Loved this, what a great blend of both historical & horror vibes! Loved the setting, Rhode Island felt very atmospheric and almost as if it were its own fully fleshed out character by itself. I love when a setting can feel like that (a house, a city, etc) & as this isn't my first book by Christa Carmen, I can say that she does this particular thing very well.

Christa Carmen has such a sharp, eerie way of writing, and Beneath the Poet’s House completely hooked me. It’s unsettling and atmospheric, full of dread that creeps in slowly but doesn’t let go. Rhode Island felt very atmospheric and almost as if it were its own fully fleshed out character by itself. I loved how it blended the gothic mood with psychological unease & historical aspects; definitely one of those reads that lingers long after the last chapter. Not my first by her, and definitely will not be my last!

Christa Carmen has done it again! A thriller set in Rhode Island that incorporates both historical events and fiction. Although they meet under strange circumstances, Carmen’s characters form a strong connection and their group grows on the reader along with the main character. There are plot twists throughout the book and readers are questioning who is “good” and who is “evil” for a good portion of the book.

I’d like to start my review by saying that I love a strong female lead! She overcame many obstacles in her life so even without the gothic elements, this story was empowering.
The found family aspect was heart-warming, I loved this little group of friends.
On the other hand, I despised the FMC’s father and their interaction pulled my out of the story, it was just not plausible to me (his lines seemed extremely robotic, too).
The writing style was chef’s kiss, beautiful, although the descriptive passages were sometimes a tad boring, I skipped a few.
The atmosphere, the historic and supernatural elements of the town resulted in this good gothic thriller.
3.5 ⭐️ rounded down.

This book got under my skin. A crumbling mansion, a balcony that overlooks a graveyard, and a twisted love story tied to Poe himself? Yes please. Dark, obsessive, and full of creeping dread - I never saw the ending coming. Modern gothic fans, this one is seriously unmissable.

That cover is chefs kiss! Saoirse White, a grieving mystery novelist, moves into a historic Providence home once owned by 19th-century poet and spiritualist Sarah Helen Whitman—best known for her brief engagement to Edgar Allan Poe. Hoping to escape her past and overcome writer’s block, Saoirse instead finds herself drawn into séances, strange visions, and a whirlwind romance with a charismatic professor obsessed with Poe.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the atmospheric ARC!

Thank you, NetGalley for an advanced ARC of this book

I was interested to read this because it sounded really good, but I got 75% though and just couldn't get into the story or feel anything for the main character, and if I cannot get into it I don't 0ay much attention to the story at all

Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this one in exchange for an honest review!

Unfortunately, this one didn’t work for me. The pacing was just too slow for me and I didn’t like the characters.

I hope others love this one but it wasn’t for me.

I want to thank Christa Carmen and NetGalley for an ARC of Beneath the Poet’s House.

I began reading this book in October 2024 - because spooky season. I honestly, could not get into to the book! I tried until March 2025 with no use and got 45 % of the way through.

I really enjoyed the characters - but honestly I wish that what brought me into the store - Soraise’s husbands death was more prevalent through the beginning of the book..

I will give the book another chance in the future.

Maybe it's because I'm local but it felt like a lot of the research was done via the internet vs actually living in the area and talking to people.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read this ARC! Christa Carmen did a great job with this gothic thriller. A wonderfully captivating read! I loved how the story unfolded, the pacing was perfect, and the character development was gradual but consistent. This novel has it all! Thrills, romance, suspense and a little bit of horror to tie it all together!

From the moment Saoirse White steps into the historic home of Sarah Helen Whitman, Beneath the Poet's House had me hooked. The setting—an old, storied house with a rose garden and forgotten cemetery—was so atmospheric that I could practically feel the weight of the past pressing in on Saoirse as she navigated her grief and writer's block. The eerie charm of the place, mixed with the eccentric transcendentalists who were so consumed with their beliefs, set the stage for a psychological thriller that got under my skin.

Saoirse’s journey, from the depths of sorrow to a tentative rebirth through her writing and a new romance, was beautifully done. But as the pages turned, I could feel the creeping sense of unease building—nothing was as it seemed, and the suspense grew thicker with each passing chapter. The introduction of Emmit Powell, the charming author, only added to the tension, and I couldn't help but question his motives, just as Saoirse did.

What I loved most was how Christa Carmen blurred the lines between reality and the supernatural. Saoirse’s exploration of the house’s past, her struggle with her own buried secrets, and the strange, unsettling occurrences throughout kept me on edge. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, the twists came fast, making me rethink everything I thought I knew.

This book is perfect for anyone who loves a slow-burning psychological thriller filled with atmospheric tension, deep emotional complexity, and a touch of the eerie. Beneath the Poet's House is a haunting, unforgettable read that I couldn’t put down, and it’s one that will stay with me long after the final page.

A very interesting gothic thriller? From the very first page, Beneath the Poet’s House weaves a compelling and suspense-filled narrative that draws readers in with its haunting atmosphere. Blending history, mystery, fiction, folklore, and legend, the story unfolds a mesmerizing tale of séances, obsession, and ghosts; fear, intimidation, and abuse; deceit, manipulation, and entitlement; identity, individuality, and erasure; as well as health, power, and control.

Christa Carmen’s Beneath the Poet’s House is a haunting and intricately layered novel that blends history, supernatural horror, and deep psychological themes. Set against the backdrop of Rhode Island’s gothic literary heritage, the story follows Saoirse as she navigates a tumultuous relationship with the enigmatic Emmett Powell. Carmen masterfully weaves themes of addiction, emotional abuse, motherhood, and self-discovery into the narrative, using symbolic elements—such as Saoirse’s black cat—to deepen the novel’s emotional resonance.

The séance scene, heavily influenced by Sarah Helen Whitman, is a standout moment that amplifies the book’s eerie atmosphere and its connection to spiritualist traditions. Carmen also integrates the stone tape theory, adding an intellectual and metaphysical dimension to the ghostly happenings.

With her signature ability to blend historical and supernatural themes, Carmen delivers a chilling yet thought-provoking tale. Beneath the Poet’s House is an unforgettable read for horror fans who appreciate rich storytelling, psychological depth, and literary history woven into their scares.

This is the second book I’ve read by this author and I enjoyed it so much. While it was fun to read, I also clearly saw that Christa is super knowledgeable about the literary world as an art form and in history.

While this is a work of fiction, it’s so fun to see the actual places where this story took place - it actually got me out and exploring the real world while also delving into the history of Edgar Allen Poe and friends. I also loved the mirroring into present day.

I’ve already gifted this book to a friend and bought myself a physical copy.

Book Review: Beneath the Poet's House by Christa Carmen

Rating: ★★★★☆

As a lover of atmospheric thrillers, I was immediately drawn to Beneath the Poet's House by Christa Carmen, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The moment I laid eyes on the cover, I knew I was in for something special. The haunting imagery hinted at the gothic themes woven throughout the story, and I was eager to dive into its depths.

The novel centers around Saoirse White, a grieving writer grappling with the loss of her husband. In search of solace and inspiration, she moves into a historic home in Providence that once belonged to the enigmatic poet and spiritualist Sarah Helen Whitman. This connection to Whitman, who had a notable relationship with Edgar Allan Poe, added an intriguing layer to the narrative that I absolutely loved. The setting itself is rich with history, and Carmen’s descriptive prose paints a vivid picture of the house, the hidden rose garden, and the eerie cemetery that sits quietly at the back.

Upon settling into her new abode, Saoirse encounters a lively group of transcendentalists who are passionate about Whitman’s mystic beliefs. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and as Saoirse opens herself up to their world, she begins to step away from her grief. She also meets Emmit Powell, a captivating author who brings a spark of romance into her life. Just when it seems like Saoirse is finding her footing again, the story takes a suspenseful turn as buried secrets from her past resurface, leading to a tense and anxiety-inducing atmosphere.

Carmen's writing truly shines in this book. Her lyrical style beautifully captures the psychological turmoil Saoirse experiences, immersing us in her struggle against writer’s block and emotional pain. The prose flows like poetry, making every page a delight to read. I found myself completely engrossed in the world she created, where the past and present intertwine in a sinister dance.

What I appreciated most was how Carmen tackles themes of loss, identity, and the hidden realities that often lurk beneath the surface. The feminist undercurrents of Saoirse's journey resonate deeply, highlighting the strength it takes to confront one’s demons. The suspense builds steadily throughout the narrative, creating an almost palpable tension that kept me on edge.

In summary, Beneath the Poet's House is a gripping psychological thriller that expertly blends elements of gothic fiction with a modern narrative. Christa Carmen has crafted a tale that is both immersive and thought-provoking, filled with vivid imagery and rich character development. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you guessing while also drawing you into its beautifully dark world, this one is definitely worth your time!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

There's a lot going on in this book, but in the good, I'm-definitely-going-to-reread-this way. The narrative excels in creating a moody ambiance that Poe fans will appreciate. The intertwining of Whitman's and Poe's history with Saoirse's present-day experiences also offers a compelling backdrop. The author has an amazing way with words, and it truly captures the uneasiness, the obsessiveness, and the sinister undertones of love. Some parts of the book do get a little bit silly, but overall, I loved it!

Saoirse is trying to move on from the death of her husband and create a life for herself after so many years of losing her own desires to her husband’s expectations.

Saoirse has some skeletons in her past, but she’s determined to leave the life that was making her miserable and smothering her creativity. She’s leaving the home she shared with her husband until he died and returning to Providence, where they met in college. She’s hoping to start fresh and get back to writing novels again.

She’s not surprised when things once again don’t go according to plan. The house she picked out to rent happens to have a history, and although it hasn’t been rented for five years, she finds visitors there on her first night. But she’s resilient and reminds herself that she wanted things to be different, and they are definitely seeming to shape up that way. Soon she even meets a new romantic interest, that she surely did not think would happen so soon, or maybe ever again.

Emmit is interested in her and her writing, and wants to know everything about her. Another new friend plants a seed of doubt, but of course Saoirse is a grown up who can make her own choices and judgments about people.

The book is beautifully told, thoroughly researched regarding the area and references of Edgar Allan Poe and Sarah Helen Whitman, and intricately plotted for some reminiscing of their doomed love story. This great gothic thriller earned 5 out of 5 stars. It would be an excellent spooky book club read.

Beneath the Poet’s House by Christa Carmen is a psychological thriller that had me feeling nervous at times and really creeped out. But those feelings were all due to the authors great writing ability. The story starts out with Saoirse White, a novelist who has recently lost her husband and is living in a huge sterile home that is of her husbands choosing and is nothing like she would have chosen if she had had any say. But her husband was a very controlling man and everything had to go his way. Under her sisters gentle persuasion, she packs up and moves to Providence, Rhode Island where she rents a historic home once owned by Sarah Helen Whitman, a poet who at one time was involved with Edgar Allan Poe. There she soon meets 3 very odd individuals while they are holding a seance in her basement. The 4 of them soon become the best of friends. She also meets Emmit Powell, another author, and that’s where the psychological part of the story comes into play. This was a story that had me feeling nervous like I was on the edge of my seat just waiting to see how it was going to play out. The way the author wrote the scenes made them seem so realistic as if I was right there feeling the terror and experiencing everything Saoirse went through. I loved that the story included connecting with the afterlife, and how she could still hear input from her dead husband. The spiritual side of the story was fun and interesting but it was the crazy side involving Emmit that took center stage. This was a really good story and I’d like to thank NetGalley for the arc that I obtained off the Read Now section. It’s a book I’d recommend to all readers of psychological thrillers and I’m rating this story with 4 stars.

This one is full of gothic vibe as a woman tries to make a new start in a house once owned by poet Sarah Helen Whitman.

It has seances, Edgar Allen Poe references, a main character with a secret, and a newly adopted black cat.

It’s creepy, twisty, has academia, and the action kept my heart racing.

There was a lot going on in this book, and while a lot was happening it also felt like nothing was happening. I didn't connect with the characters. The writing was beautiful, but I don't think this book was for me and that's okay. I will still be looking at other books by this author.