Nevermore

Edgar Allan Poe Mystery #1

by Harold Schechter

Historical fact and startling literary invention converge in this stunning novel by "America's principal chronicler of its greatest psychopathic killers" (The Boston Book Review). Praised by Caleb Carr for his "brilliantly detailed and above all riveting" true-crime writing, Harold Schechter brings his expertise to a marvelous work of fiction in the tradition of Carr's own The Alienist. Superbly rendering the 1830s Baltimore of Edgar Allan Poe, Schechter taps into the dark genius of that legendary author -- and follows a labyrinthine path into the heart of a most heinous crime. He is an aspiring writer, plagued by dreadful ruminations -- a man whose troubled nights are haunted by dreams of his angelic cousin Virginia. He is Edgar Allan Poe, a literary critic known for his uncompromising standards and scathing pen. His recently published attack on the autobiography of Colonel David Crockett, U.S. congressman and celebrated American hero, has brought the indignant frontiersman--unexpected, uninvited -- to the chamber door of Poe's private sanctum. Neither man is prepared for where this fateful meeting will take on a quest for a killer through the city's highest and lowest streets and byways. In a modest boarding house, an elderly widow of sad circumstance has been found murdered by an unknown assailant. On the wall above her bed, scrawled in the victim's blood, is a single, cryptic word. But the meaning of the chilling clue is merely one piece in a complex puzzle that ensnares the writer and the politician in a twisted and deadly game. For the ghastly crimes, each more bizarre than the last, have only just begun. Combining the phantasmagoric voice of Poe's legendary tales with an historian's exactness, Harold Schechter hovers between fact and fiction, horror and passion, destiny and doom, while conjuring historical detail with uncanny precision. Published to coincide with the 150th anniversary of Poe's death, Nevermore is both a tour de force of narrative suspense and a dazzling secret history of one of American literature's unique and enduring figures.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Horror, Mystery Thriller, Historical, Thriller

322 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Aka Jon A. Harrald (joint pseudonym with Jonna Gormley Semeiks)

Harold Schechter is a true crime writer who specializes in serial killers. He attended the State University of New York in Buffalo, where he obtained a Ph.D. A resident of New York City, Schechter is professor of American literature and popular culture at Queens College of the City University of New York.

Among his nonfiction works are the historical true-crime classics Fatal, Fiend, Deviant, Deranged, and Depraved. He also authors a critically acclaimed mystery series featuring Edgar Allan Poe, which includes The Hum Bug and Nevermore and The Mask of Red Death.

Schechter is married to poet Kimiko Hahn. He has two daughters from a previous marriage: the writer Lauren Oliver and professor of philosophy Elizabeth Schechter.

Reviews

[Michael Fierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars

A real hoot to see Edgar Allan Poe and Davy Crockett team-up to solve serial killings that the author was inspired by, utilizing many of Poe's most famous stories.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this because I have read a lot of Poe's stories and think he's one of America's most unique characters---so I thought I'd read this novel featuring Poe. I liked how the story is narrated by Poe, but what really made the story interesting is that Poe teams up with a frontiersman-politician named David Crockett to solve a series of grisly murders in 1830s Baltimore. Two more unlikely persons working together are impossible to imagine! Got a lot of chuckles from Davy's jargon. This story also reminded me of a 2012 film starring John Cusack as EAP, but they are very different although both concern a murder mystery (this book was published in 1999).

[Aaron Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully unique detective story with Edgar Allan Poe and Davy Crockett as the protagonists. Schechter writes the story from the perspective of Poe. The combination of Poe's writing style with the odd coupling of characters makes the tale funny and intriguing. This is one of the more memorable books I've ever read.

[Lauren Stoolfire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so glad I just happened to stumble on Nevermore (Edgar Allan Poe Mystery #1) by Harold Schechter. It's always cool to see Edgar Allan Poe pop up in fiction and he's in great form here, and he even gets to team up with Davy Crockett. Yes, the dialect for Crockett at times could get a bit annoying but otherwise I was hooked.

[Margaret]

Couldn't finish it. I could barely get past the first couple of chapters. Unfortunately, nothing about the book engaged my interest.

[Ashley (Chris's version) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought it would be a good book, but I struggled to get into the book I never finished chapter 1.

[Nathalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Espectacular. Muy pronto subo la reseña.

[Donald]

This is the second book I've read in Harold Schechter's Poe series, having read "Humbug" a little while back and reviewed it. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Schechter has a great historical imagination - bringing Poe and Davie Crockett together in Antebellum Baltimore is a lot of fun. The plot is interesting and kept me engaged. The author uses the plots from some of Poe's more famous tales in constructing the plot.

I would have like that there would have been more of a feel for Baltimore in the 1830's then the author included, BUT, this is a mystery book and not a traditional historical fiction. I like the characterization of Crockett and Poe's Wife and Aunt. However, as I mentioned in my review of "Humbug," Poe's pretentious way of speaking and narrating the tale gets to be grating after a while. I doubt if Poe spoke that way, especially with those he was intimate with - but then, I could be wrong. Another thing I thought odd. I don't remember if it was ever mentioned what happened to Mr Asher's sister in the fire. I could have missed it, but I don't think so.

The author delves into a segment of Poe's life - his years in Baltimore before getting his first newspaper job with the "Southern Literary Messenger in Richmond - that is rarely touched in fiction and he did an interesting job. He sure had Crockett's jargon down and his character is a lot of fun. I certainly intend to read the other two books in his Poe series: "The Mask of the Red Death," and "The Tell-Tale Corpse."

[Liberty Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this unique and entertaining tale

[Laura Morrigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if Poe's famous Gothic stories were based not on imagination but reality?

This book takes the idea that Poe was involved in the investigation of hideous murders in Baltimore in his youth, murders that seemed to be related to his family. While unravelling the dark thread of these horrific murders, Poe eventually finds the inspiration that leads to some of his most famous works.

Fans of Poe will enjoy matching the murders to similar events in his stories, such as The House of Usher and The Masque of the Red Death. The interplay between the two main characters is amusing as the two are utter opposites. The author chose for his other character American legend Davy Crockett, famous because of his tall tales, but actually very useful to have by you in a crisis.

It is impossible not to like Poe. His neurotic disposition does not sit well with his exaggerations of his own physical prowess, making him seem a little pathetic, but his great mind shines through. I enjoyed the scenes where his effusive and wordy way of speaking made it difficult for others to understand him, as I have experienced moments like that myself.

At first Crockett seems like a bully and a boaster, but I soon grew to like him, rather against my will. He seemed a jolly chap, and very good natured for all the violence he had seen and done. In the end, he was very protective of Poe and quite fond of him, which spoke greatly in his favour to me.

As a fun and engrossing piece of alternate history, we should not look too much into the liberties this novel takes with the truth, but enjoy it for what it is. I very much enjoyed the voice of the novel, as it did feel as if it could have been plausibly written by Poe, high emotion, italics and all.

Recommended for fans of Poe, and anyone who enjoys a good historical murder mystery.

[Oswego Public Library District]

When a ghastly string of murders sweeps across 1830s Baltimore, the morose and melancholy Edgar Allan Poe teams up with an unlikely ally—the fabled hero Davy Crockett. No two characters could be more disparate, but they share an impassioned desire to see justice done. Who better to find the killer than the inventor of detective fiction and the courageous king of the wild frontier?

This gothic thriller employs a lyrical writing style reminiscent of Poe’s own style, teeming with a profusion of clever allusions to Poe’s many works. While the writing is lush, the plot is accessible, with plenty of suspense. Throughout the story, Poe is plagued by strange nightmares and ruminations that lend a taste of horror, and he views the killings with a sort of morbid rapture his own characters might display.

The murder mystery is gripping and intensifies towards a haunting climax that has Poe questioning his own sanity. Crockett’s earthy banter and sympathetic personality provide relief for both Poe and the reader. Their appealing dynamic makes the story engaging. Poe is neurotic and sharp, Crockett is gung-ho and boisterous, and together, little can stand in their way. –AD

Click here to place a hold on Nevermore .

Enjoyed this? Try the next in the series, The Hum Bug , in which Edgar Allan Poe teams up with the legendary P.T. Barnum.

[Gori Suture · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written from Poe's POV, in Poe's language. It's a fun adventure set around murder more than a "who done it" mystery. You're just along for the ride, and what a ride it is! Crockett is the perfect counterpart to Poe's stuffiness, and he is portrayed exactly like the legend of him, an over the top, never say die, American hero. I tried to read this book before, and just couldn't get into it, but this time around, I guess I was in the right state of mind to enjoy it, because I couldn't put it down.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an unusual book to say the least - Edgar Allen Poe and Davy Crockett in the same story. The story is written in Poe style which requires a reader to pay attention. I guess if I am going to read that type of book - I will read Poe not a combination.

I do think the author did an excellent job of creating this take on a Poe piece but it was a bit much for me. Not going to read Hum Bug.

[Redsteve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun historical mystery featuring Edgar Allen Poe and Davy Crockett. Decent history. The story is written in the first person by Poe (who does not come off as the world's nicest guy) and his writing (and speech) is exceptionally florid, but I feel like it works. A couple of incident's do a good job of foreshadowing Poe's troubles with alcohol later in life.

[Landon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as far as I got. Then I just kinda fizzeled out. No real reason, the charecters are fun. It fun to get to spend time with historical figures in a new way and I think the books style works well for it's intent.

I'll have to revisit it at some point

[Ram Kaushik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curl up for this one - an enjoyable read. The author captures the stilted formal prose of Poe's time and his macabre imagination precisely! The contrast to the colorful Davy Crockett is superbly done.

[Larry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great fun...... but possibly only for those who like Poe and his works.

[Desiree · Rating 3 out of 5]

So-so. Savage. Ending was rather predictable.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the mystery was unique, I could not get into the writing style. I quite liked the character of Davy Crockett, certainly much more than that of Edgar Poe. Poe I found to be utterly useless throughout the book. While I can't deny his powers of observation came in handy, he could have saved at least two lives if he hadn't been so squeamish, fainting or getting drunk.

I had forgotten about the odd relationship between Poe and his cousin, Victoria. While the relationship was very cringe worthy, I feel like the author handled it the best he could.

There is quite a bit of language and the violence could get a bit gory, but other than that it was a relatively clean book. Poe is extraordinarily wordy and each chapter begins with a sort of essay regarding some book he's reading or philosophical topic which was rather dry. I figured out the ending about a third of the way through the story, so it's a tad see-through.

Overall it's not a bad book and I wouldn't say not to read it, but for me, I just couldn't get into the writing.

[Alexis · Rating 1 out of 5]

L'autore mette insieme una coppia improbabile: Edgar Allan Poe (lo avevate capito dal titolo) e David Crockett, insieme per investigare su un omicidio.
Contrappone il modo forbito ed eccessivamente prolisso, poetico di Poe con la parlata da rozzo contadino di Crockett, un dramma da leggere, anche se apprezzo lo sforzo dell'autore. Non deve essere stato facile da scrivere.
Si sofferma poi moltissimo sul rapporto di Poe con sua cugina, che poi sposerà. Ma lei ha 13 anni, sinceramente è imbarazzante e un po' cringe da leggere.

[Asia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually really enjoyed the way Harold Schechter writes. And this one very much resembles the late Poe. The problem was it seemed more about the reminiscing of Poe rather than the actually murder. It was entertaining but easily considered wordy. I do think Harold Schechter is a fabulous writer, you just don't get to experience that in this book(he was to busy being "Poe" to do anything else). While not a bad book, I do think that you have to be a particular person to like this one.

[Chelsea Gunderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I DNF with only 100 or so pages left. I really wanted to like it. I was so EXCITED to read a book with Poe as the protagonist. But it was so slow and I felt like there were a few plot holes. Schechter did a fine job portraying Poe, and his unlikely friendship with Crockett was amusing, but I felt like I was trudging through mud reading it.

[Shawn Manning · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing new here. Crockett is portrayed as a backwoods oaf with a good heart and Poe is the uptight stick in the mud. The reader is then led through a series of murders that foreshadow yet to be written tales of Poe. It made for an entertaining read, but nothing to go out of ones way for.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting how this story was told. Some pretty gruesome descriptions along the way. Interesting at the end how the author described the story and how it led to the books written by Edgar Allen Poe.

[Sierra Tamez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book with all its twists and turns. Harold Schechter really made the book come to life with his writing style and basing it off of some of Edgar Allan Poe's own work. Highly recommended to mystery readers.

[Skye Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

"And the will therein lieth, which dieth not. Who knoweth the mysteries of the will, with its vigor? Man doth not yield him to the angels, nor unto death utterly, save only through the weakness of his feeble will."

[Pete Kieffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

RIP ROARING TALE

Edgar Allen Poe and Davy Crockett team up for a rousing mystery. Schechter draws wonderful characterization of Poe and Crockett, working in many historical facts. Wholeheartedly recommended.
I read the ebook version and found quite a few minor typos.

[Maggie Camden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read. I enjoyed hearing the juxtaposition of Poe and Davy. Like the odd couple of today’s police procedurals set in the 1800s. Would recommend to anyone looking for a different sort of mystery.

[Jessica Lerbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed how Poe met with all sorts of macabre things in the course of solving the mystery, and then worked them into his stories later

[Paul Jacob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Me found it interesting. Had read long ago 🐥