Wolf Worm - T Kingfisher

WOLF WORM

T. KINGFISHER

*****

The year is 1899 and Sonia Wilson is a scientific illustrator without work, prospects or hope. When the reclusive Dr. Halder offers her a position illustrating his vast collection of insects, Sonia jumps at the chance to move to his North Carolina manor house and put her talents to use.

But soon enough she finds that there are darker things at work in the Carolina woods.

What happened to her predecessor, Halder’s wife?

Why are animals acting so strangely?

And what is behind the peculiar local whispers about ‘blood thieves’?

With the aid of the housekeeper and a local healer, Sonia discovers that Halder’s entomological studies have taken him down a dark road full of parasitic maggots that burrow into human flesh – and that his monstrous experiments may grow to encompass his newest illustrator . . .

MY REVIEW

*****

I have not read a horror by T Kingfisher before, but judging by the positive reactions of those that have to news this book was coming out, I had to request it!

Sonia is a naturalist illustrator in 1899, who after the death of her father, finds employment with Doctor Halder drawing his large insect collection for his latest book. However, when she arrives to the house, she finds disturbing secrets are lurking within.

I loved T Kingfisher’s writing style from the very beginning, although I sometimes struggle with historical fiction, Sonia is instantly likeable and relatable which drew me in. Although she is a lady of her time, she is a scientist and her asides to herself about not letting her anxiety or nerves get to her made me root for her from the off. The book is well paced and I felt gripped throughout, the drip-feeding of information felt just right, and it spirals into an action-packed conclusion which I think would grip all readers.

Be warned that this book is not for those who are squeamish - there is a lot of graphic descriptions of insects and parasites throughout which turned my stomach, but did not put me off reading it entirely, thankfully! I loved the idea of utilising the horror elements with botfly infestations which can change the behaviour of their hosts, something which I didn’t know too much about before reading this book. The plot also takes a very sudden turn in a different horror-themed direction towards the end which I did not see coming and don’t wish to spoil here, but was done very well.

Overall, Wolf Worm is a brilliant read, albeit one that will make your skin crawl whilst reading. Thank you to NetGalley & Pan Macmillan – Tor Nightfire for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

LINKS TO BUY

Amazon UK Waterstones