“Death is not the end, but a door. And sometimes, a window.”
— A recurring thought about the nature of death in the world.
Archivist's Choice
Something Strange and Deadly
Susan Dennard (2012)
Genre
Fantasy / Historical Fiction / Young Adult / Romance
Reading Time
388 min
Key Themes
See below
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In a gaslamp-lit Philadelphia filled with reanimated corpses, Eleanor Fitt must brave the Spirit-Hunters and a handsome paranormal investigator to rescue her missing brother from a necromantic evil.
Synopsis
In 1876 Philadelphia, Eleanor Fitt's life changes when her brother, Elijah, disappears during a city-wide uprising of the Dead. A zombie delivers a letter from Elijah, leading Eleanor to discover her brother was taken by the necromancer controlling the undead army. She seeks out the Spirit-Hunters, a group protecting Philadelphia from supernatural threats. Eleanor forms an alliance with the Spirit-Hunters, including the enigmatic Daniel, as they investigate the zombie plague and the necromancer's motives. As Eleanor learns more, she uncovers personal betrayals, leading to a confrontation in the necromancer's lair. She makes difficult choices to save her brother and the city, ultimately finding a new purpose with the Spirit-Hunters.
Reading time
388 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Suspenseful, Adventurous, Romantic, Dark
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy historical fantasy with a strong female protagonist, a dash of romance, and a unique take on zombies.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer hard fantasy or horror without romantic elements, or find Victorian-era settings slow.
Plot Summary
A Brother's Disappearance and a City's Fear
Eleanor Fitt, from a once-prominent Philadelphia family, worries about her brother, Elijah, who vanished weeks ago. Her family's money has decreased, and her mother wants her to find a wealthy husband. The city fears the Dead, reanimated corpses appearing often. One evening, a zombie attacks Eleanor's carriage, delivering a letter from Elijah, saying he was taken by whoever controls the Dead. This encounter makes Eleanor determined to find her brother, forcing her to face the supernatural threats in her city and family.
Seeking the Spirit-Hunters
Because of Elijah's letter, Eleanor decides to get help from the Spirit-Hunters, a secret group fighting the supernatural. She goes to their secluded mansion outside Philadelphia, a place spoken of with fear and respect. There, she meets their leader, Daniel, a young man with a strong reputation and a reserved manner. Despite his initial hesitation and the Spirit-Hunters' rule against involving civilians, Eleanor's resolve and the unique details of Elijah's abduction convince Daniel to consider her request, though with reservations.
An Unlikely Alliance and the Labyrinthine Mansion
Eleanor enters the Spirit-Hunters' world, which is very different from her refined upbringing. She quickly learns about their abilities—Daniel's control over spiritual energy, Jie's mechanical skills, and others' various talents. She also meets Clarence, a practical and often critical member, and the more understanding Joseph. Confined to the mansion for her safety and as a condition of their help, Eleanor dislikes the rules but watches their training and research. She begins to understand their defenses against the Dead and the dangers they face, slowly earning Daniel's trust.
Investigating the Undead Uprising
As Eleanor becomes part of the Spirit-Hunters' operations, she helps with their investigations into the increasing zombie attacks. She helps examine clues, analyze patterns, and even joins them on missions into the city's dangerous areas. During these outings, she sees the Dead's power and the Spirit-Hunters' dedication. They discover the zombies are controlled, showing a disturbing level of coordination. This discovery deepens the mystery and increases the urgency to find Elijah, as he is clearly part of a larger, more sinister plot.
A Glimpse of the Enemy and Personal Revelations
During a mission into a city area overrun by the Dead, Eleanor and Daniel face the Necromancer's direct influence. They see the Necromancer manipulate the Dead with terrifying precision, revealing a powerful adversary. The experience is difficult, forcing them to rely on each other. Afterward, a moment of shared vulnerability between Eleanor and Daniel begins to soften Daniel's reserved manner, and Eleanor starts to see beyond his rough exterior, sensing a deeper pain and responsibility. This encounter strengthens their growing bond.
The Ball and the Betrayal
Using her social standing, Eleanor attends a high-society ball, hoping to gather information about unusual activities or people connected to the rising Dead. Daniel accompanies her as her escort, which creates a stir among the city's elite. The evening turns dangerous when the ball is attacked by a wave of zombies, seemingly targeting specific people. Amid the chaos, Eleanor discovers a shocking betrayal: her mother is involved with the Necromancer, having traded information for promises of restored wealth and status. This revelation shatters Eleanor's world, adding a personal layer to her quest.
Elijah's Discovery and the Necromancer's Lair
Following clues from the ball and further investigations, the Spirit-Hunters find Elijah's location: the Necromancer's lair, hidden in the city's underbelly. They learn Elijah is not just a prisoner but is being used in the Necromancer's experiments, his spiritual energy possibly being drained or controlled. The stakes are higher, and a plan is made to infiltrate the heavily guarded stronghold. Eleanor, despite the danger, insists on being part of the rescue mission, determined to save her brother.
Confrontation and Sacrifice
The Spirit-Hunters attack the Necromancer's lair. The fight is brutal, with the Necromancer using great power over the Dead and other dark magic. Eleanor fights alongside Daniel, Jie, and the others, using her quick thinking and courage. During the battle, they discover the Necromancer's identity and the full extent of his plan, which involves sacrificing many to achieve his goals. To protect Eleanor and allow the others to escape with Elijah, one of the Spirit-Hunters makes a sacrifice, a devastating loss for the team.
The Aftermath and Lingering Shadows
Elijah is rescued, though weakened and traumatized by his experience, but the Necromancer escapes, vowing to return and complete his dark plan. The Spirit-Hunters return to their mansion, injured but alive, mourning their lost friend. Eleanor reunites with Elijah, a bittersweet victory given the cost. Her mother is arrested for her involvement, facing the consequences of her choices. With the immediate threat gone but a greater danger still present, Eleanor is at a crossroads. She has shown courage and resourcefulness, and Daniel, seeing her potential, offers her a permanent role within the Spirit-Hunters, suggesting a future with their fight.
A New Beginning, A Shared Purpose
After the Necromancer's escape and the changes in her life, Eleanor makes a choice. She rejects her family's expectations of a conventional life and commits to the Spirit-Hunters' cause. She begins training seriously, determined to improve her skills and help fight supernatural threats. Her relationship with Daniel, once tense, grows into a bond of respect and unspoken affection. They acknowledge their growing feelings, understanding that their shared purpose and future battles will define their journey together. Eleanor is no longer just a society girl; she is a Spirit-Hunter in training, ready to face whatever darkness Philadelphia holds.
Principal Figures
Eleanor Fitt
The Protagonist
Eleanor transforms from a sheltered society girl into a brave and capable Spirit-Hunter, embracing a life of purpose beyond societal norms and finding her true calling.
Daniel
The Protagonist/Love Interest
Daniel learns to trust and open up emotionally, especially to Eleanor, finding companionship and a shared purpose that eases his solitary burden.
Elijah Fitt
The Supporting
Elijah is a victim who is rescued, serving as a symbol of innocence lost and the stakes of the Spirit-Hunters' fight.
Jie
The Supporting
Jie remains a steadfast and reliable member of the Spirit-Hunters, her skills proving invaluable.
The Necromancer
The Antagonist
The Necromancer's plan is largely thwarted, but he escapes, ensuring he remains a looming threat for future conflicts.
Mrs. Fitt
The Supporting
Mrs. Fitt's desperate choices lead to her arrest and the complete loss of her social standing, a consequence of her misguided priorities.
Clarence
The Supporting
Clarence remains a skeptical but loyal member of the Spirit-Hunters, gradually accepting Eleanor's place within the team.
Joseph
The Supporting
Joseph remains a supportive and empathetic presence within the Spirit-Hunters.
Themes & Insights
Family and Loyalty
The strong bond between Eleanor and Elijah drives the story. Eleanor's search for her brother, despite personal risk and societal expectations, highlights familial loyalty. This contrasts with Mrs. Fitt's betrayal, where her loyalty to social status outweighs her loyalty to her children, showing the effects of misplaced priorities. The Spirit-Hunters also show strong loyalty to each other, forming a family unit in their fight against the supernatural, seen in their sacrifices during the Necromancer's attack.
“"He's my brother. I'll search for him until my last breath, even if it means facing every horror Philadelphia has to offer."”
Societal Expectations vs. Personal Freedom
Eleanor faces constant pressure from her mother and 19th-century Philadelphia's social norms to marry for status and secure her family's future. Her journey pushes her beyond these limits, forcing her to choose a path of danger and purpose over a domestic life. The Spirit-Hunters operate outside conventional society, seen as mysterious and dangerous. Eleanor's decision to join them represents her rejection of societal expectations for personal freedom and a life dedicated to justice, showing that true fulfillment comes from pursuing one's own calling.
“"I'd rather face a thousand zombies than endure another season of forced smiles and empty conversations."”
The Nature of Good and Evil
The book explores the lines between good and evil, and the choices people make under pressure. The Necromancer represents destructive evil, driven by a desire for power. However, the story also looks at the more complex 'evil' of human desperation, as seen in Mrs. Fitt's betrayal, fueled by her desire to restore her family's wealth. The Spirit-Hunters are a force for good, but their methods are often harsh, and their world is dangerous, forcing them to make difficult, morally complex decisions. The rising Dead are a literal representation of corruption and decay, both physical and moral, that threatens the city.
“"Some evils wear a mask of civility, Eleanor. Those are often the most dangerous."”
Courage and Resilience
Eleanor's change from a sheltered young woman to a brave participant in the fight against the Dead shows her courage and resilience. She repeatedly faces terrifying supernatural threats, personal betrayals, and loss, yet she never gives up on her mission to find Elijah or her commitment to the Spirit-Hunters. Daniel and the other Spirit-Hunters also show this theme, constantly facing horrors and personal sacrifice to protect the city. Their ability to keep going despite overwhelming odds, both physical and emotional, highlights the strength of the human spirit when facing darkness.
“"Fear is a choice, Eleanor. You can let it consume you, or you can use it to make you stronger."”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Rising Dead
Reanimated corpses that serve as the primary supernatural threat and a symbol of growing corruption.
The Dead are the central antagonistic force, reanimated corpses controlled by the Necromancer. They function as a constant, visible threat, creating a pervasive atmosphere of fear and urgency in Philadelphia. Beyond being mere monsters, their coordinated movements and the fact that they are controlled by a single entity elevate them from simple zombies to instruments of a larger, more sinister plot. They symbolize the decay and corruption that the city faces, both supernatural and moral, and their presence drives Eleanor's quest and the Spirit-Hunters' mission.
The Spirit-Hunters' Mansion
A secluded and technologically advanced headquarters that serves as a sanctuary and training ground.
The Spirit-Hunters' mansion is more than just a dwelling; it's a fortress, a laboratory, and a sanctuary. Its secluded location and advanced defenses protect its inhabitants from the outside world, while its hidden rooms and workshops house the tools and knowledge necessary to combat the supernatural. It represents a world apart from conventional society, a place where the rules of the mundane no longer apply. For Eleanor, it becomes a temporary prison, a school, and eventually, a new home, symbolizing her transition into a life beyond societal expectations.
Elijah's Letter
A message delivered by a zombie that serves as the inciting incident for Eleanor's journey.
Elijah's letter, delivered by a zombie, is the crucial plot device that propels Eleanor into the heart of the supernatural conflict. It serves as undeniable proof of Elijah's capture and the existence of a sentient, controlling force behind the Dead. Without this direct and terrifying communication, Eleanor might never have believed the rumors or sought out the Spirit-Hunters. The letter not only confirms her brother's plight but also establishes the personal stakes of the zombie uprising, transforming a city-wide threat into a deeply personal quest for Eleanor.
Spiritual Energy/Aether
A mystical force that can be manipulated by certain individuals, both for good and evil.
Spiritual energy, or aether, is the fundamental magical element of the world. Daniel can manipulate it to fight the Dead and sense supernatural presences, while the Necromancer uses it for reanimation and dark spells. This device establishes the magic system of the novel, explaining how the Spirit-Hunters combat their foes and how the Dead are controlled. It also introduces the idea that some individuals, like Elijah, possess a unique connection to this energy, making them valuable targets for those seeking to harness its power.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“Sometimes the greatest evils are not born of malice, but of fear.”
— Reflecting on the motivations behind a character's actions.
“The past is never truly dead. It merely waits for the right moment to rise again.”
— Considering the impact of historical events and personal histories.
“Even in the darkest of times, there is always a flicker of hope. You just have to be brave enough to find it.”
— A message of encouragement amidst dire circumstances.
“Love, it seemed, was a dangerous thing. It made you reckless, and it made you vulnerable.”
— A character's internal struggle with developing romantic feelings.
“There are some wounds that time cannot heal, only hide.”
— Reflecting on the lasting impact of trauma and loss.
“To truly live, one must first confront their own mortality.”
— A philosophical musing on the meaning of life.
“Secrets were like ghosts; they haunted you until they were finally laid to rest.”
— Considering the burden of hidden truths.
“The world was a far stranger place than she had ever imagined, filled with wonders and horrors beyond human comprehension.”
— A character's growing awareness of the supernatural world.
“Duty was a heavy chain, but sometimes, it was the only thing that kept you from falling apart.”
— A character's struggle with their responsibilities.
“Sometimes, the greatest strength lies in admitting your weaknesses.”
— A moment of vulnerability and self-awareness for a character.
“Fear was a powerful motivator, capable of driving people to both great acts of courage and terrible deeds.”
— Observing the effects of widespread panic and fear.
“The dead, it seemed, had a way of clinging to the living, whether they wanted them to or not.”
— Describing the persistent presence of the deceased.
“Not all monsters lurked in the shadows; some wore the faces of angels.”
— Unmasking a seemingly benevolent but sinister character.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
Eleanor's primary conflict is the mysterious disappearance of her brother, Elijah. This personal crisis is compounded by her family's financial struggles and her mother's desperate attempts to marry Eleanor off for security, all set against the backdrop of an unprecedented zombie uprising in Philadelphia.
About the author
Biography coming soon.
