"Snake-Eater" by T. Kingfisher

 

I’ve read several of T. Kingfisher’s books and am always enchanted by her storytelling, so I couldn’t wait to dive into her latest release. Snake-Eater is a stand-alone cozy-horror fantasy that leans more cozy than horror—and I loved every minute of it.

The story follows Selena, a 30-year-old socially awkward woman with anxiety and prepared scripts, who is trying to escape her past and rebuild her life. Fleeing a gaslighting partner, she travels to the remote desert town of Quartz, hoping to reunite with her estranged Aunt Amelia. Instead, she discovers that her aunt passed away a year earlier. With no money, no prospects, and only her dog Copper for company, she feels lost.

To her surprise, the inhabitants of Quartz Creek are very welcoming and offer her a place to stay at her aunt’s house. She reluctantly accepts, intending to stay only for a day or two, but gradually slips into a routine: tending her garden, rescuing scorpions, and enjoying both the desert and the warmth of the community. The plot thickens as she finds herself haunted by disturbing apparitions, uncanny visitations, and one very angry roadrunner. The mix of folklore, ancient desert gods, rogue spirits, eccentric townsfolk, and a lingering sense of menace all play their part in this unforgettable read.

I enjoyed the book immensely. I loved the atmosphere, the folklore, the small-community feel, and the overall vibe. The character interactions were delightful—the quirks of Grandma Billy, the kindness of Father Aguirre, and the quiet support of Jenny, who somehow manages to be mayor, postmistress, fire marshal, and chief of police all in one.

The novel explores themes of gaslighting, found family, acceptance, self-worth, the risks of unconditional love, personal growth, and the search for belonging. Home is where your heart is takes on special meaning here. The writing is smooth and easy to read, making it effortless to lose yourself in the story. The pacing is slow, but never dull; not once did I find myself bored.

There is no romance in the story, but friendship plays a strong role. I loved the dynamics between the characters, the humor, and the bond between Selena and her dog. The yellow god-dog was another favorite of mine. I also loved the twist involving the convergent-evolution pig, the significance of names, and the way one small act of kindness paid off later in the plot.

I especially appreciated the reimagining of roadrunners. Usually, I picture them as the Disney version, but these birds are real—and not all of them benevolent. Even the villain of the piece, the Snake-Eater, isn’t entirely evil; he’s lonely and doesn’t understand human concepts. Well, he is a bird… Just don’t accept rattlesnakes from his kind, and you’ll be fine...

All in all, I found Snake-Eater to be a rich and immersive read—quirky, atmospheric, unsettling, and heartwarming at the same time. I highly recommend it to fans of T. Kingfisher and anyone who enjoys found family, cozy fantasy, and light horror. After reading it, you’ll never look at roadrunners—or rattlesnakes—the same way again...

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.  

* For more info about the book: "Snake-Eater" by T. Kingfisher