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49 pages 1 hour read

A House With Good Bones

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023

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Book Brief

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T. Kingfisher

A House With Good Bones

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023
Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

North Carolina • Contemporary

Theme
Publication Year

2023

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In T. Kingfisher's fantasy-horror novel A House with Good Bones, Sam Montgomery returns to her family home and becomes concerned about her mother's unusual behavior, eventually discovering that her grandmother's malevolent spirit haunts the rose bushes and influences their lives. The novel deals with themes of family trauma and the intersection of science and magic. The book includes mentions of emotional abuse, mental illness, and anti-fat bias.

Mysterious

Unnerving

Dark

Fantastical

Humorous

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

T. Kingfisher's A House With Good Bones is praised for its engaging storytelling, vibrant characters, and blend of horror with humor. Readers appreciate the atmospheric setting and clever twists. Criticisms include occasional pacing issues and predictability in parts of the plot, but overall, it's considered a compelling and entertaining read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A House With Good Bones?

A reader who would enjoy A House With Good Bones by T. Kingfisher is likely fond of gothic horror with a touch of humor and family mystery. Fans of Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House or Neil Gaiman's Coraline would appreciate Kingfisher's blend of eerie and quirky elements. Perfect for those who relish dark, atmospheric tales with intriguing twists.

Character List

Samantha "Sam" Montgomery

A smart and sarcastic archaeoentomologist with awkward social skills, who navigates her family's complex dynamics and seeks scientific explanations for mysterious events.

Sam's vibrant and colorful mother who struggles with her inherited family trauma but eventually finds strength and resolution.

The ghostly presence of Sam's controlling grandmother, formerly a powerful figure whose magic and traditional values continue to impact the family.

A neighbor and self-proclaimed witch who believes in nature's magic and serves as a guide for Sam, contrasting with Gran Mae's influence.

Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

North Carolina • Contemporary

Theme
Publication Year

2023

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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