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51 of 54 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Stunner. Read this book., June 7, 2006
Summary, no spoilers: This is the story of former New York police detective Augustus Landor and his investigation of a macabre murder at West Point Academy in 1830. Landor selects (eccentric) cadet Edgar Allan Poe to assist him, and the two of them work against time to prevent further murders which could result in the closure of West Point. Along the way we meet the mysterious Marquis family - with their beautiful daughter Lea, destined to play an important role in this drama. This novel is full of intrique and mystery - and everyone is suspect. First of all, let me say that this was not a quick read for me. I can usually read a book like this in a day, but this took me a while. This is not a book you can skim; nor is it a book you would want to rush. Also, if you think having Edgar Allan Poe as a character would be problematic for you, don't be concerned. It's a brilliant choice, and it doesn't detract from the story at all. If anything, when you finish the book, you want to seek out some of Poe's poems and stories. The writing is just terrific. The characters are wonderfully alive, and when I finished the book I was sorry to see them go. This novel is moody, funny at times, and very very clever. I highly recommend this novel to everyone, but especially to those of you who like "twists". Without saying more, be sure to read this book to the very end. I am usually disappointed with book endings, but this one was a stunner. Bravo.
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28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Mostly Brilliant, December 3, 2006
I won't go into plot details. Most of the other reviews have already done that. I will say that this guy Louis Bayard is one terrific writer. In comparing this book, for example, to Matthew Pearl's also brilliant "The Poe Shadow," I find Bayard to be every bit as capable at crafting period details, celebrity recreations, turns of phrase, and stunning narrative as Mr. Pearl. Yet Bayard is the more lively, imaginative, entertaining and readable author. I also felt that Bayard fashioned a convincing Edgar Allan Poe and many of the scenes involving him evoked the novel's most touching moments. Bayard did him justice as a man, though maybe not quite as a writer. Having said these positive things, I must also confess that my assessment of Bayard's book is that the group of reviewers who gave it two stars for being partially hokey and the group that gave it four or even five stars for being generally brilliant... were both right. The problem is that neither group takes both good and bad aspects into consideration in judging the book as a whole: it is a brilliant work of fiction that, particularly at one point, seems to suddenly collapse into pulpy teenage fiction, then rights itself. You may temporarily feel betrayed as a reader by that sudden collapse. Or you may feel permanently betrayed by it. To me, the overall experience of the book was a good one and I will definitely be buying Bayard's other mystery, "Mr. Timothy."
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43 of 47 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Poe-tential classic!, May 24, 2006
When I first tried to read Louis Bayard's book, "Mr. Timothy", for some reason, it didn't resonate with me initially. I gave it the usual 50 pages, and then, put it down when I wasn't hooked. Flash forward a year later, and I pick up the book again to try it. I couldn't put it down. Bayard's recreation of Timothy's London was gripping, the plot amazing, and the characters will formed. When I learned of his new book, "Pale Blue Eye", I found myself standing in line to purchase this one. I know little of famed author of E. A. Poe, only that he's known for writing spooky stories and was a bit of a lush. I'm proud to report that there was abolutely no problem getting into his second book, and I daresay, it surpasses Mr. Timothy in both style, plot, and intrigue! The story starts with a "suicide", a gruff, retired police chief named Augustus Landor (for some reason, his name resonates with me), and a very young Poe, who is obviously brilliant and obviously struggling with alcohol. The two team up to unravel this mystery, and what a ride it is. I found myself entranced by Bayard's words and writing, once again. He sets scenes simply, with rich detail, that makes visualizing the content rich and easy. His characters are drawn well, very complex, and somewhat surprising. Fans of both mysteries and Poe will find this book well worth their time, plus anyone who loves historical novels. Another book has been published dealing with Poe. Perhaps this is the time for Poe to re-emerge from the shadows and rightfully take his place among the panethon of American literary phenomenons. Perhaps we'll see him more than a tragic figure. Bayard's book certainly whets the appetite for that movement forward!
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