What Moves the Dead

By- T. Kingfisher

    This book is the first in the series by an author whose work I really enjoy, I previously read the second in the series without knowing it was part of a series. The second book is called What Feast At Night, and I thought it was a standalone book. After learning it was not I had to read the first, but my local library did not have it so they used their interlibrary system and they located the book several states away in Maine. I personally think there had to be a closer copy, it is not really a rare book. But my quest was successful and I was able to read the start of the series. 

    The main character is Easton, a sworn soldier, traveling to a friends manor, Madeline and Roderick Usher, who are brother and sister. Madeline is sick and her brother believes that she is dying, and after talking with her and seeing her Easton agrees with the statement. There is a doctor there named Denton, who is unsure of what is wrong with her but she is thin and seems to be wasting away. The entire property seems to be rotting with mold all throughout the manor, algae covering the pond, and mushrooms and fungus all over the countryside around the manor. Easton and the rest are doing their best to solve the mystery of her illness and try to save her however, there may be something more going on.

    I did not enjoy this book very much and it was surprising to me, I normally love the authors work. I think if I would have read this book first it would be better, however, the second book ruined some things for me. The author gives information and introduces characters as though it is the first time and I am already familiar with them, it effects how the story reads to me and takes something away from my read. I do not think it is a bad book, it is a dark fairytale story written by a great author. If you are familiar with the authors work than I highly recommend it, or if you are looking for a dark fairy tale that is a shorter novel this book is for you.