The Strange Case of the Alchemist's Daughter

By: Theodora Goss

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Winner of the 2018 Audie Award for Fantasy

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' deaths, 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.

©2017 Theodora Goss (P)2017 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

lovely unsuspenseful mystery

interesting style of writing - the heroines commenting on the story throughout was funny and relaxing

I enjoyed this book

This story was very entertaining while playing on the literature classics, nice coherent relatable characters. Prior to this I never put much thought into "what if the classic monsters had children?" The writing style was also unique in the way that I felt as if I was listening several people telling a story, with all of the impromptu interruptions and aside dialog.

Kate Reading is incredible

This story was a lot of fun. I went into it via a recommendation with no idea what the story was about and only knowing that Kate Reading (who I love) was the voice for this book.

It takes about an hour or two to catch on, but once you're passed that hump it's easy listening to. Might be easier as a book, but Kate does such a great job with the voices O have to recommend audiobook still.

The story does a great job weaving in a bunch of characters that you're already familiar with (and some new to me at least) in interesting ways.

I read in a review here or on Amazon that the story jumped around in time a lot and I have absolutely no idea what they are taking about. It literally flows from point A to point B directly at a good pace. When a new character is introduced, that character explains their background and then the story continues.

Definitely recommend and have no idea why this isn't more popular of a read. I am looking forward to the next 2 books.

An Excellent Story and a Wonderful Audio Book

Ms. Goss combines the monsters of the 19th century in a tale f adventure and intrigue--but with surprising and refreshing twists. Superbly excited, and her choice of a narrator was excellent. When I finished, I went straight over to the second book.

Fun read

I really enjoyed this book. I don't know if I expected to enjoy it as much as I did. the concept seemed rather strange, but it works!

a fun read

This was fun to listen to with the setting of the story so unusual. I really enjoyed it & will definitely get the next book in the series.

Writing Style Not My Cup of Tea

This story that purports to bring Mary Jeckyll, together with the likes of Sherlock Homes and various other monstrosity from literature would go a bit better if it was not so disjointed. The shift from the story to those hovering around while the book is being written to the actual story is just too disruptive for me. As I said not for me.

Creative, Witty and a Lot of Fun

This book is creativity, literature, whimsy, wit and a puzzle all in one. A truly satisfying read on all levels.

I loved every minute of this book.

This story is very different and imaginative. I couldn't wait to hear every new chapter and I cannot wait for a sequel. I sure do hope that there will be one.

Monstrous Name-Dropping Adventure for Mary and Co.

I like this series so far. I find it hard to articulate why. The narrator delivers the voices well, and the characters are really likeable in general. The character interaction is cute, and their less believable eccentricities can be imagined away as aspects of the unique ways they came into being. Male characters tend to act a little wonky, but none of the male characters are main characters so that is not that big of a deal.

The story focuses on delivering a good mystery and adventure, and does a pretty good job. The author seems to assume pretty heavily that the reader/listener is female, and puts in an appropriate amount of "girl talk" banter, though it is well done and adds to the personalities and story in general. While the style of adding in deliberate exposition dumps of each character can be distracting (the reason I gave the story 4 stars), there are some amusing moments in them (thank you Diane). The commentary interruptions are a little confusing to listen to at first, but are otherwise an amusing addition to the book. Overall, well done, Theodora Goss. I will listen to more of this series.