Wayward Souls cover art

Wayward Souls

Harker & Moriarty, Book 2

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Wayward Souls

By: Susan J. Morris
Narrated by: Amélie Roch
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About this listen

In the cities and untamed wilds of Ireland, monsters are rising up against Unionists. Luckily. Sam and Hel aren't English.

Samantha Harker and Dr. Helena Moriarty might have solved the Paris case, but that doesn't mean the Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomena trusts them. Sam's power to see into the minds of monsters is a slippery slope to corruption. Worse, Hel's uncanny habit of turning up wherever her notorious father's hand is felt has the Society questioning whether he exists at all . . . or whether it's been Hel all along.

So when Special Branch requests aid in Ireland, the heart of Professor Moriarty's hidden empire, they send another agent to monitor them: Van Helsing, who is perpetually suspicious of Sam and a bit of an arse.

Their investigation takes them from ancient ruins to the clandestine clubs of the rich and powerful, untangling the mysteries of magic, monsters, and men. But even as Sam and Hel fall deeper into each other's orbit, the secrets between them multiply. Things Hel can't bear to confess; things Sam doesn't dare confide. Things which not only put Sam in terrible danger from Van Helsing, but leave her haunted by death omens, mysterious black feathers, and a song no one else can seem to hear. And, as ever, Professor Moriarty lurks in the shadows, waiting to make his next move . . .©2026 Susan Andrejs
Crime Fiction Fantasy Gothic Horror Literature & Fiction Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Science Fiction & Fantasy Supernatural Thriller & Suspense Fiction

Critic reviews

PRAISE FOR STRANGE BEASTS
Rad as hell... uncorking a phantasmagorical 19th century Paris that seethes with gritty depth, as explored by an ever-more-delightful sapphic pair. (Scott Lynch, author of The Lies of Locke Lamora)
In Strange Beasts, Susan J. Morris gives readers a subtle alchemy of beauty, poetry, suspense, and horror, nestled perfectly in Paris during the Belle Époque, a world that is recognizable but also uniquely her own. Hel and Sam are a stunning pair, fighting monsters in the darkest catacombs, while at the same time fighting against a world that would make monsters of them. A delightfully wicked read (Jaleigh Johnson, New York Times bestselling author)
Morris cleverly weaves together historical, literary, and mythological threads to create the endlessly rich world for her supernatural sleuths in this gripping mystery. With gorgeous prose and an unforgettable pair of heroines, Strange Beasts romps through the opulence and intrigue of turn-of-the-century Paris, offering an exploration of femininity, power, and the nature of monsters-as well as a thrilling adventure full of wit and heart. I can't wait for the sequel (Kate Alice Marshall, USA Today bestselling author of What Lies in the Woods and Rules for Vanishing)
Engaging and delightful, Strange Beasts draws the reader into a gothic setting that seems all too real. I was at once intrigued and a little spooked by all the familiar names, especially when I began to realize just how effectively Susan Morris has used our own nightmarish archetypes to trap us in her tale (Troy Denning, New York Times bestselling author)
What a luscious and fantastical treat! With virtuoso world-building, Morris effortlessly transported me to an enchanting realm teeming with monsters, mysticism, and the paranormal. Prepare to be utterly absorbed. Strange Beasts is a magical debut! (Emily Habeck, author of Shark Heart: A Love Story)
Strange Beasts is a propulsive collision of historical fiction and fantasy, all tied together with an opulent, gothic bow. A terrifying delight (Signe Pike, author of The Lost Queen series)
A magnificent book. Of gaslamps and murders, of Paris, of secrets and love, and of finding yourself and trust. I treasure this tale, I hope it's the first of many, and until those many start appearing, I'll reread this one. Often (Ed Greenwood, creator of the Forgotten Realms)
A whip-smart, lusciously atmospheric adventure through the dazzling theatres and chilling catacombs of turn of the century Paris (Frances White, Sunday Times bestselling author of Voyage of the Damned)
All stars
Most relevant
Really enjoyed listening to this book, great twist of older stories and good narration. Highly recommend.

Fantastic Story, Great Narration

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Given the historical, social, cultural, geographical and political impacts, effects and implications of accents in Ireland, I find the use of a generalised geographically northern sound for all the Irish characters offensive, inappropriate and ill considered.
How on earth has this vocal version been approved by an editor or producer?
It says at the end of the audiobook you appreciate listener feedback so here is mine - you have ruined this story by this narration.
The author is using nuanced descriptions of what the characters sound like throughout the story, both in terms of geography and class, none of this is reflected in the performance.
So you have also disrespected the author's care and attention to detail here too, not only the experience of the listener.
I can appreciate wanting to have continuity of narrator for a series but, where a narrator is not able to deliver the accents the characters require, surely it is better to bring in someone who can do so.
There could have been a voice note added to the audio version of the novel stating that due to the complexity of the Irish characterisations for this installment a different narrator is being used and the series will revert to Amelie Roche in the next installment.

I had preordered this title after so enjoying Strange Beasts, all I can say here is 'Listener beware and perhaps you'd be better off with the printed version'. I am deeply disappointed.

offensive and inappropriate Accent warning

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