As a long-time Karen Marie Moning fan, I was excited to dig into The House at Watch Hill, the first book in her new trilogy. While the Gothic mood and intriguing premise first pulled me in, I felt the pacing to be a little slow, with the first half feeling like a prolonged setup for the main tale to come.

Zo Grey's path from grief to inheritance was fascinating, and I admired her character's complexity. The mystery mansion in Divinity, Louisiana, is eloquently detailed, yet at times there seemed to be too much description and not enough action. I kept hoping for the big reveal or a fight, but instead, we're left with more questions than answers, due to a cliffhanger conclusion that makes me eager for the next book.

Overall, I liked the mood and some of the characters, but I was hoping for more depth. I am still rooting for Zo and can't wait to see where Moning takes us next!

📖: The House at Watch Hill- Book #1-3

✍️ By: Karen Marie Moning- I read her Fever and Highlander series 4/5 ⭐reads

📃 Page Count: 380 eBook

🗓️ Publication Date: 10-1-24 | Read 11-3-24

🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher William Morrow, and Karen Marie Moning for this ARC🧙🏾‍♀️! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

🌎Setting: Divinity, LA

Genre: Gothic, Paranormal, Mystery, Romance, Urban Fantasy

Tropes: witches, haunted house, family drama, secret identity, magic, inheritance, rags to riches, one-night stands-h, small town, whodunnit

☝🏾POV: multiple

⚠️TW: death of parent, grief, cancer-not h, arson

💭Summary: Zo and her sick mother Joanna are struggling financially so when Zo is at a job interview, she blacks out with a bad feeling and knows her mother has died. Their rental house catches fire, and Zo is left penniless and alone. She receives a call from a lawyer that a long-lost relative has left her an inheritance but needs to meet Zo in person in Divinity Louisiana. Zo has been left a house and money from Juniper Cameron, but she must live in Watch Hill Manor for three years alone in order to receive it. Zo agrees because this is her answer to her problems and hope for the future. Can Zo survive the house and a town wishing to destroy her?

🚺 Heroine: Zodeckymira "Zo" Grey-24, caretaker for her mother Joanna dying of cancer. They moved from place to place fifteen years running from her father. Her landlord accuses her of arson and murder because they found accelerant.

🎭Side cast:

•Kellan-meets Zo at a bar, has the same gifts she does, they have time together.

• James Balfour-Juniper's lawyer who handles her estate. Married to Lennox, lost a daughter Erin

• Joanna Grey-Zo's mother left a safe in her closet for Zo, told only Este about it.

• Juniper Cameron-died at 102 years old, a long-lost relative who bequeaths her wealth to Zo. Her family is from the Highlands of Scotland. Lost 2 daughters, never married.

• Este Hunter-Zo's only friend she keeps in touch with. She's from a wealthy family, she's biracial, and an artist.

• Devlin Blackstone-a carpenter that hangs around the manor. Never enters the house though. Very attractive

• Rufus-a Stygian deviled-eyed owl Zo makes her pet


🤔My Thoughts: This was great world building with descriptions of the manor-a character in its own right. Secrets were kept by everyone in Zo's life- Joanna, Balfour, Este, Devlin, and of course Kellan. Zo's "dragon in her belly" showed her powers simmering below the surface. She had "deep sight" that allowed her to glamour, read minds, and have uncontrollable lust. When she met Kellan, he had the same powers, and their connection will only grow. I knew this ended in a cliffhanger, but having read KMM I know it will be worth it!

Range of emotions: 😬🤔🙄
🌶️: Spice 4/5 closed door/off page
😭: Emotion 4/5
❤️: Couple 4/5 -Zo and Devlin
⭐️: Rating 4/5

A great start to a new series. Zo is contacted about an inheritance from a distant relative, so she heads to Divinity, Louisiana, to find out the terms. Once she's there is finds out it's more than she could ever image, including some shocking information about herself.

A lot of world-building, but I was hooked by the end of the book. Can't wait for the next installment.

I received this advance review copy from NetGalley & the publisher for my honest review.

I am a huge fan of The Fever Series and was super excited to read this new series by the great Karen Marie Moning. The House at Watch Hill had great suspense and beautiful storytelling. I am super excited to read the next book in this outstanding new trilogy.

The first 5 books in KMM’s The Fever series have been some of my all time fav.. so of course I jumped at the chance to read this book. Urban fantasy with a mysterious mansion and witches? Yes please.

I did think we would get further than we did in book one, some of the pacing felt off. The house part was veryyy descriptive. Which I can appreciate.. I just wanted more. The characters are very intriguing. The magic I loved and wanted more! And the ending! I’m waiting for the second book now.

I began reading without really knowing what the story was about. I love the previous series, but it is nice to see something new. Zo isn't an ordinary girl; this is a paranormal story like Moning's other books. Looking forward to seeing where this story goes.

The House at Watch Hill is everything I could have hoped for in Karen Marie Moning's latest series opener—darkly atmospheric, rich with intrigue, and filled with Moning’s trademark storytelling genius. As a longtime fan, I went into this book with sky-high expectations, and I was blown away. Moning has crafted an enthralling world where each layer of mystery slowly peels back to reveal new, enticing secrets, all set against the haunting backdrop of Divinity, Louisiana.

Zo Grey is a compelling protagonist—fiercely independent yet haunted by the grief of losing her mother. When she inherits a Gothic mansion and an unexpected fortune from a mysterious relative, Zo’s life is upended. But this is far from a straightforward inheritance. The house itself becomes a character, with eerie quirks and locked doors hiding secrets that tease at Zo's forgotten past. And as Zo delves deeper into her new reality, the supernatural forces lurking in Divinity come into play, revealing that this inheritance is more than she bargained for.

Moning masterfully builds the suspense, keeping readers in the dark along with Zo. Each twist and turn left me breathless, trying to connect the dots, only to be thrown off by revelations that were both thrilling and completely unexpected. The slower, suspense-driven pacing is spot-on, especially for those who love a mystery with a simmering buildup. And while romance takes a backseat, there are hints of it simmering just below the surface, promising more as the series unfolds.

One of my favorite aspects of this book is its vivid atmosphere. Moning brings Divinity to life with her lush descriptions, immersing us in a world that’s equal parts enchanting and menacing. The eerie mansion at Watch Hill feels almost alive, steeped in centuries of family secrets, and the whole book pulses with a tension that’s perfect for late-night reading.

Fans of Moning’s Fever Series will recognize her unparalleled skill in layering intrigue and foreshadowing. She’s built a slow-burn plot that only gets more addictive with each chapter. And that ending—wow. It’s a cliffhanger that left me both stunned and desperate for more. If this book is any indication, this new series is going to be phenomenal, and I can’t wait to see where Moning takes us next.

Karen Marie Moning is one of my top favorite authors so I went into this book with extremely high standards, and I preordered a few special edition copies as well.
I think I’ll be the only one to say I was kind of disappointed. After reading the book I felt like I read just one really long description or synopsis of what the book is supposed to be about and not an actual book. It’s definitely a set up for book 2 but I feel like we needed a whole lot more added for it to be a full book. I’m also used to the spice levels to be extremely high in Karen’s book so I was quite surprised when she glossed over all the romance scenes.
Don’t get me wrong, I will be reading the rest of the series, but it’s just not what I expected from it.

Karen Marie Moning is back and I've never been happier. The House at Watch Hill is magic, pure magic. The beginning of the story when Zo lost her mom, . . it broke me. Legit, KMM deals with grief and the pain of loss beautifully and brutally. What comes next, when Zo inherirts a mysterious house trapped me within the pages and I could not stop reading. For a first book in a new series, it sets the tone and prepares you for what is to come and I can not wait for more in this new world. Overall, I loved this book. I'm probably biased because I adore KMM books, but it was also sooooo good.

Thank you Netgalley and William Morrow for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5/5 stars
1/5 spice FTB

Tropes:
Paranormal fantasy
Hidden magic
Rags to Riches
Close proximity
Secrets & betrayal
Multiple POV
Cliffhanger

This was slow to start but really picked up after the halfway mark. As things started unfolding, you really have a hard time trusting anyone. With all the secrets, it was hard to see who was being truthful or just good at hiding any malicious intent. Having read Karen Marie Moning's work before, I had a good sense of her writing style. She brings that back in this first book of a new trilogy, and I greatly enjoyed her world building.

There is some romance in this, but it's a subplot. The spice (only two instances) is fade to black, but the characters don't shy away from expressing their desire or using explicit language.

I can't wait for the next book because I know it'll take us into a completely different setting than the quaint town we were in for the first one. I'm also hoping for some questions to be answered. Cliffhangers are so maddening, but it was a great hook to keep me interested.

Thank you to Netgalley and William Marrow for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.

This is out of my normal scope of reading but it caught my eye. I enjoyed getting to know the protagonist and all that she has and is facing in life. I will stay tuned for the second in this series. First, but most likely, not last read of this author.

"The House at Watch Hill" is book one in the newest series by Karen Moning.

The story follows Zo who recently lost her mother in a house fire. Directionless, broke, and grieving, she inherits a house from an unknown relative. The house comes with some strange rules, the promise of greater riches, and odd quirks like secret rooms. Moving to the house leads her to the dark history of Watch Hill and the unusual abilities of residents of Divinity Louisiana. As Zo works to unravel the mystery of the house, she navigates her own fears, abilities, and connected desires.

Since this is book one in the series, a good deal of the beginning of the book is spent on background with sprinklings of plot, characters, and background. The book does have some twists and turns as well as a really great cliffhanger. It's a good setup for what seems to be a very promising series.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. It reads very much like a book that is setting up for the rest of the series.

I was expecting a more gothic vibe that I feel like didn’t really delivery. I didn’t really like how lengthy the descriptions were for pretty much everything. To me, it took the whole novel to set things up , which is a little too long imo.

The House at Watch Hill by Karen Marie Moning.

This book proves again why KMM is one of my most favorite authors. Maybe I'm a bit biased then as I read this, but to counter that I will say this book isn't perfect. It is really a set up and I'm sure a lot of people might think it's somewhat slow. I however, didn't think so. The MC has a lot of grief to unpack and that's not something that can be done quickly. The writing is beautiful, and I really felt the desperate need of the MC to find a place she belongs. I enjoyed getting to know this world and the town; and I'm excited to know more.

I just know that the second book is going to be so delicious. I already can't wait!


Thank you to the publisher, the author, and netgalley for the e-arc to review, however I immediately pre-ordered a copy so I could hold this beautiful book in my hands as I finished reading it.

This book was spellbinding and truly magical. I devoured every single word. This was my first book by this author and I can't wait to read more if her books. The main character Zoe inherits a gothic mansion full of mystery and secrets. All us not what it appears! I will be anxiously await the next book!!!! Thanks to #Netgalley for this amazing ARC!!!!

I love all things KMM! I can't wait to read the next one! This is going to be a wonderful series!! But then what would you expect?
Fever series was my favorite, this might beat it out!

I am obsessed. I am intrigued. I am rendered utterly speechless. Karen Marie Moning has perfected the art of giving the reader just enough information to forward the plot, while shrouding the true nature of the world with mystery and tension that the main character must navigate alone. Her style makes for such an immersive reading experience and it is truly a privilege to be able to read her work. The writing in The House at Watch Hill is poetry in motion, creating such vivid, haunting imagery that leaves no doubt as to the danger that Zo Grey is facing. The plot was fast paced, but abstract in its complexity. It flowed a bit like smoke around a room in that you know something is happening, but can’t quite make out exactly what shape it will take. The ending wrecked me and I will have no peace of mind until the next book is in my hands. The House at Watch Hill was an incredible reminder that the most thrilling of stories have roots far closer to home than we would ever expect.

I'm not going to spend too much time on the synopsis: FMC that has struggled to live is met with a large inheritance after her mother passes away in a tragic fire. She learns that a distant relative had no other heir but the FMC. However, the inheritance comes with some odd rules, and some mysterious characters aka witches. The majority of the town is made of witches, and they all want what the FMC has obtained. Along the way, the FMC learns of what her mother did, comes into her magic, and is met with some interesting people.

I honestly do not know what I read here. It felt like there were two authors fighting of the story and the FMC. Sigh. In the beginning of the book, it seemed like okay, decent character/background development. Then throw in the FMC sexual promiscuity OUT OF NOWHERE? And then every time that it is brought up, it honestly seems so out of place. Then add in the creepy house, add the characters with shadowed backgrounds, and the strange "body guard?" This book seemed like a train wreck that couldn't get itself together after multiple pit stops.

I'm going to give this a one. Other people could really enjoy this.

Thank you Netgalley, William Morrow and author for this opportunity in exchange for a review.

Will be posting to socials.

"The House at Watch Hill" is book one in the newest series offering by Karen Moning. The story is filled with a good blend of romance, suspense, and mystery. Moning paints a gothic atmospheric picture that immerses the reader in the story. There are plenty of secrets, supernatural elements, and uncertainty to keep readers engaged.

The story follows Zo who recently lost her mother in a house fire. Directionless, broke, and grieving, she inherits a house from an unknown relative. The house comes with some strange rules, the promise of greater riches, and odd quirks like secret rooms. Moving to the house leads her to the dark history of Watch Hill and the unusual abilities of residents of Divinity Louisiana. At times, the house seems like another character. As Zo works to unravel the mystery of the house, she navigates her own fears, abilities, and connected desires.

This is a book one in the series. There is a lot of descriptive information. A good deal of the beginning of the book is spent on this with sprinklings of plot, characters, and background. The book does have some twists and turns as well as a really great cliffhanger. It's a good setup for what seems to be a very promising series.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. It reads very much like a book that is setting up for the rest of the series. Readers of Moning’s other books will also like the fun surprise at the end. I’m eager to see what book 2 and the rest of the series will bring.

Start of a new series about Zoe and the mysterious house on watch hill.
A little slow build up to a good interesting story and characters.
Looking forward to see where it goes.
Voluntarily reviewed.