The Peculiarities by Liss, David

A Buzzfeed Best Book of the Month

From popular historical fiction author David Liss (A Conspiracy of Paper) comes the tale of a clueless young man embroiled in a deadly supernatural mystery in Victorian London. Rooted in strange conspiracies and secret societies, this absurdist comedic romp combines strange bedfellows with murderous creatures, resulting in an unexpectedly delightful consequences.

"Intricate plotting, exquisite pacing, crackling suspense, and fascinating historical rabbit hole revelations."
--Shelf Awareness

Thomas's problems are more serious than those of a typical young Victorian gentleman. His elder brother may be sabotaging the family's bank. His childhood friend has died under mysterious circumstances. Far worse, leaves are sprouting on Thomas's skin. Perhaps it is all the fault of the long-rumored "Peculiarities" lurking in London's grey fog?

Proper society scoffs at the notion of magic, even as it seeps into their buildings, transfiguring the rich and poor alike. If Thomas is going to save the family business--and stop turning into a tree--he'll need help from some rather improper companions. Desperate for counsel, he seeks the advice of a lycanthropic medium and London's unacceptable occult society, including a strange fellow named Aleister Crowley.

Author: David Liss
Publisher: Tachyon Publications
Published: 09/07/2021
Pages: 336
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.90lbs
Size: 8.98h x 5.98w x 1.02d
ISBN: 9781616963583

Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 04/19/2021
Kirkus Reviews 08/01/2021
Booklist 09/01/2021 pg. 43
Shelf Awareness 09/07/2021

About the Author
David Liss is the author of fourteen novels, as well as numerous novellas, short stories, and comics. His previous books include A Conspiracy of Paper, which was named a New York Times Notable Book and won the 2001 Barry, Macavity and Edgar Awards. The Coffee Trader (2003) was also named a New York Times Notable Book and was selected by the New York Public Library as one of the year's 25 Books to Remember. He is also the author of the middle grade Randoms series.

Many of Liss's novels are currently being developed for television or film. He has worked on numerous comics projects, including Black Panther and Mystery Men for Marvel, The Spider and Green Hornet for Dynamite, and Angelica Tomorrow.

Liss lives in San Antonio with his wife and children.