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Beecham's Infirmary for the Affluent Afflicted: My Darling Malady, Book 1
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.
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.
Audible Audio
Published December 15, 2025
1 person is currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Briar Somerset
6 books52 followersBriar Somerset crafts Dark Fantasy and Gothic Romance infused with archival intrigue and candlelit academia, from the Arthurian-inspired Dark Medieval Romantasy series A Lay of Ruinous Reign, to My Darling Malady—a Gothic Paranormal Romance series tracing two unlikely partners through the spectral edges of Victorian society. Born in Hawaii and now living in California with her family, she delights in crafting worlds both beautifully strange with a hint of whimsy, and the quiet charm of the macabre.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 3, 2026
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.
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.
December 30, 2025
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.
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.
December 30, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up.
This book originally published in September and the immersive audiobook published earlier this month! I listened to the immersive audio and am SO GLAD I did! Narrated by the amazing talents of Christopher Tester and Krys Janae in duet narration. The production is really well done. The performances pull you in and keep you tethered to your headphones. The gothic vibes, the setting, and the aching longing... this is a perfect example of why I love paranormal romance.
💜Thank you to Briar Somerset and Once Upon a Book Tour for including me on the review tour and for the gifted audiobook!
This book originally published in September and the immersive audiobook published earlier this month! I listened to the immersive audio and am SO GLAD I did! Narrated by the amazing talents of Christopher Tester and Krys Janae in duet narration. The production is really well done. The performances pull you in and keep you tethered to your headphones. The gothic vibes, the setting, and the aching longing... this is a perfect example of why I love paranormal romance.
💜Thank you to Briar Somerset and Once Upon a Book Tour for including me on the review tour and for the gifted audiobook!
January 3, 2026
📖 Reading how Jacques sees Annie through his eyes. 😍
🎧 Listening to how Jacques sees Annie through his eyes. 🫦🫠
A fantastic immersive experience!
I was not prepared for how I would react to this audio. I had to listen to it all over again a second time, because the first time I could barely listen to anything from all my constant squealing and giggling. From the voices to the emotional storytelling, Krys Janae and Christopher Tester did a phenomenal job on this dark, gothic, paranormal mystery novella.
Thank you, Briar Somerset and Elysian Nightfall Studios, for the ALC.
🎧 Listening to how Jacques sees Annie through his eyes. 🫦🫠
A fantastic immersive experience!
I was not prepared for how I would react to this audio. I had to listen to it all over again a second time, because the first time I could barely listen to anything from all my constant squealing and giggling. From the voices to the emotional storytelling, Krys Janae and Christopher Tester did a phenomenal job on this dark, gothic, paranormal mystery novella.
Thank you, Briar Somerset and Elysian Nightfall Studios, for the ALC.
December 19, 2025
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.
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.
January 1, 2026
I received this as a ALC. It's a quick listen at 2.5 hours. It is witty and fast paced. The romance and mystery is just the right level. I can't wait to know what happens with Jacques. His love for Annie is compelling. I will say the narrators voice fits the character perfectly, but I honestly didn't care for it that much. It made it old world Dracula for me which was icky. This is why I gave 4 stars
January 10, 2026
This was one of my favorite audiobooks so far! I finished the whole thing in a morning while cleaning because I couldn’t walk away. The intros to each chapter were captivating and I love the choice of music used! The voice actors were amazing and sounded exactly like I had pictured while reading. They brought Briar’s words to life and left no dull or boring moments, I was entranced the whole time! Thank you so much for the chance to listen to this!
January 4, 2026
Christopher Tester and Krys Janae did a magnificent job of bringing this gothic tale to life. Their rich voices and engaging narration elevated the experience for me. Transporting me to this dark gothic world and infusing the mystery with tension and immersive thrills. I can’t recommend this story enough and I eagerly await the next installment in My Darling Malady series!
December 18, 2025
Loved this story, and then being able to listen to it and relive it all over again? Yes thank you so much! Such great voice actors were picked for this.
January 1, 2026
Beecham's as a novella does a great job of telling a story (an introduction, if you will) in anticipation of a full novel coming soon. We learn how Jacques finds himself in London, meeting Annie and discovering something very disturbing about the named Infirmary.
An investigation with Victorian Gothic vibes, Beecham's brings the atmosphere from the Anatomy duology and Ripper Street, while still being itself.
The dual narration for this audio version is stellar, with immersive sounds that, while not intrusive, aim to put you right IN the story - and it works! Christopher Tester and Krys Janae bring us believable characters, and I am curious to listen to the next installment.
I was part of the ALC team, but they truly knocked it out of the park. I did expect a different accent for Jacques, but quality of the narration took precedence, and I like that.
An investigation with Victorian Gothic vibes, Beecham's brings the atmosphere from the Anatomy duology and Ripper Street, while still being itself.
The dual narration for this audio version is stellar, with immersive sounds that, while not intrusive, aim to put you right IN the story - and it works! Christopher Tester and Krys Janae bring us believable characters, and I am curious to listen to the next installment.
I was part of the ALC team, but they truly knocked it out of the park. I did expect a different accent for Jacques, but quality of the narration took precedence, and I like that.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews