What do you think?
Rate this book
Zgroza w Innswich
W lipcu 1939 roku Foster Morley, antykwariusz i wielbiciel prozy H.P. Lovecrafta , wyruszył w malowniczą podróż autobusem poprzez dzikie tereny północnego Massachusetts. Jego głównym celem było zobaczenie miejsc, które w przeszłości odwiedził jego Mistrz. W ten sposób Foster chciał zgłębić swą wiedzę na temat jednego z najbardziej wpływowych pisarzy horrorów. Gdy Morley natrafił na osobliwe, odizolowane od świata nabrzeże zwane Port Innswich - nie oznaczone na żadnej z map - założył, że jego nazwa to zwykły zbieg okoliczności. Foster nie mógł być jednak w większym błędzie. Morley coraz bardziej zagłębiał się w dziwaczną, wręcz mistyczną atmosferę miasteczka. Czy jego wyobraźnia płata mu figle, czy rzeczywiście owo ukryte przed światem miasto przypomina to fikcyjne z arcydzieła „Widmo nad Innsmouth” Lovecrafta? Czy możliwym jest, aby sam autor odwiedził rzeczoną mieścinę przed swoją śmiercią w 1937 roku? Już niedługo prawda o tym przerażającym horrorze wyjdzie na jaw. Wkrótce Morley zda sobie sprawę, że ktoś go śledzi. Uzależniony od heroiny i lubiący zwodzić innych osobnik twierdzi, że zna najmroczniejsze sekrety miasta. Co też kryje się pod nienaturalną wręcz wylewnością ciężarnej kobiety? Morley będzie dręczony przez rzeczy, które zdecydowanie nie należą do naszego świata. „Malownicza” podróż przeradza się w mieszankę dewiacji i perwersji, gdzie czyste zło budzi się do życia. Morley pozna kobietę, która jest matką sekretnego dziecka Lovecrafta i zostanie rzucony w wir niewyobrażalnego chaosu, gdzie nic nie jest tym, czym się wydaje. Jednak to pod gnijącymi i zgrzybiałymi fasadami Portu Innswich kryje się najgorsza z tajemnic...
216 pages, Paperback
First published June 29, 2010
15 people are currently reading
732 people want to read
About the author
Edward Lee
267 books1,450 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Edward Lee is an American novelist specializing in the field of horror, and has authored 40 books, more than half of which have been published by mass-market New York paperback companies such as Leisure/Dorchester, Berkley, and Zebra/Kensington. He is a Bram Stoker award nominee for his story "Mr. Torso," and his short stories have appeared in over a dozen mass-market anthologies, including THE BEST AMERICAN MYSTERY STORIES OF 2000, Pocket's HOT BLOOD series, and the award-wining 999. Several of his novels have sold translation rights to Germany, Greece, and Romania. He also publishes quite actively in the small-press/limited-edition hardcover market; many of his books in this category have become collector's items. While a number of Lee's projects have been optioned for film, only one has been made, HEADER, which was released on DVD to mixed reviews in June, 2009, by Synapse Films.
Lee is particularly known for over-the-top occult concepts and an accelerated treatment of erotic and/or morbid sexual imagery and visceral violence.
He was born on May 25, 1957 in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Bowie, Maryland. In the late-70s he served in the U.S. Army's 1st Armored Division, in Erlangen, West Germany, then, for a short time, was a municipal police officer in Cottage City, Maryland. Lee also attended the University of Maryland as an English major but quit in his last semester to pursue his dream of being a horror novelist. For over 15 years, he worked as the night manager for a security company in Annapolis, Maryland, while writing in his spare time. In 1997, however, he became a full-time writer, first spending several years in Seattle and then moving to St. Pete Beach, Florida, where he currently resides.
Of note, the author cites as his strongest influence horror legend H. P. Lovecraft; in 2007, Lee embarked on what he calls his "Lovecraft kick" and wrote a spate of novels and novellas which tribute Lovecraft and his famous Cthulhu Mythos. Among these projects are THE INNSWICH HORROR, "Trolley No. 1852," HAUNTER OF THE THRESHOLD, GOING MONSTERING, "Pages Torn From A Travel Journal," and "You Are My Everything." Lee promises more Lovecraftian work on the horizon.
Edward Lee is an American novelist specializing in the field of horror, and has authored 40 books, more than half of which have been published by mass-market New York paperback companies such as Leisure/Dorchester, Berkley, and Zebra/Kensington. He is a Bram Stoker award nominee for his story "Mr. Torso," and his short stories have appeared in over a dozen mass-market anthologies, including THE BEST AMERICAN MYSTERY STORIES OF 2000, Pocket's HOT BLOOD series, and the award-wining 999. Several of his novels have sold translation rights to Germany, Greece, and Romania. He also publishes quite actively in the small-press/limited-edition hardcover market; many of his books in this category have become collector's items. While a number of Lee's projects have been optioned for film, only one has been made, HEADER, which was released on DVD to mixed reviews in June, 2009, by Synapse Films.
Lee is particularly known for over-the-top occult concepts and an accelerated treatment of erotic and/or morbid sexual imagery and visceral violence.
He was born on May 25, 1957 in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Bowie, Maryland. In the late-70s he served in the U.S. Army's 1st Armored Division, in Erlangen, West Germany, then, for a short time, was a municipal police officer in Cottage City, Maryland. Lee also attended the University of Maryland as an English major but quit in his last semester to pursue his dream of being a horror novelist. For over 15 years, he worked as the night manager for a security company in Annapolis, Maryland, while writing in his spare time. In 1997, however, he became a full-time writer, first spending several years in Seattle and then moving to St. Pete Beach, Florida, where he currently resides.
Of note, the author cites as his strongest influence horror legend H. P. Lovecraft; in 2007, Lee embarked on what he calls his "Lovecraft kick" and wrote a spate of novels and novellas which tribute Lovecraft and his famous Cthulhu Mythos. Among these projects are THE INNSWICH HORROR, "Trolley No. 1852," HAUNTER OF THE THRESHOLD, GOING MONSTERING, "Pages Torn From A Travel Journal," and "You Are My Everything." Lee promises more Lovecraftian work on the horizon.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Read
August 1, 2020Hardcover signed and numbered, copy 284 of 652 produced.
"The Innswich Horror" follows Foster Morley a In July, 1939. He is an antiquarian and Lovecraft devotee who traces Lovecraft’s path via a Bus ride through the wilds of northern Massachusetts and researches and finds a city and location similar to the events in the Lovecraft story. He happens upon the curious, secluded waterfront prefect known as Innswich Point-not to be found on any map-he assumes the curiosity of the name is mere coincidence. Lee builds the mystery and suspense.
Edward Lee was born on May 25, 1957 in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Bowie, Maryland. In the late-70s he served in the U.S. Army's 1st Armored Division, in Erlangen, West Germany, then, for a short time, was a municipal police officer in Cottage City, Maryland. Lee also attended the University of Maryland as an English major but quit in his last semester to pursue his dream of being a horror novelist.
"The Innswich Horror" follows Foster Morley a In July, 1939. He is an antiquarian and Lovecraft devotee who traces Lovecraft’s path via a Bus ride through the wilds of northern Massachusetts and researches and finds a city and location similar to the events in the Lovecraft story. He happens upon the curious, secluded waterfront prefect known as Innswich Point-not to be found on any map-he assumes the curiosity of the name is mere coincidence. Lee builds the mystery and suspense.
Edward Lee was born on May 25, 1957 in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Bowie, Maryland. In the late-70s he served in the U.S. Army's 1st Armored Division, in Erlangen, West Germany, then, for a short time, was a municipal police officer in Cottage City, Maryland. Lee also attended the University of Maryland as an English major but quit in his last semester to pursue his dream of being a horror novelist.
September 4, 2025
Foster is the world’s biggest fan of HP Lovecraft. When he decides he wants to go on a road trip and visit every place that Lovecraft has he stumbles upon a town that’s not marked on his map and is familiar sounding to a town that Lovecraft had spoken about. Deciding to stay a couple days there and explore he finds strikingly similar things about the town, the people, and the names of things in that town. Lovecraft has been there and that means that Foster must explore and be everywhere that he has been. When an overabundance of pregnant women and strange warnings about going to the cove at night he starts to wonder of Lovecraft didn’t want people to know about this town for a reason.
This was a super fun read. I genuinely forgot that this was an extreme horror and Lee book until it was too late lol. The concept behind the creatures was absolutely gorgeous. I loved the writing and the story. It was a super funny but also crazy creature feature, this one was such a fun ride!
This was a super fun read. I genuinely forgot that this was an extreme horror and Lee book until it was too late lol. The concept behind the creatures was absolutely gorgeous. I loved the writing and the story. It was a super funny but also crazy creature feature, this one was such a fun ride!
August 7, 2020
This was a jim-dandy horrific enterprise that was pretty damned fast-moving and chilling.
Many refs to
, I mean the entire short novel is an ode to H. P. Lovecraft and that particular tale.Had me laughing out loud at the most grotesque moments and there are many.
Absolutely loved this atrocious nonsense.
This would have a been a great on-the-road read during our Autumn and early-Spring jaunts across the United States.
Unfortunately there's this pandemic causing us woe and trepidation.
Highest hot-damned recommendation.
Many thanks to GoodReads friend "Karl".
I might not have ever read an Edward Lee novel were it not for his review.
April 25, 2023
Kolejny ukłon w stronę Lovecrafta, ale jak u Derleth proza jest na dobrym poziomie, tak u Lee jest przeciętna. Sam pomysł też mniej mi się podobał i gdzieś tak w połowie czułam już znudzenie powieścią. Dosłuchałam do końca, bo nie była to powieść zła, ale jednocześnie... Wiece spodziewałam się po tym autorze. Wiem, że cieszy się skrajnymi opiniami, ale te lepsze brzmiały naprawdę zachęcająco.
August 24, 2021
The Innswitch Horror by Edward Lee is another novel in Lee's tribute era to the great H.P.Lovecraft. Like the others novels and novellas before, he has taken one of the noted stories by Lovecraft and added another chapter to the story, often times updating it to the point that it has Lee's own demented and sexual overtones to it.
I'm sure if Lovecraft had been born in this time, he would probably have been writing alot like Edward Lee, if not had been drinking buddies at the local pub. Lee's take on the famous story The Shadow over Innsmouth added a wonderful extension take on the original story. His character, Foster Morley, was an authority on all things "Lovecraft". Morley was takeing a trip around New England visiting as many of the places that Lovecraft himself had visited, while researching areas that he had used in some of this stories.
Foster Morley, was well to do and had the money and resources to take this kind of epic undertaking. While on one of his journeys, his train came upon the town on Innswitch. He had decided to take lunch there before heading on. But while looking at some pictuures inthe nearby dinning place,, he began to consoder the idea that this town was indeed the samee place Lovecraft had visited and renamed it Innsmouth in place of Innswitch.
From there, Morley encounters several characters that claim to have met Lovecraft himself and had a pic of him there. All this information though leads foster Morley into his own nightmare that was still continuing to that very day. And now, Foster Morley needed to do whaever he could to not become one of the towns more tragic endings.
If you were to put this short novel on a scale beside Lee's other extreme novels, you might find that for some, like myself, it may be a bit tamer on the Lee-O-Meter as opposed to others such as the Haunter in the Darkness, which tends to be one of my Lovecraftian stories that Lee had written. But, it is a well thought out connecting piece of writing to be a multiverse style connecting lovecraft story.
It is worth reading, if your an Edward Lee fan and know of his Lovecraft related titles.
I'm sure if Lovecraft had been born in this time, he would probably have been writing alot like Edward Lee, if not had been drinking buddies at the local pub. Lee's take on the famous story The Shadow over Innsmouth added a wonderful extension take on the original story. His character, Foster Morley, was an authority on all things "Lovecraft". Morley was takeing a trip around New England visiting as many of the places that Lovecraft himself had visited, while researching areas that he had used in some of this stories.
Foster Morley, was well to do and had the money and resources to take this kind of epic undertaking. While on one of his journeys, his train came upon the town on Innswitch. He had decided to take lunch there before heading on. But while looking at some pictuures inthe nearby dinning place,, he began to consoder the idea that this town was indeed the samee place Lovecraft had visited and renamed it Innsmouth in place of Innswitch.
From there, Morley encounters several characters that claim to have met Lovecraft himself and had a pic of him there. All this information though leads foster Morley into his own nightmare that was still continuing to that very day. And now, Foster Morley needed to do whaever he could to not become one of the towns more tragic endings.
If you were to put this short novel on a scale beside Lee's other extreme novels, you might find that for some, like myself, it may be a bit tamer on the Lee-O-Meter as opposed to others such as the Haunter in the Darkness, which tends to be one of my Lovecraftian stories that Lee had written. But, it is a well thought out connecting piece of writing to be a multiverse style connecting lovecraft story.
It is worth reading, if your an Edward Lee fan and know of his Lovecraft related titles.
Read
May 27, 2022I'm probably as ardent an HPL fan as anyone else here, but I was really not that enthused with this play on The Shadow over Innsmouth. The story seemed repetitive at the beginning, with the narrator running into the same situations - heavily pregnant women, names that are eerily similar to those in the original Innsmouth story, and the narrator's own self-satisfied "ain't-I-a-smart-fanboy" when he figured it out. I was irritated for the first third of the book. Although Lee is known for his extremely gross and pornographic stories, I couldn't even get that far before I had to DNF. This one's not for me.
August 9, 2023
Definitely not as crazy as Lee's other HPL books, but a solid entry.
October 4, 2017
I'm not sure what I just read or how I feel about it :| More disturbing than horror.
January 24, 2025
*3.5 stars
October 24, 2010
Known to most ardent of Edward Lee readers, Lee cites HP Lovecraft as a major influence and has since written a number of stories centered around Lovecraft--The Senary (with a more fleshed-out version soon to be published as Lucifer's Lottery), Trolley 1852, The Haunter of the Threshold--and with The Innswich Horror, Lee smacks a terrific homerun. Set in the 1939, this novella follows wealthy Foster Morley as he traverses the New England seaside fishing village of Innswich, following in the footsteps of his literary idol, Lovecraft. Innswich, as it turns out, was the model for the fictional town of Innsmouth in his tale, The Shadow Over Innsmouth. But as Morley soon discovers, the line between fiction and reality is very thin, indeed, and what Lovecraft wrote about was more real than he could have ever imagined.
Defly written, there's plenty here to satisfy hardcore Lee fans, but what most impressed me was how well Lee wrote this novella from the POV of a man of the late 1930's, wealthy and well-educated, and his use of language was skilled and believable. Fans of Lovecraft should, of course, add this to their library, as well as Lee's previously-mentioned HPL-inspired novels. Highly recommended!
Defly written, there's plenty here to satisfy hardcore Lee fans, but what most impressed me was how well Lee wrote this novella from the POV of a man of the late 1930's, wealthy and well-educated, and his use of language was skilled and believable. Fans of Lovecraft should, of course, add this to their library, as well as Lee's previously-mentioned HPL-inspired novels. Highly recommended!
January 19, 2011
If your fond of HP Lovecraft and have ever read other works by Edward Lee, your be particularly pleased with this book. It was just under 200 pages but I enjoyed it greatly and finshed it in just over a day. This story follows a fictional account of a HP Lovecraft enthusiast who while traveling in Massuchusets discovers a town errily suggestive of the haunted fishing port town of Innsmouth from Lovecrafts story. This story is set in the 30's and is one of the better Edward Lee tales I've read. As always there is an element of dark perverse horror in the tale, but we only peek at it and hear undertones of it and it is done rather tastefully in degrees where it fits aptly within the story.
I highly recommend this to readers of Lovecraft. Mr. Lee is clearly fond of the mythos subject matter and did a commendible job on the story.
I highly recommend this to readers of Lovecraft. Mr. Lee is clearly fond of the mythos subject matter and did a commendible job on the story.
January 17, 2013
Enjoyable for fans of Lovecraft, but falls a bit in the climax.
January 31, 2021
it waz going for a full 5star, and it would be one of the best cthulhu mythos stories i ve ever read in my life!
BUT
when lovecraft -actual lovecraft- came in the story i cringed...
also, i dont know what the author's deal iz with door knocks that just have eyes and no other features, but it seems like in every book there is one!
beyond these two points though -that are only my personal reference and pet peeves- it waz an amazing novella.
highly recomended
BUT
when lovecraft -actual lovecraft- came in the story i cringed...
also, i dont know what the author's deal iz with door knocks that just have eyes and no other features, but it seems like in every book there is one!
beyond these two points though -that are only my personal reference and pet peeves- it waz an amazing novella.
highly recomended
July 10, 2020
A fantastic riff on Lovecraft that both celebrates the style of the original writings and the Hollywood incarnations of the work. And, besides, it's just a lot of fun.
January 19, 2025
Very good tribute to one the most famous books by H.P. Lovecraft. Tame for Ed's stanards.
October 4, 2017
Such a strange book. Surprisingly quick read, given the intense vocab.
March 8, 2012
THE INNSWICH HORROR by Edward Lee
The INNSWICH HORROR by Edward Lee is part of a series of books dedicated to the memory of the late, the great, H. P. Lovecraft.
In this series, so far, we have; Trolley 1852, The Haunter of the Threshold, The Dunwich Romance, Pages Torn From A Travel Journal and this one, The Innswich Horror.
A side note here: Trolley 1852, Haunter of the Threshold and Innswich Horror are available from Deadite press. Pages Torn from a Travel Journal and The Dunwich Romance are sold as Limited edition hardbacks from Darkfuse.com. I can’t wait to get a hold of the last two, I hope they get released in PB format or digital. If anyone knows anything, PLEASE let me know!)
In this story, a rich man from Providence, RI, named Foster Morley, re-traces the steps of his favorite author of all time… H. P. Lovecraft.
Morey is utterly infatuated with anything and everything about H. P. Lovecraft. He even calls him “The Master.”
Lovecraft is Foster Morley’s hobby; Finding out where he walked, where he ate, slept, etc. but as Morley is on a scenic bus trip through Massachusetts, he stops at the town of Innswich Port; a fishing waterfront that strongly resembles Morley’s favorite book of all time, The Shadow Over Innsmouth! ( As with all fan fiction, I recommend you go back and re-read this fine classic before reading Lee’s take.)
The port town is very strange in its similarities to Lovecraft’s book (As Morley soon finds out, some characters and places are named after real life residence and locations, only with their names slightly altered) and as Foster uncovers the truth about Lovecraft, Innswich Port and the terrifying secrets it holds underground, his life hangs in the balance and there is NO going back.
The Innswich Horror is not written in Lee’s splatter punk style so if you’re looking for it or if you want to read that stuff I recommend Mangled Meat or his City Infernal series. Now I am not saying that there isn’t any deprived violence, mongoloid sex and unsettling scenes in this book because they are in there, just toned down more. It’s an excellent book for someone who is new to Lee’s work so if you have never read him, this would be a great place to start.
Actually, Innswich Horror is written more like a suspenseful thriller. There is a good cast of characters and the plot kept me guessing and engaged till the end. As with most of Edward Lee’s work, I couldn’t put the book down. It’s nice too, in that it’s a short work of novella length and easily read in an hour or two.
It was very well written and Lee captures Lovecraft’s style and taste for Providence in a truly different and unique way.
It’s a must read for all Lovecraft and Lee fan’s. It’s dark, creepy fun so what are you waiting for??? Get your copy today and devour The Innswich Horror before it devours you!
The INNSWICH HORROR by Edward Lee is part of a series of books dedicated to the memory of the late, the great, H. P. Lovecraft.
In this series, so far, we have; Trolley 1852, The Haunter of the Threshold, The Dunwich Romance, Pages Torn From A Travel Journal and this one, The Innswich Horror.
A side note here: Trolley 1852, Haunter of the Threshold and Innswich Horror are available from Deadite press. Pages Torn from a Travel Journal and The Dunwich Romance are sold as Limited edition hardbacks from Darkfuse.com. I can’t wait to get a hold of the last two, I hope they get released in PB format or digital. If anyone knows anything, PLEASE let me know!)
In this story, a rich man from Providence, RI, named Foster Morley, re-traces the steps of his favorite author of all time… H. P. Lovecraft.
Morey is utterly infatuated with anything and everything about H. P. Lovecraft. He even calls him “The Master.”
Lovecraft is Foster Morley’s hobby; Finding out where he walked, where he ate, slept, etc. but as Morley is on a scenic bus trip through Massachusetts, he stops at the town of Innswich Port; a fishing waterfront that strongly resembles Morley’s favorite book of all time, The Shadow Over Innsmouth! ( As with all fan fiction, I recommend you go back and re-read this fine classic before reading Lee’s take.)
The port town is very strange in its similarities to Lovecraft’s book (As Morley soon finds out, some characters and places are named after real life residence and locations, only with their names slightly altered) and as Foster uncovers the truth about Lovecraft, Innswich Port and the terrifying secrets it holds underground, his life hangs in the balance and there is NO going back.
The Innswich Horror is not written in Lee’s splatter punk style so if you’re looking for it or if you want to read that stuff I recommend Mangled Meat or his City Infernal series. Now I am not saying that there isn’t any deprived violence, mongoloid sex and unsettling scenes in this book because they are in there, just toned down more. It’s an excellent book for someone who is new to Lee’s work so if you have never read him, this would be a great place to start.
Actually, Innswich Horror is written more like a suspenseful thriller. There is a good cast of characters and the plot kept me guessing and engaged till the end. As with most of Edward Lee’s work, I couldn’t put the book down. It’s nice too, in that it’s a short work of novella length and easily read in an hour or two.
It was very well written and Lee captures Lovecraft’s style and taste for Providence in a truly different and unique way.
It’s a must read for all Lovecraft and Lee fan’s. It’s dark, creepy fun so what are you waiting for??? Get your copy today and devour The Innswich Horror before it devours you!
Read
April 11, 2011 Edward Lee is known for his very modern, very splatterpunk-influenced, extreme horror. I have not always been a huge fan of his work, although I liked Flesh Gothic, which reminded me of a more extreme Eyes Wide Shut. However, I can say that I was very impressed with his recent take on the Lovecraftian mythos, the Innswich Horror.
If you are a fan of the classic Lovecraft novella The Shadow Over Innsmouth just stop reading this review. Just trust me and pick up this book. I think of it as a sequel or companion piece. Lee is not as known for mythos fiction as C.J. Henderson or Brian Lumley, but I would say Lee has created as strong an entry to the mythos cannon. Some writers have devoted entire careers to playing in Lovecraft’s sandbox, but here in this short, quick volume, Lee shows a deep understanding of Lovecraft and his work.
The story follows Foster Morley, a Lovecraft devotee who traces Lovecraft’s path and research and finds a city and location similar to the events in the Lovecraft story. Lee builds the mystery and suspense perfectly, and to me this is his best work to date. Mythos writing is as tired and overdone as gothic vampire romance, but Lee knocked this mythos novel out of the park. Lovecraft fans will enjoy this work, and it should be in your collection.
Contains:
Reviewed by: David Agranoff
If you are a fan of the classic Lovecraft novella The Shadow Over Innsmouth just stop reading this review. Just trust me and pick up this book. I think of it as a sequel or companion piece. Lee is not as known for mythos fiction as C.J. Henderson or Brian Lumley, but I would say Lee has created as strong an entry to the mythos cannon. Some writers have devoted entire careers to playing in Lovecraft’s sandbox, but here in this short, quick volume, Lee shows a deep understanding of Lovecraft and his work.
The story follows Foster Morley, a Lovecraft devotee who traces Lovecraft’s path and research and finds a city and location similar to the events in the Lovecraft story. Lee builds the mystery and suspense perfectly, and to me this is his best work to date. Mythos writing is as tired and overdone as gothic vampire romance, but Lee knocked this mythos novel out of the park. Lovecraft fans will enjoy this work, and it should be in your collection.
Contains:
Reviewed by: David Agranoff
March 9, 2011
The Innswich Horror by Edward Lee
165 pages
Deadite press
Ed Lee is know for his very modern, very splatterpunk influenced extreme horror, and while we share the same publisher I have not always been a fan of his work. I liked Flesh Gothic which reminded me of a more extreme Eyes wide shut. It was not until I read his recent stab at the Lovecraftian mythos the Innswhich horror.
If you are a fan of the classic Lovecraft Novella - the Shadow over Innsmouth just stop reading this review. Just trust me and pick up this book. I think of it as a sequel or companion piece. Lee not as known for Mythos fiction like CJ Henderson or Brian Lumley, but I would say Lee has created as strong an entry to the mythos cannon. Some of those same writers who have devoted entire careers to Playing in Lovecraft’s sandbox.
The story follows Foster Morley a Lovecraft devotee who traces Lovecraft’s path and research and finds a city and location similar to the events in the Lovecraft story. Lee builds the mystery and suspense perfectly and to me this is his best work to date. Mythos writing is as tired and over done as gothic vampire romance, so I have to hand it Lee who knocked this mythos novel out of the park. Lovecraft fans will enjoy this work, and it should be in your collection.
February 26, 2019
Get ready for a ride as Edward Lee brings you on a tour in HP Lovecraft’s Innsmouth. I’ve read The Shadow Over Innsmouth last year and am glad that I did to fully appreciate this book. I picked it up without knowing there was a relation although the title sounds vaguely familiar, so it was a nice surprise for me.
Honestly if asked to compare Lovecraft and Lee’s writing I would say Lee writes a more engaging story. Especially so when his character is reliving Lovecraft’s journey through the horrors of Innswich. That was certainly a tip of the hat to Lovecraft.
I’m no ardent fan of him but it was interesting to read little anecdotes of Lovecraft’s life here and there.
I think Edward Lee wrote this book well. I’m not even sure if there’s a category for this type of writing style but he pulled it off well, and I enjoyed it. I just thought that the romance in this book was slightly chummy.
Honestly if asked to compare Lovecraft and Lee’s writing I would say Lee writes a more engaging story. Especially so when his character is reliving Lovecraft’s journey through the horrors of Innswich. That was certainly a tip of the hat to Lovecraft.
I’m no ardent fan of him but it was interesting to read little anecdotes of Lovecraft’s life here and there.
I think Edward Lee wrote this book well. I’m not even sure if there’s a category for this type of writing style but he pulled it off well, and I enjoyed it. I just thought that the romance in this book was slightly chummy.
November 5, 2010
This short novel was a fascinating literary homage/mashup, where the reader is treated to an excellent continuing of HP Lovecraft's mythos done in Lee's signature hardcore horror style. This book worked as a stand alone piece, but its doubly as enjoyable for fans of Lovecraft and 'The Shadow over Innsmouth.' The first half is enjoyable, if a bit slow, then the second half roars by, becoming impossible to put down the book as the horror increases at breakneck speed. This is a great book, recommended for all fans of Lovecraft, Lee and horror fiction in general.
July 28, 2017
Guy who's fascinated obsessed with H.P. Lovecraft decides to follow the steps of his hero, and finds a small town that fashioned the town from Guy's favorite Lovecraft novel- Shadow Over Innsmouth.
He decides to stay a few days, and realizes just how closely the town in the book resembles the town he is in. The longer he stays, the more he realizes just how similar they are.
A little splatter, a little love story, a little horror. Great beach read.
He decides to stay a few days, and realizes just how closely the town in the book resembles the town he is in. The longer he stays, the more he realizes just how similar they are.
A little splatter, a little love story, a little horror. Great beach read.
January 30, 2014
Loved it! it's written as a semi sequel to Shadow over innsmouth and it works great.
Full of dread and nice characters.
Full of dread and nice characters.
January 7, 2024
Edward Lee is an author whose work I both enjoy and admire, his style is very unique yet violent and over the top at times. But near enough most of his stories never forget to tell a good yarn whilst also going above and beyond to highlight just how evil we can all be. Lee is a big of H.P Lovecraft's work and admittedly my thoughts on his Lovecraftian horror contributions have been hit and miss, so I'm never too sure what I'm going to get with these books but I always hope for the best!
In July 1939, antiquarian and H.P Lovecraft enthusiast, Foster Morley takes a scenic bus through the west side of Massachusetts. He wants to explore the very places where his favorite author visited, inspiring his famous works. But when he arrives in the small town of Innswich, he discovers the town strikes a lot of disturbing similarities to Lovecraft's 'The Shadow Over Innsmouth', funnily enough, his favorite story from the macabre genius. But how much of the story is fiction and how much is true? Foster is about to find out and the truth is far more terrifying than even he can imagine.
Edward Lee has written an incredible novella that kind of works as both an inspiration and a sequel of sorts to 'The Shadow Over Innsmouth'. I can't explain what I mean about that directly without spoiling anything, but good lord is it great fun finding out. This is a really atmospheric read where the horror is suitably dialed down for most of the duration, but at times utterly brutal. The shocking revelations and twists that unfold throughout the narrative are shocking but also disturbingly fit incredibly well with the original story.
Overall: An outstanding novella that is no doubt one of my favorites from Edward Lee now, The Shadow Over Innsmouth is one of Lovecraft's best so to see Lee write up a spiritual successor in such a way is heartwarming to see. An incredible read but not for the faint of heart. 10/10
In July 1939, antiquarian and H.P Lovecraft enthusiast, Foster Morley takes a scenic bus through the west side of Massachusetts. He wants to explore the very places where his favorite author visited, inspiring his famous works. But when he arrives in the small town of Innswich, he discovers the town strikes a lot of disturbing similarities to Lovecraft's 'The Shadow Over Innsmouth', funnily enough, his favorite story from the macabre genius. But how much of the story is fiction and how much is true? Foster is about to find out and the truth is far more terrifying than even he can imagine.
Edward Lee has written an incredible novella that kind of works as both an inspiration and a sequel of sorts to 'The Shadow Over Innsmouth'. I can't explain what I mean about that directly without spoiling anything, but good lord is it great fun finding out. This is a really atmospheric read where the horror is suitably dialed down for most of the duration, but at times utterly brutal. The shocking revelations and twists that unfold throughout the narrative are shocking but also disturbingly fit incredibly well with the original story.
Overall: An outstanding novella that is no doubt one of my favorites from Edward Lee now, The Shadow Over Innsmouth is one of Lovecraft's best so to see Lee write up a spiritual successor in such a way is heartwarming to see. An incredible read but not for the faint of heart. 10/10
January 12, 2019
I wasn’t sure what to expect from an Edward Lee / HP Lovecraft story. I’ve not read any of Edward Lee’s more famous works and only had their reputation to go on. While this book does have some genuine disgusting or splatter-y elements i don’t get the feeling that the level of gore here is the same as his usual level. For that, I commend him. At least in this story I think Mr. Lee restrains himself while adding his own unique twist on the story itself. The only thing that annoyed me about the story was the subplot with the character Mary. I just didn’t like it. It was just one more thing happening that distracted from the horror of the story itself. There was really no good reason for it to be there. I know the subplot gave motivation etc to parts of the story but I personally don’t think it was needed. All that same motivation would have existed without the introduction of the extra baggage this person brings along with them. (And as a side note: we’re supposed to believe that, except for the possibly fish-hybrid sired incest baby in her belly, everything is just fine. She has no lasting damage after 25+ years of abuse and horror. Just get rid of the stupid character. She isn’t needed. She’s just an annoying thread for, “oh, wait, we have to go back to do...” whatever.)
Anyway, aside from Mary the rest of the story was quite good and I think most lovecraft fans will like it unless they read lovecraft specifically because he’s not super graphic. In that case, you may end up disgusted about 50% of the way through.
Anyway, aside from Mary the rest of the story was quite good and I think most lovecraft fans will like it unless they read lovecraft specifically because he’s not super graphic. In that case, you may end up disgusted about 50% of the way through.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2022
The Innswich Horror is a somewhat farcical homage to H. P. Lovecraft's horror fiction. Obviously the title is a combination of the Lovecraft titles The Dunwich Horror and The Shadow Over Innsmouth. Set in the 1930s, a very rich young bachelor with a devotion to Lovecraft's fiction takes a side jaunt from his Lovecraft pilgrimage by bus into the unlisted picturesque seaside town of Innswich Point. His excitement grows as he learns that Lovecraft had actually visited Innswich Point before the town had been given a facelift and had based his story The Shadow Over Innsmouth on the town. One of the very noticeable peculiarities of the town is the number of friendly, beautiful, pregnant female residents. Strangeness leads to growing horror as the plucky traveler begins to uncover the many dark secrets behind the town's happy façade. The author weaves together subject matter from many of Lovecraft's better known stories, especially The Shadow Over Innsmouth, Herbert West - Reanimator and Colour Out of Space, with some Cthulhu mythos thrown in for good measure. It's a grisly romp but without the brilliance of the master of horror himself, Lovecraft.
October 22, 2017
Eins sehr gut geführtes Buch mit toller Atmosphäre bis kurz vor das Ende. Das Ende ist leider leicht abgelöst vom sonstigen Buch. Es passt irgendwie nicht recht daran. Es ist als hätte er diesen schlechten Horrorfilm gesehen über Dagon, den ich letzten gesehen habe, um daraus ein Ende zu basteln. Jedoch bin ich bis kurz 10 Seiten vor Schluss sehr zufrieden mit dem Buch.
Man bekommt ein leicht altertümliches gemütliches Feeling, das regelmäßig von ein paar Kleinigkeiten gestört wird. Es passt sich dort perfekt in den schleichenden Horror hinein. Die Charaktere sind super gezeichnet besonders Zalen. Er ist für mich der realistischste von allen. Also man kann wirklich viel gutes über dieses Buch sagen.
PS: Das Cover kommt eigentlich nie so als Bild vor in Buch, ist aber trotzdem cool gezeichnet. Vielleicht kann man es eher als Metapher bezeichnen.
Man bekommt ein leicht altertümliches gemütliches Feeling, das regelmäßig von ein paar Kleinigkeiten gestört wird. Es passt sich dort perfekt in den schleichenden Horror hinein. Die Charaktere sind super gezeichnet besonders Zalen. Er ist für mich der realistischste von allen. Also man kann wirklich viel gutes über dieses Buch sagen.
PS: Das Cover kommt eigentlich nie so als Bild vor in Buch, ist aber trotzdem cool gezeichnet. Vielleicht kann man es eher als Metapher bezeichnen.
September 10, 2020
This one was definitely more fun than ‘Witch Water’ due to Lee’s hardcore obsession with HPL - it is a good literary tribute, with the triumphant return of the bosoms. He writes in a really engaging way, but his plot landmarks are way too repetitive and for the ‘most repulsive and controversial writer’ he is way too timid with the repulsion and controversy. There were so many amazing set ups that just fizzled into nothing. What a land of wasted opportunities for a R-rated Lovecraftian tale. Lee’s best trait though is that he is hilarious. The big reveal/cameo made me laugh so much it was something else - could not possibly get cornier. I have a feeling most of Lee’s books would make amazing Tarantino/Rodriguez movies. ‘The Innswich Horror’ as a book is enjoyable, but totally not necessary.
April 17, 2023
Lovecraft Would Have Probably Been Pleased
Foster loves the writings of H.P. Lovecraft and idolizes the man himself. He wishes to visit places that gave Lovecraft inspiration, however the little coastal town of Olmsted hits a little to close to home on that point.
Foster begins to wonder about this town and has noticed quite a few things that are very puzzling. For example, why does it seem that most of the women in this place are very pregnant? And what about the names of places that seems just a tad different from the places named in Lovecraft's book Shadow Over Innsmouth?
Makes Foster wonder if there are even more similarities concerning this town and Lovecraft's story that could be even more disturbing.
Loved this story that tells a story within a story with LovecraftIan themes all over it!!
Highly recommend for fans of Lovecraft and horror in general!!
Foster loves the writings of H.P. Lovecraft and idolizes the man himself. He wishes to visit places that gave Lovecraft inspiration, however the little coastal town of Olmsted hits a little to close to home on that point.
Foster begins to wonder about this town and has noticed quite a few things that are very puzzling. For example, why does it seem that most of the women in this place are very pregnant? And what about the names of places that seems just a tad different from the places named in Lovecraft's book Shadow Over Innsmouth?
Makes Foster wonder if there are even more similarities concerning this town and Lovecraft's story that could be even more disturbing.
Loved this story that tells a story within a story with LovecraftIan themes all over it!!
Highly recommend for fans of Lovecraft and horror in general!!
October 25, 2023
A sort of tribute to "The Shadow over Innsmouth" (with a hint of "The Wicker Man"); a guy who's obsessed with HP Lovecraft attempts to follow his path in New England that inspired the novella and finds more truth to the story than he bargained for.
Better in concept than execution - aside from the many typos and misspellings (which I was at times wondering if they were possibly transcription errors), there's a bit too much convenient exposition and a bit too much injection of the author's weird sex-obsession.
I appreciate what he was going for and enjoyed it as a riff on "The Shadow over Innsmouth", but the writing just wasn't all that good.
Better in concept than execution - aside from the many typos and misspellings (which I was at times wondering if they were possibly transcription errors), there's a bit too much convenient exposition and a bit too much injection of the author's weird sex-obsession.
I appreciate what he was going for and enjoyed it as a riff on "The Shadow over Innsmouth", but the writing just wasn't all that good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews