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kreglow's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
I know it's a classic, but the story is a bit outlandish and Dupin, while he has some moments, comes across smug for the most part. Also, the story is less action and more Dupin and the narrator orating on what happened. Overall, interesting to see the origins of detective fiction, but overall a bit of a slog.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
covfeefer's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The character that serves as the inspiration for many a famous detectives to come, like the most iconic Sherlock Holmes himself. And the inspirations are clear, even to the choice of narrator.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
wextra's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
The first modern detective story is honestly kind of a mess despite Poe's innovation. Auguste Dupin is certainly as intelligent as future detectives and there are some intriguing twists but the story is rough and the ending absurd to the point of undermining the journey. That said, it's historically significant and certainly competent as Poe is still Poe, even if his love for orugantangs is less welcome here than in Hop-Frog.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Gore, and Murder
4ndr3w's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
iphigeniad's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
alyssaaahopkinsss's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
souris_de_bibliotheque's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Murder
lucekl's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Body horror, Death, Physical abuse, Violence, and Murder
Minor: Blood
bookwyrmknits's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
2.75
While I typically love locked room mysteries, and I don't mind not being given enough clues to fully solve a locked room mystery for myself, I really disliked the way this one ended. It was a completely unexpected twist (since I have somehow managed to avoid spoilers for it) and left a very bad taste in my mouth for the story. However, I do appreciate this for what it was: probably the inspiration for Sherlock Holmes, as well as the first detective story. The language is more dated than I expected, and I didn't like it nearly as much as I remember liking Poe's other works. Not one I need to revisit, though I'm glad to have read it the once.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder