What do you think?
Rate this book
Sherlock Holmes Cthulhu Casebooks #3
Sherlock Holmes and the Sussex Sea-Devils
The stunning new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Age of Odin, in which the worlds of Arthur Conan Doyle and H.P. Lovecraft collide.
It is the autumn of 1910, and for fifteen long years Sherlock Holmes and Dr John Watson have battled R'lluhloig, the Hidden Mind that was once Professor James Moriarty. Europe is creeping inexorably towards war, and a more cosmic conflict is nearing its zenith, as in a single night all the most eminent members of the Diogenes Club die horribly, seemingly by their own hands. Holmes suspects it is the handiwork of a German spy working for R'lluhloig, but his search for vengeance costs an old friend his life.
The companions retreat to Holmes's farm on the Sussex Downs, and it is not long before a client comes calling. Three young women have disappeared from the nearby town of Newford, and the locals have no doubt who is responsible. For legend has it that strange amphibious creatures dwell in a city on the seabed, coming ashore every few centuries to take fresh captives. As Holmes and Watson seek out the terrifying interlopers, the scene is set for the final battle that will bring them face to face with the Sussex Sea-Devils, and perhaps with Cthulhu himself...
It is the autumn of 1910, and for fifteen long years Sherlock Holmes and Dr John Watson have battled R'lluhloig, the Hidden Mind that was once Professor James Moriarty. Europe is creeping inexorably towards war, and a more cosmic conflict is nearing its zenith, as in a single night all the most eminent members of the Diogenes Club die horribly, seemingly by their own hands. Holmes suspects it is the handiwork of a German spy working for R'lluhloig, but his search for vengeance costs an old friend his life.
The companions retreat to Holmes's farm on the Sussex Downs, and it is not long before a client comes calling. Three young women have disappeared from the nearby town of Newford, and the locals have no doubt who is responsible. For legend has it that strange amphibious creatures dwell in a city on the seabed, coming ashore every few centuries to take fresh captives. As Holmes and Watson seek out the terrifying interlopers, the scene is set for the final battle that will bring them face to face with the Sussex Sea-Devils, and perhaps with Cthulhu himself...
440 pages, Hardcover
First published November 20, 2018
132 people are currently reading
1620 people want to read
About the author
James Lovegrove
152 books658 followersJames Lovegrove is the author of several acclaimed novels and books for children.
James was born on Christmas Eve 1965 and, having dabbled in writing at school, first took to it seriously while at university. A short story of his won a college competition. The prize was £15, and it had cost £18 to get the story professionally typed. This taught him a hard but necessary lesson in the harsh economic realities of a literary career.
Straight after graduating from Oxford with a degree in English Literature, James set himself the goal of getting a novel written and sold within two years. In the event, it took two months. The Hope was completed in six weeks and accepted by Macmillan a fortnight later. The seed for the idea for the novel — a world in microcosm on an ocean liner — was planted during a cross-Channel ferry journey.
James blew his modest advance for The Hope on a round-the-world trip which took him to, among other places, Thailand. His experiences there, particularly what he witnessed of the sex industry in Bangkok, provided much of the inspiration for The Foreigners.
Escardy Gap was co-written with Pete Crowther over a period of a year and a half, the two authors playing a game of creative tag, each completing a section in turn and leaving the other to carry the story on. The result has proved a cult favourite, and was voted by readers of SFX one of the top fifty SF/Fantasy novels of all time.
Days, a satire on consumerism, was shortlisted for the 1998 Arthur C. Clarke Award (losing to Mary Doria Russell’s The Sparrow). The book’s genesis most probably lies in the many visits James used to make as a child to the Oxford Street department store owned by his grandfather. It was written over a period of nine months while James was living in the north-west suburbs of Chicago.
Subsequent works have all been published to great acclaim. These include Untied Kingdom, Worldstorm, Provender Gleed, The Age Of Ra and the back-to-back double-novella Gig. James has also written for children. Wings, a short novel for reluctant readers, was short-listed for several awards, while his fantasy series for teens, The Clouded World, written under the pseudonym Jay Amory, has been translated into 7 other languages so far. A five-book series for reluctant readers, The 5 Lords Of Pain, is appearing at two-monthly intervals throughout 2010.
He also reviews fiction for the Financial Times, specialising in the Young Adult, children’s, science fiction, fantasy, horror and graphic novel genres.
Currently James resides in Eastbourne on the Sussex Coast, having moved there in August 2007 with his wife Lou, sons Monty and Theo, and cat Ozzy. He has a terrific view of the sea from his study window, which he doesn’t sit staring out at all day when he should be working. Honest.
James was born on Christmas Eve 1965 and, having dabbled in writing at school, first took to it seriously while at university. A short story of his won a college competition. The prize was £15, and it had cost £18 to get the story professionally typed. This taught him a hard but necessary lesson in the harsh economic realities of a literary career.
Straight after graduating from Oxford with a degree in English Literature, James set himself the goal of getting a novel written and sold within two years. In the event, it took two months. The Hope was completed in six weeks and accepted by Macmillan a fortnight later. The seed for the idea for the novel — a world in microcosm on an ocean liner — was planted during a cross-Channel ferry journey.
James blew his modest advance for The Hope on a round-the-world trip which took him to, among other places, Thailand. His experiences there, particularly what he witnessed of the sex industry in Bangkok, provided much of the inspiration for The Foreigners.
Escardy Gap was co-written with Pete Crowther over a period of a year and a half, the two authors playing a game of creative tag, each completing a section in turn and leaving the other to carry the story on. The result has proved a cult favourite, and was voted by readers of SFX one of the top fifty SF/Fantasy novels of all time.
Days, a satire on consumerism, was shortlisted for the 1998 Arthur C. Clarke Award (losing to Mary Doria Russell’s The Sparrow). The book’s genesis most probably lies in the many visits James used to make as a child to the Oxford Street department store owned by his grandfather. It was written over a period of nine months while James was living in the north-west suburbs of Chicago.
Subsequent works have all been published to great acclaim. These include Untied Kingdom, Worldstorm, Provender Gleed, The Age Of Ra and the back-to-back double-novella Gig. James has also written for children. Wings, a short novel for reluctant readers, was short-listed for several awards, while his fantasy series for teens, The Clouded World, written under the pseudonym Jay Amory, has been translated into 7 other languages so far. A five-book series for reluctant readers, The 5 Lords Of Pain, is appearing at two-monthly intervals throughout 2010.
He also reviews fiction for the Financial Times, specialising in the Young Adult, children’s, science fiction, fantasy, horror and graphic novel genres.
Currently James resides in Eastbourne on the Sussex Coast, having moved there in August 2007 with his wife Lou, sons Monty and Theo, and cat Ozzy. He has a terrific view of the sea from his study window, which he doesn’t sit staring out at all day when he should be working. Honest.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
February 8, 2019
James has written number of Holmes books & few Cthulhu H.P. Lovecraft books but Few years ago he combined the two successful in What if? style mirror universe with Holmes Vs Moriarty with old Gods from H.P. Lovecraft.
But Were did H.P get his 'Old Gods'?
1910 R'lluhloig has returned world WWI could arrive early, a different war with magic & damnation with demons with.....German accents. Biggest problem is being a Doctor Who fan The Sea Devils is Jon Pertwee favourite Master story from 1970s.
The Sea Devils here don't arrive until half way through the book almost an after thought not really need at all. He could called it The Death of Mycroft much better title.
But Were did H.P get his 'Old Gods'?
1910 R'lluhloig has returned world WWI could arrive early, a different war with magic & damnation with demons with.....German accents. Biggest problem is being a Doctor Who fan The Sea Devils is Jon Pertwee favourite Master story from 1970s.
The Sea Devils here don't arrive until half way through the book almost an after thought not really need at all. He could called it The Death of Mycroft much better title.
November 29, 2018
As always this review can also be found on my blog The Tattooed Book Geek: https://thetattooedbookgeek.wordpress...
Sherlock Holmes and the Sussex Sea-Devils is the third and final book in The Cthulu Casebooks trilogy by Lovegrove following on from the previous two releases the Shadwell Shadows and the Miskatonic Monstrosities. Both of those are fantastic books (you definitely need to read them both before tackling this one) that are well worth a read and the trilogy, on the whole, pays homage to and honours the originals while creating a wonderfully unique read.
The Cthulu Casebooks merge together Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic literary characters of Sherlock Holmes, Dr John Watson and Professor James Moriarty with H. P Lovecraft’s Cthulu mythos. On the surface, the pairing is a rather weird mix. You have the world’s colliding, the rational and the irrational. On one side, Holmes with his intellect, his analytical thinking and his skills of deduction and on the other, the strange otherworldy supernatural element of the Cthulu mythology. They are two polar opposites but the merging of the two canon’s works. In fact, it works extremely well and when you factor in that Lovegrove is a tremendous storyteller, well then, you have a marvellous mash-up, something that is bizarre yet brilliant, wholly imaginative and a winner on your hands.
The tale behind the trilogy goes that Lovegrove is a distant relative to H. P. Lovecraft and he inherited a trio of manuscripts that had been given to Lovecraft by Dr. John Watson. Watson wrote the manuscripts later in his life, near the end of his time, attempting to purge his soul, pulling back the veil and finally revealing the truth behind Holmes many investigations. Previously, when writing up his accounts of Holmes and his investigations Watson had ignored the supernatural that had plagued Holmes career. Either removing anything eldritch from the investigation or changing it to something that while fitting with the narrative (for example a man in a mask as opposed to a creature) kept it in the realms of the believable. Turning those crime-solving exploits into fiction and the stories that are beloved by millions worldwide. The Shadwell Shadows, The Miskatonic Monstrosities and The Sussex Sea-Devils are the three manuscripts. Now, in the hands of Lovegrove and with minimal editing those manuscripts have become The Cthulu Casebooks trilogy.
After a lifetime of battling R’luhlloig and his evil forces Sherlock Holmes, now, in his fifties has retired to a small homestead on the Sussex Downs. Trading in the majority of investigations (though he still dabbles, particularly in those cases of an eldritch nature and when needed keeping up the fight against R’luhlloig and his minions) for beekeeping. Watson remains in London at his medical practice and the start of the Sussex Sea-Devils sees him visiting Holmes in Sussex and falling straight into an investigation that Holmes is currently undertaking.
Later in the day, after the investigation is concluded, Holmes and Watson return to the small farm that Holmes owns to catch-up on their lives. For Holmes, it is also a chance to explain to Watson what had just transpired with the investigation, to elaborate on what was going on and to tell him what he had unexpectedly stumbled into. Later, Watson is awakened from his slumber by the telephone ringing. It is Mycroft Holmes, Sherlock’s older brother, incoherently babbling nonsense down the line. With Watson, devoted and ever faithful by his side, he rushes to London as quick as humanly possible to find out what has befallen Mycroft and to hopefully discern the cause behind his insensate state.
Holmes, sadly, is too late to save his older brother and Mycroft is already dead by the time the duo arrive at his house. Mycroft, however, isn’t the only person to be found dead. The rest of the Dagon Club, a secret group comprised of renowned members of the Diogenes Club have also all perished during the night. The subsequent investigation inevitably leads Holmes back to R’luhlloig who is attempting to bring to fruition a nefarious plan, years in the making. Holmes and Watson manage to escape and then evade the clutches and the grasp of the long arm of The Hidden Mind. Returning to Sussex where they wait, hiding, recuperating and biding their time before R’luhlloig strikes once again.
During the quiet period, the calm before the storm and the lull in activity from R’luhlloig Holmes takes on a new case. There are reports of a trio of women going missing in the nearby village of Newford. Old folklore tales of the area abound, every couple of hundred years humanoid creatures (the Sea-Devils of the title) come from out of the sea, the sea churns, the mist rolls down covering the entire village in a fog and women are taken, never to be seen again.
Once more the game is afoot as Holmes and Watson investigate, delving into the mystery and revealing the truth behind the Sea-Devils. The influence of R’luhlloig can be felt and his plan is heading towards its culmination. Leading us to R’lyeh, the resting place of Cthulu and the ultimate tentacled showdown between the Great Old Ones, the Outer Gods, Holmes and R’luhlloig.
I love the whole presentation (the image doesn’t do it justice, in real-life the book cover is stunning) and Lovegrove, from the beginning to the end shows a dedication to his craft going all-in with his pretence. Exuding a sense of Kayfabe and keeping up the charade that he has crafted throughout the duration of the entire trilogy. There are prefaces by Lovegrove, forewords by Watson, epilogues by Watson and, for The Sussex Sea-Devils an additional afterword by Lovegrove and then a publisher’s note by Titan Books to close the tale that all add to the sense of kayfabe and the blurring of the lines of reality.
The Sussex Sea-Devils isn’t a story to take too seriously. However, it is a dark story that has some deep moments included and it is filled with twists, turns and tension. It is a story to lose yourself in, a story whereby you switch off, enjoy the ride and just have some fun reading. This isn’t a detriment to the book. Far from it, I loved it (like I have loved the whole trilogy) and it is that fun aspect that keeps the pages turning, the reader engaged and makes both The Sussex Sea-Devils and The Cthulu Casebooks so damn enjoyable and entertaining to read.
Sherlock Holmes and the Sussex Sea-Devils is the third and final book in The Cthulu Casebooks trilogy by Lovegrove following on from the previous two releases the Shadwell Shadows and the Miskatonic Monstrosities. Both of those are fantastic books (you definitely need to read them both before tackling this one) that are well worth a read and the trilogy, on the whole, pays homage to and honours the originals while creating a wonderfully unique read.
The Cthulu Casebooks merge together Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic literary characters of Sherlock Holmes, Dr John Watson and Professor James Moriarty with H. P Lovecraft’s Cthulu mythos. On the surface, the pairing is a rather weird mix. You have the world’s colliding, the rational and the irrational. On one side, Holmes with his intellect, his analytical thinking and his skills of deduction and on the other, the strange otherworldy supernatural element of the Cthulu mythology. They are two polar opposites but the merging of the two canon’s works. In fact, it works extremely well and when you factor in that Lovegrove is a tremendous storyteller, well then, you have a marvellous mash-up, something that is bizarre yet brilliant, wholly imaginative and a winner on your hands.
The tale behind the trilogy goes that Lovegrove is a distant relative to H. P. Lovecraft and he inherited a trio of manuscripts that had been given to Lovecraft by Dr. John Watson. Watson wrote the manuscripts later in his life, near the end of his time, attempting to purge his soul, pulling back the veil and finally revealing the truth behind Holmes many investigations. Previously, when writing up his accounts of Holmes and his investigations Watson had ignored the supernatural that had plagued Holmes career. Either removing anything eldritch from the investigation or changing it to something that while fitting with the narrative (for example a man in a mask as opposed to a creature) kept it in the realms of the believable. Turning those crime-solving exploits into fiction and the stories that are beloved by millions worldwide. The Shadwell Shadows, The Miskatonic Monstrosities and The Sussex Sea-Devils are the three manuscripts. Now, in the hands of Lovegrove and with minimal editing those manuscripts have become The Cthulu Casebooks trilogy.
After a lifetime of battling R’luhlloig and his evil forces Sherlock Holmes, now, in his fifties has retired to a small homestead on the Sussex Downs. Trading in the majority of investigations (though he still dabbles, particularly in those cases of an eldritch nature and when needed keeping up the fight against R’luhlloig and his minions) for beekeeping. Watson remains in London at his medical practice and the start of the Sussex Sea-Devils sees him visiting Holmes in Sussex and falling straight into an investigation that Holmes is currently undertaking.
Later in the day, after the investigation is concluded, Holmes and Watson return to the small farm that Holmes owns to catch-up on their lives. For Holmes, it is also a chance to explain to Watson what had just transpired with the investigation, to elaborate on what was going on and to tell him what he had unexpectedly stumbled into. Later, Watson is awakened from his slumber by the telephone ringing. It is Mycroft Holmes, Sherlock’s older brother, incoherently babbling nonsense down the line. With Watson, devoted and ever faithful by his side, he rushes to London as quick as humanly possible to find out what has befallen Mycroft and to hopefully discern the cause behind his insensate state.
Holmes, sadly, is too late to save his older brother and Mycroft is already dead by the time the duo arrive at his house. Mycroft, however, isn’t the only person to be found dead. The rest of the Dagon Club, a secret group comprised of renowned members of the Diogenes Club have also all perished during the night. The subsequent investigation inevitably leads Holmes back to R’luhlloig who is attempting to bring to fruition a nefarious plan, years in the making. Holmes and Watson manage to escape and then evade the clutches and the grasp of the long arm of The Hidden Mind. Returning to Sussex where they wait, hiding, recuperating and biding their time before R’luhlloig strikes once again.
During the quiet period, the calm before the storm and the lull in activity from R’luhlloig Holmes takes on a new case. There are reports of a trio of women going missing in the nearby village of Newford. Old folklore tales of the area abound, every couple of hundred years humanoid creatures (the Sea-Devils of the title) come from out of the sea, the sea churns, the mist rolls down covering the entire village in a fog and women are taken, never to be seen again.
Once more the game is afoot as Holmes and Watson investigate, delving into the mystery and revealing the truth behind the Sea-Devils. The influence of R’luhlloig can be felt and his plan is heading towards its culmination. Leading us to R’lyeh, the resting place of Cthulu and the ultimate tentacled showdown between the Great Old Ones, the Outer Gods, Holmes and R’luhlloig.
I love the whole presentation (the image doesn’t do it justice, in real-life the book cover is stunning) and Lovegrove, from the beginning to the end shows a dedication to his craft going all-in with his pretence. Exuding a sense of Kayfabe and keeping up the charade that he has crafted throughout the duration of the entire trilogy. There are prefaces by Lovegrove, forewords by Watson, epilogues by Watson and, for The Sussex Sea-Devils an additional afterword by Lovegrove and then a publisher’s note by Titan Books to close the tale that all add to the sense of kayfabe and the blurring of the lines of reality.
The Sussex Sea-Devils isn’t a story to take too seriously. However, it is a dark story that has some deep moments included and it is filled with twists, turns and tension. It is a story to lose yourself in, a story whereby you switch off, enjoy the ride and just have some fun reading. This isn’t a detriment to the book. Far from it, I loved it (like I have loved the whole trilogy) and it is that fun aspect that keeps the pages turning, the reader engaged and makes both The Sussex Sea-Devils and The Cthulu Casebooks so damn enjoyable and entertaining to read.
February 26, 2020
This is the final novel in the trilogy which weds the detective fiction of Arthur Conan-Doyle and the macabre world of Howard Phillips Lovecraft.
The year is 1910 and, as the imperial powers of Europe edge closer to war, the terrestrial tensions are mirrored (or, more accurately, are a mirror of) a supernatural battle between the Old Ones and the Outer Gods. Cthulhu being the mightiest of the former; the latter led by R'lluhloig, the Hidden Mind that was once Professor James Moriarty.
Three young women have disappeared from the strange Sussex coastal town of Newford near to Holmes’s retirement home. Could they have been abducted by the legendary “Sea-Devils” or is there a more mundane and logical explanation? Holmes and Doctor Watson’s investigations eventually lead them to the south Pacific and the final battle between the supernatural powers.
Overall, as with the previous two books, this is a fun book which melds two seemingly disparate sources – the logical and the fantastic. It is made all the more enjoyable by the writer’s echoing the stilted Edwardian English of Conan Doyle occasionally laced with the even more archaic terms Lovecraft was want to use.
The year is 1910 and, as the imperial powers of Europe edge closer to war, the terrestrial tensions are mirrored (or, more accurately, are a mirror of) a supernatural battle between the Old Ones and the Outer Gods. Cthulhu being the mightiest of the former; the latter led by R'lluhloig, the Hidden Mind that was once Professor James Moriarty.
Three young women have disappeared from the strange Sussex coastal town of Newford near to Holmes’s retirement home. Could they have been abducted by the legendary “Sea-Devils” or is there a more mundane and logical explanation? Holmes and Doctor Watson’s investigations eventually lead them to the south Pacific and the final battle between the supernatural powers.
Overall, as with the previous two books, this is a fun book which melds two seemingly disparate sources – the logical and the fantastic. It is made all the more enjoyable by the writer’s echoing the stilted Edwardian English of Conan Doyle occasionally laced with the even more archaic terms Lovecraft was want to use.
November 12, 2020
Let's be fair, a Lovecraft/Doyle crossover is not going to be perfect. The story will go off kilter with much off-character events however at its heart is a rollicking adventure that is hard to ignore.
A solid, addictive read that will not disappoint.
On the whole this is without doubt a sure-footed five star trilogy.
A solid, addictive read that will not disappoint.
On the whole this is without doubt a sure-footed five star trilogy.
November 13, 2023
This series is completely worth it if you’re a fan of Arthur Conan Doyle &/or H.P. Lovecraft. The whole idea of “The Cthuhlu Casefiles” & having Dr. John Watson write them as the real adventures of Sherlock Holmes & Dr. Watson makes it better.
April 16, 2022
Lovegrove finishes his trilogy about Sherlock Holmes and the Cthulhu mythos on a high note. I was pulled in right from the first chapter and kept turning pages (metaphorically) until the end. Almost immediately, the stakes are made clear when Mycroft Holmes and the entire Diageneses club are murdered to limit England’s ability to respond to the latest plot of Moriarity-turned-elder-God and Sherlock is consumed by a rage that seems to threaten his ability to be the great detective.
Yet the best part of all was the encounter with the Sussex Sea Devils themselves, with an obvious nod to Lovecraft’s Innsmouth. What follows was a sea voyage that was a bit drawn out, but then it was a very long voyage. And the conclusion over the fate of the cosmos was absolutely superbly Sherlock Holmes.
I think fans can quibble a bit with Lovegrove’s use of a certain elder god, but the overall impact of this story was completely satisfying.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
Yet the best part of all was the encounter with the Sussex Sea Devils themselves, with an obvious nod to Lovecraft’s Innsmouth. What follows was a sea voyage that was a bit drawn out, but then it was a very long voyage. And the conclusion over the fate of the cosmos was absolutely superbly Sherlock Holmes.
I think fans can quibble a bit with Lovegrove’s use of a certain elder god, but the overall impact of this story was completely satisfying.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
December 8, 2018
Is it really three years since I started to read this series? With Sherlock Holmes and the Sussex Sea-Devils we get to the third, and I believe final, book in this mashup of HP Lovecraft’s imagination and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most famous creation.
This third book is set in 1910, about seven years after the last novel (Sherlock Holmes and the Miskatonic Monstrocities). As in the original Conan Doyle stories, Sherlock Holmes, to all intents and purposes, has retired from sleuthing and moved to Eastbourne, to take up beekeeping. Doctor Watson has stayed in London to carry on with his doctor’s practice and at the beginning of the novel it is clear that the two do not spend much time in each other’s company.
Unbeknown to the general public, Sherlock has actually continued to spend time fighting Cthulhu and in particular has had a number of ‘interactions’ with R’luhlloig, the god formally known as Professor James Moriarty. When members of the Diogenes Club all die in one night, including someone close to Holmes, it appears that another plan may be coming to fruition.
Following an attack on Holmes & Watson by the snake men (last seen in Sherlock Holmes and the Miskatonic Monstrocities), they retreat to Holmes’ cottage on the Sussex coast. A local businessman approaches Holmes there and asks for his help. Three young women, seemingly unconnected to each other, have disappeared from the nearby town of Newford. On further investigation Holmes and Watson are surprised to find that the locals are all too willing to accept the situation and blame the local legend of strange amphibian creatures, known as the Sussex Sea Devils, appearing from the sea to take women captive.
The world also seems to be heading to war, something which may or may not involve the unseen work of R’luhlloig.
Holmes and Watson are captured by R’luhlloig, who in the guise of German ambassador Baron von Herling, has designs on a more sinister purpose. The end of the novel deals with a clash between the Outer Gods and the Old Ones as R’luhlloig dares to take on the sleeping god Cthulhu.
As the third book in a trilogy, it is clear that we are nearing the end here. Sherlock is in his later years in both his fictional life (created by Watson) and his ‘real’ life, shown here. Holmes and Watson reflect this winding down into old age and are showing the aches and pains associated with old age. They are less physically mobile, though Holmes’ intellect remains intact.
If I had a minor quibble, I would suggest that Holmes has less sleuthing to do in this last volume than previous. I guess that this reflects the approach of physical old age, though there is no sign of senility here. He spends a lot of time being transported rather than taking action himself, though there are also times when he steps up to the mark.
The highlight of the book though is the battle at R’lyeh between R’luhlloig, representing the Outer Gods, and Old One Cthulhu, which doesn’t disappoint. James channels Lovecraft’s At the Mountains of Madness with ancient ruins, slimy frog-like henchmen and monstrous evil.
There’s an appropriate Postscript, which brings the story up to date and gives an acceptable ending.
So: it is an unlikely pairing, but the combination of Conan Doyle and Lovecraft is an endearing one and for me works surprisingly well with its combination of Edwardian gloom and ethereal malice. Sherlock Holmes and the Sussex Sea-Devils is the culmination of this series and if you’ve liked the previous two novels you’ll like this one.
Overall, the series has been a pleasant surprise, and is recommended.
This third book is set in 1910, about seven years after the last novel (Sherlock Holmes and the Miskatonic Monstrocities). As in the original Conan Doyle stories, Sherlock Holmes, to all intents and purposes, has retired from sleuthing and moved to Eastbourne, to take up beekeeping. Doctor Watson has stayed in London to carry on with his doctor’s practice and at the beginning of the novel it is clear that the two do not spend much time in each other’s company.
Unbeknown to the general public, Sherlock has actually continued to spend time fighting Cthulhu and in particular has had a number of ‘interactions’ with R’luhlloig, the god formally known as Professor James Moriarty. When members of the Diogenes Club all die in one night, including someone close to Holmes, it appears that another plan may be coming to fruition.
Following an attack on Holmes & Watson by the snake men (last seen in Sherlock Holmes and the Miskatonic Monstrocities), they retreat to Holmes’ cottage on the Sussex coast. A local businessman approaches Holmes there and asks for his help. Three young women, seemingly unconnected to each other, have disappeared from the nearby town of Newford. On further investigation Holmes and Watson are surprised to find that the locals are all too willing to accept the situation and blame the local legend of strange amphibian creatures, known as the Sussex Sea Devils, appearing from the sea to take women captive.
The world also seems to be heading to war, something which may or may not involve the unseen work of R’luhlloig.
Holmes and Watson are captured by R’luhlloig, who in the guise of German ambassador Baron von Herling, has designs on a more sinister purpose. The end of the novel deals with a clash between the Outer Gods and the Old Ones as R’luhlloig dares to take on the sleeping god Cthulhu.
As the third book in a trilogy, it is clear that we are nearing the end here. Sherlock is in his later years in both his fictional life (created by Watson) and his ‘real’ life, shown here. Holmes and Watson reflect this winding down into old age and are showing the aches and pains associated with old age. They are less physically mobile, though Holmes’ intellect remains intact.
If I had a minor quibble, I would suggest that Holmes has less sleuthing to do in this last volume than previous. I guess that this reflects the approach of physical old age, though there is no sign of senility here. He spends a lot of time being transported rather than taking action himself, though there are also times when he steps up to the mark.
The highlight of the book though is the battle at R’lyeh between R’luhlloig, representing the Outer Gods, and Old One Cthulhu, which doesn’t disappoint. James channels Lovecraft’s At the Mountains of Madness with ancient ruins, slimy frog-like henchmen and monstrous evil.
There’s an appropriate Postscript, which brings the story up to date and gives an acceptable ending.
So: it is an unlikely pairing, but the combination of Conan Doyle and Lovecraft is an endearing one and for me works surprisingly well with its combination of Edwardian gloom and ethereal malice. Sherlock Holmes and the Sussex Sea-Devils is the culmination of this series and if you’ve liked the previous two novels you’ll like this one.
Overall, the series has been a pleasant surprise, and is recommended.
December 26, 2022
Holmes and Watson battling women stealing Sea-Devils and far more horrifying entities.
July 5, 2019
This is the third book in this trilogy. Consider, if you will, that Sherlock and Watson knew not only about the existence of the old gods, but worked to rid them from our world. The world and gods from Lovecraft work well when combined with the world of Sherlock. Excellent reading!
May 26, 2025
A fun, quick read. I've enjoyed every book in this series equally.
April 15, 2024
This is clearly meant to be the climactic finale of a series of novels. It should therefore be a relentless and focussed duel to the death. But it is nothing of the sort. It is episodic, switching threads and scenes, with no clear direction or goal. The tension ebbs and flows, characters come and go. There is no shortage of action or gore, but where is this all heading?
January 18, 2019
The final instalment in The Cthulhu Casebooks series, SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE SUSSEX SEA-DEVILS by James Lovegrove is compelling, addictive, and everything you want from the sophisticated and exceptional Sherlock Holmes.
Sherlock Holmes has retired from London and living a more relaxed life in Sussex or so it would appear. But it isn't long before Holmes and Watson are back to their usual tricks trying to solve riddles that would bemuse and exasperate everybody else. When Holmes receives a strange phone call from his older brother it launches him back to London but tragedy has already struck and Holmes demands justice which he is determined to dole out himself. For their old enemy has resurfaced and is determined to drag our world into darkness and despair while old magic will rise up and destroy life as we know it for everyone. Can Holmes and Watson put an end to this evil for good?
Dangerous, exciting, clever and engaging, I thoroughly enjoyed this story which is gripping from beginning to end. With the loss that Holmes experiences we get to see glimpses of a more human and emotional Holmes as he seeks to destroy the evil that is running rampant in our world. Watson and Holmes together are their usual cavalier and witty selves and there is never a dull moment among these pages.
SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE SUSSEX SEA-DEVILS by James Lovegrove is a must-read for Holmes fans, as is the entire series, and they are some of the best historical mysteries that I have had the pleasure to read.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
Sherlock Holmes has retired from London and living a more relaxed life in Sussex or so it would appear. But it isn't long before Holmes and Watson are back to their usual tricks trying to solve riddles that would bemuse and exasperate everybody else. When Holmes receives a strange phone call from his older brother it launches him back to London but tragedy has already struck and Holmes demands justice which he is determined to dole out himself. For their old enemy has resurfaced and is determined to drag our world into darkness and despair while old magic will rise up and destroy life as we know it for everyone. Can Holmes and Watson put an end to this evil for good?
Dangerous, exciting, clever and engaging, I thoroughly enjoyed this story which is gripping from beginning to end. With the loss that Holmes experiences we get to see glimpses of a more human and emotional Holmes as he seeks to destroy the evil that is running rampant in our world. Watson and Holmes together are their usual cavalier and witty selves and there is never a dull moment among these pages.
SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE SUSSEX SEA-DEVILS by James Lovegrove is a must-read for Holmes fans, as is the entire series, and they are some of the best historical mysteries that I have had the pleasure to read.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
April 29, 2025
Sherlock Holmes and the Sussex Sea-Devils is the third and final book in The Cthulu Casebooks trilogy by Lovegrove following on from the previous two releases the Shadwell Shadows and the Miskatonic Monstrosities. Both of those are fantastic books (you definitely need to read them both before tackling this one) that are well worth a read and the trilogy, on the whole, pays homage to and honours the originals while creating a wonderfully unique read.
The Cthulu Casebooks merge together Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic literary characters of Sherlock Holmes, Dr John Watson and Professor James Moriarty with H. P Lovecraft’s Cthulu mythos. On the surface, the pairing is a rather weird mix. You have the world’s colliding, the rational and the irrational. On one side, Holmes with his intellect, his analytical thinking and his skills of deduction and on the other, the strange otherworldy supernatural element of the Cthulu mythology. They are two polar opposites but the merging of the two canon’s works. In fact, it works extremely well and when you factor in that Lovegrove is a tremendous storyteller, well then, you have a marvellous mash-up, something that is bizarre yet brilliant, wholly imaginative and a winner on your hands.
The tale behind the trilogy goes that Lovegrove is a distant relative to H. P. Lovecraft and he inherited a trio of manuscripts that had been given to Lovecraft by Dr. John Watson. Watson wrote the manuscripts later in his life, near the end of his time, attempting to purge his soul, pulling back the veil and finally revealing the truth behind Holmes many investigations. Previously, when writing up his accounts of Holmes and his investigations Watson had ignored the supernatural that had plagued Holmes career. Either removing anything eldritch from the investigation or changing it to something that while fitting with the narrative (for example a man in a mask as opposed to a creature) kept it in the realms of the believable. Turning those crime-solving exploits into fiction and the stories that are beloved by millions worldwide. The Shadwell Shadows, The Miskatonic Monstrosities and The Sussex Sea-Devils are the three manuscripts. Now, in the hands of Lovegrove and with minimal editing those manuscripts have become The Cthulu Casebooks trilogy.
After a lifetime of battling R’luhlloig and his evil forces Sherlock Holmes, now, in his fifties has retired to a small homestead on the Sussex Downs. Trading in the majority of investigations (though he still dabbles, particularly in those cases of an eldritch nature and when needed keeping up the fight against R’luhlloig and his minions) for beekeeping. Watson remains in London at his medical practice and the start of the Sussex Sea-Devils sees him visiting Holmes in Sussex and falling straight into an investigation that Holmes is currently undertaking.
Later in the day, after the investigation is concluded, Holmes and Watson return to the small farm that Holmes owns to catch-up on their lives. For Holmes, it is also a chance to explain to Watson what had just transpired with the investigation, to elaborate on what was going on and to tell him what he had unexpectedly stumbled into. Later, Watson is awakened from his slumber by the telephone ringing. It is Mycroft Holmes, Sherlock’s older brother, incoherently babbling nonsense down the line. With Watson, devoted and ever faithful by his side, he rushes to London as quick as humanly possible to find out what has befallen Mycroft and to hopefully discern the cause behind his insensate state.
Holmes, sadly, is too late to save his older brother and Mycroft is already dead by the time the duo arrive at his house. Mycroft, however, isn’t the only person to be found dead. The rest of the Dagon Club, a secret group comprised of renowned members of the Diogenes Club have also all perished during the night. The subsequent investigation inevitably leads Holmes back to R’luhlloig who is attempting to bring to fruition a nefarious plan, years in the making. Holmes and Watson manage to escape and then evade the clutches and the grasp of the long arm of The Hidden Mind. Returning to Sussex where they wait, hiding, recuperating and biding their time before R’luhlloig strikes once again.
During the quiet period, the calm before the storm and the lull in activity from R’luhlloig Holmes takes on a new case. There are reports of a trio of women going missing in the nearby village of Newford. Old folklore tales of the area abound, every couple of hundred years humanoid creatures (the Sea-Devils of the title) come from out of the sea, the sea churns, the mist rolls down covering the entire village in a fog and women are taken, never to be seen again.
Once more the game is afoot as Holmes and Watson investigate, delving into the mystery and revealing the truth behind the Sea-Devils. The influence of R’luhlloig can be felt and his plan is heading towards its culmination. Leading us to R’lyeh, the resting place of Cthulu and the ultimate tentacled showdown between the Great Old Ones, the Outer Gods, Holmes and R’luhlloig.
I love the whole presentation and Lovegrove, from the beginning to the end shows a dedication to his craft going all-in with his pretence. Exuding a sense of Kayfabe and keeping up the charade that he has crafted throughout the duration of the entire trilogy. There are prefaces by Lovegrove, forewords by Watson, epilogues by Watson and, for The Sussex Sea-Devils an additional afterword by Lovegrove and then a publisher’s note by Titan Books to close the tale that all add to the sense of kayfabe and the blurring of the lines of reality.
The Sussex Sea-Devils isn’t a story to take too seriously. However, it is a dark story that has some deep moments included and it is filled with twists, turns and tension. It is a story to lose yourself in, a story whereby you switch off, enjoy the ride and just have some fun reading. This isn’t a detriment to the book. Far from it, I loved it (like I have loved the whole trilogy) and it is that fun aspect that keeps the pages turning, the reader engaged and makes both The Sussex Sea-Devils and The Cthulu Casebooks so damn enjoyable and entertaining to read.
The Cthulu Casebooks merge together Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic literary characters of Sherlock Holmes, Dr John Watson and Professor James Moriarty with H. P Lovecraft’s Cthulu mythos. On the surface, the pairing is a rather weird mix. You have the world’s colliding, the rational and the irrational. On one side, Holmes with his intellect, his analytical thinking and his skills of deduction and on the other, the strange otherworldy supernatural element of the Cthulu mythology. They are two polar opposites but the merging of the two canon’s works. In fact, it works extremely well and when you factor in that Lovegrove is a tremendous storyteller, well then, you have a marvellous mash-up, something that is bizarre yet brilliant, wholly imaginative and a winner on your hands.
The tale behind the trilogy goes that Lovegrove is a distant relative to H. P. Lovecraft and he inherited a trio of manuscripts that had been given to Lovecraft by Dr. John Watson. Watson wrote the manuscripts later in his life, near the end of his time, attempting to purge his soul, pulling back the veil and finally revealing the truth behind Holmes many investigations. Previously, when writing up his accounts of Holmes and his investigations Watson had ignored the supernatural that had plagued Holmes career. Either removing anything eldritch from the investigation or changing it to something that while fitting with the narrative (for example a man in a mask as opposed to a creature) kept it in the realms of the believable. Turning those crime-solving exploits into fiction and the stories that are beloved by millions worldwide. The Shadwell Shadows, The Miskatonic Monstrosities and The Sussex Sea-Devils are the three manuscripts. Now, in the hands of Lovegrove and with minimal editing those manuscripts have become The Cthulu Casebooks trilogy.
After a lifetime of battling R’luhlloig and his evil forces Sherlock Holmes, now, in his fifties has retired to a small homestead on the Sussex Downs. Trading in the majority of investigations (though he still dabbles, particularly in those cases of an eldritch nature and when needed keeping up the fight against R’luhlloig and his minions) for beekeeping. Watson remains in London at his medical practice and the start of the Sussex Sea-Devils sees him visiting Holmes in Sussex and falling straight into an investigation that Holmes is currently undertaking.
Later in the day, after the investigation is concluded, Holmes and Watson return to the small farm that Holmes owns to catch-up on their lives. For Holmes, it is also a chance to explain to Watson what had just transpired with the investigation, to elaborate on what was going on and to tell him what he had unexpectedly stumbled into. Later, Watson is awakened from his slumber by the telephone ringing. It is Mycroft Holmes, Sherlock’s older brother, incoherently babbling nonsense down the line. With Watson, devoted and ever faithful by his side, he rushes to London as quick as humanly possible to find out what has befallen Mycroft and to hopefully discern the cause behind his insensate state.
Holmes, sadly, is too late to save his older brother and Mycroft is already dead by the time the duo arrive at his house. Mycroft, however, isn’t the only person to be found dead. The rest of the Dagon Club, a secret group comprised of renowned members of the Diogenes Club have also all perished during the night. The subsequent investigation inevitably leads Holmes back to R’luhlloig who is attempting to bring to fruition a nefarious plan, years in the making. Holmes and Watson manage to escape and then evade the clutches and the grasp of the long arm of The Hidden Mind. Returning to Sussex where they wait, hiding, recuperating and biding their time before R’luhlloig strikes once again.
During the quiet period, the calm before the storm and the lull in activity from R’luhlloig Holmes takes on a new case. There are reports of a trio of women going missing in the nearby village of Newford. Old folklore tales of the area abound, every couple of hundred years humanoid creatures (the Sea-Devils of the title) come from out of the sea, the sea churns, the mist rolls down covering the entire village in a fog and women are taken, never to be seen again.
Once more the game is afoot as Holmes and Watson investigate, delving into the mystery and revealing the truth behind the Sea-Devils. The influence of R’luhlloig can be felt and his plan is heading towards its culmination. Leading us to R’lyeh, the resting place of Cthulu and the ultimate tentacled showdown between the Great Old Ones, the Outer Gods, Holmes and R’luhlloig.
I love the whole presentation and Lovegrove, from the beginning to the end shows a dedication to his craft going all-in with his pretence. Exuding a sense of Kayfabe and keeping up the charade that he has crafted throughout the duration of the entire trilogy. There are prefaces by Lovegrove, forewords by Watson, epilogues by Watson and, for The Sussex Sea-Devils an additional afterword by Lovegrove and then a publisher’s note by Titan Books to close the tale that all add to the sense of kayfabe and the blurring of the lines of reality.
The Sussex Sea-Devils isn’t a story to take too seriously. However, it is a dark story that has some deep moments included and it is filled with twists, turns and tension. It is a story to lose yourself in, a story whereby you switch off, enjoy the ride and just have some fun reading. This isn’t a detriment to the book. Far from it, I loved it (like I have loved the whole trilogy) and it is that fun aspect that keeps the pages turning, the reader engaged and makes both The Sussex Sea-Devils and The Cthulu Casebooks so damn enjoyable and entertaining to read.
April 29, 2021
Readable but dull. The first 2 books were entertaining romps, this is more a slow plod. Too much Holmes and Watson, not enough squamous horror from beyond.
May 23, 2021
A very satisfying end to what has been a reliably good trilogy.
October 23, 2022
Watson, my sweet Watson. You deserve so much better than one Sherlock Holmes.
December 6, 2019
Review originally published March 11, 2019, at BORG.com.
A triumph of tie-ins, mash-ups, genre works, and storytelling–James Lovegrove’s Sherlock Holmes and the Sussex Sea-Devils
Review by C.J. Bunce
So many genre novels are quick reads, full of action and modern surprises. Once in a while you stumble upon the slow read–the book that is so smartly written, so exciting and enjoyable you never want it to end, and you force yourself to take it slow and enjoy the author’s use of language. With his latest book I’ve now added James Lovegrove to my shortlist of authors I will make sure to read as soon as his next work is released. His new novel is Sherlock Holmes and the Sussex Sea-Devils, book three of his trilogy, The Cthulhu Casebooks. In short, this work has it all–tie-ins, a mash-up, genre-bending, and immersive storytelling in a suspense-filled mystery adventure. It’s a big feat because the very subject matter and project has much to overcome. First, it is the third book in a series, not your usual place as a reader to begin. As it is a new release, I delved in anyway, and discovered Lovegrove crafted a complete end-to-end story requiring no prior knowledge of the first two books in the series. Second, it’s a tie-in and a mash-up of the most well-known historical characters in all of fiction, Arthur Conan Doyle‘s Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson twisted together with the macabre, dark world of H.P. Lovecraft.
Read the rest of the review here.
here.
A triumph of tie-ins, mash-ups, genre works, and storytelling–James Lovegrove’s Sherlock Holmes and the Sussex Sea-Devils
Review by C.J. Bunce
So many genre novels are quick reads, full of action and modern surprises. Once in a while you stumble upon the slow read–the book that is so smartly written, so exciting and enjoyable you never want it to end, and you force yourself to take it slow and enjoy the author’s use of language. With his latest book I’ve now added James Lovegrove to my shortlist of authors I will make sure to read as soon as his next work is released. His new novel is Sherlock Holmes and the Sussex Sea-Devils, book three of his trilogy, The Cthulhu Casebooks. In short, this work has it all–tie-ins, a mash-up, genre-bending, and immersive storytelling in a suspense-filled mystery adventure. It’s a big feat because the very subject matter and project has much to overcome. First, it is the third book in a series, not your usual place as a reader to begin. As it is a new release, I delved in anyway, and discovered Lovegrove crafted a complete end-to-end story requiring no prior knowledge of the first two books in the series. Second, it’s a tie-in and a mash-up of the most well-known historical characters in all of fiction, Arthur Conan Doyle‘s Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson twisted together with the macabre, dark world of H.P. Lovecraft.
Read the rest of the review here.
here.
May 27, 2019
I don't know if its just a Winter/Spring thing where I don't have any huge urge to read. Or perhaps it was my preoccupation with being unemployed that kept me from enjoying any book. Or if maybe this book was just not that good.
Possibly all three things were at play.
While I enjoyed the first two books in this series, this one felt off to me. The concept a little less believable, the whole thing felt tired. I found that I would put this book down for very long periods of time. But as I said, I think spending January through April unemployed also kept me from being able to relax and read without worrying. I could be looking for a job, or working on something towards getting a job. Or I should just be creating! That's what artists do when they're unemployed and in a funk, right?
Regardless, I am employed again and so the urge to read has started to creep back. I finally had some time the other day to pick this up and continue. I thought this weekend would be good time to finish reading it and hopefully pick up something new and possibly more interesting work.
I will say that while the book itself was not good and the epilogue was rather ridiculous, I give James Lovegrove some credit for going the extra mile on trying to make it seem, "realistic." Even if it was really hokey.
Possibly all three things were at play.
While I enjoyed the first two books in this series, this one felt off to me. The concept a little less believable, the whole thing felt tired. I found that I would put this book down for very long periods of time. But as I said, I think spending January through April unemployed also kept me from being able to relax and read without worrying. I could be looking for a job, or working on something towards getting a job. Or I should just be creating! That's what artists do when they're unemployed and in a funk, right?
Regardless, I am employed again and so the urge to read has started to creep back. I finally had some time the other day to pick this up and continue. I thought this weekend would be good time to finish reading it and hopefully pick up something new and possibly more interesting work.
I will say that while the book itself was not good and the epilogue was rather ridiculous, I give James Lovegrove some credit for going the extra mile on trying to make it seem, "realistic." Even if it was really hokey.
April 3, 2020
Probably a 4.5, but this was still enjoyable to read so I'd rather give it 5 than 4.
Very cliche, and lacking a lot of mystery throughout the book in my opinion, but still better than the 2nd installment. The tone is darker, but the pace is faster and the stakes are higher which keep it interesting throughout. The final battle was very predictable, and cool in a way, but also disappointing - felt more like a piece of fanservice for Lovecraft fans rather than a conclusive ending.
I think the series as a whole could have benefited from some more fleshed-out side characters - the books focus almost entirely on Sherlock and Watson. The few that are present throughout the series are hardly utilised.
I imagine some people wouldn't like the epilogue, but I found it quite funny. These books aren't meant to be taken too seriously I feel.
Very cliche, and lacking a lot of mystery throughout the book in my opinion, but still better than the 2nd installment. The tone is darker, but the pace is faster and the stakes are higher which keep it interesting throughout. The final battle was very predictable, and cool in a way, but also disappointing - felt more like a piece of fanservice for Lovecraft fans rather than a conclusive ending.
I think the series as a whole could have benefited from some more fleshed-out side characters - the books focus almost entirely on Sherlock and Watson. The few that are present throughout the series are hardly utilised.
I imagine some people wouldn't like the epilogue, but I found it quite funny. These books aren't meant to be taken too seriously I feel.
December 17, 2018
Another in the Sherlock Holmes series.
I have read a few of the Sherlock Holmes books that have been written by authors other than Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and I have never been disappointed. However, this book by James Lovegrove is the third in a trilogy and I have not read the first two.
I was concerned that this would be a problem but in fact, I really enjoyed this book and found it easy to follow the plot as a stand-alone read. One of the previous Sherlock books that I have read was all about Cthulhu so I had some idea of this monster and how he had interacted with Holmes in the past.
This book starts with Holmes living in Sussex just before the First World War enjoying his sedate life looking after his bees. Watson is still living in London but remains in contact with Holmes and has come to visit. He is annoyed that when he arrives at the pre-arranged time there is no sign of Holmes and is even more annoyed when he is taken the prisoner and finds himself part of one of Holmes’ ongoing investigations.
Back in the cottage and beginning to learn from Holmes of the presence of their old enemy Cthulhu as well as R’luhlloig. Before Watson can settle down to enjoy his break everything is thrown into confusion when Holmes’ elder brother Mycroft telephones speaking incoherently down the line. The pair rushes up to London but are too late as Mycroft is found dead together with several other members of the renowned Diogenes Club. They have apparently all committed suicide but Holmes in his renowned style soon realises that this is the handiwork of R’luhlloig.
On their return to Sussex, the pair investigates the mysterious disappearance of young women being taken from their homes, this is attributed to the Sussex Sea Devils, a legend that is believed by everyone in the village of Newford.
It does not take Holmes long to realise that the Sea Devils are really R’luhlloig and his accomplices and that their final plan is to effect a confrontation with Cthulhu. The rest of the book is all about the trip to the realm of Cthulhu for the final battle. Holmes and Watson find themselves on the ship and are drawn into the ultimate battle.
The problem for me with this book was that I had not read the previous two in the trilogy so did not really understand all the background surrounding the two opponents and why or even what they were fighting for. I will need to read the first two books in order to fully understand but this book was still a good read as a stand-alone story.
Dexter
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
I have read a few of the Sherlock Holmes books that have been written by authors other than Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and I have never been disappointed. However, this book by James Lovegrove is the third in a trilogy and I have not read the first two.
I was concerned that this would be a problem but in fact, I really enjoyed this book and found it easy to follow the plot as a stand-alone read. One of the previous Sherlock books that I have read was all about Cthulhu so I had some idea of this monster and how he had interacted with Holmes in the past.
This book starts with Holmes living in Sussex just before the First World War enjoying his sedate life looking after his bees. Watson is still living in London but remains in contact with Holmes and has come to visit. He is annoyed that when he arrives at the pre-arranged time there is no sign of Holmes and is even more annoyed when he is taken the prisoner and finds himself part of one of Holmes’ ongoing investigations.
Back in the cottage and beginning to learn from Holmes of the presence of their old enemy Cthulhu as well as R’luhlloig. Before Watson can settle down to enjoy his break everything is thrown into confusion when Holmes’ elder brother Mycroft telephones speaking incoherently down the line. The pair rushes up to London but are too late as Mycroft is found dead together with several other members of the renowned Diogenes Club. They have apparently all committed suicide but Holmes in his renowned style soon realises that this is the handiwork of R’luhlloig.
On their return to Sussex, the pair investigates the mysterious disappearance of young women being taken from their homes, this is attributed to the Sussex Sea Devils, a legend that is believed by everyone in the village of Newford.
It does not take Holmes long to realise that the Sea Devils are really R’luhlloig and his accomplices and that their final plan is to effect a confrontation with Cthulhu. The rest of the book is all about the trip to the realm of Cthulhu for the final battle. Holmes and Watson find themselves on the ship and are drawn into the ultimate battle.
The problem for me with this book was that I had not read the previous two in the trilogy so did not really understand all the background surrounding the two opponents and why or even what they were fighting for. I will need to read the first two books in order to fully understand but this book was still a good read as a stand-alone story.
Dexter
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
July 2, 2022
My one complaint about this story is that it's written as the end of a series and not as the middle of a series of pastiches. I was hella confused as I was reading it and wondering if I had missed something, which is why it's 3-stars and not 4.
As a pastiche, it was enjoyable as we got to see more of Holmes' heart and brain working together, along with seeing how ruthless he can be.
Recommended 10+ for violence, mild language, aliens, and other things not good for younger readers.
As a pastiche, it was enjoyable as we got to see more of Holmes' heart and brain working together, along with seeing how ruthless he can be.
Recommended 10+ for violence, mild language, aliens, and other things not good for younger readers.
November 7, 2019
Sherlock Holmes and The Sussex Sea-Devils is a thoroughly enjoyable conclusion to the Cthulhu Casebook series. A fast paced chase to defeat an ancient evil.
February 5, 2022
CAWPILE- 8.00
Last book in The Cthulhu Casebooks Trilogy.
So pleased to have finished the trilogy and am looking forward to picking up more of Lovegrove's Sherlock books in the future.
Last book in The Cthulhu Casebooks Trilogy.
So pleased to have finished the trilogy and am looking forward to picking up more of Lovegrove's Sherlock books in the future.
September 19, 2024
It had a satisfying conclusion, but it took a while to get there. Felt a little overlong. Frankly, the first one of the trilogy was the best.
July 28, 2022
Most public libraries I’ve belonged to pride themselves in starting every series of books with the second one. My current library goes one better: it starts every series with the third one. I only realised when I got home that this was the third in a trilogy but I was so looking forward to reading it that I didn’t care. One day, I decided, I would read them all in order. Providing they were worth reading, of course. And they are! From the first page, it was love at first sight! I’m not the world’s greatest Sherlock Holmes fan but I have somehow managed to read every single story, mostly because someone once gave me a compendium (in teeny tiny print). I’m also hugely enamoured with H.P. Lovecraft, particularly since something I wrote once was compared to his work (at a time when I’d never heard of him). My most favourite adaption of his work comes in the form of a radio drama called The Lovecraft Investigations (no, not the Chronicles – that’s something else) which I’ve listened to so often that I have a very close familiarity with the world of Lovecraft, leading me to explore yet another giant compendium of everything he’s ever written. Combining the two worlds is, for me, just genius. The crossover concept is wild! I loved the feel of the book, the setting, the characters, the action-packed chapters, even the decorated chapter titles! Despite wanting to devour the story in one go, I read it slowly and deliberately to savour the superb use of language, the style, the descriptions, the wonderful atmosphere of the whole thing. James Lovegrove is a confident writer who knows his stuff.
December 20, 2021
I knew it! The saga of Sherlock & Watson's crossover into the weirdness of elder gods, which began with weirdness (Sherlock Holmes and the Shadwell Shadows), meandered through mediocrity (Sherlock Holmes and the Miskatonic Monstrosities) has finally reached the nadir of speculative mystery-horror-fantasy or whatever genre this belongs to.
Well, we finally get to see the great battle between the old and new elder gods, aka Cthulhu and the newbie who was thoroughly trumped/drubbed in the last two books by Sherlock/Watson. And hear me out, the fight was not some awe-inspiring one but rather fisticuffs! Talk about being underwhelmed.
And I would have given this one yet another 3/5, which to me means passable, but then it went the way of uber cliches in the last few pages (minutes) to give the most boring ending ever.
My Rating - 2/5
Well, we finally get to see the great battle between the old and new elder gods, aka Cthulhu and the newbie who was thoroughly trumped/drubbed in the last two books by Sherlock/Watson. And hear me out, the fight was not some awe-inspiring one but rather fisticuffs! Talk about being underwhelmed.
And I would have given this one yet another 3/5, which to me means passable, but then it went the way of uber cliches in the last few pages (minutes) to give the most boring ending ever.
My Rating - 2/5
August 27, 2020
I did enjoy this book, I think it might have been more immersive if I'd read the other two books in the series but it can definitely be enjoyed seperately if you're a fan of the Holmes stories and monster mythology. The supernatural elements were interesting and it was a different way to look at Lovecraft's myths alongside the classic detective story model. My only real issue with it was that sometimes the voice seemed a little stunted as though it was trying too much to sound like Dr Watson and perhaps slowing down some of the action through description of the surroundings to ensure the reader could tell which time period it was set in.
August 6, 2024
...and I'm out. I know Lovegrove's got a lot more Sherlock and Holmes novels out there, but after this one, I kinda don't care.
This felt like it was leading to something epic, until the second half, until the final confrontation, was honestly very dull and it felt like he was simply filling pages before he got to the conclusion.
Lovegrove did his homework with the Lovecraft stuff, as well as the Sherlock stuff, and I was initially very interested in how he'd mash them. But this ending felt rather anti-climatic.
Anyway, I'm glad I gave it a shot, there were some fun moments through the books, but I won't read any more of them.
This felt like it was leading to something epic, until the second half, until the final confrontation, was honestly very dull and it felt like he was simply filling pages before he got to the conclusion.
Lovegrove did his homework with the Lovecraft stuff, as well as the Sherlock stuff, and I was initially very interested in how he'd mash them. But this ending felt rather anti-climatic.
Anyway, I'm glad I gave it a shot, there were some fun moments through the books, but I won't read any more of them.
August 5, 2024
Great and fun ending, that's all I have to say
October 29, 2021
Sherlock Holmes and the Sussex Sea Devils is the third in the "Cthulhu Casebooks" series by James Lovegrove, being preceded by "Sherlock Holmes and the Shadwell Shadows" and "Sherlock Holmes and the Miskatonic Monstrosities". In this volume we find Holmes and Watson mostly retired, having (at least for the moment) triumphed over their recurring enemy The Hidden Mind, an eldritch monstrosity from the depths of who knows where. It is not long, however, before things start to stir in the darkness and mist, and Holmes and Watson find themselves again embroiled in the machinations of the Hidden Mind and its ongoing war against Cthulhu and the rest of the Old Ones as it threatens to drag the real world into chaos and conflict as well.
James Lovegrove has conjured up a world that not only feels like it could easily have come from the pen of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle himself, but with effortlessly intertwines the mundane and fantastical. From strange, jellyfish abominations to mysterious murders, from the halls of an embassy to the shores of R'lyeh itself, it simply works. Gibbery horrors and Germ U-Boats stand shoulder to shoulder, spells and mysterious music jostling for space alongside motorcars and revolvers but even as things spiral further and further into the mystic and profane, the story remains grounded and believable in the way these things are described and the way characters react to them.
Holmes and Watson themselves are described wonderfully, with Holmes as mercurial and quick witted as ever despite his advancing years, and Watson a solid, reliable companion willing to lay down his life for his friend if need be. Where generations of movies have, unfortunately, painted Watson as ever the lesser partner (at least until Jude Law's portrayal in the Guy Ritchie directed "Sherlock Holmes"), there is none of that in this book, and the pair's respect for each other is clear to see.
The final two chapters of the story are where things get a little meta, a little fourth-wall-breaking, with the author directly addressing the reader as well as a final epilogue being added from Titan Books themselves, giving the whole thing something of a "found footage" feel. Also, always remember -
Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!
Unlike one of the previous reviews "I Only Killed Him Once", stepping directly into the trilogy at book number three is a bit more of an issue here, although it is somewhat mitigated by an in-character introduction which helps to set the scene for new readers and the story stands on its own as a self-contained adventure. However, references are made to previous events and characters and sometimes it can feel as if there are comments being made, subtext being hinted at, that refer back to events from the prior two novels. It is definitely recommended, then, that new readers begin this series with book one for the best experience, though this novel can and has been read as a standalone novel for the purposes of this review.
While the story is drenched in the atmosphere of a classic Holmes novel, the story is somewhat slow and can drag in places. The title is also, to be entirely pedantic, something of a fib. There are Se Devils in the story, but they only appear over halfway through the book and only for a couple of chapters before they're gone. Still, when trying to come up with alliterative titles that connect to Cthulhu, there is only so much source material to draw on!
James Lovegrove has written a number of other Sherlock Holmes novels and has a new Firefly tie-in novel coming out soon. This is definitely an author worth looking up.
James Lovegrove has conjured up a world that not only feels like it could easily have come from the pen of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle himself, but with effortlessly intertwines the mundane and fantastical. From strange, jellyfish abominations to mysterious murders, from the halls of an embassy to the shores of R'lyeh itself, it simply works. Gibbery horrors and Germ U-Boats stand shoulder to shoulder, spells and mysterious music jostling for space alongside motorcars and revolvers but even as things spiral further and further into the mystic and profane, the story remains grounded and believable in the way these things are described and the way characters react to them.
Holmes and Watson themselves are described wonderfully, with Holmes as mercurial and quick witted as ever despite his advancing years, and Watson a solid, reliable companion willing to lay down his life for his friend if need be. Where generations of movies have, unfortunately, painted Watson as ever the lesser partner (at least until Jude Law's portrayal in the Guy Ritchie directed "Sherlock Holmes"), there is none of that in this book, and the pair's respect for each other is clear to see.
The final two chapters of the story are where things get a little meta, a little fourth-wall-breaking, with the author directly addressing the reader as well as a final epilogue being added from Titan Books themselves, giving the whole thing something of a "found footage" feel. Also, always remember -
Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!
Unlike one of the previous reviews "I Only Killed Him Once", stepping directly into the trilogy at book number three is a bit more of an issue here, although it is somewhat mitigated by an in-character introduction which helps to set the scene for new readers and the story stands on its own as a self-contained adventure. However, references are made to previous events and characters and sometimes it can feel as if there are comments being made, subtext being hinted at, that refer back to events from the prior two novels. It is definitely recommended, then, that new readers begin this series with book one for the best experience, though this novel can and has been read as a standalone novel for the purposes of this review.
While the story is drenched in the atmosphere of a classic Holmes novel, the story is somewhat slow and can drag in places. The title is also, to be entirely pedantic, something of a fib. There are Se Devils in the story, but they only appear over halfway through the book and only for a couple of chapters before they're gone. Still, when trying to come up with alliterative titles that connect to Cthulhu, there is only so much source material to draw on!
James Lovegrove has written a number of other Sherlock Holmes novels and has a new Firefly tie-in novel coming out soon. This is definitely an author worth looking up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews