The year is 1876, and there’s something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia…
Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she’s just read in the newspaper:
The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.
And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor…from her brother. Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she’ll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces.
But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.
I have to say that out of all the zombie novels that I’ve read in recent times…which isn’t THAT many when I think about it, but mostly the Forest of Hands and Teeth trilogy, The Space Between, and This is Not a Test, Dennard’s story captured my imagination and my heart. (Cheesy, right?)
The story opens up with the main character at the train station waiting to pick up her brother who is supposed to arrive home after a number of years abroad. Unfortunately, Eleanor’s trip is interrupted by a Dead Alarm (how brilliant is that? C’mon Resident Evil…where were THOSE?) and the arrival of a creepy zombie with a note specifically for her (I’d be afraid to touch the note for fear of germs).
From there we are integrated into the harship of the Fitt family and the strange obligations of 19th century women to their family and society. I love Eleanor for being rebellious when it comes to obeying all the rules, but that she isn’t a cliche. She just does what she thinks is right, regardless of the possible repercussions. Impetuous would be a great word to describe her.
Naturally, there is a young, handsome man who is exasperatingly intelligent and full of wit. He is a fine match for Eleanor when it comes to attitude and humor.
The one thing that really bothered me throughout the novel was the lack of background given to the world. When did these zombies become a problem? It wasn’t just the work of this necromancer, because the dead alarms and spirit hunters existed prior to that. However, the fast paced story kept the world building at the back of my mind. Although when I finished and was reflecting on the story I kept having questions. I certainly hope that these will be answered in the subsequent installments.
Overall I really enjoyed Something Strange and Deadly. It made an excellent beach read.
4 Bards.
