The Strange Case of the Alchemist's Daughter

By: Theodora Goss

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Based on some of literature’s horror and science fiction classics, this “tour de force of reclaiming the narrative, executed with impressive wit and insight” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) debut 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.

Immensely Enjoyable

Fun premise and quite imaginative. First rate narration only enhances the experience. Looking forward to the follow-up.

Basic, disappointing

With great characters pulled from Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde, Frankenstein, and Island of Dr Moreau, I really wanted this to be great. But the story is disappointingly simple, with disruptive side commentary from the characters.

a great twist on classic horror stories

A very entertaining twist on classic horror stories of the 1800s. A what-if after-the-fact and the beginning of what I hope will be a long series.

Very unique

No Spoilers in this- I had never listened to a book written in this style before. It took me the first couple of chapters to get used to it, but once I was, I really enjoyed all of the different voices and thoughts of the characters acting as editors of the story. I loved how the characters were created to be the offspring of other major fictional characters. The back stories kept in line with the original story lines.

Kate Reading is outstanding as usual. I don't think I have listened to anything narrated by her that I didn't enjoy.

I will listen to this again as well as purchase the other books in the series.

good storyline, but a bit too long

this story is original while blending in several characters from Victorian English literary lore. i was pleased with the result and character changes, however after about 12 hours, it seemed as though random thoughts and supposed plot twists tortured the storyline.

solid effort and imaginative. but sometimes less words improves the story cohesion.