Nowadays I listen to more books than I read. That's why I'm always thrilled when I can combine books I have (whether it be arcs or books I have bought). This gives me the opportunity to listen to books at work and then read when I get home. Like with this book that I've been looking forward to reading. First, I want to say that my knowledge of Edgar Allan Poe is very basic, I know some of what he has written and of course details of his life (and quite puzzling death). But, I was ignorant enough that it took me some googling to realize (or remember) that Dupin is his own creations. Adding those books to my want to read list btw.

As for this book. I was charmed. I know that Virginia (Sissy) was only 13 when she married Edgar Poe (27 at the time). And, that may seem, especially nowadays a bit off-putting. However, Sissy is a truly great character, and so is her mother and of course Edgar himself. Not to mention C. Auguste Dupin. I quite enjoy the mystery that Helena Loddiges brought to the family Poe's house. And, Helena is such a wonderfully eccentric character with her love for birds. I love historical mysteries and I especially love those with real people staring. Well, and of course as with books like this one, characters that are the creation of the real person that happens to have become a fictional character. LOL, yes that line felt a bit odd writing.

This is a great book and I can't wait to read/or listen to the first book in the series!

I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review! ( )

This is the second literary mystery featuring Edgar Allan Poe teaming up with his fictional detective, Auguste Dupin, this time in his native Philadelphia, investigating a mysterious case involving real live and stuffed birds and treasure books brought back from darkest Peru. I didn't find this as gripping as The London Monster, perhaps partly because Victorian London seemed to me like a more appropriate setting for such a dark story, though this feeling makes no sense given Poe's nationality. It seemed a bit too convoluted and fantastical, and I found the info dumps on species of birds a bit much. It was well written and I will read the third in the trilogy, but was left feeling a bit dissatisfied with this one. ( )