I'm going to start off this review with the acknowledgement that this is truly creepy. I've been watching horror movies since I was a child and I don't scare at all. The writing was poetic and I was enamored the entire time. I finished it in one sitting. The body horror was genuinely disturbing and I still have a creeping tingle down my neck. My only critique is the random history lesson about pronouns from Easton's native country. T. Kingfisher is a wonderful horror author and I’ll be reading everything they publish. Go read this immediately if you found “Mexican Gothic” a bit too tame.

This little novella is packed with all kinds of gothic horror, dripping in atmosphere and psychological tension. It’s the retelling of Edgar Allan Poe's classic “The Fall of the House of Usher” that you have been waiting for.

This time around readers are treated to a more fully developed, Madeline Usher. Our growing fear and distress over her strange malady can only be written by the likes of T. Kingfisher’s pen.

Alex Easton, as the retired soldier who visits the home of the Ushers, finds its residents besieged by a strange sickness. Madness surrounds the decrepit manor and it is through this soldier’s eyes that we witness the slow downfall the Ushers.

There are strange lights and zombie-like rabbits infesting the landscape while the ancestral home is literally crumbling apart as if it’s slowly being consumed.

If you have ever wondered what really drove the Ushers mad, T. Kingfisher’s version gives an answer that is filled with all the strangeness and creepiness you could hope for. This is one twisted tale you’ll be sure to love.

The cover for this book is one of the most beautifully grotesque pieces of art I have ever seen in the horror genre, so two thumbs up for that! Also to begin, I thought this was an amazing retelling of the classic Poe story, Fall of the House of Usher (and now I'm going to have to go reread while this book is fresh on my mind). It was so cool how Easton's character was written in a way to be non-binary, and the author did a really great way of describing Easton's experience in the military (and growing up). I loved Miss Potter's character describing the fungi throughout the book, and it was very cool how we got a scientific explanation (although scary as heck) for why things unfolded they way they did. The hideous scenes of the hare and Madeline were enough to give me nightmares and reminded me of Stephen King's Pet Sematary. I would love for a movie to be made from this retelling! 5 stars! Thanks NetGalley and publisher for the ARC!

What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher is a retelling of the House of Usher featuring a trans spec main character, very spooky atmospheres and a short reading at novella length, just under 150 pages. I would recommend this books for any fans of Gothic Horror.

All in all, this was a solid read. Since it was a fast read, I am not concerned about fast pacing, but I felt at moments where the author was trying to build atmosphere, it could drag. I remember more about the environment than the characters, but given the environment is a large purpose of the plot and almost functions as a character in itself, I cannot be too angry at that. However, I felt there was a lot of amazing things here, some of the writing can flow like poetry in parts.

There was a great job setting up the environment, the characters work well together, the pacing is fine. this is a solid three star for me, not a perfect read but not bad at all, I would definitely recommend this books for folks of gothic horror.

I have been meaning to read T. Kingfisher for a while but have never found the right moment. Her horror novels seem to be just the right type of creepy and weird that would appeal to me. So, I was very happy to receive a copy of her newest work, What Moves the Dead, and I am beyond thrilled that this was my first foray into her work because it was, indeed, my perfect type of WTF. I don’t want to say too much regarding this story since it is only a novella and very short, but if you enjoy Edger Allen Poe you should read this (it being a retelling and all). If you find fungi an interesting topic, you should read this. If you find animals acting strangely to be off putting, you should read this.

It’s a little risky to say this, but T. Kingfisher’s What Moves the Dead, a retelling of Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher” not just honors the original but might just top it.

Atmosphere and engrossing, Kingfishers weaves mesmerizing depth and texture into her interpretation on this gothic classic until you can nearly feel the damp, crumbling Usher estate—the fungal felt coating your bones, the white hairs jutting from your pores. It’s a slow-building, uneasy simmer that boils quickly as the mysterious malaise affecting Madeline and Rodrick Usher makes itself known.

The imagery here is astounding and hypnotic, from the strange, jerkish movements of the hares to the climactic end of Madeline Usher’s corpse. Embracing the mystery of the original, Kingfisher nevertheless seeks to inject some rationale into her take, providing explanation to the Usher’s condition that is all-too-terrifying giving recent advancements in fungal science. Modern notes refresh this tale with a genderqueer protagonist as well as the off-beat Miss Potter, a woman bold enough to unapologetically study mycology in a man’s era of science. Likewise, Kingfisher weaves in threads of navigating PTSD as well as small bits of humor, giving life to an otherwise dreary tale. In sum, Kingfisher has done a remarkable job of keeping true to Poe’s version while giving us a fresh new spin befitting a modern horror audience.

Final rating: 4.5 stars

As far as I know, I’ve never read The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allen Poe (unless i read it as required reading in high school, in which case I wiped it from my memory). I also haven’t yet read Mexican Gothic, which has been mentioned as a comparison and is also mentioned by the author in the author’s note at the end of the book. That means that this was the first time I encountered anything like this book, and I think that really worked in my favor because I had no idea what to expect going into this!

This was incredibly creepy but I just couldn’t put it down! It’s fast paced, and strange events keep piling on top of each other which adds to the sense of dread and wrongness of Usher House.

The narrator Alex is non-binary, and what I thought was interesting was the use of pronouns, especially at the end. In their culture, they don’t use they/them but instead use ka/kan, va/van, etc. depending on the situation. The way that this played into the ending was really interesting.

Alex gets a letter from their childhood friend Madeline, who summons them saying that something is wrong. Alex arrives to find Madeline is near death, and her brother Roderick isn’t far behind her. Alex then sets about trying to figure out what is happening to the siblings and to see if there is a way to save them.

The plot is pretty straightforward, but the way it’s written and the atmosphere was just so enjoyable! There were a few moments that really got to me, especially the discussion around Madeline’s hair (if you’ve read it, you know exactly what I’m talking about)! The reveal of what is happening with the house was super disturbing, especially since I was camping when I read this book so I was almost doubly creeped out because of my location.

Overall, this was fantastic, and I can’t wait to read more from this author as this was my first book from them! I know that in addition to horror they also have written some fantasy, and I’m excited for both now!

Wow. This was so good. It could have been 100 pages longer and I wouldn't have noticed. This was a great twist on "The Fall of the House of Usher" and I loved every second of it. 

"What Moves the Dead" follows Alex Easton that is a retired soldier that is rushing to see their childhood friend, Madeline Usher. Alex served with Madeline's brother Roderick and finds both of them changed since the last time they saw them. Alex starts wondering what is going on with the usher family and an American doctor that knows Roderick helps Alex in the investigation of what could possibly be causing the sickness in Madeline. 

Alex was great and I could have read a whole side novella about their homeland and about sworn soldiers. Alex refuses to leave the Ushers even though other people probably would have went running. Alex coming across Miss Potter (Beatrix's aunt) who has a fascination with mushrooms ended up being someone else I would have loved to follow in another side novella. 

T. Kingfisher manages to infuse this story with Gothic elements as well as horror and humor. Parts of the story had me imagining walking the Usher home and how bad it must have smelled, looked, and how fearful it must have been there to watch two people who seemed to slowly be dying.

The writing was great and the genderless words/grammar that we learn along the way and how that is incorporated back into the story at the end was kind of brilliant. The flow was fantastic from beginning to end. 

The setting of the house was somehow even more dark and menacing than in Poe's story. It felt as if anything that came on to the Usher land went mad. And then we find out why. And you are never going to look at hares the same way. 

The ending was fantastic!

Old school Gothic horror. An absolutely wonderful retelling of the Fall of the House of Usher. The author does an excellent job of depicting the gothic atmosphere throughout the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this!

What Moves the Dead was an incredibly interesting read and truly unlike anything I have ever read prior. Beginning as a traditional retelling of the classic Poe short story, Kingfisher’s reimagining takes a sharp left turn into the uncanny.
I’m really into the new ‘mushroom horror in novels’ phenomenon, so this did it for me 100%.
A fresh and grotesque new take on a creepy classic that I won’t forget anytime soon.
4/5 stars

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this Arc!

I don't believe I've ever read The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allen Poe but there is a large possibility I did when I was growing up and just can't remember. (I loved Poe and any scary stories when I was growing up). This retelling, however, is something I will never forget. It began with the mystery of the situation and evolved into being truly horrifying.

Easton is a soldier and is visiting an old friend and their sister, Madeline, after receiving a letter calling for help. Soon Easton learns of Madeline's sickness in the ancient House of Usher. However, there is a strangeness to this sickness and an even stranger quality to the hares in the surrounding countryside and the near lake. Soon it becomes clear that nothing in and surrounding the House of Usher is as it seems.

This story gave me chills and is going down as a new favorite horror story for me! I highly recommend this!

Out July 12th!

10/10 5/5
GO INTO THIS BOOK BLIND or, at the very least, read Poe's short story that this book was based on. Read this at night, preferably when you are alone and the world outside is still and quiet. It will creep you the F out. Thank you, Net Galley, for providing me with an arc of this title. This is the type of horror I want to see more of.

When Alex Easton-- a retired soldier-- hears their childhood friend Madelline is ill and very possibly on her death bed, Easton rushes to the Usher house to be with her and her brother whom theh fought alongside.

This a partial retelling of Edgar Allen Poe's Fall of the Usher House shortstory, with some twists and turns. I am really new to T. Kingfisher's. I read The Hollow Places last year and was struck by Kingfishers ability to create atmosphere in such a short page count. What Moves the Dead was no different. From the first page I got a very painted picture of the atmosphere and the ambiance. I loved the gothic horror elements, the way the story felt familiar and original at the same time. I nearly binged this in a night and with such a short page count, you really could. I am glad I read the last 20% in a second session. It made me savor the richness.

I am not a regular horror reader. I dabble in horror but I don't intentionally seek it out. This is pretty tame compared to some of the stuff out there. There are some moments with gore, but it wasn't anything with the capability to keep me awake at night. Just some minor blood and guts. Even if you don't do horror, I feel confident this wouldn't be too much!

Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan-tor for a copy of What Moves the Dead in exchange for an honest reveiw. You can find What Moves the Dead in bookshops near you on July 12th!

I have read several of Kingfisher's books at this point so I was very excited to read this. A retelling of Poe's The Fall of the House of Usher, but in their specific style. I really enjoyed this retelling! It was well written, I liked all the characters and the atmosphere itself. The description of the fungi and the hares were enough to make your skin crawl but in the best way. I do not want to say too much because it is short, but this would be a great read even if you have never read the original story. Looking forward to Kingfisher's next full length novel (whenever that is!).

I finished the novella early this morning. I really, really enjoyed it. I am officially into mushroom horror. If the book were physical I'd set it along side Mexican Gothic on my shelf. The author does note Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia as some parts inspiration beyond her inspiration in retelling The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe...which I have not read. Maybe I'll get on that?

When I started reading I wondered what the point of retellings were, but reading books like What Moves the Dead gives me the desire to pick up old books to see what inspired the story.

This book will publish on July 12, 2022 and was gifted to me via #netgalley and #tornightfire in exchange for an honest review.

First off, thanks to Macmillan and NetGalley for granting me an advanced reader copy of this book!

This would be a 4.5/5 ⭐️ review if possible! Sticking to 4/5 on the goodreads system.

What Moves the Dead takes readers back into Edgar Allen Poe’s iconic House of Usher. Childhood friends with Madeline Usher, the narrator Easton is devastated to receive a letter saying she is sick. Setting out at once for the rundown estate, Easton discovers things in the dreary mansion are worse than they could have imagined.

This is the most well done gothic novel I have read from a modern author. The building sense of dread was so effective that I had a physical reaction multiple times. The entire tone and mood of the novel had me scared down to my bones in the best way. Kingfisher acknowledges themselves in the authors note that there are similarities between this novel and Mexican Gothic, but this book achieved where the other fell short for me. Mexican Gothic never delivered the punch I was looking for, but What Moves The Dead hit a horrific fever-pitch multiple times.

I would be remiss not to mention the brilliant supporting characters in this novel. Denton, the American war-surgeon, and Miss Potter - the British aspiring mycologist, were spectacularly done. I was excited to hear Miss Potter’s thoughts any time she appeared, and was thrilled to see the role she took in the finale. I found myself questioning up until the final moments if these characters were to be trusted, which is one of my favourite things to encounter in a gothic or mystery novel.

There was only two things that kept this from being a five star book for me. 1: The narration style. 2: The slightly over-complicated pronoun system.

The narration wasn’t bad, it was just a bit confusing. Easton got so sidetracked sometimes with joking narrative thoughts that it became distracting from the plot and prose. I finished the novel undecided if I liked it or hated it, which to me seems like it didn’t give the desired effect.

I adored the quasi-non binary representation from Easton, and the “sworn soldier” backstory was fascinating. However, Kingfisher created a system of pronouns to achieve this, and it often felt very clunky and shoehorned in when mentioned. Though I understand the effect the author was trying to achieve in creating this system, I personally think sticking to they/them would have helped the novel read more smoothly. This is probably a matter of preference, and ultimately I am happy to read an odd pronoun system if it means seeing some much needed gender diversity in literature.

Overall, a really well-done gothic novel that I would happily recommend to anyone interested in the genre.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge, Tor Nightfire for an arc copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

In preparation for reading this book I quickly breezed thru the audio of The House of Usher by Edgar Allen Poe. Maybe a bit too quickly as it was over and I was still left wondering what happened. My understanding was that the house was killing it's occupants but they wouldn't leave knowing this.

So Act 2- What Moves the Dead... as a fan of Kingfisher's adult horror books I was pumped to have received a copy of this book. Just look at that beautiful cover, appreciated by horror fans everywhere. This story was a retelling of the House of Usher but with a lot more explanation with excellent and terrifying details. Think Covid that can take over your body and move you. HA! This story was excellent, I finished it in one sitting and loved every minute of it.
Way better than Usher. A must read for fans of Kingfisher. She done it good!

A great homage to Poe’s “Fall of the House of Usher.” Using the classic characters of Madeline and Roderick Usher, and adding her own, the author brings to life an innovative and very creepy story. When I read that this was a Gothic mansion beset by fungus, I immediately thought of Silvia Moreno Garcia’s wonderful “Mexican Gothic.” Kingfisher acknowledges this in her afterword but, as she says, she wanted her own take and she got it. Usher House is just as spooky as in the original Poe story and the Ushers as enigmatic. I loved the historical and cultural background she gives to the narrator, Alex Easton, as well as the explanation of the strange phenomena. Easton is quite smart and knowledgeable about science so, with the help of an American doctor, the fictional aunt of Beatrix Potter and other characters, sets out to fix the problem. I loved the twisted sense of humor that balances the dread that almost chokes the reader. Dark, but excellent!
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, #NetGalley/#Macmillan-Tor/Forge, Tor Nightfire!

Absolutely loved this one. The gothic vibe was perfectly cold, creepy, and chilling. The mix of sickness with the paranormal twist of a host body being taken over by the fungus was the weirdest thing I've read in awhile and it totally worked. My favorite character was Miss Potter. She was the perfect side character to add some interest to the story and bring things all together. Was not expecting that ending at all. I also appreciated the author's note at the end because I didn't realize this had anything to do with Poe at first. Very interesting!

Thanks to Macmillan-Tor/Forge, Tor Nightfire for allowing me to read this on Netgalley for an honest review.

This horror novella has moved into one of my favorite reads of the year. I have not read a T. Kingfisher novel before but now need to seek out all stories by them. This story is wonderful, like any good horror novel it will leave you sleeping with the lights on and contemplating the universal themes within and wanting more.

This gothic story is inspired by Poe's House of Usher which many of us read as teenagers in school. I only have vague recollections of being a bit confused and knowing there is a creepy house. The setting in this is fantastic, oozing hair-raising vibes with the creepy house still being present, along with a sinister lake and unnatural events occurring.

My favorite parts of this novella are indeed the writing and the characters, especially Alex our retired soldier lead. They are equal parts humorous, intelligent and loyal. The other characters including the troubled Usher siblings Madeline and Roderick, an American doctor Denton and mycologist Eugenia are all interesting and have great interactions as they try to figure out what the hell is going on. The writing was easy to follow along with the quickly moving plot and has some wonderful quotable passages that beg for a reread.

My only gripe is the ending seemed a bit abrupt but it was still wholly satisfying. Also it is worth mentioning that the cover art is superb. Perfect for fans of Moreno-Garcia this book is one I would highly recommend to everyone but of course fans of gothic horror will devour this.