Author Harold Schechter booklist (click here)

Book Review By Harriet Klausner
The Hum Bug by Harold Schechter

Pocket, Nov 2001, 25.00, 400 pp. ISBN: 0671041150     Edgar Allan Poe is unable to feed his family on the wages he makes as a journalist/editor in Philadelphia. He relocates, with his family, to New York City where writing opportunities are much better. When he sees a handbill for the P.T. Barnum's American Circus, Edgar turns irate because he knows that at least one falsehood exists on the handbill he was given. He confronts Barnum, but obtains nothing but blarney from the glib talker.     Barnum is very impressed with Poe and visits the writer in his home when the media blames Barnum's American circus for causing a murder to happen. Poe who has solved murders before (SEE NEVERMORE) agrees to investigate. When the victim's missing arm is mailed to Poe's home, he concludes he is on the correct path and if can stay alive long enough he will solve the case.    Poe is clearly the star of this book as he uses his belief in his superior brain power to slice and dice everyone using self-deprecation so nobody will be offended. The HUMBUG is a serious historical mystery though Barnum lightens up the atmosphere with his unique brand of showmanship. Though a nineteenth century who-done-it, mystery lovers of all sub-genre persuasions will enjoy Harold Schecter's tale. Harriet Klausner
Plot Tone of story - How difficult to spot villain? - Difficult, but some clues given Time/era of story: Spying/Terrorism Thriller Yes Cloak & Dagger Plotlets: - - - What % of story relates directly to the mystery, not the subplot? - 50% Special suspect? - lover Murder of certain profession? Misc. Murder Plotlets - Big focus on forensic evidence Kind of investigator Kid or adult book? - Adult or Young Adult Book Any non-mystery subplot? Crime Thriller Yes Murder Mystery (killer unknown) Yes General Crime (including known murderer) Yes Who's the criminal enemy here? - finding a known killer Main Character Gender - Male Profession/status: How much violence does he/she use? - a little How sensitive is this character? Sense of humor - Strong but gentle sense of humor Intelligence - - - Smarter than most other characters Physique - average physique Main Adversary Identity: - Male Age: - 20's-30's Profession/status: How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - a moderate amount Motive of antagonist - jealousy How sensitive is this character? Sense of humor - Cynical sense of humor Intelligence - Average intelligence Physique - average physique Setting United States Yes The US: - Northeast Style Person - mostly 1st Accounts of torture and death? - generic/vague references to death/punishment How many deaths? - 1 Amount of dialog - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog