Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for an Advanced Reader’s Copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Catcher of Souls is the first in a promised trilogy of novels based on the murders committed by the infamous Jack the Ripper during London’s Victorian Era. The story follows best friends Viscount Sebastian Blackmore and Earl Abel Dunsmore. Sebastian is employed by a secret department of the Home Office, for whom he puts ‘unnaturals’ – a group of people that have developed an array of strange powers. Abel is a cursed painter, in love with a society lady that isn’t interested in his affections.

When Jack the Ripper begins to leave unnatural women dead in the streets with their organs missing, Sebastian and Abel team up to find a way to stop the murders. Their task leads them down several dangerous paths, meeting unexpected allies and making surprising enemies along the way.

Tarca does a wonderful job of immersing the reader in Victorian London. The setting is extremely believable, from the gaslit streets to the pitch-black carriages and changing fashions. The prose is well written and full of suspense. The pacing was great for a thriller, and while it did become faster towards the conclusion of the novel, the ending remained satisfying. I admit to not knowing precisely who the culprit was until the very end. I am certainly interested in picking up Tarca’s next installment when it arrives.

The Catcher of Souls is an exciting new take on the classic Jack the Ripper tale. It introduces us to Viscount Sebastian Blackmore and his best friend Earl Abel Dunsmore - one an assassin who goes after "unnaturals" on behalf of the Home Office, the other a gifted painter with secrets to hide - as they become caught up in the mystery killings and the impact on their own lives. It is an excellent depiction of the class differences of Victorian Era London, and it is clear that the author did significant historical research for the series. Overall I enjoyed the book, however I struggled with the heavy handed exposition and characters who felt two-dimensional for much of the story. That said, the book picks up significantly in both pace and quality as it goes along, and I will certainly continue with the series when book 2 comes out.

3/3.5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the eARC to review.

I really enjoyed the historical aspects woven into the plot. This novel blends historical fiction with thriller and horror elements, creating a gripping and fascinating read. The mystery unfolds with well-executed plot twists and suspense that keeps you hooked. I highly recommend this book.

This was a very unique and interesting twist on the classic Jack the Ripper tale. I really liked the fantasy element of including the victims being 'unnaturals' as the reason they were targeted. Sebastian goes through some pretty serious character development, which makes him a likeable and understandable character. I also really liked the stark contrast between the rich and poor and the way the author highlights this inequality through their attitudes to the murders. I really appreciated the element of mystery in the ending. Overall, a really solid read!

This takes you back to the past and was a blast reading. It’s written well and the plot/twists/grime/thriller all a combo in one makes it a splendid read. I recommend this book for crime, thriller, adventure and history lovers.

The Catcher of Souls by Ruxandra Tarca is the first book in her The Cursed Art series.

Taking place in Victorian London Sebastian, the heir to the Duke of Allensmore, is part of a department that eliminates people who possess "dangerous" abilities.

I loved the historical aspects of this book. Tarca's writing made me wonder if Jack the Ripper would show up.

This is a must read for people who like historical fiction with a little horror/thriller thrown in. Highly recommended.

I enjoyed this book. A throw back to Jack the Ripper and all the strangeness of that time in London. I will definitely want to read the other books to come in this series .

This is a wonderful opening to a new series. I admit I had different people picked out as the bad guys, which pleases me immensely. I can't wait to see how book two continues the story!

Retellings and stories inspired by Jack the Ripper lore are a guilty pleasure of mine, so I was immediately intrigued by this book. The addition of a Dorian Gray-inspired character sealed the deal for me, as The Picture of Dorian Gray is one of my all-time favorite books.

There were several aspects I enjoyed—the story had moments that reminded me of classic 80s/90s films with a clear hero, villain, and resolution, which gave it a nostalgic charm. Though it had a slow start, Ruxandra Tarca's style of writing is easy to read. I also really appreciated the depth of research that went into the historical details, especially regarding poisons and the social hierarchy of the time. Abel was a standout character for me, though I may be a bit biased due to my love for Dorian Gray.

That said, this book wasn’t entirely my cup of tea. The dialogue felt unnatural in places, coming across as more suited for a screenplay than a novel, which sometimes pulled me out of the story. I also found myself rereading the summary a few times in the beginning to clarify what was happening. My biggest struggle was with Sebastian—his characterization felt somewhat lacking depth, and his motivations, while straightforward, didn’t feel as fleshed out as I would have liked.

While this book didn’t fully work for me, I can see how it would appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction with a cinematic feel and detailed research. If you’re a fan of Jack the Ripper-inspired tales and gothic themes, it might be worth checking out!