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Description
“Mom seems off.”
Her brother’s words echo in Sam Montgomery’s ear as she turns onto the quiet North Carolina street where their mother lives alone.
She brushes the thought away as she climbs the front steps. Sam’s excited for this rare extended visit, and looking forward to nights with just the two of them, drinking boxed wine, watching murder mystery shows, and guessing who the killer is long before the characters figure it out.
But stepping inside, she quickly realizes home isn’t what it used to be. Gone is the warm, cluttered charm her mom is known for; now the walls are painted a sterile white. Her mom jumps at the smallest noises and looks over her shoulder even when she’s the only person in the room. And when Sam steps out back to clear her head, she finds a jar of teeth hidden beneath the magazine-worthy rose bushes, and vultures are circling the garden from above.
To find out what’s got her mom so frightened in her own home, Sam will go digging for the truth. But some secrets are better left buried.
Summary
I recently read the southern gothic horror novella, A House with Good Bones by US horror and fantasy author T. Kingfisher.
Review
A House with Good Bones immediately hit a strong opening with a vulture on a mailbox. Kingfisher set up the beginning of this novel that immediately grabbed attention and the instantly enticed the reader to know more. This is a southern gothic horror and much like The Twisted Ones is strongly focused on family and hidden secrets. Kingfisher developed some very unique characters which were well executed with strong female protagonist and her obsession and profession as archaeological entomologist. There is well-developed humour throughout which made for an enjoyable read.
Kingfisher develops a creeping unease early which is often behind the focus on the characters but becomes more prominent as A House with Good Bones progresses and the haunted house trope becomes something unique with a strong folklore base where ghosts, entomology, flowers and alchemy combine into a very unique southern gothic horror.
Conclusion
A highly recommended read! This a great southern gothic horror that mingles humour well with elements of folklore, alchemy and hauntings to create an unsettling atmosphere. A definite read for fans of ghost stories and haunted houses.
** This is my personal opinion and does not reflect any judging decisions **
Leanbh Pearson 