Wolf Worm had me pulling my car over to re-group. This is evocative, striking, and Gothic. The atmosphere, the mood, the vibes? Immaculate in their construction. Keep reading this book review of Wolf Worm for my full thoughts.
Summary
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.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
With a reflective quality, Wolf Worm will take you out of whatever you’re doing and transport you. The setting comes alive. It feels Gothic not only in the supernatural, the unreliability, and the horror, but also in the mystery. There’s this blend, this line, where we aren’t really sure what we’re reading. The shadows in the corner, are they branches or claws? This line is so superbly executed in Gothic literature and in Wolf Worm. Even more so, we aren’t sure if we can trust not only anyone around Sonia, but also Sonia. Did she really see that, interpret that, and she even questions herself. This firm commitment to science and then everything defying that, becoming a fever dream, is intoxicating.
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For non-fans of body horror, look away. Wolf Worm is not for you. I had to pull my car over. But it’s a book that makes you question everything you’ve heard. I enjoyed Sonia’s scientific approach to the situations and someone who didn’t immediately think “WE ARE CURSED”. Even if that would be me. Mary Robinette Kowal was also a superb narrator to really embody the questioning oneself and the horror. Find Wolf Worm on Goodreads, Storygraph, Bookshop. org, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.