“Curious Physiologies” by Jay Neill

Curious Physiologies

Jay Neill                     
Independently Published (2026)
ISBN:  978-1068174735
Reviewed by Terri Stepek for Reader Views (09/2026)

Curious Physiologies by Jay Neill is an atmospheric urban fantasy sure to delight fans of the genre.  The first book in The Linefolk of London series has certainly inspired me to pick up the rest of the stories in this fresh take on some traditional myths.

Hannah Chadwick is a nurse who has been blacklisted from every hospital in London.  Desperate for work, she answers an ad for a small clinic that’s definitely off the beaten path.  Her job interview is, well… bizarre, as Julius Wayworthy asks only questions unrelated to her profession.  He’s interested in her nature.  Yes, red flags should be raised here—and they are, since Hannah is no fool.  But she is desperate, so she decides to give this strange clinic and the even stranger Wayworthy a chance.  You know… until she can find something better.

Day one in the clinic proves as strange as one might imagine.  She’ll be working with Wayworthy and the younger Axton Flynn.  She’s told not to use the title “Doctor” for them.  Axton is the Apprentice (odd), and Wayworthy is the Master (odder).  After a strange and unsettling day in the clinic, she only wants to go home, but is talked into joining Axton and his family for dinner.  This seemingly benign event sets things in motion when Axton is forced to change into a seven-foot-tall feline to save Hannah from a mugging.

Wayworthy and Axton are now constrained to tell her the truth of the Linefolk, magical creatures who were nearly hunted to extinction by humans.  They have been living a secret lifestyle, some underground and others in plain sight, but sworn to secrecy and to stay mostly within London’s Circle Line.  Linether is their magical energy source.  It flows through the Tube lines in certain areas of London, specifically in the Circle Line area. 

Apparently, the Linefolk were the first to dig the tunnels in that area, which the Tube eventually inhabited.  As long as the Linefolk are within the designated areas, many of them can maintain human form and live above ground.  Crossing out of the Linether makes them change instantly into their magical forms, which could be anything from traditional shapeshifters (big cats, wolves, bears, etc.) to nymphs and more.  If you can imagine it, it’s probably part of the Linefolk.  The scary part is the things we can’t imagine that inhabit the darker areas and avoid even the mainstream Linefolk.

Hannah is a great character, with intelligence, drive, and a quick wit that helps dissipate some of the tension that comes from having creatures give chase.  Wayworthy is also likable and brilliant, though he’s got that intense mind going in so many directions he doesn’t always provide all the necessary information.  Axton and his family are adorable, although neither Axton nor his wife was initially personable.  Both gave pretty negative first impressions.

There are also ancillary characters who add more than just a little personality to the plot.  They add depth and humor.  Some add that spine-tingling, skin-crawling sensation that has you distrusting them instantly.  All are worthy of attention.

The plot is paced well, as the tension mounts and secrets are uncovered.  Unexpected heroes will provide some of the brave acts needed to save the day from the bad actors with only their goals in mind.  Themes of loyalty, strength, honor, resilience, and friendship are found within these pages of myths, legends, and nightmares roaming the London streets.

I found myself wishing for more of the backstories of the main characters.  While they all displayed their unique personalities, it was obvious we had only scratched the surface.  I also found I was missing a good romance for our heroine—not required for the genre, but something I personally hoped for.  I suspect both will be coming in future episodes of The Linefolk of London series.

Altogether, Curious Physiologies by Jay Neill is a very enjoyable tale.  Fans of urban fantasy, especially when myth collides with the modern world, will find this checks all their boxes.  Paranormal readers and those who love Celtic, Welsh, and English legends will also find a home here.  As for me, I’m picking up the rest of the series as well.