The Pale Blue Eye: A Novel

I very much enjoyed this read, the fourth book by Louis Bayard I have completed. The Pale Blue Eye, in which our aged detective, Gus Landor, teams up with cadet Edgar A. Poe to solve two murders at the West Point Military Academy in year 1830, is a fine book, filled with beautiful language, haunting atmosphere, and a sense of foreboding; yet the best thing, in my opinion, is getting to know the strange and interesting, aspiring poet, Poe, who is, in the estimation of detective Landor, a hundred times the better of Edgar's stodgy benefactor, Mr. Allan, whom we briefly meet when he pays the academy a visit, and a thousand times better than Gus Landor, himself.As with all of author Bayard's works, this is a book from which you might learn; his use of language is that impressive and appealing. The twist of an ending, which has put-off some readers, made sense to me; especially considering some of the macabre works of Edgar Allan Poe, who is generally considered the originator of the genre of detective fiction.I highly recommend The Pale Blue Eye; just as much, if not more, than the other Bayard books I have enjoyed: Mr. Timothy; The Black Tower; and The School of Night.

As this type book goes, historical mystery, i found it a little under average. The author seems more concerned with his writing than with the story. Almost as if he's listening to himself tell the story. More frustrating, at least for me, is his trying to get the reader involved by including the reader in the narrative. The truth is Reader...It was then Reader...And so Reader...As far as the story itself, it is a decent plot but perhaps too drawn out. The ending was a surprise, but quite believable. A surprise as I thought I had it figured out fairly early on. As far as Poe, I'm not really sure how I feel about the development of his character. Almost as if the author just tried to make Poe bigger, more interesting, than he really was, and what he really was, was interesting enough.

Deftly written in first person, this story draws you in deep. I thoroughly enjoyed all the puzzling threads that made the tapestry of this novel along with the authentic historical feel and the appearance of Edgar Alan Poe as one of the main characters. Smart and mysterious.

Bayard does an outstanding job of recreating the life style, culture, and attitudes from more than 150 years ago. For that alone, this book is worth reading. The characters are well drawn and interesting. Former police detective Augustus Landor is asked to investigate a murder and mutilation at West Point Academy. He is aided by Edgar Allan Poe. Both characters are very well depicted and highly interesting: I agree with the reviewers who said that Bayard has done an excellent job of bringing Poe to life. And Bayard's writing is excellent: fluid, elegant, beautifully composed sentences. But the setting and characters are hitched to a plot that seems very modern-day and triller-like. In short, somebody is murdering, then cutting the hearts out of West Point Cadets. A less fantastic plot would have made this a stronger book -- though, I must admit, if you're going to write a book in which somebody is cutting the hearts out of corpses, Edgar Allan Poe is the perfect choice for a real-life character to include in your book.

A retired New York City police detective. The cultural and political atmosphere of the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1830. The hanging death and then mutilation of the corpse of one of the cadets. Cadet Edgar Allan Poe as one of those investigating the murder. So, why do I feel slightly dissatisfied? Those ingredients should be a recipe for a sure-fire winner for me. And yet, it wasn't. I'm glad I read it, but it isn't going to remain on my shelf to be enjoyed again at another time.Augustus Landor is the narrator of this story and one of the best things about the book is that he speaks directly to the Reader. You or me. It sounded very realistic, author Louis Bayard made that work perfectly. The close knit, in fact almost paranoid, community involved with West Point was very skillfully portrayed. The officers who want what's best for the corps of cadets, but who must look out for their own skins (and careers) were also believable. My dissatisfaction with this book seems to stem from the actual character of Augustus Landor himself. The way he used Poe during the investigation and then the way he wanted to use Poe when the mystery was solved just didn't sit well with me. And yet, that was exactly the type of man Landor was. So there is my problem.This book is not one which most readers will whiz through and be done with in practically no time at all. No, this one takes careful reading to pick up on all the subtle nuances which the narrator imparts to you. Details are of paramount importance here and Mr Bayard gives them full justice. I just know that I closed the book and sat for a while thinking it over. I did not solve the mystery, I had to wait for the disclosures to come from the author so that should have made me happy. Will I try another of Mr. Bayard's books? I don't know, the jury is still out on that question.

This is quite a different book, and worth a look if you want something out of the usual. I won't spoil the plot.

Very good book.