Published by Macmillan Tor/ Forge, Tor-Nightfire Genres: Fiction, Horror, Retelling, thriller
Format: ARC, eBook
“What was it—I paused to think—what was it that so unnerved me in the contemplation of the House of Usher? ” -Narrator, The Fall of the House of Usher – Edgar Allan Poe
This is how you do it!!!!!!! A retelling of The Fall of the House of Usher: An Edgar Allan Poe Short Story ! Yes, please! But wait! the Author, throws in some more into the plot, she tightens things up and gives more of an ending. Like fungus, this book will grow on you!
1890 Alex Easton, a retired soldier, receives a letter that childhood friend, Madeline Usher is dying. Alex Easton hops on Hob, the ever-trusty horse, and heads to the house of Usher to be with friends, Roderick, and Madeline Usher. Along the way, Easton meets Miss Potter, a woman ahead of her time, researching and paining fungus. She is quite the knowledgeable lady and she and Easton develop a rapport.
Easton is shocked to see the condition of the Usher home; and although warned that Madeline was ill, was shocked to see her state. Denton, an American doctor, is treating Madeline, but does not know the exact cause of her malady. During the course of Easton’s stay, strange things are not only observed but experienced. Roderick Usher is also not quite himself. He looks worn out, claims to be hearing things in the walls, and is not sleeping well.
This was deliciously and wonderfully creepy. I love how Kingfisher elevated this classic and made it even more sinister. I love how more of an explanation is given at the end. This is not a blood and guts slasher book but one that creeps up on you, in small ways. Where there is an inkling that something isn’t quite right, but not enough to scare you away. Just enough to make you still feel safe, until you realize that you are not. Because you are in the hands of a master storyteller who knows how to ramp up the tension, to suck you in, and have you wanting more.
While reading this, I saw it playing out in my mind. I love black and white movies, and this book played out like a black and white movie in my mind. If you have read The Fall of the House of Usher: An Edgar Allan Poe Short Story you know the gist of this book. This was a brilliant and creepy retelling that delivered and then some!
Absolutely Brilliant!
#WhatMovestheDead #NetGalley.
Thank you to Macmillan-Tor/Forge, Tor Nightfire and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.