Today's read is the second in the series, and there was no way I was going to let this one slide on by. I read the first one, reviewed it HERE, and really enjoyed it. I'm hoping this second book will be just as good. Plus, I've missed Eddie...Edgar Allen's ghost...and can't wait to see what he's up to as Ellen Poe heads on the next adventure.
So, let's open this one up and sink right in!
ELLEN POE FOR EVERMORE
by Diana Peterfreund
Running Press Kids
YA Paranormal Mystery
336 pages
COMING OCTOBER 6th!!!
The thrilling sequel to Ellen The Forgotten Lore in which every mystery Ellen solves uncovers another buried secret about her family and the infamous poet, Edgar Allan Poe.
Ellen Poe is no longer plagued by nightmares of scary restless spirits, and she’s even come to a truce with the oft-annoying ghost of her Edgar Allan Poe. But when the coded journal that is tied to his spirit disappears from her family’s home, she’s convinced that the founder of a secret Poe society is responsible for the theft. Ellen finds a cryptic note from the woman, Sara High, and sets out on a dangerous quest to track down the family heirloom that takes Ellen from Baltimore to New York City to Richmond and back. At the same time, Ellen’s visions return, more terrifying than ever, and she realizes it's not just the journal that's in danger. Can she head off a potential murder in time? Or will Ellen find herself at the mercy of a killer who won’t stop until they’ve claimed Poe’s spirit for their very own?
Ellen Poe is no longer plagued by nightmares of scary restless spirits, and she’s even come to a truce with the oft-annoying ghost of her Edgar Allan Poe. But when the coded journal that is tied to his spirit disappears from her family’s home, she’s convinced that the founder of a secret Poe society is responsible for the theft. Ellen finds a cryptic note from the woman, Sara High, and sets out on a dangerous quest to track down the family heirloom that takes Ellen from Baltimore to New York City to Richmond and back. At the same time, Ellen’s visions return, more terrifying than ever, and she realizes it's not just the journal that's in danger. Can she head off a potential murder in time? Or will Ellen find herself at the mercy of a killer who won’t stop until they’ve claimed Poe’s spirit for their very own?
MY TIDBITS
Mystery mixes with ghosts and spirits as the line between visions and hallucinations wears thin.
Ellen Poe is in a very good place. She's now somewhat getting along with her arch-enemy, her aunt's cafe/hotel is doing better, her friend is staying in the hotel after nearly being murdered, and even Eddy, Poe's ghost, is as irritating as ever. But then, the cryptic and questionable head of the Poe's secret society disappears, and at the exact same time, Poe's diary is stolen from Ellen's aunt's collection. Only a mysterious note is left behind. But that's not the worst. Eddy disappears also at the exact same moment, and Ellen's sure it has something to do with the missing diary. She hopes that doesn't mean that Eddy is in trouble. Unfortunately, the entire thing has triggered her nightmares, again, and all she sees is Eddy dying in each one...which considering he's a ghost, is more than odd. And disturbing. Somehow, Ellen has to figure this all out, not only because of her concern for Eddy, but there's reason to believe that the sleep deprivation is leading to hallucinations. And those are getting out of control.
Mystery fans are sure to enjoy diving into this world as well as enjoyers of the darker realm of Edgar Allan Poe. Actually, the story isn't overly dark as Ellen tries her best to stay somewhat positive as problems mount. There are plenty of questions surrounding the secret society, discovered antiques, and the truth of what happened in the past. At the same time, Ellen is still doing her best at the entire friendship and social end of life, which adds a touch of drama. Much of the book pokes and prods the problems surrounding mental illness and dealing with trauma. though, and after book one, this theme slides in wonderfully. The author uses this very well to work into the mystery and build the tension the entire way through. The paranormal aspects work their magic as fantasy tests reality's borders and has Ellen taking a good look at herself and the truth of those around her.
It's a quick-paced read, which takes many unexpected twists and turns. Ellen is always ready to take risks and when needed, goes beyond her comfort zone, even if she seems very hesitant and reluctant to do so. There's enough lightness added in to keep the read from getting too dark even when the tension remains high. Then, there's the romance, which is more of a cautious tip-toeing on the sidelines. It never overpowers the main plot but adds to Ellen's character very nicely.
This is a grabbing read from beginning to end, which embraces Edgar Allan Poe in a delightful way...or in as 'delightful' a way as Poe and his poems could probably be. Paranormal mystery fans are sure to enjoy this one.
And here she is....
DIANA PETERFREUND has published sixteen novels for adults, teens, and kids. Her works have been named to the New York Public Library’s Books for the Teen Age list, the Capitol Choices reading list, the Texas LoneStar List, and the Sunshine State Young Reader Awards List, as well as Amazon’s Best Books of the Year. In addition, she’s written dozens of short stories and a variety of nonfiction essays about popular children’s literature. Diana lives in Maryland with her family.
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