Deadly Destinations: Susan Dennard & win SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY

Today’s Deadly Destination is and interview with Susan Dennard about her debut SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY (published on July 24, 2012 from HarperTeen). Want to win a copy? Enter via the widget below.

**Visit Dark Faerie Tales today for her Deadly Destination from James R. Tuck & a chance to win BLOOD AND SILVER**

Hosted by All Things Urban Fantasy & Dark Faerie Tales August 1st-31st

Interview with Susan Dennard from SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY

ATUF: SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY is set in 1876 Philadelphia. What made you choose that time period and location for your story?

SD: I’ve always been fascinated by 19th century civilization. Some of my favorite classics are from that time–Dickens, Poe, Doyle. I also knew that the time period would add some delicious conflict for my heroine–all those SKIRTS and CORSETS, not to mention the suffocating social restrictions. Plus, I’ve loved steampunk as an aesthetic since I was kid (thank you DINOTOPIA!).

Main Hall Interior, Centennial Exhibition

When I was trying to find a setting for SS&D, I knew I wanted a steampunk vibe with some horror elements thrown in. After some early research online, I stumbled on the Centennial Exhibition–America’s first World’s Fair–and I thought, “What a COOL place for some zombie take overs!”

ATUF: What can you tell us about the Spirit Hunters? Their lab?

SD: The Spirit-Hunters met a few years before the events of SS&D. Chance–and a nasty haunting–brought them together on a steamboat in the Mississippi. They very rarely get paid, but fortunately, Joseph has some money saved up…and Jie and Daniel can be pretty resourceful when it comes to snagging finding food.

Their lab–a tiny hole in the wall at the Centennial Exhibition–is actually more of an insult than it is a useful space. Daniel takes up most of the space with his inventions and experiments. Fortunately, their drab quarters don’t hold them back–and in book 2, A DARKNESS STRANGE AND LOVELY, the team gets a major upgrade in Paris!

ATUF: The zombies in SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY rise out of Laurel Hill Cemetery. Is this a real location or fictional? Does it have any distinguishing characteristics?

SD: Laurel Hill IS in fact quite real, and I actually visited the cemetery while I was writing the book. (I probably disturbed the other visitors though, since I ran through the graveyard as if zombies were on my heels and tried to figure out where exactly Eleanor would go!)

One of the most distinguishing characteristics of Laurel Hill is it’s white gatehouse, which stood in 1876 and STILL stands today! Eleanor presses her face against the iron bars to watch the corpses shamble by within, and I actually did the same thing! Well…minus the shambling corpses, of course.

ATUF: What were some of your favorite steampunk elements that you incorporating into SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY?

Eleanor by Natalia Pierandrei

Daniel by by Natalia Pierandrei

SD: Well, I definitely wouldn’t call SS&D a hardcore steampunk. It’s more a gothic adventure with–as you say–steampunk elements (or that’s how I see it, at least!). I have to say, I LOVED making up the Spirit-Hunters’ inventions. My husband, who’s a mechanical engineer, helped me come up with all of them. From the goggles with magnetic powder to the earrings to the explosives, he would help me take my idea and flesh it into something that could actually (well…in theory) work.

ATUF: If SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY were ever made into a movie, who would your dream or, to keep things interesting, nightmare cast be?

SD: Nightmare cast?! Um, if anyone waifish and thin were cast as Eleanor, I’d DIE. Or more likely, I’d punch someone in the nose.

Rachel Hurd-Wood and Ben Barnes from the movie Dorian Gray

As for a dream cast, I think Rachel Hurd-Wood (with blonde hair and those voluptuous curves) would be a great Eleanor. Or–if she could gain some weight!–then Mia Wasikowska would be the perfect Eleanor Fitt.

I’d also love to see Max Irons as Daniel (swooon!), Anthony Mackie as Joseph, and Jessica Lu as Jie. Ben Barnes is the PERFECT Clarence, and Emma Roberts (with dark hair) would be a great Allison.

Sigh…I love imagining my book as a movie or TV show. Dream big, right?

ATUF: What other projects can we look forwarding to reading from you soon?

SD: Soon? Hmmm…well, there’s a SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY novella in the works–shhh! And also the rest of the series (A DARKNESS STRANGE AND LOVELY + an untitled third book).

In the meantime, I’m working on a space opera/romance with author Sarah J. Maas–though who knows when that might actually reach public eyes!

ATUF: What are some of your favorite titles/authors in the paranormal or steampunk genres?

SD: I lovelovelove M.K. Hobson’s NATIVE STAR. It’s definitely one of my favorite steampunk-ish books out there! I also adore A GREAT AND TERRIBLE BEAUTY by Libba Bray (though it’s more gaslamp than steampunk).

ATUF: Finish this statement with as much/little detail as you like: You’ll like SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY if you like…

SD: A CLOCKWORK ANGEL by Cassandra Clare or A GREAT AND TERRIBLE BEAUTY by Libba Bray.

Giveaway provided by Susan Dennard & HarperTeen
2 winners: One winner will receive a copy of SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY & swag
One will receive a copy of SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY

Published on July 24, 2012 from HarperTeen

Description:

There’s something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia…

The year is 1876 and 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.

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About the author

Abigail

I am a book lover with an obsession for all things urban fantasy. I cut my teeth on the paranormal genre with Buffy and Twilight before discovering Patricia Briggs and Ilona Andrews. Suffice it to say I’ve never looked back. I am the co-founder of ARC Swap, and in 2011 I managed the Urban Fantasy portal on both Facebook and Twitter for Tor.com covering ‘everything that goes bump in the night in books, movies, TV, and more.’

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77 Responses to Deadly Destinations: Susan Dennard & win SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY

Reply

Jennifer Bielman August 12, 2012

I love your dream cast. Can’t wait to read the book.
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erinf1 August 12, 2012

thanks for a fun post! I’ve heard such wonderful things about this book, congrats to the author on the great release!
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Keslynn August 12, 2012

I heart zombies and I especially heart Philly. I definitely want to check out Laurel Hill Cemetery now!
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Marie O. August 12, 2012

Ooh…this book sounds really good. I can’t wait to read it!
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TayteH August 12, 2012

That’s a pretty fancy entrance to a cemetery. I like it. But I bet it’s really creepy at night. Perfect for the book.
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clenna August 12, 2012

I would love to read this it sounds scary and exciting..
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Jen D. August 12, 2012

I love that your vision of Eleanor is a curvy girl. Also, I would have loved to see you running through that cemetery.
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Julie S. August 12, 2012

Thanks for the post. I think a horror steampunk book is really interesting and I’m looking forward to reading it.
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Kelly Mills August 12, 2012

I really enjoy genre mash-ups, although I don’t think we see enough of them. A steampunk-horror combo sounds pretty awesome.
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LisaC August 12, 2012

Historic Philly sounds quite atmospheric. I’ll keep an eye out for the space opera too.
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Pat August 12, 2012

The best book! On my TBR LIST! So excited for September! Winners announced!
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hope August 12, 2012

If you could would you choose to live in 19th centuary England or Americas (or anywhere), despite the social restiction that women of that time period faced every day?

thanks for a great giveaway!
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Rose. P August 12, 2012

Wow, what a great post! Thanks for he awesome giveaway too & good luck everyone!
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Nora-Adrienne Deret August 12, 2012

I’m a bit cash shy these days, and neither of the 2 county libraries I have access to have copies of this book. I’d really love to win a copy. I do love the dress on the cover and wish I were 40 yrs younger and 70lbs lighter so I could wear it. LOL
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Kai W. August 12, 2012

That would a perfect cast of actors for your book. The book already sounds interesting. It’s definitely a must read for me.
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Dani Nguyen August 12, 2012

Wow, running through the cemetery to figure out the best escape route? That’s dedication! This book sounds really good & I can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the chance to win!
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Colleen Kosinski August 12, 2012

Love any story set in Philly. Can’t wait to read.
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Samantha August 12, 2012

very excited to read this, love the bit about running through the graveyard!
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Nicole Settle August 12, 2012

I love the setting for this novel. All it took was zombies at a world fair to make me go OOH!
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Victoria Zumbrum August 12, 2012

I would love to read this book. It sounds very good.
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Sandyg265 August 12, 2012

Sounds like it’ll be a good read.
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Carl August 12, 2012

That Centennial Exhibition illustration is great. Makes me wish I’d been there. Really a great period to set a story. Such a lot of optimism and a spirit of adventure then.
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Zara Alexis August 12, 2012

If you could choose to be one type of paranormal creature, what would you choose? Just wondering! It looks like a great read…and I LOVE the cover.
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Tiff- Escaping... One Book @ a Time August 12, 2012

I loved the Great and Terrible Beauty series by Libba Bray as well. Attracted by the covers addicted to the story So seeing I was already looking forward to Something Strange and Deadly and then Susan points out that you will enjoy it if you enjoyed that book… I AM IN bigger need now
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Lisa Richards August 12, 2012

I’ve had this one on my wishlist since I first saw the cover and read the blurb. Thanks for the giveaway!
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Samantha D August 12, 2012

Have you ever been to a creative writing workshop??
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SP @ Oh! Paper Pages August 12, 2012

I am so excited for this book. I have heard wonderful things, and I am eager to start reading!
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Natasha August 12, 2012

I can’t wait to read this one!!! Thanks for the chance to win!
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Ames August 12, 2012

Great interview and dream cast! I’m not sure what a space opera romance entails but it sounds pretty exciting, especially since you’re co-writing it with Sarah J. Maas! I’m a big fan of Natalia Pierandrei’s art-work, so I was pretty happy to see that she had done some illustrations for Something Strange and Deadly. I have a copy of M.K. Hobson’s Native Star, but I haven’t touched it yet, but I definitely should give it a go soon. Thank you for the giveaway!
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Marie-Claude August 12, 2012

WOW!!! This book sound amazing. I need to read it….a mash up steampunk and horror storie really intrigue me!!!
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Cyn August 12, 2012

The title. And the cover. I must read this book.
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Barbara Elness August 12, 2012

This sounds like such a fantastic story and the cover is gorgeous.
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Vivien August 12, 2012

Do you prefer writing from male or female pov?
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Elizabeth Wood August 12, 2012

I love the cover cant wait to read it
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Jasmyn August 12, 2012

I love the timeperiod and I love the setting! Sounds like a homerun.
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CCAM August 12, 2012

This book is on my list and will be one of my “must read” even if I cannot participate to this great giveaway.
I like when the authors use real locations and/or facts in their fantasy book
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Van Pham August 13, 2012

Looking forward to reading this Susan!! How many books are you planning for this series?
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Mary Ruth in NC August 13, 2012

Looks like an interesting book.
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Caty R August 13, 2012

When I was in London I took an architecture class where we talked about the Centennial Exhibition and then went on a “field trip” to see where structures/pieces of that building has been incorporated into modern day London so that was pretty cool.
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Stephanie27 August 13, 2012

I love a good zombie novel. I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of this.
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Kt. August 14, 2012

I’m a huge zombie fan, and this book looks so good! I’d love to win a copy!
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Kt. August 14, 2012

I am absolutely in love with that cover!
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Maria pronounced Mariah August 15, 2012

love the cover of this book…really looking forward to reading it!
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Kat V August 15, 2012

I love the illustrations for the swag! they are BEAUTIFUL!
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Sariah August 15, 2012

Great cast. I think this book sounds really interesting. Love Philly. Thanks for the chance.
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Susan August 15, 2012

Sounds like a great read. Thanks for the giveaway.
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Lacey T August 15, 2012

I rarely read zombie books, but this one seems so interesting! I’d love to read this
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Kenia August 16, 2012

Great post! I can’t wait to read Something Strange and Deadly. Thank you for the great giveaway!
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Melissa (Books and Things) August 16, 2012

Ben Barnes? Perfect!! Oh I can’t wait to read this book.
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Erika August 16, 2012

This looks so scary and interesting! Thanks for the great giveaway!
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Chelsea B. August 17, 2012

Wonderful interview! I can’t wait to read Something Srange and Deadly!
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Samantha August 17, 2012

This just sounds like my type of read! And I really enjoyed A Great and Terrible Beauty so I know that I’m going to enjoy this one as well!
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Brandy August 17, 2012

Love, love the title and the cover. This in my TBR Mountain. Thanks for the giveaway
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Molly Frenzel August 18, 2012

Great interview! This was such a good book.
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Stella C August 18, 2012

Love the gothic feel to this book.
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Kelsey d August 19, 2012

This sounds completely differnt from anything I’ve read before. I’d love to gt the chance to read it!
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HollyB August 20, 2012

Thanks for the interview, I love it! Susan seems like such an awesome person, her responses to interview questions are always great I would pretty much give ANYTHING to read a book that was co-authored by her and Sarah Maas!! That’s the dynamic duo of young female writers FOR SURE! The period in which the book is set is also one of my favorites to read about and to read books from. That’s certainly one reason (of many!) that I like steampunk so much. As another commenter mentioned, I also have a copy of Hobson’s Native Star, as well as the sequel, and now that I know it’s one of Susan’s favorites, it’ll be bumped up on my list! I haven’t read anything by Libba Bray, although a good number of her books are on my TBR list, and I’m adding A Great and Terrible Beauty as we speak.

Thank you for the giveaway, I’ve been wanting to read this book for sooo long, and I would absolutely love to win. And thanks for this AWESOME MONTH you’ve got going – it’s a brilliant idea!!
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Bridget Howard August 20, 2012

Your books sounds amazing. I haven’t really read many zombie books so I am interested to see if I will like the genre!!!
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whitewolfreads August 20, 2012

This sounds glorious. I’ve been really enjoying various books set in that time period and this seems like a welcome addition. Can’t wait to dig in.
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Jessica August 20, 2012

Great post, love your casting ideas!
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Danielle B August 23, 2012

I can’t wait to read Something Strange and Deadly, it sounds like an amazing book! Oh, and I love the character sketches!
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Elie August 23, 2012

Your cover is incredible. Did you have it framed? (I would have)
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Alayna August 24, 2012

So excited for this book!
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Stephanie Ziegler August 25, 2012

That synopsis make me do a double take! *fingers crossed*
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Brittany S August 25, 2012

Awesome dream cast! Thanks for the chance to win!
Brittany
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Brenda Demko August 26, 2012

It sounds interesting and I really like the cover!
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Nicole@ The More the Merrier August 26, 2012

SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY sounds really interesting. Love the dream cast! I really enjoyed CLOCKWORK ANGEL and A GREAT AND TERRIBLE BEAUTY so I’m sure this one will be just as great.
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Cari Bella August 26, 2012

I can’t wait to read this and share it with my students!
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bn100 August 26, 2012

Nice casting choices.
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Teresa August 29, 2012

Great dream cast choices! Thanks for the giveaway!
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Jolene A August 30, 2012

Great post! I’ve heard so many great things about this book and I can’t wait to get started on it
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Christiane C. September 1, 2012

Love the cover and the book is making me intrigued just by your synopsis Thanks for the giveaway!
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Tiffany September 1, 2012

Looks like a book right up my alley!
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Stephanie September 1, 2012

I love that your picturing your dream cast and wanting the actresses to gain weight! I love zombies and steam punk! This book has been on my wishlist for a while and I have been excited to read it. Thanks for the giveaway!
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Jenn (Tynga's Reviews) September 1, 2012

What made you decide to use zombies in your novel?
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Bethie September 1, 2012

Love your dream cast. Congrats on the book.
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Sarah R. September 1, 2012

I’ve heard many great things about this book! Can’t wait to read it sometime in the future Thanks for the giveaway!