The Vacant Tomb

The Vacant Tomb is a historical mystery thriller that intertwines a modern murder investigation with the long-standing mystery surrounding the life and death of Edgar Allan Poe. Looney showcases an exceptional ability to blend historical fact with imaginative storytelling, crafting a mystery that feels both authentic and deeply engaging. The novel begins in 1849 with Poe's final, mysterious hours in Baltimore before transporting readers to present-day Charleston, South Carolina, where a production team filming a documentary about Poe discovers the brutally tortured body of a literature professor in the historic Unitarian Church cemetery.

Two compelling Charleston detectives, Shelby James and his new partner, Sophie Laroche, are tasked with investigating the murder and soon learn that the victim was one of several leading Edgar Allan Poe scholars hired to consult on the documentary. As the plot thickens and new revelations emerge, the investigation becomes intertwined with legends surrounding Poe's lost love, Annabel Lee, hidden graves, forgotten history, and secrets that may have remained buried for more than a century.

Looney's attention to historical detail and immersive sense of place bring Charleston and the legacy of Edgar Allan Poe vividly to life, providing readers with a thoroughly satisfying reading experience from the very first page. This is a refreshingly original mystery that is sure to entertain and intrigue.