The Roots of Fear Run Deep
Ever had that feeling when you step into your childhood home and something’s just… off? T. Kingfisher’s latest novel, “A House With Good Bones,” digs its claws into that unsettling sensation and doesn’t let go. This Southern Gothic thriller is like finding a jar of teeth buried in your grandmother’s rose garden – disturbing, inexplicable, and impossible to ignore.
Kingfisher, known for her darkly whimsical fantasies like “Nettle & Bone” and “What Moves the Dead,” brings her trademark blend of humor and horror to the modern South. But don’t expect any genteel ladies sipping sweet tea on the porch. This story’s got more in common with the twisted family trees of Shirley Jackson or Flannery O’Connor, where every branch hides a new horror.
A Homecoming Gone Horribly Wrong
From Cozy to Creepy in 60 Seconds Flat
Our protagonist, Sam Montgomery, rolls into her mama’s quiet North Carolina neighborhood expecting a few lazy days of boxed wine and murder mysteries. Instead, she walks into a Stephen King fever dream:
- The walls are now antiseptic white
- Her mom’s jumping at shadows
- There’s a jar of human teeth buried in the rosebushes
- Oh, and vultures are circling the house like they’re waiting for something to die
Talk about Southern hospitality gone wrong.
Mama’s Got a Secret (and It’s a Doozy)
Sam’s archaeologist brain kicks into high gear as she tries to excavate the truth. But some family secrets are buried deeper than others, and Mama’s not talking. As Sam digs, she unearths a twisted family legacy that goes back generations.
Kingfisher weaves a masterful web of tension, dropping breadcrumbs of supernatural dread that’ll have you side-eyeing your own family photos. Is that Great-Grandpa Elgar in the corner, or something much, much worse?
Gothic Charm Meets Modern Snark
A Voice That’ll Grab You by the Throat
Kingfisher’s writing is like a cool glass of sweet tea spiked with arsenic. Her prose is sharp, witty, and dripping with Southern charm—even as she’s describing eldritch horrors. Sam’s narrative voice is a particular delight:
“I don’t believe in demons, I thought, and then I laughed at myself because I didn’t believe in ghosts either. That was the last coherent thought I had as my grandmother’s power poured through me.”
It’s this blend of humor and horror that keeps you turning pages long after you should’ve gone to bed.
Characters That Feel Like Old Friends (or Enemies)
Kingfisher populates her world with a cast of characters that leap off the page:
- Sam: Our snarky, insect-loving heroine who’s way out of her depth
- Mama: A bundle of nerves hiding some serious supernatural baggage
- Gran Mae: The ghostly matriarch who puts the “terror” in “terrible grandma”
- Gail: The badass neighbor witch who’s more than she seems
- Phil: The hunky handyman caught in the crossfire
Each character feels fully realized, with their own quirks, fears, and motivations. You’ll find yourself rooting for them (well, most of them) as they face down forces beyond their comprehension.
Themes That’ll Haunt You Long After the Last Page
The Sins of the Fathers (and Grandmothers)
At its core, “A House With Good Bones” is about the weight of family legacy. Kingfisher explores how the choices of our ancestors can ripple through generations, creating patterns we might not even recognize. It’s a poignant reminder that sometimes the most monstrous things are the ones we inherit.
The Horror of “Normal”
Gran Mae’s obsession with being “nice and normal” is a recurring motif, and Kingfisher uses it to dissect the suffocating expectations placed on Southern women. The pressure to conform, to keep up appearances at all costs, becomes its own kind of horror.
Nature vs. Nurture (vs. Necromancy)
As Sam uncovers more about her family’s magical heritage, the novel raises interesting questions about identity. Are we destined to become our parents? Can we break free from familial patterns? And just how much of Great-Grandpa’s sorcerous talent did we inherit, anyway?
A Garden of Horrors
Roses, Vultures, and Things That Go Bump in the Night
Kingfisher’s imagination runs wild with the creepy crawlies in this book. From sentient rose bushes to underground children (trust me, they’re as terrifying as they sound), each new horror is more unsettling than the last.
Special mention goes to the vultures. Who knew scavenger birds could be so menacing? Kingfisher manages to make them both terrifying and strangely endearing. You’ll never look at a turkey vulture the same way again.
A Slow Burn That Erupts into Chaos
The pacing is masterful, starting as a slow simmer of unease that gradually ratchets up the tension. By the time all hell breaks loose in the final act, you’ll be white-knuckling your way through each page.
The Verdict: A Must-Read for Horror Fans
“A House With Good Bones” is a triumph of modern Southern Gothic. Kingfisher has crafted a story that’s equal parts hilarious and horrifying, with characters you’ll love and monsters you’ll love to hate.
If you enjoyed the family dysfunction of Shirley Jackson’s “We Have Always Lived in the Castle” or the botanical horrors of Scott Smith’s “The Ruins,” this book needs to be on your shelf yesterday.
Who Should Read This?
- Fans of smart, snarky horror
- Anyone who’s ever had a complicated relationship with their family
- Gardeners who secretly suspect their rosebushes are plotting against them
- People who like their Southern charm with a side of eldritch terror
Who Should Skip It?
- The faint of heart (seriously, some of these scenes are intense)
- Anyone with a phobia of teeth, vultures, or creepy dolls
- Readers looking for a cozy mystery (this ain’t it, y’all)
Final Thoughts: Digging Up a Winner
T. Kingfisher has outdone herself with “A House With Good Bones.” It’s a brilliant addition to the Southern Gothic canon, updating the genre for a modern audience while still honoring its roots.
With its perfect blend of humor, heart, and horror, this novel will sink its thorns into you and refuse to let go. Just be prepared to sleep with the lights on for a while after you finish. And maybe give your rosebushes a wide berth, just to be safe.
