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

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

Characters: 7/10

The characters in What Moves the Dead were engaging, but not all of them stood out equally. While Alex Easton had a unique voice and identity, some of the secondary characters felt less memorable or deeply developed. I appreciated the contributions of the supporting cast to the story, but a few felt flat or one-dimensional. Overall, the characters were easy to follow but not particularly impactful.

Atmosphere/Setting: 8/10

The atmosphere was a highlight, with T. Kingfisher capturing the eerie, decaying gothic setting exceptionally well. The descriptions of the house, fungi, and landscape were vivid and immersive, drawing me into the unsettling world of the story. The mood of dread was effective, though it didn’t always feel as gripping as it could have been.

Writing Style: 7/10

T. Kingfisher’s writing was accessible and had moments of dark humor that I enjoyed. The prose flowed well overall, but it lacked the level of beauty or uniqueness that would make it truly stand out for me. While I found it engaging, the style didn’t leave a lasting impression that would make me seek out another book solely based on the writing.

Plot: 6/10

The plot was straightforward and intriguing but didn’t fully deliver on its potential. While I appreciated the retelling of The Fall of the House of Usher, some aspects felt predictable, and the resolution lacked the impact I was hoping for. The pacing was solid, but certain parts dragged slightly, making the overall journey less satisfying than I anticipated.

Intrigue: 7/10

The story kept me interested, but I didn’t find myself fully engrossed. While I wanted to see how the mystery would unfold, it wasn’t something I felt compelled to prioritize over other activities. The intrigue was steady, but there were moments where it wavered and didn’t fully hold my attention.

Logic/Relationships: 6/10

The characters’ motivations were generally clear, and the rules of the world made sense, but some elements of the story felt underexplored. The fungal infestation was an intriguing concept, but I felt like it could have been developed further. While nothing felt glaringly illogical, there were areas where the world-building and relationships left me wanting more depth.

Enjoyment: 6/10

I enjoyed parts of the book, but my experience wasn’t consistently positive. There were moments of intrigue and effective atmosphere, but I didn’t feel fully invested throughout. While I appreciated the story’s uniqueness, it didn’t leave a lasting emotional or intellectual impact on me.