I knew right now was the time for this one! I have been on a horror kick and I think timing can be everything with books! This one delivered in creep factor! There is definitely some gore and I appreciated that! The slow build worked so well with this one and it is shorter, but has a lot of depth!

Fantastic reimagining of EA Poe, introducing us to a more fantastic world and mysteries that I am eagerly awaiting more of.

This is really MY YEAR for fungal horror! I put off reading this one as it seemed to be a bit of a love-it-or-hate-it book, and I don't enjoy Poe's writing, so I was nervous this would be a struggle. But it wasn't at all, I absolutely tore through this in one afternoon! Perfectly gothic with some genuinely disturbing body horror, the vibes of this novella were exactly my taste.

What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher is a haunting, gothic fantasy that I couldn’t help but sink into, even as it made me uneasy. When Alex Easton, a retired soldier, arrives at the decaying House of Usher to find their childhood friend Madeline near death, they step into a nightmare that is both deeply unsettling and intriguing. Kingfisher’s vocabulary is one of the standout features of this novel—it’s rich, descriptive, and suffused with a creeping, sinister quality. Every turn of phrase, from the description of the fungus overtaking the land to the chilling sleepwalking of Madeline, adds layers of gothic atmosphere that enhance the eerie fantasy.

That said, the plot occasionally felt like it got lost in all the lush descriptions. There were moments when I found myself more absorbed in the mood and the eerie beauty of the setting than in the unfolding mystery. The vivid imagery occasionally overshadowed the narrative, and I had to remind myself to refocus on the actual events rather than simply basking in the atmosphere.

Despite that, the creeping terror of the unknown—the possessed wildlife and the enigmatic forces at play—made for an unsettling read. It’s a book that will stick with you long after the last page, if only for the way it evokes that particular brand of gothic dread. If you’re someone who enjoys atmosphere-driven stories, What Moves the Dead is an experience worth having, even if the plot occasionally struggles to rise above the shadows of its surroundings.

This was just very much not meant for me and not my type of book, but I took a chance.

I really would like to venture outside of my comfort genres, but I think there's a reason that I stick within those walls sometimes.

I know T. Kingfisher is an author, but they are not an author for me, and that is totally a-okay and something that I just need to accept.

Not quite a retelling of Poe's Fall of the House of Usher but the same eerie feel exists between the two. This is more horror than I can take most of the time, but it was definitely worth the goosebumps.

T. Kingfisher's The Twisted House of Usher offers a gripping, atmospheric reimagining of Edgar Allan Poe’s classic, The Fall of the House of Usher. In this dark, chilling retelling, Alex Easton, a retired soldier, is called to the decaying Usher estate to visit their childhood friend, Madeline, who is dying under mysterious circumstances. What Alex discovers is a house consumed by fungal growths, possessed animals, and a deep, eerie lake, all while Madeline and her brother, Roderick, suffer from inexplicable afflictions. With the help of a mycologist and a perplexed doctor, Alex races to uncover the sinister secrets before the house destroys them all. Kingfisher’s evocative prose and rich atmosphere make this a must-read for fans of gothic horror and psychological suspense.

I was excited to read this one after having read A House With Good Bones, but I think this one just wasn't for me. I love the idea of a retelling of The Fall of the House of Usher and I think the atmosphere is set really well, I just had trouble getting into it.

WHAT MOVES THE DEAD – by T. Kingfisher

If you are a fan of Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher,” then I think you will enjoy—as I have—Kingfisher’s version set in 1890.

Highly Recommend!

Thank you, NetGalley and Tor Nightfire Publishing, for providing me with an eBook of WHAT MOVES THE DEAD at the request of an honest review.

This was not a perfect gothic novella, but it was an enjoyable read. I love this author's writing style. The descriptions of this world she created were so realistic. I just wish that it had been more creepy and gruesome. The cover art overpromises on the gore and the writing does not deliver. I definitely want to read more from this author.

I have read some classic literature, but "The Fall of the House of Usher" is not one that was known to me, so I figured I would give this one a try. What Moves the Dead was a great retelling. Most of the time I don't appreciate an unreliable narrator, however, it makes this novella! I didn't know what was real or what was imagined and that added to the horror aspect.
This was a first from Kingfisher for me, but won't be the last.
Thank you, Netgalley, for the opportunity to read this novella in exchange for a free and unbiased review.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for honest feedback.

A fairly good retelling of The Fall of Usher by Poe. While there are bits and pieces that seemed a little bit unnecessary (the warrior bit of the character backstory) overall it kept me engaged and I enjoyed it. Also a very quick read, which is always nice in a retelling. I hate when stories are drawn out where they don't need to be, and this did not do that.

Definitely gave off Fall Of The House Of Usher meets Mexican Gothic vibes. Overall, it's a solid novella. I think one of the things I enjoy most about Kingfishers writing is how atmospheric is. I just love the creepy settings in their writing as well.


I will definitely be checking out the second book as well.

T. Kingfisher's What Moves the Dead is a captivating and unsettling reimagining of Edgar Allan Poe's classic short story, The Fall of the House of Usher. With her signature blend of dark humor, gothic horror, and intricate storytelling, Kingfisher breathes new life into a timeless tale, making it both accessible and chilling for contemporary readers.

The novel follows retired soldier Alex Easton, who receives a distressing letter from Madeline Usher, an old friend who is gravely ill. Compelled by loyalty and concern, Easton travels to the remote and decaying Usher estate. Upon arrival, Easton is greeted by a landscape and a family in severe decline. The once-grand house is crumbling, and the lake surrounding it seems to pulse with an eerie, otherworldly energy.

Kingfisher’s reimagining of the Ushers is masterful. Roderick and Madeline are depicted with a haunting realism that captures their physical and psychological deterioration. Roderick’s heightened sensitivity to his surroundings and Madeline’s mysterious illness are rendered in vivid detail, enhancing the atmosphere of dread that pervades the novel. Kingfisher’s portrayal of the Usher siblings adds depth and nuance to Poe’s original characters, making their plight all the more compelling.

Easton, the protagonist, is a well-drawn and sympathetic character. Their military background and pragmatic nature contrast sharply with the gothic horror of the Usher estate. Easton’s practical approach to the bizarre and terrifying events unfolding around them provides a grounding perspective for the reader. Kingfisher’s choice to use Easton as the narrator adds an element of modern sensibility to the story, making the narrative both engaging and relatable.

The novel excels in creating an atmosphere of creeping horror. Kingfisher’s descriptive prose brings the decaying Usher estate to life, with its oppressive air, strange fungal growths, and the omnipresent sense of something not quite right. The slow, deliberate pacing allows the tension to build gradually, culminating in moments of genuine terror. The addition of new characters, such as the eccentric Dr. Denton and the local herbalist Hob, enriches the narrative and provides fresh perspectives on the Usher family's curse.

One of the standout elements of What Moves the Dead is its exploration of themes such as decay, madness, and the unnatural. Kingfisher delves into the biological and ecological aspects of the horror, introducing a sinister, sentient fungus that seems to be connected to the Ushers' decline. This unique twist adds a layer of scientific intrigue to the gothic narrative, blending genres in a way that feels fresh and innovative.

Kingfisher’s writing is sharp and evocative, with a touch of dark humor that lightens the mood without undermining the horror. The dialogue is crisp and believable, and the characters’ interactions feel natural and engaging. The narrative’s balance of humor and horror is expertly managed, making the novel a compelling read from start to finish.

In conclusion, What Moves the Dead is a brilliant reimagining of a gothic classic. T. Kingfisher has crafted a novel that honors the spirit of Poe’s original work while infusing it with new life and creativity. With its rich atmosphere, well-developed characters, and unique twists, What Moves the Dead is a must-read for fans of gothic horror and literary adaptations. Kingfisher’s ability to blend horror, humor, and heart makes this novel a standout addition to contemporary gothic fiction.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher/author for providing me with an ALC in exchange for my honest review.

This book was exactly what I wanted it to be! I loved it. I will make sure to check out other books by this author. When I requested this I was just intrigued by the concept of it and I loved how it turned out. This story had a great plot and if you have read this and enjoyed it, This was so much. It was such a great story. I would say give this one a try. I will continue to follow this author. Way to go to this author for not letting me down.

I highly enjoyed the narrator of the audiobook. Kept me listening.

A witty and atmospheric gothic horror novel. Perfect for readers looking for something immersive and chilling.

I love T. Kingfisher. I wasn't super crazy about the writing style of this book but I still enjoyed it and will be picking up the sequel.


Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Nightfire for the ARC!

TW: Language, anxiety, depression, death by suicide, smoking, PTSD, grieving, animal death (graphic), sexism

*****SPOILERS*****
About the book:
When Alex Easton, a retired soldier, receives word that their childhood friend Madeline Usher is dying, they race to the ancestral home of the Ushers in the remote countryside of Ruravia.

What they find there is a nightmare of fungal growths and possessed wildlife, surrounding a dark, pulsing lake. Madeline sleepwalks and speaks in strange voices at night, and her brother Roderick is consumed with a mysterious malady of the nerves.

Aided by a redoubtable British mycologist and a baffled American doctor, Alex must unravel the secret of the House of Usher before it consumes them all.
Release Date: July 12th, 2022
Genre: Horror
Pages: 165
Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

What I Liked:
1. Story is based on House of Usher
2. Enjoyed the retelling of story

What I Didn't Like:
1. Over rabbits being in all books
2. The monotone writing
3. Did not like the main character
4. "The Dead don't walk" 14 uses
5. Repetitive
6. I hated the audiobook
7. Some parts are confusing
8. All the rambling

Overall Thoughts:
Wait is Alex a female? It's mentioned that they have to bind their breasts to hide that they are female, but curious how that would work when changing or bleeding during monthly.

I honestly hate the monotone of this book. It's so straight forward and dull.

I am so sick of rabbits in books. I swear they are in every weird book anymore. I just read them in the retelling of A Haunting on the Hill House and they are pretty much the same as in this book.

It sucks that I did not care for this retelling, but maybe I am just too obsessed with the original story. I am a HUGE fan of Poe and so it was already perfect for me.

Final Thoughts:
I absolutely hated The audiobook. I had to switch to reading the book. All the voices were so bad.

I will read the next book in the series as Tor did send me the ebook of it.

Thanks to Netgalley, Tor Nightfire, and Macmillan Audio for this advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is one of my hands down favourite horror novels ever. The characters were so real, and the atmosphere was chillingly perfect. I’m a devoted fan to any retelling of poe’s works but this one was absolutely breath taking. It took every element that makes Poe a classic and ramped it up to 11.