Book Review: Finding Home

Snake-Eater by T. Kingfisher

Published: November 2025

Summary from Goodreads:

When Selena travels to the remote desert town of Quartz Creek in search of her estranged Aunt Amelia, she is desperate and short of options. Fleeing an unhappy marriage, she has exactly twenty-seven dollars to her name, and her only friend in the world is her dog, Copper.

On arrival, Selena learns Amelia is dead. But the inhabitants of Quartz Creek are only too happy to have a new resident. Out of money and ideas, Selena sees no harm staying in her aunt’s lovely house for a few weeks, tending to her garden and enjoying the strange, desolate beauty of the desert. The people are odd, but friendly, and eager to help Selena settle into her new home.

But Quartz Creek’s inhabitants share their town with others, old gods and spirits whose claim to the land long predates their human neighbours. Selena finds herself pursued by disturbing apparitions, visitations that come in the night and seem to want something from her.

Aunt Amelia owed a debt. Now her god has come to collect.

Confession:

I really enjoyed reading this story although it was not at all what I was expecting. There really isn’t that much horror, but it is more about a young woman’s journey about finding herself and her home.

I really liked Selena from the very first page. She is a very insecure young woman who has had some very controlling people in her life. The story starts just after she has lost her mother, and she has decided that she needs to leave her controlling boyfriend. She leaves with very little, basically her dog and some essentials, and goes to find her aunt who lives in the desert. Her journey once she gets there is one of self discovery and resilience. Selena really blossoms on her own, surrounded by people who genuinely care about her. Her dog, Copper, is the best and I truly loved their relationship.

The people who live in Quartz Creek are quite the eclectic bunch and I really enjoyed getting to know them. I loved Grandma Billy, Selena’s neighbor and the one who really helps her adjust to her new situation. From showing her how to handle spiders and scorpions, to even how to deal with the desert gods. Father Aguirre was also a great character. He also helps Selena find her way, and even helps with her understanding with what is happening with Snake-eater.

The Snake-Eater part of the story was interesting and I learned a bit about roadrunners, but I never really connected to that part of the story. I found it interesting, and the small part at the end where Selena confronts and takes care of the problem was an important step for her in her journey, but I never felt the horror part. But I am ok with that as I said, as I enjoyed her journey.

The writing and the setting were spot on. I have spent a little bit of time in the Sonoran desert and this story felt like I was back there again. It really is a beautiful place full of interesting plants and animals. It is also full of native culture and history which this story touched on, but doesn’t do a deep dive, which is fine. The idea behind the gods that Selena encounters comes from this part of the desert. The ending was spot on and perfect.

Overall even though this wasn’t the story that I was expecting, I really enjoyed it. I loved seeing Selena grow into the person she deserved to be. I also really enjoyed the found family vibe, and even the Snake-Eater part was fun even though it was light on the horror. Highly recommend this to all of the author’s fans. I also recommend this to anyone who enjoys stories about women on journeys of self discovery and finding their true home.