Finding Poe

by Leigh M. Lane

When reality and fiction collide, there's no telling what horrors might ensue.

In the wake of her husband's haunted death, one woman must sift through the cryptic clues left behind in order to solve the mystery behind his suicide--all of which point back to the elusive author, Edgar Allan Poe.

Karina soon finds that reality and nightmare have become fused onto one as she journeys from a haunted lighthouse in New England to Baltimore, where the only man who might know the answers to her many questions resides.

But will she find her answers before insanity rips her grip on reality for good? Might a man she's never met hold the only key to a truth more shocking than even she could have imagined?

Genres: Mystery, Horror, Fantasy, Fiction

210 pages, Paperback

First published March 18, 2012

About the author

In addition to writing dark speculative fiction for over twenty-five years, Leigh M. Lane has sung lead and backup vocals for bands ranging from classic rock to the blues, dabbled in fine arts, and earned a black belt in karate. She has a BA in English and graduated from UNLV Magna Cum Laude. She currently lives in the dusty outskirts of Sin City with her husband, an editor and educator, and one very spoiled cat.

Her traditional Gothic horror novel, FINDING POE, was a 2013 EPIC Awards finalist in horror. Her other novels include the WORLD-MART trilogy, a tribute to Orwell, Serling, and Vonnegut, and the dark allegorical tale, MYTHS OF GODS. Her Lisa Lane books include the JANE THE HIPPIE VAMPIRE dramatic horror series and the REVELATIONS trilogy.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read. Lover's of Poe that are familiar with his works will find enjoyment in recognizing the numerous and often subtle references to his characters and settings. For those not familiar with Poe's work that may not recognize the literary references, I still recommend this novel. It is well written and full of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end...a profound end at that. This novel will stay with me for a long time - which to me, means a novel is worthy of a 5 star rating. Those familiar with Poe's life and his writings will get the most enjoyment from this book, but as I said, it is written in such a way that it can be enjoyed by all. If anything, this book may inspire people to delve into the life and legacy of Poe, a brilliant man who suffered through numerous tragedies. Happy reading!

[Icy-Cobwebs-Crossing-SpaceTime · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a delightful early-Victorian flair, this story begins with an English noble Lady, following her husband unwillingly to an isolated, abandoned, lighthouse housed on a small island off the New England coast, surrounded by battering waves and rocky shoals. As if Lady Karina had not already suffered enough “adventure” due to her husband’s poor impulse control, once they move into the Lighthouse, he seems to turn into a madman, and Karina turns into a sleepwalker, a woman who loses her direction, is mistaken for a curse and a danger, discovers men digging for buried treasure; and then finds her own husband expects to somehow discover treasure in the long-abandoned, poorly-maintained lighthouse.

This story is particularly delightful for the incredibly fast pace, the non-stop adventures which are Supernatural and paranormal as well as psychologically abnormal; and for the neat way in which examples occur which reference many of the stories of Edgar Allan Poe, who will prove to be a touchstone. Told in first person narrative by Lady Karina, the story delicately weaves in backstory for the main characters in a subtle way, refining the protagonists’ characterisations.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book around halloween time and from recommendation from the author. I must say that it certainly has alot of things going on throughout and just when you think you have it figured out another strange plot came in which was confusing but interestingly enough had my attention. The plot was very well played out and I felt as the character did wondering and waiting what would happen next and not knowing but in a good way. It helps to be familiar with some of Poe's works it gives an idea of the senarios and situations and although I knew not of all of them I figured some of them were his works and they all piece together as part of the story and make it a very good read. I enjoyed this book and although I needed the ending explained to me I appreciate it all the more. Overall very good read, if you like twists and turns, the unexpected and a good mystery and suspense then this book is for you.

[Alan Place · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can recommend this book by my friend Lisa Lane. If you like Poe, this will hold you from the start. The ending is hauntingly written as the reader gets drawn into a series of nightmarish scenes, never knowing what is real or what is a dream.
A very well written story. Well done Lisa, truly haunting.

[Jaime Johnesee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book! This is one that I truly believe will stand the test of time. The author not only captures the essence of Edgar Allan Poe but also a bit of his style.

If you haven't read it yet, pick it up. It's a definite must read.

[L.A. Matthies · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.4 stars
Reviewed for The Masquerade Crew:

Finding Poe is a quite a fascinating piece of work. The title page has a subtitle which reads A Tale of Inspiration and Horror; well, I can agree one hundred percent with the horror piece of that puzzle. I dare any of you to find a smidgen of inspiration anywhere ...LOL! Okay, if you happen to be a writer you might find some inspiration from Ms. Lane's writing style which I found to be exceptionally good.

What I loved: I have always been fascinated with Edgar Allen Poe's work, his work is so twisted and macabre ( but in the best conceivable way) that I couldn't help being fascinated with it. I mean The Tell Tale Heart & The Pit and The Pendulum ...come on, it's wicked good! Ms.Lane did a fantastic job sticking to a style requires you to travel to some very deep, dark places ...both on the page and in your mind. She's woven a terrific horror tale ( not for the kiddies) which leads you through the many twists and turns faced by poor Karina, a high bread girl who travels with her husband,Brantley, to America. The two are escaping some rather shady events back home and are beginning a new life as"lighthouse attendants" ...really? I won't spoil it for you, there are so many bizarre happenings you'll want to experience them for yourself first hand!

What I didn't love: Although the story was extremely well written, there are moments that are so convoluted that I wasn't quite sure where we were going with the story. Unfortunate, because if your not determined, as I am, you might give up. I urge you to continue as the end will satisfy your momentary confusions.

All in all: A good choice for the horror fan, and the cover art by Michael Ezaky is a perfect compliment to the work! Also, I'd like to mention that I really appreciated the manner with which the characters spoke and other descriptive pieces used by the author to stay true to the time period.

[Masquerade Crew · Rating 4 out of 5]

WALKI'S REVIEW

Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe, Leigh M. Lane wrote this novel with talent. I am not familiar with Poe's work, but I found the writer's choice interesting. Leigh M. Lane takes the readers for a wild ride through twists and turns developed with rhythm and style.

The Lady Karina of Norland and her husband Brantley have come to live in the Burnswatch lighthouse just off the east US shore, in an attempt to escape a scandal. Soon, following Karina's train of thoughts, the reader starts questioning everyone's sanity and wondering what is dream and what is reality. Finding Poe' grabbed my attention from the first page until the last word. However, while at the beginning Leigh M. Lane picked my curiosity for Poe's work, by the end I wasn't considering checking out his books anymore. This said, this novel was an entertaining read and might please people who have enjoyed Poe's writings.

Also reviewed by Linda, here!

[M.L. Roos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leigh M. Lane has managed to create a unique tale that involves many elements of stories and poems written by Edgar Allan Poe including The Black Cat, A Descent into the Maelstrom, Masque of the Red Death, The System of Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether, The Raven, The Lighthouse and A Dream Within a Dream.

Brilliant tale about Karina, a noble born woman, who's husband moves her away from everything she has ever known to live in an isolated lighthouse. While there, Karina starts seeing things and her husband descends into madness. Upon his death, Karina finds a letter addressed to Mr. Poe and sets out on a journey to deliver this last piece of correspondence to a mysterious man she has never met....or has she?

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first sentence of this book your mind is held captive by the astounding writing held within the pages.

Lady Karina is filled with sadness as her husband Brantley not only takes her away from the life she knows and loves but takes her away to a place that takes away her sanity. Between the nightmares and the mental abuse she goes through you can not help but feel her pain.

If you want to send your mind into a whirlwind of horror, terror and fear this book is just what you need!!! I am so happy to have read it. Leigh M. Lane has a way with words that pull you right into the story and you will be held there until the end.

[Yoshay Lindblom · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I stand amid the roar
Of a surf-tormented shore,
And I hold within my hand
Grains of the golden sand-
How few! yet how they creep
Through my fingers to the deep,
While I weep- while I weep!
O God! can I not grasp
Them with a tighter clasp?
O God! can I not save
One from the pitiless wave?
Is all that we see or seem
But a dream within a dream?"

This paragraph for Edgar Allan Poe's poem A Dream Within a Dream surmises for this engaging narrative.

[Ruth Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finding Poe was temporarily a free kindle download with promises that Edgar Allen Poe fans would like it. The story contains several dreams within dreams that you find yourself wondering what is the "real" story. Gothic elements and aspects of many of Poe's stories are throughout the book. Quick, summer read.

[Paula Cappa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book immensely: well written and suspenseful. There seems to be an experience in reading this story, not just absorbing plot and characters, and if you are a Poe fan, you will find it fascinating. I found the ending a bit vague but still satisfying. Poe was such a madman in his work and this certainly comes through in this story. Book cover captured me; quite mysterious.

[Mark Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was the second book by Ms. Lane that I have read. IT will NOT be the last. I swear she must have channeled Edgar Allen Poe for this book, the writing style was definitely evocative of his writing. Madness prevails throughout the book. The only reason I gave it 4 stars, as opposed to 5, is that is somewhat slow to start, but certainly picks up. Very worth the read!

[Bunny]

** Originally posted on www.bunnycates.com **

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzfRZa...

My Thoughts:

I'm not really sure how much I can say in my review of Finding Poe by Leigh M Lane, without spoiling the book for those who haven’t read it yet. It is just one of those books where if you accidently say too much… there is no point for the other person to read it.  So, with that being said, what CAN I say?

This story follows Karina a lady who, leaves her home country and social status, comes to the states with her husband.   She has no idea why he has chosen to come to the US to live in a decrepit old lighthouse, but he is her husband.  *as the song goes… “Stand by your man”, right?*  After many strange happenings, her husband dies, and she finds a letter addressed to Mr Poe.  This sets her on her journey to find Poe and find out what REALLY happened to her husband.

It is interesting to note that there are references to many of Poe’s works discreetly woven within this story.   I found myself, while reading, thinking I remembered something from Poe.  So I would pull out my “complete works” and scan through to see.  Yep, yep, and YEP. =D

This story for me was: aggravating (because her husband is a d**k), suspenseful, intriguing, and mostly… entertaining.    A successful homage to the master.

In Conclusion:

I think, for this review… I will just let my final reading update on goodreads speak for itself…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Owd613...
I discuss Finding Poe by Leigh M Lane at the 7:21 mark

 

Mom Notes:

This is a horror suspense novel, and not for children. Contains violence, death, etc.

[Lori Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of Gothic Horror and Edgar Allan Poe, Leigh M. Lane's tale of "Finding Poe" captured my imagination like a brooding canvas of darkness and intense highlights. I very much relished its haunting and grim tone, as well as the events that keep the reader wondering. Richly drawn, this is a book that will transport you through time back to the days of Poe. Lane manages to capture the period and setting in which her plot takes place with deftly accurate strokes, as she blends her own horror story into elements regarding Poe's final unfinished piece of writing, "The Lighthouse". The author conveys you on an expedition through fact and fiction, madness and mystery, and in the end you will be left to gaze at the clever swirl of intrigue unmasked with a sense of having met Poe himself and danced with the devil.

[Aftan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is absolutely fantastic! While it is not a book I would normally have picked up on my own I am so happy I did! I have been converted to a Poe reader and gothic novel fan I think. I went camping this weekend and took the book with me. I found myself on more than one occasion snuggled by the fire with my nose in the book only to emerge to share a paragraph of detail.

The book was a wild ride that reminded me a lot of Shutter Island with twists and turns that made me guess what reality is real. While I had to read a paragraph or two a couple of times due to some minor spelling, grammar or formatting errors that was absolutely to be expected.
Leigh Lane has wrote a fantastic novel that I have already recommended to others.

[Keith Milstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is truly a thrilling Gothic tale with a touch of Poe as it takes the reader into the travails of a man and his wife forced to leave the comfort of royalty into a life of fear and horror. I have always loved the tales of Edgar Allen Poe and Leigh has channeled the author and poet into her own dark tale that will keep you turning pages until you finish in one sitting. Highly recommend this beautifully written piece of art if you like the feel of goose pimples and things that go bump in the dark. Wonderful story Leigh. Keep up the good work.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely unique. Starting with the beat, beat, beat of a drum that I felt deep inside my very being, I found myself walking along the edge of insanity. Dreams, horror, fear, murder, guilt, and then revenge all tie the story together. I kept asking myself why I kept reading. I just HAD to reach the end.

[Tom Walsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this in one day. The author chooses an innocent wife, caught in a maelstrom in the 19th century to root into Poe's characters and plots. The plot is very clever and the writing very literary. The only problem is a bit too much mix between dreams and reality, but it is worth the effort.

[Shana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book via Goodreads First reads. If you enjoy Poe, you will like this book. It's a very unique read, well written with nightmarish scenes. It's difficult to tell what is reality or dream.

[Karen Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay - this may not be for everyone but if you are fan of Poe's work you will appreciate for exactly what it is: a demented, mad, crazy story, but one that will have you riveted like a train wreck you can't stop watching.

[Terry West · Rating 5 out of 5]

The prose floats from a haunted dream. Extremely dark and stylish work from Leigh Lane. An absolute must have for any Poe fan. This is Lane's love letter to a master of darkness, and it is crafted superbly. I am a fan.

[Erik Gustafson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This well-written page turner kept me enraptured from beginning to end. Both haunting and mesmerizing, this is one journey you won't want to miss. I am a fan for sure!

[Sandi Jeunesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a surprisingly wonderful book. Highly recommended.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely twisted turn of the story of the last days of Poe! Didn't disappoint me at all and found quite entertaining. Also a nice fast read!

[Marguerite Czajka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I read about it since I love Poe, but often fictional works about real people leave me cold. This one was a good mix of storytelling and referencing Poe.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I've read from Ms. Lane, excellent, don't ime too review right now but highly recommend.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good story. Had me riveted the entire time. A little disappointed with the ending though, hence the 4 instead of 5 stars.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous! An unreliable narrator that leads you on a twisting, turning dark tale that interescts with many elements of Poe's work. It is enteretaining and fast paced. It is simply awesome!

[Vance Knox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought a copy of this a few days before being asked to review this by the author. Having read Leigh’s other book I was keen to jump into this one. And jump I did.

The overall story is great but we don’t meet Poe for quite awhile. Karina’s husband Brantley, had become embroiled in a scandal and the only thing he can do is to move them to America and take up position in a light house. Things go weird after that. Brantley starts to go into a bout of madness, searching for a treasure that does not exist. He sends Karina to go shopping on the mainland and his directions get her lost in the forest. Here she learns the light house has a curse, acquires a dog that follows her around, meets some strange people also looking for treasure.

Back home, Brantley seems to have changed and become a nice guy again for all of a few hours, then he decides to kill Karina. After she escapes and finds a letter addressed to Poe, that’s when the trouble starts.

Leigh had written this tale with a Poe-ish) style or flair. There are several references to his stories and poems, tho subtle they may be to the casual reader. The writing pulls you right in, and you are held captive by the unfolding tale. I do have one complaint, though: I felt there was a lot of unnecessary repeated dream sequences, and the madhouse experience seemed to drag on. I think Leigh was adding to the Poe experience as I recognized several of the references, but I felt those pages were not needed, and removing them might have made a tighter story. Despite that, the writing is fluid and enjoyable and well worth your time.