The Best Stories by Edgar Allan Poe
From chilling mysteries to gothic horror, these stories are where suspense, horror, and dark imagination collide.
Edgar Allan Poe mastered the art of suspense and psychological intrigue, becoming one of the most influential figures in American literature. From tales of the macabre to intricate mysteries, his work explores the darkest corners of human nature.
This list highlights some of the best stories by Poe, showcasing his brilliance as a storyteller. Click the titles to read!
The Tell-Tale Heart
Within this gripping psychological thriller, the unnamed narrator insists on his sanity after murdering an elderly man with a clouded, pale, “vulture-like” eye, arguing that only a person of sound mind could execute such a meticulously planned act.
The Cask Of Amontillado
Set amid the vibrant carnival season in an unidentified Italian city, the narrator lures his unsuspecting friend into the depths of catacombs to taste a prized amontillado wine, only to unveil a chilling tale of vengeance.
The Fall Of The House Of Usher
The tale follows the enigmatic and decaying mansion of the Usher family as it mirrors the physical and mental deterioration of its inhabitants, siblings Roderick and Madeline.
The Masque Of The Red Death
Prince Prospero and other nobles have taken refuge in a walled abbey to escape the Red Death, a terrible plague that has swept over the land. As they throw a lavish masquerade ball while the people outside are dying, Poe demonstrates the inescapable consequences of mortality.
The Black Cat
Once an animal lover, the protagonist begins to mistreat his black cat, Pluto. The story chronicles his descent into madness as Poe delivers one of his most psychologically intense stories yet.
The Raven
A distraught scholar mourns the loss of his beloved when he is visited by a mysterious raven, speaking a single word, “Nevermore.” As the eerie dialogue unfolds, the scholar descends into madness, haunted by the relentless repetition of this ominous phrase.
Annabel Lee
“Annabel Lee” narrates the profound love between a young couple. Even angels succumb to envy, resulting in the woman’s death. However, the narrator argues that not even death can sever so strong a bond.
The Murders In The Rogue Morgue
Poe invented the detective genre with the story of a baffling double murder in the heart of Paris: a mother with her head severed and her daughter stuffed into a chimney. Amid the chaos, the only clues are a pair of gold bags, a tuft of hair, and a bloodied razor. Adding to the mystery, witnesses offer conflicting accounts of languages they heard spoken.
William Wilson
William encounters a doppelgänger at school, sharing not only the name but also a birthday. Sneaking into the double’s room one night, he’s horrified to find a face identical to his own. As William descends into debauchery, he becomes haunted by the presence of his uncanny double.
The Pit And The Pendulum
An unnamed narrator finds himself imprisoned by the Spanish Inquisition, facing a series of torturous trials. As he navigates the ominous pit and the menacing swing of a razor-sharp pendulum, Poe uses psychological torment to explore fear and survival.
