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Sherlock Holmes vs. Cthulhu #2
Sherlock Holmes vs. Cthulhu: The Adventure of the Neural Psychoses
The second novel in Lois H. Gresh's Sherlock Holmes vs. Cthulhu series
Amelia Scarcliffe's monstrous brood, harbingers of Cthulhu, will soon spawn. Her songs spell insanity, death ... and illimitable wealth. And Moriarty will do anything to get his hands on gold, even if it means tearing down the walls between this world and a realm of horrors.
Meanwhile, after Sherlock Holmes's last tangle with the Order of Dagon, horrifying monsters haunt the Thames, and madness stalks the streets of Whitechapel. Gang war between Moriarty's thugs and the powerful cult can only bring more terror--unless Holmes and Dr. Watson can prevent it. But can they find the cause of the neural psychoses before Watson himself succumbs?
Amelia Scarcliffe's monstrous brood, harbingers of Cthulhu, will soon spawn. Her songs spell insanity, death ... and illimitable wealth. And Moriarty will do anything to get his hands on gold, even if it means tearing down the walls between this world and a realm of horrors.
Meanwhile, after Sherlock Holmes's last tangle with the Order of Dagon, horrifying monsters haunt the Thames, and madness stalks the streets of Whitechapel. Gang war between Moriarty's thugs and the powerful cult can only bring more terror--unless Holmes and Dr. Watson can prevent it. But can they find the cause of the neural psychoses before Watson himself succumbs?
1 pages, Audio CD
First published April 10, 2018
32 people are currently reading
429 people want to read
About the author
Lois H. Gresh
73 books141 followersLOIS H. GRESH is the New York Times Bestselling Author (6 times) and USA Today Bestselling Author (thrillers) of 30 books and more than 65 short stories. Look for SHERLOCK HOLMES VS. CTHULHU #1: THE ADVENTURE OF THE DEADLY DIMENSIONS (Titan Books, April 2017), the first in a new trilogy of Sherlock Holmes thrillers from England's premier publisher of all things Holmes, with Random House distribution in the USA. Lois’ books have been published in 22 languages. For five years, Lois was a staff book reviewer at scifi.com (now SYFY.com, the Science Fiction Cable Channel), and her work has been on national/international award ballots eight times. She is a frequent Guest of Honor Author at large fan conventions and has appeared on television series such as The History Channel’s Ancient Aliens and Batman Tech.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 2, 2018
Okay, well for starters, this is the middle volume of a projected trilogy. You could probably get away with starting here if you were so inclined, but there will be semi-cryptic references to events in the first book, and there will definitely be spoilers as far as who survives.
Since this is a middle book, not a whole lot gets resolved. Most of the book is about further developing characters and having people travel to where they need to be for the third book. And a possibly significant weapon is discovered.
I think I like this book slightly better than the first one. It's still not a great series. As with volume one, Gresh’s Lovecraftian elements feel truer to their source material than her Sherlockian elements. It all works, but just barely. In these novels, Holmes is more of an adventurer than a detective. In fact, the book would work better with Conan Doyle’s own Professor Challenger as the protagonist, but I'll concede that he's not as well known.
At heart, this is basically fan fiction, but it's not a bad example of such. I can't bring myself to recommend the series, but I don't regret reading it, and it's even kind of fun at times.
Since this is a middle book, not a whole lot gets resolved. Most of the book is about further developing characters and having people travel to where they need to be for the third book. And a possibly significant weapon is discovered.
I think I like this book slightly better than the first one. It's still not a great series. As with volume one, Gresh’s Lovecraftian elements feel truer to their source material than her Sherlockian elements. It all works, but just barely. In these novels, Holmes is more of an adventurer than a detective. In fact, the book would work better with Conan Doyle’s own Professor Challenger as the protagonist, but I'll concede that he's not as well known.
At heart, this is basically fan fiction, but it's not a bad example of such. I can't bring myself to recommend the series, but I don't regret reading it, and it's even kind of fun at times.
October 21, 2021
This felt much closer to a Sherlock story proper. Moriarty felt flat and out of place to me and I did not enjoy any of the sections from his point of view.
December 13, 2018
The second volume of Lois H. Gresh's Sherlock Holmes vs Cthulhu trilogy has Holmes and Watson dealing with creatures in the Thames, people possessed by inter-dimensional beings, and ghastly goings on at a lunatic asylum in Whitechapel.
Like all second books of a trilogy it ties off some lose ends and sets the scene for the final volume.
Looking forward to the next one.
Like all second books of a trilogy it ties off some lose ends and sets the scene for the final volume.
Looking forward to the next one.
September 10, 2018
Holmes versus Moriarty and the Monsters!
I have read various Sherlock Holmes books that have been written, other than the originals by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and have enjoyed them all, and this was no exception.
However, this is the second book in a trilogy, and although I was able to pick up what had happened in the first one, it did detract from my enjoyment because I only got brief references to the previous story in this book.
Sherlock and John Watson have had an epic battle against horrendous monsters which seem able to slip between one world and another and appear immune to the normal means that could be used to kill them. These monsters are now infesting the Thames, and we are introduced to them when they attack the boat that Holmes and Watson are on capsizing the boat and killing many people.
Watson becomes infected with a strange malady which causes him strange hallucinations and great weakness. He feels he is slowly going mad and both he and Holmes need to find a way to destroy the creatures before it is too late.
We are introduced to the lunatic asylums of this time, one run by Dr Reginald Sinclair who is perfecting electro-therapy machines to help with madness in patients. Unfortunately, these machines also are used by people seeking the thrill that such machines can give and Holmes’ nemesis, Professor Moriarty, is putting pressure on Sinclair to make these machines in bulk so he can make more and more money.
Holmes and Watson need to discover how these machines can help in destroying the monsters before it is too late and this book is really about this. However various characters that I have met before appearing in the book and we get a real feel for Victorian London with its poverty and hand to mouth living set against the opulence of some people, such as Holmes’ brother, Mycroft, who spends most of his life sat in his gentlemen’s club.
I did enjoy reading this book. It is well written and very descriptive of the life in this period, and it is always enjoyable to delve into the mind and intellect of Sherlock Holmes, but I really needed to have read the first book to fully appreciate this one. I would be interested in seeing how the story ends when the third book is released.
Dexter
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
I have read various Sherlock Holmes books that have been written, other than the originals by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and have enjoyed them all, and this was no exception.
However, this is the second book in a trilogy, and although I was able to pick up what had happened in the first one, it did detract from my enjoyment because I only got brief references to the previous story in this book.
Sherlock and John Watson have had an epic battle against horrendous monsters which seem able to slip between one world and another and appear immune to the normal means that could be used to kill them. These monsters are now infesting the Thames, and we are introduced to them when they attack the boat that Holmes and Watson are on capsizing the boat and killing many people.
Watson becomes infected with a strange malady which causes him strange hallucinations and great weakness. He feels he is slowly going mad and both he and Holmes need to find a way to destroy the creatures before it is too late.
We are introduced to the lunatic asylums of this time, one run by Dr Reginald Sinclair who is perfecting electro-therapy machines to help with madness in patients. Unfortunately, these machines also are used by people seeking the thrill that such machines can give and Holmes’ nemesis, Professor Moriarty, is putting pressure on Sinclair to make these machines in bulk so he can make more and more money.
Holmes and Watson need to discover how these machines can help in destroying the monsters before it is too late and this book is really about this. However various characters that I have met before appearing in the book and we get a real feel for Victorian London with its poverty and hand to mouth living set against the opulence of some people, such as Holmes’ brother, Mycroft, who spends most of his life sat in his gentlemen’s club.
I did enjoy reading this book. It is well written and very descriptive of the life in this period, and it is always enjoyable to delve into the mind and intellect of Sherlock Holmes, but I really needed to have read the first book to fully appreciate this one. I would be interested in seeing how the story ends when the third book is released.
Dexter
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
September 26, 2018
I really enjoyed the book. Ironically my Mom got me another book from the series as well but it too was the middle of a trilogy (Sherlock Holmes and the Miskatonic Monstrosities by James Lovegrove). It was face paced and did an admirable job of combining both the Holmes world and that of Cthulhu. What I found interesting was her use of emotion. The book goes from character to character in first person to tell the story. I found it odd the use of emotion. Not odd in a bad way but odd in a it doesn't feel like a Sherlock Holmes story. The emotion goes deeper than what you expect from Sherlock Holmes and his tales. And I found it a bit jarring to read. That is why I gave it four instead of five stars. Something just didn't feel right. Or maybe felt too much.
I will defiantly be getting the rest of the trilogy to read and I will look for other books by Gresh.
I will defiantly be getting the rest of the trilogy to read and I will look for other books by Gresh.
April 9, 2021
Thank goodness that’s over
This really is an appallingly written and edited book that I struggled to complete. If the author wasn’t recognised as a writer of other novels I’d have thought this was fan fiction that had been over promoted.
The concept is good, two classical literary series mashed together. It’s worked before (Dracula and War of the Worlds as an example) so I can only put the failures of this novel at the author and editors feet.
The book starts well but soon gets bogged down in the details of the four different plots that the author tries to weave together. Quite frankly Moriaty’s need not be there, his role seeming to be to bring elements of the Cthulhu storyline in to London. Holmes is almost a part player in Watson’s account and Cthulhu is simply there for the horror. The only element that seems to work is that set in the asylum
These elements could have worked if the editing had been sharper rather than allowing the rambling prose. The book is 400 pages long but the story could have filled 200 with no loss in the plot. I appreciate the author is looking to copy the styles of Victorian writers but it doesn’t work. Perhaps with judicious editing the trilogy would have made one good book.
A book for the discard pile and, safe to say, I won’t be looking for the concluding part of the trilogy.
Avoid!
This really is an appallingly written and edited book that I struggled to complete. If the author wasn’t recognised as a writer of other novels I’d have thought this was fan fiction that had been over promoted.
The concept is good, two classical literary series mashed together. It’s worked before (Dracula and War of the Worlds as an example) so I can only put the failures of this novel at the author and editors feet.
The book starts well but soon gets bogged down in the details of the four different plots that the author tries to weave together. Quite frankly Moriaty’s need not be there, his role seeming to be to bring elements of the Cthulhu storyline in to London. Holmes is almost a part player in Watson’s account and Cthulhu is simply there for the horror. The only element that seems to work is that set in the asylum
These elements could have worked if the editing had been sharper rather than allowing the rambling prose. The book is 400 pages long but the story could have filled 200 with no loss in the plot. I appreciate the author is looking to copy the styles of Victorian writers but it doesn’t work. Perhaps with judicious editing the trilogy would have made one good book.
A book for the discard pile and, safe to say, I won’t be looking for the concluding part of the trilogy.
Avoid!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2021
all reviews in one place:
night mode reading ;
skaitom nakties rezimu
About the Book: Strange murderous creatures began appearing in the Thames river, seemingly invincible, and posing grave danger to those who attempt… People, tired of all the horrors, turn to a new way of closing their eyes against the terrors in their home city, which is, strangely enough, electric shock therapy. What are those beings, and how can Sherlock get rid of them? And how can people get addicted to electric current?…
My Opinion: The story remains dull. Too many details where less would’ve created an illusion of smart things being done. Stretched out plot with nothing happening. Long tales and backstories of characters that don’t’ develop, and are otherwise very two dimensional, if not less. Even Sherlock, at times, fell flat on the pages. For a lovecraftian horror story, this really lacked substance.
night mode reading ;
skaitom nakties rezimu
About the Book: Strange murderous creatures began appearing in the Thames river, seemingly invincible, and posing grave danger to those who attempt… People, tired of all the horrors, turn to a new way of closing their eyes against the terrors in their home city, which is, strangely enough, electric shock therapy. What are those beings, and how can Sherlock get rid of them? And how can people get addicted to electric current?…
My Opinion: The story remains dull. Too many details where less would’ve created an illusion of smart things being done. Stretched out plot with nothing happening. Long tales and backstories of characters that don’t’ develop, and are otherwise very two dimensional, if not less. Even Sherlock, at times, fell flat on the pages. For a lovecraftian horror story, this really lacked substance.
November 14, 2022
Strange one...
I was expecting perhaps something like the James lovegrove stories. They’re not. It’s written in a more staccato manner and the language is a lot more visual as regards the horror aspects. What’s not clear to me is if it’s intentionally off th mark with Lovecraft or just misunderstood lovecrafts prose style. For example, in this book there is a prolonged tract on the maths of electric current and the breakdown of circuitry in a machine. This is exceedingly dull and nothing like the way Lovecraft would indulge in minutiae of detail. With Lovecraft it always seemed relatively relevant...this feels like trying a little too hard. As if perhaps the author felt she needed to shoehorn the technique in to fulfil a goal, not as a natural exploratory part of the story.
IMO there is little enjoyable about this book which is a shame. Just to say, I think the third book in the series is far, far better. Also, the graphic depictions of violence seem weirdly forced. I can’t work out why but again, perhaps wanting to fulfil a certain quota of scenes.
I was expecting perhaps something like the James lovegrove stories. They’re not. It’s written in a more staccato manner and the language is a lot more visual as regards the horror aspects. What’s not clear to me is if it’s intentionally off th mark with Lovecraft or just misunderstood lovecrafts prose style. For example, in this book there is a prolonged tract on the maths of electric current and the breakdown of circuitry in a machine. This is exceedingly dull and nothing like the way Lovecraft would indulge in minutiae of detail. With Lovecraft it always seemed relatively relevant...this feels like trying a little too hard. As if perhaps the author felt she needed to shoehorn the technique in to fulfil a goal, not as a natural exploratory part of the story.
IMO there is little enjoyable about this book which is a shame. Just to say, I think the third book in the series is far, far better. Also, the graphic depictions of violence seem weirdly forced. I can’t work out why but again, perhaps wanting to fulfil a certain quota of scenes.
August 19, 2023
Holmes and Watson continue to investigate the mysterious MYTHOS, only to stumble onto something far larger…
Sherlock Holmes Vs. Cthulhu: The Adventure of the Neural Psychoses by Lois H. Gresh is the second in this trilogy of Holmes pastiches.
With their eyes now opened to the illogical otherworldly horrors they encountered in the first book, Holmes and Watson investigate the remnants of the Dagon cult in London while learning about other elements of a larger group that has its fingers in numerous areas of the city and its society. Meanwhile, Moriarty plays a larger role as he attempts to confront the large cult for his own greedy purposes.
Unfortunately, rather than have a mystery focus, this novel builds up to more of a 1950s or 60s monster story, culminating in a large battle.
It’s entertaining enough, especially as the story continues to be peppered with various scientific historical references while also showcasing other potential dangers.
It’s worth a try if you liked the first one.
Sherlock Holmes Vs. Cthulhu: The Adventure of the Neural Psychoses by Lois H. Gresh is the second in this trilogy of Holmes pastiches.
With their eyes now opened to the illogical otherworldly horrors they encountered in the first book, Holmes and Watson investigate the remnants of the Dagon cult in London while learning about other elements of a larger group that has its fingers in numerous areas of the city and its society. Meanwhile, Moriarty plays a larger role as he attempts to confront the large cult for his own greedy purposes.
Unfortunately, rather than have a mystery focus, this novel builds up to more of a 1950s or 60s monster story, culminating in a large battle.
It’s entertaining enough, especially as the story continues to be peppered with various scientific historical references while also showcasing other potential dangers.
It’s worth a try if you liked the first one.
October 5, 2018
This book is even drearier than the one before it— if for no other reason than Holmes and Watson being in less than half the book. The author pads the book by spending the remainder of the book following the machinations of the villains. Perhaps the greatest sin the author commits, however, is writing from the perspective of Prof. Moriarty. Here she reduces the criminal mastermind to being top thug with a penchant for sadism.
There is projected to be one more volume in this series, and you couldn't pay me to read it when it is published.
There is projected to be one more volume in this series, and you couldn't pay me to read it when it is published.
January 13, 2021
I really like most of this book but I stand by it is always a mistake to give Moriarty's point of view. He comes across as a sort of petty narcissist who tells you how smart he is (over and over and over)rather than the Napoleon of crime. Don't show the monster is basically rule one of Lovecraftian horror. Ironically she does a pretty good job keeping the eldritch monsters just out of sight, which I appreciate compared to the Lovegood trilogy.
Otherwise the book is a nice mashup of Sherlock and Lovecraft elements. Fun read but in my opinion skip the Moriarty chapters.
Otherwise the book is a nice mashup of Sherlock and Lovecraft elements. Fun read but in my opinion skip the Moriarty chapters.
August 15, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐ The second of the trilogy, this adventure delves deeper into the mystery behind otherworldly creatures and their origins. These horrors have unfortunately found their way into London and terrorize the city. As with the first book, there is gore and horror abound, so it's not a read for the faint of heart. That said, I enjoyed the continuation and it is well-written. Holmes is slightly shaken in this installment, but stays true to logic and science, an interesting spin in a world with Cthulhu. 🐙
50/100 2021 Reads
50/100 2021 Reads
June 9, 2022
I liked this installment of the series so much better than the first book. It was compelling and the ending makes me want to start the third book RIGHT NOW! The narrator (same as for the first book) was great this time, and I enjoyed the performance thoroughly. Not sure why I had my doubts after the first book, but as I mentioned in that review, I guess I just wasn't feeling the book at the time I read it. Weird. for certain. Regardless, this sequel allayed all doubts, and I will be continuing post haste.
September 8, 2020
This book was a decent addition to the first in the trilogy! I would have loved to see more of Watson & Holmes, but this book alternated between different characters POV (which is totally fine because you can see all their different perspectives) I look forward to reading the third & last book of this trilogy! However, the death of one character did make me extremely sad, but it was a good ending for him.
January 21, 2021
I love Holmes/horror mashups and, in story line, this is an okay example of the genre. Unfortunately, this book is needlessly gross with repetitive detailed descriptions of sores and pus and rhinotillexomania. This fixation on the disgusting isn't in service to the story or even the setting (we don't get such detailed descriptions of any other aspect of the filth of late Victorian/early Edwardian England). In the end, the focus on revulsion overwhelmed the story. Not enjoyable.
August 25, 2021
Story would be lot better if 50% of it was cut out. Professors Moriarty POV is bad and he is not genius but quite dumb(even if he managed to take control of machine how would they hold warehouse when police reinforcements arrive is beyond me), lovecraftian elements are weak, Holmes is making stupid mistakes, bunch of coppers dies by hands of criminals and police just ignore it. If you want better crossover go for The Cthulhu Casebooks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2024
5 stars for the narration (Audible, Dennis Kleinman)
0 stars for the story
Too much gratuitous violence again, and not enough clever Holmesian deduction. If not for the narration, I would probably not have finished the audiobook. If not for the free addition to my Audible library, I would probably not have even started it (after Book 1, which also had the great narrator and too much gratuitous violence).
Also, too many narrators. Stick to Watson.
0 stars for the story
Too much gratuitous violence again, and not enough clever Holmesian deduction. If not for the narration, I would probably not have finished the audiobook. If not for the free addition to my Audible library, I would probably not have even started it (after Book 1, which also had the great narrator and too much gratuitous violence).
Also, too many narrators. Stick to Watson.
October 1, 2023
Great follow up to the first Sherlock Holmes vs. Cthulhu. In this installment, we develop what began in the first episode. Sherlock has no idea Cthulhu is a supernatural being! The whole idea is that this has to be rational, logical, elemtary! Never the less, the story is engaging and entertaining. This is an amusing and engaging take on the Sherlock Holmes idiom. Quite enjoyable and amusing!
July 28, 2025
A very good second entry to this series. It adds more to the cosmic horror, and shows that both Holmes and Moriarty are aware that there is more to things than meets the eye. It also does a good job of showing Holmes is able to keep his wits dealing with the otherworldly horrors that breaks so many minds.
November 12, 2018
Holmes and Watson fighting Cthulhu
Our heroes are still knee deep in Cthulhu followers and Creatures we can't imagine ... Now add our ol' pal Moriarty trying his evil hand and a criminal scheme ... All good fun for us ...
Our heroes are still knee deep in Cthulhu followers and Creatures we can't imagine ... Now add our ol' pal Moriarty trying his evil hand and a criminal scheme ... All good fun for us ...
July 31, 2019
THE YOU KNOW WHAT HAS HIT THE FAN, IT HAS...
Hello, this story is intelligently written and entertaining to read. It is more about Watson than Holmes. I would like to see more of Sherlock's action than Watson's inner thoughts. Thanks.
Hello, this story is intelligently written and entertaining to read. It is more about Watson than Holmes. I would like to see more of Sherlock's action than Watson's inner thoughts. Thanks.
May 18, 2021
I'll admit that I liked the 1st one better, but this book is still fun.
Also, it ends on a cliffhanger that makes me want to buy the next book, and as Chael Sonnen says: the only fight that matters is the next fight.
Also, it ends on a cliffhanger that makes me want to buy the next book, and as Chael Sonnen says: the only fight that matters is the next fight.
August 21, 2022
Really struggling with this, as I did with the first book. The audio does help in the end. Still it is an entertaining piece of work and as a person who delves in cthulhian role play it was helpful for source material.
April 6, 2023
Book 2 is also quite good. There is a mysterious plot that requires Sherlock Holmes skills of investigation. I am not personally a huge fan of the electro-shocker termination mode plot, but it is overall a good novel.
October 18, 2024
Listening to audiobook probably preferred.... Repetitive use of plot devices from the first book, could probably have combined the two books and cut out a lot of fluff.
Still not sure where the story is even going, pseudo amalgamation of the two genres.
Still not sure where the story is even going, pseudo amalgamation of the two genres.
September 20, 2021
More pink panther than Sherlock Holmes, this book should have been rejected by the publisher as making no sense.
January 4, 2022
Still unclear if I enjoyed this or not. But I had to finish
February 20, 2022
Read by Dennis Kleinman, he did a great job reading with a poorly written book. Book was boring!
September 21, 2022
Focussed way more on the horror/ H.P love craft side this time which I enjoyed but it did feel like it was straying away somewhat from the essence of Sherlock Holmes. Still really good.
April 19, 2023
It's just not good. I wanted to like it, it's sounded right up my alley, but it's just boring.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews