The Murders in the Rue Morgue and Other Stories, with eBook

Written by Edgar Allan Poe

Narrated by David Case

Between 1841 and 1844, Edgar Allan Poe invented the detective fiction genre with his mesmerizing stories of a young French eccentric named C. Auguste Dupin. Introducing to literature the concept of applying reason to solving crime, these tales brought Poe fame and fortune. Years later, Dorothy Sayers would describe "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" as "almost a complete manual of detective theory and practice." Indeed, Poe's short mysteries inspired the creation of countless literary sleuths, among them Sherlock Holmes. Today, the Dupin stories still stand out as unique and utterly engrossing.



In addition to "The Murders in the Rue Morgue," this collection contains "The Purloined Letter" (also featuring C. Auguste Dupin), "The Thousand-and-Second Tale of Scheherazade," "A Descent into the Maelstrom," "The Raven," and "The Masque of the Red Death."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Release date: Mar 2, 2009
• ISBN: 9781400181247

Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar Allan Poe  hijo de unos actores ambulantes de teatro, se quedó huérfano a los dos años. Fue criado por John Allan, un hombre de negocios rico, y educado en Inglaterra y Norteamérica. Su vida universitaria fue rebelde y libertina, en esta época es cuando el poeta empieza a beber, hasta que es expulsado de la Universidad de Virginia por jugador. En 1827 escribió su primer volumen de poesías, Tamerlán, en la que se denota una leve inclinación byroniana. En 1830 lo admitieron en la Academia Militar de West Point, de la que pronto fue expulsado. A partir de entonces se inicia su agitada carrera literaria. Vivía al día, como periodista con un sueldo mediocre, pero estas actividades lo llevaron a conseguir muchos trabajos en calidad de colaborador y posteriormente, llegar a la dirección de numerosos periódicos, entre ellos el Southern Literary Messenger, el cual se convirtió bajo su dirección en el más importante periódico del sur. Por todos estos empleos recibía un sueldo mísero, pero a cambio le daban la oportunidad de publicar sus relatos, lo que le proporcionó fama; sin embargo, la mayor parte del tiempo vivió el la más absoluta miseria, con algunos lapsos de relativa calma.

[Mahmood K Altajir · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I do enjoy Edgar Allan Poe's stories and his unique style of writing... However I found this particular narration to be very poor. So my 2 star rating is really with regard to this particular narration and not the stories / poems themselves.

[wilsonknut · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is considered, if not the first, one of the first detective stories that defined the genre. Dupin is supposedly the model for Sherlock Holmes. Poe's description of the murder scene is surprisingly horrific for the time period. If you don't know how this who-done-it ends, it may surprise you. Read this and then watch an episode of CSI. You will see the formula still in place over a hundred years later.

[kaethe_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I don't recall exactly when I first read this (sometime in late elementary/middle school), but it certainly made an impact. I still consider Poe one of my favorite mystery writers.

[thornton37814 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This work by Poe is often described as the first mystery. With such a distinction, it is an important work to revisit from time to time, even if its plot is not as fully developed as later efforts, because of its influence on masters of the mystery genre such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I remember reading this one back in high school and also in university. At the time, I was disappointed in it. As I read it this time, knowing the outcome, I think I appreciated it more because I found myself seeking the earlier hints which would lead to the crime's resolution. While I believe many questions remain unanswered regarding the sailor's role, I know I'm bringing my 21st century mindset to that question by envisioning lawsuits and other charges relating to harboring an orangutan in one's apartment. The use of deductive reasoning is the important contribution of this classic work which is probably appreciated most when it is re-read and studied for that reason.

[norabelle414 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Two women are found murdered in a locked apartment in Paris, and none of the witnesses can agree on what they heard. A man named Auguste Dupin examines each clue methodically, and comes up with a most unusual solution to the mystery.This is often credited with being the first detective story. The first section of the book is devoted to Dupin explaining how he uses deductive reasoning (at the time called ratiocination) to figure things out, and it's very tedious. The recounting of the crime scene and accompanying investigation are somewhat interesting. However, I think the solution is a bit too convenient and I don't think there's any way Dupin could actually have deduced it. Plus, if the sailor saw his orangutan murder two people, and then he ran away from the crime scene, why would he answer an advertisement asking if anyone had lost an orangutan?? I do find it interesting that the sailor is not held responsible for the orangutan's actions, though. That certainly would not be the case today. This is an important story to understand the history of the detective genre, but it's not actually that enjoyable to read.I listened to the audiobook read by David Case. I'm not sure if it was the audio quality or the narrator's voice, but I didn't care for it. I was considering listening to more of the stories in this audio collection but I think I'll pass.

[maydacat_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This stort story by Poe is considered to be the first detective story and has surely influenced other authors of such tales. It was the seemingly impossible scenario: two murdered women, one in a back yard and the other in a room locked from the inside. The murders are especially gory and violent. Monsieur C. Auguste Dupin is intrigued by the murders, and though the general concensus is that the situation is impossible, he believes that once the impossible is eliminated, whatever is left, though improbable, is the answer. Following Dupin’s thought process as he sifts through the information is an interesting study in the workings of a detective’s mind.

[deltaqueen50 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Murders in the Rue Morgue by Edgar Allan Poe is a novella that was originally published in 1841. Today this story is mostly admired for its’ historic value as it is considered the first modern detective story. The main character, C. Auguste Dupin solves the brutal murder of two women in Paris. Poe has his detective display many of the traits that become literary conventions in many of the detectives that were to follow, including Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot. The idea that the detective has great analytical talents, is exceptionally brilliant and has a personal friend do the narration are all plot points that were introduced in this story. Although the language is rather dated, this is a fascinating story and well worth a quick read.

[john257hopper · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The detective at the centre of this mystery, Auguste Dupin, was one of the inspirations for Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes. Dupin here uses the techniques of eliminating the impossible and arriving at a conclusion that, however improbable, must be the truth. But it felt more long winded here, and we didn't get to know Dupin at all. Indeed much of this felt more like an analytical essay than a story. 3.5/5

[isabelx_21 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A Penguin 60s mini-book.I've read and enjoyed this story of "a gruesome crime and the birth of a super-sleuth" before.

[katieloucks · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I just skimmed this - how could he have known all of it?

[YesiA98 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It kept me in suspense from beginning to end. And I guessed in a way who the killer was before reaching the end; still, it surprised me that my suspicions were true. Very entertaining. (Translated from Spanish)

[watashiwakiki · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I highlight: "He likes enigmas, hieroglyphics, and when solving them he demonstrates a level of insight that seems supernatural to the rest of the minds." It is a short story that perfectly accompanies the development of both the characters and the reader's experience. It is very enjoyable reading for the writings of Edgar Allan Poe and highly recommended to attempt to reach the intellectual development of the protagonist. (Translated from Spanish)

[mercedes242800 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

First detective novel, published in the Philadelphia magazine Graham’s Magazine in April 1841. Attention, logic, and reflection are the characteristics of the first detective C. Auguste Dupin and his friend, who is the narrator (it reminds me a lot of Sherlock Holmes), and the novel has simple language with a quick and unexpected or fanciful ending. (Translated from Spanish)

[Bealibra30 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

It's the work of this author that I like the least; I find the plot ridiculous. (Translated from Spanish)

[Ccurcuma · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I can only tell you that it blew my mind. It kept me entertained from beginning to end. (Translated from Spanish)

[VaneLugo15 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I consider it more of a thriller or suspense than a horror story, although the plot is very interesting and easy to read and understand. That said, the author's prose is wonderful. (Translated from Spanish)

[lovelysoobder · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I simply didn't expect anything that happened; at first, I thought the crimes were committed by a spirit, but when they explained the ending and how they got there, it was incredible. (Translated from Spanish)

[Bree14 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very good this book, it was the first story of Poe that I read and I liked it a lot. You can feel like you are in the streets of Paris. (Translated from Spanish)

[Sonia75 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A classic from one of my favorite authors. (Translated from Spanish)

[Yaima · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The illustrious investigator with such receptivity to the slightest superficial details is only comparable to Hercules Poirot. A passion for solving mysteries and punishing the guilty or, the guilty one. (Translated from Spanish)

[tiaragallardo · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It starts with an analogy regarding two different ways of human analysis in a situation, including some examples from everyday life to better understand. Then, the "story" begins. The body proves to be enriching with a completely analytical aspect from start to finish. Finally, the ending turns out to be somewhat rushed and brief. (Translated from Spanish)

[DayanaDayana · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A character with a magnificent talent for analyzing and explaining the reasoning behind every detail of the scene; of course, it requires a very comprehensive reading, but for lovers of literature, nothing is impossible. (Translated from Spanish)

[Tharcy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It is the first time I read something by Poe, a direct, clear, analytical, concise way; nothing is superfluous, nothing is lacking in this short story of the murders in the Rue Morgue.

What I liked the most is the explanation the author gives about how the analyst enjoys the simple fact of engaging in this activity of analysis. (Translated from Spanish)

[Arcadio · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A few macabre and savage deaths on the Morgue Street of Paris are being investigated by the police. The strange events will be unraveled by a young gentleman with great analytical abilities.

A brief story in which Poe presents and unravels the complex mystery in the blink of an eye. (Translated from Spanish)

[Snack31 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The most unexpected ending in the history of literature. (Translated from Spanish)

[Grisalvarez94 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It is interesting and light to read, it intrigues you from the beginning with the way the killer leaves his victims. I listened to it in audiobook format and I loved the narration; it invites you to keep listening until you find out the end of it all. (Translated from Spanish)

[GPbooks · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Dupin did it again, "deny what is and explain what is not," a highly recommended tale about these macabre murders committed by someone or something extraordinary, out of the ordinary, and that once again shows us Poe's genius. (Translated from Spanish)

[Mell · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Another of Poe's great works. It immerses us in a criminal world that seems one way and is actually something unimaginable. Once again, he captures the brilliant macabre details, and leads the story to a truly unexpected culmination. The astonishment left us perplexed. Poe is the king of horror, and when he fuses it with detective fiction, he truly works wonders. (Translated from Spanish)

[Patricia10 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A short story of a bloody crime that had an author and the development of events that were incredibly possible, which was resolved by a person, Auguste Dupin, a highly observant analytical genius. (Translated from Spanish)

[Rafaguillo · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Poe, poe, poe... forced to read you in my adolescence and in between Fortunata and Jacinta and SM books and The Famous Five. Always so different.
The narration of the crime scene is impeccable, the deductive capacity and sagacity of Poe's Holmes lead you with the right rhythm into a dark case in a gloomy Paris.
Poe, poe... what a pleasure it is to smoke your words. (Translated from Spanish)