Reviewing: Annabel Lee

Reviewing: Annabel Lee

By Mike Nappa

Annabel Lee is a suspense novel written by Mike Nappa, a lover of all things Edgar Allen Poe.  The novel and the protagonist take their name from one of Poe’s poems, and Nappa cleverly weaves “Annabel Lee” throughout this novel.  The book is well paced and well written, and the plot is on point (if quite disturbing and bordering on unbelievable . . . one hopes).  I enjoyed getting to know the main characters: Trudi Coffey, Samuel Hill (though I wish someone would simply call the poor man “Sam”—he’s just too informal himself to be constantly called such a big name), The Mute, and, of course, Annabel Lee herself.  This launches the Coffey & Hill mysteries, and I’ll probably check those out too.

What didn’t I like?  Some of Nappa’s descriptions were repetitive (literally, I wondered if I had read a certain paragraph twice only to find it was chapters apart), and he employed the use of character reflection far too often.  I actually exclaimed aloud when it arose again in the final chapters.  I wish he had shared some of the characters’ discoveries or actions as they were happening instead of consistently having the character reflect on the previous few days or weeks.  Finally, while Nappa’s introduction of God in his characters’ lives often felt natural and subtle, at times it also felt forced. 

All in all, read the book.  And read the Poe poem to go with it.  It’s fun to look for the deeper meanings and the deeper, unspoken ways Nappa weaves the poem into his story.  It’s obvious he loves the poem, and he’s used it to create deep relationships that will keep me coming back for more.

DISCLAIMER: I received this book free from Revell through the Revell Reads Blog Tour in exchange for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review, and all views expressed are my own.  I’m disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.