Gaslight Ghouls

Uneasy Tales of Sherlock Holmes, Monsters and Madmen

By: JR Campbell, Jonathan Maberry, Alison Littlewood, Mark Latham, Charles Rutledge, Stephen Gallagher, Wendy Wagner, Stephen Volk, James Moore

Narrated by: Kevin E Green

Length: 10 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

“It is my belief, Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin than does the smiling and beautiful countryside....”

Far from the warming glow of London gaslight, in the remotest villages, on high hilltops, in forgotten valleys, and ancient caverns, a scream can echo for miles without reaching a sympathetic ear. Age old beliefs hang in the air like the morning mist, in places where the old ways and the older gods may be forsaken, but are never forgotten. Bound in secrecy, sealed by blood, the traditions of ages past bubble up from the slumbering dark earth, crying out for a return to the old ways, and there is always someone listening. Someone, or some thing....

Into this landscape comes Sherlock Holmes, casting the light of reason and modern logic wherever he goes. Can the Great Detective prevail against centuries of ingrained superstition and ritual? Can the modern science of deduction overcome belief in the oldest of evils? Can Sherlock Holmes, in 12 new tales by modern masters of horror, triumph over superstitions, new and old, and the ghoulish monsters and madmen who exploit them?

©2022 Belanger Books (P)2023 Belanger Books

Spooky stories!

I enjoyed the stories in Gaslight Ghouls. All the stories features Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson discussing or actively solving cases that involved elements of the supernatural, horror, mythical creatures. These stories also wove pieces of the original ACD canon throughout. The narration by Kevin E Green was outstanding. He brought all the characters - human or otherwise - alive, making the stories all the more scary!

Excellent!

This is an awesome audiobook if you like horror, supernatural horror and Sherlock Holmes. Highly reccommend!

Haunted Homes!

Gaslight Ghouls: Uneasy Tales of Sherlock Holmes, Monsters, and Madmen is a captivating audiobook anthology that dares to take the Great Detective into the darkest corners of the supernatural. As any devoted Sherlockian knows, venturing into the "other" side of Holmes comes with a certain risk – the peril of straying from the essence of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's original tales. Yet, Gaslight Ghouls deftly navigates this treacherous territory, seamlessly blending the book's overarching theme with canonically accurate portrayals of Holmes and Watson.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this anthology is the deep familiarity that the contributing authors have with Holmes. It's evident in every word they pen, as they effortlessly channel the spirit of Conan Doyle's creation. The essence of Holmes, with his razor-sharp intellect, unerring logic, and keen eye for detail, remains impeccably intact throughout these stories. This adherence to the character's core qualities ensures that even the most die-hard Holmes purists will find themselves enthralled.

One of the cornerstones of Doyle's original tales was the firm grounding of supernatural events in solid, scientific explanations. This anthology pays homage to that principle, as the majority of the stories provide plausible, rational resolutions to seemingly supernatural mysteries. It's a testament to the respect the authors hold for the source material, showing that they understand the necessity of adhering to the established rules of the Holmesian universe. While some tales may veer into the realm of science fiction to explain the inexplicable, within the context of this anthology, such deviations work seamlessly and contribute to the overall allure of the narratives.

For the discerning Sherlockian who ardently upholds the canon as sacrosanct, there may be minor points of contention to nitpick. However, if you're a Holmes enthusiast who revels in seeing the brilliant detective placed in diverse and challenging situations, Gaslight Ghouls offers a treasure trove of adventures to savor. These tales expand the horizons of Holmes and Watson, leading them down eerie paths where malevolent forces, ancient rituals, and monstrous entities lurk.

Each story is a masterful piece of storytelling, expertly narrated by Kevin E Green, who brings the characters to life with an enthralling performance. The audiobook format adds an extra layer of immersion, allowing listeners to become fully engrossed in Holmes and Watson's world as they grapple with the uncanny and the grotesque.

The collection's title, "Gaslight Ghouls," evokes a sense of the Victorian era and the eerie, gaslit streets of London that serve as the backdrop for many Holmes adventures. However, this anthology takes Holmes far beyond the comforting glow of London's gaslight and into the remote villages, high hilltops, forgotten valleys, and ancient caverns of the countryside. It delves into the unsettling notion that beneath the picturesque facade of the countryside lies a darker, more sinister underbelly, where ancient beliefs and eldritch horrors linger.

In each story, the authors skillfully weave together elements of horror, mystery, and the supernatural, creating a blend that is both chilling and enthralling. The landscapes they describe are vividly rendered, immersing the listener in a world where the old ways and ancient gods may be forsaken but are never truly forgotten. It is a world where secrets are bound in secrecy and sealed in blood, and where the traditions of ages past bubble up from the slumbering earth, clamoring for a return to the old ways.

Sherlock Holmes, the quintessential rationalist and champion of modern logic, is the perfect foil for these tales of superstition, ritual, and the macabre. As he navigates through these dark and treacherous narratives, the contrast between his unwavering commitment to reason and the deep-rooted beliefs of the characters he encounters serves as a source of both tension and intrigue. Can the Great Detective prevail against centuries of ingrained superstition and ritual? Can his modern science of deduction overcome belief in the oldest of evils?

The authors of Gaslight Ghouls present a diverse array of horrors for Holmes to confront. From malevolent spirits to twisted experiments and eldritch creatures, each story offers a unique and spine-tingling challenge for our beloved detective. Yet, it is precisely Holmes's unyielding commitment to reason and his indomitable intellect that make these tales so satisfying. As he unravels the mysteries that shroud each case, listeners are treated to a display of deductive prowess that is as awe-inspiring as ever.

In this anthology, Holmes is not alone in his quest to dispel the shadows of the supernatural. Dr. John Watson, his steadfast companion, is by his side, providing a comforting anchor of humanity in the face of the uncanny. Their dynamic, as always, is a delight to witness, with Watson's steadfast loyalty and practicality serving as the perfect complement to Holmes's brilliant but sometimes enigmatic mind.

The authors' deep knowledge of the Holmes canon shines through in their ability to capture the nuances of Holmes and Watson's relationship. The banter, the camaraderie, and the unspoken understanding between the two are present in abundance. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of these iconic characters that they continue to inspire fresh interpretations and adventures, even in the realm of horror and the supernatural.

Gaslight Ghouls: Uneasy Tales of Sherlock Holmes, Monsters, and Madmen is a remarkable addition to the Holmesian literary tradition. It pays homage to the spirit of Conan Doyle's creation while pushing the boundaries of what is possible within the world of Holmes and Watson. These tales are a testament to the enduring fascination with the world's greatest detective and the timeless appeal of his deductive genius. Whether you're a die-hard Holmes enthusiast or simply a fan of gripping and atmospheric storytelling, this audiobook is a must-listen.

In conclusion, Gaslight Ghouls is a triumph of modern horror fiction that seamlessly integrates the iconic figure of Sherlock Holmes into the eerie and unsettling world of the supernatural. The anthology's authors demonstrate a deep respect for the source material, crafting stories that remain true to the essence of Conan Doyle's creation while exploring new and chilling dimensions. Kevin E Green's masterful narration brings these tales to life, immersing listeners in a world where reason and logic are pitted against ancient superstitions and eldritch horrors. Whether you're a purist or an adventurous fan of Holmes, this audiobook is a captivating journey into the shadows of the Great Detective's world, and it is not to be missed.

I enjoyed all the stories but the one below.

I didn't like the story of The Five Symbols. It portrayed Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's wonderful character of Sherlock Holmes as a murderer which to me is a disgrace to Doyle's character.