Various (Editor: Jones, Stephen) - Weird Shadows Over Innsmouth

I usually avoid the Cthulhu Mythos, endless sidespins and attempts, even though HPL approved them.
This one is different, however, as the entries revolve around one story.
In addition, Mr. Jones, a superb editor, is a very known quantity.

First surprise, a discarded draft of “The Shadow Over Innsmouth” which Lovecraft was wrestling with and receiving feedback from his circle. Not essential, yet interesting.

“Brackish Waters”, set while World War II rages, reveals that a branch of the Order of Dagon had been established in California.

Usually, it takes one to know one. In “Take Me To The River” only a handful, a few chosen, are extended the invitation. Amateur musician, owner of a used bookshop is not one, although his friend, a madcap fool, draws the card. Invitees head to the cloudy waters of Bristol.

Brian Lumley’s “The Taint” covers Polynesian tales, grotesque jewelry, and a suicide. The seaside hamlet, a shambling outsider, and slow reveal. Fans of the Mythos are aware of Lumley;s ability.

My favorite had to be Kim Newman’s “Another Fish Story”. Mojave Desert, late 1960’s, Charlie country, Charlie being Manson. Enter Leech, recognized as Randall Flagg, Lucifer, Nyarlathotep, the whisperer of lies. Charlie wants to launch Helter Skelter. Leech prophesies a darker future:

“His favorite apocalypse was a tide of McLitter, a thousand channels of television noise, a complete scrambling of politics and entertainment, proud-to-be-a-breadhead buttons, bright packaging around tasteless and nutrition-free product, audio-video media devoid of anything approaching meaning, bellies swelling and IQs atrophying…”

Such are the nightmares of Mr. Newman. Humanity would never embrace this future.

I’m leaving out Hugh Cave, Steve Tem, Caitlín Kiernan. Sorry!

Fedogan & Bremer still stocks this, still stocks copies signed by Stephen Jones, modestly priced.