I did not understand this was a Poe retelling until the end of the book/author’s note, lol. I don’t read Poe, as he was a creepy ped0ph!le (read: married his 13 y/o cousin, and lied that she was 21, when he was 27) - but I’m happy to give money and time to a talented author who is NOT that!

This little book is great. Sooo much dread and creep factor packed into such a tiny space! I finished it and I’m still getting little shivers, and I’m afraid to look too close at my arm hair. I’m also never drinking lake water. It takes a real talent to make me feel so truly freaked out, with minimal action scenes. T Kingfisher was obviously born to write horror. This being my first of their books, I’m thoroughly impressed, and will be reading more.

I’m obsessed w the use of pronouns- it’s fun, interesting, different, and adds to the story/characters. I’m sure others have a different opinion, but if you have no problem with dragons being real or monster smut in books you read, then I’m sure a couple new pronoun sets won’t kill you. (To be clear, I am ALSO a fan of dragons/monster smut. This is a compliment, not a complaint). As a non-binary person, I love the idea of language being so open and flexible. Also, Alex sounds like a baddie, and I’d definitely take kan on a date if ka ever has a free moment.

Madeleine is a creepy ass monster in my dark head corners now, in addition to the tarn and the freakin creepy hares. I get bunnies in my yard, and I’ve never been more grateful for their skittish bolting away at my slightest movement. I think best character of a tie between Miss Potter and Hob. Or Angus. Or Alex. Actually, just not Roderick or Denton, but everyone else is cool with me, lol.

Definitely recommend this if you’re in the mood for really creepy, quiet horror. Quite a nice little read. 4.5 stars.