Supernatural horror has an uncanny ability to tap into our deepest fears – the unknown, the unseen, and the incomprehensible. Unlike traditional horror, which often relies on tangible threats, supernatural horror plunges us into realms where reality bends, ancient forces lurk, and sanity itself is at stake. It’s a genre that thrives on atmosphere, mystery, and the creeping dread that something beyond human understanding is watching from the shadows. And if you are a fan of H. P. Lovecraft, Missing in Miskatonic by JP Behrens might have a familiar feel as it is set in “Lovecraft Country”, namely the town of Arkham and the Miskatonic library.
Missing in Miskatonic, by JP Behrens, is a supernatural horror novella, the first in the Travis Daniels Investigation series. A blend of Lovecraftian horror and hard-boiled detective fiction. It is set in 1928 and follows a New York City private detective Travis Daniels on a new case. Hired by a strange man, for a lot of money, to find his niece, he heads off to the town of Arkham, Massachusetts. His search for missing college student, Leslie Owens, who has seemingly disappeared without trace, is not going to be as easy as he thought. A simple missing persons case soon reveals something much more sinister involving devil worshipping cults, ancients rituals and a paranormal library.
Overall, Missing in Miskatonic is a thrilling descent into the madness featuring supernatural cults, demons and ancient rituals. It blends crime, mystery and horror in a way that keeps readers on edge. If you’re looking for a supernatural thriller that grips you from the first page and refuses to let go, this novella is a must read. My only gripe is that as a novella it ended rather abruptly – I know it’s part of series (the next instalment is Murder in the Monashee Mountains), but just as I got into the story it dropped on a cliff leaving far too many questions and confusion (although I have read the second instalment and it is getting a lot better).
The writing and storytelling is very good, and the characters are engaging. Travis Daniels is a compelling old school private detective that is determined, flawed but compassionate and troubled by the horrors that he encounters as the investigation progresses.
While it is a fast-paced story, if I am honest I did have to re-read parts in several places as I wasn’t sure how I had got from one part to another – if felt to me as if something that helped with the transition had been edited out.
I have already mentioned that the story ended abruptly. This is because it is part of a series and the story continues in part two, Murder in the Monashee Mountains, which I enjoyed much more.
A quick read that is an enjoyable gritty tale. Fans of Lovecraftian horror and hard-boiled detective fiction alike will find themselves enthralled by this dark, atmospheric tale.
Rating: 4/5
RRP: £7.99 (Paperback) / £2.99 (Kindle)
For more information, visit jpbehrensauthor.com. Available to buy from Amazon here.
