Of Monsters and Madness, by Jessica Verday

Tags

Historical, Horror, Mystery, Paranormal, Romance, YA

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Annabel Lee has recently lost her mother and has now left her beloved Siam where they lived with a missionary group, to go stay with her grandfather and father. Her grandfather welcomes her with open arms. Her father unfortunately treats her with nothing but scorn. Annabel’s grandfather tries to reassure her that his behavior has nothing to do with her, but rather the painful afflictions he suffers from as a result of Typhus he picked up abroad. Yet when Annabel researches the disease, she discovers her father’s symptoms do not match. There’s also the rumor that as a once respected Dr. he has been disgraced. Then there’s all the other mysteries surrounding the family. The horrific murders taking place in the nearby village. The men who guard the perimeter of their house, and bring her father strangely shaped bags of who knows what late at night. Why are the servants so frightened, and what about his two assistants? Sweet, good looking Allen Poe who is very interested and concerned about Annabel. He also writes incredible, albeit macabre poetry. And Edgar, a physically and psychologically nastier, rougher version of Allen. And of course Annabel has a few secrets herself.  I was quite excited when I received this ARC from NetGalley. First, because I’m a huge Poe enthusiast. Second, because I loved Jessica Verday’s Hollow trilogy. I have to say though I was disappointed in this latest. First, at under 300 pages, it’s quite short and although from the ending it’s clear there will be a sequel, it was very abrupt. The combination gave me a sense of unfulfillment. I also felt that Annabel was a likeable but rather bland character. None of the others really stood out either. Not even Edgar or Allen. I thought the premise held so much promise with it’s combining Edgar Allen Poe and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, but that promise was never truly realized. I hate to say this, but I don’t think I’ll be picking up the sequel.