I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Mei and her daughter return to the location of a traumatic event and time in Mei's life. Mei, who list her mother at a young age, is still struggling with the loss while simultaneously struggling to meet her grieving daughter's needs.

I chose this book because the author’s previous novel was one of my favorites last year. This novel has multiple timelines following our main character through different times in her life and too g the story together in a way that I really enjoyed. I loved the historical fiction aspect of the novel, but struggled a bit with the culmination of the mystery. However, I did enjoy reading this novel and would recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction as well as suspense with a tinge of horror. Additionally, the writing is excellent.

This is a dark tale with supernatural elements. It is Mei's story, which unfolds in three non consecutive time periods. When Mei is a young girl her mother goes missing. Mei is sent to live with relatives in the late 1930s. Mei has a gift which emerges when she is locked in the attic of the house. She sees and communicates with the forth wife, a ghost. Later in the 1950s Mei is just getting by in Hong Kong trying to leave her past life and spirits behind her. Then she is invited to perform a series of seances with other mediums at Maidenhair House, a place notorious for ghosts and evil.. She goes, stuff happens, but no evidence is found. Thus the myth of the Maidenhair Massacre is born. Late in her life, Mei's daughter wants to find out what really happened and having discovered Mei's connection asks her about it. So Mei and her daughter return to Maidenhair House.

I have to admit that I'm not usually a mystery reader — mostly because I don't think my brain is compatible with solving mysteries well. Fortunately, this lack of mystery-solving skills makes for an entertaining ride when I do encounter mysteries because I just go along the flow.

I am, however, a horror reader, and I was drawn to The Hong Kong Widow not only for its gorgeous cover, but for its proclaimed horror elements. And horror it was! Unsettling, eerie, creepy horror that gets under your skin and only gets better as the story progresses (and with evocative illustrations to match!) I was totally sucked into this book. A beloved missing mother? Spooky séances come back to literally haunt? Returning to a liminal mansion where lives were changed forever? Yes, please.

I loved Mei from start to finish; in her youth, she is relatable, resilient, and even funny in the midst of such horrors in her life, and in her older age, she is wise, intelligent, and understanding. I was with her every step of the journey and truly never felt bored. The pacing of this book between the past, further past, and present made it a relatively quick read, and it never lingered too long in one spot to become tedious. I'm also not super familiar with China's history during this time, so I appreciated having to Google every once in a while; I can now can contextualize some of the events because of her story.

The Hong Kong Widow is intriguing, haunting, and beautiful in all the best ways. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Against the backdrop of war and instability, a young Mei is searching for answers, much like her daughter is 50 years later. This haunting tale weaves together Mei’s lives. In 1940s Shanghai where she searches for the answer of her mother’s disappearance and comes into her own power. While in Hong Kong in the 1950s, she is asked to take part in a seance contest by the wife of her former teacher. She agrees so she can exact revenge upon him. While there participants mysteriously die, and the police find no bodies, adding to the myths surrounding the house. In 2015 Mei’s daughter, Susanna, is researching the house, and Mei asks to come along to resolve what really happened all those years ago. A thrilling look at how much we let people in, and how relationships have a lasting impact on our lives.
It took a bit for me to get used to the time jumps, but once I got into the book I was sucked it. Even when I wasn’t reading it I was thinking about it!

I couldn't put this one down, I really enjoyed it! It was a nice mix of scary and emotional. I liked how the story took place in different time periods, and the journey of the protagonist. I would only want more supernatural elements.

This atmospheric thriller immediately captivates with its intoxicating blend of historical fiction and supernatural horror. Set against the backdrop of 1950s Hong Kong, Loesch crafts a story that follows Mei, a Chinese refugee haunted by her Shanghai past, who accepts a mysterious invitation to compete in a séance competition at a notorious haunted mansion - driven not by the promised fortune, but by the chance for revenge against the hostess who destroyed her life. Reading this, I felt an electric anticipation building with each page. There's something deeply satisfying about a revenge plot wrapped in supernatural mystery, especially when set against the richly detailed backdrop of post-war Hong Kong. Loesch's ability to blur the lines between reality and hallucination creates a reading experience that's both thrilling and deeply unsettling - you're never quite sure what's real, what's supernatural, and what's the product of trauma-fractured minds. What strikes me most is how Loesch uses the ghost story framework to explore deeper themes of displacement, survival, and the weight of history - making this not just a supernatural thriller, but a profound examination of how we carry our ghosts, both literal and metaphorical.

The Hong Kong Widow is an exceptional novel that masterfully captures the complexity of human emotions against the backdrop of a city teetering between tradition and modernity. From the very first page, I was drawn into a world filled with passion, heartbreak, and resilience. The story centers around Mei Ling, a woman whose life is irrevocably changed by love and tragedy. Set amidst the vibrant yet tumultuous landscape of Hong Kong, the narrative delves into themes of loss, cultural identity, and the indomitable spirit of a woman fighting to find her place in a rapidly changing society. The author’s vivid descriptions bring Hong Kong’s bustling streets, serene temples, and poignant moments to life, creating an immersive reading experience. What truly sets this novel apart is the depth of its character development. Mei Ling is portrayed with remarkable sensitivity and nuance—her joys, sorrows, and unwavering strength make her an incredibly relatable and inspiring protagonist. Her journey through grief to healing is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, illustrating the power of resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. The storytelling is compelling, with a perfect balance of suspense, emotional depth, and cultural insight. The pacing kept me engaged from start to finish, and the intricate plot twists added layers of complexity that made the book impossible to put down. The author’s meticulous research and authentic portrayal of Hong Kong’s historical and social landscape enrich the narrative, offering readers a genuine glimpse into the city’s soul. Beyond its compelling plot, The Hong Kong Widow explores universal themes—love that endures beyond loss, the importance of community and heritage, and the strength found within oneself during dark times. It’s a beautifully written testament to the resilience of women and the enduring spirit of a city that refuses to be broken. In summary, The Hong Kong Widow is a powerful, emotionally charged novel that leaves a lasting impression. It combines rich storytelling, complex characters, and cultural depth into a seamless narrative that I wholeheartedly recommend. An absolute five-star masterpiece that will stay with you long after the last page.

This book completely consumed me. There is a beautiful sadness running through the entire book that made it feel almost mythic, like a story passed down in whispers. The relationships are complicated and painful and real, full of broken trust and impossible choices. I loved how deeply human it all felt, even in its most ghostly moments. This is the kind of novel that reminds me why I love historical fiction so much. It does not just tell a story, it leaves a mark. I already want to read it all over again.

The Hong Kong Widow by Kristen Loesch is a beautifully written and atmospheric historical mystery that skillfully weaves together past and present. Loesch brings 1950s Hong Kong to life with rich detail and a compelling sense of place, while the story unfolds with a quiet intensity that keeps you turning the pages. The characters are complex and emotionally layered, adding depth to the unfolding secrets and intrigue. It’s a captivating, immersive read that lingers long after the final page.

I was worried that this was going to be a locked room novel, so I was hesitant to pick this one up, but I am so glad that I decided to read this book. It was such a great and haunting read along all of the timelines.