Plot: 5/5
What Moves the Dead is a retelling of the classic Edgar Allen Poe short story, The Fall of the House of Usher, which I only recommend you read if you want spoilers for What Moves the Dead! (This is a joke… get it? Because it’s a retelling, so of course there would be spoilers…).
The story follows ex-soldier Alex Easten on the way to visit a pair of friends, Maddie and Roderick Usher, twins and the inheritors of a rickety old mansion. Alex learns that Maddie might be dying, and swings over to visit them in hopes of being able to assist.
The plot is well done, with a great reveal as we explore the twins’ maladies and the world around the ramshackle mansion. It was quick paced, and interesting enough to keep me engaged throughout. Kingfisher added her own fingerprints the story that felt to add a wonderful depth to the story and expand on the original.
Characters: 5/5
The characters are excellent throughout for how little space they have to develop. Each character feels unique and well thought out, and the relationships that develop between them are extraordinarily well done.
Worldbuilding: 5/5
There are creepy hares, that crawl creepily. I’m not sure what more you want from a horror book? But in all seriousness, the elements that are added to the story are fantastic and intriguing! I’ll avoid saying much since it ties in pretty well to the story, so I’ll leave that for your own discovery, but I loved what was done in this book.
Writing: 5/5
The writing was excellent. Was there any doubt? Kingfisher is excellent at what she does, and it shows here in What Moves the Dead. Despite its conciseness, she is able to pack a powerful punch to the story.
Enjoyability: 5/5
T. Kingfisher’s retelling of The Fall of the House of Usher is well done, with depth added to the original that gives it the classic Kingfisher feel to it. I loved the story as a quick little Spooktober read, and can feel myself wanting to return to it again come next Spooktober!
OVERALL: 5/5 Creepy Hares
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