From the moment Saoirse White steps into the historic home of Sarah Helen Whitman, Beneath the Poet's House had me hooked. The setting—an old, storied house with a rose garden and forgotten cemetery—was so atmospheric that I could practically feel the weight of the past pressing in on Saoirse as she navigated her grief and writer's block. The eerie charm of the place, mixed with the eccentric transcendentalists who were so consumed with their beliefs, set the stage for a psychological thriller that got under my skin.

Saoirse’s journey, from the depths of sorrow to a tentative rebirth through her writing and a new romance, was beautifully done. But as the pages turned, I could feel the creeping sense of unease building—nothing was as it seemed, and the suspense grew thicker with each passing chapter. The introduction of Emmit Powell, the charming author, only added to the tension, and I couldn't help but question his motives, just as Saoirse did.

What I loved most was how Christa Carmen blurred the lines between reality and the supernatural. Saoirse’s exploration of the house’s past, her struggle with her own buried secrets, and the strange, unsettling occurrences throughout kept me on edge. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, the twists came fast, making me rethink everything I thought I knew.

This book is perfect for anyone who loves a slow-burning psychological thriller filled with atmospheric tension, deep emotional complexity, and a touch of the eerie. Beneath the Poet's House is a haunting, unforgettable read that I couldn’t put down, and it’s one that will stay with me long after the final page.

A very interesting gothic thriller? From the very first page, Beneath the Poet’s House weaves a compelling and suspense-filled narrative that draws readers in with its haunting atmosphere. Blending history, mystery, fiction, folklore, and legend, the story unfolds a mesmerizing tale of séances, obsession, and ghosts; fear, intimidation, and abuse; deceit, manipulation, and entitlement; identity, individuality, and erasure; as well as health, power, and control.

Christa Carmen’s Beneath the Poet’s House is a haunting and intricately layered novel that blends history, supernatural horror, and deep psychological themes. Set against the backdrop of Rhode Island’s gothic literary heritage, the story follows Saoirse as she navigates a tumultuous relationship with the enigmatic Emmett Powell. Carmen masterfully weaves themes of addiction, emotional abuse, motherhood, and self-discovery into the narrative, using symbolic elements—such as Saoirse’s black cat—to deepen the novel’s emotional resonance.

The séance scene, heavily influenced by Sarah Helen Whitman, is a standout moment that amplifies the book’s eerie atmosphere and its connection to spiritualist traditions. Carmen also integrates the stone tape theory, adding an intellectual and metaphysical dimension to the ghostly happenings.

With her signature ability to blend historical and supernatural themes, Carmen delivers a chilling yet thought-provoking tale. Beneath the Poet’s House is an unforgettable read for horror fans who appreciate rich storytelling, psychological depth, and literary history woven into their scares.

This is the second book I’ve read by this author and I enjoyed it so much. While it was fun to read, I also clearly saw that Christa is super knowledgeable about the literary world as an art form and in history.

While this is a work of fiction, it’s so fun to see the actual places where this story took place - it actually got me out and exploring the real world while also delving into the history of Edgar Allen Poe and friends. I also loved the mirroring into present day.

I’ve already gifted this book to a friend and bought myself a physical copy.

Book Review: Beneath the Poet's House by Christa Carmen

Rating: ★★★★☆

As a lover of atmospheric thrillers, I was immediately drawn to Beneath the Poet's House by Christa Carmen, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The moment I laid eyes on the cover, I knew I was in for something special. The haunting imagery hinted at the gothic themes woven throughout the story, and I was eager to dive into its depths.

The novel centers around Saoirse White, a grieving writer grappling with the loss of her husband. In search of solace and inspiration, she moves into a historic home in Providence that once belonged to the enigmatic poet and spiritualist Sarah Helen Whitman. This connection to Whitman, who had a notable relationship with Edgar Allan Poe, added an intriguing layer to the narrative that I absolutely loved. The setting itself is rich with history, and Carmen’s descriptive prose paints a vivid picture of the house, the hidden rose garden, and the eerie cemetery that sits quietly at the back.

Upon settling into her new abode, Saoirse encounters a lively group of transcendentalists who are passionate about Whitman’s mystic beliefs. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and as Saoirse opens herself up to their world, she begins to step away from her grief. She also meets Emmit Powell, a captivating author who brings a spark of romance into her life. Just when it seems like Saoirse is finding her footing again, the story takes a suspenseful turn as buried secrets from her past resurface, leading to a tense and anxiety-inducing atmosphere.

Carmen's writing truly shines in this book. Her lyrical style beautifully captures the psychological turmoil Saoirse experiences, immersing us in her struggle against writer’s block and emotional pain. The prose flows like poetry, making every page a delight to read. I found myself completely engrossed in the world she created, where the past and present intertwine in a sinister dance.

What I appreciated most was how Carmen tackles themes of loss, identity, and the hidden realities that often lurk beneath the surface. The feminist undercurrents of Saoirse's journey resonate deeply, highlighting the strength it takes to confront one’s demons. The suspense builds steadily throughout the narrative, creating an almost palpable tension that kept me on edge.

In summary, Beneath the Poet's House is a gripping psychological thriller that expertly blends elements of gothic fiction with a modern narrative. Christa Carmen has crafted a tale that is both immersive and thought-provoking, filled with vivid imagery and rich character development. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you guessing while also drawing you into its beautifully dark world, this one is definitely worth your time!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

There's a lot going on in this book, but in the good, I'm-definitely-going-to-reread-this way. The narrative excels in creating a moody ambiance that Poe fans will appreciate. The intertwining of Whitman's and Poe's history with Saoirse's present-day experiences also offers a compelling backdrop. The author has an amazing way with words, and it truly captures the uneasiness, the obsessiveness, and the sinister undertones of love. Some parts of the book do get a little bit silly, but overall, I loved it!

Saoirse is trying to move on from the death of her husband and create a life for herself after so many years of losing her own desires to her husband’s expectations.

Saoirse has some skeletons in her past, but she’s determined to leave the life that was making her miserable and smothering her creativity. She’s leaving the home she shared with her husband until he died and returning to Providence, where they met in college. She’s hoping to start fresh and get back to writing novels again.

She’s not surprised when things once again don’t go according to plan. The house she picked out to rent happens to have a history, and although it hasn’t been rented for five years, she finds visitors there on her first night. But she’s resilient and reminds herself that she wanted things to be different, and they are definitely seeming to shape up that way. Soon she even meets a new romantic interest, that she surely did not think would happen so soon, or maybe ever again.

Emmit is interested in her and her writing, and wants to know everything about her. Another new friend plants a seed of doubt, but of course Saoirse is a grown up who can make her own choices and judgments about people.

The book is beautifully told, thoroughly researched regarding the area and references of Edgar Allan Poe and Sarah Helen Whitman, and intricately plotted for some reminiscing of their doomed love story. This great gothic thriller earned 5 out of 5 stars. It would be an excellent spooky book club read.

Beneath the Poet’s House by Christa Carmen is a psychological thriller that had me feeling nervous at times and really creeped out. But those feelings were all due to the authors great writing ability. The story starts out with Saoirse White, a novelist who has recently lost her husband and is living in a huge sterile home that is of her husbands choosing and is nothing like she would have chosen if she had had any say. But her husband was a very controlling man and everything had to go his way. Under her sisters gentle persuasion, she packs up and moves to Providence, Rhode Island where she rents a historic home once owned by Sarah Helen Whitman, a poet who at one time was involved with Edgar Allan Poe. There she soon meets 3 very odd individuals while they are holding a seance in her basement. The 4 of them soon become the best of friends. She also meets Emmit Powell, another author, and that’s where the psychological part of the story comes into play. This was a story that had me feeling nervous like I was on the edge of my seat just waiting to see how it was going to play out. The way the author wrote the scenes made them seem so realistic as if I was right there feeling the terror and experiencing everything Saoirse went through. I loved that the story included connecting with the afterlife, and how she could still hear input from her dead husband. The spiritual side of the story was fun and interesting but it was the crazy side involving Emmit that took center stage. This was a really good story and I’d like to thank NetGalley for the arc that I obtained off the Read Now section. It’s a book I’d recommend to all readers of psychological thrillers and I’m rating this story with 4 stars.

This one is full of gothic vibe as a woman tries to make a new start in a house once owned by poet Sarah Helen Whitman.

It has seances, Edgar Allen Poe references, a main character with a secret, and a newly adopted black cat.

It’s creepy, twisty, has academia, and the action kept my heart racing.

There was a lot going on in this book, and while a lot was happening it also felt like nothing was happening. I didn't connect with the characters. The writing was beautiful, but I don't think this book was for me and that's okay. I will still be looking at other books by this author.

3.5 stars

This was an interesting slow burn gothic thriller. Major haunted house vibes, supernatural elements, buried secrets. I wish I had read this during Halloween, it would be a great atmospheric read for that season. It was interesting learning more about Edgar Allan Poe & Sarah Whitman. The last 25% of the story was pretty fast paced.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me this book in exchange for an honest review!

I really enjoyed this gothic thriller. I did not know much about Edgar Allen Poe so I liked the ways the reader was introduced to his and Sarah’s history. The house and the parallels to the past gave great eerie vibes and I loved Saoirse internal monologue throughout. I enjoyed the friendships she made with other writers and the seances were interesting. I liked the direction the plot took and it had just enough suspense to keep me guessing and really engaged.

Thank you @christaqua @otrpr @amazonpublishing for the gifted copy.

Beneath the Poet’s House by Christa Carmen is a haunting and atmospheric novel that blends elements of literary fiction with mystery and psychological depth. Set in a remote, crumbling house once inhabited by a famous poet, the story follows a young woman, Mae, who is drawn to the house after the poet’s death. She uncovers not only the poet’s secrets but also strange, almost supernatural occurrences that seem to echo the dark past of the house and its former occupants.

The novel is full of lush, evocative descriptions, and Carmen has a talent for creating an immersive, almost eerie atmosphere. The house itself feels like a character, with its creaky floors, hidden rooms, and secrets buried in its foundation. The sense of isolation adds a layer of tension as Mae begins to uncover strange connections between the poet’s work, his life, and the people who lived there before her.

Mae’s journey is just as much about uncovering the mysteries of the house as it is about her own personal journey. She’s a character with depth and emotional complexity, and I really appreciated the way Carmen developed her. The blend of psychological tension and mysterious happenings kept me on edge, and the book never felt predictable. The slow reveal of secrets—both about the poet and about Mae’s own past—was expertly done, and I found myself constantly questioning what was real and what was imagined.

The pacing is deliberate, which works well for the eerie and atmospheric tone the book sets. It’s not a fast-paced thriller but rather a slow-burning mystery that builds in intensity as more is revealed about the poet’s life, the house’s history, and Mae’s own emotional landscape. The tension between what Mae wants to believe and what she begins to uncover kept me turning pages, even as I wondered whether Mae was being drawn into something beyond her control.

What I appreciated most about Beneath the Poet’s House was its blending of genres. It’s part literary fiction, part psychological thriller, and part ghost story. It explores themes of memory, identity, obsession, and the power of art, all while maintaining an air of mystery and suspense.

In conclusion, Beneath the Poet’s House is a beautifully written, atmospheric novel that fans of psychological thrillers and literary fiction alike will enjoy. It’s a slow burn with richly developed characters and a deeply eerie setting that will stay with you long after you finish it. If you love books that explore the darker corners of the human psyche, this one is definitely worth picking up.

This one had a little bit of everything for me. The beginning/middle was a blend of slow-burn gothic horror and historical fiction. The last 25% was an edge of your seat thriller where things took a QUICK, sinister turn. As unpredictable as it was unsettling, this was a work of art. With the way the story began, I would have never been able to see it ending the way it did. Major haunted house vibes with a main character on the brink of madness and supporting characters who are just as unhinged as she is. SOOOOOO GOOD.

An interesting gothic mystery with some comedic twists and romance. The recently widowed and grieving Saoirse moves into a historic house connected to the late poet Sophie White (Edgar Allan Poe’s fiancé). She discovers a cult of poets in her basement conducting a séance, which develops into some odd friendships. Saoirse finds her mind increasingly enraptured by poetry and she also meets a mysterious man, who may not be what he seems. Overall, a okay slow-burn mystery, crowded by excessive introspection and a lack of suspense.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for this advanced readers copy. Opinions are my own.

3.5 Stars — As a Poe fan, I couldn't resist the premise of BENEATH THE POET'S HOUSE. After her husband dies, Saoirse, a struggling writer, moves to Providence and into the former home of poet Sarah Helen Whitman, who was once the fiancée of Edgar Allan Poe. Saoirse begins a passionate affair with an unusual author who has a mad obsession with Poe and Whitman's relationship.

There's not much else I can say about the plot without risking spoilers. A lot is going on here — supernatural elements, transcendentalism, buried secrets from the past — it often feels like a fever dream. I enjoyed the gothic atmosphere and the nods to Poe and his life.

Two things I struggled with were the slow, drawn out pacing and bland characters. I wasn't as invested in them as I'd hoped. There was something missing that kept me from really loving the book, though the ending was both exciting and fitting. It did make me interested in learning more about Sarah Helen Whitman and her beliefs.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me a digital copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

Christa Carmen is grabbing hold of the gothic genre and creating a style all her own. She's quickly becoming such a gifted new england gothic writer that future writers will hold a seance under her house, summoning her soul for inspiration. It's clear she loves New England and Providence lore — if you drink from one of her novels, you'll always come back. I think what fascinates me most, beyond the main character's journey (who doesn't love a dark novel about a writer?) is the level of research it took to write this work. It clearly was a work of passion, and that love shows on the page.

After the death of her husband Saorise White moves to Providence, Rhode Island, for a fresh start. Once an author she’s been suffering from writers block, and she believes it from her grief. She rents the historic home of Sarah Helen Whitman — a 19th-century spiritualist, essayist, poet, transcendentalist, and former fiancée of Edgar Allan Poe. Upon her arrival, Saoirse discovers a a small group in her basement summoning Whitmans spirit asking for her help with their own writing problems. She soon becomes friends with them. While around town she keeps seeing this handsome man, when she meets him after accusing him of stalking, he’s introduces himself as Emmet Powell, a globally acclaimed author and professor at Brown University. They start a romance finally seeing some brightness in the all darkness . Inspired for the first time in as long as she can remember, she begins to write again, to feel like herself, that is until she can’t seem to shake the feeling that the house is hiding secrets. The past and present begin to blur, and she wonders is she unraveling, or is someone deliberately trying to harm her? Beneath the Poet’s House spins a gripping, suspenseful and mysterious story that mixes Poes darkness into now!

Saoirse White, still reeling from the loss of her husband 10 months prior, moves to Providence RIto start over. She moves into the historic home of Sarah Helen Whitman, a poet with ties to Edgar Allan Poe. She immediately meets a motley group of three people trying to commune with Whitman’s ghost in her basement. Upon getting settled in Providence, Saoirse meets Emmit, an award-winning novelist and they begin a whirlwind romance. Is Emmit too good to be true? Will Saoirse’s secrets catch up with her?

This book was barely a three star read for me. It only got raised to that because of the last 40 pages or so of the book. Saoirse ignored tons of red flags with Emmit so I wasn’t really rooting for them or her, honestly.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for access to this title.

Christa Carmen's prose shines as she pulls us into the heavy atmosphere of a woman who would just like to be left alone. Tons of goodies in this for Poe fans and rich gothic elements abound!