What Stalks The Deep by T Kingfisher

In the past 3-4 years, I have become a HUGE fan of T. Kingfisher aka Ursula Vernon. 

Ms. Vernon is the author of the Hamster Princess books, which both of my daughters have enjoyed (as have I!). Those books were my introduction to her, along with her social media presence, which I found through Seanan McGuire. 

Ordinarily, I don’t like horror. I never wanted to watch scary movies as a kid. I got nightmares from E.T.  But based on recommendations I read the Twisted Ones and The Holllow Places and I realized that I loved Ms. Vernon’s writing and I could make it through the scary parts unscathed with her as my guide. 

I started devouring her back catalog and putting all new releases on hold at the library.  I have subscribed to her Patreon and I convinced my wife to read Nettle and Bone, which she loved (as did I). 

I really enjoyed What Moves the Dead when it came out - I adored Angus and Ms. Potter and I thought Alex Easton was one of the most interesting, enjoyable protagonists in a Kingfisher book I had ever seen. (Toadling is still my favorite, I think). I didn’t remember the original Poe story that influenced it, but my only complaint about that book was that it was too short. 

So I was thrilled when I found out that it was turning into a series! I enjoyed the sequel a great deal. 

I was thrilled when I got an audiobook eARC from NetGalley of this new book, the third in the series, in exchange for an honest review. 

This new book, I believe, is not based on a Poe story but is an original creation. And it is so much fun! I was sad to not have Ms Potter this time around, but I will survive. 

This book was set in America once again, when Alex Easton goes to help a friend with some mysterious activity in a mine. Interestingly, the characters seem like they are really getting used to encountering nonhuman intelligence by this book and they almost take it in stride. I loved everything about this book. 

Once again, my only complaint is that it was too short! 

I really liked the narrator as well. I listened to this at 1.75 speed. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher!