Wolf Worm
by T. Kingfisher
Genres: HorrorPages: 288
Rating:
Synopsis: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
The year is 1899 and Sonia Wilson is a scientific illustrator without work, prospects, or hope. When the reclusive Dr. Halder offers her a position illustrating his vast collection of insects, Sonia jumps at the chance to move to his North Carolina manor house and put her talents to use. But soon enough she finds that there are darker things at work than the Carolina woods. What happened to her predecessor, Halder’s wife? Why are animals acting so strangely, and what is behind the peculiar local whispers about “blood thiefs?”
With the aid of the housekeeper and a local healer, Sonia discovers that Halder’s entomological studies have taken him down a dark road full of parasitic maggots that burrow into human flesh, and that his monstrous experiments may grow to encompass his newest illustrator as well.
"Kingfisher is not afraid to twist the knife."—The Washington Post
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I wasn’t entirely sure whether T. Kingfisher’s Wolf Worm would be for me: I’m a wuss about horror at the best of times, and given that this one is deeply focused on insects — a major fear of mine, and a particularly gross set of insects at that — it seemed like it might be a bit too much. But I did okay, actually: it’s not that it wasn’t gross/scary, and there were some really disgusting moments that made me very glad that I’m aphantasic… but something about the scientific interest of the narrator spoke to me.
The narrator’s a lone young women who has a skill as a scientific illustrator, but has struggled to find the right way to use her skills. Illustrating insects for a doctor in a half-dilapidated North Carolina manor isn’t great, but it’s the best choice she has, and I loved the descriptions of her enjoyment of and satisfaction in her work (and though I can’t say I enjoyed the portrayal of her feelings when she doesn’t match up to her own expectations, it’s well done). Insects might not be her interest, but she does a thorough job, and takes pride in it.
It quickly becomes obvious her employer’s pretty nuts and that dark and weird things are happening around the estate. I couldn’t quite sympathise with Sonia’s decision to investigate it rather than just tell Mrs Kent what’s going on, but then, I’m a known wuss.
I can’t say too much about how things turn out without spoilers, but when you get to the thing that was surely one of the core ideas, the raison d’etre of this book, it is a pretty cool moment. The science part of it is fairly handwavey, compared to the accuracy about illustrating bugs and researching bug anatomy — Kingfisher isn’t a biologist, and the cracks do show here. It’s a cool idea, though.
If you have phobias about bugs, I suggest you find someone to give some clear trigger warnings about the types of bugs and the way they’re involved in the story. Screw-worms and botflies are the main ick factor, but that’s to gloss over exactly what happens with them. Suffice it to say that your flesh probably will crawl if you imagine things in any detail.
Rating: 4/5 (“really liked it”)
I really enjoyed this one too, but -yes- the ick factor was HIGH.
I was actually very glad to be aphantasic!
I think I’ll skip this. Ick!
mae recently posted…Evil Genius
Hehe, if you’re not into horror (or that kind of horror) then it’s definitely not one for you, indeed! I wasn’t sure it’d be for me, either, but there was enough of the scientific interest side that I really enjoyed the protagonist.
I do appreciate how Kingfisher’s love of weird science comes through in her books… but body horror is the kind of horror that I like the least, so I’ll be skipping on this one. I’m glad you like it, though!
Nicole @ BookWyrm Knits recently posted…Ancillary Mercy Readalong ~ Week Three
Yeah, I think this one is probably a bit much for a lot of people. I’m surprised I did okay with it!
I HATE insects and spiders, ants are my main fear, so hopefully there are no ants? Still, I plan to read this and I’m very excited
If there are ants, they play such a small role that they’re really not the focus, if that helps? Same with spiders. It’s mostly botflies and screw-worms, and similar parasites.
Oh no. Love T Kingfisher, not sure at all about buggy horrors!
Calypte recently posted…Jitterbug – Gareth L Powell
I did alright with it despite parasitic bugs being a phobia of mine, if that helps? But of course the fact that I’m aphantasic plays into that too… I think since the horrors happen largely to people who aren’t the protagonist, maybe that kept it at arms’ length a bit for me too?
That does help, thank you!
Calypte recently posted…Jitterbug – Gareth L Powell
I hope you do okay with it if you give it a shot! Specifically re: the protagonist, as far as I remember she completely avoids infection (though has worries about it), though she does see the bugs and witness their effect on other people, including two people who are very badly infected.
(I have to clarify that I might not remember perfectly even though I read it so recently, due to reading it in ebook; I find that doesn’t get into my memory in the same way, like I enjoy the story and stuff stands out that I’ll remember, but I lose details quickly. Still, I’m pretty certain about this one.)
I love her books. Glad this wasn’t too scary or gross for you. I’m a little worried about the bugs and icky factor, but still very excited to read this!
It is pretty icky, but it’s such a fascinating idea!