An Unpardonable Crime

By: Andrew Taylor

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 15 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

Edgar Allan Poe is an American boy in England, a child standing on the edge of mysteries. In 1819, two Americans arrive in London. Soon afterward a bank collapses. A man is found horribly mutilated on a building site and an heiress flirts with her inferiors. All the while, Poe's young schoolmaster struggles to understand what is happening before he and his loved ones are destroyed. But the truth, like the youthful Poe himself, has its origins in the New World as well as the Old, in a bitter episode of corruption during the War of 1812.

With settings ranging from the coal-scented urban jungle of late Regency London to the stark winter landscapes of a rural Gloucestershire, An Unpardonable Crime is a multi-layered literary murder mystery, a historical novel, and a love story. In addition to shedding fascinating light on Edgar Allan Poe, the book is a fast-paced suspenseful tale, filled with shocking revelations.

©2004 Andrew Taylor

Critic reviews

"Taylor does an excellent job in portraying early 19th-century London and writes in a clear, consistent period style...." (Publishers Weekly)
"Taylor is a major thriller talent."(Time Out London)
"A remarkable thriller, elegantly written...a work of superlative fiction." (Denver Post)

Excellent narration, okay story

This is a plot-driven mystery in which most of the plot is concealed from the reader until 3/4 of the way through. I'd much prefer to know more about what was going on earlier in the book. And the way the main character overcomes his nemesis is extremely difficult to believe.

That aside, the story captures the time and place very well.

The Edgar Allen Poe tie-in is extremely weak, because Poe appears only as a young boy.

The reader was the best voice-actor of all the audiobooks I've ever listened to. I had no trouble at all with any of the broad range of voices he took on -- truly a masterful performance. Bravo!

An essential Poe

Brilliant but odd but then it is Poe. Do have a go as it entrances.

Intriguing Story and Superb Narration!

I personally found this to be an engrossing novel with an excellent performance by the narrator. Historical fiction / period pieces have always appealed to me. This audiobook is definitely worth the listening experience.

Good story great reader

I am reviewing this book because someone should. Good characters, good story, great reader. Although this writer did not go as deep into the tourtured soul as Poe ( maybe he will next time), he did manage to spin a "What happens next?" story. I really do hope that if there is a next book the author researches mans inhumanity to man.

worthwhile

For me, this is what the audio book experience is all about. I am sure I would have loved this story in any format, as the writing is terrific. However, with an excellent reader who is perfect for the material, the experience was enhanced tremendously. For anyone who enjoys historical fiction at its best, give this one a try.

A fine story, great mystery.

Well, if you are looking for something fast paced with everything tied up neatly at the end, this may not be for you. BUT if you are the type of reader who savors a good book like the ultimate good meal well here it is! i.e. this is more like a European dinner vs American fast food.
The main character is not Edgar Allen Poe, but his school teacher and to keep you in the mind of the character, is written in first person. We are introduced to him just as he believes he will be poor for the rest of his life, but then comes into a small inheritance. As he enters the life of a school teacher he meets a mysterious women who captivates him..problem though, she's married and stations above him. Well..that all changes when her husband is found murdered and the finger points towards our protagonist!
Extremely well written and a great story with character development.

A Pleasant Surprise

I wasn't sure what to expect as this is not my favored subject matter but I was pleasantly surprised. I listen to my ipod while I use a treadmill and I found myself looking forward to what happens next. A compelling tale well written and excellent narration!

An Unpardonable Crime

Even with the interruptions imposed by intermittent listening, I could easily drop into the story at any point. I was there every step of the way with this exceptionally talented writer and superb narrator. I was especially impressed with the writer's skill in interjecting what I imagine are his personal insights into the story line in a matter of fact manner, that never felt like prosteletizing.

Mixed Feelings

This novel is well written and thoroughly researched. Andrew Taylor is a fine author. His characterizations are crisp and distinctive, his period details are correct and convincing. Yet there's something lacking.

Edgar Allen Poe is one of the characters, but he's a minor presence and not a particularly memorable one. It's a gimmick, and it's not enough. I hate to say it, but this story drags. The pacing is subdued, the characters are monotonous. All in all, a rather bleak novel.

Kudos to Simon Vance for his fine narration, which is a treat. He's what kept me listening until the end.

Wanted to like it

I love historical mysteries and was ready to enjoy this. The narrator is fantastic, he makes you forget there is only one person narrating. That's why I give this two stars. The writing is literate. The problem is the plot! It's boring, meandering, pointless, and I was wishing it would end already. I have no idea why the boy Edgar Allan Poe is a character: he has zero relevance to the plot. It was like a gimmick to get people to read the book. I think The Italian Secretary by Caleb Carr is a much better listen.