Young Edgar Allen Poe had an auspicious beginning: cut from his mother's womb by his (literal) witch of a grandmother, he was cursed with the power to raise the dead. But, at what cost? His soul? And, when they rise, are they the same? (Think PET SEMATARY) He is hounded by angry ghosts, furious that he refused to use his power to avert death, which drives him to madness and alcoholism--until he meets beautiful Lenore. Shame that Edgar was not destined for a happily ever after. No, death crouches on his shoulders and waits for the chance to destroy anyone he loves. 
 Ireland Crane is on the hunt to decipher who cursed her to channel the Hessian--the Headless Horseman. With her boyfriend, Noah van Tassel, and Rip van Winkle at her side, she's, well, she's in trouble. The Horseman wants out to cause murder and mayhem--only Noah's love and a playlist filled with country music can keep that murderous spirit at bay. Rip gets a pang of narcolepsy whenever he's frightened, and Noah can only handle so much, especially when it seems Ireland's affections might be shifting. 
 Ireland crosses paths with Ridley Peolte in the course of her investigation. This suave King of Wall Street had a seemingly Midas touch--until he touches Ireland. Moments later he's attacked by an unkindness of ravens. Does Poe's spirit now inhabit Ridley, as the Hessian does Ireland? His mind is plagued by the same visions Poe's had been, and he frees the final monster Poe created--one who has the power to kill Ireland and free the Hessian's spirit into the world. The only peace Ridley feels is when he has direct contact with Ireland's skin. With Noah around this is a fairly awkward arrangement. 
 Oh, and we get a good look at the puppet master who set all this in motion when he injects Ireland with a serum that assists the Hessian to possess her. Will the Hessian's power and Ridley's reincarnation abilities be enough to take out Poe's beast rampaging through modern NYC? 
 I truly enjoy the mix of story lines, from Poe's life through Ireland and Ridley's experiences. The pace is brisk, with sharp turns and ghastly spins. Lots of ghosts, a few monsters and, well, a creative romp of a tale.