The Pale Blue Eye

By: Louis Bayard

Narrated by: Charles Leggett

Soon to be a Netflix film starring Christian Bale, Harry Melling, and Gillian Anderson

“Shockingly clever and devoutly unsentimental . . . reads like a lost classic. Bayard reinvigorates historical fiction.” (New York Times Book Review)

“Seemlessly blends Poe into an engrossing whodunit worthy of its inspiration. ” (USA Today)

An ingenious tale of murder and revenge at West Point, featuring a retired detective and a young cadet named Edgar Allan Poe—from the author of Courting Mr. Lincoln.

When the body of a suicide victim disappears at West Point Military Academy in 1831, only to be discovered hours later missing its heart, the Academy calls on retired detective Gus Landor to investigate. Landor is something of a legend among his peers, noted for an uncanny, Holmesian ability to read people. When Edgar Allan Poe, a new cadet, comes forth with his own cryptic conclusion—that the man Landor is looking for is a poet—Landor is intrigued and enlists Poe as his assistant. Working together, Landor and Poe narrow down the suspects, all the while dealing with their own personal demons.

©2006 Louis Bayard (P)2014 AudioGO

What a great read!!

A murder mystery in an unlikely place, unlikely time and a very unlikely character!
This book made me wish there would be a series of these. The tiniest bit slow at the start, I was sucked in early on and just loved it!

Loved this book!!

Awesome story!! I love Edgar Allan Poe and Bayard did a fantastic job with his character.

Perfectly done, in every respect.

Usually, the best one can hope for in an audiobook is a narration that doesn’t detract from a good story. In this beautifully crafted book, however, the narrator added to it. He is extraordinary, to the point where someone reading the written version is getting short-changed.

Excellent reading of a completely wonderful novel

I am probably not alone in that I hadn't heard of this book until I saw it had been adapted for a movie. After watching the movie (which I also highly recommend) I had to experience the novel. I feel that the Audible narration far exceeds what my imagination could have done with these characters. I'm sure I'll keep this in my library to revisit them all on some distant, cold winter day.

Fantastic story, wonderful reading. 

It’s a wonderful story and a must listen. Especially if you enjoy the English language well employed.

Poe Knows

Though at times the story drags on, it grows like a nor’easter and brings shock and solutions at its end. Do read this one and enjoy.

Gorgeous use of language

Fantastic voice and narration. Flawless really. The use of language and the beauty of the author’s word choice, dialogue and descriptions could easily be from literature of that era which I realize was his exact intent. Well he nailed it.

The voice made it a beautiful story to listen to.

I liked the entire book, the unexpected ending. The characters were well developed too and I felt I could relate to Landor’s need for revenge.

One of the best audiobooks I have ever enjoyed!

What made the experience of listening to The Pale Blue Eye the most enjoyable?

Bayard's writing style perfectly captures mid-19th century American diction--reminiscent of the best of Twain and Harte. With just a few seemingly simple changes to cadence, pitch, intonation, Leggett creates vivid and memorable characters.

What other book might you compare The Pale Blue Eye to and why?

Unfortunately, I am unable to recall another book now. But this is a masterfully woven tale of intrigue and mystery, with an unexpected twist at the end. Marvelous!

Which character – as performed by Charles Leggett – was your favorite?

Poe.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

What you never knew about Edgar Allan Poe....

Historical fiction at its best!

Besides being so interesting, very imaginative with a great ending. All characters well developed without becoming a boring rendition of personalities.