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Ellen Poe: The Forgotten Lore

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Expected 7 Apr 26
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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.

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

Audible Audio

Expected publication April 7, 2026

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About the author

Diana Peterfreund

51 books2,064 followers
Diana 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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
208 reviews16 followers
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August 7, 2025
I 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.
Profile Image for Slaa!!!.
730 reviews21 followers
December 3, 2025
This wasn’t all I thought it’d be (tbh I expected ✨more✨) but it was still a fun read!
Profile Image for Kaitlyn Pruitt.
44 reviews3 followers
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!
Profile Image for Madison Bice.
52 reviews1 follower
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🐦‍⬛🪦⚰️🔮
Profile Image for Gary Parkes.
674 reviews8 followers
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.
Profile Image for X.B..
Author 1 book1 follower
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.
Profile Image for Ms. Yingling.
4,217 reviews622 followers
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
January 15, 2026
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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Profile Image for Tonja Drecker.
Author 3 books238 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 3, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Milena.
18 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 20, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Betsy.
343 reviews19 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 3, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Katie.
81 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 22, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Emily Tucker.
7 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 22, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Gheeta.
474 reviews10 followers
April 1, 2026
I received an ARC version of the audiobook from NetGalley and Hachette Press for review.

What an interesting interpretation on the various mysteries surrounding Edgar Allen Poe, as told through the eyes of fictional teenager, Ellen Poe Reynolds! Overall, this was engaging to listen to. It might be better read in print than strictly listened to because of the mystery, and intrigue involved—especially if the reader likes trying to solve codes and puzzles between the pages.

The story started out a bit slow, though, with parts of the first few chapters that felt very repetitive. It was almost as if there was additional editing that was required but forgotten or ignored. But after the first quarter of the book things settle into a better pace, and the overall mystery and atmosphere are more consistent. If this book does get a second edition, I hope that the world building gets a revisit.

I liked the character development of Ellen and Gus. I often found myself pausing the story to look up referenced locales in modern day Baltimore, and to read about Poe’s use of number puzzles in cryptography. By the end of the story, I couldn’t help but wonder how things will shake out in the next book in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Books for the opportunity to preview this story.
Profile Image for Chloe.
93 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 23, 2026
✨ ALC Review ✨Thank you to Netgalley for the ALC in exchange for an honest reciew

There’s something undeniably intriguing about a story that leans into forgotten magic, buried histories, and a heroine caught between worlds—and Ellen Poe: The Forgotten Lore delivers exactly that.

From the very beginning, the atmosphere feels rich with mystery. The world-building slowly unfolds, layering pieces of lore in a way that keeps you curious without overwhelming you. If you love stories where the past holds dangerous secrets waiting to be uncovered, this one will definitely pull you in.

Ellen herself is a compelling protagonist—determined, intelligent, and just flawed enough to feel real. Watching her navigate the growing weight of what she discovers adds a nice emotional depth to the story. There’s a quiet tension running throughout, as you get the sense that every answer only leads to more questions.

The pacing leans more on the steady, immersive side rather than fast action, which works well for a lore-heavy fantasy. It gives you time to really sink into the world and connect the dots alongside Ellen. That said, if you prefer high-stakes action right from the start, this may feel a little slower in places.
Profile Image for Alexandra 🧸.
3 reviews34 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 27, 2026
No Spoiler Review for Ellen Poe: The Forgotten Lore

To start off, thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for this ARC read. This book was a phenomenal story that nearly everyone would enjoy, especially those who love mystery, quest, and the paranormal. I was lucky enough to receive the audiobook of this, and I really enjoyed the narration. This book has gotten me out of my reading slump, and reignited my love for these adventurous and suspenseful stories. I will be readily waiting to read the second book.
The story is based on our teenage main character, Ellen Poe, and her sudden paranormal troubles. Ellen has to navigate a mystery of regarding her famed gothic ancestor with clues sprinkled around the Poe-obsessed city of Baltimore.
Ellen Poe: The Forgotten Lore is an easy read that you won’t want to put down. It’s a teen & YA book that is very light on the romance, and would be fine for readers 12 years and up. Though beware there are aspects of Edgar Allen Poe’s real life history that may need to be explained for the younger readers. I am looking forward to this series and look forward to recommending this to friends. I had a great time reading this! 5/5 🌟
Profile Image for Caitlin.
109 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 22, 2026
Ellen's family is obsessed with Edgar Allen Poe. She was read his poetry as a kid and taught all the facts and trivia about his life. Her aunt even runs a Poe themed bed and breakfast. When Ellen stumbles across an old, almost unintelligible journal, she starts seeing the ghost of Poe himself.

I would've LOVED this in middle school. This definitely feels like the first installment of a greater story, but that story is super interesting and I am very excited to see where it goes in future installments. The mystery mixed with the supernatural elements made for a really fun read.

I have seen this book listed mostly as YA with a few Middle Grade tags here and there. Personally, I would consider this a Middle Grade. The plot didn't have the depth I would expect from a YA book and definitely felt more aligned with what I would expect from a Middle Grade. Don't get me wrong, it's still very enjoyable regardless of how it is categorized, but expectations should be for a younger YA/Middle Grade book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Hachette Audio, and Running Press Kids for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
209 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 23, 2026
What a delightful read! As a Poe aficionado, I love this novel and had a blast with the fun ciphers and puzzle elements - and Poe’s interest in cryptography is reflected throughout.

Ellen Poe, a descendant of Edgar Allan Poe, lives in a Poe-themed bed and breakfast sans guests with her quirky aunt who has a talent for pastries but not for coffee. The decor of the each room is based on some of Poe’s most famous works. Along with a friend named Gus and the ghost of Edgar Allan Poe, Ellen works to solve a mystery.

The many allusions to the Poe’s stories and poems as well as the summaries of many of his works made me smile! Pay attention to the characters names for an added bonus!

“Soon enough we arrived in front of Ravens Rest, and I prepared to get out with my purloined goods.”

Additionally, Diana Peterfreund’s use of repetition is reminiscent of Poe’s.

Breathing life into Peterfreund’s characters full of teenage angst and snark, Marli Watson skillfully narrates this wonderful book.

Thank you to Hachette Audio | Running Press Kids and NetGalley for providing an advanced listener copy of this title for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jonah 🫶.
62 reviews
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!
2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
March 31, 2026
What makes this book stand out is how effortlessly it blends rich, atmospheric imagery with a sense of adventure and intrigue. The writing is vivid and immersive, pulling you into each scene with a level of detail that feels both thoughtful and intentional. I really enjoyed the historical detail woven throughout the story. The mystery elements—riddles, clues, and treasure hunts—keep the pacing lively and the reader constantly curious about what comes next. It’s the kind of story that invites you to play along, piecing things together as you go.

As for reading level I feel as if it is an easy enough read for my 8 year old but because of some of the more “spooky” imagery I probably wouldn’t let her read it quite yet. There really isn’t anything “inappropriate” making this book something I wouldn’t let her read normally (I mean there’s death and violence in Disney movies) but I would say know your kids level of spooky ;)
Profile Image for Purdy True.
116 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC.
This was a really fun YA mystery and I loved the Edgar Allen Poe aspect. While I have read quite a few of his works I didn’t know much about the man, so listening to all the facts about him was really interesting. I really enjoyed all the characters, they all felt quite realistic and it made the story feel grounded. I especially love how a certain aspect was handled towards the end of the book and think it’s a really great message for a YA novel. There were certain aspects of the book too that were very creepy which was appropriate given who the book is about l. Overall, I’d love to read more books following Ellen Poe.

Also, the audiobook itself was really well developed and I loved the narrator, she fit the witty/sarcastic tone of Ellen Poe really well.
Profile Image for Sarah Oakey.
460 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 28, 2026
Ellen Poe The Forgotten Lore by Diana Peterfreund
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4/5

Pub Date 7th April 2026

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.

🔍0oooo this was like a modern day Enola Holmes...with the sidekick being an old dead poet!
This was fun and high spirited.... full of history, decryptions, teens and ghosts!
The protagonist Ellen Poe is an endearing character trying to navigate her teens while being visited by the ghost of Eddy Poe by day and experiencing hideous nightmares by night.

It was fascinating learning all about Edgar Allen Poe, with historical facts weaved in amongst the story itself.

This was quite the adventure with twists along the way!
Profile Image for Nicole McCombs.
17 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
March 28, 2026
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I received an audiobook version of this book and loved the narrator. She made it very easy to know when she was reading for different characters. Very distinctive between the male and female characters.

This book is great for those who love cracking codes and Edgar Allen Poe. If you remember reading Poe growing up or just have an interest, this book is for you! Solving the mysteries of Eddie/Edgar Allen Poe is how Evelyn Poe starts making it through life while going through private school. There are many mysteries surrounding Edgar Allen Poe and this book makes it a fun twist into solving some of those mysteries.

It is important to read the author's note that examples some of the inconsistencies of the book verses real life.
Profile Image for Ashley.
352 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 23, 2026
ALC Review

The narrator's voice fit the Ellen and helped bring the story to life.

Ellen is a descendant of Edgar Allen Poe, and she has grown up learning about the famous poet. After moving into her aunt's Poe themed B&B, Ellen finds one of Poe's journals and begins to see his ghost and visions. Ellen soon learns the two have more in common than she thought.

I don't know much about Poe, but I do think the way the author combined facts with fiction worked well for this story. Readers will get a lesson in Poe, solve a mystery and rebel with our main character and her friend Gus.

Listen to the author's notes at the end to hear what information was real and made up.

Thank you Hachette Audio and NetGalley for the ALC.
Profile Image for Kimmie.
144 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 1, 2026
This was a really interesting read. I loved the concept and the Poe elements... especially how his ghost communicates through his real quotes. Such a unique and thoughtful detail that added a lot to the story.

The mix of mystery, hauntings, and clues made it a fun read. I really appreciated the found family dynamic and the touch of romance.

For me, it felt a bit more suited to younger readers. I can definitely see this being a great pick for those who enjoy lighter paranormal stories with a hint of history woven in.

Thanks to Netgalley and Hachette Audio for the opportunity to read and review! Really enjoyed the narrator!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kristen Akers.
56 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
April 3, 2026
Edgar Allen Poe meets a whole new generation in Ellen Poe: The Forgotten Lore. This book tells the history of the world's spookiest storyteller through his descendant, Ellen Poe Reynolds, who starts to see his ghost after finding his journal in the basement of her family's home. She must solve the mystery of Edgar's sudden appearance and journal, while trying to understand her nightmares showing the deaths of her (definitely alive) new classmate and his parents.
The narrator was wonderful, and managed to bring to life both the story of Ellen Poe and the history of the city of Boston and its famous author.
I received this audiobook as an ARC from NetGalley.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jasmine Shouse.
Author 7 books88 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 25, 2026
I hope this is the first book in a series, because the way that left off makes me think there's got to be more to the story!

I had a lot of fun reading this with all the elements (real and fictionalized) of Edgar Allan Poe, plus the puzzles and mystery. With the supernatural aspect added in there too, it almost sounds like there's too much going on, but it was all really well balanced. Ellen and Gus make a great team.

This would be perfect for middle schoolers and younger high schoolers studying Poe in ELA.

Thank you to Running Press Kids for the opportunity to read and review.
Profile Image for H. Woodward.
392 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
December 21, 2025
This is a well done, adventurous, cozy mystery that will appeal to middle and early high school students. The author has done her homework, all the Poe facts are accurate. It’s a fun way to learn about the our friend of Raven fame. Ellen’s struggles with dreams and money add a nice depth to her character.. pacing is well done. I like how the mystery ties up at the end. Will definitely read more from this author.
955 reviews6 followers
March 20, 2026
Thank you Hachette Audio, Running Press Kids, and NetGalley for the advanced electronic audio review copy of this book. This is an interesting historical fiction middle grade story full of adventure and mystery, reminiscent of Enola Holmes books. Wonderful narration made this story come alive. The ending hints at a possibility of a sequel, which makes me cautiously optimistic. Overall, a great read that I would recommend.
Profile Image for AL.
489 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 23, 2026
What fun for YA readers! I love Edgar A. Poe, his work and the mysteries around his own life and death. If you have a young chapter book reader who would love a thriller, this is a tremendous start to enter macabre and mystery and fantasy. Ellen is a fantastic female lead who we follow along with as she often humorously but mostly thoughtfully shares her own thoughts on Poe as she navigates a new school and classmates.
Profile Image for Lecia Kade.
55 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 23, 2026
⭐️4.5
A wonderfully cozy and entertaining read.

I would love a whole series about Ellen Poe! Please Please Please write so many of them.

This story brought me back to when I was younger and would curl up on the couch to watch Ghost Whisperer.

ALSO that twist? did not expect it at all!

The narrator for the audio book is also amazing and I was sat for the journey they were bringing me on!

Thank you to Netgalley and Hachette Audio for giving me the honor of listening to this ALC!
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