Creep, Shadow!

Creep, Shadow! follows psychiatrist Dr. Alan Gates as he investigates mysterious deaths linked to an ancient evil force. The story begins when Gates receives a troubling letter from John Ralston, an old friend who claims his life is in danger from supernatural entities. Dr. Gates travels to a remote estate in Maine where he encounters unexplained phenomena and dark rituals. His scientific worldview clashes with mounting evidence of forces beyond rational explanation, forcing him to question everything he believes about reality. The novel combines elements of psychological thriller and supernatural horror, building tension through Gates's increasingly dangerous pursuit of the truth. The 1934 work is a sequel to Burn, Witch, Burn! but stands as its own complete story. The narrative explores themes of rationality versus the supernatural, and how people cope when faced with realities that defy their understanding of the world. Merritt's work influenced later writers in both horror and dark fantasy genres.

Readers found this sequel to Burn, Witch, Burn! less compelling than the original. Many note it feels rushed and incomplete compared to Merritt's other works. Readers liked: - The occult and supernatural elements - Connection to the previous book's characters - Fast-paced action sequences - The Serbian folklore aspects Readers disliked: - Abrupt ending that leaves questions unanswered - Less character development than the first book - Writing quality below Merritt's usual standards - Too much recapping of previous book's events Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (121 ratings) Amazon: 3.8/5 (12 ratings) One reader on Goodreads noted: "The story has potential but feels like a rough draft." Another commented: "The Serbian black magic elements are fascinating but the plot doesn't come together in a satisfying way." Several reviews mention it works better when viewed as part of a series rather than a standalone novel.

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🌟 A. Merritt wrote Creep, Shadow! as a sequel to his earlier novel Burn, Witch, Burn! - both books follow Dr. Lowell as he battles supernatural forces in New York City. 🌟 The book was first published in 1934 and reflects the growing interest in occult fiction during the early 20th century, when spiritualism and mysticism were becoming increasingly popular. 🌟 While working as a journalist and editor for The American Weekly, Merritt wrote his fantasy and horror novels mainly on weekends, making him one of the most successful "part-time" authors of his era. 🌟 The story incorporates elements of Tibetan mysticism and shadow magic, drawing from Merritt's extensive research into Eastern religious practices and folklore. 🌟 The novel influenced later horror writers, including H.P. Lovecraft, who praised Merritt's work and cited him as an inspiration for his own cosmic horror stories.