Kim Newman (writing under the pseudonym Jack Yeovil) is known for weaving gothic intrigue, dark humor, and elements of classic horror into the Warhammer Fantasy setting.
Beasts in Velvet continues in a similar vein, unfolding as a blend of murder mystery, political satire, and macabre comedy. Although the novel is part of the “Genevieve” saga, prospective readers should note that the vampire heroine, Genevieve Dieudonné, plays only a minimal role in this particular story.
Plot
Set primarily in the city of Altdorf, the capital of the Empire, Beasts in Velvet begins with a series of grisly murders attributed to a killer dubbed “The Beast.” Against a backdrop of nobles jockeying for position, a masquerade of lavish parties, and the teeming underclass of the capital’s criminal underbelly, the city teeters on the edge of chaos. A coterie of heroes including an Elector Count, a seer, and a jaded detective, finds themselves embroiled in the investigation and entangled with the machinations surrounding The Beast.
Meanwhile, a simmering political conspiracy bubbles through Altdorf’s corridors of power. Various factions exploit the panic wrought by the murders, maneuvering for personal gain or the chance to undermine rivals. The novel’s plot deftly balances this intrigue with a sinister undercurrent of supernatural threat, keeping readers guessing as to whether The Beast is merely a deranged mortal or something far more malignant lurking in the city’s shadows.
Characters
The main cast spans an array of Altdorf denizens: corrupt politicians, flamboyant actors, opportunistic criminals, and suspicious watchmen. Kim Newman/Jack Yeovil excels at painting these characters with broad, lively strokes, endowing each one with quirks that make them memorable—even if some dip into caricature. As the murders intensify, these personalities collide in surprising ways, fueling the novel’s tension and comedic underpinnings.
Minimal Role of Genevieve Dieudonné
One critical aspect to highlight is the limited appearance of Genevieve Dieudonné, the vampire heroine who has become a fan-favorite in Newman’s Warhammer Fantasy tales (including Drachenfels and Genevieve Undead). While Beasts in Velvet is often listed among the Genevieve saga, her role here is marginal. Readers hoping to see Genevieve front and center may be disappointed. This novel focuses on other characters—particularly new characters and the city of Altdorf itself—as they grapple with The Beast’s killing spree. Genevieve does appear, but only briefly, serving as more of a cameo than a driving force in the narrative.
Narrative Feel
Beasts in Velvet weaves a tapestry that is part murder mystery, part social satire, and part classic horror romp. It maintains the Warhammer Fantasy setting’s grim undertones—poverty, plague, and chaos abound—but does so with a distinctly satirical twist. The city of Altdorf feels alive and chaotic, brimming with bustling marketplaces, squalid taverns, gilded opera houses, and ominous alleyways. Newman’s background in horror and supernatural fiction shines through in the novel’s tone, as scenes can shift from bawdy humor to sudden violence in the blink of an eye.
The comedic edge may at times undercut the horror element, but for readers who appreciate black humor in their fantasy, it adds a distinctive charm. The city itself becomes a character—unpredictable, harsh, and strangely theatrical—mirroring the tension between its glittering high society and the lurking darkness of The Beast’s predations.
Overall Summary and Verdict
While Beasts in Velvet is frequently marketed alongside Kim Newman’s other Genevieve Dieudonné stories, the vampire protagonist’s limited role makes this novel function largely as a standalone murder mystery in the Warhammer Fantasy universe.
Beasts in Velvet provides a distinctive, entertaining read that fuses gothic horror, political intrigue, and sly comedy. It’s a solid pick for Warhammer Fantasy enthusiasts who want a break from traditional army-centered epics, offering a more intimate glimpse of urban life and social satire in the Old World. However, those seeking a Genevieve-focused narrative may be disappointed by her cameo role. If you’re open to a narrative that invests heavily in Detlef’s theatrical perspective and an unpredictable whodunit atmosphere, Beasts in Velvet is well worth delving into.
And remember, Frontline Gaming sells gaming products at a discount, every day in their webcart!
