read anything by Briar Somerset before. I will be reading the next ones. Mystery, fantasy and romance. I enjoyed Jacques and Annie in 1849 London. Amah and her knowing looks. It took a little time at the beginning to set up the history and backstory, but it’s needed as it all moves at such a fast pace. But I really enjoyed it.

[Adri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a ALC copy thanks to Briar Somerset.

I loved the book and I love the audio. The narrators Christopher Tester and Krys Janae did an amazing job of bringing the book to life even more. Each character was different, lots of different accents, some parts are immersive. It’s a great opening to the series, with mystery and yearning. I’m looking forward to the next book.

[britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

DISCLAIMER: slight (toothy) spoilers that can be found in chapter 5 (novella has a total of 8 chapters)

i’m a firm believer that books come to you at the perfect time and beecham’s infirmary for the affluent afflicted was no different. the beecham’s audiobook fell right into my lap off the heels of watching a cure for wellness and the similarities between the two felt kismet. in the middle of an internal tantrum over having to leave the volmer institute, i found myself transported to beecham’s, where there too, teeth were removed against the will of their patients by nefarious means to my macabre delight. soon i was sucked into a world where there was insightful commentary on migrant workers (i am a sucker for god honest truth being spat in the face of the privileged without remorse) and my delectable favorite, reluctant vampirism (swoon), not to mention our sweet mmc, jacques, reminded me of nicholas hoult in nosferatu x the great at every turn (double swoon). the cherry on top of all this delicious writing was of course the narration of christopher tester and keys janae, this dynamic duo are exactly THAT, dynamic! if you imagine people with a green thumb that can bring things to life, they have that but with audio. they are so incredibly gifted. my ears have never been so happy. i smile just thinking about it now.

needless to say, if you love teeth, the removal of teeth, and or collecting teeth, or maybe you just want a cure for wellness in book form, read or listen to beecham’s infirmary for the affluent afflicted. book 1 of the my darling malady series

[ObscureVi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I haven't expected the slight sprinkle of spice in this short novella, but it was definitely welcomed, alright? I knew it will be a good read when I saw the dedication and I wasn't wrong. It was like a mix of The Vampire Diaries sentiment, but make it somewhere between Penny Dreadful & Dracula (mostly the one with Jonathan Rhys Meyers - still mad we never got season two).

I hope I'm not the only one and people are talking about the shop art that my eyes got the chance to see, because I absolutely loved that one.

My only complain would be the fact that as someone who knows maybe four French words, every time there was no translation of what Jacques said, I had to stop reading and translate the sentence myself.

Overall, you have me completely hooked, miss Somerset and I will gladly read the second book (and your other ones too), especially after such ending!

[xXTomeRaiderXx · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a deliciously grim little ride this was. We’re tossed straight into Victorian London, where the stench of sickness is thick, the cobblestones are slick with something that’s definitely not rainwater, and the bodies are piling faster than the Queen’s tea cups.

Enter Jacques, our French-born private investigator with a haunted stare and a past he’s definitely not talking about. He’s been summoned to Westminster to find a missing girl; one of the many “afflicted” swallowed up by a sanitarium that feels far too polished to be innocent.

This story has all the makings of a fever dream—Sherlock Holmes meets Penny Dreadful with a whisper of romance and just enough paranormal tension to make you question what’s real. And then there’s Annie… the woman who unravels him in every possible way.

Creepy, clever, and surprisingly tender in the shadows… it’s a quick read that lingers like London fog.

[myfictionaladventure · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Mystery- Romance- Fantasy
🌶️
Book 1
Novella

Tropes:
- Murder Mystery
- Secret Experiments
- Fantastical Creatures
- Romance & Spice
- Plot twists
- Betrayal

The MMC is investigating a murder at a suspicious hospital when he meets an enticing woman.

This was a very short book; I wish it had been longer. I am intrigued and excited to continue the series, but I felt like I only read the first quarter of the book, because it was so short and so much is left unanswered. I would also like to get more from the MFC POV. And I would like to know more about why the villian was conducting his experiments and his background with the MMC’s dad etc. I am excited to read the second book and hope it is longer!

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, spicy audiobook that you can easily enjoy in a single sitting. This Victorian gothic romance delivers exactly what it promises; moody atmosphere, crackling tension, and just the right amount of heat. It’s bite-sized but satisfying, with enough romance and intrigue to keep you hooked from start to finish. Perfect if you’re in the mood for something dark, dramatic, and delightfully indulgent without a big time commitment.

[Marie-eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐

A quick and easy read! The story seems to be an Introduction and a great one at that! There is mystery, suspense, darkness and a little bit of love. Since this is only the beginning, there are so many questions that remain unanswered. Looking forward to the next novel.

[Inara Reads Dark and Twisted · Rating 5 out of 5]

The audiobook is absolutely masterful. It’s so well narrated and atmospheric that I felt like I was sitting in a theatre watching a performance.

The way it’s told makes you feel part of the story—not just because of the excellent narration and acting, but also because of the additional elements.

It’s the first time I’ve listened to an audiobook that’s this immersive and well produced.

100% recommended.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beecham’s Infirmary for the Affluent Afflicted
by Briar Somerset

Audiobook — narrated by Krys Janae and Christopher Tester

I absolutely loved listening to this novella. It’s short, sweet, haunting in the best gothic way, and it left me completely feral and wanting more. The atmosphere hooked me immediately, that eerie Victorian setting where longing becomes a lure and every shadow feels like it’s hiding something hungry. I cannot wait for more of Annie and Jacques.

I loved how the story blended mystery, strange magic, and this unraveling of what’s happening behind the infirmary’s doors.
Annie is such a sharp, grounded presence, her strength and wit cut right through the fog. Jacques, with his lingering sickness of grief and that sense of being right on the edge of losing himself, was captivating. Their connection felt incredibly unique.

The narration was phenomenal. Krys Janae performed Annie with such confidence and emotional clarity, her fierceness and heart shone through beautifully.
Christopher Tester was the perfect Jacques, capturing his French nuances, his shadows, and that fragile tether to humanity he’s desperately trying to hold.
The production by Elysian Nightfall Studios was incredible. The sound effects were subtle but impactful, making everything more immersive without ever becoming distracting.
Between the performances and Briar Somerset’s atmospheric and flawless writing, this novella felt like stepping straight into a gothic dream.

If you like a gothic setting, vampires, a fierce FMC, a tortured MMC, spice that makes you feral and leaves you wanting more, and a story filled with longing, curses, and mystery, you’ll love this novella.

⭐️ Story: 5

⭐️ Narration & Production: 5

🌶️ Spice: 2

Thank you Briar Somerset for the gifted review copy, all opinions are my own

[☽ Mél · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,75/5 stars

Thank you Netgalley and Briar Somerset for the ARC.

I love short stories & novellas. It's so much fun discovering how authors decide to squeeze stories that must be good and captivating in a short format. So, of course, a victorian gothic novella? With romance and sickness? I'm IN.

The atmosphere is set fast. The author has a lovely writing style and a good way of putting to words the environment she pictures. Jacques, Annie and Amah, the main characters of the story, are interesting, with their own interests and delusions.

I expected it to have at least some sort of spice from the cover (it's gorgeous) and my feeling was true. While I do not care for its absence or presence, it was made fun by how pathetic Jacques is, and this continues to prove true throughout the story. I say this positively, because we all love a pathetic yearning man.

The vampire twist was somewhat unexpected, but really interesting. The Beecham infirmary part could have been longer, and I hope we learn more about him and his patients in the next book, which will apparently be a full-length novel! So that's exciting.

I'm looking forward to read more from this series!

[Meg (fantasybook.adventurer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Beecham’s Infirmary of the Affluent Afflicted✨

Author: Briar Somerset
Release: September 30, 2025
Series: My Darling Malady, book one

The first episode of a wild and harrowing fever dream, that’s what this vintage London novella was!

Falling into the pages of a gothic English setting, we follow the 1st person POV of our MMC, Jacques, who has recently lost his father and been offered a private investigator case across the English channel, bringing him to England from France.

Expecting a simple robbery, Jacques is surprised to find himself facing the case of a missing body. After a couple’s daughter, who had been staying in an affluent infirmary during the days of the plague curiously passes away, the only clues are a letter from the surgeon and four teeth.

This story is fast-paced. It is dark and mysterious and quirky. The characters all seem a bit off and it only adds to the mystery, especially as Jacques find himself afflicted and in the hands of a stabby seamstress.

I found this story compelling and intriguing. It felt like a suspense movie with Shutter Island vibes. Each moment is a flash of strange. Answers come in rapid bursts, feeling like your mind is reeling and in shock. The chapter headings are hilarious. The reveal has me curious as to what is happening next. It feels like a gothic horror show that I am equally disturbed and compelled to keep watching.

Tropes you may find in BIFTAA are gothic London setting, 30+ MCs, morally grey characters, mystery and plot twists, medium spice, suspicious illness, caregiver rep, vampires and supernatural creatures, and an open ending.

Thank you, Briar, for allowing me to continue to arc read for you and be on your ST.

[Acacia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Um yes give me moreee!!! Mad Doctor. Investigator. Vampirism. London. French. Need I say more. This was a quick little read and I ate it up in one seating Ofcourse. I wish I got a little more but this was a novella so I will have to be patient and wait! Alsoooo there’s a spicy section right up in there between the shirt little novella which I love when I don’t have to get to know the characters all the way before they boneeee so there’s that. Anyways I’m looking forward to the next book. I hope you readers enjoy like I did 🥰💗 also good reads needs a 4.5 star rating.

[Nikki O'Brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

a fast paced gothic treat. If you are looking for a quick gothic mystery with a dash of the supernatural and a smidge of.... dentistry.... then this novella is for you!

I do wish there was more so hope Briar Somerset gives us more!

The narration in the audio book was nice tho the sound balance was off a little sometimes. The narrators were great tho and the addition of sound effects really helped with the immersion.

Thanks so much to the author for the ALC of this book

[Jessica Blackman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened via Audible 🎧

I chose to listen off and on doing chores. Loved the narrator and the story. We all know it's difficult finding an audiobook with good narrators but this one was one of my favorites.

Not a story I would usually go with but I ended up enjoying it nonetheless.

Thank you to the author for letting me listen and leave an honest review!

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Victorian Gothic Paranormal Romance Novella set in London. The audio was so good and fit the setting perfectly! I enjoyed the characters and plot. It's a fast paced story that will have vou obsessed with what is going to happen next! Can't leave out the steamy romance! Excited to continue this story! Add this to your tbr for a dark and spooky quick story!

[Kellie- SpicedTeaandChapters · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!!!!
This dark, paranormal gothic tale was the perfect fast-paced read, full of atmosphere, mystery, and just the right amount of chilling undertones. From the very first pages, I felt immersed in the suspenseful, edgy vibe of the story, and it held me tight all the way through.

We’re swept into a Victorian-inspired world that feels both eerie and enchanting, following Jaques, our intriguing main character, alongside Annie, whose presence adds another layer of tension and mystery. The world-building may be quick, but it’s incredibly effective, painting vivid scenes without slowing the pace. And the twists? They hit from all directions, keeping me on my toes and hungry for answers.

By the time I hit the cliffhanger ending, I was left in total shock. Now I’m anxiously waiting to see what Briar has in store for us next in this series, because I need more of this dark and captivating world.

[Lara Loves Lit · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I am so grateful to Once Upon a Book Tours and Briar Somerset for the gifted audio. This Victorian Gothic Paranormal Novella made me feel like I was spirited back in time and living in an opium-filled lucid nightmare. This dramatic narration takes you into a mysterious infirmary where patients come in but don’t come out. As Jaques Valmont investigates it, strange things begin to occur as he seems to be suffering from a fever and odd symptoms. He teams up with Annie, a seamstress who works at the shop next to the infirmary and hatches a plan for him to become a patient at the infirmary— where he won’t find a cure for what ails him but rather secrets that threaten to destroy his sanity and life.

The gothic atmosphere from London’s bleak fall weather to the crowded and sooty cobblestone streets set an eery backdrop to the story that enhances its mystery. I thought the author and the narrators did an excellent job creating the vibes that fit the genre. I loved Annie’s no nonsense tough older FMC energy and especially how she was not shy with her desires for Jacques. Jacques character is written in a way that demonstrates how the ‘fever’ disrupts his rational self as he gives into his desires and obsession with Annie and solving the mystery of the infirmary.

The story kept me fully engaged with its many surprise twists and turns that had me guessing right up until the end. If you love a gothic thriller with vampires, mutual comfort and corruption and a story full of tension, spice and twists, then add this to your TBL today!

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

My weird girl heart LOVED this, but also I wish it was twice as long!

[Stephanie Landry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, mysterious with a bit of spice! This was beautifully written and very captivating. Filled with suspense and grabs your attention right off the bat! Need to find out what happens next! ☺️

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2 ⭐️

I am pleasantly confused…

This whole book was a roller coaster of events, turns and flips every which way… but in a good way.

I would say to read this if you’re looking for an easy, gothic paranormal romance read.

[Margeaux (meg_booklover7) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The opening to this novella reminds me so much of Edgar Allan Poe’s “Murders in the Rue Morgue.” Jacques Valmont is very much similar to Poe’s Dupin, brilliant but also seems like still an amateur. Then there is our FMC, Annie, who seems so worldly for a working seamstress. Annie adds to the mysterious atmosphere of the novel with her diverse racial background being the extra layer of intriguing. The attraction and chemistry between Jacques and Annie definitely puts this novel in the extra spicy, fast burn category but it is this instant connection that then submerges this story into a Bram Stoker Dracula-like tale. Because while you want the Jacques-Annie connection to be like that between Jonathan Harker and Mina, what we get is more Count Dracula and Mina. Jacques and Annie’s connection becomes somewhat toxic, especially when Jacques finds out more about the mystery at Beecham’s Infirmary and the illness that plagues him. Annie becomes Jacques’ anchor that reminds him of who he is in the midst of a transformation that obliterates everything. Fast paced and full of action, you’ll definitely want to get to book 2, Chateau Valmont and the Inheritance of Thirst, as soon as possible by the novel’s end.

P.S. The setting, the atmosphere, and the characterization very much establishes the novel’s genre as Victorian Gothic. These elements are amplified in the audiobook which I listened to while reading the ebook. This is definitely one of those stories where an immersive reading just gives a totally different experience.

[Anna Kratowicz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a perfect example of an appetizer book. It was delicious to read and left me desperate for more! The audio was outstanding. Full cast audio made it extremely enjoyable to listen to and sounds effects helped set the scene. I’m extremely intrigued by the story (I don’t want to say too much for fear of giving things away, since the story isn’t long) an I cannot wait to see where it goes.

If you like a little mystery, investigation, paranormal, and spice give this a listen. It’s a great length for a car ride or a couple workouts.

[Sonia B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook is such an impressive full production 👏🏾

[The Book Nerd's Corner · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short vampiric novella set in Victorian England during the peak of consumption.

Private Investigator Jacques Valmont is in England ready to find a missing tuberculosis patient. However, he himself seems to be inflicted with consumption himself, but he isn't letting that get in the way. Amidst his feverish delusions, he finds comfort and understanding in the arms of a seamstress by the name of Annie. She suggests that the only way to get into the infirmary that the young girl went missing from is to be brought in as a patient himself. Dark beings lurk within the walls of Beecham's Infirmary and Jacques fears that he may not be able to escape with his life.

I must say, I am intrigued by this one. I fear the plot has barely begun in the course of this novella, so it's hard to make a proper judgment of this story. I think I'm going to report my thoughts as interested to see where it goes but not overly invested.

I think using the front of tuberculosis to hide the fact that there are vampires in Victorian London was pretty genius. People afflicted with consumption are known for their pale skin and coughing up blood, so it truly is a great cover. The vampire elements of this book only started in the last segment, so I don't know all that much about the vampires in this world. However, the mad scientist vibe of Beecham has me interested to see just how Jacques will take him down in future books.

The romance is the thing that has me questioning this novella severely. Jacques and Annie seem rather terrible together. The fact that they got so physically immediately had me wrinkling my nose and questioning their judgement. I guess their futures have been tied together now, so I'll see if their relationship improves as the series progresses.

Overall, "Beecham's Infirmary for the Affluent Afflicted" felt like reading the first third of a book rather than enjoying a full novella. As it stands, I'm interested to see where this story goes but can't say this book stands on its own. The gothic Victorian vibes and the consumption spotlight add such an eerie feel to this book. I feel the second book will let me know if I truly enjoy this story or not. I definitely have to check out more of Somerset's work, because her dark fairy tale-esque books sound like something I'd eat up.

Audiobook Note: This one is narrated by Christopher Tester and Krys Jane. This book is set up so Christopher narrates all the male characters and Krys voicing all the females. This audiobook also has sound effects and music, so it was a very immersive experience. The fact that the narrators both have British accents made this book an enjoyable experience to listen to, even if certain parts of the story were a bit cringey.

[Arcs & Edges · Rating 4 out of 5]

In "Beecham's Infirmary for the Affluent Afflicted", we are transported to a soot-stained Victorian London where the boundary between medical science and ancient shadows is razor-thin. Briar Somerset weaves a tale centered on Jacques Valmot, an investigator whose internal struggles are just as treacherous as the mystery he is hired to unravel within the walls of a prestigius, yet deeply unsettling, sanatorium.

The narrative thrives on a heavy, suffocating atmosphere that perfectly mirrors the internal states of its characters. While the premise of health being used as a currency is fascinating, the core of the story lies in the desperate search for truth in a place designed to keep secrets buried. It is a haunting introdcution to a world where desire and illness are dangerously intertwined.

What I Loved
- Vivid World-Building: The "Gaslamp" aesthetic is executed brilliantly. The infiramry felt like a character in its own right - Imposing, mysterious, and genuinely eerie.
- Superb Narration: Listening to this audiobook was a treat. The voice actors managed to capture the tension and the specific emotional weight of the protagonists, which significantly enhanced the overall experience.
- Unique Magic System: I was intrigued by the concept of "unfulfilled desires" manifesting physically. It's a fresh take on paranormal tropes that has left me very curious about the lore in future installments.

Points for Consideration
- Abrupt Conclusion: As is often the case with shorter fiction, the resolution felt a bit sudden. I would have appreciated a few more chapters to really let the climax and its consequences settle.
- Whirlwind Romanc: The connection between Jacques and Annie sparked almost instantly. While their chemistry is evident, the transition from strangers to lovers felt a little too rapid for the dark tone of the rest of the book.

Final Verdict & Recommendtion
A dark, atmosperic gem that succesfully blends medical horror with a supernatural pulse. Despite the brisk pacing, the strength of the setting and the narration make it a journey worth taking. I'm ginving this 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4 for Goodreads) and will definitely be returning for the next book in the series.

Disclosure
I received this as an ALC from the author. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5/5 stars

Overall Thoughts

Beecham’s Infirmary for the Affluent Afflicted is lush, unsettling, and intoxicating in the way only true gothic fiction can be. The atmosphere is heavy with fog, longing, and rot beneath refinement, and the pacing slowly tightens like a corset pulled one notch too far. It feels intimate and eerie at once—romantic in a doomed, aching way, with a constant sense that something inside the story is quietly going wrong.
This novella leans hard into mood and emotion, letting dread and desire coil together until they’re impossible to separate.

Vibes & Tropes

Tropes: Gothic mystery, body horror, vampires & supernatural creatures, MCs 30+, diverse romance, Victorian London, Cantonese FMC, nosy private investigator
Vibes: Fog-drenched streets, decaying luxury, hunger as metaphor, slow corruption, yearning that borders on ruin
Genre: Victorian gothic paranormal romance
POV / Structure: Novella format, tightly focused, atmosphere-forward

What Worked

Elegant, immersive prose that feels period-appropriate without being dense

Thick gothic atmosphere—fog, sickness, and longing seep into every scene

Compelling character dynamics rooted in restraint, curiosity, and unspoken desire

Strong emotional and psychological tension beneath the mystery

Body horror elements used sparingly but effectively to unsettle rather than shock

Standout Quote

“Annie looks up at me, her eyes sultry and dark, framed by wisps of lashes that beckon my soul; she sucks the blood off of her middle and ring fingers as I slowly enter her. I’m about to lose myself, yet feel at home at the same time.”

Content & Tone Notes

This is a dark, gothic read that leans into body horror, supernatural transformation, obsession, and sensual intensity. Please check content warnings before starting.

Final Take

If you love gothic stories steeped in atmosphere, morally gray characters, supernatural hunger, and romance that feels dangerous rather than safe, this will absolutely land. It’s moody, sensual, and unsettling in the best way—and yes, it does end on a cliffhanger, so be prepared to crave more.

🗂️ Filed Under
Genre: Gothic paranormal romance
Vibes: Decaying elegance, fog and hunger
Emotional damage level: 🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸