I would give this novel 3.5 stars, especially because of events that occurred near the end of the novel. It is a quick, entertaining read that I really enjoyed because, honestly, who doesn't like Poe? And I could enjoy the love story as well. I think I understand why the author wrote the ending the way she did, but it still didn't sit right with me and I even found myself kind of thinking it was a little ridiculous. But I'm glad the author included a note about her research and why she did somet things she did--that tied a lot together for me. Overall, I would recommend this to someone who wants a light historical fiction novel as well as anyone who likes Edgar Allan Poe.