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Ellen Poe #1
Ellen Poe: The Forgotten Lore
The first book in an exciting YA series about a teen girl, descended from Edgar Allan Poe, who must navigate the haunting legacy of her ancestor while learning to harness her own strength and intelligence, especially as she begins to commune with the dead.
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection!
A Kids' Indie Next List Pick!
What happens when your tell-tale nightmares turn into reality and the ghost of Edgar Allan Poe won't seem to let you alone? For as long as she can remember, sixteen-year-old Ellen Poe's family has claimed to be long-lost descendants of Edgar Allan Poe. But when she moves in with her aunt in a Poe-themed B&B, the nightmares that have always haunted her begin bleeding into Ellen’s waking hours. When she stumbles upon a journal in the house, none other than Edgar Allan Poe himself begins visiting her. Has the journal somehow released his ghost? And what does he want with Ellen? Through secret messages in his writings, she learns that the two share the same psychic ability to interact with spirits—which is what ultimately drove him mad.
This thrilling series for young adult readers follows Ellen on her quest to learn more about her abilities, the afterlife, and the clues Poe has left for her (ciphers and cryptograms galore), in an effort to not suffer his same fate.
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection!
A Kids' Indie Next List Pick!
What happens when your tell-tale nightmares turn into reality and the ghost of Edgar Allan Poe won't seem to let you alone? For as long as she can remember, sixteen-year-old Ellen Poe's family has claimed to be long-lost descendants of Edgar Allan Poe. But when she moves in with her aunt in a Poe-themed B&B, the nightmares that have always haunted her begin bleeding into Ellen’s waking hours. When she stumbles upon a journal in the house, none other than Edgar Allan Poe himself begins visiting her. Has the journal somehow released his ghost? And what does he want with Ellen? Through secret messages in his writings, she learns that the two share the same psychic ability to interact with spirits—which is what ultimately drove him mad.
This thrilling series for young adult readers follows Ellen on her quest to learn more about her abilities, the afterlife, and the clues Poe has left for her (ciphers and cryptograms galore), in an effort to not suffer his same fate.
Audible Audio
First published April 7, 2026
About the author
Diana Peterfreund
52 books2,070 followersDiana Peterfreund has been a costume designer, a cover model, and a food critic. Her travels have taken her from the cloud forests of Costa Rica to the underground caverns of New Zealand (and as far as she’s concerned, she’s just getting started). Diana graduated from Yale University in 2001 with dual degrees in Literature and Geology, which her family claimed would only come in handy if she wrote books about rocks. Now, this Florida girl lives with her husband and their puppy in Washington D.C., and writes books that rock
Her first novel, Secret Society Girl (2006), was described as “witty and endearing” by The New York Observer and was placed on the New York Public LIbrary’s 2007 Books for the Teen Age list. The follow-up, Under the Rose (2007) was deemed “impossible to put down” by Publisher’s Weekly, and Booklist called the third book, Rites of Spring (Break) (2008), “an ideal summer read.” The final book in the series, Tap & Gown, will be released in 2009. All titles are available from Bantam Dell.
She also contributed to the non-fiction anthologies, Everything I Needed to Know About Being a Girl I Learned from Judy Blume, edited by Jennifer O’Connell (Pocket Books, 2007), The World of the Golden Compass, edited by Scott Westerfeld (BenBella Books, 2007), and Through the Wardrobe, edited by Herbie Brennan (BenBella Books, 2008).
Her first young adult novel, Rampant, an adventure fantasy about killer unicorns and the virgin descendents of Alexander the Great who hunt them, will be released by Harper Collins in 2009. When she’s not writing, Diana volunteers at the National Zoo, adds movies she has no intention of watching to her Netflix queue, and plays with her puppy, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever named Rio.
Her first novel, Secret Society Girl (2006), was described as “witty and endearing” by The New York Observer and was placed on the New York Public LIbrary’s 2007 Books for the Teen Age list. The follow-up, Under the Rose (2007) was deemed “impossible to put down” by Publisher’s Weekly, and Booklist called the third book, Rites of Spring (Break) (2008), “an ideal summer read.” The final book in the series, Tap & Gown, will be released in 2009. All titles are available from Bantam Dell.
She also contributed to the non-fiction anthologies, Everything I Needed to Know About Being a Girl I Learned from Judy Blume, edited by Jennifer O’Connell (Pocket Books, 2007), The World of the Golden Compass, edited by Scott Westerfeld (BenBella Books, 2007), and Through the Wardrobe, edited by Herbie Brennan (BenBella Books, 2008).
Her first young adult novel, Rampant, an adventure fantasy about killer unicorns and the virgin descendents of Alexander the Great who hunt them, will be released by Harper Collins in 2009. When she’s not writing, Diana volunteers at the National Zoo, adds movies she has no intention of watching to her Netflix queue, and plays with her puppy, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever named Rio.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
April 7, 2026
I received a complimentary ALC from Hachette Audio via NetGalley—and honestly, I may have requested it solely for the raven on the cover. 🐦⬛ But I ended up staying for the mystery, and what a fun ride it was!
I really enjoyed this story! I loved that it paid homage to Edgar Allan Poe without trying to imitate his signature macabre tone. Instead, it carved out its own identity as a YA mystery with a touch of magical realism that was seamlessly woven into the plot.
One of my favorite elements was the found family dynamic. The relationship between Ellen and Gus felt natural and grounded, and I loved following them as they investigated the origins of a discovered journal tied to Poe. Their partnership added both warmth and intrigue to the story.
The writing was strong overall, though I do think it could have benefited from a slightly more rigorous developmental edit. That said, none of the issues were egregious enough to take away from my enjoyment.
As for the audiobook, Marnie Watson delivered a solid performance. She sounded age-appropriate and brought the story to life well. There were a handful of mispronunciations that pulled me out of the experience—definitely a me thing, as I tend to fixate on those details—but I know I’m not alone in noticing.
I’ll be honest—I initially picked this up because of the raven obsession 🐦⬛, but I ended up genuinely enjoying the mystery. Judging a book by its cover actually worked in my favor this time!
I really enjoyed this story! I loved that it paid homage to Edgar Allan Poe without trying to imitate his signature macabre tone. Instead, it carved out its own identity as a YA mystery with a touch of magical realism that was seamlessly woven into the plot.
One of my favorite elements was the found family dynamic. The relationship between Ellen and Gus felt natural and grounded, and I loved following them as they investigated the origins of a discovered journal tied to Poe. Their partnership added both warmth and intrigue to the story.
The writing was strong overall, though I do think it could have benefited from a slightly more rigorous developmental edit. That said, none of the issues were egregious enough to take away from my enjoyment.
As for the audiobook, Marnie Watson delivered a solid performance. She sounded age-appropriate and brought the story to life well. There were a handful of mispronunciations that pulled me out of the experience—definitely a me thing, as I tend to fixate on those details—but I know I’m not alone in noticing.
I’ll be honest—I initially picked this up because of the raven obsession 🐦⬛, but I ended up genuinely enjoying the mystery. Judging a book by its cover actually worked in my favor this time!
April 22, 2026
3.50 ⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley.thank you.
This was interesting and has so much potential a mixture of history, 👻,supernatural, puzzles and mystery. If you love all of that plus Sherlock Holmes and of course obsessed with Edgar Allen Poe. you'll definitely love this.
I just felt it was for younger YA/Middle Grade readers .🌸
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley.thank you.
This was interesting and has so much potential a mixture of history, 👻,supernatural, puzzles and mystery. If you love all of that plus Sherlock Holmes and of course obsessed with Edgar Allen Poe. you'll definitely love this.
I just felt it was for younger YA/Middle Grade readers .🌸
March 27, 2026
This was such a fun listen!! Thank you NetGalley & Diana Peterfreund for the ARC. I had so much fun listening to this spooky story. If you are a fan of Edgar Allan Poe or enjoy Tim Burton’s work this is a story for you. It’s full of mystery, hauntings, & history. I would definitely reread it. A great 5 star pick🐦⬛🪦⚰️🔮
March 25, 2026
Thank you so much to NetGally and the author for providing me with an ARC of this story via audiobook.
4.25⭐️
Writing:
I loved the writing style, I genuinely could not ask for anything better for the writing aspect! The way the author told the story was very well done and I was pleasantly surprised!
Characters:
I genuinely cared about these characters! I loved are main character, she was very relatable and was very fun to read! Gus was fun and funny, and the perfect side kick for Ellen!
Plot:
This was very well plotted and I had so much fun listening to this! I have not read much of Edgar Allen Poe’s work but the few stories I have read had multiple references! The author wrote in a way everything had a purpose, and one thing led to the next. I came into this with low expectations and they were exceeded!
Extra thoughts:
This was the first Audiobook I have ever listened to and After listening to this I immediately downloaded Audible. There was only one narrator and she was great! I loved all the different voices she used and I had a lot of fun listening to this! I would recommend this book for ages 10 up!
4.25⭐️
Writing:
I loved the writing style, I genuinely could not ask for anything better for the writing aspect! The way the author told the story was very well done and I was pleasantly surprised!
Characters:
I genuinely cared about these characters! I loved are main character, she was very relatable and was very fun to read! Gus was fun and funny, and the perfect side kick for Ellen!
Plot:
This was very well plotted and I had so much fun listening to this! I have not read much of Edgar Allen Poe’s work but the few stories I have read had multiple references! The author wrote in a way everything had a purpose, and one thing led to the next. I came into this with low expectations and they were exceeded!
Extra thoughts:
This was the first Audiobook I have ever listened to and After listening to this I immediately downloaded Audible. There was only one narrator and she was great! I loved all the different voices she used and I had a lot of fun listening to this! I would recommend this book for ages 10 up!
Read
August 7, 2025I leave most YA fiction to others to enjoy. But Ellen Poe delighted me with her sly, sarcastic narration. All the ghostly code-breaking hijinks were super fun — think Enola Holmes in 21st-century Baltimore but with Eddy, the ghost of Edgar Allan Poe, along for extra delights.
April 14, 2026
I have not been this consumed by a story in a while. This one just pulls you in and keeps you there.
We follow a girl from a family that claims to be descendants of Poe, already unsettling in its own way, and then the nightmares begin to blur into reality. Living with her aunt only makes things stranger, especially when the presence of Poe himself refuses to leave her alone. There is a constant eerie tension, like something is always just about to unfold.
The story carries a strong pull throughout. The protagonist is shaken and overwhelmed at times, but never fragile. She keeps moving forward even when things stop making sense, and that makes her feel very real. The mystery builds like a quiet treasure hunt, revealing pieces slowly and keeping you hooked without rushing.
There is also this underlying dilemma of choosing between what feels right for you and what might be right for everyone else. It is not forced, it just exists within the story and makes you think as things unfold.
The narration adds so much to the experience. It brings out the fear, the confusion, and the curiosity in a way that keeps you completely immersed.
This was eerie, gripping, and honestly just so hard to pause once it began.
We follow a girl from a family that claims to be descendants of Poe, already unsettling in its own way, and then the nightmares begin to blur into reality. Living with her aunt only makes things stranger, especially when the presence of Poe himself refuses to leave her alone. There is a constant eerie tension, like something is always just about to unfold.
The story carries a strong pull throughout. The protagonist is shaken and overwhelmed at times, but never fragile. She keeps moving forward even when things stop making sense, and that makes her feel very real. The mystery builds like a quiet treasure hunt, revealing pieces slowly and keeping you hooked without rushing.
There is also this underlying dilemma of choosing between what feels right for you and what might be right for everyone else. It is not forced, it just exists within the story and makes you think as things unfold.
The narration adds so much to the experience. It brings out the fear, the confusion, and the curiosity in a way that keeps you completely immersed.
This was eerie, gripping, and honestly just so hard to pause once it began.
December 3, 2025
This wasn’t all I thought it’d be (tbh I expected ✨more✨) but it was still a fun read!
April 14, 2026
I love the idea of Edgar Allan Poe’s broke descendants trying to make a living off the memory of the notoriously broke writer, though it’s a bit hard to judge the specifics of the plot given the abrupt ending and the fact that this is clearly meant to be a series and leaves you hanging on most of the major plot points.
Atmospherically this is well done, and the Poe “manor” is probably the best part of the book. I wish we’d gotten more out of the school and perhaps out of Baltimore in general in this sense (an underrated city to set a novel in, in my opinion), but when she’s focused on it, Peterfreund does a good job of capturing eerie, macabre vibes reminiscent of Poe.
I never know what to do with a protagonist who makes a point of telling the reader that she don’t like books, English class, etc since the audience is, y’know, obviously people who read books. But it does work a little better than usual here given her situation: The family legend who no one ever stops going on about paired with the fact that his memory has not exactly been lucrative for the descendants. And the code breaking stuff is fun and far better rendered than when we see this in most YA novels.
Ultimately it’s tough to judge the value of this until we know if it will become a series (I’m still bummed that Peterfreund’s Clue novel wasn’t able to launch a series), but it’s a fun story and a promising concept for more.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Atmospherically this is well done, and the Poe “manor” is probably the best part of the book. I wish we’d gotten more out of the school and perhaps out of Baltimore in general in this sense (an underrated city to set a novel in, in my opinion), but when she’s focused on it, Peterfreund does a good job of capturing eerie, macabre vibes reminiscent of Poe.
I never know what to do with a protagonist who makes a point of telling the reader that she don’t like books, English class, etc since the audience is, y’know, obviously people who read books. But it does work a little better than usual here given her situation: The family legend who no one ever stops going on about paired with the fact that his memory has not exactly been lucrative for the descendants. And the code breaking stuff is fun and far better rendered than when we see this in most YA novels.
Ultimately it’s tough to judge the value of this until we know if it will become a series (I’m still bummed that Peterfreund’s Clue novel wasn’t able to launch a series), but it’s a fun story and a promising concept for more.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
March 23, 2026
What a great read! I loved the unique detail that the ghost of Poe only speaks using lines he actually wrote in real life, it added such an authentic and clever touch to the story. The overall vibe had just the right hint of chilliness without being overly scary, balanced perfectly with a wholesome, found-family dynamic between Ellen and Gus.
I also have to mention the audiobook production/the narration and overall quality were so well done and really brought the story to life. It made the experience even more enjoyable!
I would absolutely pick up another book by Diana Peterfreund.
Thank you to NetGalley and Diana Peterfreund for the ALC!
I also have to mention the audiobook production/the narration and overall quality were so well done and really brought the story to life. It made the experience even more enjoyable!
I would absolutely pick up another book by Diana Peterfreund.
Thank you to NetGalley and Diana Peterfreund for the ALC!
April 19, 2026
i didn’t dislike this, but it just wasn’t really what i expected it to be.
this felt like a huge sherlock holmes but make it edgar allen poe and make it like…. creepy? 😆 I truly don’t know how else to describe it.
If you’re an Edgar Allen Poe lover, this worked in almost a fictional memoir with some dark mystery mixed it.
The audiobook was well done and kept me engaged from start to finish.
It was entertaining, just don’t think I was fully the target audience and that’s ok!
this felt like a huge sherlock holmes but make it edgar allen poe and make it like…. creepy? 😆 I truly don’t know how else to describe it.
If you’re an Edgar Allen Poe lover, this worked in almost a fictional memoir with some dark mystery mixed it.
The audiobook was well done and kept me engaged from start to finish.
It was entertaining, just don’t think I was fully the target audience and that’s ok!
March 24, 2026
A fun, fast paced book of mystery, adventure, friendship, family and more surrounding the iconic Edgar Allen Poe and his legacy. I would recommend for ages 10 and up.
May 1, 2026
Lovers of dark academia and classical literary characters will enjoy this wild tale of a young teen, Ellen, who gets pulled into a mysterious treasure hunt and helps solve a murder. The story itself is fast paced, and keeps the reader enthralled with ghostly mysteries and references to the beloved Edgar Allen Poe (known simply to Ellen as "Eddy"). Ellen's family is rumored to be descended from E.A. Poe, and she seems to have inherited a family ability to commune with the dead (or the maybe not so dead after-all...). Ellen is witty, reflective, and full of E.A. Poe trivia (due to her family's insistence that they are descendants of Poe himself).
The story is fast paced, dark, eerie, and engaging. As a listener of the audio, I loved the narrator (Marli Wilson), as she delivered an engaging performance that kept me wanting more.
I particularly liked that each of the lines that Poe speaks in the story are taken from his writing, which plays a nice homage to the writer. Many of the events and facts in the story are true, so lovers of Poe will enjoy all of the references to code, spooky truths, and creep facts.
Big thank you to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story is fast paced, dark, eerie, and engaging. As a listener of the audio, I loved the narrator (Marli Wilson), as she delivered an engaging performance that kept me wanting more.
I particularly liked that each of the lines that Poe speaks in the story are taken from his writing, which plays a nice homage to the writer. Many of the events and facts in the story are true, so lovers of Poe will enjoy all of the references to code, spooky truths, and creep facts.
Big thank you to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2026
As a longtime lover of Edgar Allan Poe’s work, Ellen Poe: The Forgotten Lore was such a fun and immersive experience for me.
I especially appreciated how the author wove Poe’s own words into the story—his ghostly “voice” felt authentic and added such a rich, eerie layer to the narrative. It read like a true literary pastiche, honoring his style while building something new.
The storyline itself was captivating and easy to get lost in, with just the right balance of mystery and paranormal elements to keep the pages turning.
I’d absolutely recommend this for YA readers (and beyond) who love Poe, atmospheric mystery, and a touch of the supernatural.
I especially appreciated how the author wove Poe’s own words into the story—his ghostly “voice” felt authentic and added such a rich, eerie layer to the narrative. It read like a true literary pastiche, honoring his style while building something new.
The storyline itself was captivating and easy to get lost in, with just the right balance of mystery and paranormal elements to keep the pages turning.
I’d absolutely recommend this for YA readers (and beyond) who love Poe, atmospheric mystery, and a touch of the supernatural.
May 2, 2026
Haunted by Her Bloodline, Ellen Poe explores the whispers from the past, while facing shadows of the present! Hands Down, Best YA Series I won’t forget anytime soon!
Genre:
Fiction, Young Adult, Mystery, Paranormal
Red Flags:
Creepy, Ghosts, Intense Senses
Recommended Age:
13 and up
Highlights:
*Haunting
*Suspenseful
*Chilling
*Layered
*Character Driven
Hiccups:
*None
Reader’s Recap:
When Ellen’s dreams begin to bleed into reality, nothing feels certain. As a supposed long lost descendant of the late Edgar Allen Poe, Ellen is standing at the crossroads between what must be done versus what longs to be discovered.
Ellen and Gus are deeply layered characters, who are relatable and realistic for teenagers. Diana Peterfreund skillfully weaves together unpredictability, action-packed suspense, and a sense of curiosity that feels perfectly suited for this age group. For me, the novel beautifully highlights themes of curiosity, resilience, and discovering who you are, even when faced with the unknown.
While I don’t often read paranormal novels, as a secondary educator, I’m always looking forward to the fresh, new upcoming reads that are class novel worthy! I quickly fell in love with Ellen Poe! I plan to purchase a class novel set as a reading supplement for our Poe unit.
**I listened to the audio version. The narration was engaging, captivating, forcing me to listen until the very last page. Marli Watson did an excellent job, and the pacing was perfect! She spoke with a clear tone, expressing emotion.
Thank you to Diana Peterfreund, Hachette Audio, Running Press Kids and NetGalley for the opportunity of an Advanced Readers Copy. I am voluntarily leaving my personal review.
#DianaPeterfreund
#EllenPoeTheForgottenLore
#MarliWatson
#HachetteAudio
#RunningPressKids
#Advancedreadercopies
#ReluctantReaderReads
#NetGalley
#ARC
Genre:
Fiction, Young Adult, Mystery, Paranormal
Red Flags:
Creepy, Ghosts, Intense Senses
Recommended Age:
13 and up
Highlights:
*Haunting
*Suspenseful
*Chilling
*Layered
*Character Driven
Hiccups:
*None
Reader’s Recap:
When Ellen’s dreams begin to bleed into reality, nothing feels certain. As a supposed long lost descendant of the late Edgar Allen Poe, Ellen is standing at the crossroads between what must be done versus what longs to be discovered.
Ellen and Gus are deeply layered characters, who are relatable and realistic for teenagers. Diana Peterfreund skillfully weaves together unpredictability, action-packed suspense, and a sense of curiosity that feels perfectly suited for this age group. For me, the novel beautifully highlights themes of curiosity, resilience, and discovering who you are, even when faced with the unknown.
While I don’t often read paranormal novels, as a secondary educator, I’m always looking forward to the fresh, new upcoming reads that are class novel worthy! I quickly fell in love with Ellen Poe! I plan to purchase a class novel set as a reading supplement for our Poe unit.
**I listened to the audio version. The narration was engaging, captivating, forcing me to listen until the very last page. Marli Watson did an excellent job, and the pacing was perfect! She spoke with a clear tone, expressing emotion.
Thank you to Diana Peterfreund, Hachette Audio, Running Press Kids and NetGalley for the opportunity of an Advanced Readers Copy. I am voluntarily leaving my personal review.
#DianaPeterfreund
#EllenPoeTheForgottenLore
#MarliWatson
#HachetteAudio
#RunningPressKids
#Advancedreadercopies
#ReluctantReaderReads
#NetGalley
#ARC
April 23, 2026
I’m not a Poe fan, but this made me want to learn more about him.
Thank you NetGalley for this advanced copy.
Thank you NetGalley for this advanced copy.
April 22, 2026
I adored this. It was a fast good little thriller that was some what light. Phenomenal and the narrator was perfection
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If there's something else that I adore as much as reading that would be listening to the audiobooks. That is always an experience that makes the reading process ten times better. So, thank you very much NetGalley and Hachette Audio for sending me the audio ARC of this book✨
The plot:
In this book we are following the story of Ellen Poe, an unknown descendent of Edgar Allan Poe himself, in the modern day setting (that was a good enough hook for me to want to start reading). After an unfortunate event Ellen was sent away to live with her aunt in an Edgar Allan Poe themed Bed and Breakfast. She already had nightmares and sleeping with the stuffed crow (later to be identified as a raven) didn't make her life better. When Ellen discovers a lost notebook that seemingly belonged to her ancestor, her nightmares become very real. And now she is whisked away in the mysterious and dangerous world of ghosts followed by the phantom of Edgar Allan Poe himself.
I was so immersed in the history I forgot about time. How I love a good mix of fiction and history! The vibe reminds me of the movie Enola Holmes, so if you liked the movie you're gonna like the book.
I loved the characters. All of them but especially Ellen and Gus. They reminded me of Judy and Nick from "Zootropolis" in all the good ways. Their friendship, their banter... I'd love to see more of them in the future. By the way, I'm wondering if there'll be a sequel? I certainly hope so.
This book is definitely Young Adult fiction and I would make Ellen Poe my whole personality if I were 13 years old. Nevertheless, I still had lots of fun and for all of the light detective, mystical, treasure hunting and Poe lovers I highly recommend this book.
Audiobook:
Audiobook can either make the story better or completely ruin it. Happy to announce - this audio made the book even better. Though this is a one voice performance, sometimes I completely forgot about it, that's how vivid and artistic it was. I was hundred percent invested in the story and had a feeling that I'm the one tungled in this twisted, ghostly world. So, make sure to check the audio version as well.
The plot:
In this book we are following the story of Ellen Poe, an unknown descendent of Edgar Allan Poe himself, in the modern day setting (that was a good enough hook for me to want to start reading). After an unfortunate event Ellen was sent away to live with her aunt in an Edgar Allan Poe themed Bed and Breakfast. She already had nightmares and sleeping with the stuffed crow (later to be identified as a raven) didn't make her life better. When Ellen discovers a lost notebook that seemingly belonged to her ancestor, her nightmares become very real. And now she is whisked away in the mysterious and dangerous world of ghosts followed by the phantom of Edgar Allan Poe himself.
I was so immersed in the history I forgot about time. How I love a good mix of fiction and history! The vibe reminds me of the movie Enola Holmes, so if you liked the movie you're gonna like the book.
I loved the characters. All of them but especially Ellen and Gus. They reminded me of Judy and Nick from "Zootropolis" in all the good ways. Their friendship, their banter... I'd love to see more of them in the future. By the way, I'm wondering if there'll be a sequel? I certainly hope so.
This book is definitely Young Adult fiction and I would make Ellen Poe my whole personality if I were 13 years old. Nevertheless, I still had lots of fun and for all of the light detective, mystical, treasure hunting and Poe lovers I highly recommend this book.
Audiobook:
Audiobook can either make the story better or completely ruin it. Happy to announce - this audio made the book even better. Though this is a one voice performance, sometimes I completely forgot about it, that's how vivid and artistic it was. I was hundred percent invested in the story and had a feeling that I'm the one tungled in this twisted, ghostly world. So, make sure to check the audio version as well.
April 5, 2026
I absolutely loved this!! Although I am going to be going nuts waiting on the next book in the series now! Listened to the audiobook and it worked very well in that medium; fun narration and a story easy to follow with characters vividly described. I sense we’re just at the start of a delicious journey too…
January 17, 2026
Okay where do I start. I am an ARC reader. I love Edgar Allen Poe but the amount of times things are repeated was driving me insane. I did not see the PLOT TWIST. NEITHER ONE! I love all the characters. Even Eddy but the amount of history mentioned was whew. Im so excited for the next book and mad I have to wait for it. Cut 100 pages. I love the decorative pages before each chapter. Im so on a cliff hanger about the dad. My daughter enjoyed the chapters I read to her aloud. I couldn’t keep waiting on her. Gosh still a really good book.
March 20, 2026
This was a really cool YA mystery! I enjoyed listening to it. It also has so mental health issues that it covers as well. I love Poe so this one hit home for me. A really cool take on this. Loved all the little puzzles and clues! Amazing narrator for the audio version.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Ellen Poe Reynolds' family has long cherished and maintained their connection to the author Edgar Allan Poe, and her Aunt Marie is working on turning the family's very old home in Baltimore into a Poe themed bed and breakfast. Ellen is living with her aunt temporarily while her father has a job out west, and she's helping her aunt weed through generations of possessions to clear space, without much luck. She's having horrible nightmares about dead people, which she and her Aunt contribute to moving to a new place... where she has a stuffed raven in her bedroom! She attends the private Evergreen Prep on scholarship, and when new student Gus Davenport arrives she is shocked... he is one of the people from her dreams. She reacts badly with what sounds like a threat ("You're dead!"), and gets in trouble with the school, but Gus is intrigued because he was in an accident that killed his parents and caused him to die for a short time. He thinks that Ellen is psychic. It's a good guess, since she is also seeing the ghost of Poe, who is following her around and giving her advice through quoting his own writing. She has also found a very old journal that seems to be Poe's writing. When she finds out that her aunt is short of money and may lose the house, she wants to help, since her father is also having financial troubles. She and Gus go to the Pratt Museum to try to get information on the journal, and meet librarian Mrs. Rice. Gus invites Ellen home to meet his much older sister Madeline, who is caring for him since his parents' death. She's married to the well-to-do Rod, and wants Ellen to see if she can contact Gus and Madeline's father using a Ouija board. This ends with Ellen breaking a very expensive clock. The mystery escalates quickly, Gus and Ellen develop a romantic relationship, and secrets emerge about Poe as Ellen unravels codes and clues to help solve the mystery, which I don't want to ruin.
Strengths: Ellen's investigation reminded me a bit of Joan Lowery Nixon's fantastic 1990s mysteries, which sometimes involved some supernatural elements. Ellen is in high school, but doesn't engage in any activities that would make this less appealing for younger readers, which is absolutely perfect. There's a light romance with Gus, some danger and excitement, an a well-developed mystery. I enjoyed reading about Aunt Marie's house, even though I wouldn't really want to be in the jam-packed bed and breakfast, with its creepy decor! There are lots of codes and clues, as well as information about Poe, his life, and his legacy. There seems to be another book on the way, and I am hoping that we find out more about the problems that Ellen's dad is having, and perhaps even what happened to her mother.
Weaknesses: While it is very cool that codes and clues are included and play a major part in the story, especially since Poe himself was fond of them, they are my favorite thing to read, so I didn't try to solve the mystery myself.
What I really think: I enjoyed reading This author's 2015 Omega City, and was glad to see another title by her. Spradlin's The Raven's Shadow (which featured not only Poe, but Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin, came out in the fall, and I wonder if we will see an increase in the number of books referencing this influential author. I enjoy seeing books that incorporate historical elements into stories with a modern setting, like Wallach's Hatchet Girls. Mysteries involving ghosts are always popular, and while the ghost isn't a murderous one, there are some tense moments where Ellen is in danger, so this book should do well with middle grade and high school readers.
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https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
Ellen Poe Reynolds' family has long cherished and maintained their connection to the author Edgar Allan Poe, and her Aunt Marie is working on turning the family's very old home in Baltimore into a Poe themed bed and breakfast. Ellen is living with her aunt temporarily while her father has a job out west, and she's helping her aunt weed through generations of possessions to clear space, without much luck. She's having horrible nightmares about dead people, which she and her Aunt contribute to moving to a new place... where she has a stuffed raven in her bedroom! She attends the private Evergreen Prep on scholarship, and when new student Gus Davenport arrives she is shocked... he is one of the people from her dreams. She reacts badly with what sounds like a threat ("You're dead!"), and gets in trouble with the school, but Gus is intrigued because he was in an accident that killed his parents and caused him to die for a short time. He thinks that Ellen is psychic. It's a good guess, since she is also seeing the ghost of Poe, who is following her around and giving her advice through quoting his own writing. She has also found a very old journal that seems to be Poe's writing. When she finds out that her aunt is short of money and may lose the house, she wants to help, since her father is also having financial troubles. She and Gus go to the Pratt Museum to try to get information on the journal, and meet librarian Mrs. Rice. Gus invites Ellen home to meet his much older sister Madeline, who is caring for him since his parents' death. She's married to the well-to-do Rod, and wants Ellen to see if she can contact Gus and Madeline's father using a Ouija board. This ends with Ellen breaking a very expensive clock. The mystery escalates quickly, Gus and Ellen develop a romantic relationship, and secrets emerge about Poe as Ellen unravels codes and clues to help solve the mystery, which I don't want to ruin.
Strengths: Ellen's investigation reminded me a bit of Joan Lowery Nixon's fantastic 1990s mysteries, which sometimes involved some supernatural elements. Ellen is in high school, but doesn't engage in any activities that would make this less appealing for younger readers, which is absolutely perfect. There's a light romance with Gus, some danger and excitement, an a well-developed mystery. I enjoyed reading about Aunt Marie's house, even though I wouldn't really want to be in the jam-packed bed and breakfast, with its creepy decor! There are lots of codes and clues, as well as information about Poe, his life, and his legacy. There seems to be another book on the way, and I am hoping that we find out more about the problems that Ellen's dad is having, and perhaps even what happened to her mother.
Weaknesses: While it is very cool that codes and clues are included and play a major part in the story, especially since Poe himself was fond of them, they are my favorite thing to read, so I didn't try to solve the mystery myself.
What I really think: I enjoyed reading This author's 2015 Omega City, and was glad to see another title by her. Spradlin's The Raven's Shadow (which featured not only Poe, but Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin, came out in the fall, and I wonder if we will see an increase in the number of books referencing this influential author. I enjoy seeing books that incorporate historical elements into stories with a modern setting, like Wallach's Hatchet Girls. Mysteries involving ghosts are always popular, and while the ghost isn't a murderous one, there are some tense moments where Ellen is in danger, so this book should do well with middle grade and high school readers.
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Mystery and riddle fans are going to enjoy meeting Ellen Poe and diving into a mysterious world where paranormal, secrets, and teenage life cross in unexpected ways.
Ellen Poe Reynolds is temporarily living with her aunt while her father works out of town on a construction job, but her aunt's place isn't exactly normal...just like the rest of her family. Her family claims to be direct descendants of Edgar Allan Poe and own a house with ties to the famous poet, which her aunt has been trying to run as a Poe-themed hotel. Sort of. But upon arriving there, Ellen has been having nightmares, and when she discovers a very old book, Poe's ghost appears and speaks with her. Add that a new guy at school is intrigued with her talent for numbers and notices that she's discovered a code in Poe's writings, and her life is about to get very interesting...in a dark and dangerous way.
The author grabs attention right away with Ellen's strange situation. While she comes across as a kind, pretty normal girl with an odd background, which she can't really do anything about, the odd hotel immediately sets the scene. Ellen is just awkward enough while being innocent and kind to capture sympathy and connect with the reader. Her aunt and father might have their own quirks and issues, but the love and care is there. The school life feels natural with usual problems on the teacher and classmate end to fit Ellen's situation. And the new guy's personality adds an intriguing twist of light-heartedness and, yet, a dark past to make him fun but carrying depth. This adds a hint of a developing romance but only as a distant side-dish as a building friendship and trust comes first. And for all things, there are secrets, puzzles, and paranormal surprises.
The first part of the book allows Ellen's situation to sink in, and with her developing abilities to speak with ghosts and discover Poe's riddles, it's anything but boring. The dark tones stay relatively subtle, at first, but hit with a powerful punch about 2/3rds the way in. It's clear that there are sinister plots at play, but exactly what direction they go and who is involved remains a mystery until the end. Even then, only one of mysteries is solved by the end of this book, which promises much more to come.
Readers will get a lot of Poe in these pages as the author mentions the various works, which especially weaves in thanks to the themed rooms and English class, where they just happen to be covering Poe. Plus, the series-arching mystery is, of course, only centered on Poe. So, there's a lot to learn about the author, and he did have a surprising life to keep things interesting. The writing fits nicely to the younger end of the young adult audience, and this book easily works for upper middle graders as well, since the setting and characters hang nicely in a tween direction. Especially fans of paranormal mystery with a sleuth, who needs to solve puzzles, will enjoy this one quite a bit.
Ellen Poe Reynolds is temporarily living with her aunt while her father works out of town on a construction job, but her aunt's place isn't exactly normal...just like the rest of her family. Her family claims to be direct descendants of Edgar Allan Poe and own a house with ties to the famous poet, which her aunt has been trying to run as a Poe-themed hotel. Sort of. But upon arriving there, Ellen has been having nightmares, and when she discovers a very old book, Poe's ghost appears and speaks with her. Add that a new guy at school is intrigued with her talent for numbers and notices that she's discovered a code in Poe's writings, and her life is about to get very interesting...in a dark and dangerous way.
The author grabs attention right away with Ellen's strange situation. While she comes across as a kind, pretty normal girl with an odd background, which she can't really do anything about, the odd hotel immediately sets the scene. Ellen is just awkward enough while being innocent and kind to capture sympathy and connect with the reader. Her aunt and father might have their own quirks and issues, but the love and care is there. The school life feels natural with usual problems on the teacher and classmate end to fit Ellen's situation. And the new guy's personality adds an intriguing twist of light-heartedness and, yet, a dark past to make him fun but carrying depth. This adds a hint of a developing romance but only as a distant side-dish as a building friendship and trust comes first. And for all things, there are secrets, puzzles, and paranormal surprises.
The first part of the book allows Ellen's situation to sink in, and with her developing abilities to speak with ghosts and discover Poe's riddles, it's anything but boring. The dark tones stay relatively subtle, at first, but hit with a powerful punch about 2/3rds the way in. It's clear that there are sinister plots at play, but exactly what direction they go and who is involved remains a mystery until the end. Even then, only one of mysteries is solved by the end of this book, which promises much more to come.
Readers will get a lot of Poe in these pages as the author mentions the various works, which especially weaves in thanks to the themed rooms and English class, where they just happen to be covering Poe. Plus, the series-arching mystery is, of course, only centered on Poe. So, there's a lot to learn about the author, and he did have a surprising life to keep things interesting. The writing fits nicely to the younger end of the young adult audience, and this book easily works for upper middle graders as well, since the setting and characters hang nicely in a tween direction. Especially fans of paranormal mystery with a sleuth, who needs to solve puzzles, will enjoy this one quite a bit.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley & Hachette Audio for the ALC!
4.5 stars rounded up
Firstly, the audio format for this book is excellent, I highly recommend it if this book is on your TBR. The narrator, Marli Watson, gives such an expressive performance, bringing nuance to each of the characters. Male voices, female voices, accents, adult voices, youthful voices- the narrator had me convinced more than once that this was a duet narration. Her reading brings distinction to an entire cast of characters. The choice of background music was also really effective- the perfect eerie selection to add to the atmosphere of the book, making for an immersive experience. I have 11 year old quadruplets who all have very different reading tastes; we listened to the audiobook in the car and they were all hooked. I strongly think it was the performance of the audiobook that captured them so quickly.
This story was so much fun to enjoy with my children and, really, everything a YA book ought to be. I love the gothic classics and this is a really entertaining introduction to the genre for younger readers. We have a mystery to solve, complete with codes and ciphers. An FMC who is being haunted by her nightmares, not to mention the ghost of Edgar Allan Poe. Plus, the sweetest hint of a romance.
The writing is atmospheric and eerie, but always remembers its target audience; it is never overly graphic or scary, even in the creepier moments of the book. The mystery elements are balanced with humor and levity so it never becomes overly intense for younger readers.
The main characters, Ellen and Gus, are both clever, thoughtful, and precocious. Ellen, the FMC, is very endearing, thoughtfully written and easy to root for. We see her navigate real world issues, with themes of belonging, personal identity vs. family legacy, and managing grief, whilst also experiencing the paranormal through nightmares, and ghostly apparitions that blur the boundaries between sleep and the waking world.
I highly recommend this engaging read- think Enola Holmes for the 21st century, with a Tim Burton flair- which is well suited to a younger YA audience. As I mentioned, my 11 year olds all enjoyed it and, since it’s to be part of a series, they’re all excited for the next installment. We’ll be getting a copy for our bookshelf on release day since its one they’re sure to come back to.
(For content considerations- there is no language. There is a single brief kiss between to two main characters (F/M). Descriptions of ghosts/ haunting nightmares are creepy but not gory or graphic. There is a murder mystery/ death in the family sub plot and an overall creepy atmosphere so may not be a great pick for kids younger than 11- 12, or children who scare particularly easily)
4.5 stars rounded up
Firstly, the audio format for this book is excellent, I highly recommend it if this book is on your TBR. The narrator, Marli Watson, gives such an expressive performance, bringing nuance to each of the characters. Male voices, female voices, accents, adult voices, youthful voices- the narrator had me convinced more than once that this was a duet narration. Her reading brings distinction to an entire cast of characters. The choice of background music was also really effective- the perfect eerie selection to add to the atmosphere of the book, making for an immersive experience. I have 11 year old quadruplets who all have very different reading tastes; we listened to the audiobook in the car and they were all hooked. I strongly think it was the performance of the audiobook that captured them so quickly.
This story was so much fun to enjoy with my children and, really, everything a YA book ought to be. I love the gothic classics and this is a really entertaining introduction to the genre for younger readers. We have a mystery to solve, complete with codes and ciphers. An FMC who is being haunted by her nightmares, not to mention the ghost of Edgar Allan Poe. Plus, the sweetest hint of a romance.
The writing is atmospheric and eerie, but always remembers its target audience; it is never overly graphic or scary, even in the creepier moments of the book. The mystery elements are balanced with humor and levity so it never becomes overly intense for younger readers.
The main characters, Ellen and Gus, are both clever, thoughtful, and precocious. Ellen, the FMC, is very endearing, thoughtfully written and easy to root for. We see her navigate real world issues, with themes of belonging, personal identity vs. family legacy, and managing grief, whilst also experiencing the paranormal through nightmares, and ghostly apparitions that blur the boundaries between sleep and the waking world.
I highly recommend this engaging read- think Enola Holmes for the 21st century, with a Tim Burton flair- which is well suited to a younger YA audience. As I mentioned, my 11 year olds all enjoyed it and, since it’s to be part of a series, they’re all excited for the next installment. We’ll be getting a copy for our bookshelf on release day since its one they’re sure to come back to.
(For content considerations- there is no language. There is a single brief kiss between to two main characters (F/M). Descriptions of ghosts/ haunting nightmares are creepy but not gory or graphic. There is a murder mystery/ death in the family sub plot and an overall creepy atmosphere so may not be a great pick for kids younger than 11- 12, or children who scare particularly easily)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
POV: you open a journal… and it’s haunted by Edgar Allan Poe himself. If it’s gothic, eerie, and a little unhinged ... I'm locked in!
Ellen Poe: The Forgotten Lore by Diana Peterfreund follows Ellen, who’s staying at her aunt’s struggling Poe-themed inn, which is already iconic, and she finds this old journal that might’ve belonged to Poe himself. Except… it’s not just a journal. It’s haunted. And suddenly she’s unraveling family secrets, buried history, and puzzles that feel like they’re watching her back.
The vibes are immaculate. Very gothic. Very eerie. Slightly emo in the best way.
I LOVED the mystery elements... especially the ciphers and clues. It felt like I was solving everything alongside her, which made it so addictive. And Ellen? She’s smart, determined, a little messy and I was fully invested in every decision she made.
Now this is more of a slow, immersive build. It’s not action-packed chaos right away, it’s more like a creeping dread that just keeps tightening.
The audiobook narrator, Marli Watson , elevated and carried this book. She was so engaging, so atmospheric..... & I was locked in.
My only thing....the ending felt a little rushed compared to how layered the rest of the story was. Like we were building, building, building… and then suddenly wrapping it up. BUT overall?? Such a fun, unique read—especially if you love gothic mystery with a twist.
I can not wait to see what else is coming.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author, Diana Peterfreund for the ALC. All thoughts are my own.
Confession of a mood reader: if you give me forgotten lore, creepy journals, and Edgar Allan Poe energy… I’m not asking questions....I’m hitting play immediately.
Ellen Poe: The Forgotten Lore by Diana Peterfreund follows Ellen, who’s staying at her aunt’s struggling Poe-themed inn, which is already iconic, and she finds this old journal that might’ve belonged to Poe himself. Except… it’s not just a journal. It’s haunted. And suddenly she’s unraveling family secrets, buried history, and puzzles that feel like they’re watching her back.
The vibes are immaculate. Very gothic. Very eerie. Slightly emo in the best way.
I LOVED the mystery elements... especially the ciphers and clues. It felt like I was solving everything alongside her, which made it so addictive. And Ellen? She’s smart, determined, a little messy and I was fully invested in every decision she made.
Now this is more of a slow, immersive build. It’s not action-packed chaos right away, it’s more like a creeping dread that just keeps tightening.
The audiobook narrator, Marli Watson , elevated and carried this book. She was so engaging, so atmospheric..... & I was locked in.
My only thing....the ending felt a little rushed compared to how layered the rest of the story was. Like we were building, building, building… and then suddenly wrapping it up. BUT overall?? Such a fun, unique read—especially if you love gothic mystery with a twist.
I can not wait to see what else is coming.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author, Diana Peterfreund for the ALC. All thoughts are my own.
Confession of a mood reader: if you give me forgotten lore, creepy journals, and Edgar Allan Poe energy… I’m not asking questions....I’m hitting play immediately.
May 1, 2026
Ellen is staying with her Aunt Marie for a few weeks while her dad is working out west. Aunt Marie is trying to rehab her Edgar Allan Poe-themed B & B and Ellen helps her when schoolwork permits. After all, they are both distant descendants of the horror writer, and it’s kind of the family business. Ever since she has been at her aunt’s, though, the 16-yr-old has been suffering from frightening nightmares. And when she unearths a puzzling journal with cryptic codes and sketches like the images in her dreams, Ellen starts to notice the ghost of Edgar Allan Poe himself loitering around the house. He doesn’t seem dangerous; in fact, his agitated demeanor seems like he’s trying to tell her something. Is it about the code?
This slow-burn paranormal mystery set in Baltimore is an Edgar Allan Poe fan’s dream. All of Poe’s dialogue in the story is taken from actual quotes from his writings. At first, the story centers on Ellen’s struggle to feel accepted at school, while she’s missing her dad and dealing with the nightmares. Then the tone gets darker, when a “talking board,” like a fancy Ouija board, tells her “Evil is coming.” Her new friend, Gus, helps her research Poe’s clues, including visiting the Enoch Pratt Free Library. The librarian there seems super nice…until she isn’t. Teen readers will love the blurred line between paranormal forces and mental illness, and that Ellen’s relationship with Gus may be something more. At the end, some things are tied up, but more will be explored in Book 2. I hope it will include clarity on an enigmatic puzzle that the Pratt librarian mentioned. I enjoyed the blend of personal journey, horror and history.
This slow-burn paranormal mystery set in Baltimore is an Edgar Allan Poe fan’s dream. All of Poe’s dialogue in the story is taken from actual quotes from his writings. At first, the story centers on Ellen’s struggle to feel accepted at school, while she’s missing her dad and dealing with the nightmares. Then the tone gets darker, when a “talking board,” like a fancy Ouija board, tells her “Evil is coming.” Her new friend, Gus, helps her research Poe’s clues, including visiting the Enoch Pratt Free Library. The librarian there seems super nice…until she isn’t. Teen readers will love the blurred line between paranormal forces and mental illness, and that Ellen’s relationship with Gus may be something more. At the end, some things are tied up, but more will be explored in Book 2. I hope it will include clarity on an enigmatic puzzle that the Pratt librarian mentioned. I enjoyed the blend of personal journey, horror and history.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book has so much potential, but as it stands, it is a miss for me. The audiobook narration is fantastic, despite there being some minor issues when Marli Watson conveys male voices.
The story isn’t quite as tight as it should be. I don’t feel like we know the characters very well, and the setup is weak.
I believe we know Ellen well enough to know that her penchant for numbers and deep knowledge of Edgar Allan Poe is plenty for her to decode the poems without an AI chatbot. The cryptograms are clearly a different ball of wax.
I do appreciate the setting and I’ll live the historical research that went into this book. It is clear that Peterfreund appreciates the history of the area and Edgar Allan Poe enough to do him justice.
I wanted there to be some kind of reason for the readers to go find and experience Poe stories for themselves rather than getting the whole gist of the story from Ellen.
I want to thank Running Press and Hatchet Audio for the opportunity to review this book and its audiobook. These opinions are entirely my own.
I believe that parents should be helping their children choose books that they all believe are appropriate for that child and that no one should get to choose with someone else else’s child reads. That said, as a public school educator, I do know that there is a process for placing books in different classrooms and media centers. This story is listed as middle grades, which is third grade through sixth grade, but the main characters are highschoolers - 16 years old.
The story isn’t quite as tight as it should be. I don’t feel like we know the characters very well, and the setup is weak.
I believe we know Ellen well enough to know that her penchant for numbers and deep knowledge of Edgar Allan Poe is plenty for her to decode the poems without an AI chatbot. The cryptograms are clearly a different ball of wax.
I do appreciate the setting and I’ll live the historical research that went into this book. It is clear that Peterfreund appreciates the history of the area and Edgar Allan Poe enough to do him justice.
I wanted there to be some kind of reason for the readers to go find and experience Poe stories for themselves rather than getting the whole gist of the story from Ellen.
I want to thank Running Press and Hatchet Audio for the opportunity to review this book and its audiobook. These opinions are entirely my own.
I believe that parents should be helping their children choose books that they all believe are appropriate for that child and that no one should get to choose with someone else else’s child reads. That said, as a public school educator, I do know that there is a process for placing books in different classrooms and media centers. This story is listed as middle grades, which is third grade through sixth grade, but the main characters are highschoolers - 16 years old.
April 9, 2026
[ARC from NetGalley]
This book was thoroughly enjoyable, and I’m sure teenage me would have loved it even more.
First things first, Peterfreund is an amazing storyteller. There’s very little to reproach in this book: the pace was just right; Ellen and Gus are believable adolescents with distinct personalities and voices; the supporting cast is strong; and the writing fits perfectly with the story being told. The ambiance presented to the reader has intrigue and weight, which is only highlighted in the audio performance of Marli Watson.
I also love how Poe and his works were integrated into the story. It’s clear the author has great care for this topic, and the ending section in which she clarifies her creative liberties showed the extent of her research and dedication to this plot line. The detail that all of Poe’s dialogue is actually taken from his writings is also fascinating! Beyond being a great tale on its own, this book also would be a nice introduction to Poe for teens.
The mystery is well-rounded, while still giving space for future adventures. I also quite like how Ellen’s struggle was presented, and how her paranormal abilities affected her health — and how her aunt offered her support, including in the mental camp. The dynamics between Ellen and Gus are pleasant to follow, even if you’re not invested much in romance, and the family relations are developed in a way that feels very close to reality.
All in all, I can’t think of one thing I disliked about this, and I’m very excited to read more from this author.
This book was thoroughly enjoyable, and I’m sure teenage me would have loved it even more.
First things first, Peterfreund is an amazing storyteller. There’s very little to reproach in this book: the pace was just right; Ellen and Gus are believable adolescents with distinct personalities and voices; the supporting cast is strong; and the writing fits perfectly with the story being told. The ambiance presented to the reader has intrigue and weight, which is only highlighted in the audio performance of Marli Watson.
I also love how Poe and his works were integrated into the story. It’s clear the author has great care for this topic, and the ending section in which she clarifies her creative liberties showed the extent of her research and dedication to this plot line. The detail that all of Poe’s dialogue is actually taken from his writings is also fascinating! Beyond being a great tale on its own, this book also would be a nice introduction to Poe for teens.
The mystery is well-rounded, while still giving space for future adventures. I also quite like how Ellen’s struggle was presented, and how her paranormal abilities affected her health — and how her aunt offered her support, including in the mental camp. The dynamics between Ellen and Gus are pleasant to follow, even if you’re not invested much in romance, and the family relations are developed in a way that feels very close to reality.
All in all, I can’t think of one thing I disliked about this, and I’m very excited to read more from this author.
April 10, 2026
Thank you to Hachette Audio via NetGalley for an advanced listener copy in exchange for an honest review.
When a young descendant of the legendary writer Edgar Allan Poe stays at her family's Poe-themed hotel, troubling dreams rob her of sleep and the waking visions she experiences offer little comfort.
Young Ellen comes across a fragile and encrypted tome that may be part of her famous family's history. As she deciphers more of the book, Ellen and her new friend Gus are drawn into several mysteries. Who really wrote the old book, and what is suddenly happening all around her?
I appreciated the factual information about Poe that is sprinkled throughout the story, and I found the overall narrative warm and intriguing. There is a touch of the macabre that one would expect in a story inspired by Poe, but it remains age appropriate for a younger audience.
The author, Diana Peterfreund, writes teenagers very well, with dialogue that feels realistic, witty, and relatable.
The audiobook production is lovely, with excellent pacing both within chapters and between them.
Marnie Watson was the perfect choice to bring this audio production to life. Her character voices are distinct, making it easy to follow who is speaking, and her intonation and line delivery kept me engaged throughout the story.
Fans of Maureen Johnson will likely enjoy this YA novel, which is the first in a series. I look forward to spending more time with Ellen in future installments.
Recommended: 4/5 stars.
When a young descendant of the legendary writer Edgar Allan Poe stays at her family's Poe-themed hotel, troubling dreams rob her of sleep and the waking visions she experiences offer little comfort.
Young Ellen comes across a fragile and encrypted tome that may be part of her famous family's history. As she deciphers more of the book, Ellen and her new friend Gus are drawn into several mysteries. Who really wrote the old book, and what is suddenly happening all around her?
I appreciated the factual information about Poe that is sprinkled throughout the story, and I found the overall narrative warm and intriguing. There is a touch of the macabre that one would expect in a story inspired by Poe, but it remains age appropriate for a younger audience.
The author, Diana Peterfreund, writes teenagers very well, with dialogue that feels realistic, witty, and relatable.
The audiobook production is lovely, with excellent pacing both within chapters and between them.
Marnie Watson was the perfect choice to bring this audio production to life. Her character voices are distinct, making it easy to follow who is speaking, and her intonation and line delivery kept me engaged throughout the story.
Fans of Maureen Johnson will likely enjoy this YA novel, which is the first in a series. I look forward to spending more time with Ellen in future installments.
Recommended: 4/5 stars.
April 14, 2026
I'm pretty sure I selected this book for the title and cover alone.
Ellen Poe is great descendant of Edgar Allen Poe, so she has been told her whole life. Her aunt owns a hotel/museum in honor of Edgar Allen Poe in a town dedicated to his life and writing. Ellen, although kind of embarrassed by this, can't help but correct her classmates and her teacher when they say something against what she has been taught since birth. Ellen hates poetry but she loves coding and puzzles and we learn how Poe mixed in riddles and mysteries into much of his writing.
While staying with her aunt, Ellen starts having terrible nightmares of gruesome faces. She finds an old book that could be an actual diary of Edgar Ellen Poe and finds the same horrible drawings along with a ghostly image of Eddie that appears almost any time she opens the book.
Warning we end on a cliff hanger that will lead into the next book, so if you like waiting until the series is complete, it is still a little early.
I loved the conversations on mental health, the friendship that grows between Gus and Ellen, and the danger that lurked behind every corner. It was dark, but something I could actually handle. And as a birder, it was fun as Ellen learned the difference between ravens and crows.
Narrator was wonderful and totally goes all in on the sarcasm and goth vibes that exude from Ellen's thoughts and conversations.
Ellen Poe is great descendant of Edgar Allen Poe, so she has been told her whole life. Her aunt owns a hotel/museum in honor of Edgar Allen Poe in a town dedicated to his life and writing. Ellen, although kind of embarrassed by this, can't help but correct her classmates and her teacher when they say something against what she has been taught since birth. Ellen hates poetry but she loves coding and puzzles and we learn how Poe mixed in riddles and mysteries into much of his writing.
While staying with her aunt, Ellen starts having terrible nightmares of gruesome faces. She finds an old book that could be an actual diary of Edgar Ellen Poe and finds the same horrible drawings along with a ghostly image of Eddie that appears almost any time she opens the book.
Warning we end on a cliff hanger that will lead into the next book, so if you like waiting until the series is complete, it is still a little early.
I loved the conversations on mental health, the friendship that grows between Gus and Ellen, and the danger that lurked behind every corner. It was dark, but something I could actually handle. And as a birder, it was fun as Ellen learned the difference between ravens and crows.
Narrator was wonderful and totally goes all in on the sarcasm and goth vibes that exude from Ellen's thoughts and conversations.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ellen Poe: The Forgotten Lore was such a fun and engaging listen! I had the privilege of receiving early access to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
The main character, Ellen Poe Reynolds—whose family is descended from Edgar Allan Poe—is staying with her aunt at their struggling Poe-themed bed-and-breakfast. When she discovers an old journal she believes belonged to Poe himself, she sets out to prove its value in hopes of selling it and saving her aunt’s livelihood. The twist? Poe’s ghost seems to haunt the journal and follows her every step of the way! The story is lively, and the narrator is incredibly engaging, keeping me hooked until the very end.
This book felt fresh and original, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The mystery was especially fun, weaving in elements of Poe’s life (the author has clearly done her research!). I particularly loved the cipher elements and solving puzzles alongside the main character as she uncovered more about the journal and her family’s past. However, the ending felt a bit forced at times, as though the author was trying to tie up loose ends in ways that didn’t always feel fully developed. That said, it was a fun journey—I thoroughly enjoyed the story and even learned a lot about Poe along the way!
Thank you to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
The main character, Ellen Poe Reynolds—whose family is descended from Edgar Allan Poe—is staying with her aunt at their struggling Poe-themed bed-and-breakfast. When she discovers an old journal she believes belonged to Poe himself, she sets out to prove its value in hopes of selling it and saving her aunt’s livelihood. The twist? Poe’s ghost seems to haunt the journal and follows her every step of the way! The story is lively, and the narrator is incredibly engaging, keeping me hooked until the very end.
This book felt fresh and original, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The mystery was especially fun, weaving in elements of Poe’s life (the author has clearly done her research!). I particularly loved the cipher elements and solving puzzles alongside the main character as she uncovered more about the journal and her family’s past. However, the ending felt a bit forced at times, as though the author was trying to tie up loose ends in ways that didn’t always feel fully developed. That said, it was a fun journey—I thoroughly enjoyed the story and even learned a lot about Poe along the way!
Thank you to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
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