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lisa_holcomb's review
5.0
Frenetically Entertaining!
I was excited to hear about this book because it combines so many things that I love: Poe, literature, Oxford, mysteries, and the intertwining of historical people in unusual ways. I was delighted by this story! I would happily read a sequel if one should be written.
I was excited to hear about this book because it combines so many things that I love: Poe, literature, Oxford, mysteries, and the intertwining of historical people in unusual ways. I was delighted by this story! I would happily read a sequel if one should be written.
gloriaoliver's review
4.0
(I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.)
What if Edgar Allan Poe had not died in 1849 and turned his life around? Then finds himself on tour in England trying to drum up subscriptions for his brainchild, The Stylus magazine? His first stop is Oxford for a talk at Christ Church, one of the largest colleges at the University. Yet, a nasty encounter and a pushy publisher lead him to cave to his alcohol craving imp's wishes, despite his promise to his second wife not to imbibe. A lapse he comes to doubly regret when he awakens in the wrong room of the hotel but a foot or two from a murdered maid.
Melanie Fletcher does an outstanding job of weaving what has been to what could have been. The details are vivid, and she expertly shows the amalgamation that is Oxford and its varied challenges. Including Charles Dodgson before he became the famed Lewis Carroll adds a nice layer, as we see the author in his still formative years.
The two men, different in temperament, country, and age, must find ways to deal with one another and accept what each brings to the table in order to clear Poe's name and catch a murderer. With the viewpoints shifting from Poe to Dodgson and the killer, readers will get an immersive view of events.
A Most Malicious Murder is a sensory delicious and fast-moving read.
What if Edgar Allan Poe had not died in 1849 and turned his life around? Then finds himself on tour in England trying to drum up subscriptions for his brainchild, The Stylus magazine? His first stop is Oxford for a talk at Christ Church, one of the largest colleges at the University. Yet, a nasty encounter and a pushy publisher lead him to cave to his alcohol craving imp's wishes, despite his promise to his second wife not to imbibe. A lapse he comes to doubly regret when he awakens in the wrong room of the hotel but a foot or two from a murdered maid.
Melanie Fletcher does an outstanding job of weaving what has been to what could have been. The details are vivid, and she expertly shows the amalgamation that is Oxford and its varied challenges. Including Charles Dodgson before he became the famed Lewis Carroll adds a nice layer, as we see the author in his still formative years.
The two men, different in temperament, country, and age, must find ways to deal with one another and accept what each brings to the table in order to clear Poe's name and catch a murderer. With the viewpoints shifting from Poe to Dodgson and the killer, readers will get an immersive view of events.
A Most Malicious Murder is a sensory delicious and fast-moving read.
thesleepyreader79's review
5.0
What is Edgar Allan Poe had not died mysteriously, but overcome his demons and married his childhood sweetheart? As a life long Poe fan, when I read the description for this one, I knew I had to read it.
I am intrigued by alternate history timeline stories and this one was fantastic. In this story, Edgar Allan Poe did not die in 1849 of mysterious circumstances. Instead, he married Elmira and set out on a book tour through England, performing readings of his most famous work. One night he has too much to drink and the next morning after a chambermaid is found dead, he is a suspect. Drawing on his own character creation, Inspector Dupin, can he unravel the clues in time to save not only his reputation but the life of an innocent man?
The story is unique, ingenious and well written. With charming characters, a wonderful setting and an ending that is worthy of Dupin himself, this story is sure to hold your attention and keep you guessing until the very end. I felt the pacing was nice and I loved the back and forth between what Poe was experiencing and what the killer was experiencing. I look forward to more from this author. I received this book for free from Booksirens for an honest review.
I am intrigued by alternate history timeline stories and this one was fantastic. In this story, Edgar Allan Poe did not die in 1849 of mysterious circumstances. Instead, he married Elmira and set out on a book tour through England, performing readings of his most famous work. One night he has too much to drink and the next morning after a chambermaid is found dead, he is a suspect. Drawing on his own character creation, Inspector Dupin, can he unravel the clues in time to save not only his reputation but the life of an innocent man?
The story is unique, ingenious and well written. With charming characters, a wonderful setting and an ending that is worthy of Dupin himself, this story is sure to hold your attention and keep you guessing until the very end. I felt the pacing was nice and I loved the back and forth between what Poe was experiencing and what the killer was experiencing. I look forward to more from this author. I received this book for free from Booksirens for an honest review.
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