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Wolf Worm
Something darker than the devil stalks the North Carolina woods in Wolf Worm, a new gothic masterpiece from New York Times bestselling author T. Kingfisher
"Narrator Mary Robinette Kowal wonderfully conveys the wryly funny prose and the creeping horror of the story. Giving each character a distinct voice, Kowal deftly and consistently moves between them and superbly renders Sam’s voice." —Library Journal on A House with Good Bones (Starred Review)
“I saw the devil in these woods.”
Sonia Wilson is a talented scientific illustrator—but she is only able to follow her dream because of her father’s reputation as a renowned scientist. Such is the lot in life for a woman in science in 1899. And after his death, she is left without work, prospects, or hope.
So 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.
Once there though, she encounters dark happenings in the Carolina woods, and even darker questions come to light, like what happened to her predecessor? Why are animals acting so strangely, and what is behind the peculiar local whispers about “blood thiefs?”
With the aid of the housekeeper and a local healer, Sonia discovers that Halder’s entomological studies have taken him down a twisted road. His ground-breaking discoveries come with a cost—one that Halder is paying with human flesh.
If Sonia can’t find a way to stop the monstrosity, she may be next under the knife.
A Macmillan Audio production from Tor Nightfire
"Narrator Mary Robinette Kowal wonderfully conveys the wryly funny prose and the creeping horror of the story. Giving each character a distinct voice, Kowal deftly and consistently moves between them and superbly renders Sam’s voice." —Library Journal on A House with Good Bones (Starred Review)
“I saw the devil in these woods.”
Sonia Wilson is a talented scientific illustrator—but she is only able to follow her dream because of her father’s reputation as a renowned scientist. Such is the lot in life for a woman in science in 1899. And after his death, she is left without work, prospects, or hope.
So 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.
Once there though, she encounters dark happenings in the Carolina woods, and even darker questions come to light, like what happened to her predecessor? Why are animals acting so strangely, and what is behind the peculiar local whispers about “blood thiefs?”
With the aid of the housekeeper and a local healer, Sonia discovers that Halder’s entomological studies have taken him down a twisted road. His ground-breaking discoveries come with a cost—one that Halder is paying with human flesh.
If Sonia can’t find a way to stop the monstrosity, she may be next under the knife.
A Macmillan Audio production from Tor Nightfire
Audible Audio
First published March 24, 2026
1449 people are currently reading
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About the author
T. Kingfisher
62 books27.8k followersT. Kingfisher is the vaguely absurd pen-name of Ursula Vernon. In another life, she writes children's books and weird comics, and has won the Hugo, Sequoyah, and Ursa Major awards, as well as a half-dozen Junior Library Guild selections.
This is the name she uses when writing things for grown-ups.
When she is not writing, she is probably out in the garden, trying to make eye contact with butterflies.
This is the name she uses when writing things for grown-ups.
When she is not writing, she is probably out in the garden, trying to make eye contact with butterflies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,011 reviews
December 4, 2025
Trigger warning: insects. So many insects. All the insects. And not cute insects like butterflies and ladybugs … we're talking screwworms and botflies here. I'm not generally scared of bugs and am very much a “catch and release” sort of person when it comes to creepy crawlies in the house, but even I was a little squicked out by this book.
Also, can we take a moment to marvel over what a prolific writer Kingfisher is? I'm pretty sure this is the third ARC of hers I've read this year, and I know there was at least one other ARC that I never requested due to a (admittedly very short-lived) NetGalley hiatus. She's one of my favorite authors, though, so I'm certainly not going to complain.
Anyway, Wolf Worm is a creepy story about parasitic insects and the lengths people will go to in the name of science. You may or may not find this book particularly scary depending on how you feel about insects, but there's definitely some body horror and several pretty gross scenes. I enjoyed it and was decently invested in the outcome, but I have to admit that this isn't one of my favorite Kingfishers. There's nothing particularly wrong with it, but body horror has just never been one of my preferred types of horror.
But, still, I mean, it's Kingfisher. This book is well written and suspenseful and kind of horrifying in parts. It's a slow burn, especially at the beginning, but I actually really enjoyed learning about all of the different insects. While I had some vague knowledge that botflies and their larvae existed before reading this novel, I am now absolutely terrified of encountering one in real life. Fortunately, I live in the northern US where such things are less common, but I'm probably going to wear a full beekeeping suit the next time I travel to Central or South America. Better safe than sorry, that's what I always say (especially when it comes to maggots that burrow around in your flesh).
3.7 stars, rounded up.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Tor Nightfire for providing me with an advanced copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is March 24, 2026.
Also, can we take a moment to marvel over what a prolific writer Kingfisher is? I'm pretty sure this is the third ARC of hers I've read this year, and I know there was at least one other ARC that I never requested due to a (admittedly very short-lived) NetGalley hiatus. She's one of my favorite authors, though, so I'm certainly not going to complain.
Anyway, Wolf Worm is a creepy story about parasitic insects and the lengths people will go to in the name of science. You may or may not find this book particularly scary depending on how you feel about insects, but there's definitely some body horror and several pretty gross scenes. I enjoyed it and was decently invested in the outcome, but I have to admit that this isn't one of my favorite Kingfishers. There's nothing particularly wrong with it, but body horror has just never been one of my preferred types of horror.
But, still, I mean, it's Kingfisher. This book is well written and suspenseful and kind of horrifying in parts. It's a slow burn, especially at the beginning, but I actually really enjoyed learning about all of the different insects. While I had some vague knowledge that botflies and their larvae existed before reading this novel, I am now absolutely terrified of encountering one in real life. Fortunately, I live in the northern US where such things are less common, but I'm probably going to wear a full beekeeping suit the next time I travel to Central or South America. Better safe than sorry, that's what I always say (especially when it comes to maggots that burrow around in your flesh).
3.7 stars, rounded up.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Tor Nightfire for providing me with an advanced copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is March 24, 2026.
December 9, 2025
4.5⭐️ oh how i love t. kingfisher
October 26, 2025
You know, I was just thinking that T. Kingfisher was missing some kind of bug/insect/vermin horror in her repertoire, and here it is. The book does take a while to really get going, though. At first we follow the scientific illustrator Sonia Wilson in 1899 as she comes to North Carolina to work for the bug specialist Dr. Halder. She is not looking forward to drawing all the insects that the doctor collects and studies, but she really needs the job and she just wants to do some good work. But already upon her arrival she hears something about the Devil living in the woods and about blood thieves mutilating bodies and Sonia might need to deal with more than she has signed up for. Her new employer also turns out to be a very rude man and the huge mansion he's living in is notably understaffed, so you can be sure that something sketchy is going on.
If you've read many other books by T. Kingfisher then chances are good that you stumbled upon the female-protagonist-goes-to-new-house-and-strange-things-start-to-happen formula before. I think I would be annoyed if any other author uses the same structure over and over again, but with her it just always works for me. The books are all different enough and they usually introduce cool, new concepts and intriguing plot elements. We've had curiosity shop dimension portals (The Hollow Places), weird bone animals (The Twisted Ones), underground rose children (A House with Good Bones), mean birds in the desert (Snake-Eater) and now we have different kinds of parasites in the woods. Kingfisher just always manages to hook me and she never fails to provide stories that I wouldn't get from anyone else. Her characters often have an unusual task to complete or they work an interesting job in general. Like, where else would I be able to read about a scientific illustrator making her way through a whole library of bugs? It was such an interesting mix of art and science, with Sonia being always close to an artistic crisis while also doing competent work although she doesn't have any deeper knowledge about bugs. The book was actually kind of informative in that regard. For one, I found out that wolf worms do exists and that it's another name for botflies. And if you know anything about them, then you can imagine that the book got bugs-under-the-skin gross and considering that that's the last place where bugs belong, it was disgusting. The YouTube algorithm decided once or twice before that I needed to see botfly removals and it was right, I needed to see that, but it also left me scarred and paranoid and with itchy skin. Same with this book.
I do have to say that the actual plot unfolds very slowly, especially for such a short book. I found it to be dragging around the 30 to 40 % mark, because it was mostly Sonia all by herself just starting to notice weird things. I think that she was kinda missing a sidekick and constant ally. There often is an animal companion or a hot handyman neighbor in Kingfisher books and this time the main character felt more isolated. She was friendly with the housekeeper and her husband and the local healer, but they weren't as present in the book, at least not during all the important plot points. There are plenty of unanswered questions that kept me reading through these slower parts, like the mystery of Sonia's predecessor who drew the most gorgeous illustrations but who no one ever talks about or the question of what her employer is doing in the woods in the middle of the night. So I wasn't exactly bored, but all the exciting things sure happened in the second half of this book where the entire story got better in general. There are many genuinely creepy moments and enough gross scenes that this book can confidently be called bug horror. It was great how everything tied into some local history and, surprisingly, some known supernatural creatures. I also really liked the ending and, after that, the acknowledgments where Kingfisher explains which parts of the story are real and what personal experiences led to this story. Overall, this was a solid new addition to the author's horror line-up, even if it wasn't a new favorite for me.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan / Tor for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
------------------------------
Pre-read: Wolf Worm? Umm, ok ... everything for you, Miss T. Kingfisher.
If you've read many other books by T. Kingfisher then chances are good that you stumbled upon the female-protagonist-goes-to-new-house-and-strange-things-start-to-happen formula before. I think I would be annoyed if any other author uses the same structure over and over again, but with her it just always works for me. The books are all different enough and they usually introduce cool, new concepts and intriguing plot elements. We've had curiosity shop dimension portals (The Hollow Places), weird bone animals (The Twisted Ones), underground rose children (A House with Good Bones), mean birds in the desert (Snake-Eater) and now we have different kinds of parasites in the woods. Kingfisher just always manages to hook me and she never fails to provide stories that I wouldn't get from anyone else. Her characters often have an unusual task to complete or they work an interesting job in general. Like, where else would I be able to read about a scientific illustrator making her way through a whole library of bugs? It was such an interesting mix of art and science, with Sonia being always close to an artistic crisis while also doing competent work although she doesn't have any deeper knowledge about bugs. The book was actually kind of informative in that regard. For one, I found out that wolf worms do exists and that it's another name for botflies. And if you know anything about them, then you can imagine that the book got bugs-under-the-skin gross and considering that that's the last place where bugs belong, it was disgusting. The YouTube algorithm decided once or twice before that I needed to see botfly removals and it was right, I needed to see that, but it also left me scarred and paranoid and with itchy skin. Same with this book.
I do have to say that the actual plot unfolds very slowly, especially for such a short book. I found it to be dragging around the 30 to 40 % mark, because it was mostly Sonia all by herself just starting to notice weird things. I think that she was kinda missing a sidekick and constant ally. There often is an animal companion or a hot handyman neighbor in Kingfisher books and this time the main character felt more isolated. She was friendly with the housekeeper and her husband and the local healer, but they weren't as present in the book, at least not during all the important plot points. There are plenty of unanswered questions that kept me reading through these slower parts, like the mystery of Sonia's predecessor who drew the most gorgeous illustrations but who no one ever talks about or the question of what her employer is doing in the woods in the middle of the night. So I wasn't exactly bored, but all the exciting things sure happened in the second half of this book where the entire story got better in general. There are many genuinely creepy moments and enough gross scenes that this book can confidently be called bug horror. It was great how everything tied into some local history and, surprisingly, some known supernatural creatures. I also really liked the ending and, after that, the acknowledgments where Kingfisher explains which parts of the story are real and what personal experiences led to this story. Overall, this was a solid new addition to the author's horror line-up, even if it wasn't a new favorite for me.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan / Tor for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
------------------------------
Pre-read: Wolf Worm? Umm, ok ... everything for you, Miss T. Kingfisher.
April 9, 2026
Wolf Worm is the kind of book that creeps up on you slowly and then refuses to leave your thoughts. T. Kingfisher has a way of making horror feel intimate and personal, and this one settled under my skin in the quietest, most unsettling way.
We follow Sonia Wilson, a talented scientific illustrator living in 1899, whose entire career has been tied to her father’s reputation. After his death leaves her with nothing—no job, no security, no real future—she jumps at the chance to work for the reclusive Dr. Halder, illustrating his insect collection at his isolated North Carolina estate. It feels like a lifeline. It isn’t.
From the moment Sonia arrives, everything feels… off. The woods seem to breathe. Animals behave strangely. People avoid answering questions directly. And there’s the unsettling fact that someone held this job before Sonia—and no one wants to talk about what happened to her. Kingfisher builds dread in such a subtle way that you almost don’t notice it happening until your shoulders are tense and you’re holding your breath.
Sonia is such a strong, believable protagonist. She’s smart, anxious, observant, and painfully aware of how easily women—especially women in science—are dismissed during this time period. Her inner thoughts feel real and relatable, and they pull you deeper into the story. Seeing the horror unfold through her scientific and artistic lens makes everything feel more vivid… and more disturbing.
Fair warning: this book does not shy away from body horror, especially when it comes to insects. There were definitely moments that made me squirm. But it never feels gratuitous—it all serves the story and the themes of obsession, exploitation, and the terrifying cost of unchecked ambition.
The pacing is a slow, atmospheric burn, and while the final act moves faster than the buildup, the payoff is worth it. The tension tightens, the truth comes into focus, and suddenly everything clicks into place in a way that’s both horrifying and satisfying.
Overall, Wolf Worm is eerie, smart, and deeply unsettling in that uniquely T. Kingfisher way. It may not be my absolute favorite of her books, but it’s one that stayed with me long after I turned the last page. I’m happily giving it four stars and would absolutely recommend it to readers who enjoy gothic horror with substance and teeth.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group | Tor Nightfire for sharing another digital copy of this stunning horror novel by T. Kingfisher in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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We follow Sonia Wilson, a talented scientific illustrator living in 1899, whose entire career has been tied to her father’s reputation. After his death leaves her with nothing—no job, no security, no real future—she jumps at the chance to work for the reclusive Dr. Halder, illustrating his insect collection at his isolated North Carolina estate. It feels like a lifeline. It isn’t.
From the moment Sonia arrives, everything feels… off. The woods seem to breathe. Animals behave strangely. People avoid answering questions directly. And there’s the unsettling fact that someone held this job before Sonia—and no one wants to talk about what happened to her. Kingfisher builds dread in such a subtle way that you almost don’t notice it happening until your shoulders are tense and you’re holding your breath.
Sonia is such a strong, believable protagonist. She’s smart, anxious, observant, and painfully aware of how easily women—especially women in science—are dismissed during this time period. Her inner thoughts feel real and relatable, and they pull you deeper into the story. Seeing the horror unfold through her scientific and artistic lens makes everything feel more vivid… and more disturbing.
Fair warning: this book does not shy away from body horror, especially when it comes to insects. There were definitely moments that made me squirm. But it never feels gratuitous—it all serves the story and the themes of obsession, exploitation, and the terrifying cost of unchecked ambition.
The pacing is a slow, atmospheric burn, and while the final act moves faster than the buildup, the payoff is worth it. The tension tightens, the truth comes into focus, and suddenly everything clicks into place in a way that’s both horrifying and satisfying.
Overall, Wolf Worm is eerie, smart, and deeply unsettling in that uniquely T. Kingfisher way. It may not be my absolute favorite of her books, but it’s one that stayed with me long after I turned the last page. I’m happily giving it four stars and would absolutely recommend it to readers who enjoy gothic horror with substance and teeth.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group | Tor Nightfire for sharing another digital copy of this stunning horror novel by T. Kingfisher in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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March 30, 2026Augh ew ew ewwwww oh my god botflies. I really thought that Adrian Tchaikovsky's Children of Time books marked as far as I was willing to go down the rabbit hole of Horrifying Creepy Crawlies but apparently not. also his spiders are nice. The botflies in this...are botflies. Oh my God.
There is a determined if deeply (relatably) fearful MC, a story that unfolds in a truly horrifying manner, a full southern Gothic atmosphere of the 'never ever go near the rural US or maybe just don't cross the Atlantic at all. it's the only way to be sure' vibe. But also, as is reliable with this author, enough human decency and love and belief that we can do better, or at least we just have to grit our teeth and try. A compelling, atmospheric book but don't read it before dinner. Or bed. or if you're near insects, because a standard house fly landed on my leg and I screamed. yeeesh.
There is a determined if deeply (relatably) fearful MC, a story that unfolds in a truly horrifying manner, a full southern Gothic atmosphere of the 'never ever go near the rural US or maybe just don't cross the Atlantic at all. it's the only way to be sure' vibe. But also, as is reliable with this author, enough human decency and love and belief that we can do better, or at least we just have to grit our teeth and try. A compelling, atmospheric book but don't read it before dinner. Or bed. or if you're near insects, because a standard house fly landed on my leg and I screamed. yeeesh.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc and an alc!
update 3/27 - i had the pleasure of attending one of t.kingfisher's events and omg. the actual funniest person alive, and so incredibly knowledgeable. and so so sweet! i highly recommend attending one of her events if ever possible ♥️
t.kingfisher how can you write so many amazing novels in such a short amount of time? she is truly the brandon sanderson of her genre!
if you liked what moves the dead, then i think you will enjoy wolf worm, as the body horror premise is very similar.
4.5 stars — while i was absolutely creeped out and felt itchy numerous times throughout this book due to the insane amount of insect scenes in this book, i do feel that it could have been a tad longer? everything was wrapped up far too neatly for my liking, but i’m not terribly upset about it.
regardless, this was still a fantastic horror novel with multiple societal aspects in conversation with each other, especially religion and science in a post civil war era.
i also just love that all of t.kingfisher’s fmcs are older than 30.
as for the audio, the narrator did a phenomenal job!
very excited to dive into my next t.kingfisher arc!
——
very excited to dive into my next t kingfisher book! i love everything she writes
update 3/27 - i had the pleasure of attending one of t.kingfisher's events and omg. the actual funniest person alive, and so incredibly knowledgeable. and so so sweet! i highly recommend attending one of her events if ever possible ♥️
t.kingfisher how can you write so many amazing novels in such a short amount of time? she is truly the brandon sanderson of her genre!
if you liked what moves the dead, then i think you will enjoy wolf worm, as the body horror premise is very similar.
4.5 stars — while i was absolutely creeped out and felt itchy numerous times throughout this book due to the insane amount of insect scenes in this book, i do feel that it could have been a tad longer? everything was wrapped up far too neatly for my liking, but i’m not terribly upset about it.
regardless, this was still a fantastic horror novel with multiple societal aspects in conversation with each other, especially religion and science in a post civil war era.
i also just love that all of t.kingfisher’s fmcs are older than 30.
as for the audio, the narrator did a phenomenal job!
very excited to dive into my next t.kingfisher arc!
——
very excited to dive into my next t kingfisher book! i love everything she writes
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I went into this book blind. Knowing it was T. Kingfisher was enough for me, plus that cover is gorgeous.
I'm really glad I did not read the blurb beforehand because it took some unexpected and delightfuly horrific turns.
I loved the main character. She feels absolutely human and real. She's smart, very strong in her own way, and her inner dialogue is so funny, I would havebeen happy just to follow her day to day life.
I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator was absolute perfection. I really think this the best way to enjoy this story and it's characters.
Thank you so much Macmillan Audio for this ARC.
I'm really glad I did not read the blurb beforehand because it took some unexpected and delightfuly horrific turns.
I loved the main character. She feels absolutely human and real. She's smart, very strong in her own way, and her inner dialogue is so funny, I would havebeen happy just to follow her day to day life.
I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator was absolute perfection. I really think this the best way to enjoy this story and it's characters.
Thank you so much Macmillan Audio for this ARC.
Review of advance copy
1899, North Carolina. A naturalist/illustrator travels to an isolated community where she is asked to work for a man whose book is yet to be published. There is something strange and unsettling about this community that is set deep in the woods. Prone to sharp detail, she begins to unravel all the wrongs.
This is a Southern/Historical fantasy with horror that sneaks up on you. Oh and it has a LOT of bugs.
Full RTF!
Many thanks to BOTM and the publisher for an early copy.
Publication date: March 24, 2026
This is a Southern/Historical fantasy with horror that sneaks up on you. Oh and it has a LOT of bugs.
Full RTF!
Many thanks to BOTM and the publisher for an early copy.
Publication date: March 24, 2026
Want to Read
July 16, 2025do you SLEEP
March 11, 2026
This may very well be the first horror to illicit any reaction from me. Turns out bugs x body horror is a blend that can make me feel physically ill while reading 😂
My goodness what a ride that was. Admittedly it took me a little while to get into, but once we tipped the balance from unnerving to terror, it’s safe to say I couldn’t put it down. Kingfisher’s usual witticisms proved a nice grounding point in our main character Sonia, an easy authenticity that anchored a plot which would otherwise risk feeling like surface level shock value. The story is terror embodied in all forms, from the slow creeping dread to the silent, almost blank overwhelm of being so scared you can only continue on autopilot. It’s a talent that T Kingfisher can showcase such strong emotions so wholly, so quickly. Her books always make for an interesting pick-up when you need a fast, riotous story.
My goodness what a ride that was. Admittedly it took me a little while to get into, but once we tipped the balance from unnerving to terror, it’s safe to say I couldn’t put it down. Kingfisher’s usual witticisms proved a nice grounding point in our main character Sonia, an easy authenticity that anchored a plot which would otherwise risk feeling like surface level shock value. The story is terror embodied in all forms, from the slow creeping dread to the silent, almost blank overwhelm of being so scared you can only continue on autopilot. It’s a talent that T Kingfisher can showcase such strong emotions so wholly, so quickly. Her books always make for an interesting pick-up when you need a fast, riotous story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
SPOOKY. wolf worm is a fairly short historial fiction horror story. while horror isn’t my preferred genre, i can’t deny it was powerful enough to make me never want to see another insect ever again!
i was really impressed with the timing of this book. there wasn’t any excessive information dumping or lengthy backstories but it also wasn’t so fast paced that you didn’t get to feel the dread/suspense.
i found sonia’s nervous energy and inner monologues to be really funny! she could be pretty sarcastic when put in uncomfortable situations and i appreciated that humor in the darker settings.
the narrator did a great job! thank you netgalley for the arc.
i was really impressed with the timing of this book. there wasn’t any excessive information dumping or lengthy backstories but it also wasn’t so fast paced that you didn’t get to feel the dread/suspense.
i found sonia’s nervous energy and inner monologues to be really funny! she could be pretty sarcastic when put in uncomfortable situations and i appreciated that humor in the darker settings.
the narrator did a great job! thank you netgalley for the arc.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
T. Kingfisher is the queen of the slow burn. Her narratives creep up on you, slow and steady, building momentum until they smack you hard across the face.
Wolf Worm is no exception.
It starts innocuously enough. An unsuspecting historical fiction narrative about a scientific illustrator, her new employer and the manor house she’s come to live. There are dark woods to avoid, of course there are, woods should usually be avoided, that's where monsters lurk. But where is the doctor’s wife? And why is the shed locked? And why is that animal acting so strange? Before you know it you’re filled with dread, a creeping anxiety is rising in your chest. When did this book get so scary and why can’t you stop reading?! When the dread feels like it might consume you, when you’re not sure you can take anymore—WHACK—you’re smacked in the face with the reality of the situation. But T. Kingfisher isn’t done yet… No, not at all. Disoriented from the shocking reveal, she lands the final blow, one that leaves you staring blankly at the wall, contemplating everything you thought you understood about this story. And in a final parting gift, this book asks, what makes a monster?
Each time I read a new T. Kingfisher book I find myself in awe of her talent. Her prose never misses, her themes are thought-provoking, and her pacing, which usually feels bit slow at first, ALWAYS feels intentional. She knows how to build a story that will creep up on you, and most importantly a story that will stay with you.
This book fed my soul. Let it feed yours too. (aka go read this book)
Fun fact: parasitic worms gross me the f- out. When we covered parasites in my college biodiversity class I skipped the lecture on parasitic worms, failed that section on the exam too…I had originally planned to skip this read because of the parasitic maggots, but I told myself — I’ll enter the Goodreads giveaway and if I win I’ll give it a try. THANK YOU UNIVERSE for making me try this book. It was worth the mild discomfort. Actually the parasitic maggots weren’t as bad as I thought they’d be, my college textbook definitely grossed me out more. That said, this is still highly gross (though never gratuitously so), I’m comfortable with quite a bit of body horror and you should be too if you want to dive into this one. As always if you need additional details don’t hesitate to reach out to me, I’m happy to help a fellow reader consume with care!
OH! Do NOT skip the author's note it is fascinating.
Audio Narration: 5/5 Macmillan Audio is easily my favorite audiobook producers. Mary Robinette Kowal did a fantastic job. Each character had a distinct voice, her vocal range is stellar! The pacing & pausing were all perfect and the inflection and overall performance was one I will not soon forget. Highly recommend consuming Wolf Worm via audio!
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Thank you Macmillian Audio for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
Wolf Worm is no exception.
It starts innocuously enough. An unsuspecting historical fiction narrative about a scientific illustrator, her new employer and the manor house she’s come to live. There are dark woods to avoid, of course there are, woods should usually be avoided, that's where monsters lurk. But where is the doctor’s wife? And why is the shed locked? And why is that animal acting so strange? Before you know it you’re filled with dread, a creeping anxiety is rising in your chest. When did this book get so scary and why can’t you stop reading?! When the dread feels like it might consume you, when you’re not sure you can take anymore—WHACK—you’re smacked in the face with the reality of the situation. But T. Kingfisher isn’t done yet… No, not at all. Disoriented from the shocking reveal, she lands the final blow, one that leaves you staring blankly at the wall, contemplating everything you thought you understood about this story. And in a final parting gift, this book asks, what makes a monster?
Each time I read a new T. Kingfisher book I find myself in awe of her talent. Her prose never misses, her themes are thought-provoking, and her pacing, which usually feels bit slow at first, ALWAYS feels intentional. She knows how to build a story that will creep up on you, and most importantly a story that will stay with you.
This book fed my soul. Let it feed yours too. (aka go read this book)
Fun fact: parasitic worms gross me the f- out. When we covered parasites in my college biodiversity class I skipped the lecture on parasitic worms, failed that section on the exam too…I had originally planned to skip this read because of the parasitic maggots, but I told myself — I’ll enter the Goodreads giveaway and if I win I’ll give it a try. THANK YOU UNIVERSE for making me try this book. It was worth the mild discomfort. Actually the parasitic maggots weren’t as bad as I thought they’d be, my college textbook definitely grossed me out more. That said, this is still highly gross (though never gratuitously so), I’m comfortable with quite a bit of body horror and you should be too if you want to dive into this one. As always if you need additional details don’t hesitate to reach out to me, I’m happy to help a fellow reader consume with care!
OH! Do NOT skip the author's note it is fascinating.
Audio Narration: 5/5 Macmillan Audio is easily my favorite audiobook producers. Mary Robinette Kowal did a fantastic job. Each character had a distinct voice, her vocal range is stellar! The pacing & pausing were all perfect and the inflection and overall performance was one I will not soon forget. Highly recommend consuming Wolf Worm via audio!
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Thank you Macmillian Audio for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
April 2, 2026
It seems like T. Kingfisher books usually have an element of weirdness that can leave me feeling ambivalent. This one is no exception.
Also, this book was surprisingly gross, but only because I didn’t read the genre descriptions beforehand. If I see that this author has a new book out, I read it without concerning myself with what it’s actually about 🤭
Also, this book was surprisingly gross, but only because I didn’t read the genre descriptions beforehand. If I see that this author has a new book out, I read it without concerning myself with what it’s actually about 🤭
March 20, 2026
Had to pause reading because at some point I could not stop from gagging (the possum if ykyk) and not in a slay way. This book is incredible. It really made me have a physical reaction. I absolutely adored the main character, her anxiety and her natural curiosity. And her inquiring determination to find the answers to her question. But omg, the bugs. The insects. So descriptive and informative that you can almost feel it crawl down your skin. T. Kingfisher is a genius.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher to send me an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher to send me an ARC. All opinions are my own.
April 29, 2026
Wolf Worm is a historical horror that absolutely commits to its premise: bugs. So many bugs.
Set in 1899, the story follows Sonia, a naturalist illustrator who takes a job illustrating an entomologist’s insect collection in a remote Southern manor. There are eerie woods, strange animals, local folklore about “blood thieves,” and a creeping sense that something is very wrong.
The atmosphere is strong, the writing is vivid, and I loved the scientific details but the pacing was a struggle. It took me nearly 3 weeks to read this shorter novel. It takes a long time to get to the actual horror, with much of the book spent rationalizing the strange events instead of fully leaning into them. When it finally picks up around the final stretch, it does get good. I just wish it got there sooner.
If you love bugs, gothic vibes, and a slow build, this might work for you. If not… this may feel like a very long walk through the woods waiting for something to happen.
Full review on my YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@hollyheartsbooks...
Set in 1899, the story follows Sonia, a naturalist illustrator who takes a job illustrating an entomologist’s insect collection in a remote Southern manor. There are eerie woods, strange animals, local folklore about “blood thieves,” and a creeping sense that something is very wrong.
The atmosphere is strong, the writing is vivid, and I loved the scientific details but the pacing was a struggle. It took me nearly 3 weeks to read this shorter novel. It takes a long time to get to the actual horror, with much of the book spent rationalizing the strange events instead of fully leaning into them. When it finally picks up around the final stretch, it does get good. I just wish it got there sooner.
If you love bugs, gothic vibes, and a slow build, this might work for you. If not… this may feel like a very long walk through the woods waiting for something to happen.
Full review on my YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@hollyheartsbooks...
April 30, 2026
A horror book about a female artist/naturalist that knows her shit about entomology. Excellent book
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 🌟
What a great way to start my 2026 reading!
This was deliciously thrilling and horrifying! I'm such a fan of Kingfisher's writing and storytelling. Every time I'm sucked into the story and get the chills. So now one with bugs?! Count me as completely disgusted. I loved it!
The beginning of the story was a bit slow, but the ending was everything!
What a great way to start my 2026 reading!
This was deliciously thrilling and horrifying! I'm such a fan of Kingfisher's writing and storytelling. Every time I'm sucked into the story and get the chills. So now one with bugs?! Count me as completely disgusted. I loved it!
The beginning of the story was a bit slow, but the ending was everything!
March 25, 2026
3.75/5 stars
oh t kingfisher the way im starting to fall in love with your writing needs to be studied...
im still dipping my toes lightly into horror and was admittedly scared that horror including bugs might take it a bit too far for me lmao but i can say that while it was gross, i still thoroughly enjoyed it
once i finish a t kingfisher book, i always find that im just yearning to put myself back into another book or world written by her and this time was no different!
my only complaint is that ive found the plot to be a little predictable for me - this genuinely hasnt taken away much enjoyment of the book though. t kingfishers greatest strength is the way they write, the prose is easy to grip onto and leaves you wanting to continue reading!
(i also actually strangely love reading the acknowledgments at the end of her books, theyre always super fun and informative most of the time! you can really see research was done)
the narration, while only done by one person, was absolutely perfect! sometimes our main character really get in her head and begins to blabber and drawl on with certain thoughts and this was executed so well by the narrator! you can hear the way they really put themselves into the shoes of the character that they should be at any point in time!
oh t kingfisher the way im starting to fall in love with your writing needs to be studied...
im still dipping my toes lightly into horror and was admittedly scared that horror including bugs might take it a bit too far for me lmao but i can say that while it was gross, i still thoroughly enjoyed it
once i finish a t kingfisher book, i always find that im just yearning to put myself back into another book or world written by her and this time was no different!
my only complaint is that ive found the plot to be a little predictable for me - this genuinely hasnt taken away much enjoyment of the book though. t kingfishers greatest strength is the way they write, the prose is easy to grip onto and leaves you wanting to continue reading!
(i also actually strangely love reading the acknowledgments at the end of her books, theyre always super fun and informative most of the time! you can really see research was done)
the narration, while only done by one person, was absolutely perfect! sometimes our main character really get in her head and begins to blabber and drawl on with certain thoughts and this was executed so well by the narrator! you can hear the way they really put themselves into the shoes of the character that they should be at any point in time!
April 26, 2026
I can’t stop scratching. Every prickle of air has me trying to claw my skin off because what if the Wolf Worms are inside me???
Do you mind GROSS insect horror? Oh like the rest of us, you do? Prepare to be freaked out! I don’t like insects or any sort of creepy crawly really but I do find parasites fascinating. However Kingfisher describes them so vividly it’s like you can feel them under your skin! I no longer want to learn about parasites, instead I wish I could forget.
At the end, the MFC stops using laudanum to help her sleep. She says, essentially, she can’t afford a laudanum habit. I’m like, girl, make those rich people pay for your laudanum! In fact Kingfisher should be sending out laudanum with this book because I will never sleep again 😭
Do you mind GROSS insect horror? Oh like the rest of us, you do? Prepare to be freaked out! I don’t like insects or any sort of creepy crawly really but I do find parasites fascinating. However Kingfisher describes them so vividly it’s like you can feel them under your skin! I no longer want to learn about parasites, instead I wish I could forget.
At the end, the MFC stops using laudanum to help her sleep. She says, essentially, she can’t afford a laudanum habit. I’m like, girl, make those rich people pay for your laudanum! In fact Kingfisher should be sending out laudanum with this book because I will never sleep again 😭
November 17, 2025
Book Stats:
📖: 288 pages
Genre: horror
Publisher: Tor
Format: eARC
Series: STANDALONE
General Thoughts:
Can I give a book more than five stars? Because this book deserves more than that. This book is horrific, suspense filled, and absolutely mind bending. The claustrophobia you feel, and the inherent dread that creeps across your skin throughout the duration of this book is unmatched.
If creepy crawly creatures give you issue then you definitely don't wanna pick this book up. But if you can stand some insect based body horror, you're definitely gonna love this. The story and characters were solid and even though you have an idea of what could possibly be happening throughout the story, it doesn't match up with how absolutely horrific and detailed the story actually is.
I can't even tell you the amount of dread and anxiety I felt reading this book. But in a good way that kept me entertained and reading quickly. This is absolutely a gut punch that you can't miss if you like Kingfisher.
Disclaimer: I read this book as a physical ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own. This is my honest and voluntary review.
📖: 288 pages
Genre: horror
Publisher: Tor
Format: eARC
Series: STANDALONE
General Thoughts:
Can I give a book more than five stars? Because this book deserves more than that. This book is horrific, suspense filled, and absolutely mind bending. The claustrophobia you feel, and the inherent dread that creeps across your skin throughout the duration of this book is unmatched.
If creepy crawly creatures give you issue then you definitely don't wanna pick this book up. But if you can stand some insect based body horror, you're definitely gonna love this. The story and characters were solid and even though you have an idea of what could possibly be happening throughout the story, it doesn't match up with how absolutely horrific and detailed the story actually is.
I can't even tell you the amount of dread and anxiety I felt reading this book. But in a good way that kept me entertained and reading quickly. This is absolutely a gut punch that you can't miss if you like Kingfisher.
Disclaimer: I read this book as a physical ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own. This is my honest and voluntary review.
December 28, 2025
Wolf Worm is a creepy, bug-filled horror thriller that leans hard into atmosphere. The mystery stays thick and unsettling for a long time—and I loved not knowing exactly what was happening. The disgusting details only made it scarier and edgier. Another excellent, eerie win from an author I love.
Out in March.
Read as an ARC
⭐️ 5 out of 5 ⭐️
Out in March.
Read as an ARC
⭐️ 5 out of 5 ⭐️
April 21, 2026
I LOVE IT HERE!
I totally did not see this twist coming. When Phelps kept talking about calling the doctor, I had an odd thought in my head that he was going to actually mean Ma Kersey, and THAT would be the twist — Phelps good guy. This twist was SO much better.
I love how T Kingfisher writes friendship; the dynamic between Sonia and (spoiler alert!), as well as the dynamic between Sonia and Rose & Jackson Kent/Ma Kersey was just utterly delightful.
➽Follow me on Substack at ellexamines.substack.com
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I totally did not see this twist coming. When Phelps kept talking about calling the doctor, I had an odd thought in my head that he was going to actually mean Ma Kersey, and THAT would be the twist — Phelps good guy. This twist was SO much better.
I love how T Kingfisher writes friendship; the dynamic between Sonia and (spoiler alert!), as well as the dynamic between Sonia and Rose & Jackson Kent/Ma Kersey was just utterly delightful.
➽Follow me on Substack at ellexamines.substack.com
TikTok | Goodreads | Letterboxd | Instagram | Youtube | Spotify | About |
Review of advance copy
3.75 stars
Not my favorite by Kingfisher, but enjoyable nonetheless.
Not my favorite by Kingfisher, but enjoyable nonetheless.
May 7, 2026
Cozy gothic horror with just a little bit of ick factor thrown in for good measure! I had a wonderful time with this novella. She does an excellent job of creating a sense of place, leaning in to all the elements that are on the "gothic fiction" checklist, starting with a young woman traveling on her own to a creepy mansion in the middle of nowhere and just building from there, without ever feeling stale or boring. I think in part because the main character is so lovely; she is a robust, complete character with all sorts of strengths and weaknesses, a character a 21st century audience can rally behind without totally betraying the (very late) 19th century environment. In addition, all the ancillary characters are equally fun to spend time with, and not a single one feels flat or like they are just filling up space on the page.
As always her writing is filled with humor, and this is all reflecting the idiosyncrasies of the main character, so the writing and tone go a long way to develop the character. Similarly, the main character is an illustrator, and she can't help but see the world around her as sketches and watercolors, her first thoughts analyzing which colors would be needed with what kind of washes to achieve the tones and textures her eyes are perceiving. This is a great narrative device, because it keeps us so firmly in the main character's head and really helps us understand how she experiences the world, but at the same time lets the writing be lush and descriptive and build out the world in vivid and meaningful ways.
When I take a step back from the story the pacing is a little off. Very little happens in the first half of the book, and then the second half is a cascade of events, much more active in terms of plot development. With that said, though, it is only from stepping away for a moment that I see that. Because there wasn't a second that I was bored in the first half of the book. While the plot was only progressing slowly the world and the characters and the environment was getting richer and richer with each page, and I was happily absorbed and immersed in the story and the pacing it offered. In the story the character talks about one of the difficulties of watercolor as a medium as that every time you add a new layer the previous layer, being water soluble, can run and there is a point where you are no longer adding anything but just pushing your hard work into muddy incoherence. Kingfisher never reaches anything like that in this novel, and even in this slow first half each layer she adds brings something new to the reading experience. It is only after finishing the book that I might say the balance is a little off… but, to be honest, once the action starts you won't want to put the book down and you will hardly notice, if at all.
The story has the characters making a few unsatisfactory decisions, some that felt like they hewed closer to narrative necessity than everything I thought I knew about the characters, but those are few and far between and they are never egregious. Overall, the way the story progresses, and the various reveals and gross, wet discoveries are exciting and feel earned. While the story has a little more graphic imagery than her other stories this is still within the realm of a relatively cozy horror. There are genuine stakes, moments of violence and fear and uncertainty to the fates of various characters, including the main character, but there isn't a sense of being mean-spirited or cynical. Instead, the story feels warm and heartfelt, even when tackling difficult themes such as bodily autonomy, grief, racial discrimination, gender discrimination, the balance of art and commerce, small-town religiosity and bias, and more. A lot of the themes are somewhat standard or expected within the gothic subgenre, but Kingfisher manages to make them feel fresh, and mixes them up in ways that are a satisfying, engaging read. None of the flaws I mention take away from the fun and eminent readability of this story, I'm really glad I picked it up.
(Rounded from 4.5)
As always her writing is filled with humor, and this is all reflecting the idiosyncrasies of the main character, so the writing and tone go a long way to develop the character. Similarly, the main character is an illustrator, and she can't help but see the world around her as sketches and watercolors, her first thoughts analyzing which colors would be needed with what kind of washes to achieve the tones and textures her eyes are perceiving. This is a great narrative device, because it keeps us so firmly in the main character's head and really helps us understand how she experiences the world, but at the same time lets the writing be lush and descriptive and build out the world in vivid and meaningful ways.
When I take a step back from the story the pacing is a little off. Very little happens in the first half of the book, and then the second half is a cascade of events, much more active in terms of plot development. With that said, though, it is only from stepping away for a moment that I see that. Because there wasn't a second that I was bored in the first half of the book. While the plot was only progressing slowly the world and the characters and the environment was getting richer and richer with each page, and I was happily absorbed and immersed in the story and the pacing it offered. In the story the character talks about one of the difficulties of watercolor as a medium as that every time you add a new layer the previous layer, being water soluble, can run and there is a point where you are no longer adding anything but just pushing your hard work into muddy incoherence. Kingfisher never reaches anything like that in this novel, and even in this slow first half each layer she adds brings something new to the reading experience. It is only after finishing the book that I might say the balance is a little off… but, to be honest, once the action starts you won't want to put the book down and you will hardly notice, if at all.
The story has the characters making a few unsatisfactory decisions, some that felt like they hewed closer to narrative necessity than everything I thought I knew about the characters, but those are few and far between and they are never egregious. Overall, the way the story progresses, and the various reveals and gross, wet discoveries are exciting and feel earned. While the story has a little more graphic imagery than her other stories this is still within the realm of a relatively cozy horror. There are genuine stakes, moments of violence and fear and uncertainty to the fates of various characters, including the main character, but there isn't a sense of being mean-spirited or cynical. Instead, the story feels warm and heartfelt, even when tackling difficult themes such as bodily autonomy, grief, racial discrimination, gender discrimination, the balance of art and commerce, small-town religiosity and bias, and more. A lot of the themes are somewhat standard or expected within the gothic subgenre, but Kingfisher manages to make them feel fresh, and mixes them up in ways that are a satisfying, engaging read. None of the flaws I mention take away from the fun and eminent readability of this story, I'm really glad I picked it up.
(Rounded from 4.5)
November 29, 2025
The next time I see a big fly or a raccoon, I will scream.
Sonia is a thirty year old scientific illustrator who gets a job with a grumpy, reclusive naturalist. She spends her days painting bugs in an immense house that is only staffed by three and has only two residents. There are rumours about the devil living in the woods.
Sonia is anxious and tends to catastrophise.
This entire book is you questioning Sonia’s questioning as reader and heroine loses grip on reality.
Some thoughts burrow into your mind as thoroughly as a wasp larva burrows into an unsuspecting caterpillar. The trick, which I am still learning, is how to live without being devoured by them.
Like all of her books, T Kingfisher excels at creating a small, supportive community where the heroine can find solace.
There’s a cat and lots of yucky, creepy bugs.
This is probably the most body horror I have read from her, specifically in the last 35%. It is gross and I could hear the scenes.
I appreciated the vivid descriptions of water colours, even if sometimes it felt like an artistic exercise of Kingfisher as an ex-children’s illustrator.
The plot felt meandering and the horror felt quite contained. Whilst predictable, T Kingfisher had my attention with her writing.
Physical arc gifted by Tor.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
Sonia is a thirty year old scientific illustrator who gets a job with a grumpy, reclusive naturalist. She spends her days painting bugs in an immense house that is only staffed by three and has only two residents. There are rumours about the devil living in the woods.
Sonia is anxious and tends to catastrophise.
This entire book is you questioning Sonia’s questioning as reader and heroine loses grip on reality.
Some thoughts burrow into your mind as thoroughly as a wasp larva burrows into an unsuspecting caterpillar. The trick, which I am still learning, is how to live without being devoured by them.
Like all of her books, T Kingfisher excels at creating a small, supportive community where the heroine can find solace.
There’s a cat and lots of yucky, creepy bugs.
This is probably the most body horror I have read from her, specifically in the last 35%. It is gross and I could hear the scenes.
I appreciated the vivid descriptions of water colours, even if sometimes it felt like an artistic exercise of Kingfisher as an ex-children’s illustrator.
The plot felt meandering and the horror felt quite contained. Whilst predictable, T Kingfisher had my attention with her writing.
Physical arc gifted by Tor.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
March 25, 2026
5/5
This was super, super, disgustingly gross... and I loved it! Probably my favourite of the recent books Ursula Vernon has written. Perhaps this was just a great intersection of my interests (from watercolor to nature to [spoilers]), but this book worked extremely well for me.
The Writing:
I really like the way that Vernon used humor here. It's definitely one of the main characteristics of her writing, but sometimes I find in her horror that it can be overused and conflict with the overall tone of the book. But much like A Sorceress Comes to Call, she struck a great balance between the characters and horrors and humor.
Audiobook Notes:
The narrator did a fantastic job with the material and employed a different number of accents and voices for the characters that made it come alive quite vividly for me. I honestly forgot it was a narration and not a film for most of the time, which is a truly exceptional talent.
But I do have to emphasize again: really, really, TRULY gross.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with an ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was super, super, disgustingly gross... and I loved it! Probably my favourite of the recent books Ursula Vernon has written. Perhaps this was just a great intersection of my interests (from watercolor to nature to [spoilers]), but this book worked extremely well for me.
The Writing:
I really like the way that Vernon used humor here. It's definitely one of the main characteristics of her writing, but sometimes I find in her horror that it can be overused and conflict with the overall tone of the book. But much like A Sorceress Comes to Call, she struck a great balance between the characters and horrors and humor.
Audiobook Notes:
The narrator did a fantastic job with the material and employed a different number of accents and voices for the characters that made it come alive quite vividly for me. I honestly forgot it was a narration and not a film for most of the time, which is a truly exceptional talent.
But I do have to emphasize again: really, really, TRULY gross.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with an ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 21, 2026
Wolf Worm is soaked in creeping dread from the first pages. The atmosphere does so much of the work here, pressing in slowly, making isolation feel like a living thing that shapes every choice and every silence. The tension builds quietly, never rushing, and that restraint makes the horror land harder. In a deceptively simple setup, Kingfisher blends folklore, medical dread, and psychological unease into something both intimate and deeply unsettling. The pacing is sharp and economical, proving (yet again) how devastating Kingfisher can be with a novella-length canvas.
What I loved most is how character driven the story is without making it feel inward or small. The plot advances through moments of realization, hesitation, and resolve, rather than big shocks. The narration feels grounded and human, which makes the horror hit harder, this doesn’t feel like something happening to a “character,” but to a real person whose rational explanations slowly fail them.
Kindness and resilience matter in this world, even when they are overlooked or exploited. As always with Kingfisher, the real horror is human. The systems that dismiss, control, and harm are far more frightening than anything lurking in the dark.
This isn’t flashy or over-the-top horror; it’s smart, restrained, and brutally effective. If you enjoy folklore-infused body horror, medical creepiness, or stories that trust the reader to connect the dots, Wolf Worm is an absolute must-read.
What I loved most is how character driven the story is without making it feel inward or small. The plot advances through moments of realization, hesitation, and resolve, rather than big shocks. The narration feels grounded and human, which makes the horror hit harder, this doesn’t feel like something happening to a “character,” but to a real person whose rational explanations slowly fail them.
Kindness and resilience matter in this world, even when they are overlooked or exploited. As always with Kingfisher, the real horror is human. The systems that dismiss, control, and harm are far more frightening than anything lurking in the dark.
This isn’t flashy or over-the-top horror; it’s smart, restrained, and brutally effective. If you enjoy folklore-infused body horror, medical creepiness, or stories that trust the reader to connect the dots, Wolf Worm is an absolute must-read.
January 5, 2026
Starred review in the January 2026 issue of Library Journal
Three Words That Describe This Book: Bug-Body Horror combo, Gothic with teeth, strong sense of place
Draft Review: Sonia has struggled since her naturalist father’s passing. As his assistant, and illustrator, she was able to move throughout scientific circles in ways normally unreachable for women in the late 1800s. When Halder, a reclusive and wealthy expert on parasitic and necrophagic bugs invites her to his home in the North Carolina woods to be the illustrator on his magnum opus, Sonia jumps at the chance. But of course, there is more to Halder's work and those woods than Sonia could have imagined. Kingfisher takes her time allowing the story to unfold realistically as Sonia settles into her job, works on her craft painting insects, and gets to know the house staff. But as odd things start compounding– stories of the area’s blood letting monsters, oddly behaving small mammals, a padlocked shed in the woods, and all of those flesh eating bugs– even a serious scientist like Sonia get in over her head. Not for the squeamish, this is an exceptional Gothic, with real bite, a story where every detail (from the most grisly to small asides) matters and the monsters are not always what they appear to be.
Verdict: Kingfisher, who rarely misses, has out done herself here. For fans of mad scientist horror like The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia or Her Wicked Roots by Tanya Pell who also crave visceral details like those expertly applied by Nick Cutter.
Other words receiving votes: visceral, slow burn (but needs it to be 5 Stars), great details about being an illustrator by an illustrator, awesome protagonist with a perfect POV. Blood-letting monsters (referred to at the start and their possible existence-- if they have been eradicated etc-- is a level un unease that oversews and permeates the entire book-- not a spoiler)
Look Kingfisher is good. Nothing she writes is bad, but some are better than others and this one....wow!
I want to address a few people on her with early reviews who said that this one had too low a burn. I completely disagree. The pacing is what this story needs and in fact Kingfish makes a funny comment about it in the story itself. I'll get to that but first, Sonia is a young, awkward socially, female scientist and illustrator in the 1880s. She has spent her life studying flora mostly (but some fauna) with her father. She was his assistant. She lived this life. But when he died, Sonia was left high and dry. 1880s-- woman cannot just be scientists and scientific illustrators without a man to back them.
When Halder-- a reclusive, rich bug scientist needs an illustrator for his Magnus opus about necrotic parasites-- Sonia takes the job.
She is a city girl from the coast, moving sight unseen to the middle of the NC woods, to take a job where she knows no one and nothing. She lives there. She arrives and hears stories about the blood letting monsters in the woods. Is told to never go to alone, her room was clearly vacated by someone else who was the former illustrator quickly but also it's been a year etc....
If Sonia came in and started figuring everything out quickly, this book would have been terrible. If she was more than the awkward illustrator than she is, this book would have been terrible. She is nervous and at first obsessed with doing a good job so the book is all about learning about the people she lives with and her new boss and learning a bout bugs etc... all necessary. She is not a confident person to begin with so, when things start happening that are weird-- and they start just odd and get WEIRD-- she doesn't know what to do.
This leads to what I said about a small comment by Kingfisher that makes it clear she knows things are not moving super fast. Sonia gets to a shed in the woods that she knows hides some kind of secret and sees the lock. She actually comments on how she is not like one of those plucky heroines in a gothic novel and has no idea how to pick a lock. LOL. Reader-- it is not going to be easy for you or her.
When she does finally get in there-- WOW. What a discovery. And it is one of those discoveries that makes every detail Kingfisher carefully (but entertainingly) laid out in the story we read PAY OFF. Original and gross and so believable. There are human monsters here yes, but the supernatural ones are the ones that you are going to keep thinking about. These blood letters are not what you think they are.
Again every detail matters. If it went faster the book would fail. It is in the build up of the place and Sonia as a fully fleshed human where this book excels.
Sonia is a Gothic heroine, one who has to grow in confidence to save the day, but she NEVER uses skills others than those she has. And that is what makes it 5 stars. Feminist for sure, but not without bending to the restrictions of the time period.
The details about the bugs was great. Also, since Kingfisher is also an Illustrator, I loved that we saw her perspective on the job. Details about color and painting and caturing nature on the page. FASCINATING.
And of course-- these are parasitic necrosis bugs so we get the pay off-- it is gross and body horror and you will squirm and itch. Visceral in all the great ways.
It is Gothic in writing style and historical placement, but with the Kingfisher bite. There is so much I want to shout about that is great this book but I cannot because of spoilers.
For fans of mad scientist horror like Daughter of Doctor Moreau by SMG or Her Wicked Roots by Tanya Pell but with the visceral details found in the novels of of Nick Cutter (The Queen is bugs, but even The Troop works here).
Three Words That Describe This Book: Bug-Body Horror combo, Gothic with teeth, strong sense of place
Draft Review: Sonia has struggled since her naturalist father’s passing. As his assistant, and illustrator, she was able to move throughout scientific circles in ways normally unreachable for women in the late 1800s. When Halder, a reclusive and wealthy expert on parasitic and necrophagic bugs invites her to his home in the North Carolina woods to be the illustrator on his magnum opus, Sonia jumps at the chance. But of course, there is more to Halder's work and those woods than Sonia could have imagined. Kingfisher takes her time allowing the story to unfold realistically as Sonia settles into her job, works on her craft painting insects, and gets to know the house staff. But as odd things start compounding– stories of the area’s blood letting monsters, oddly behaving small mammals, a padlocked shed in the woods, and all of those flesh eating bugs– even a serious scientist like Sonia get in over her head. Not for the squeamish, this is an exceptional Gothic, with real bite, a story where every detail (from the most grisly to small asides) matters and the monsters are not always what they appear to be.
Verdict: Kingfisher, who rarely misses, has out done herself here. For fans of mad scientist horror like The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia or Her Wicked Roots by Tanya Pell who also crave visceral details like those expertly applied by Nick Cutter.
Other words receiving votes: visceral, slow burn (but needs it to be 5 Stars), great details about being an illustrator by an illustrator, awesome protagonist with a perfect POV. Blood-letting monsters (referred to at the start and their possible existence-- if they have been eradicated etc-- is a level un unease that oversews and permeates the entire book-- not a spoiler)
Look Kingfisher is good. Nothing she writes is bad, but some are better than others and this one....wow!
I want to address a few people on her with early reviews who said that this one had too low a burn. I completely disagree. The pacing is what this story needs and in fact Kingfish makes a funny comment about it in the story itself. I'll get to that but first, Sonia is a young, awkward socially, female scientist and illustrator in the 1880s. She has spent her life studying flora mostly (but some fauna) with her father. She was his assistant. She lived this life. But when he died, Sonia was left high and dry. 1880s-- woman cannot just be scientists and scientific illustrators without a man to back them.
When Halder-- a reclusive, rich bug scientist needs an illustrator for his Magnus opus about necrotic parasites-- Sonia takes the job.
She is a city girl from the coast, moving sight unseen to the middle of the NC woods, to take a job where she knows no one and nothing. She lives there. She arrives and hears stories about the blood letting monsters in the woods. Is told to never go to alone, her room was clearly vacated by someone else who was the former illustrator quickly but also it's been a year etc....
If Sonia came in and started figuring everything out quickly, this book would have been terrible. If she was more than the awkward illustrator than she is, this book would have been terrible. She is nervous and at first obsessed with doing a good job so the book is all about learning about the people she lives with and her new boss and learning a bout bugs etc... all necessary. She is not a confident person to begin with so, when things start happening that are weird-- and they start just odd and get WEIRD-- she doesn't know what to do.
This leads to what I said about a small comment by Kingfisher that makes it clear she knows things are not moving super fast. Sonia gets to a shed in the woods that she knows hides some kind of secret and sees the lock. She actually comments on how she is not like one of those plucky heroines in a gothic novel and has no idea how to pick a lock. LOL. Reader-- it is not going to be easy for you or her.
When she does finally get in there-- WOW. What a discovery. And it is one of those discoveries that makes every detail Kingfisher carefully (but entertainingly) laid out in the story we read PAY OFF. Original and gross and so believable. There are human monsters here yes, but the supernatural ones are the ones that you are going to keep thinking about. These blood letters are not what you think they are.
Again every detail matters. If it went faster the book would fail. It is in the build up of the place and Sonia as a fully fleshed human where this book excels.
Sonia is a Gothic heroine, one who has to grow in confidence to save the day, but she NEVER uses skills others than those she has. And that is what makes it 5 stars. Feminist for sure, but not without bending to the restrictions of the time period.
The details about the bugs was great. Also, since Kingfisher is also an Illustrator, I loved that we saw her perspective on the job. Details about color and painting and caturing nature on the page. FASCINATING.
And of course-- these are parasitic necrosis bugs so we get the pay off-- it is gross and body horror and you will squirm and itch. Visceral in all the great ways.
It is Gothic in writing style and historical placement, but with the Kingfisher bite. There is so much I want to shout about that is great this book but I cannot because of spoilers.
For fans of mad scientist horror like Daughter of Doctor Moreau by SMG or Her Wicked Roots by Tanya Pell but with the visceral details found in the novels of of Nick Cutter (The Queen is bugs, but even The Troop works here).
April 23, 2026
Wolf Worm
By T. Kingfisher
This is a bit supernatural and a bit of a thriller. Set around the late 1890s. The main character is an orphaned girl who went to advanced studies for art. She is skilled in watercolor painting. She has secured a job, and that's where we find her in the beginning, arriving in the new town. From there, all is not as it seems. She finds her employer is more than just odd. Great characters and plot. Would be great to have a book #2.
By T. Kingfisher
This is a bit supernatural and a bit of a thriller. Set around the late 1890s. The main character is an orphaned girl who went to advanced studies for art. She is skilled in watercolor painting. She has secured a job, and that's where we find her in the beginning, arriving in the new town. From there, all is not as it seems. She finds her employer is more than just odd. Great characters and plot. Would be great to have a book #2.
Want to Read
July 17, 2025More T. Kingfisher horror 🤭
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