The first Darkisle novel. Private Detective Jack Glennison’s first Darkisle case sees a mundane search for a missing person lead him into a world of ancient magic and unearthly terror… a world that is at once both utterly alien and horribly familiar….
“As Glennison delves deeper into what appears to be a straightforward missing person case, he uncovers an ever-darker plot that spirals into the realms of Lovecraftian horror. Devotees of HP Lovecraft will spot unmissable nods to the Cthulhu Mythos, as seen through the eyes of a man who doesn’t yet know what he is up against.” (T. Finley)
Available NOW as paperback or (at permanently low price!) on Kindle… and it’s FREE if you have Kindle Unlimited! Just click HERE.
“A gorgeous cosmic horror mystery.”
– jxrreads (Instagram reviewer)
“With The Gathering of Shadows, Mark N. Drake has crafted the start of what I hope will be a series that will continue to explore Lovecraftian horror in the 1920s. He’s assembled all the elements needed: a great set of characters, including his lead, Jack Glennison; the terrifically ominous setting of Darkisle (I’m certain we haven’t plumbed the depths of that benighted island); and a set of global or even cosmic conspiracies and secret societies that he has only begun to explore. I’m looking forward to Jack Glennison’s next case! Definitely recommended.”
– Andrew Byers, The Horror Review (full review HERE)
“The Gathering of Shadows in an intelligently written, well-crafted and thoroughly enjoyable, traditional style horror/mystery. Highly recommended.”
– Rose Auburn, roseauburn.com (full review HERE)
“There were plot twists that I didn’t see coming, and most importantly it kept me entertained from beginning to end. What more do you want from a book!”
–The Fantasy Book Nerd, Gingernuts of Horror (full review HERE)
“Reminiscent of pulp detective stories with a horrifying twist, I couldn’t put this book down.”
– Lily, The Faerie Review (full review HERE)
“The ‘good’ characters were really likeable, especially Jack and his soon to be ‘partner’. Their relationship was very natural. Drake also did a marvelous job with his villain, and truly kept me in the dark … until the end.”
– Julia, Curiosity Bought The Book (full review HERE)
“You first think the plot is fairly predictable but pretty soon you realise that’s not the case… the book was great. I liked it!”
– Madde, Nerd Reading Books (full review HERE)
“…this book will appeal to anyone who might enjoy a period horror adventure. Or, indeed, who harbours a desire, on receiving a desperate telegram from a long lost relative, to don a Trilby, shove a Webley into the inside pocket of a favourite overcoat, and book a passage on a rusty tramp steamer to unfamiliar shores.”
– S. Matthews
“The suspense increases from a detective’s first laconic activities on a new case, to subtle signs of strangeness and finally to full horror. Hopefully Mr Drake will continue his work.”
– N. Bergfeld
“Along with the twists and surprises throughout the plot is the surprise that this is the author’s debut novel… I recommend you read this book. I’m sure when you do, you’ll be contacting the author to ask when he’s releasing the next.”
– T. Finley, professional writer
“The colourful descriptions conjure up an atmosphere which is a mixture of film noir, Indiana Jones and Victorian horror… A recommended read for long winter or quarantine evenings!”
– C. de Rossi
Mark N Drake 