The Poe Consequence

by Keith Steinbaum

After the death of an innocent bystander in a drive-by shooting, the two rival street gangs responsible for his murder soon face an Edgar Allan Poe inspired vow of revenge from beyond the grave.

Genres: Horror, Thriller

313 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 28, 2017

About the author

THE POE CONSEQUENCE:

WINNER - 2021 Book Excellence Awards for Best Fiction novel

WINNER 2022 Maincrest Media Awards in the Supernatural genre category

WINNER - 2024 American Fiction Awards in the Horror:Supernatural/Paranormal category

WINNER - 2024 Global Book Awards for Suspense Action Fiction

Premise:
After the drive-by shooting of an innocent bystander, the two gangs responsible for his murder face an Edgar Allan Poe inspired vow of revenge from beyond the grave.

“Keith Steinbaum crafts one of those thrillers that resolutely refuses to let go until you have read the last sentence. Then you want to read it again."

- TheBookCommentary.com

YOU SAY GOODBYE:

WINNER for the Fiction/Intrigue category in TopShelf magazine's 2020 Book of the Year competition.

FINALIST - Book Excellence Awards for Mystery

WINNER 2022 Maincrest Media Awards Mystery category

WINNER 2024 Global Book Awards for Traditional Detective Mysteries

Premise:
The murder of an ex-rock star’s girlfriend leads a detective to conclude that the perpetrator is not only a renowned serial killer, but probably somebody the singer knows.

"One of the most touching and inspiring crime thrillers you'll ever read."
- Donald Richard, TopShelf Reviews

"The difference between Steinbaum's two novels is almost night and day, yet each provides readers with a depth of complexity that is beyond the norm and originality."
- GABixler Reviews

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS - release date 3/26/24

WINNER - sub-category of the 2024 Shelley Paranormal Fiction Chanticleer International Book Awards

FINALIST - 2024 American Fiction Book Awards

BRONZE MEDALIST - Global Book Awards

Premise:
There are over 300,000 gravesites in Evergreen Cemetery, and all of the occupants are resting in peace. Except for two. One with a warning to give. The other who the warning is about.

"Keith Steinbaum crafts a thoroughly engrossing horror saga that moves between worlds and purposes to draw readers into darkness similar to what classics such as Dracula achieved."
-D. Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Reviews

For more information about the author and his books visit:http://www.keithsteinbaum.com

Reviews

[Briar's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keith Steinbaum’s The Poe Consequence is a compelling mix of supernatural suspense and deep emotional exploration. After a tragic drive-by shooting, the ghost of an innocent victim embarks on a chilling Edgar Allan Poe-inspired revenge mission against two rival street gangs. What could have been a simple revenge story quickly evolves into something much more profound, as the book tackles heavy themes like grief, trauma, racism, and loss. With its fast-paced narrative and Poe-inspired atmosphere, the story keeps you hooked from start to finish, blending horror and mystery with a literary flair that will satisfy fans of both genres.

What sets The Poe Consequence apart is not only its gripping plot but its emotional depth. Steinbaum explores the complex impact of violence and loss, delving into the struggles of the characters with nuance and sensitivity. The writing is accessible, making it easy to get lost in the story, while the inclusion of Edgar Allan Poe references adds a unique layer of intellectual intrigue. Although the book touches on difficult topics like gang violence and systemic racism, it never feels exploitative, instead offering a thought-provoking experience. This book is a fantastic read for anyone looking for a story that’s as emotionally resonant as it is thrilling.

Five out of five stars.

I received this book for free from the author, Keith Steinbaum, in exchange for an honest review.

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book to give an honest review.

First let me say yes there is references to Edgar Allen Poe but you do not have to fully understand Poe's way of writing to read this story. Two brothers start this book off Kevin and Warren. Warren is very much into Poe and into psychics which I think is pretty amazing when he gets a reading he doesn't want to hear it all the way through which can be expected especially when it says he will be dying. When the unthinkable happens Warren's son Seth is all alone besides his Uncle Kevin who has no clue how to take care of a young boy. We see how Seth holds a lot of hatred in his heart for Mexicans because his father was killed in front of him by two rival Mexican gangs. Seth eventually learns to let go of things but it takes time not only for him to understand not everyone is the same, but to heal properly.
Kevin turns to the bottle that is until a very young Mexican-American woman catches his eye. Veronica has her own hidden past something that is very troubling and you feel for her on so many levels especially when the rape scene occurs. Eventually we learn that the two rival gang members the Diablos and the Lobos are dying left and right from their heart being turned cold. It is a rare case that has everyone baffled until eventually Kevin and Seth put it all together the person or thing that is doing this believes to be doing the right thing.
I honestly did not want to put this book down I was very intrigued on how Poe was woven into the story line. I enjoyed the Mexican slang through out the book and found myself attempting to say some of the words.
There is a lot of cussing and a rape scene that makes you get the chills and want to hurt the person involved but you got to tell yourself it is a book there will be justice somewhere down the line.
Overall a very enjoyable book that has us readers learn that you shouldn't judge everyone just by the wrongs of those of the same race, not only that but love will find you even from beyond the grave.

[Geza Tatrallyay · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Poe Consequence, author Keith Steinbaum connects his interest in poetry and the tales of Edgar Allen Poe with his research into the violent lives of the young LatInos who end up in the gangs of Los Angeles to weave a mystery horror tale of retribution from beyond the grave. After a frightening consultation with a Tarot card reader in New Orleans, Professor Warren Palmer—a lover of Poe’s stories and poems—is accidentally killed in a botched robbery that turns into gangland warfare. He leaves behind an orphan son, Seth, who as a result hates all Latinos, until he slowly develops a respect and admiration for Veronica, his beautiful Latina tutor, with whom his uncle Kevin, his guardian, ends up falling in love. In the meantime, the LA police are puzzled by a series of strange heart attack deaths that plague the two gangs involved in Warren’s death, always coupled with a gangland murder and always at 4 am in the morning. Kevin and Seth, with the help of Veronica and her gangland member brother, intervene to unravel the mystery of the deaths and to help put an end to them.

Keith Steinbaum shows an impressive knowledge of LA gangland life and weaves a gripping story with strong, well-created characters that carry the plot forward. As someone who does not read many tales that involve beyond the grave actors or events, this reader found the link to Edgar Allen Poe’s stories an engaging ploy and an excellent point of departure. A great read!

[Cobwebs-in-Space-Ice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review: THE POE CONSEQUENCE by Keith Steinbaum


THE POE CONSEQUENCE is very, very good. No, that's an understatement: the talent with which author Keith Steinbaum creates and maintains multiple levels of meaning, juggling a vast cast of characters, and reaching into the inner recesses of each of these characters, is awe-inspiring! For each character, I felt as if I lived inside that individual, comprehending the character's motivations and understanding the thoughts. Then there is the incredible framework, which makes this a trans-genre novel, even transcending genre limitations. Definitely a Best of its Year, and I will be seeking it out to reread.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

“The Poe Consequence” is a paranormal thriller set in present day Los Angeles, California. The story centers around an 11 year old boy named Seth Palmer, his father, Warren Palmer, and his uncle, Kevin Palmer.

We begin in New Orleans where Warren, a college poetry professor in L.A. who is obsessed with Edgar Allen Poe’s work, seeks a psychic to tell him if he has gotten a position he applied for at USC. After some searching and divine intervention, he finds Madame Sibilia. During his tarot reading we find out that part of his past is filled with pain. Warren explains that Seth’s mother, Michelle, has died only months ago from cancer. She continues and foretells Warren’s death and explains that after his he will become a restless spirit seeking revenge, and in the process of revenge will become evil. Not wanting to hear anymore, he runs out of her shop before learning the last card of his fortune and jumps on a plane back to L.A.

Days later, Warren and Kevin take Seth to a Dodger’s game and before going home, Warren has to stop at a local market to get aspirin for a building migraine. In the parking lot, on their way out of the store a gang, the North Rampart Lobos, takes Warren’s wallet and threatens them both. While the Lobos are terrorizing them a rival gang, Alvarado Street Diablos, conduct a drive by shooting to exact revenge for the Lobos murdering one of their own. Through the scrambling of bodies and bullets flying, Warren is shot and killed. Now alone, Seth goes to live with his Uncle Kevin who drinks all day and then works nights as a news reporter for the L.A. Times and Daily News.

While we continue to follow Seth and Kevin as they struggle to adjust, young and healthy Lobo’s and Diabol’s are dying of heart attacks. We follow members of each gang as they experience a series of nightmarish symptoms right out of the work’s of Edgar Allen Poe before each heart stops at 4:00 AM. The L.A. police investigate and discover a pattern; a gang related murder has taken place prior to every heart attack. Curious, it’s almost like…revenge.

Keith Steinbaum does an excellent job holding the readers attention as he weaves an emotional tale of a young boy struggling to trust the adults in his life as he tries to make sense of life’s tragedies. I’ve cheered for characters as they overcome their obstacle’s, but the empathy I felt for Seth was more intense than I’ve felt before. I contribute my strong reaction to Seth’s character to the author’s ability to portray the hurt and anger felt by a young boy forced to learn some early lessons in adulthood. As I read, I’m appreciative of the time and thought the author poured into developing his characters. Veronica and Alex are two supporting character’s who come into the lives of the Palmer’s when Seth falls behind in school and begins fighting with some of the Latino students. The story then transforms further and we see a heart warming group of people develop and grow individually as they provide support and encouragement for one another.

The book does fall short in its attempt at involving the paranormal. The concept that a victim of a shooting extends beyond the grave to exact his revenge by using various theatrical themes from the works of Edgar Allen Poe is very ambitious. Unfortunately, the author is unsuccessful at his attempt to develop this concept. It seemed Mr. Steinbaum was content with leaving abstract description of after-life events and trusting the reader to make sense of his concept of revenge turning a spirit evil. To me, it felt incomplete, disjointed and placed too much responsibility on the audience to be a successful part of the book. It would have been more advantageous to leave this concept out of the book all together.

Overall, I enjoyed the story our author was able to tell, but felt the paranormal and spiritual part of the book was neglected.

[Rich Stoehr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Los Angeles gangbangers, vengeful spirits...and Edgar Allen Poe? That couldn't possibly work...could it? As it turns out, it does - and pretty well overall.

When I first read the idea behind The Poe Consequence - a story that blends inner-city gang violence with Poe-inspired vengeance - I pretty much knew I'd have to read it, if only to see how wrong it could go. Imagine my surprise when it turned out to be a book that, while not perfect, mostly overcame the early threat of stereotype and told a cracking good story to boot.

On the surface it's a fairly simple story - a single father, whose wife passed away only months earlier, is caught in the crossfire of two warring gangs in Los Angeles and killed right in front of his young son. Soon after, gang members from both sides of the gun battle that killed Warren start to die of sudden, inexplicable heart attacks - events which leave their hearts literally frozen.

The mystery unravels as Warren's surviving family must deal with their loss, while the police and the gangs try to find out why so many young men are dying. Lives intertwine in unexpected ways, anger gives way to understanding, and the possibility of redemption is at hand - for a price.

And yes, the influence of Poe is felt throughout, though honestly not as strongly as I would have liked. Warren, the murdered father, is teacher and a devotee of Edgar Allen Poe. When his spirit tries to protect his son from beyond the grave, it's in Poe's obsession with death that he finds inspiration, and each killing incorporates elements of "The Pit and the Pendulum," "The Fall of the House of Usher," and most especially, "The Tell-Tale Heart." And at first, the effect of these references is chilling - but eventually it gets a little repetitive. With such a rich body of work to draw on, why not dig even deeper with it? Bring in the chilling yowls of "The Black Cat" perhaps, or the impending sense of unstoppable doom of "The Masque of the Red Death," or even the deep-seated subtle horror of "The Premature Burial" would have worked well here. And why, in a story fueled by revenge, would the ultimate tale of cold-blooded vengeance - "A Cask of Amontillado" - not even get a mention? While I very much appreciated the references and allusions to Poe's work in The Poe Consequence, I must confess I was hoping for even more.

Still, all in all, The Poe Consequence is a well-crafted book. Keith Steinbaum's writing style isn't flashy, but it serves the story well, only occasionally showing its seams in a piece of clunky dialogue or curious word choice. The characters, who start out feeling a little flat (the angry child, the troubled alcoholic, etc.), grow past their stereotype into people with dimension, the capacity to change, and with a life beyond the pages. The story is paced well and ends well, satisfying without pandering too much to the reader.

It was an audacious concept, for sure - one I was ready to think wouldn't work at all. Keith Steinbaum's trick in blending the subtle darkness of Edgar Allen Poe with the brash violence of L.A. street gangs shouldn't have worked - but somehow, it did.

----------------
I received a free copy of The Poe Consequence for the purpose of reviewing.

[Sadie Forsythe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book. It held my attention. I thought the writing was perfectly passable and I only noticed a few editing mistakes (mostly missing spaces, oddly). So, a solid middle of the road read.

However, it did feel very much like an indie book, if you know what I mean. If you read a lot of indies you probably do and if you don't I'm not sure how to explain it to you. They often have a certain feel to them. The stories often have a certain blunt, straightforwardness. Not necessarily inelegance, at least not in this case, but things move along in very plodding, determined ways. They are heavy on the tell instead of show. Emotions tend to be shallow or stated instead of experienced. Flashbacks are used a lot. Names and titles are often used too frequently. That's especially apparent here where names are Face, Swat, King, and such. Stories often have moral themes or lessons that are heavy handed. 'Please' seems to be over used and people are often too polite. Conversations are often stilted or to abbreviated.

Similarly, but I think deserving of its own point; the bad guy is often a rapist. Even when there are numerous bad men in a book, if you want to find THE bad man look to see who is sexually abusing a woman. Apparently rape has become a flag for true evilness. It's like a secret book code or something. But it's so overused as to have become cliché and meaningless. As a package, all of this becomes recognizably indie. Not bad necessarily, but recognizable.

I thought Steinbaum did a nice job of showing Seth's devastation and trouble adjusting. But the depiction of the Latino gangs, gang culture and language couldn't have been a whiter middle class imitation of it if the author had set out to write a satire. It didn't come across as natural or real at all. Further, I found the frequent use of Spanish distracting. It never seemed to blend into what should have been a natural mesh of the two languages. It felt gimmicky. There was a mild spiritual/religious undertone, but not enough to chafe.

All in all a decent read.

[Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not like any other I've read. I'd classify it as thriller/mystery/ horror. It begins when a man Warren goes to New Orleans and goes down an alley way to see a fortune teller though he doesn't really believe in these things. She reads his Tarot cards and gives him an extremely grim destiny. She tells him not long from now he's going to come into an extremely violent situation that will end tragically. with this man who goes to New Orleans and while there goes to visit a fortune teller. She does not give him a pleasant reading. In fact, she tells him not long from now he's going to be in a dangerous situation that leads to tragedy. And there is where our story begins. The paranormal horror is indeed horrifying but yet fascinating in its connection with Poe. I felt like I was watching a horror movie yet covering one eye and then uncovering it to see what's going on. Steinbaum writes this tale cleverly, and I will definitely read more of his books!

[Jneener · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gritty, well researched, well written book by a good friend of mine.

[Amy Ingalls · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book in a giveaway.

I am struggling to review this. Usually a book takes me 2-3 days tops to get through. This one took me 28. In the beginning I was struggling to get into it. I was reading it simply because I felt bad that I won it and it had been sitting on my Kindle for so long. I ignored it to read other books.

However, somewhere around the time Veronica joins the book I started to get interested. The story was still a bit clunky but I was beginning to car about the characters. However, the author's writing style kept pulling me back out of the story.

. . . another swallow and cherished the deep rich texture of the golden nectar as it swan dived from the back of his tongue into his belly.

. . . Face's hourglass of patience trickled down to its final few grains.

Honestly, what is that? So even though I started to care about Veronica and Seth and Face I wasn't really pulled in. I also didn't understand the instant love between Veronica and Seth. I didn't get why she agreed to date him, and we didn't get to see their relationship develop-- we were just told that they were in love.

I love Poe and this idea of coming back and using his poems for revenge but I do agree with another reviewer-- why not go further into his body of work? There was so much to draw from.

So I am rambling, because the book annoyed me but I kind of liked the second half. It was like watching a TV show that you know is cheesy but you stick with it to the end because it hooked your interest just enough to make you want to see how it ends. Or a B movie. Yep, this book is a B movie.

[Saralyn Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters are what resonate most with me in this roller coaster ride of a thriller. So many people today have a good-guy-bad-guy mentality, but this book shows us that no one is all good or all evil. Our lives can turn in a moment, and we are all subject to being overcome by negative emotions, unless we find the way to rise above them. Steinbaum takes on the difficult topic of gang violence and turns it into a love story. Brilliant!

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely a book you will not want to put down! It combines the supernatural with everyday events. At least the everyday events in the lives of ruthless gangs determined to kill each other off. And the lives of those who get caught up in between. I can totally understand why it won an award as a Supernatural Thriller Book of the Year.

Warren, a teacher, had just lost his wife and was attempting to get his young son and himself through it. He decides to go see a psychic in New Orleans who tells him some pretty disturbing things which he decides to ignore and walks out before she is totally finished, but he does tell his twin brother some of what was said. Warren is an authority on Edgar Allen Poe-he can recite many of the works verbatim. I don't know if any of you have read any of Poe's work--it is pretty dark and gruesome stuff! Well, Warren stops in a store to get some aspirin and gets in the middle of the shootout between the two rival gangs. His son was with him and saw his Dad murdered. Seth went to live with his Dad's twin and strange things started to happen which the police could not figure out! (NO, I'm not telling you what-----).

Seth had some serious problems and began to act out-completely understandable and was finally introduced to a tutor who was able to help him. This young woman just happened to be the sister of one of the gang members. Through her, Seth was finally able to reconcile that not all Mexicans are bad people and starts the healing process. Meanwhile gang members are still dying in a very strange way-but only after they have killed someone in the rival gang-it happens at precisely the same time. The police really can't figure this out--no fingerprints., no nothing!

If I go much further I will give the plot away and I really do not want to do that-just know that good prevails over evil in every way possible!The Poe Consequence

[Darcia Helle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taking on Poe is a tough challenge, but Keith Steinbaum handles it well. The subject is dark, as we look at death and inner city gangs. But we're also given glimmers of hope and redemption, which keeps this story from veering into unbearable despair.

A familiarity with Poe's writing is not required in order to enjoy this book. The character's focus here is on a few of Poe's most popular works, with specific bits woven continuously throughout the story. Someone unfamiliar with Poe might overlook a few references with the murders along the way but, as I said, it shouldn't alter how this story is understood.

The surprise for me was the underlying theme of prejudice. Steinbaum dives right in and handles this incredibly well. The story never gets preachy. In fact, the realism is striking. We aren't handed a magical, fairy tale solution. Instead, we're shown the injustice of it in a way that makes it understandable, almost forgivable, but never tolerable.

The stumbling points for me are relatively minor. There are a lot of characters, many with point of view parts, that we get to know in a fleeting moment before we move on to the next. While I appreciate Steinbaum's attempt here, I think development of the important characters suffered because of the sheer volume of characters we were expected to get to know.

Mostly, I wanted more from Warren. His character is central to this entire story, yet we didn't get to stay with his point of view. I don't want to give any spoilers, so I'll just say that I think a continued POV from Warren, with a little less from minor characters, would have added more depth and power to this story.

Overall, this is a dark but thoughtful piece.

[Shani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect read for those that love gritty thrillers mixed with a touch of supernatural/paranormal. Kevin is a man who has been pushed into the role of a parent after his brother passes. Through his grief he turns to the wrong things to help him deal. In some ways he’s neglectful to Seth, his nephew. Seth has a lot of anger and resentment, and rightfully so. He doesn’t understand why these things happened to him and his family. Though it's difficult to wander through the chaotic feelings they both are dealing with, they come through it as better people.

Kevin meets a young woman named Veronica that has a very hidden past. One that can cause even greater issues than she’s been handed through a very traumatic and violent experience. he’s drawn to her but doesn’t quite understand why. Her connection to those involved in their own past is concerning.

When the two factions that were at war and caused the death of his brother start dying off, Warren is stumped. Together he and Seth venture out to find out what “being” is causing the hearts of the members to die off and drop like flies. They’re determined to find out the truth.

The whole book was beyond intriguing and fantastic! I will say there are some extremely hard scenes to deal with. There are sexual assault and detailed violence that may be a trigger for some. Overall though, well written, thought out, and fabulous!

[Romaine Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Poe Consequence is a suspenseful thriller set in modern day California involving two rival gangs with a touch of paranormal.
One tarot card changed the lives of a family.
The Poe Consequence is a  tragic story of what twelve year boy had to endure will break your heart.
Seth witnessed his father's murder one night by Latino gang members. He begins to struggle in school when Latinos start bullying him. It's hard for Seth to trust adults.
Gangbangers are dropping like flies. They are mysteriously dying with no traces of foul play.
Uncle Kevin's girlfriend Veronica who is Latino and her brother Alex show Seth that not all Latinos are bad.
Alex may have lead a bad life as a gang member but he was wise and had a good heart.
I felt the characters emotions throughout the story. Pain. Revenge. Redemption. Trust.
King and Alex's fight scene had my heart racing. Loved it!
Poe's references of literature in the story was the cherry on top of the cake.
Found a new author and will be reading more of his masterpieces.
Thank you Hidden Gems and the author for a fabulous complimentary copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[MELODY · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Poe Consequence is based around the Palmer family – 11 year old Seth whose mother has recently died, his dad Warren and his uncle Kevin. The story starts with Warren visiting a Psychic and you feel the foreboding. Shortly after Warren is killed the gang members start having heart attacks, somehow their hearts become frozen. The gangs and the police are trying to figure out what is happening. And the story takes you along for a ride.

If you have read any Poe – you will feel the parallels in through the novel. Mr. Steinbaum’s writing is well thought and his research into Poe’s stories is evident. I enjoyed the story very much – it dragged a bit in the beginning but the undertaking of translating some of Poe’s works into a modern story is done quite well.

If you are a fan of Poe or looking for a good mystery with a bit of paranormal flair then I strongly recommend this one.

[Trish Meade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi Bookies! This book was selected for my Book Club, because 1. Our member knew the author & 2. She thought it would be fun to have him come to the next meeting to hear our reviews.

When I first started to read the book I thought, "Okay, just what I want to read... a book about gang members!" My second thought was, "Get over your Lilly white self and start reading." After all I didn't want to let the Book Club down! It didn't take long before I was totally drawn into the story and the mystery that unfolds. I definitely am happy I continued to read The Poe Consequence and would recommend it highly to you Bookies out there in Goodreads land.

It was so much fun to actually meet Keith at our Book Club meeting and ask him questions regarding the characters and why he went in some of the directions he chose. It is a very well written piece of work and it gets 5 stars from me.

[Jay Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book has elements of the supernatural, none of them are unrealistic or detract from the great story. It provides a broad reflection on human nature and how it impacts the world around us both good and bad. A dire fortune from a strange seer in New Orleans leads twin brothers into a wild confrontation with all the evil in the gangs of LA and the good that manages to survive in that environment. If you have experienced and enjoyed the works of Edgar Alan Poe, you will appreciate the many references in this story. The style of writing tends toward big words, not always apt in the context. Perhaps that is meant to mimic Poe, but he does a much better job of using old English words and structure. The plot was clever and interesting, and ended in a "feel-good" conclusion. I received an advanced copy of this book from Hidden Gems, and found it worthy of a review.

[Cyndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warren and his son Seth stop at a convenience store after a baseball game so Warren can get something to help his pounding headache. In the parking lot, they are attacked by one gang, while another gang is plotting their revenge against this gang. They get caught in a drive by shooting and Warren dies trying to save his son. This event starts strange killings within both gangs. Every time one of these gang members kills another gang member, they end up suffering a very unique death that no one can explain.

The police and gang members are all trying to figure out these unexplained deaths, while Seth and his Uncle have to deal with their loss. These two main stories are connected in many ways and I love how the author brings everything together. This is a great paranormal thriller!

[Richard Howard · Rating 1 out of 5]

There are poor books, there are bad books and there are terrible books. Then there are books so excruciatingly awful that, as you keep reading, you fear a portal will open up and you'll be sucked into hell. 'The Poe Consequence' is such a book. Marketed as a paranormal thriller it is largely an endless description of two Latino gangs cursing each other and vowing vengeance. The paranormal element appears at the beginning and towards the end but in between the reader is subjected to page after page where nothing happens of any relevance to the story. Oh, there are also some of the most embarrassingly bad sex scenes ever set down. There is maybe enough content here to make a half decent short story but that content is stretched and stretched to form a truly terrible novel.

[Cair-Paravel De Loulay · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was really good. EAP is one of my favourite authors and he has taken essential pieces from works by Poe, incorporating it into a marvellous story. Gangs, murder, love, trauma and so much more are packed into this wonderful ghost story. I love it.

I received a free copy from Hidden Gems Books in return for an honest review.

[Eunice Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was very good. I liked the real life stuff mixed with paranormal. 2 rival gangs and trying to save lives. Good job

[Abhay Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keith Steinbaum’s The Poe Consequence is a gripping blend of gang warfare, supernatural horror, and fate-driven suspense. Set in a gritty section of Los Angeles, the novel revolves around two rival gangs—the Alvarado Street Diablos and the North Rampart Lobos—locked in a vicious cycle of revenge and violence. What begins as a typical tale of gang rivalry takes a spine-chilling turn when an act of retaliation results in the death of an innocent bystander, triggering a series of eerie and inexplicable events.


The novel kicks off with the Diablos seeking revenge for the murder of one of their own. However, their planned drive-by shooting goes awry, leading to the death of an innocent man. What follows is a string of supernatural occurrences that defy logic. The members of both gangs begin to die in horrific ways, each death happening at the exact same time of day. The connection to Edgar Allan Poe’s themes of death and fate adds a layer of literary depth, hinting at an unstoppable force beyond the gangs' comprehension.

As the deaths continue, the tension between the gangs escalates, but they soon realize that the true enemy is something much more sinister. The novel skillfully intertwines the fate of a gang-hating boy trying to save a member's life and a prophecy from a psychic in New Orleans, creating a complex narrative that keeps readers engaged.


Steinbaum explores the consequences of violence and the supernatural's role in balancing the scales of justice. The novel touches on social and ethnic divisions, reflecting the harsh realities of life in gang-ridden neighborhoods. The integration of Poe’s dark themes of death, destiny, and guilt elevates the story from a simple gang narrative to a thought-provoking exploration of morality and fate.


Steinbaum’s writing is intense and atmospheric, capturing the bleakness of gang life in Los Angeles while seamlessly blending it with elements of supernatural horror. His pacing is tight, with enough twists and turns to keep readers on edge. The dialogue is authentic, reflecting the rough lives of the characters, while the supernatural elements are handled with subtlety, enhancing the story’s eerie mood.


The characters in The Poe Consequence are well-developed, each grappling with their own demons, both literal and metaphorical. The gang members are portrayed with nuance, showing their humanity alongside their brutality. The inclusion of a psychic and a young boy trying to escape the cycle of violence adds emotional depth to the story, making the reader root for their survival.


The Poe Consequence is a compelling read that stands out for its unique blend of crime fiction and supernatural horror. Steinbaum skillfully weaves a tale of revenge, fate, and the unknown, making it a must-read for fans of both genres. The novel’s exploration of gang culture and the consequences of violence adds a layer of social commentary, making it more than just a horror story.


This book is recommended for readers who enjoy crime thrillers with a supernatural twist, fans of Edgar Allan Poe, and those interested in stories that explore the darker aspects of human nature and fate. With its intense atmosphere and gripping plot, *The Poe Consequence* will appeal to readers looking for a thought-provoking and chilling read.

[Lynn B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Read!!!!!!!

I really enjoyed “The Poe Consequence”. Steinbaum took me on a great journey. If you have an interest in Poe and like the paranormal then I recommend this book.

Story Line:
Like most cities, Los Angeles has gangs. In one section of the city , two rival gangs rule those streets, the Diablos and the Lobos. A year ago one of the members of the Diablos was murdered by the Lobos. Tonight the Lobos would pay for that murder. The Diablos would do a drive-by-killing in honour of their dead member. But something goes terribly wrong and an innocent bystander by the name of Warren who is a single dad to an 11 year old boy is caught in the crossfire and killed in front of his 11 year old son, Seth. As he lay there dying he made a promise to his son that HE WILL PROTECT HIM. ALWAYS!!!!

That same morning, the gang member who killed Warren suffers a terrible death that cannot be explained. Soon more deaths follow and strangely only members of the Diablos and Lobos gangs are killed. Who is doing the killing? And why?


This is My Rating for each area

Book Cover ( on paperback):
3 /12 starts. I like the dark alleyway on the cover, you can feel the cold. And I particularly like the clock hands in the word POE (within the title) set at 4 AM you have to look for it but it’s there. Nice touch.

Inside Cover Description: 4 stars.
This brief summary gives you all you need to know before you dive into the story. And dive into it you will!!

Storyline: 4 stars.
Very good. Steinbaum created a paranormal mystery with just the right amount of suspense. He magically incorporates and weaves some of Edgar Allen Poe’s works and world into the lives of his characters. There’s a good beginning, middle and end to this story.

Characters: 4 stars.
Steinbaum provides the reader with a great cast of characters that you can clearly see in your own imagination. The characters come to life, they are believable. You come to care for some, hate some all the while understanding their motives.


Theme/Underling message: 4 stars
The theme is race, prejudice, forgiveness


Who should read this:

This would be a great read for anyone who likes supernatural thrillers. If however, you are not comfortable with swear words or violence then this may not be a good fit for you. Having said that, it is my opinion that the language and scenes used here were needed for realism.


Final note:

My overall rating would be 4.0 stars. I can see why this book won awards.
A very good read from beginning to end.
Having Poe woven into the story added to it.
The underlying message was well presented .
Nice writing style. I liked it.
Would I read more of his books, Yes! I would definitely read and recommend his books.

I received a copy of this book for an honest review.

[World Of · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keith Steinbaum weaves a mystery horror tale of revenge from beyond the dead in The Poe Consequence by tying together his love of poetry and the stories of Edgar Allen Poe with his investigation of the violent lives of young Latinos who become involved in Los Angeles gangs.

Kevin and Warren are two brothers that begin this book. Warren is a huge fan of Poe and psychics, which I find to be really fantastic. When he receives a reading, he doesn't want to hear it through to the end, which makes sense—especially if it indicates he will die. Warren's kid Seth is left alone when the unimaginable occurs, save for his Uncle Kevin, who has no idea how to care for a small child. Because two warring Mexican gangs assassinated his father in front of him, Seth's deep-seated animosity for Mexicans is evident. Seth gradually gains the ability to let go of things, but it takes him some time to heal fully and to realize that not everyone is the same.

Kevin looks at the bottle, that is, until he notices a very young woman who is of Mexican-American descent. Veronica has a really disturbing hidden past of her own, and you feel so sorry for her—especially when the rape scene happens. We eventually find out that the competing gangs, the Diablos and the Lobos, are losing members left and right due to a cold heart. Everyone is puzzled by this unusual instance, but only Kevin and Seth are able to piece it together in the end. The person or creature doing this feels that they are acting morally.

In an emotionally charged story of a young child trying to make sense of life's tragedies and his struggles to trust the adults in his life, Keith Steinbaum does a fantastic job of keeping the reader's attention. Although I've cheered on characters when they've conquered obstacles, I never had so much empathy for Seth. The ambitious idea of a shooting victim using several theatrical motifs from Edgar Allen Poe's works to achieve his revenge after death is well thought out.

[G. W .Bookreviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keith Steinbaum’s *The Poe Consequence* is a thrilling ride that had me hooked from the first page. Imagine Edgar Allan Poe’s dark, moody atmosphere blending with the gritty streets of LA’s gang violence—sounds wild, right? The story kicks off with the tragic murder of Warren Palmer, a Poe scholar, during a brutal robbery. His son Seth is left to pick up the pieces, battling both grief and a hatred for Latinos, which only gets more complicated when he starts falling for his Latina tutor, Veronica. You can feel Seth’s inner conflict, and trust me, you’ll be rooting for him to find his way.

Now, here’s where things get spooky—in the best way. A series of strange deaths start happening , all linked to the gang members involved in Warren’s murder. It’s like Poe’s ghost is haunting the streets of LA, delivering his own brand of eerie justice. The mix of gang culture and supernatural elements creates this intense, edge-of-your-seat mystery that I couldn’t put down. I kept thinking, "What would Poe himself think of this twisted tale?"

The characters are what really pulled me in, though. Seth’s uncle Kevin, who finds himself falling for Veronica, adds a layer of heart to the story. It’s not just about revenge or mystery—it’s about love, loss, and the lengths we go to protect the people we care about. As they all team up to solve the mystery, I couldn’t help but feel like I was right there with them, unraveling the secrets of the past while fearing what might happen next.

In the end, *The Poe Consequence* is more than just a supernatural thriller—it’s a story about how the past has a way of haunting us, sometimes in ways we don’t expect. Steinbaum’s writing left me thinking long after I finished the book, and if you’re a fan of Poe or just love a good, layered mystery, you’re going to want to dive into this one. It’s eerie, heartfelt, and unforgettable.

[G. W. reviewers · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Keith Steinbaum's *The Poe Consequence*, the author skillfully blends his fascination with Edgar Allan Poe's poetry and stories with a gripping exploration of gang violence in Los Angeles. The tale begins with a chilling tarot reading in New Orleans that leads to the untimely death of Professor Warren Palmer—a Poe enthusiast—during a violent robbery. This tragedy leaves his orphaned son, Seth, grappling with hatred towards Latinos, a prejudice he struggles to overcome as he grows closer to his Latina tutor, Veronica.

Steinbaum paints a vivid picture of LA gang life and intertwines it with supernatural elements. As the narrative unfolds, Seth's guardian, Uncle Kevin, finds himself in love with Veronica, while the LA police investigate a series of mysterious deaths linked to the gangs involved in Warren's murder. These deaths, occurring at 4 a.m. and always accompanied by a gangland murder, perplex the authorities.

The story gains momentum as Kevin and Seth, with Veronica and her gang-connected brother, set out to solve the mystery and halt the supernatural retribution plaguing the gangs. Steinbaum's deep knowledge of gang culture and his innovative use of Poe’s themes create a compelling and engaging reading.

Steinbaum’s fusion of Poe’s motifs offers a fascinating twist. As he insightfully notes, “In every shadow of Los Angeles, the echoes of the past resound,” underscoring how the spectral remnants of history shape the present. *The Poe Consequence* stands out as a masterful blend of literary sophistication and thrilling mystery, making it a compelling and memorable read.

..........Must read book ........

[BooksCoffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steinbaum offers an irresistibly offbeat mix of supernatural horror and gritty crime drama in his latest.

Two rival gangs, Alvarado Street Diablos and North Rampart Lobos, have always ruled the streets of a section of Los Angeles near Dodger Stadium. When Viper is killed at the hands of their sworn enemies, King, North Rampart Lobos’s leader, knows he must settle the scores to avenge the death of his blood brother and teacher. A drive-by killing in Viper’s honor is planned, but things go wrong and an innocent bystander becomes the victim. Several hours later, the one who pulled the trigger suffers a gruesome death caused by something unexplained. The tension ratchets as the gang members begin to get killed one by one under mysterious circumstances.

The aggregation of disturbing incidents right in the beginning sets the grim mood, and Steinbaum keeps the tension ripe throughout the narrative. The scenes of supernatural horror will induce frissons of terror in the reader.

The fully-realized characters tear at readers’ hearts, especially Seth who represents the human capacity for hope and power of innocence and goodness. His struggles in the face of personal tragedy elevate the plot further.

The narrative, though hefty on thrills and chills of a gritty supernatural drama deals with serious, perennial themes of social and ethnic divisions. Explicit, fast-paced action, evocative prose, and relentless, nail-biting scenes show Steinbaum at the top of his game.

Steinbaum is an author to watch for.

[Janvi Santwani · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first pages,The Poe Consequence draws you into a gritty and haunting world where gang violence and the supernatural intertwine. The story, set in the heart of Los Angeles, explores the intense rivalry between two gangs, the Diablos and the Lobos. The eerie chain of events that unfolds after an innocent bystander is killed grabs your attention right away. It’s clear that this novel isn’t just about gang life, it’s about vengeance and forces beyond human control.

Keith’s writing style is gripping, with vivid descriptions that make the tension palpable. The mix of horror and suspense keeps you on edge, especially as more gang members meet terrifying fates. The themes of redemption and fate are central, offering a deeper layer of meaning beyond the violence. The inclusion of a young boy trying to save a gang member adds a touching, hopeful element amidst the darkness.

Personally, I found the blend of social commentary and supernatural horror to be both thought-provoking and thrilling. Keith's ability to merge these elements while highlighting humanity’s capacity for love and redemption makes this a standout read. If you're into suspenseful stories with deeper themes, The Poe Consequence is definitely worth picking up!

[Mansi Ramwani · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re into gang rivalries, supernatural vengeance, and a touch of eerie prophecy, The Poe Consequence is your next must-read! Set in the gritty streets of LA, near Dodger Stadium, this thriller dives into the lives of two rival gangs, the Alvarado Street Diablos and the North Rampart Lobos. 🤜🤛

When a drive-by goes horribly wrong, the gangs are hit with a chilling twist: a supernatural force starts picking them off one by one, at the exact same time each day. ⏰💀 It’s a mind-bending mix of street justice and otherworldly retribution that will keep you turning the pages.

What’s super cool about this book is how it tackles big themes like love, hope, and redemption while weaving in a psychic’s mysterious prophecy and a young boy’s desperate quest. It’s not just a spooky story—it’s got heart and depth, exploring the human condition in the midst of chaos. ❤️✨

Keith Steinbaum masterfully blends social issues with horror, making you question fate and the unseen forces at play in our lives. If you love a good thriller with a supernatural edge, grab this book and prepare for a wild ride! 📖🔥