Ever had that creeping feeling something’s not quite right? That prickling on the back of your neck when you’re alone in an old house, hearing things that shouldn’t be there? T. Kingfisher’s “What Moves the Dead” taps into those primal fears, serving up a deliciously creepy reimagining of Edgar Allan Poe’s classic tale “The Fall of the House of Usher.”
But don’t go thinking this is just some rehash of a dusty old story. Oh no, my friends. Kingfisher injects new life (or should I say, new death?) into Poe’s framework, creating something fascinatingly bizarre and utterly unforgettable. Picture this: a crumbling manor house, a sickly lake that glows with an otherworldly light, and mushrooms. So. Many. Mushrooms.
Welcome to the Nightmare
Our guide through this fungal fever dream is Alex Easton, a retired soldier from the fictional country of Gallacia. When Alex (who uses gender-neutral pronouns) receives word that their childhood friend Madeline Usher is dying, they hightail it to the Usher family’s creepy ancestral pile in Ruravia.
What greets them is a hot mess of epic proportions. The house is literally falling apart, the nearby lake looks like it might be radioactive (spoiler: it’s worse), and don’t even get me started on the hares. Let’s just say these aren’t your standard cute and cuddly bunnies.
Madeline herself is a wraith, wasting away from some mysterious illness. Her twin brother Roderick isn’t faring much better, plagued by hyper-sensitive nerves and a growing madness. Throw in a no-nonsense English mycologist (mushroom expert, for us plebs) and a well-meaning but baffled American doctor, and you’ve got yourself one hell of a house party.
Spores, Scores, and So Much More
Kingfisher’s prose is a joy to read. It’s atmospheric without being purple, witty without undermining the horror. Alex’s voice feels authentic to their background—a bit formal, a bit crusty, but with a dry humor that had me chuckling even as things got progressively more terrifying.
The pacing is spot-on. We start with a slow burn of creeping unease, punctuated by increasingly WTF moments (seriously, those hares will haunt my nightmares). By the time we hit the climax, it’s a full-on sprint to the finish line, and I dare you to try and put the book down.
But what really sets “What Moves the Dead” apart is its deep dive into mycology. Yeah, you heard me right. Mushrooms. Fungi. Those weird little organisms that aren’t quite plants, aren’t quite animals, but boy oh boy can they mess you up. Kingfisher clearly did her homework, and it shows. The fungal horror is both scientifically plausible (to a point) and utterly skin-crawling.
The Good, The Bad, and The Fungal
Let’s break it down, shall we?
The Good:
- Killer atmosphere that oozes gothic dread
- A diverse cast of characters that feel real and relatable
- Alex Easton is a fantastic protagonist—competent, but not infallible
- The fungal horror is unique and genuinely unsettling
- Snappy dialogue and moments of humor that balance out the darkness
The Bad (or at least, the “Eh”):
- Some readers might find the pacing a bit slow in the first half
- If you’re squeamish about body horror, certain scenes might be tough to stomach
- The ending, while satisfying, feels a tad abrupt
The Fungal:
- You’ll never look at mushrooms the same way again
- Seriously, I’m side-eyeing every toadstool I see now
A Series in the Making?
“What Moves the Dead” is the first book in Kingfisher’s “Sworn Soldier” series. The second installment, “What Feasts at Night,” is set to continue Alex Easton’s adventures in gothic horror. If it’s anything like this book, sign me up for more fungal frights and Victorian-era shenanigans.
How Does It Stack Up?
Compared to Kingfisher’s other works, “What Moves the Dead” feels like a natural progression. Fans of her horror novel “The Twisted Ones” will find familiar elements—a protagonist out of their depth, a creeping sense of wrongness, and folklore twisted into something nightmarish.
In the broader context of gothic horror, this book holds its own against classics and modern takes alike. It has echoes of Shirley Jackson’s “The Haunting of Hill House” in its oppressive atmosphere, but with a scientific bent that brings to mind Jeff VanderMeer’s “Southern Reach” trilogy.
Final Thoughts: To Read or Not to Read?
Look, I’m not gonna lie—this book isn’t for everyone. If you prefer your horror blood-soaked and action-packed, you might find “What Moves the Dead” a bit too slow-burning. And if you’re hoping for a straight-up retelling of Poe’s original story, you’re in for a surprise (albeit a pleasant one, in my opinion).
But if you’re in the mood for:
- Gothic atmosphere thick enough to choke on
- Body horror that’ll make your skin crawl
- A fresh take on a classic tale
- Some genuinely funny moments amidst the terror
- Mushrooms. So many mushrooms.
Then boy howdy, do I have the book for you. “What Moves the Dead” is a fungi-filled fever dream that’ll stick with you long after you turn the last page. Just maybe don’t read it right before bed. Or while eating. Or if you’re planning a trip to the countryside anytime soon.
The Verdict
T. Kingfisher’s “What Moves the Dead” is a delightfully creepy romp through fungal-infested gothic horror. It’s not perfect, but its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. If you’re a fan of atmospheric horror, clever writing, and never looking at mushrooms the same way again, give this book a shot. Just don’t blame me if you start hearing things in the walls afterward.
Who Should Read This Book?
- Fans of gothic horror looking for a fresh twist
- Mycology enthusiasts (you know who you are)
- Anyone who’s ever thought, “You know what Poe needed? More pronouns and fungus.”
- Readers who enjoy a slow-burn horror that builds to a terrifying crescendo
- People who aren’t easily grossed out (seriously, there are some icky moments)
Who Should Maybe Skip It?
- Those with severe mycophobia (fear of mushrooms—it’s a real thing!)
- Readers looking for non-stop action or gore
- Poe purists who can’t handle creative reinterpretations
- Anyone planning to go mushroom hunting in the near future (trust me, just wait)
The Final Word
T. Kingfisher’s “What Moves the Dead” is a masterclass in atmospheric horror. It takes a classic tale and injects it with new life (or should I say, new death?), creating something familiar yet utterly unique. While it may not be for everyone, those who appreciate a slow-burning gothic nightmare will find plenty to love here.
Just remember: the next time you’re out in nature and spot a patch of innocent-looking mushrooms, think twice before you get too close. You never know what might be lurking beneath the surface, waiting to spread its spores and claim you as its own. Sweet dreams, dear readers. And watch out for those hares.