Something Strange and Deadly Review

Something Strange and Deadly

By Susan Dennard

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.

~ MY REVIEW ~

Eleanor Fitt IS THE MOST AWESOME NAME EVER. *coughs* If you can't tell already, I really adored this book. I haven't read much in the way of zombies, as I mostly like to get my zombie fix on the TV. But, I have heard so much buzz about this book that it quickly became a must read. Something Strange and Deadly definitely does justice to the steampunk/zombie genres. I was transfixed by Susan's take on the 'Dead',  and how she mixed  everything up by throwing necromancers into the midst. This was an original and extremely entertaining story line. Eleanor's spunk and slightly misfitting personality--for the time period--was awesome! Totally what I wanted from her character. When she finally busts out of her corset and dresses and into pants and boots, I was like, "You go girl!" I loved her drive and giving heart. The Spirit Hunters keep things interesting as well, constantly saving the day with their crazy inventions. All the wacky science and inventions are what really makes a steampunk novel good for me. It gets your mind whirring with imaginative ways to solve problems. Some parts of this book made me think of what a paranormal version of Sherlock Holmes would be. 
This story presented the zombies in a realistic way, without having to overdue it on the gruesome details. The creep factor is definitely there, but it is definitely befitting of the story.
If you like YA Steampunk/Paranormal reads, than I would definitely try Something Strange and Deadly out for size. Susan has created some memorable characters, and I can't wait to continue Eleanor's story in the next book!