What Moves the Dead Review

T. Kingfisher is a new to me author, but I’ve heard amazing things about her. I had wanted to try her work anyhow. And then when I heard she was coming out with a The Fall of the House of Usher retelling I knew I wanted to give it a go. Let’s get into my thoughts on What Moves the Dead

When Alex Easton learns that their friend Madeline Usher is dying, they rush to her ancestorial home to visit her. They arrive to find that the derelict estate is surrounded by an ominous lake full of fungi. Odd creatures run about the grounds and Madeline’s illness has baffled doctors. Could the mysterious funji have something to do with it?

My Thoughts on What Moves the Dead

When I first picked up What Moves the Dead the first chapter made me nervous. I didn’t remember reading the synopsis, so I forgot that it was set in a fantastical country. So when the author started building this fantastical political and social system I was skeptical. I thought the book was too short to successfully do what the author was trying to do. But I was wrong.

I was worried that the focus on the fantasy aspects of the book would take away from the gothic suspense. But once the story picked up I knew that I was going to love it. What Moved the Dead really freaked me out. I can’t hardly look at a mushroom without cringing. And I’m not easily scared, but this book did it. And I really love how it expanded The Fall of the House of Usher. It was like this story existed all along, it just needed someone to tell it. I ended up loving this book, and I really want to read more of T. Kingfisher’s work.

My Rating: 5/5

Purchase