Short Spooky Read
I loved this book! It's definitely a five star read for me.
🐰 Characters: I found the characters to be diverse and interesting. The main character is Alex, a sworn soldier which means they went into the military and now use pronouns Ka/Kan. Ka are fresh from a war and receives a letter from a childhood friend urging kan to come visit because they are very ill.
🐇 Plot: This story has an easy plot to follow. Alex goes to ka's friends home and suddenly scary unexplainable things start happening. Then Alex tries to be the one to solve the mystery with the help of his servant, an American doctor fresh out of the civil war and a woman who wants to study fungi but due to her gender isn't allowed to.
🐰 Scary Vibes: I didn't realize this was a retelling of "The fall of the house of usher" mainly because it's my least favorite of Edgar Allan Poe's work but I felt his inspiration through the story. I worried we would have a tell tale heart moment or that we would see a raven at a door a few times.
🐇 Gore: I would say it's about a 5 on the gore scale but like a soft 5. There's gore, it's discribed, but the worst bits aren't in detail. As a gore hater I almost threw up but by then I was already sucked in.
🐰 Overall: It's a 5 out of 5. I loved it, the characters were amazing and it was so spooky. I don't know if I'm reading the rest of the series but I enjoyed this one.
🛑 Have you read this book? What's a good weekend read?
🏷️: #lemon8bookclub #lemon8challenge #spookybooksforfall #shortbooks #horrorbookcommunity
If you're looking for a horror novel that is both accessible and captivating, "What Moves the Dead" by T. Kingfisher is a standout choice. This short novel, only about 165 pages with some blank pages, makes it ideal for a weekend read that doesn't overwhelm but still delivers a bone-chilling experience. Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s classic "The Fall of the House of Usher," this story artfully intertwines gothic horror with fresh, diverse characters and a modern twist. One aspect that sets this book apart is its main character, Alex, who uses ka/kan pronouns, reflecting the book’s unique take on gender and identity, tied closely to the concept of ‘soldier’ gender. Alex, recently returned from war, receives an urgent letter from a childhood friend who is gravely ill, prompting a visit that leads to eerie, supernatural occurrences. Alongside Alex is a supporting cast who add depth to the narrative—a loyal servant, an American doctor recently out of the Civil War, and a woman passionate about studying fungi but constrained by the gender norms of her time. The plot is straightforward yet keeps readers engaged with its unfolding mystery and supernatural suspense. The atmosphere is thick with eerie vibes reminiscent of Poe's work without relying on clichés such as the Tell-Tale Heart or the raven, making for an original homage rather than a direct copy. Gore levels are moderate—a solid 5 on a self-described scale but tempered enough not to alienate readers who typically avoid heavy gore. The descriptions provide enough detail to maintain tension and horror without becoming overly graphic. The book also invites reflection on themes of friendship, loyalty, and the struggle against societal restrictions, especially with the female character's ambitions being curtailed due to gender. These elements deepen the story beyond mere scares, offering readers emotional engagement alongside the suspense. Overall, 'What Moves the Dead' is perfect for those seeking a quick but memorable horror story that combines classic literary inspiration with contemporary sensibilities. It’s highly recommended if you enjoy gothic horror, atmospheric storytelling, and diverse characters. If you're planning your next weekend read, this book might just be what you need to get into the spooky spirit.
What's your weekend read? Mine is going to be the rest of Dragonfly in Amber while cleaning and packing!