What Stalks the Deep

I think the beginning of this book scared me more than any T. Kingfisher book before it. Alex is afraid of monsters in the abandoned coal mine and so am I. This is the third book in the Sworn Soldiers series and my second favorite. What Moves the Dead will probably always be my favorite but What Stalks the Deep was extremely enjoyable and I think the mystery felt more solid than it did in book two. I always end up feeling bad for T. Kingfisher monsters and this one is no exception. The reader knows our heroes are going to win because that’s how her books work but despite the terrible things her monsters do they are always complex in a way that makes my heart go out to them. I also love love love the weird biology that gets explored in show more this series. They feel very anchored in this world because of it even though I am very glad they are fiction. My only complaint is the length, I do love novellas but I wanted a bit more of the monster attacks before the end. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for access to the eARC in exchange for an honest review. show less

I enjoyed this one, but possibly not quite as much as the first two in the series. The humor is the highlight for me.

“Just wanted to ask him a few questions.”
I winced internally at that. Probably there’s a culture where ask him a few questions isn’t a euphemism for beat him until answers fall out, but I’ve yet to encounter it.

“That is horrifying and I want to go home,” I said, although I pronounced it, “Ah. I see.”

I will keep going with this series, but I have lowered my expectations just a smidgen.

I swear, every book in this series gets a little better. This one managed to be cute and sad and creepy and funny all at once. I'm loving these characters and how their stories intertwine. I would love to read more about them all!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Pub Date: September 30, 2025

4.5 stars for the story
I love T. Kingfisher's writing. Even in a shorter story like this her characters still have so much depth and nothing gets missed. I have really grown to like more stories in the horror genre, especially if she writes them.

3 stars for the narrator
I would have preferred to read this. That was not a Boston accent (I am from Maine) and Scottish folks will probably feel similar about the Scottish accent but I could handle that better. The cadence was a little weird too. I eventually got used to things but there were plenty of times I thought "I would have heard that in my head differently" which show more definitely pulls me out of the story. show less

This one has been my favorite of the series so far. Loved the new characters and the strange new situation everyone's found themselves in.

I really enjoyed seeing a creature that is essentially a slime mold! Fragment was the best and it was so interesting to learn about its species. Also love the introduction of more LGBT characters!

A few twists and turns, a bit suspenseful, and a great addition to the series. read about whatever capers Kingfisher puts these characters in, idc. Love the vibes.

A novella would have to be absolutely fantastic and unforgettable for me to give it a 5, and this isn't *quite* there yet. But wouldn't be surprised if Kingfisher came out with a 5 star novella for me at some point.

Alex Easton is summoned to America to investigate a missing person. Dr Denton needs help looking for his cousin who went missing while mining and there are strange goings on at the mine. Of course our Sworn Soldier finds strange goings on, there is no way they can't. I wish for them a peaceful holiday some time with friends and much good gin.
It was an enjoyable read with a lot going on and a lot of detail about the possibilities that you know Ursula researched with gusto.

Another enjoyable outing for the Sworn Soldier, Alex Easton. Their old friend, Deaton, asks for their and Angus' help to trace their cousin who has gone missing in an old mine. Well, they find out what happened to him - and one of the reasons why the mine was abandoned.

Recommended