Horror is not my usual genre of choice, but T. Kingfisher is an automatic read at this point, and add in that What Moves the Dead is old-school gothic horror? Based on Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher"? Well. How could I resist? The story begins with charm, humor and a pall of dread that only grows as we learn more about what's happening. I think what kept me from going mad myself was the solidly grounded narration of Alex Easton, a former soldier with an extremely practical mind, not prone to fretfulness or fancy. Of course, the fact that even Easton occasionally freaks out is also what makes the fantastic events so chilling because we know it's not just nerves. Brilliantly done, delightfully told (only T. Kingfisher could make a horror tale delightful!), and best read in broad daylight.

My thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge, Tor Nightfire for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

What Moves the Dead is a Gothic and modern take of Edgar Allen Poe’s short story Fall of the House of Usher. While the author kept surprisingly close to the original, I must make a bold statement and say, I might just like this version better! Sorry Mr. Poe but this story is spooky, atmospheric, and very beautifully written.

Beyond this novella being better than the original it is engaging, gripping, atmospheric and hits all the Gothic notes. I loved the use of, well, the “bad guy” here. It is extremely realistic and classically scary. If I had not known better, I would have thought this story came from Poe’s time.

The story is about Alex, a soldier who received a letter from their childhood friend telling if the friend’s illness and impending death. From there Alex is immediately concerned and travels to the dilapidated mansion to find her friend and see if they can be of any help.

The story starts out gothic and spooky and the simple cast really impacts a large punch. There are only a handful of characters within the pages but each of them is so well developed and written they came alive on the page.

I love the use of the house as a character as well as the hares and the, well, again the “bad guy.” The ending was satisfying, and the story is one that will stay with me while I spend time in nature. Brilliant writing and brilliant story.

4.75 stars. #WhatMovestheDead #NetGalley #Brilliant #MustRead #BetterThenTheOrigional

This is my first foray into T. Kingfisher’s horror. I recently was blessed to read Nettle & Bone and I fell in love. Approaching What Moves the Dead, I was a little nervous. On one hand, I had high expectations and on the other, I feared that Nettle & Bone might be one of those moments when the Muse strikes and then perhaps leaves the artist lacking. I am happy to say, What Moves the Dead was excellent. T. Kingfisher is masterful!

First, we have Alex. As a genderfae person myself, I am thrilled to see a non-binary character as the main character of a book. Not only that, but the insertion of this character and their gender nonconformity, while explained very well, never felt shoe horned or like their gender was their personality. It simply was part of the character just as any female or male MC’s gender would be. I appreciated that so much after reading some books that fell through on this.

Second, approaching a classic like Poe’s Fall of the House of Usher is a HUGE undertaking. Such endeavors can easily turn into history lessons or, worse, cheap paint over fine grained wood. The latter I’ve seen occur when authors try to hard to bring a story into modernity or do not appreciate and honor the classical text for the masterpiece it is.
T. Kingfisher, I dare say, ELEVATED the classic story to something far more intriguing, beautiful, and sinister. The descriptions were so utterly gothic I found myself putting the book down just to close my eyes and picture them fully while languishing on the couch (all I was missing was a long, ephemeral gown and a choker on my pale throat. Perhaps a spilled crystal goblet of wine and piano music just slightly out of tune.) The characters had so much more depth and realism than Poe’s waifs (no offense, Ed). And the decay? Well, let me take a moment to get there…

Third, the horror was so subtle. I don’t know yet if T. Kingfisher starts all of her fantasy off with horror and all of her horror off with cozy quaint scenes (I’m currently reading The Hollow Places and this seems to be the pattern) but I felt lured in with a false sense of security from the start. Surely nothing too terrible can happen when you start a novel talking about mushrooms with an old woman…right? Wrong. At first, I wasn’t bothered by the horror in it. I finished the book on a binge and then…that’s when it seeped in. Like black mold, it bloomed in my mind. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I had dreams of mushrooms.

You see, I have some experience with the horrors of mushrooms and mold. The second apartment I lived in with my partner was owned by a slum lord. I won’t got into detail but one of the problems was how damp it stayed in there. The claustrophobic hallway that contained the utility room and laundry was filled with mold. Mushrooms bloomed, large and fleshy, out of the base boards and cracks in the walls. I got so sick, I thought I was dying so we evacuated and took the landlord to court. This book took me back to those weeks of mold and fungus literally looming over and encircling where I lived and slept.

This book was sublime. Its a creeping, lovely read that hits you during and after you think you’re finished with the story. The ONLY thing I would have liked different in it would be a glimpse into the infected mind of Madeline. Diary entries would have been perfect – her account of those early days with this fungal fiend taking her over. I thought about this far too long after reading, I won’t lie.

Recommendations
I recommend What Moves the Dead to any fans of Poe, Gothic horror, or to horror fans who are into the cottagecore/goblincore/mushroomcore vibe. I can’t, at this time, compare it to any other works. Just know it is a JOURNEY.

This is such a good book! Be prepared for a slow creep. All the hares, so much fungus, Gallaecian pronouns, and Beatrix Potter's aunt come together to make a phenomenal read.
There is no doubt that I will be reading this one again.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor Forge for the eARC.
Alex Easton, a non-binary soldier is on the way to The House of Usher, riding his wonderful horse Hob after receiving a letter from Madeline Usher, whose brother Roderick thinks she's dying. I had never read Edgar Allen Poe's story, so can't compare this novella to his story. All I know is that I was a bit confused at the beginning, but quickly started to enjoy the story. I loved Hob and Alex, as well as the mycologist Miss Potter, an imaginary family member of Beatrice Potter's. Then there are the strange hares, the American Doctor and the sinister tarn and malodorous mushrooms. All that and the sly humour made for a wonderful, creepy read.
I loved it!

T. Kingfisher has become a must read author for me, and What Moves the Dead is another wonderfully unique and compelling story. I have to admit that I have never actually read the short story "The Fall of the House of Usher", so I may have to revisit this book someday once I've read the original. From my understanding, what Kingfisher has done here is expand upon the original story to add depth and explanation, while also giving us a truly original narrator (who I would love to see more of honestly).

Alex Easton is a retired soldier from a fictional country. They are called to the Usher estate by an old friend, Madeline. Madeline is dying, and her brother Roderick seems to be going mad. Meanwhile the house is crumbling and the surrounding countryside is infested with strange fungal growths and unnatural animals. Alex is left to tackle the mystery of the House of Usher with the help of a visiting American doctor and a wandering amateur mycologist.

If you've read the short story then you'll obviously recognize the major story beats here, but the book also works very well for those like myself who were previously unfamiliar. Alex is a wonderful narrator, practical and freaked out in equal amounts. One of the most interesting parts of the book actually is Alex's background as a soldier. A nonbinary soldier who was both Madeline's childhood friend and Roderick's wartime commander, they are a unique character to see in a nineteenth century setting.

Like all Kingfisher books this is a compelling story full of memorable characters and at least a few deeply creepy moments that will stick with you long after. If you haven't read any of her books before, then feel free to start here as it is relatively short and unconnected to any of her other writings.

I haven’t read “The Fall of the House of Usher” just yet, but I still found this short, gothic book really engaging!

We’re following Alex, a retired soldier, who decides to visit old friends (after receiving word that they aren’t doing too well).
When Alex arrives at the Usher’s home, it is immediately obvious that things are very wrong. There are creepy hares that don’t act quite right, an unsettling lake, and mushrooms/fungi growing everywhere. It’s then up to Alex, and some friends he makes along the way, to figure out what’s going on before it’s too late.

This was definitely atmospheric and at times a bit slow paced, but I really loved that even though this was a Poe retelling, T. Kingfisher stuck to her usual, humorous/sarcastic writing style! Since reading The Twisted Ones and The Hollow Places, she’s been an author I’ve come to really enjoy and seek out, therefore I’m happy to add What Moves the Dead to my growing list of favorites from her.

I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to read a fast, at times creepy, at other times funny, slightly speculative, mystery/horror story.

*thank you NetGalley for the ARC, all opinions are my own*

This is a short, quick read, and it's a nice retelling of "Fall of the House of Usher" by Poe. The new characters are a nice addition, as they help things move along. And the story seems creepier than the original, if that's even possible.


l.

I have been a fan of T. Kingfisher for a few books now and this book just strengthens the feeling. There's a scene in which a rabbits lung is described and it was one of my first thoughts this morning. That image and what it would mean if it happened to me... first thing upon waking up makes my brain feel weird.

I really enjoyed the main character's point of view and the jabs at Americans. I kind of wish the story were longer.

Thank you to Netgalley and Tornightfire for my ARC!

I dove into What Moves the Dead not knowing alot about it- but I was really pleasantly surprised. This novella is a retelling of The house of Usher by Poe, and T. Kingfisher writes a story that is equal parts fascinating and horrifying.

When Alex Easton is wrote to help his friend, Maddy, that has turned seriously ill and is on her deathbed, he hurries to the house of Usher, to find that Maddy and her brother Roderick afflicted by a mysterious and serious condition. I really enjoyed Easton's character, as well as Mrs. Potter, a local who enjoys to draw the local fungi that riddles the perimeter of the house. No spoilers, but this is an atmospheric read, with a disturbing twist that made me devour this book.

Highly recommend!

Seeing Kingfisher’s spin on the Fall of the House of Usher was already something I was looking forward to, but of course, SHE MADE IT EVEN MORE TERRIFYING. I am even more determined to apply fire to mushrooms now. Also, man, the unexpected Beatrix potter references. And awesome neopronouns! Pick this up when it comes out!

What Moves The Dead is actually a pretty faithful adaptation of Edgar Allen Poes work, with few creative liberties taken and more of a straight novelization of the original text. This was pretty cool to experience, and its shortness made it a quick and easy read.

That said, its commitment to the source material could feel a little boring and stuffy at times. I wish I had more to say about this one, but unfortunately I was not affected either way by it and will not be putting up a formal review via blog because there simply is not enough to say.

For fans of Edgar Allen Poe and Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s Mexican Gothic, What Moves the Dead is a modern expanded retelling of the Fall of the House of Usher.
 
What Moves the Dead is a fast-paced read that starts with Easton receiving a letter from his long-lost friend Madeline, who asks him to come see her since her brother Roderick is worried about her severe illness. As Easton arrives on their trusty horse, it becomes eerily clear that the Usher’s house is… creepy to say the least. The hares that surround the property are unlike anything they’ve ever seen. The hares don’t run or hide. Instead, they stare at anyone who gets near them as if they are unafraid of anything–an unusual characteristic for a hare. Not to mention, there are ghastly mushrooms that when touched, smell of a putrid, rotten smell no one would want to be within ten miles from.
 
Once inside the Usher home, it becomes clear how dreadful it really is. The help is minimal, the house hasn’t been cleaned in who knows how long. Not to mention, Madeline looks as if she’s seconds away from death. She’s frail, her skin nearly translucent, and no one is sure what could be contributing to her demise. Denton, Roderick’s friend, is a “doctor” (who really is only familiar with amputating limbs) and is at the Usher home in an attempt to comfort his friend and see if he can diagnose Madeline’s condition. As Easton stays longer in the home, it’s starting to become eerily clear that whatever is killing Madeline might not just be an illness, but something that may put everyone at risk…
 
While there are similarities between this story and Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher, it’s fair to say that the two are vastly different. Kingfisher brings Poe’s version to life, by bringing the characters to the page and going in more detail. Easton, who in Poe’s version was an unnamed main character, is a humorous, fun character to read on the page. What I enjoyed most about this story was Easton’s voice. Despite this being a dark, serious plot, Easton livened the pages through his humor and perception about the world and those around them. Easton was also a nonbinary character in the sense that they didn’t identify as man or woman, and instead, considered themselves to be “ka” and “kan,” which are Gallecian terms used to identify soldiers. Many Gallecia people who became soldiers often retired “him” and “his” and “she” and “her” pronouns and instead adopted the uses of “ka” and “kan.” Because of this, it was a joy to see this form of gender representation in a modern Gothic novel.
 
As mentioned earlier, this novel is quite similar (and different) to Mexican Gothic. While I reading, I kept thinking back to Moreno-Garcia’s book. They are similar in the sense that there is a weird fungus that is a part of the residence. However, how that fungus interacts with the world is quite different between the two texts. Not to mention, Kingfisher’s story is a retelling of Poe’s short story. Kingfisher, is however, very aware of these influences as he mentions in his acknowledgements that Mexican Gothic bared similarities and inspiration. While there is a lot of influence in this story, Kingfisher makes it his own throughout his character development.
 
Easton’s horse is now a sophisticated steed who only wants the best foods and can be quite set on what he likes. Roderick can play the piano like no other. Madeline is sweet and tender, until Easton hears her sleepwalking and tries to awaken her, only to discover an unsettling truth. Easton’s friend Angus who takes care of him is a lovable, boisterous man who is quickly disturbed by the house and busies himself elsewhere in his attempts to avoid it. And, Ms Potter, the local British mycologist, is an intelligent woman whose scientific background is a necessary asset to the case.
 
I didn’t have any issues with this story actually. I appreciated the quick read and was able to finish it in less than two days. The characters are witty, humorous, and use their senses to fully understand what’s affecting the Usher residence.
 
Again, I would read this story over again just to immerse myself in Easton’s voice. They were very relatable and humorous! I’ve never read a character in this way before, and it’s clear that Kingfisher is making a name for himself in the literary world because of his unique, but relatable character creation. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick, entertaining read in a Gothic setting.
 
Rating: 4.5 out 5 stars

A beautiful retelling of The Fall of the House of Usher. Lovely characters, eerie atmosphere and excellent writing. Fans of Poe and gothic horror will love this. I haven't read T. Kingfisher before but I definitely want to now. And this cover is just stunning.

You’ve heard of Bunnicula, now get ready for Vampire Bunnies!

First and foremost, I should say I’ve never read The Fall of the House of Usher so I have nothing to compare this novella to. However, having no knowledge of the work What Moves the Dead is based on doesn’t affect your experience at all. What starts as a creepy little story turns into a grotesque tale of an evil fungus. It was dark with an edge of humor and it was incredible. I’d particularly recommend this one to fans of Mexican Gothic.

“What moves the dead” by T. Kingfisher is a short novel retelling “The Fall of the House of Usher.”
The main character, Alex, is summoned to the Usher’s ancestral home by Madeline Usher who fears she is dying.
The novella is dark and gothic and I found it funny and thrilling. It was such a creative take on the Poe short story.

I think a lot of reviewers who don't know it's a retelling will enjoy this book! As someone who has read the The Fall of the House of Usher, I feel like this retelling wraps things up far too much. I did read the author's notes, and they do state that they felt the original didn't give enough answers, and they wanted to answer them. I feel that part of what makes the original iconic is the eeriness produced by a lack of answers. Nevertheless, like I said, I feel that a lot of people who read this will enjoy it if they aren't comparing it to the original.

what moves the dead was such a good retelling and i would have rated it 5 stars had it not been for how slow the beginning was. it’s creepy without having that many “in-your-face” horror moments. the author does such a good job at creating an eerie, something-is-wrong atmosphere and i was on the edge of my seat for the last 40% of the novel. if you like mexican gothic, you’ll probably like this one as well.

the writing was fung-nomenal. i will show myself out now.

this is a novella and i am amazed how well thought-out the plot and the characters were. the main character, alex, especially, had such a strong personality – they’re witty and sarcastic and i really liked them.

the beginning was tedious and i almost considered dnf-ing because it felt like nothing was happening. i wish this build-up part was considerably shorter – it didn’t really have a point or maybe i just missed stuff.
the way everything is described was truly amazing – it’s unsettling without being too gore-y. around the 40% point of the book you’re starting to realize something is off, but there’s no jumpscare to actually justify that feeling. i also loved the scenes with the hares – they were very off-putting. i just love how the book approached the horror tropes it features.

what moves the dead is one of those novels you read in one-sitting. everything about it was really good and it’s such a clever retelling. also i have to say the title was a very smart choice, it was really fun to figure out the meaning of it. and the cover is simply gorgeous!!

As a huge horror fan and a fan of Edgar Allen Poe, I really enjoyed this retelling. Honestly at first I had an idea of what was going on but I was so incorrect by the time I finished the book! I really enjoyed the story and the plot devices put into play that kept the story feeling creepy.

I have a friend who's been urging me to read T. Kingfisher for years, and now that I've read this, I'm very sorry I waited so long. Not for the faint of heart or stomach, this is a truly terrifying novella inspired by Poe's The Fall of the House of Usher -- but with all of the extra details and new characters I didn't know I wanted. I loved it and will be recommending it widely.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.