Sherlock Holmes vs. Cthulhu: The Adventure of the Neural Psychoses

Holmes and Watson managed to foil a fiendish plot by a Dagon-worshipping cult, but something monstrous is lurking in shadows. Meanwhile, Moriarty is using a new psychological treatment—electroshock—to line his coffers with the money of e-shock addicts. With Dr. Watson succumbing to madness, thanks to creatures unleashed by the cult, Holmes must marry science and mysticism to save not only London but his closest friend.

The Adventure of the Neural Psychoses is a peculiar follow-up, delving into the psychological effects of the otherworldly creatures introduced in the first book. Unfortunately, the book spends too much time mopping up side stories from the first book and moving pieces around to set up the next book that it never gels as a story of its own.

Watson’s illness highlights this issue and while never feeling like it takes center stage, so it’s hard for the reader to be invested. In addition, characters like Moriarty, Amelia, and Maria feel borderline unnecessary.

Although there are some very strong moments—like Holmes seeking a science behind the seemingly supernatural—this entry in the series underwhelms. Here’s hoping that, in hindsight, it feels like a bigger part of the overall narrative to come.