Harker and Moriarty are back again in the sequel to Strange Beasts, solving murders, battling creatures, and trying to fight their personal demons at the same time. All whilst being hovered over by an annoying one-dimensional Dutchman.
Following something as great as the first book in this series was going to be tough and the author almost pulls it off. The character development dives more into each protagonist’s personal minefield while at the same time creating a new battlefield in the middle of their relationship. All while they are on the clock to solve the spooky things happening to people around them and to themselves as well.
- LGBTQIAP+ representation
- Irish culture & mythology
- Critique of controlling/belief systems (ehem patriarchy)
- Feminist?
- Secrets, ghosts, dark creatures of old legend
I REALLY enjoyed the elements of this book that involved atmosphere, setting, creatures, action, danger, etc. It draws on Ireland’s history, myths, and magic and seemed to mash all the creatures and gods together. Morris weaves a delightful spooky adventure.
What I didn’t enjoy were the relationship dynamics that border on toxic and controlling and extending very little autonomy over decision making. There was so much back and forth it became frustrating. This may be considered character development but it went on too long and became waffling instead. The arcs weren’t satisfying and I finished the book annoyed in a way about this.
Other than that, it’s a great book and I would still recommend it to anyone looking for a spooky murder mystery involving creatures of myth and legend.
Thank you to Inky Phoenix Press & Bindery Books for providing this ARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
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Find more information about the author and their books at their website linked here!
