The Poe Shadow
The Poe Shadow
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2006
Book Brief
400
Novel • Fiction
Baltimore, Maryland • 1840s
2006
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Poe Shadow by Matthew Pearl, young lawyer Quentin Clark becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind Edgar Allan Poe's mysterious death in Baltimore in 1849. Pursuing clues left by Poe and inspired by the character C. Auguste Dupin from Poe's detective stories, Quentin enlists the help of Frenchman Auguste Duponte, leading to a tense investigation filled with deceit and peril.
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Dark
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
9,688 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Matthew Pearl's The Poe Shadow is praised for its well-researched historical context and atmospheric recreation of 19th-century Baltimore, engaging readers with its intricate plot. However, some find the pacing uneven and character development lacking. Overall, it's an intriguing blend of mystery and literary homage to Edgar Allan Poe.
Who Should Read The Poe Shadow?
A reader who enjoys The Poe Shadow by Matthew Pearl would likely appreciate historical mysteries intertwined with literary figures. Fans of Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code and Caleb Carr’s The Alienist will be drawn to Pearl’s intricate plot and rich period detail, as they explore a gripping investigation into Edgar Allan Poe's enigmatic death.
9,688 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
400
Novel • Fiction
Baltimore, Maryland • 1840s
2006
Adult
18+ years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!