The story consists of two main narratives linked by a third, the voice of "author". Only the author is able to interpret correctly what happened and is aware of the importance of information you have in your power, and is narrating the order in which he was discovering the truth.It begins with the death of an eminent professor at Miskatonic University and the study of the documents with which he was working. These include a report on an attack perpetrated by a cult. An investigation into the members of the sect brings to light some clues about the hideous creature who worship, Cthulhu.