This is change in pace from all the cyberpunk or post-cyberpunk as of late. This story presumably takes place in 1881.What I like about Mythos stories is that you can always tell the good ones from the bad ones. The good ones are all written from the first person witness. The reader gets to tag along on an adventure into the strange and demented.
In Gaiman’s addition to the ever growing Mythos, the Old Ones are among us. As in some of Shakespeare’s plays, a comedy troop tells the truth that can not be uttered: “… the Old Ones whose coming was foretold, returning to us from R’lyeth, and from dim Carcosa, and from the great plains of Leng…” had returned years ago and had taken up place of power and influence.
In this story, the Old Ones are the establishment. One has been killed and a very Sherlock Homes and Watson like duo seek out the murderer though precise tracking of clues. However, this Homes, meeting his Professor James Moriarty, is out eluded. The murderer leaves a letter that explains how he was able to out deduct our detective.
Again, I wish I had written this story. The language feels authentic and appropriate for Lovecraftian fan fiction. It has a quick pass and engaging plot. It also has a new twist, Old Ones as world leaders and peace keepers (there is no war under their rule) that brings needed fire back to the subject matter.
Well done!
Gaiman, Neil. “A Study in Emerald.” Fragile Things: Short Fictions and Wonders. New York: HarperCollins, 2007. p. 1 – 25
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