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Fitcher's Bird
Not yet published
Expected 6 Oct 26Once upon a time, three young sisters survived a catastrophic house fire… Years later, one of them disappears and then another and it is left to the eldest sister to find out whether something else survived… A dark, twisty, page-turning modern gothic horror from the multi award-winning author of The Cold House.
When sisters Chloe, Zoe and Dido were children, their father died and their mother could no longer care for them, so they were sent to live with the local doctor’s family: mother, father and three sons. Soon after, however, Ashwood Farm burned to the ground, and only the three young girls survived.
Years later, the sisters live very separate lives, each dealing with their painful past in different ways. But when first Chloe, and then Zoe disappears, it’s left to Dido to rake through their history and find out if her sisters are still in the world or paying the price for what happened that long ago summer night.
When sisters Chloe, Zoe and Dido were children, their father died and their mother could no longer care for them, so they were sent to live with the local doctor’s family: mother, father and three sons. Soon after, however, Ashwood Farm burned to the ground, and only the three young girls survived.
Years later, the sisters live very separate lives, each dealing with their painful past in different ways. But when first Chloe, and then Zoe disappears, it’s left to Dido to rake through their history and find out if her sisters are still in the world or paying the price for what happened that long ago summer night.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 6, 2026
About the author
A.G. Slatter
17 books872 followersAKA Angela Slatter
Angela Slatter is the author of All The Murmuring Bones (Titan Books, purchase links below). That will be followed by The Path of Thorns in 2022. Both are gothic fantasies set in the world of the Sourdough and Bitterwood collections.
In February 2021, Tartarus Press published The Tallow-Wife and Other Tales, the third mosaic collection in the Sourdough world series. In March 2022, The Bone Lantern (a novella set in the Sourdough world) will be published by Absinthe Press (an imprint of PS Publishing).
Angela is also the author of the supernatural crime novels from Jo Fletcher Books/Hachette International: Vigil (2016), Corpselight (2017) and Restoration (2018), as well as ten other short story collections, including The Girl with No Hands and Other Tales, Sourdough and Other Stories, The Bitterwood Bible and Other Recountings, A Feast of Sorrows: Stories, and The Heart is a Mirror for Sinners and Other Stories. Vigil was nominated for the Dublin Literary Award in 2018.
Angela is represented by Meg Davis of the Ki Agency in London: meg@ki-agency.co.uk
She has won a World Fantasy Award, a British Fantasy Award, a Ditmar, two Australian Shadows Awards and seven Aurealis Awards.
Angela’s short stories have appeared in Australian, UK and US Best Of anthologies such The Mammoth Book of New Horror, The Year’s Best Dark Fantasy and Horror, The Best Horror of the Year, The Year’s Best Australian Fantasy and Horror, and The Year’s Best YA Speculative Fiction. Her work has been translated into Bulgarian, Chinese, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Polish, French and Romanian. Victoria Madden of Sweet Potato Films (The Kettering Incident) has optioned the film rights to one of her short stories (“Finnegan’s Field”).
She has an MA and a PhD in Creative Writing, is a graduate of Clarion South 2009 and the Tin House Summer Writers Workshop 2006, and in 2013 she was awarded one of the inaugural Queensland Writers Fellowships. In 2016 Angela was the Established Writer-in-Residence at the Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers Centre in Perth. She has been awarded career development funding by Arts Queensland, the Copyright Agency and, in 2017/18, an Australia Council for the Arts grant. She teaches for the Australian Writers’ Centre.
She is also the author of the novellas, Of Sorrow and Such (Tor.com) and Ripper (in Horrorology: The Lexicon of Fear).
Angela Slatter is the author of All The Murmuring Bones (Titan Books, purchase links below). That will be followed by The Path of Thorns in 2022. Both are gothic fantasies set in the world of the Sourdough and Bitterwood collections.
In February 2021, Tartarus Press published The Tallow-Wife and Other Tales, the third mosaic collection in the Sourdough world series. In March 2022, The Bone Lantern (a novella set in the Sourdough world) will be published by Absinthe Press (an imprint of PS Publishing).
Angela is also the author of the supernatural crime novels from Jo Fletcher Books/Hachette International: Vigil (2016), Corpselight (2017) and Restoration (2018), as well as ten other short story collections, including The Girl with No Hands and Other Tales, Sourdough and Other Stories, The Bitterwood Bible and Other Recountings, A Feast of Sorrows: Stories, and The Heart is a Mirror for Sinners and Other Stories. Vigil was nominated for the Dublin Literary Award in 2018.
Angela is represented by Meg Davis of the Ki Agency in London: meg@ki-agency.co.uk
She has won a World Fantasy Award, a British Fantasy Award, a Ditmar, two Australian Shadows Awards and seven Aurealis Awards.
Angela’s short stories have appeared in Australian, UK and US Best Of anthologies such The Mammoth Book of New Horror, The Year’s Best Dark Fantasy and Horror, The Best Horror of the Year, The Year’s Best Australian Fantasy and Horror, and The Year’s Best YA Speculative Fiction. Her work has been translated into Bulgarian, Chinese, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Polish, French and Romanian. Victoria Madden of Sweet Potato Films (The Kettering Incident) has optioned the film rights to one of her short stories (“Finnegan’s Field”).
She has an MA and a PhD in Creative Writing, is a graduate of Clarion South 2009 and the Tin House Summer Writers Workshop 2006, and in 2013 she was awarded one of the inaugural Queensland Writers Fellowships. In 2016 Angela was the Established Writer-in-Residence at the Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers Centre in Perth. She has been awarded career development funding by Arts Queensland, the Copyright Agency and, in 2017/18, an Australia Council for the Arts grant. She teaches for the Australian Writers’ Centre.
She is also the author of the novellas, Of Sorrow and Such (Tor.com) and Ripper (in Horrorology: The Lexicon of Fear).
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 22, 2026
This is a review of an uncorrected proof.
If I had been familiar with the “Fitcher’s Bird” tale from the Brothers Grimm, that would have set my expectations better for this novella. I’m adding a star as an acknowledgement of that. Since I had never heard of it, I was bewildered by the supernatural turn this story took in the final pages - Dido’s transformation felt incredibly bizarre and out of left field. The writing didn’t hit the mark for me and there were details that felt contradictory, such as the size of the totem. The totem seems to be quite large (Chloe notices it in the center of the barn in her daze of coming out of captivity, the skeletons are posed with it in a way that implies to me the totem is larger than them) but somehow it fit in a hollowed tree? This threw me and was a distraction in later scenes.
I think this novella should’ve either been longer, so there was more of a chance to develop the atmosphere and tone for readers who weren’t familiar with this fairy tale (and avoid one-off odd mentions of things that telegraph future action like the overly detailed description of the knitting), or it should’ve been shorter so the story could’ve been tightened up e.g., cut the police out entirely and remove the direct retelling of the titular fairy tale and all of the hints to it and the false starts of the retelling. The ideas are promising but overall it felt underdeveloped. Perhaps the final print version will have gone through another edit.
If I had been familiar with the “Fitcher’s Bird” tale from the Brothers Grimm, that would have set my expectations better for this novella. I’m adding a star as an acknowledgement of that. Since I had never heard of it, I was bewildered by the supernatural turn this story took in the final pages - Dido’s transformation felt incredibly bizarre and out of left field. The writing didn’t hit the mark for me and there were details that felt contradictory, such as the size of the totem. The totem seems to be quite large (Chloe notices it in the center of the barn in her daze of coming out of captivity, the skeletons are posed with it in a way that implies to me the totem is larger than them) but somehow it fit in a hollowed tree? This threw me and was a distraction in later scenes.
I think this novella should’ve either been longer, so there was more of a chance to develop the atmosphere and tone for readers who weren’t familiar with this fairy tale (and avoid one-off odd mentions of things that telegraph future action like the overly detailed description of the knitting), or it should’ve been shorter so the story could’ve been tightened up e.g., cut the police out entirely and remove the direct retelling of the titular fairy tale and all of the hints to it and the false starts of the retelling. The ideas are promising but overall it felt underdeveloped. Perhaps the final print version will have gone through another edit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Titan Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“Fitcher’s Bird” is one of those books where I went in thinking I was getting a quick little thriller and somehow ended up with a dark fairy tale, a revenge story, and a whole lot of feminine rage plus sisterly love.
The novella wastes absolutely no time getting started. The first chapters follow Dido’s younger sisters, Chloe and Zoe, as they’re abducted, which immediately pulled me in. Then we switch to Dido as she tries to figure out who is taking her sisters and, more importantly, why.
And honestly, the setup is fantastic. Three sisters with a horrific childhood, a messed-up foster family, mysterious disappearances, and a fairy tale lurking underneath it all? Sign me up.
I really liked how the story plays with the original Fitcher’s Bird fairy tale and slowly blurs the line between fairy tale, folklore, reality, and horror. I hadn't actually read the original tale beforehand, so some of the fairy tale elements, and especially the ending, left me a little confused at first. But once I understood what Slatter was doing (and read the original fairy tale), I appreciated it a lot more.
The sisters were probably my favorite part. Even though this is a short novella, Chloe, Zoe, and Dido all feel distinct, and their shared history gives the story a surprisingly emotional core. Dido especially has been forced into the role of protector since childhood, carrying the responsibility of looking after her sisters after everything they endured. There’s a really strong theme of generational trauma and the cycle of abuse running underneath everything.
That said, I definitely think this book could have been longer. The first half felt a little slow despite the strong opening, and Dido’s investigation was too easy. Dido is also so clinical and calculating that it sometimes made it difficult to emotionally connect with her.
But, once the story shifts from thriller into straight-up horror/fairy-tale territory, it gets dark. There’s vengeance, blood, sisterly love, magical realism, and the very creepy idea that stories and emotions can become something real. And honestly, that final stretch made up for some of the slower parts for me.
I also have to give Slatter credit for the atmosphere and writing. It has this haunting, almost dreamlike quality that makes the whole thing feel like you're reading a fairy tale that has been left out in the woods for way too long.
Overall, this is a short, dark, beautifully written novella about sisters, trauma, revenge, and the stories we use to survive. I wish it had been a little longer and dug deeper into some of the characters (like the antagonist) and mythology, but I still really enjoyed where it ultimately went.
“Fitcher’s Bird” is one of those books where I went in thinking I was getting a quick little thriller and somehow ended up with a dark fairy tale, a revenge story, and a whole lot of feminine rage plus sisterly love.
The novella wastes absolutely no time getting started. The first chapters follow Dido’s younger sisters, Chloe and Zoe, as they’re abducted, which immediately pulled me in. Then we switch to Dido as she tries to figure out who is taking her sisters and, more importantly, why.
And honestly, the setup is fantastic. Three sisters with a horrific childhood, a messed-up foster family, mysterious disappearances, and a fairy tale lurking underneath it all? Sign me up.
I really liked how the story plays with the original Fitcher’s Bird fairy tale and slowly blurs the line between fairy tale, folklore, reality, and horror. I hadn't actually read the original tale beforehand, so some of the fairy tale elements, and especially the ending, left me a little confused at first. But once I understood what Slatter was doing (and read the original fairy tale), I appreciated it a lot more.
The sisters were probably my favorite part. Even though this is a short novella, Chloe, Zoe, and Dido all feel distinct, and their shared history gives the story a surprisingly emotional core. Dido especially has been forced into the role of protector since childhood, carrying the responsibility of looking after her sisters after everything they endured. There’s a really strong theme of generational trauma and the cycle of abuse running underneath everything.
That said, I definitely think this book could have been longer. The first half felt a little slow despite the strong opening, and Dido’s investigation was too easy. Dido is also so clinical and calculating that it sometimes made it difficult to emotionally connect with her.
But, once the story shifts from thriller into straight-up horror/fairy-tale territory, it gets dark. There’s vengeance, blood, sisterly love, magical realism, and the very creepy idea that stories and emotions can become something real. And honestly, that final stretch made up for some of the slower parts for me.
I also have to give Slatter credit for the atmosphere and writing. It has this haunting, almost dreamlike quality that makes the whole thing feel like you're reading a fairy tale that has been left out in the woods for way too long.
Overall, this is a short, dark, beautifully written novella about sisters, trauma, revenge, and the stories we use to survive. I wish it had been a little longer and dug deeper into some of the characters (like the antagonist) and mythology, but I still really enjoyed where it ultimately went.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fitcher’s Bird is a dark, beautifully written novel that slowly reveals just how carefully constructed it is.
At first, I found myself desperately wanting more answers. There is a lot being withheld about the sisters and their shared past, and for quite a while the book gives you only fragments. However, I was intrigued rather than frustrated, helped enormously by the gorgeous prose. The writing is rich and intelligent without ever feeling unnecessarily complicated, and there were so many little phrases and images that stopped me in my tracks.
Once the pieces started falling into place, I really appreciated the way the story had been built. The past is revealed through memories, newspaper clippings and small discoveries rather than huge chunks of exposition, and details that initially seemed insignificant gradually gain much more meaning.
The use of folklore and fairy-tale imagery was probably my favourite element. You don't need any prior knowledge of Fitcher’s Bird, Bluebeard or the mythology woven throughout the novel to enjoy it, but as those influences become clearer, they add another layer to the story. Themes of sisterhood, identity, obedience, punishment, survival and transformation run underneath everything, alongside recurring bird imagery that becomes increasingly significant.
The final stretch takes the story somewhere much stranger and more mythic than I expected, and initially I wasn't entirely sure what to make of the ending. Once I understood what the author was doing with the fairy-tale structure, though, it clicked beautifully. It's an ending I suspect I'll keep thinking about.
A clever, unsettling and surprisingly layered read, with some genuinely beautiful writing. 4 stars.
At first, I found myself desperately wanting more answers. There is a lot being withheld about the sisters and their shared past, and for quite a while the book gives you only fragments. However, I was intrigued rather than frustrated, helped enormously by the gorgeous prose. The writing is rich and intelligent without ever feeling unnecessarily complicated, and there were so many little phrases and images that stopped me in my tracks.
Once the pieces started falling into place, I really appreciated the way the story had been built. The past is revealed through memories, newspaper clippings and small discoveries rather than huge chunks of exposition, and details that initially seemed insignificant gradually gain much more meaning.
The use of folklore and fairy-tale imagery was probably my favourite element. You don't need any prior knowledge of Fitcher’s Bird, Bluebeard or the mythology woven throughout the novel to enjoy it, but as those influences become clearer, they add another layer to the story. Themes of sisterhood, identity, obedience, punishment, survival and transformation run underneath everything, alongside recurring bird imagery that becomes increasingly significant.
The final stretch takes the story somewhere much stranger and more mythic than I expected, and initially I wasn't entirely sure what to make of the ending. Once I understood what the author was doing with the fairy-tale structure, though, it clicked beautifully. It's an ending I suspect I'll keep thinking about.
A clever, unsettling and surprisingly layered read, with some genuinely beautiful writing. 4 stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
📖 ARC REVIEW: FITCHER’S BIRD 🩸🐦
Once upon a time, three young sisters escaped a catastrophic house fire… but years later, the dark history they tried to leave behind is catching up. 🖤
I was lucky enough to dive into an early copy of Fitcher’s Bird by the incredible A.G. Slatter, and let me tell you, this book is an absolute masterpiece of modern gothic horror! It officially hits shelves on October 6, 2026.
Here is what you need to know about this upcoming release:
The Vibe: A lush, haunting, and deeply atmospheric slow-burn. Think “fairy tale for the true crime era” mixed with raw, avian folklore.
The Plot: After surviving a childhood tragedy, three sisters live vastly different lives. But when two of them suddenly vanish, the remaining sister, Dido, must rake through the ashes of their past to find them—or uncover what dark entity followed them out of the flames.
The Writing: Slatter’s prose is razor-sharp and drenched in fairy-tale dread. Getting glimpses into the antagonist’s perspective added a bone-chilling layer of suspense that I couldn’t get enough of.
It is a short, fast-paced, and brutal novella about trauma, survival, and the fierce bonds of sisterhood. If you love dark folklore and stories that feel like a delicious, layered nightmare, you need to add this to your TBR right now! 💀✨
Huge thank you to NetGalley and Titan Books for providing me with this Advanced Reader Copy!!
Once upon a time, three young sisters escaped a catastrophic house fire… but years later, the dark history they tried to leave behind is catching up. 🖤
I was lucky enough to dive into an early copy of Fitcher’s Bird by the incredible A.G. Slatter, and let me tell you, this book is an absolute masterpiece of modern gothic horror! It officially hits shelves on October 6, 2026.
Here is what you need to know about this upcoming release:
The Vibe: A lush, haunting, and deeply atmospheric slow-burn. Think “fairy tale for the true crime era” mixed with raw, avian folklore.
The Plot: After surviving a childhood tragedy, three sisters live vastly different lives. But when two of them suddenly vanish, the remaining sister, Dido, must rake through the ashes of their past to find them—or uncover what dark entity followed them out of the flames.
The Writing: Slatter’s prose is razor-sharp and drenched in fairy-tale dread. Getting glimpses into the antagonist’s perspective added a bone-chilling layer of suspense that I couldn’t get enough of.
It is a short, fast-paced, and brutal novella about trauma, survival, and the fierce bonds of sisterhood. If you love dark folklore and stories that feel like a delicious, layered nightmare, you need to add this to your TBR right now! 💀✨
Huge thank you to NetGalley and Titan Books for providing me with this Advanced Reader Copy!!
September 7, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and Titan Books for providing an advance copy of this book.
Fitcher’s Bird is a great retelling of the folk tale of the same name that manages to stand out well from other modern fairy and folk tale adaptations. It’s a great fast paced novella, with some great character interactions and a gripping story of revenge.
Fitcher’s Bird is a departure from a lot of retellings in that it uses a modern setting with an almost thriller like plot to start – the first two chapters follow Chloe and Zoe, the two younger sisters of the main character, Dido, as they are abducted and killed. We then follow Dido as she learns of and then investigates the disappearances.
I love the way the core conceit of the folk tale is used in this novella – not just in the climax of the story but also in the sisters’ past – and it’s adapted and changed well enough to be surprising even for those very familiar with the original story as put down by the Brothers Grimm.
Most of the characters were very well written – the contrast between Chloe, Zoe and Dido were great, the interactions between Dido and the detective were quite fun and the sisters’ back story with the wicked foster mother was a good adaptation of a classic fairy tale trope. I would have liked more of an insight into the villain – he was the least developed character in my opinion.
Fitcher’s Bird is a great retelling of the folk tale of the same name that manages to stand out well from other modern fairy and folk tale adaptations. It’s a great fast paced novella, with some great character interactions and a gripping story of revenge.
Fitcher’s Bird is a departure from a lot of retellings in that it uses a modern setting with an almost thriller like plot to start – the first two chapters follow Chloe and Zoe, the two younger sisters of the main character, Dido, as they are abducted and killed. We then follow Dido as she learns of and then investigates the disappearances.
I love the way the core conceit of the folk tale is used in this novella – not just in the climax of the story but also in the sisters’ past – and it’s adapted and changed well enough to be surprising even for those very familiar with the original story as put down by the Brothers Grimm.
Most of the characters were very well written – the contrast between Chloe, Zoe and Dido were great, the interactions between Dido and the detective were quite fun and the sisters’ back story with the wicked foster mother was a good adaptation of a classic fairy tale trope. I would have liked more of an insight into the villain – he was the least developed character in my opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fitcher's Bird by A.G. Slatter is a novella that hits the ground running: sisters Chloe and then Zoe are kidnapped, leaving eldest sister Dido, herself a suspect thanks to an incompetent police department, to work out who from their dark past is behind it.
Part thriller, part dark fairy tale, Fitcher's Bird is a beautifully written story with a delightfully dark, heavy atmosphere that is unrelenting and almost suffocating right up to the final page.
Despite the story's length, Slatter did an incredible job of weaving the mystery and fairy tale elements, as well as the past and present together in an almost seamless fashion. I also loved the glimpses of the relationships between the three sisters and was impressed with the depth and layers given considering the page count.
That being said, due to the shortness of the story, the main villain did feel a little bit undercooked, but it's a minor quibble in the grand scheme of things.
Overall, while admittedly I thought there were more than enough ingredients in Fitcher's Bird for a full-length novel and would have liked to have spent more time in the story, I was more than happy with the execution.
Recommended.
With thanks to Titan Books for the ARC.
Part thriller, part dark fairy tale, Fitcher's Bird is a beautifully written story with a delightfully dark, heavy atmosphere that is unrelenting and almost suffocating right up to the final page.
Despite the story's length, Slatter did an incredible job of weaving the mystery and fairy tale elements, as well as the past and present together in an almost seamless fashion. I also loved the glimpses of the relationships between the three sisters and was impressed with the depth and layers given considering the page count.
That being said, due to the shortness of the story, the main villain did feel a little bit undercooked, but it's a minor quibble in the grand scheme of things.
Overall, while admittedly I thought there were more than enough ingredients in Fitcher's Bird for a full-length novel and would have liked to have spent more time in the story, I was more than happy with the execution.
Recommended.
With thanks to Titan Books for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
as someone who was not aware of what fitchers bird was/is (i probably should have researched) i have given this a 3 stars because if i knew what i was getting myself into i would've understood it better.
i read this in one sitting, it's short & easy to read.
but i am confused, heavily confused (and perhaps that is my lack of knowledge) by this.
the supernatural element felt like it came out of nowhere, i was a bit confused as to whether or not it was a metaphor or if she were physically a bird (i am still not sure).
i feel like i got absolutely zero answers, for anything, as she constantly said that she was only providing snippets of information, so i never really got any closure for anything that was within this.
i feel like the addition of the police officer was entirely unnecessary as he wasn't even a factor into anything, he could've been completely left out and the plot would not have changed.
i also find myself wishing it were a bit longer.
however, it was easy to read, it was pretty enjoyable i am just a little (a lot) confused.
(also thank you s&s for a copy of the book to read in advance, big fan of your work)
i read this in one sitting, it's short & easy to read.
but i am confused, heavily confused (and perhaps that is my lack of knowledge) by this.
the supernatural element felt like it came out of nowhere, i was a bit confused as to whether or not it was a metaphor or if she were physically a bird (i am still not sure).
i feel like i got absolutely zero answers, for anything, as she constantly said that she was only providing snippets of information, so i never really got any closure for anything that was within this.
i feel like the addition of the police officer was entirely unnecessary as he wasn't even a factor into anything, he could've been completely left out and the plot would not have changed.
i also find myself wishing it were a bit longer.
however, it was easy to read, it was pretty enjoyable i am just a little (a lot) confused.
(also thank you s&s for a copy of the book to read in advance, big fan of your work)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Titan Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! ♡
I finished Fitcher’s Bird, thought “yeah that was good.” and then waited for a stronger feeling to arrive. It never really did.
There is plenty here I liked. Slatter writes with control, the sisters have a convincing history between them, and the fairytale framework gives the whole story an cruel sort of edge. I was interested. But I guess I also never reached that point where a book got its claws into me.
I think the length contributed to that. The story moves quickly enough that some of the relationships, horror and mythology felt sketched where I wanted them way fuller. Dido also kept me at a slight emotional distance. I understood her and her choices but I rarely felt particularly close to her.
I don’t have a dramatic complaint. The writing is good. The ideas are good. The story works.
It landed in that middle category of books I enjoyed while I was reading them and then felt finished with once I closed them.
Also, apparently I am the only person alive who hates this cover.
A very respectable three stars.
I finished Fitcher’s Bird, thought “yeah that was good.” and then waited for a stronger feeling to arrive. It never really did.
There is plenty here I liked. Slatter writes with control, the sisters have a convincing history between them, and the fairytale framework gives the whole story an cruel sort of edge. I was interested. But I guess I also never reached that point where a book got its claws into me.
I think the length contributed to that. The story moves quickly enough that some of the relationships, horror and mythology felt sketched where I wanted them way fuller. Dido also kept me at a slight emotional distance. I understood her and her choices but I rarely felt particularly close to her.
I don’t have a dramatic complaint. The writing is good. The ideas are good. The story works.
It landed in that middle category of books I enjoyed while I was reading them and then felt finished with once I closed them.
Also, apparently I am the only person alive who hates this cover.
A very respectable three stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC Review — NetGalley
Fitcher’s Bird was exactly the kind of dark, unsettling gothic horror I love. A.G. Slatter takes the bones of a fairy tale and turns them into something much darker—filled with trauma, sisterhood, folklore, violence, and a creeping sense that something terrible has been waiting in the shadows all along.
The atmosphere is incredible. There’s something beautifully bleak about this story, and Slatter does such a great job making the past feel alive and dangerous. I especially loved the focus on the sisters and the complicated ways they carry what happened to them.
This is short, but it packs a LOT into its pages. It felt like a twisted fairy tale crossed with folk horror and true crime, and I was completely hooked. Dark, disturbing, beautifully written, and wonderfully creepy.
A definite recommendation for anyone who loves gothic horror, dark fairy tales, and stories where the past refuses to stay buried.
Thank you to NetGalley and Titan Books for the advanced copy.
Fitcher’s Bird was exactly the kind of dark, unsettling gothic horror I love. A.G. Slatter takes the bones of a fairy tale and turns them into something much darker—filled with trauma, sisterhood, folklore, violence, and a creeping sense that something terrible has been waiting in the shadows all along.
The atmosphere is incredible. There’s something beautifully bleak about this story, and Slatter does such a great job making the past feel alive and dangerous. I especially loved the focus on the sisters and the complicated ways they carry what happened to them.
This is short, but it packs a LOT into its pages. It felt like a twisted fairy tale crossed with folk horror and true crime, and I was completely hooked. Dark, disturbing, beautifully written, and wonderfully creepy.
A definite recommendation for anyone who loves gothic horror, dark fairy tales, and stories where the past refuses to stay buried.
Thank you to NetGalley and Titan Books for the advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via the publishers Titan Books.
Fitcher's Bird is a dark novella that packs a punch. I love A. G. Slatters writing and really enjoyed this dark, gruesome and thought-provoking read.
The story follows the POV of the eldest of three sisters who were placed into foster care after their father died and their mother gave them up unable to cope. What happened to them in foster care gets revealed during the story. In the present Dido (the eldest) is searching for her youngest sisters after they have both been abducted and she takes the situation into her own hands since the police are short staffed and incompetent because of this.
The story is, in its bones, one of survival, female rage, family and sisterly bonds told in a powerful way with complex and floored characters, that makes you question how far would you go for the ones you love?
Fitcher's Bird is a dark novella that packs a punch. I love A. G. Slatters writing and really enjoyed this dark, gruesome and thought-provoking read.
The story follows the POV of the eldest of three sisters who were placed into foster care after their father died and their mother gave them up unable to cope. What happened to them in foster care gets revealed during the story. In the present Dido (the eldest) is searching for her youngest sisters after they have both been abducted and she takes the situation into her own hands since the police are short staffed and incompetent because of this.
The story is, in its bones, one of survival, female rage, family and sisterly bonds told in a powerful way with complex and floored characters, that makes you question how far would you go for the ones you love?
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is very much a modern-day fairytale, from an author whose fantasy I've loved for a while now. Yes, there's shades of 'Bluebeard' (amongst other stories), but there's a solid thread of True Crime running through the book too.
I was reminded of the constant awareness that women are instructed to have from a young age, to always watch out at night, never trust strange men, always be cautious - because this is what might happen if you let your guard slip for a moment. And yet here we have girls who've grown into women who know those rules. One is good; that counts for nothing. The second is bad; likewise. It's the eldest who holds the true wisdom - and as an eldest daughter, I felt some of this in my own bones.
A contemporary morality tale that reminds you magic is real - and can be as dark as humans get.
I was kindly sent an early copy of this book by the publisher, but the above opinions are entirely my own.
I was reminded of the constant awareness that women are instructed to have from a young age, to always watch out at night, never trust strange men, always be cautious - because this is what might happen if you let your guard slip for a moment. And yet here we have girls who've grown into women who know those rules. One is good; that counts for nothing. The second is bad; likewise. It's the eldest who holds the true wisdom - and as an eldest daughter, I felt some of this in my own bones.
A contemporary morality tale that reminds you magic is real - and can be as dark as humans get.
I was kindly sent an early copy of this book by the publisher, but the above opinions are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Okayyyy I absolutely DEVOURED this 😭
This is definitely not a book I’d normally pick up, but omg I’m so glad I did because I was gripped from the very first page. I genuinely could not put it down.
It’s super fast paced, suspenseful and just SO original. The mix of fairytale elements with the darker, more unsettling suspense was done so well and completely consumed my attention. I was constantly needing to know what the hell was going to happen next 😂
I also loved that it felt different from anything I’ve read recently. It was weird, tense, a little twisted and somehow exactly what I was in the mood for without even knowing it 😌
Such a fun surprise and absolutely one of those books that reminds me I need to step outside my usual reads more often!!
This is definitely not a book I’d normally pick up, but omg I’m so glad I did because I was gripped from the very first page. I genuinely could not put it down.
It’s super fast paced, suspenseful and just SO original. The mix of fairytale elements with the darker, more unsettling suspense was done so well and completely consumed my attention. I was constantly needing to know what the hell was going to happen next 😂
I also loved that it felt different from anything I’ve read recently. It was weird, tense, a little twisted and somehow exactly what I was in the mood for without even knowing it 😌
Such a fun surprise and absolutely one of those books that reminds me I need to step outside my usual reads more often!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!
Given that this book is just over 100 pages, it really does pack a punch. The author manages to perfectly capture a haunting gothic atmosphere and I loved the combination with the crime/mystery element. I was also familiar with "Fitcher's Bird" and therefore felt the ending was a bit bizarre. Whilst I understand the author wanting to add a feminist twist to the story, I felt that this could have been achieved without adding the supernatural elements. I also would have liked the story to be a bit longer with more insights into the villain's perspective. That being said, I still thought this was a great novella and thoroughly enjoyed it!
Given that this book is just over 100 pages, it really does pack a punch. The author manages to perfectly capture a haunting gothic atmosphere and I loved the combination with the crime/mystery element. I was also familiar with "Fitcher's Bird" and therefore felt the ending was a bit bizarre. Whilst I understand the author wanting to add a feminist twist to the story, I felt that this could have been achieved without adding the supernatural elements. I also would have liked the story to be a bit longer with more insights into the villain's perspective. That being said, I still thought this was a great novella and thoroughly enjoyed it!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Titan Books for this arc
4.5/5 stars rounded up
This was a beautiful and haunting tale of abuse, revenge, and female rage. The prose was a bit much for me at times but it was easily looked over, and the explanation each time of who they were talking about when referencing either the given or chosen name of a person got old - we dont need reminding each and every time, its in the same chapter we get it lol. That being said, this will stick with me for a while. I cant think of anything to say that doesn't give away major plot points, so I'll just say that this story of sisterhood, revenge, and feminine rage was both relatable, cathartic, and a little depressing (as an eldest daughter lol)
4.5/5 stars rounded up
This was a beautiful and haunting tale of abuse, revenge, and female rage. The prose was a bit much for me at times but it was easily looked over, and the explanation each time of who they were talking about when referencing either the given or chosen name of a person got old - we dont need reminding each and every time, its in the same chapter we get it lol. That being said, this will stick with me for a while. I cant think of anything to say that doesn't give away major plot points, so I'll just say that this story of sisterhood, revenge, and feminine rage was both relatable, cathartic, and a little depressing (as an eldest daughter lol)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A. G. Slatter is an auto-read author for me, so I was thrilled to receive this ARC.
Fitcher’s Bird was a tricky one for me to rate. I loved the writing style and the atmosphere, and the introduction was so strong it pulled me headfirst into the story. But as the book progressed, I sometimes found myself confused about what was happening and struggling to keep in the story.
I do wonder if my experience would have been different if I could have binged this one rather than reading it in smaller chunks. I think the story may have benefited from that uninterrupted momentum, at least for myself.
Rest assured though I’ll absolutely be picking up whatever A. G. Slatter writes next.
Thank you to Titan Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book early.
Fitcher’s Bird was a tricky one for me to rate. I loved the writing style and the atmosphere, and the introduction was so strong it pulled me headfirst into the story. But as the book progressed, I sometimes found myself confused about what was happening and struggling to keep in the story.
I do wonder if my experience would have been different if I could have binged this one rather than reading it in smaller chunks. I think the story may have benefited from that uninterrupted momentum, at least for myself.
Rest assured though I’ll absolutely be picking up whatever A. G. Slatter writes next.
Thank you to Titan Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book early.
September 18, 2026
A wonderfully lyrical tale, really in many ways a fairy tale, about 3 sisters, having been traumatized at a young age and grown apart, being brought back together by sinister means.
In many ways, the story remains grounded and realistic, but at other times, leaning into its fairy tale status, disbelief must be greatly suspended, but never will you grow bored. Slatter's writing feels like something that could have been written 200 or 100 years ago (withstanding the modern setting) as it feels very timeless.
Broken down however, it's a story of the bonds of sisterhood and the requests, both said and unsaid that we have passed down from our parents. It's a short read, but a phenomenal one.
4.5/5 (rounded up to 5)
In many ways, the story remains grounded and realistic, but at other times, leaning into its fairy tale status, disbelief must be greatly suspended, but never will you grow bored. Slatter's writing feels like something that could have been written 200 or 100 years ago (withstanding the modern setting) as it feels very timeless.
Broken down however, it's a story of the bonds of sisterhood and the requests, both said and unsaid that we have passed down from our parents. It's a short read, but a phenomenal one.
4.5/5 (rounded up to 5)
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Older sisters unite!
This was my first Slatter novel and it will most certainly not be my last. For anyone who has a sister, you will need this. It’s a beautiful story woven together with folklore and fairytales about the burdens, ferocity and love of the oldest sister.
Slatter is incredibly intelligent. Every word has importance and the way it is stitched together at the end; magical. You get just enough information to want to continue and once you get to the end, you realize that was all by design. I am being completely vague on purpose. If you read this-you will see why. This is extremely dark, unsettling and traumatic but also beautiful and akin to a Grimms fairytale. I would have gladly read 200 more pages of this story. Thank you so much @titanbooks for my copy.
This was my first Slatter novel and it will most certainly not be my last. For anyone who has a sister, you will need this. It’s a beautiful story woven together with folklore and fairytales about the burdens, ferocity and love of the oldest sister.
Slatter is incredibly intelligent. Every word has importance and the way it is stitched together at the end; magical. You get just enough information to want to continue and once you get to the end, you realize that was all by design. I am being completely vague on purpose. If you read this-you will see why. This is extremely dark, unsettling and traumatic but also beautiful and akin to a Grimms fairytale. I would have gladly read 200 more pages of this story. Thank you so much @titanbooks for my copy.
September 18, 2026
C'era una volta tre sorelle...
Potrebbe essere una moderna fiaba dei fratelli Grimm questa oscurissima novella di A.G. Slatter, una fiaba con protagoniste tre sorelle segnate da un passato oscuro e minacciate da un pericolo incombente.
Sarà una di loro abbastanza saggia, abbastanza astuta, abbastanza implacabile da sconfiggere il buio che le assedia?
Scritto con lo stile evocativo e raffinato che caratterizza l'autrice, Fitcher's Bird è una novella inquietante, terrificante, sorprendente: spietata come le fiabe classiche.
Consigliata soprattutto alle sorelle maggiori (come me).
Potrebbe essere una moderna fiaba dei fratelli Grimm questa oscurissima novella di A.G. Slatter, una fiaba con protagoniste tre sorelle segnate da un passato oscuro e minacciate da un pericolo incombente.
Sarà una di loro abbastanza saggia, abbastanza astuta, abbastanza implacabile da sconfiggere il buio che le assedia?
Scritto con lo stile evocativo e raffinato che caratterizza l'autrice, Fitcher's Bird è una novella inquietante, terrificante, sorprendente: spietata come le fiabe classiche.
Consigliata soprattutto alle sorelle maggiori (come me).
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A beautifully written novella that packed a punch!
Not my usual genre, however I quite enjoyed the writing and storyline. It was gripping, gruesome in parts, and at its core an emotional story about sisterhood that I devoured in two days.
Highly recommend picking this up when it’s released in October.
A huge thank you the publisher for the advanced proof copy. All opinions in this review are my own.
Not my usual genre, however I quite enjoyed the writing and storyline. It was gripping, gruesome in parts, and at its core an emotional story about sisterhood that I devoured in two days.
Highly recommend picking this up when it’s released in October.
A huge thank you the publisher for the advanced proof copy. All opinions in this review are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Inspired by several fairytales, including the ‘Fitchers Bird’ and the Welsh legend of Blodeuwedd, Slatter captures such a gothic beauty with her way of words. This novels core focus is on the responsibility and devotion of the older sister. It is beautifully written, and can be read in one sitting- but will leave you thinking about it for a long while after. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and a huge thanks to Titan Books for sending me the Arc.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This books plot was right up my street. bit of mystery, thriller fairytale.....I didnt realise it was such a short book.....it could of been so much bigger. Don't get me wrong it was a good story but at the end it left me feeling is that it. Based on three sisters who survive two tragedies early in life we full the eldest sister on the hunt for her two sisters when they go missing.....Fast paced and well written I just feel that could of been more to this book. Worth picking up for a read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Titan Books for the ARC.
Gosh, this was such a fast-paced, dark novella. I genuinely couldn’t put it down and finished it so quickly. Angela’s writing keeps you constantly on your toes, delivering a beautifully twisted take on the Grimm fairytale Fitcher’s Bird.
At its heart, it’s a powerful story about sisterly devotion and just how far that bond can push someone to go.
Gosh, this was such a fast-paced, dark novella. I genuinely couldn’t put it down and finished it so quickly. Angela’s writing keeps you constantly on your toes, delivering a beautifully twisted take on the Grimm fairytale Fitcher’s Bird.
At its heart, it’s a powerful story about sisterly devotion and just how far that bond can push someone to go.
Review of advance copy
ARC edition
Like following a trail of breadcrumbs through the dark forest...
"... stories are spells, sometimes longer, sometimes shorter (this one is shorter), but always more powerful, even when they seem forgotten; they stay in your skin and flesh... the story always leaves a mark, carves it's path in both teller and listener, in greater or lesser ways. Indelible, however faint or faded."
Like following a trail of breadcrumbs through the dark forest...
"... stories are spells, sometimes longer, sometimes shorter (this one is shorter), but always more powerful, even when they seem forgotten; they stay in your skin and flesh... the story always leaves a mark, carves it's path in both teller and listener, in greater or lesser ways. Indelible, however faint or faded."
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A.G. Slatter has an amazing way of creating complicated, yet entirely realistic, female familial bonds. Love, jealously, resentment, and hope blossom in this novella that asks “how far will you go to protect the ones you love?”.
Thank you to Titan Books for this advanced copy!
Thank you to Titan Books for this advanced copy!
Did Not Finish
September 1, 2026I’ve never DNF’d a book because of the writing style before but I just couldn’t do it with this one. I’m unsure exactly what it is, but I have to read most sentences multiple times.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Obsessed with this gloriously dark fairytale.
Full review to come.
Thank you Simon & Schuster for my early proof.
Full review to come.
Thank you Simon & Schuster for my early proof.
September 4, 2026
By publisher as an advance review epub copy through netgalley.com.
Second book of author read
Second book of author read
August 5, 2026
A story steeped in folklore, survival and the fear that something darker survived. A darkly twisted modern gothic horror!
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