First off, I'd like to thank Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and the book may still change before release.

This is my second retelling now of The Fall of the House of Usher, but I think this one will definitely leave a stronger impression on me than the first. Even though it's under 200 pages, it hits hard and leaves you thinking, while also being thoroughly haunted by everything you just read. (Personally, I think it'd be even better if it were read all in one sitting, because then you're thoroughly enmeshed into the book by the time the creepy stuff starts happening).

My first experience with horrific fungus was with Mexican Gothic, a book I absolutely adored even as it terrified me. This book hits similar notes, and there's even a nod to Mexican Gothic in the author's note, but deviates strongly enough that it still feels wholly different. While we still have a main character invested in the wellbeing of the residents of the House of Usher and wants to solve what's happening to them, Alex Easton feels entirely different (and I really liked the discussion of gender that kan's character brought about, especially considering the culture Alex came from and that culture's perception of gender). The horror itself also stems from different sources, and parts of this book were more haunting to me. It's always really hard to pull off a true jumpscare in writing, but What Moves the Dead got me good a few times!

Overall, this was a great first introduction to this author, and I honestly really enjoyed this short story, (even if it was so creepy that I had to stop reading late at night!) I'll definitely be trying more from this author, and I can't wait for others to read this upon release!