“Civilization Is Thin Ice, Is It Not?”Ĭonroy and Whateley run into a Shoggoth in their journeys up the Miskatonic | Art by Joseph Diaz His characterization of Holmes and Watson slipped slightly due to some alterations in this story which sometimes made things hard to digest and, at times, even cringey. That’s not to say that Lovegrove’s execution is flawless, though. This meant that I could sit back and enjoy the ride instead of scrutinize every line for accuracy. Having taken more liberties with this story then he did with Shadwell Shadows, the story at large felt less handicapped by the expectations of a reader familiar with these two worlds. This gave me the impression that Lovegrove has become more confident in his pastiche writing. Meanwhile, stories such as “The Hound of the Baskervilles” are brought to attention with some length wherein other, smaller inspirations, such as elements of “The Case Of The Empty House”, were absorbed into the narrative without being blatant in its influence. For example, the events from stories such as “The Color Out Of Space” and “The Shadow Over Innsmouth” are brought up fairly frequently, while the second portion of the story takes on a distinct “Herbert West Re-Animator” vibe. Lovegrove continues to showcase his deep knowledge of the subject matter of both Doyle and Lovecraft in this book, though leans more heavily toward the latter with only minor nods to Sherlockian lore this time around. This manner of callbacks were details I admired from Shadwell Shadows, so I’m happy to see them return here.
The presentation has similarities to the introductory Sherlock Holmes novel A Study In Scarlet in this aspect. The second primarily consists of events from the perspective of the guilty party, presented with the intent to give the story depth. The first brings readers into the mystery at large.
Sherlock Holmes and the Miskatonic Monstrosities is a tale told in two parts. Naturally battling monsters isn’t easy, but it’s apparent very early on that such activities have strained the point of Holmes and Watson’s relationship as well as their bodies and psyches.Ĭan the original dynamic duo keep it together and battle the return of a deadly foe? Can Lovegrove continue to deliver a story that is both fresh and equally familiar to audiences beholden to two of the most beloved literary creations of all time? Well, let’s find out. What they’ve also got a good deal more of is animosity. It becomes clear that Holmes and Watson have garnered a good deal more experience against the eldritch and execrable, lending credence to their skills as both detectives and warriors against the supernatural. Or at least, one would guess as much at first. Despite having aged, Watson being recently widowed, and a few gaps being filled in the narrative further down the line, one might guess that only a day has happened between the two stories. Furthermore, Lovegrove offers no real explanation, but it’s not as though the story lends itself to needing one. Why there’s such a time gap between novels, none can say. Watson – as ever – in tow, and their jobs are far from done.įor readers it’s been only a year between Shadwell Shadows and Miskatonic Monstrosities, but for Holmes and Watson it’s been a decade and a half.
Some time ago I reviewed Sherlock Holmes and the Shadwell Shadows, the first in a series by James Lovegrove featuring the famous detective as you’ve never seen him before: battling wits against the diabolical creations of H.P.