Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Murders in the Rue Morgue (Version 2)
- Author: Edgar Allan Poe
- Narrator: Phil Chenevert
- Length: 0.070023148
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 01-Jan
- Publisher: LibriVox
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Horror, Detective Stories
- ISBN13: SABLIB9788227
It is not often that one can point to a single work of fiction and confidently declare it the genesis of an entire genre. Yet, Edgar Allan Poe’s *The Murders in the Rue Morgue* holds precisely that distinction, as the world’s first detective story. Narrated by the ever-reliable Phil Chenevert and available as a free audiobook via LibriVox, this particular version invites us to revisit the seminal tale and reflect on the conventions of mystery fiction that Poe so brilliantly pioneered.
Listening to this audiobook was, for me, akin to stepping back into a vibrant, cobblestoned Paris of the mind. Poe’s C. Auguste Dupin, the archetype of the brilliant but eccentric detective, is a character that has long fascinated me. His sharp intellect and unconventional methods reminded me of a moment in my Contemporary Fiction seminar at Berkeley, where we discussed the archetypal “detective’s mind” as a metaphor for the process of literary analysis. Like Dupin, we dissected every metaphorical clue, every narrative twist, in search of meaning. That memory added a layer of appreciation to my listening experience, as I imagined Dupin as not just a character but as the quintessential scholar of human behavior and logic.
What fascinates me most about this story is its intricate interplay of logic and imagination. Poe referred to it as a tale of “ratiocination,” a term that feels as delightfully antiquated as it does precise. Dupin’s ability to reason, to see patterns invisible to others, strikes me as an early exploration of what we today might call “cognitive bias” in storytelling—a theme I often encounter in my studies of cross-cultural narratives. In this tale, witnesses hear an inhuman voice at the crime scene, each interpreting it through the lens of their own backgrounds and beliefs. This reminds me of my time as a visiting professor in Tokyo, where I taught Haruki Murakami’s *Kafka on the Shore* in both English and Japanese. The cultural and linguistic shifts profoundly altered how students perceived its magical realism elements—just as the witnesses in Poe’s story perceive the same sound differently.
Phil Chenevert’s narration deserves particular praise. His steady, clear voice carries the listener through Poe’s dense and at times labyrinthine prose with an ease that underscores his skill as a narrator. Chenevert’s pacing is deliberate, almost methodical, mirroring the meticulous unraveling of the mystery itself. His ability to shift tones—from the eerie quiet of the Rue Morgue crime scene to the animated energy of Dupin’s deductions—kept me thoroughly engaged throughout the short but impactful duration of the audiobook.
The audio quality is excellent, a testament to LibriVox’s dedication to making classics accessible to all. While some may find Chenevert’s performance a touch traditional compared to more theatrical narrations, I would argue that his understated style allows Poe’s language to shine. It’s a reminder that sometimes, less is more—an ethos Dupin himself might have appreciated.
Of course, no review would be complete without addressing the story’s limitations. For modern audiences accustomed to the fast-paced twists of contemporary thrillers, *The Murders in the Rue Morgue* may feel methodical, even slow. Its emphasis on logic over emotional depth can leave readers—or listeners—yearning for more character development. However, this is less a flaw than a reflection of its time. Poe was charting new territory, and his focus on the mechanics of deduction laid the groundwork for the complexities of Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, and countless others.
Comparing this work to others in the genre, one cannot help but marvel at its influence. The dynamic between Dupin and his unnamed narrator—a precursor to Watson—is a trope that has been reimagined countless times. Yet, there is something uniquely haunting about Poe’s Paris, with its shadows and silences, that sets it apart. Listening to this audiobook, I was reminded of the gothic undertones that permeate Poe’s work, adding layers of mood and atmosphere that elevate the narrative beyond mere puzzle-solving.
I would recommend this audiobook to anyone with an interest in the origins of detective fiction, as well as to those who appreciate the art of logical reasoning. It’s also an excellent choice for literary scholars who wish to explore the interplay between genre conventions and narrative innovation. For those new to Poe, this tale serves as an accessible entry point into his oeuvre, particularly in audio form, where Chenevert’s narration helps untangle the complexities of the text.
Reflecting on this listening experience, I’m struck by how enduring Poe’s vision has been. In a world increasingly reliant on technology and algorithms to solve mysteries, Dupin’s reliance on human intuition and intellect feels both nostalgic and refreshingly relevant. As I finished the audiobook, I couldn’t help but think back to my own journey as a scholar—piecing together fragments of text, culture, and history to uncover new meanings. Perhaps that’s what makes *The Murders in the Rue Morgue* so timeless: its reminder that every mystery, at its heart, is a story waiting to be told.
With literary appreciation,
Prof. Emily Chen
