DNF’ing at 35%. I just can’t bring myself to pick this one back up.

I will say it lives up to the retelling; it just isn’t for me.

This was a very good retelling of the Fall of the House of Usher. I really liked the exploration of the “why” and the horror of something so small as fungi.

This was a fantastic spooky read! A reimagining of The Fall of the House of Usher by Poe, What Moves the Dead is the perfect blend of anticipation, creepy imagery, and a vibe that will make your hair stand on end! I loved everything about this book, and I expected no less from T. KIngfisher. I enjoyed the snark and humor of the characters, along with the gothic energy. The disgusting descriptions were amazing! If you love creepy stories, this one is a necessity!

Most of the time I spent reading What Moves the Dead I could only think of one thing; that it is so similar to Mexican Gothic in its use of fungus/mold as the antagonist. Due to this, I actually had trouble focusing on the actual story T. Kingfisher was telling. Thus I wish that the Authors Note was at the front of the book, instead of the back, as in it Kingfisher admits the similarities to the amazing Mexican Gothic, as well she notes the differences and how a fungus/mold can be dangerous and sentient (if you will) in different ways. I think going in knowing that Kingfisher was aware of Silvia Morena-Garcia’s amazing novel would have helped me enjoy the story more. I’m a bit defensive of fellow Canadians (such as Morena-Garcia) as it’s just a bit tougher for us to get published and gain a huge following as our counterparts to the south and even in the UK.

All that said this is a solid story. I’d say it wasn’t quite as scary as I had hoped for. I didn’t have the shivers too many times and the atmosphere in general just didn’t hold the creepiness I like in a horror story. I think that’s because our leading lady is very pragmatic about the situation (and maybe because I was too fixed on the similarities to Mexican Gothic). Although I did find myself repeating (as I went to bed one night) ‘the dead don’t walk’ as a bit of a mantra and reassurance.

The most interesting part of the entire novel for me is actually not relevant to the main plot, that is Kingfisher’s explanation, early on, of the multiple types of pronouns used in this society. I wish we could adopt something like it for our own!! Instead of just male and female, there is a gender neutral/non-binary pronoun and even a pronoun just for soldiers (regardless of gender). I do wish more was said and explored about a character that would lack gender (literally as it’s not human); but at least the acknowledgement and handling of pronouns was done. That felt like a huge step forward and I can’t wait to tell my non-binary friend about it later today when I see them!

Overall the length felt appropriate, not too short nor too long, to tell the story and get to know the characters. While it wasn’t jump scary or all that chilling for me; What Moves the Dead was certainly well written, the plot organized sufficiently, and the characters real enough. I look forward to reading some of Kingfisher’s past novels (she has two prior) to see if I can enjoy her writing better when I’m not obsessed with defending Mexican Gothic against what I’m reading.
I do really appreciate Kingfisher telling everyone to go read Mexican Gothic however. I too will echo that statement; but I wouldn’t dissuade anyone from reading What Moves the Dead. Just know that it will feel very reminiscent with the use of mold/fungus as the unusual antagonist of each situation.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

This was super weird. I…. liked it? It was unusual. I haven’t read the Poe story that it was based on, but I’d love to, especially now. It was an enjoyable (weird) read but not necessarily one I’d recommend.

3.5 - An enjoyable, albeit it predictable retelling of Fall of the House of Usher featuring a whole lot of fungus! The strength of this novella lies in the atmosphere - you can feel the damp, smell the rot, and see the grotesque fungus. While not the most horrific book, it’s definitely unsettling and a little creepy.

An interesting and dark horror retelling of The Fall of the House of Usher. This story brings a fresh approach to horror with a nonbinary protagonist in a crumbling house thick with threatening illness and rot. The invented world pays homage while also creating an entirely new atmosphere. I really loved the nuances of the creepy story that plays out here, especially while experiencing the horrors through the eyes of Alex. If you're looking for eerie fungi, walking corpses, and decaying mansions, this book is the perfect choice.

Did you read (and love) The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe? Then perhaps you would be interested in hearing about What Moves the Dead, a creative retelling of the story – in a very visceral way.

Madeline Usher is dying. When the news finally makes its way to Alex Easton, they rush to her bedside as quickly as possible. Only when they arrive at Madeline's ancestral home do they find...not everything as it should be.

There's a secret in the House of Usher. A secret full of rot, decay, and nightmares. It will take the help of an unexpected ally for Alex to survive – let alone solve this mystery and save their friend.

“People get hung up on happiness and joy, but fun will take you at least as far and it's generally cheaper to obtain.”

With What Moves the Dead, I have officially read three T. Kingfisher books. And I'm already prepared to say this: T. Kingfisher is a genius. I love everything she writes and will be making a point of reading everything in her backlog and keeping up to date on all new releases. I'm hooked.

I've seen a few Edgar Allen Poe retellings over the years (usually in graphic novel format), but I've never seen anything like this. It made an already visceral and haunting tale (The Fall of the House of Usher) more...everything. It's borderline too much; it's so well done.

On that note, What Moves the Dead is not a read for everyone. It gets graphic at times, as one might expect. However, the unique twists and compelling writing style were enough to get me through the worst of it. Hopefully, other readers will feel the same way!

To say that What Moves the Dead is a visceral read would almost be an understatement. The complexity of this tale is unsurpassed. The characters are rich and intense, carefully crafted to change and morph throughout the tale. Then there's the atmosphere, which is so heavy that it may as well have been an additional character. It's brilliant.

Once again, I am blown away by T. Kingfisher's writing. I was so surprised by how much I loved What Moves the Dead – and I went into it expecting to fall in love. If you adore creative retellings, please give this one a try.

'What Moves the Dead,' by T. Kingfisher is a take on Edgar Allen Poe's, 'The Fall of the House of Usher.' It is gothic and creepy, as to be expected. A beautiful homage to the source. A quick read, more novella than novel, that Poe and horror fans should not miss!

Because this cover is so rad and sold me immediately - I had no idea this one was a reimagining of The Fall of the House of Usher by Poe until I started noticing some similarities while reading - and what an awesome and fun surprise!

So creepy and atmospheric, this one is definitely chock full of all the things that live in your nightmares - and its's so strangely, deliciously fun. It was my first by this author, and will not be my last!

For fans of The Inheritance of Orquidea Divina and Mexican Gothic - What Moves the Dead is sure to be the perfect book to pick up during this spooky season!

Truly splendid, once of the best books I’ve ever read or listened to. The gothic horror is reminiscent of Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. The main character is a properly written NB lieutenant, visiting their old friends at the house of Usher. The Usher siblings are decaying, and something is taking over their bodies. The chills are absolutely real, and the characters feel vivid even as they rely on tropes of their countrymen. I was delighted by this read and won’t soon forget it.

Just as I requested this book I read T. Kingfishers other book The Hollow Places which I found quite disappointing. It discouraged me from reading this one for a very long time. But let me say, that was a TERRIBLE mistake. What Moves the Dead is an excellent novel full of horror, comedy, and unforgettable scenes. Early reviews said this was a grotquese body horror novel, but I felt that doesn’t do this book justice. This was so much more than simply a body horror book, T Kingfisher’s writer style allowed for her to incorporate funny moments woven between the horror and made such visceral horror digestible. Don’t get me wrong, it does have body horror, but it was not the main focus for me.

To me, I would focus on the atmosphere that this story creates. With the setting of the house omitting gothic elements and ghostly vibes (like a reimagining of a haunted house), Kingfisher creates a delectable atmosphere that engrossed me from page one and did not let me go.

This clever and claustrophobic retelling of The Fall of the House of Usher is done in marvelous T. Kingfisher fashion. Come stay awhile in the gothic manse of your nightmares, and do mind the fungus, won't you? I'm a sucker for Poe and retellings, so this was made for my grubby little hands and my only complaint was I would have liked MORE! Fantastic!

***eArc was given in exchange for an honest review by NetGalley & Tor Nightfire***

Who doesn't love a horror novella, especially one based off a famous story. Me, apparently. I don't think What Moves the Dead is terrible by any means, it's actually quite good and spooky and interesting. The writing is beautiful, the images provocative, the horror visceral. But I'm left wondering what exactly moved T. Kingfisher to adapt the Fall of the House of Usher in quite this way.

A book that I wish was a little longer. Perfect for what it was trying to do for a novella, but the world was vastly interesting and pray for more future books in this odd world. Kingfisher's prose is atmospheric and at times claustrophobic. It perfectly balances the Sci-Fi/Horror elements that I love in Kingfisher's writing.

Wow! What a fantastic read. This was my first T. Kingfisher book and I loved it. I can’t wait to read more from this author. This is a great novella for people who enjoy gothic literature. The vibes and the writing were top tier. I’ve never read the original Fall of the House of Usher story so I can’t compare them. This had so much that I wish for in a gothic manor horror tale. I only wish there had been some romance. Thank you netgalley and Tor Nightfire for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

If you enjoyed Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, you’ll definitely enjoy this novel! And the cover? Gorgeous! ANNNDDD the inside artwork. Literally flawless ! Definitely a new favorite 🫶🏼

Apparently this is a retelling of Edgar Allen Poe’s story of The Fall of The House Of Usher which I’m ashamed to admit that I either have yet to read or probably read it for school and completely forgot. So I know what I’m reading next!

“This place breeds nightmares.”

What Moves the Dead is definitely in my top 10 (or even 5) books of 2022. There’s still a few months left in the year, and some amazing looking books on my TBR, but as soon as I finished this book, I already wanted to reread it. As someone who doesn’t really reread books, that tells how much I enjoyed it.

“The dead carry lanterns down in the deep.”

The Fall of the House of Usher is a short story by Edgar Allan Poe released in 1840. More than 150 years later, T. Kingfisher weaves it into a modern day story, while still retaining a lot of the classic elements that I enjoyed in the Poe story. What Moves the Dead takes the original gothic story and makes it queer, with a touch of fungus. My favorite.

As mentioned in Kingfisher’s author’s note, this novel is reminiscent of Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. Mexican Gothic is another one of my favorite novels, and while WMTD is similar, it definitely works on its own. File it under “a fungus comes in and makes everyone slightly crazy” and I will read it. And most likely love it.

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced review copy from Tor Nightfire, and my opinions are my own. Go buy this book if you haven’t already. I highly recommend.

CW for animal death, gore, suicide, war, and mental illness

ARC from Netgalley. VERY much enjoyed this, and for our extremely conservative library here, it is an ideal introduction to some of the themes involved. Awesome retelling.

While I didn't love this as much the other T. Kingfisher books I've read, it was still an enjoyable read. The writing made it feel like something that had been written long ago. It has been a while since I've read Edgar Allan Poe's House of Usher, but Kingfisher's writing in this novella could fit right alongside Poe's. I loved the quirky characters and though the pace was slow, the gothic atmosphere mostly made up for it. Kingfisher mentions Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Mexican Gothic in the author's note and that feels like an apt comparison. If you enjoyed that book, I think you'd also enjoy this one.