What Moves the Dead? I am pretty sure it’s Edgar Allan Poe turning over in his grave after the publication of this anemic adaptation of his short story The Fall of the House of Usher.
Location, location, location is the mantra of real estate agents. However, atmosphere, atmosphere, atmosphere is not enough to elevate this book above the mediocre. Why would a best-selling author attempt to remake, and ostensibly to improve, a master storyteller? I don’t know but it doesn’t go well.
When a sibling duo start dying of a mysterious disease, everyone suspects the mold within their crumbling mansion. But what if it is something more sinister? Who are the suspects and what are their motives?
The plot is excellent because it was lifted fully born from the forehead of Edgar Allen Poe. However, this book is equally stilted and slow-paced, so I recommend reading the original for free online instead. It’s better. Poor Edgar, I guess that’s what happens when your copyright expires. What Moves the Dead is only recommended for readers unfamiliar with the original tale. 2 stars.
Thanks to Tor Nightfire and NetGalley for a digital review copy of the book.