RATING: 4 Keys          RESULT: Win           REMAINING: 13:52

Beware the twisted mind, for one can be sure… to be eternally haunted, with peace nevermore.

You are a team of paranormal investigators and have been given permission to enter Poe’s old chambers to search for a fabled ‘Lost Manuscript’! What secrets do these chambers hold?

Edgar Allan Poe, one of history’s greatest authors of the horror genre, has left behind an unfinished writing. Of course, being his creepy self, he has decided to hide it away from any potential prying eyes.

His mansion has been overrun by vermin, left to fall victim to the ravages of time. His inspirations are evident with the tributes to his sweetheart, and to the various creatures that help make him one of the “Masters of the Macabre.”

Perhaps Poe’s spirit can guide the paranormal into this realm. The only way to know for certain is to discover what is written within his missing manuscript before any grim spectral beings cross over from the other side.

Two rooms of Poe’s manor hold all of his deepest secrets- his study and his dining room. The study is dark and foreboding, while the other chamber is slightly more brightly lit and welcoming.

Cobwebs hang ominously from shadowed corners and crevices. A large curio cabinet rests against the wall, filled with oddities. A pair of plush armchairs upholstered in soft red velvet provide not only a place to rest, but also add a visual contrast from the remainder of the mahogany-stained furniture.

Landscapes of stormy seas are interspersed between portraits… that seem to have a supernatural air about them. The eyes of an elderly woman appear to track investigators’ every move, whilst Poe’s beloved Lenore gazes proudly from atop the fireplace mantle (although her visage can sometimes… shift to the otherwordly, becoming ghastly and gruesome).

The abandoned manor feels spooky, but it is not outright scary. It reflects Poe’s writing style, of being Gothic and suspenseful, while keeping the true horror hidden away, overall. Many of the author’s prolific works are alluded to (The Raven, Masque of the Red Death, The Cask of Amontillado, The Tell-Tale Heart, etc.), but these references act more like Easter eggs. It’s a tongue-in-cheek nod to those who have read his writings, and merely adds to the ambience for others.

Literary connoisseurs are forced to begin their foray into the manse apart from one another, separated by a heavy wooden door punctuated with a rather minuscule grated window. This peephole forces a heightened ability of communication between those on this side of the mortal coil.

This observation portal also acts as a pass-through, as oftentimes elements needed to solve one of the many mysteries in one chamber are found in the other. Cooperation and teamwork are vital components, so that the manuscript-seekers may be reunited.

Since Poe was an artist with the written word, it is natural that many of his stories are the basis for various puzzles. (It should be noted, however, that no prior knowledge of his catalogue is necessary, nor required.) Investigators of the paranormal are fully immersed in the twisted storyworld. All riddles make complete narrative sense and build towards a logical climax. All mind-bogglers present in the manor are intuitive, and they help to make the overarching storyworld come to life.

This frightfully fun adventure highlights how the works of Edgar Allan Poe have left a lasting impact on the literary world, rightfully notable for their unsettling, yet still entertaining legacy. His stories provide the perfect backdrop to showcase the paranormal in a moderately family-friendly manner.

The exploration of Poe’s manor in search of his as-yet-unseen manuscript is done in such a way that paranormal investigators can contribute to his prowess as an author, even though Poe himself has long since passed on. His poems and anecdotes come together with intriguing puzzles to make a unique storyworld, where ravens, cats, and creatures of the night collaborate to bring the spookiness into the light.

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Venue: Escape Room Live

Location: Alexandria, Virginia

Number of Games: 4

GAME SPECIFIC INFORMATION:

Duration: 60 minutes

Capacity: 10 people

Group Type: Public or Private / You may or may not be paired with strangers depending on your choice of ticket type.

Cost: $37.99 per person

We thank Escape Room Live for inviting us to play this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, that in no way impacts the opinion included within this review.