Author: T. Kingfisher
Publisher: Tor Nightfire
Released: March 28, 2023
Received: NetGalley
Book Summary:
Sam Montgomery is a paleoentomologist, which is basically the fancy way of saying she studies insects found in ancient sites. She loves the work, even if it occasionally results in her getting furloughed for indeterminate amounts of time.
The good/bad news is that Sam will be spending some time with her mom. Unfortunately, something isn’t right. There’s a lingering feeling of wrongness in her mom’s house. Not to mention that her mom seems to be constantly on edge. What could it be?
My Review:
Man, does T. Kingfisher know how to create the perfect setting for a horror story. You’d think something as banal as a home in a small neighborhood wouldn’t be so creepy. But when it’s done right… I’m trying to say that A House with Good Bones is a must-read for all paranormal and horror fans.
I think all the familiar elements help create that profoundly unsettling feeling. We all have that one family member with extremely outdated (read: racist) views. Likewise, who doesn’t have an attic a little too full of junk?
This sets the tone for everything that follows, as Sam and her mother quickly find themselves in the center of something much darker. Interestingly, there’s a lot of depth and layers to this horror/paranormal incident. That made it all the more compelling. Not everything is so black and white – even in the paranormal world.
Bonus points for having a paleoentomologist main character that is unashamed of her weight and the potential romantic subplot. Sam’s character is perfect, and I will fight anyone who says otherwise.
Highlights:
- Ghost Story
- Horror
- Gothic Fantasy
- Paranormal
Trigger Warnings:
- Familial Trauma
- Mental Health Concerns
- Food/Fat Shaming
Thanks to Tor Nightfire and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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