The Poe Predicament

I know it's niche, but I love mysteries featuring fictionalized versions of historical figures. I think I've read at least three featuring Edgar Allan Poe. Now it's at least four, and The Poe Predicament is a fine addition to that very, very specific genre.
A quick, well-paced story of time travel, murder, evil entities and speculation about just what inspired Poe to write his morbid tales.
It was a lot of fun. The writing was even (although there were a handful of points where the language didn't feel authentic), the pace, like I said, was great, and I liked the way the characters were written. Also, it was a nice change to have it set before Poe became established. A lot of stories focus on the grim aspects of his life and his sad, mysterious death. It was interesting to see an imagining of a strong, youthful Poe.
I also thought the ending was very satisfying.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I enjoyed this one. It was a quick and easy read. An impressive debut book for sure. My main issue was that the plot needed more fleshing out. Why were Alice and Richard chosen for time travel? What was this "secret" group of people that go back in time to stop bad things happening. Why did the "evil" spirits want Eddie to die? Just so he wouldn't become famous? I never fully understood the reasoning behind it all. I think if the author had taken the time to flesh out the story more. Included more backstory and world building. This would have been a 5 star book.

**ARC Via NetGalley**

This paranormal mystery is an entertaining and gripping story that mixes horror, historical fiction and fantasy.
I liked it but some more world building would have helped.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

3.8 Stars

The Poe Predicament is a well-written horror novel with mystery and time-traveling playing crucial roles. Richard finds a rare copy of Tamerlane and Other Poems signed by Poe himself. When voices urge him to make a run with the book, he has no choice but to follow the orders.
The flight and the subsequent swoon takes him to 1831 when Poe was still Eddie, a budding writer who’s struggling to get his books published. Richard and Alice, a mysterious woman, have to help Poe prove his innocence for a crime he didn’t commit and ensure that the history isn’t altered. The interesting premise and mainly the mention of Poe made me grab this book.
What I Like:
• A straight-forward plotline with no unnecessary twists
• Decent pace
• Smooth integration of the plot and Poe’s works
• Flawed characters
Things That Didn’t Work for Me:
• Not enough detailing of the paranormal part
• Use of gore to create horror
• Sparse backstory; not enough to connect with any of the characters
To sum up, The Poe Predicament is a decent mystery thriller with quite a lot of gore and a good plotline.
Thank you, NetGalley and Foundations Book Publishing, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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The link to the full review will be updated in a week or two.

Richard Langley stumbles upon a signed copy of Tamerlane and other poems in his friend’s bookstore. He accidentally steals it and rushes home and falls asleep. When he wakes up it’s no longer 2021, it’s 1831. While trying to figure out how to get home, he ends up helping a man who has been accused of a crime he did not commit, otherwise history will be changed forever. And that man?Well, it’s Edgar Allen Poe.

I highly recommend it for those who love paranormal activity, time travel, and history. I wanted to read this the moment I read the description and I’m so glad I was able to read it. I enjoyed it from start to finish.
I really enjoy how Richard reacts to being in another time. He’s just so “Okay” about it, at least that’s how I perceived it, and it just works so well with the story.
This is a great spooky season read! The “main event” is so insane. So much happened that I was not expecting and things take a DARK turn, and I loved it! I would also say this a decent paced read as well. I got most of it done in one sitting but then dumb adult responsibilities stopped me from finishing.