Description
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
My Review
Hel and Sam are back! And Van Helsing is hanging around being a pain in the arse.
The trio head to Ireland to investigate strange deaths and phenomena. Moriarty is thought to be behind it, but there are other possible causes, including a strange society of rich men interested in the occult. And a goddess. It’s a mystery that the three must solve. Hel and Sam just need Van Helsing to get out of the way and let them do their jobs.
Hel and Sam’s relationship makes tentative steps forward once they’re in Ireland but the appearance of a ghost and death omens, plus their individual secrets, really get in the way. That and Van Helsing hanging around.
The mystery is well structured and the development of their personal stories is integrated into the plot.
I liked the story and the narration was good. If you enjoyed Susan Morris’ first Harker and Moriarty novel, I think you’ll enjoy this book.
Everything Is Better With Dragons 