The Strange Case of the Alchemist's Daughter
Books | Fiction / Fantasy / General
3.6
(423)
Theodora Goss
Based on some of literature’s horror and science fiction classics, this is the story of a remarkable group of women who come together to solve the mystery of a series of gruesome murders—and the bigger mystery of their own origins.Mary Jekyll, alone and penniless following her parents’ death, is curious about the secrets of her father’s mysterious past. One clue in particular hints that Edward Hyde, her father’s former friend and a murderer, may be nearby, and there is a reward for information leading to his capture…a reward that would solve all of her immediate financial woes. But her hunt leads her to Hyde’s daughter, Diana, a feral child left to be raised by nuns. With the assistance of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, Mary continues her search for the elusive Hyde, and soon befriends more women, all of whom have been created through terrifying experimentation: Beatrice Rappaccini, Catherin Moreau, and Justine Frankenstein. When their investigations lead them to the discovery of a secret society of immoral and power-crazed scientists, the horrors of their past return. Now it is up to the monsters to finally triumph over the monstrous.
Historical Fiction
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Author
Theodora Goss
Pages
402
Publisher
Simon and Schuster
Published Date
2017-06-20
ISBN
148146650X 9781481466509
Community ReviewsSee all
"This twist on a classic horror genre was quite fun if not a bit stretched out. Last fall I read all of the classics introduced here so that I could enjoy this to the fullest. Though it really doesn't need to be done. The narrators each in turn tell their story so no one is left unaware. Still I don't regret reading the history of where our classic monsters came from.<br/><br/>When did you figure out you loved the book? When Dianna exclaimed "Not likely you old b-tch." to a nun.<br/><br/>I very much enjoyed the way the story was written down by the girls. Also how each one was standing over the another bickering about what was said or done. It made for a very funny interesting read. And the many pov's enriched the story further. I was very surprised to find The Strange Case was more adult than I would have previously guessed. The title and cover seemed more like a middle grade or YA to me.<br/><br/>Again the classic monster retelling made the book inviting and the feminist angle was beautifully done. These women even though strong were venerable and even though loners started to cherish each others company. I found myself becoming connected to each in turn as I got to know them. <br/><br/>My only complaint of the book was the slow pace. But that is to be expected when you are introduced to five main characters and need to learn their history. I think the books to come will be more swift. And who could forget Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watson. The sly flirtations with the monsters was small but fun. I liked how Holmes challenged Mary but also how he was intrigued by her as well. Just all in all fun and can't wait to hang out with these gals again."
"I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I struggled with the pacing and the writing style. The characters interjecting all the time really felt like a bad fanfiction device, especially given that the book is actually fanfiction of a bunch of classic stories all at once. A huge crossover AO3 would be proud to host.<br/>Still I really enjoyed the characters and their interactions, and I'm always a sucker for a found family trope, so I'd rate this on the high side of 3.5 stars."
"I think it took at least half of the book for me to fully engage with the story. However, once I did I very much enjoyed it. If you have started the book and want to put it down, just keep reading."
K H
Kimberly Harper