At this point, I will read anything T. Kingfisher writes. The inspiration for her stories is so unique and this is no different. I had no idea what I’d be getting into with this book but I ended up enjoying it a lot more once the plot picked up pace.

We follow a socially anxious Selena and her dog Copper out to the desert in search for her aunt. With 27 dollars to her name and looking for a fresh start, she finds out her aunt passed but the people of Quartz Creek welcome her with open arms. Something else is also looking at Selena and strange gifts, in the form of dead animals, start appearing at her door. Talk of spirits and desert gods has her questioning if she’s really safe.

From the start, the desert setting of this book felt very realistic, from the landscapes and wildlife, I really enjoyed all these elements and the atmosphere created by the author. Similarly, as many of her other novels, the characters make the story engaging. The found family theme is very strong, with the help of her new friends, Selena is able to grow as an independent person. Grandma Billy was a hoot and I had a lot of fun with her shenanigans and the way she would antagonize Father Aguirre with her humor.

This is not a fast paced story, majority of the first half is very contemporary but once we get to experience the supernatural elements, it gets more interesting. There’s a benevolent god that won’t take no for an answer, as trigger warnings go – there was minor SA on the main character that made me feel iffy. I wanted more scenes with the different gods, their characteristics were very creative. I probably wouldn’t want to cross a roadrunner now after reading this story! Overall I really liked this book for the odd and cozy feelings.

3.5⭐️ rounding up

Thank you to Netgalley and 47North for the free review copy.

Title: Snake-Eater
Author: T. Kingfisher
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Horror, Contemporary Mystery
Rating: 3.5-4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️