The American Boy Audiobook (Unabridged)

" Convincing tale of Victorian England and Edgar Allan Poe's childhood. "

" I couldn't finish this book. I hate the device of literal foreshadowing. Quote-pg. 8: "Nor did I realise that X and Y would lead me, step by step, towards the dark heart of a labyrinth, to a place of terrible secrets and the worst of crimes." Up until that sentence I was interested in the story. I find this only works for me when I've already been introduced to the character who is narrating and have some sympathy for him/her at that point when they begin the story. But to throw these bombs into an otherwise straightforward, first-person story loses me. I made it to page 83 then gave up. I just didn't care who died, how, why or who got punished for it. The only sympathetic character had been dismissed already as a crackpot. I couldn't have cared less about any of the others. "

" This was very well written, but failed to give any of the promised macabre of Poe. I feel this was a missed opportunity really! "

" Finished this last night. Good mystery with some unexpected twists and turns. Found it to be a little wordy and at times had to go back and reread something to make sure I understood it. If you like historical fiction though it was good. "

" This was slow-moving at times but overall a pretty gripping read. But despite the title and the jacket synopsis, the story doesn't have all that much to do with Edgar Allan Poe. "

" This is one of Taylor's best books - and all of his books are exceptional - the language is pitch perfect, the plot is precise, intelligent and clear and the suspense is just enough to keep you reading to the small hours... well worth a read. "

" A well written and interesting book. The mystery is well created, unfurling slowly and revealing depths to the characters. "

" Sorry just didn't grab me gave up after 80 pages I did try. "

" This was an absolutely magnificent book. It was, to use a real cliche, a genuine reading experience and I was left quite bereft when I had finished it. The writing was beautiful, the story intricate and gripping, and the characters so real they jumped off the pages. Ten out of ten! "

" Don't let the description fool you, this book is completely boring and as interesting as a sock. "

" This was a great story, with plenty of interesting characters that could be imagined in lots of detail. I loved the descriptions of places, seasons and emotions that the writer captured. I gave it to my Mum after reading it, not sure if she'll like it as much as I did though. "

" fairly good book. I was disappointed by the ending. enjoyed the history. "

" This is a first for me. It's a period piece. The main character is so alive throughout the book, you almost believe that you are him. What a great mystery, too. A good page turner that wont disappoint. "

" Enjoyed it, very good read well written "

" Was a little slow to get going. I enjoyed the fact that some of the book was set in a place where I'm familiar. I think it would make a better film - very atmospheric. "

" This took me a while to get in to, but about half way through I was glad I'd persevered. I was totally unprepared for the denoument. "

" A splendid literary potboiler. It starts off slow and ends somewhat too frenetically, but it is well worth it. "

" As well as being a brilliant read I love this author for incorporating Gloucester into his historical novel, a wonderful city, much maligned. "

" A truly gripping book, certainly a book you will struggle to put down "

" While I enjoyed this book, at times I felt that it was a bit too long and convoluted. Desperately in need of some additional editing. "