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.

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.

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

- A House With Good Bones by T. Kingfisher blends Southern Gothic elements with dark humor, showcasing the author's unique ability to intertwine horror and whimsy seamlessly.
- T. Kingfisher, the pen name of Ursula Vernon, is known for her award-winning works that span across multiple genres, including fantasy, horror, and children's literature.

**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.

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

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

**Gail**  
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.

T. Kingfisher

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore A House With Good Bones reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read A House With Good Bones | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore A House With Good Bones and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

A House With Good Bones Summary and Study Guide

Background

A House With Good Bones Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Parts 1-3

A House With Good Bones Parts 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Parts 4-6

A House With Good Bones Parts 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 7-Part 9, Chapter 20

A House With Good Bones Part 7-Part 9, Chapter 20 Summary & Analysis

Part 9, Chapter 21-Part 11

A House With Good Bones Part 9, Chapter 21-Part 11 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

A House With Good Bones Character Analysis

theme

Themes

A House With Good Bones Themes

Symbols & Motifs

A House With Good Bones Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

A House With Good Bones Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

A House With Good Bones Essay Topics

A House With Good Bones

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read A House With Good Bones?

Reading Age

Book Details