What Moves the Dead

by T. Kingfisher
What Moves the Dead cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Horror
Technical:
  • ID: 992
  • Added: 2025-09-24
  • Updated: 2025-09-24
  • ISBN: 9781803360089
  • Publisher: Titan Books
  • Published: 2022-10-18
  • Formats: 21
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99

From the acclaimed author of The Twisted Ones, What Moves the Dead is a gripping and atmospheric retelling of Edgar Allan Poe's classic 'The Fall of the House of Usher.' The story follows Alex Easton, a retired soldier, who rushes to the ancestral home of the Ushers after learning of their childhood friend Madeline's deteriorating health. Upon arrival, Alex encounters a surreal landscape of fungal growths and possessed wildlife, with Madeline sleepwalking and speaking in strange voices, and her brother Roderick suffering from a mysterious nervous affliction. /n/n As Alex delves deeper into the secrets of the House of Usher, they are aided by a British mycologist and an American doctor. Together, they must unravel the dark mysteries surrounding the house before it consumes them all. The novel is an instant USA Today & Indie bestseller and winner of the Locus Award for Best Horror Novel 2023.

Reviews
I Would Rather Be Reading Blog · 2024-05-14
engaging 4.00

The book is praised for its engaging narrative that can be completed in one sitting, making it a compelling read from start to finish.

This reviewer found 'What Moves the Dead' to be a captivating read that is best enjoyed in a single sitting. The story's atmosphere and pacing keep the reader hooked, making it a memorable experience. They highlight the book's ability to draw the reader in quickly and maintain interest throughout.

Quick quotes

    What Moves the Dead is fairly short and can be read in one sitting.

    In fact, I believe many will choose to complete it in one go because it is so engaging.

    The story's atmosphere and pacing keep the reader hooked.

Vogue Horror · 2022-12-22
dark 3.00

The book is noted for its gothic horror elements but is criticized for lacking a lasting impact.

This reviewer appreciates the gothic horror elements in 'What Moves the Dead' but feels that the story ends on a dark note without leaving a lasting impact. They acknowledge the book's strengths in creating a dark and eerie atmosphere but wish it had more depth to ponder after finishing. The book is seen as a quick, spooky read rather than a deeply impactful one.

Quick quotes

    Much like a gothic short story, it ends on a dark note.

    Doesn't give us much in the way of lasting impact or consideration.

    The story carries a sense of dread and unease.

Books, Bones, Buffy · Tammy · 2022-07-08
unsettling 4.50

The book is described as creepy and atmospheric, making it a great choice for fans of unsettling horror stories.

Tammy found 'What Moves the Dead' to be a creepy and atmospheric read, perfect for those who enjoy unsettling horror. They appreciate the book's ability to create a sense of dread and tension, making it a great addition to the horror genre. Tammy also notes that it's a great starting point for new readers of T. Kingfisher's work.

Quick quotes

    Creepy, atmospheric and extremely unsettling.

    Another winner for Kingfisher fans.

    A great place to start if you've never read Kingfisher before.

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