Missing in Miskatonic: A Travis Daniels Investigation

by J.P. Behrens

Step into the shadowed streets of 1928 Arkham, where Miskatonic University holds secrets darker than the night.

In this supernatural thriller reminiscent of Raymond Chandler and H.P. Lovecraft, Private Detective Travis Daniels is thrust into a harrowing investigation when a young woman disappears without a trace. As Daniels delves deeper into the labyrinthine mysteries of the storied New England city, he uncovers a web of sinister cults, ancient rituals, and eldritch horrors that threaten not only his own sanity but the fabric of reality itself.

Set against a city steeped in occult lore and clandestine experiments, Missing in Miskatonic blends elements of hard-boiled detective fiction with chilling supernatural encounters. Daniels navigates treacherous alliances and confronts malevolent entities lurking in the shadows, all while racing against time to unravel the truth behind the girl's disappearance.

With a narrative that grips from the first page, this novel combines suspense, mystery, and cosmic terror in a gripping tale where every clue leads deeper into the abyss. From the enigmatic corridors of Miskatonic to the eerie gatherings of the Silver Twilight Lodge, Daniels must confront his own demons as he battles forces beyond human comprehension.

Proudly represented by Crystal Lake Publishing—Tales from the Darkest Depths.

Genres: Horror, Mystery, Lovecraftian

108 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 23, 2024

Reviews

[Stitching Ghost · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok I think I need to read something without a private investigator next because it's becoming a bit of a problem (please send me all your recs for private investigators meeting the supernatural or I might go into withdrawals).

It was a solid little read which could have used a little more padding, but it was a fairly fun one. There wasn't much wasted time here and things moved along at a steady clip from start to finish. There was just enough to establish the scenery and the characters. Travis was good main character if typical for the private eye genre (I have a type eh?).

[Brandon Reviews Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ARC Review**

Missing in Miskatonic by Jp Behrens was an interesting short story. Private Detective Travis Daniels is hired onto a case of a missing girl. At first he didn't want to take the case, but with underlying personal problems, he soon finds himself stalking the grounds of Miskatonic University looking for Leslie Owens.

Daniels quickly realizes that this isn't an ordinary case and reality itself isn't at all what it seems.

With elements of a Noir mystery, ancient rituals, and some Cosmic Horror, this story is for anyone who is looking for a quick and satisfying read.

The only criticism I could speak to is wishing some of the plot was a little more fleshed out. At around 90 pages, there was definitely more room to add a few more details in.

I've been a huge fan of JP since I got to read his short story collection a while ago, and this story does not disappoint.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Margaux · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, quick read perfect for spooky season.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella got dark and creepy fast! Quick & fun read. This is perfect for those who enjoy dark science fiction. Check it out!

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a quick, intriguing read! I usually don’t enjoy this sub genre of horror, but this one just worked for me, mainly because of the folklore that went into it (which I wish we got more of, tbh). I really enjoyed getting to know the MC and go along with him on this adventure. I hope to get to read more about Travis Daniels and what he gets into next!

[Nykita Brookshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick and easy read. An intriguing detective story with a cosmic twist!

[Rosalie Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want to settle down for a quick read, I'd suggest Missing in Miskatonic. Lovecraftian around every corner, I read this one a bit faster than I intended as I couldn't put this down. However, the end was a bit too open for what I usually enjoy. But that's just a preference, and I still really enjoyed this read. Perfect for those who want to enjoy a quick bite or those who enjoy Lovecraft! And Crystal Lake Publishing has yet to disappoint me with anything I've read thus far. Great work to everyone involved 👏🏻

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Corrina Morse · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've read Portrait of a Nuclear Family and that's why you're here, for more of that Behrens greatness, don't go into this expecting the same. Go in blind, pretend you've never read PoaNF, and savour every word, for this story is still as awesome as Portrait, probably more so in its own right, and in a very different way. This is cosmic, supernatural and chillingly creepy. The prose is fantastic, almost elegantly written. A cast of shifty characters, a building sense of unease, curiosity and trepidation, topped off with an eerie atmosphere that's almost claustrophobic in its emptiness. The narration really draws you in, it's mysterious and enticing and will have you on tenterhooks with your breath held, almost too scared to open your eyes and read on….

It reads like an old black and white detective movie, with the voice over. The descriptions are on point, making everything crystal clear. I was reading in a black and white movie voice, but seeing in full colour! It's an extremely visual read and totally engrossing!

Travis is a Private Detective, his client, Madam Bina, has sent him out to find a certain artifact, she's a regular of his and it's easy work, it pays the bills. Until one day, he is approached by the rather unsettling and enigmatic Sir Mandeville, who has an intriguing proposition for him. One he can't quite refuse. A young girl has gone missing from the Miskatonic University, a strange place in itself. On investigating the library, where the girl was last seen, and the books she was researching there, books delving into the occult and old, dark traditions, books including the Necronomicon, things seem even stranger.

Arkham itself is an unnerving and strange place, lots of people in a hurry to go nowhere, others suspiciously quiet and mysterious, and the police are even more so. Whilst there, Travis’ investigations lead him to the Arkham Sanitarium, and the realisation that he is not welcome to be poking his nose into Arkham business. But, deep beneath the sanitarium, he starts to find some answers, and yes, they're pretty damned strange!! Complete abominations and untold horrors await in the darkest depths of the hospital, in an underground lab that would terrify the strongest sane person….and Travis’ sanity is left on the very brink of breaking!!

This book is an awesome, out of this world, read. Behrens just keeps on improving with everything he writes. This was fantastic stuff! I can't wait for more from Travis, because I enjoyed every single minute that I spent with them, and I want to hang out some more! 🖤

[Milt Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this novella was like the greatest Lovecraftian movie never made! The writing is cinematic, the story's darkly atmospheric, and the build-up to the ending is exemplary. Others may have made a thick novel out of this, but Behrens knows how to tell a story at exactly the right length, keeping the reader entertained, curious, and unsettled page after page.

The year is 1928; the premise is the classic "detective goes after missing girl" - only this time the detective goes to Arkham, the New England town Lovecraft made famous, and the "girl" has been studying the occult at the Miskatonic University (plus, to top it all off, she's the niece of a mysterious old man with some very sinister connections to the place). The leads take the poor detective straight to the Arkham Asylum, thankfully not to stay! And this is where the narrative explodes into action and he realizes the supernatural nature of his enemies. The ending was surprising (presumably, a sequel is in the works), but satisfying. If you like cosmic horror with a generous dose of film noir suspense, this is the story for you!

[Jason Parent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and satisfying detective noir steeped in Lovecraftian lore

[Tobin Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an absolute blast. Behrens has crafted a simple, compelling story that beautifully captures the atmosphere, the horror, and the cosmic unknowables of the Lovecraftian mythos.

I enjoyed the hell out of this one. BUY THIS BOOK.

[Don Anelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the most part, this was a rather solid and enjoyable novella. The central setup allows for a great collection of references to Lovecraft’s work, where the slow unraveling of the story starts to make the connections work. As he travels throughout the countryside to where everything sets up the involvement of the peculiar town and the series of secrets it holds within, the tension works quite nicely, meaning the family that he encounters looking for her, the sheriff of the town trying to persuade the private eye to leave town, and the different figures there working to ensure some kind of secret remains hidden. That can keep the book going along into the next encounter to help put the next clue together for his mission.

That leaves the book with a lot to like when it comes to the action within here. Initially focusing on the shady attempts to get him out of the city and they can get back on their mission, the gradual increase of activity involving the discovery of deformed monstrosities hidden away in the depths of their inner circle or the coven of cult members trying to put the finishing touches on their mission keeps this fast and light with the tension mounting. With the whole thing taking on an odd quality with the final few minutes pulling out a series of reveals that are rushed through without much explanation or build-up, so they come off rather confusing, involving these twists, but there’s so much else to enjoy here that it doesn’t matter much.

4.5/5

[Cody Christmas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredibly fun read! It took all my reading strength & patience not to finish it in 1 sitting. JP Behrens did his homework & is a student of Miskatonic University. Not only was this story a suspensefully built crime noir story but there were so many Lovecraftian pop culture references & it felt like a pilgrimage through all the famous locations of Arkham.

[Tomasz · Rating 2 out of 5]

This... wasn't good. Yet another Lovecraftian bingo, held down by the author's mediocre skills (starting with spelling - substituting "indecent" for "incident", for instance) and his decision to go (against Lovecraft, actually) into full-on magic, with protective and offensive spells and whatnot. About the only good scene was the one in Arkham hospital. Not quite an abomination, but definitely not a keeper.

[Tiequa Franklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic, quick Sifi type horror read rich in New England setting. Worth the read for sure.

[Icy-Cobwebs-Crossing-SpaceTime · Rating 5 out of 5]

MISSING IN MISKATONIC is a riveting combination of pure Lovecraft Mythos with Golden Age Noir. If only Raymond Chandler and H. P. Lovecraft had collaborated on a Writing project...or on an altered reality.

I really enjoy the Narrator/private investigator's wry humor and his open-eyed appraisal of his personal and cultural environment. No rose-colored lenses for our man: especially not once he encounters his "non-Euclidean" newest client!

Very much recommended, and here's hoping for more "adventures" for our intrepid and determined yet feckless "private eye" in 1928 New York City and Greater Lovecraftian New England!

[Amanda Ruzsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this thriller from JP Behrens, author of PORTRAIT OF A NUCLEAR FAMILY, a young woman vanishes without a trace, hurling Private Detective Travis Daniels into a terrifying investigation. Daniels discovers a web of evil cults, antiquated customs, and eldritch horrors as he digs deeper into the famed New England city. Missing in Miskatonic is a blend of unsettling supernatural encounters and hard-boiled detective fiction, set against a metropolis brimming with evil. Daniels must work quickly to discover the truth about the girl's disappearance while facing evil forces, and with Behrens’ skillful world-building and characterization, it is easy to be immersed in the story as though you’re living it! This is another mind-bending tale from an author who really amps up the atmospheric horror along with mystery and thriller undertones. Definitely recommend!

[Janel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missing in Miskatonic — by JP Behrens

Detective Travis Daniels niece has gone missing from Miskatonic University. In this quick read, we go with him on his hunt to find her. Thd path is creepy, mysterious, and dark.

As usual, I love Behrens’ writing style. This story definitely gives off some Lovecraftian vibes with some excellent horror elements. I loved it!

**I received an early copy to read from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Kent Holloway · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to give this book more than three stars. In fact, I rarely ever review a book if I don’t think it’s five stars. But I feel compelled for this one. Not in a spirit of meanness, but rather because I want to encourage the author. The story itself was excellent for the most part. Very much in the spirit of a Lovecraftian detective novel.

There were just a few issues that struggled with and honestly, I feel these issues might be more an editorial problem than the writer’s. Don’t get me wrong. There were no (or very few typos in this book). By “editorial”, I mean the thing that happens when an editor starts chopping and chipping away at text willy nilly. Sentences were often too choppy. Toward the end of the book, there seemed to be entire steps of the action missing. People just appeared out of nowhere without introduction, making me think maybe they might have been mentioned in one of those cut sentences.

As a writer myself, I know the signs. An editor in a hurry. I understand through the acknowledgments that this book was apparently behind schedule at some point. The author turned the manuscript in late. So I can imagine the rush they might have felt to get it out on time. But the storytelling suffered from it. Short, choppy sentences can make the action more imminent, but that’s not the way Lovecraft wrote. His sentences tended to be long and verbose. Poetic even. Maybe it’s not fashionable these days, I don’t know. But reviews are merely opinions and my opinion is that I wish the sentences had been a bit more complex and that the ending hadn’t felt so rushed.

That being said, I don’t want to discourage anyone from giving the book a try. For the most part, I enjoyed it. I was entertained. Mileage may vary. You might love it.

[Happy Goat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review at Happy Goat Horror:
https://happygoathorror.com/2024/08/2...

This is a really entertaining read of cosmic horror and mystery and, in my own reading experience of this author, quite different from what I expected. He's an author of many hats, you see (did you read that in an old-school detective voice because that's how it sounded in my head as I typed it, in honour of the story!).

A young woman goes missing, after last being seen at Miskatonic University, which has a library full of occult and arcane goodies, and boasts being in possession of one of the last two known copies of the Necronomicon. A PI is hired to track her down, and we follow his journey.

I was hooked the second this dude checked out the local hospital, only to discover an abnormally high number of comatose Jane Does, who have all shown up in the last fortnight.

Cultists, creatures, scheming, this book has a lot of my horror wish list!

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book promises a mixture of hard-boiled detective story and H.P. Lovecraft, and it gives you exactly that. While many of the names and references will stand out to even those mildly familiar with Lovecraftian lore, there are some Easter eggs that will mostly be recognized by those (like me) who are very indoctrinated by Lovecraft's, Robert W. Chambers' and other such writings. It's actually pretty impressive how in just 70 pages the author tells a full story the likes of which would take other writers three times as many pages. While the story just seems to get better as it goes along, the best part is it pretty much plays out the way an adventure in the Call of Cthulhu role-playing game would. 4.5/5*

[Kate | Date With A Thriller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last year I read Portrait of a Nuclear Family and was left questioning what the hell I just read 😅 Well, my book peeps, once again I am left wondering the same with Missing in Miskatonic!! 👀

This is detective noir mixed with allllll the Lovecraftian vibes!! Lots of shady characters, but I really liked the private detective MC! I was left a little confused toward the end 🤔 but all in all I really enjoyed this one!! 👏

Thank you to J.P. Behrens for the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for my honest review! ❤️ Looking forward to reading more about Travis!

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovecraft and Noir

What a fun Lovecraftian noir! I breezed through this in one morning. Being so short, I can't say too much, but we follow a PI to Arkham in search of a mysterious man's niece. Naturally, everything feels off and surreal to our main character. He finds himself entangled in otherworldly terrors that will haunt his mind.
This is perfect for any Lovecraft fan who enjoys a little PI action as well. I wish this was a full novel!

[Paula Michalowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novel set in the environs of Lovecrafts Miskatonic College, of a missing young woman. A private detective is hired to find her by a mysterious relative. During his investigation, we are treated to treachery, sorcery, and a visit from the old gods. It has some early humorous moments but gets dark as it progresses. The ending was very satisfying, and I hope to read more from this author!

[Kayleigh Dobbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A PI is hired to find a missing young woman, who was last seen at Miskatonic University, which just so happens to have a library full of arcane writings and occult knowledge, including one of only two existing copies of the Necronomicon.

Hijinx ensue!

[Ali O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missing in Miskatonic By J.P. Behrens
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a quick and wild detective-mystery story. When Detective Daniels takes on a missing persons case, lots of strange and creepy things begin!
This is a very entertaining and enjoyable novella! It grabbed me from the beginning and I was hooked! I love the supernatural horror of the story. This is my first story from this author, but I’ll be looking for more!
I listened to the audio version and it was a fun listen. The narrator did a great job!

[Kevin L · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extremely fun pulp noir tale based on the mythos. Highly recommended for folks looking for a fast eldritch read.

[Scott Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missing in Misktonick by JP Behrens 


This short, fast paced novella is faithful to the pulp novels of the 30’s and 40’s. Part noirish Raymond Chandler detective story, part Lovecraftian cosmic horror story. It's both scary and totally enjoyable. I can't wait to find out how it continues in the next story.

I really enjoyed all the little Lovecraft easter 'eggs scattered throughout the book (plus there's a nifty little Stephen King one in there also). Totally spot on.

[Gary Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tonic for the Ailing Miska

Nicely done Sam Spade style detective story built on Mythos themes and characters. I found this a really fun read.

[JD · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll understand if this is a one-shot, but if there's ever a sequel or series, I'm definitely here for it. Loved every minute of it.