The Poe Project: A Literary Mystery of Legacy, Intrigue, and the Supernatural
The Poe Project is a gripping historical mystery set against the turbulent backdrop of late 19th century Venezuela, the chaotic streets of 1890s New York City, and the dark corners of Edgar Allan Poe's literary legacy. A unique blend of historical fiction, literary thriller, and supernatural mystery, this novel explores the fascinating intersection of Poe's works, family secrets, and political intrigue in a tale that will captivate readers who love literary mysteries, historical dramas, and Poe-inspired fiction.
At the heart of the story is Clementina, the granddaughter of a legendary Venezuelan general. When political upheaval forces her and her cousin Manuel to flee Caracas, they embark on a perilous journey that leads them from the Caribbean to the vibrant streets of New York City. There, they encounter Mr. Hamilton, an enigmatic figure who reveals a dark secret about Clementina’s grandfather and a rare orchid—the Cypripedium elegant—that could change everything.
As the investigation into her family's past unfolds, Clementina finds herself entangled in a web of literary deception, occult secrets, and industrial power. The search for the orchid takes her deep into the world of 1890s New York, where she crosses paths with Mr. Bierce, a self-proclaimed detective with a passion for the occult, and Louis Villarroel, a notorious literary forger who has been stealing the works of Edgar Allan Poe.
Their investigation eventually leads to Pittsburgh, where the labor unrest of the 1890s is tearing the city apart. Here, Clementina confronts the powerful industrialist Mr. W, who has ties to her grandfather and the orchid—and whose sinister influence threatens to derail her quest for the truth. The story shifts focus to García, a private investigator, hired to uncover the mysterious disappearance of Villarroel. As García digs deeper into Villarroel’s final days, he uncovers disturbing parallels to Poe’s life, including a dangerous obsession with replicating the author's own tragic fate.
In the underworld of New York’s literary elite, factions are locked in a high-stakes battle to control the authenticity of Poe’s legacy. As bodies appear in the Hudson River, echoing the events of Poe’s The Mystery of Marie Roget, Bierce and García must race against time to uncover the conspiracy surrounding the authorship and preservation of Poe’s works, while contending with a mysterious figure, Petra Dukovski, who seeks to destroy the very notion of literary truth.
The Poe Project is a complex and atmospheric tale that blends historical events, literary history, and supernatural intrigue. It explores the nature of genius, the power of literature, and the lengths to which some will go to manipulate the legacy of a master like Edgar Allan Poe. Perfect for fans of historical mysteries, literary thrillers, and Poe's devoted readers, The Poe Project offers an immersive and thrilling reading experience that will keep you guessing until the final page.
Special Note: A percentage of sales from this book will be donated to The Red Door at St. Mary of Mercy Church in Pittsburgh, an initiative dedicated to feeding the homeless.