In the murky depths of 1841 New York, the discovery of Mary Rogers' lifeless form in the Hudson River ignites a firestorm of speculation and fear. Known for her captivating beauty and the mystery that shrouded her life and untimely death, Rogers, a humble cigar girl, becomes the centerpiece of a sensational case that bewilders the city's primitive police force. Amidst the public's clamor for justice and the media's frenzied coverage, the crime remains an enigma, casting a dark shadow over the bustling streets of New York. Enter the shadowy figure of Edgar Allan Poe, a writer struggling with his own demons, who sees in Mary's tragic fate a chance to resurrect his faltering career. Inspired by the real-life horror, Poe summons his creation, the astute detective C. Auguste Dupin, to venture into the heart of darkness and unravel the Mystery of Marie Rogêt. What follows is a thrilling narrative that weaves through the underbelly of a city grappling with crime, societal pressures, and the birth of forensic science. "The Beautiful Cigar Girl" by Daniel Stashower is not just a recounting of a historical crime but a vivid journey into a past that echoes the complexities and fears of our own time, all while paying homage to the genius of Poe and the enduring power of storytelling to seek truth.