Before I started this book I had only read only a few of Poe’s horror stories, so I had no idea of his virsatility. While Poe wrote horror, mystery (and may have invented the detective story) and suspense he also wrote romance and fantasy stories. This book does not include any of the romance or fantasy pieces, but if you have a chance check out www.poestories.com for some of the other types. Between the book and the website I have really grown to appreciate Poe.

While I find the mysteries the least absorbing, it’s in this type that Poe really showcases his intelligence. On the other hand, the horror stories put us in the madman/murderer’s viewpoint.

The Gold-Bug (mystery) The characters are quite memorable in this story.
The Murders in the Rue Morgue (mystery) One of Poe’s most famous stories.
The Balloon-Hoax. Not so interesting for the story itself so much as the story surrounding it.
The Purloined Letter (mystery)
A Descent into the Maelström (suspense)
The Black Cat (horror)
The Fall of the House of Usher (horror). One of Poe’s most open ended pieces. Many of the questions that are raised are never answered which is a bit of departure from his usual style (of what I’ve read so far.)
The Masque of the Red Death (horror) I would almost call this fantasy for the surreal atmosphere it evokes. Probably my favorite Poe story.
The Cask of Amontillado (horror)
The Pit and the Pendulum (suspense)
The Tell-Tale Heart (horror) It’s such a short story, but so powerful. One of my favorite lines is, “I was never kinder to the old man than during the whole week before I killed him.”