by Theodora Goss
Narrator: Kate Reading
Length: 13 hours and 39 minutes
Genres: Fantasy, Mystery, Historical
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4 cups
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.
THE STRANGE CASE OF THE ALCHEMIST’S DAUGHTER written by Theodora Goss and narrated by Kate Reading was an addictive story featuring the daughters of some of Literature’s most famous science fiction and horror characters. Mystery, humor, and twists aplenty make this a worthy listen.
THE STRANGE CASE OF THE ALCHEMIST’S DAUGHTER was a delightful mash-up involving characters from The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Sherlock Holmes, Rappacini’s Daughter, The Island of Dr. Moreau, Frankenstein, and Dracula. It was clever from its delivery to the author’s reinvention of events that occurred. While I have read all of the fore mentioned classics, it is not necessary to have read them. I think most have a vague knowledge of them.
Mary Jekyll’s mother has past leaving her in a financial pickle. A request from their solicitor leads her to discover she has a sister. Notes found in her mother’s desk suggest that the mysterious Mr. Hyde may be alive and in the area. Thinking she might be able to collect the reward money offered she sets out to find him and thus begins our adventure.
Mary enlists the aid of Sherlock Holmes and his assistant Dr. Watson. Gruesome murders in the Chapel Hill area and her father’s notes soon have her hunting down more clues. Along the way, Mary encounters Beatrice Rappaccini, Catherin Moreau, and Justine Frankenstein. She, of course, offers these women an escape from their circumstances and before you know it, they are aiding her in the investigation. Her once empty home is becoming quite full, much to the chagrin of her housekeeper. As she learns their stories, she discovers a secret organization performing ghastly deeds in the name of scientific discovery.
This motley crew of ladies or as they refer to themselves, “monsters” were delightful. First, we have Diana Hyde a boisterous fourteen-year-old who is sure to eat Mary out of house and home. Then there is Beatrice Rappaccini whose breath and touch are deadly. Catherine Moreau is a female with unusual cat-like characteristics and Justine Frankenstein an unusually tall woman with a gentle quality rounds out the group. I loved their conversations and how each contributed to the investigation. It was delightful watching them form a sort of family. They eventually name themselves the Athena Club. I for one am hoping for more adventures with them.
The stories delivery was brilliant. Mary is writing a book, and each contributes their story. Mary reads to them what she has written, and they add comments or make suggestions. Instead of editing, she writes these in as footnotes and sometimes they are hilarious. I was worried at first that this might be too much for audio, but it worked splendidly. Often the pages are directly related to their investigation.
I feel Goss captured each of these characters and her take on the classics from which they came felt genuine, lending an air of authenticity to the tale. Through Mary, she even advises the reader of certain misconceptions or misinformation found in the classic stories themselves. For example, Dr. Frankstein did not kill the bride of Frankenstein before breathing life into her, as is evident by Justine herself. All of these tidbits of information were fascinating.
The tale is a mix of macabre, mystery and delightful humor that comes from the ladies banter amongst themselves. More than once I burst out laughing. Their voices felt genuine, and Kate Reading captured each of their unique personalities. As I listened, each character was easily recognizable from Sherlock to Diana.
From its interactive style to its quirky characters and suspenseful mystery THE STRANGE CASE OF THE ALCHEMIST’S DAUGHTER was a memorable tale that fed my inner nerd.
THE STRANGE CASE OF THE ALCHEMIST'S DAUGHTER was a brilliant tale that fed my inner nerd. Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
MarthaE
I’m always on the look out for good audiobooks. I’ve added this to my Audible wish list.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet. I look forward to your thoughts on it.
Katherine
What a mix of iconic characters! This seems like the kind of book that could be amazing or meh and I’m glad to hear that the execution lived up to the premise! I definitely need to read this one!
kimbacaffeinate
It was a fun one.
Suzanne
Oh wow, this sounds amazing and such a clever and unique idea for a story. I’ll probably do the print version but I definitely want to read it. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Happy reading Suzanne!
Lark
I requested this from NetGalley because it sounded so intriguing, and because Ms. Goss was one of Robin’s teachers at the Alpha Writing Workshop for teens.Unfortunately, I never heard back from the publisher. But now that I’ve read your review, I’m even more eager to read it, so I’ll be requesting that my library get a copy — and maybe the audio as well. And I’ll definitely make sure Robin gets a copy!
kimbacaffeinate
Bummer, but I am glad you’ll be gifting it and grabbing a copy from the library for yourself!
Paij (aka) Becca
This sounds so fantastic! I like the narrator as well! I am excited to listen to this one! I love audio books! Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Woot. I hope you enjoy it Becca 🙂
Stormi Johnson
This sounds right up my alley!! 🙂 I think I have listened to Kate Reading once and I like her! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It took a minute to acclimate to the audio but dang it was good.
Kristen
Oh this does sound like a really unique mashup with daughters of characters from so many different famous works! And it sounds sweet how they come together like that. I’m glad you liked it so much!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, they formed their own band of misfits and I adored them.
Tyler H. Jolley
Wow, Goss truly took the yarn from completely different places and together weaved an incredible story. Impressive. The outlining on this must have taken months. Bravo.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, between the historical aspect and weaving the daughters in it must have been 🙂
Mary Kirkland
That does sound like a good book.
kimbacaffeinate
It was original Mary 🙂
Aleen
OMG, I really need to read this! Great review Kimba, thanks for sharing this. I put it on my Amazon wish list. 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Woot. I look forward to your take on it
Heidi
I am surprised that this was humorous. It sounds exciting and who can resist those famous characters with a new spin?
kimbacaffeinate
It was the banter between the ladies that added the humorous moments Heidi. Combined with the mystery and cast of characters it was addictive.
Carole
This sounds like so much fun! I love that so many well known characters find a place in this one.
kimbacaffeinate
It was clever and she managed to pull it off
Geybie's Book Blog
Fantastic review as always, Kim. Yay, I’m in love with audiobooks!! Loving Once Perfect. This one sounds SO good. The genre isn’t the one I usually read but I’ll check it out. ❤️
kimbacaffeinate
Yay, happy to hear that about Once Perfect. This was unique and a genre bender, so give it a go.
Jolene Wilson
This sounds like such an interesting book!!! Thanks so much for sharing!
kimbacaffeinate
It was different and addictive.
Laurie
Oooo, I need to find a copy of this on audio!! It sounds like a lovely experience. Great review 🙂
blodeuedd
I think i would enjoy this one
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, I could see you enjoying this.
Ethan
I love how this one combines so many literary classics to create a brand new story! I’ll definitely look at listening to it soon!
kimbacaffeinate
It was quite clever and the characters were fantastically fleshed out.
Jenea
All these stories put together sounds absolutely amazing. And I love a good mystery so this sounds right up my alley. Wonderful review.
kimbacaffeinate
It had so many great elements. Enjoy Jenea.
Cyn
Oh my gosh, this seriously sounds amazing!! I love all those classic stories! Definitely need to check it out! Glad this was a 5 star listen for you! Great review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks, Cyn. I am so glad the cover spoke to me..lol
Braine
Ooh I would love this! A successful goth mash-up from the looks of it. Darn it, I miss Penny Dreadful!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh, I loved the show, Braine!
Sarah
I like the sound of this mash up! It sounds like such a fun mystery. Interactive, you say? Intriguing!
kimbacaffeinate
It was a lot of fun Sarah.
czai
well this sounds like a fantastic mash-up of classics. I saw this on the bookstore a couple of weeks back and I LOVE that cover. now I’m sooo into getting my hands on a copy!
kimbacaffeinate
The cover is gorgeous. I am glad I’ve tempted you to go and get it!
Debbie Haupt
Oh wow what a premise I’m definitely getting this one. Thanks Kim for the perfect draw.
kimbacaffeinate
My pleasure 🙂
Emz Chang
haven’t heard of this book but it sounds like quite an interesting and intriguing read. I’m not familiar with all the original stories so I guess it’s time to brush up on my classic literature. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you give this a go 🙂
Vanessa
Sounds like something I would totally love too. I love a good mystery story and it’s been pretty long since I last read one. Great review Kim 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks, Vanessa. This was a fun mash up.
Nadene
Never heard of this one before, but it does sounds interesting. I will be looking for the eBook, thanks for sharing.
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Nadene.
verushka
I actually tried this on audio but because of the asides, and the ladies were all contributing to it, I couldn’t quite get into it. So am going to read this one instead. This book has so many things to love, but most especially these wonderful ladies all working together!
kimbacaffeinate
It took me a minute to get acclimated but it ended up being fantastic on audio. I hope you enjoy reading it.
Nick
Oh that’s an interesting mash-up, Kim! It sounds like it was executed so well. And I really like the cover! I’ll have to look into this ASAP!
Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
It really was quite clever Nick.
RO
I love the cover of this book and think this author is brilliant for being able to pull all this together in one novel from the figures we grew up. This creative story truly sounds phenomenal, and I can’t wait to check it out. Hugs…
kimbacaffeinate
It was such a great mash up and all the different personalities had me chuckling.
ShootingStarsMag
I SO want to read this one – so I’m really glad to hear you loved it. I don’t know ALL of the original stories, but I’ve read most of them (or know enough about them) that I think I’d be able to follow. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Lauren. I had a good time with this.