Wolf Worm by T. Kingfisher is a delightfully gory* novel set in late 19th century North Carolina following scientific illustrator Sonia Wilson as she begins a new job with a reclusive, surly naturalist with a penchant for insects and parasites. A stark departure from her usual botanical illustrations, crafting insects and their life cycles proves challenging for Sonia. Not only must she meet Dr. Halder’s exacting standards, but she must also navigate his specimen sample library with no direction or cataloging system. As she hones her insect-painting skills, Sonia uncovers the work of Halder’s previous artist. Sketchbooks upon sketchbooks of vivid work by an immensely talented artist piques Sonia’s interest. Who was this mysterious artist, and why does the resident housekeeper Rose Kent and her husband Jackson Kent not speak of Halder’s former artist?
*I chose the phrase delightfully gory to describe Wolf Worm because T. Kingfisher’s attention to visceral and disturbing detail when describing certain parasitic insects, namely the bot fly, will make readers writhe in their seats. Kingfisher builds an intriguing mystery surrounding the bile-raising bot flies on the local animal population, a puzzling locked shed on the property, and rumors of “blood thieves” in the woods. I was also struck by the vivid attention to detail in how Sonia sees and interprets the world through color and her artistic craft. What colors she would choose to paint someone’s face in shadow or to depict a wriggling and fleshy larvae? These specific descriptions of color and form lead me to believe the author herself must have experience in illustration and painting.
I won’t give away too much since the second half of the book unfurls the unsettling mysteries surrounding Dr. Halder, the bot flies, and the shed, but rest assured readers will not be disappointed with Sonia’s very real reactions to dealing with situations that seem impossible. The rural North Carolina setting and the local residents feel very real and lived in. Readers who are easily squeamish about bugs and blood might want to steer clear on this one. At times gothic and speculative, Kingfisher’s Wolf Worm feels authentic, bot fly warbles and all.
Wolf Worm will be released March 24, 2026
Home 