A review by a_reader_obsessed
What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher

dark mysterious tense slow-paced

3.5

3.5 Stars

Having not read [b:The Fall of the House of Usher|175516|The Fall of the House of Usher|Edgar Allan Poe|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1387708966l/175516._SY75_.jpg|15570703] (though I did peruse a plot synopsis), I can safely say that this is a close retelling inserting an insidious infiltration of the estate’s surroundings and its inhabitants. There’s lush descriptions of all the creepiness that abounds, and the setup and reveals slowly build on the layers of chilling findings that are experienced.

Standouts are the interesting world building with a fictional culture from where our protagonist Alex comes from plus an engaging supporting cast that includes feisty horse Hob, practical manservant Angus, a friendly American doctor, and a sassy mycologist that show how this group of characters band together to solve the dark mystery of what ails the heirs of Usher.

I had my suspicions early on that were confirmed by the disturbing conclusion, but it in no way ruined the storytelling. Not outright horror, but if you want a dark gothic tale that will probably gross you out and leave you truly unsettled, then this should push all your buttons.

My first Kingfisher and reassuredly, not my last!