Ah, a delightful surprise! I wasn't sure what to expect with this one, and I was very pleasantly surprised.

This book has a bit of everything: murder, intrigue, some romance, and the paranormal. It's also historical fiction. so we're taken back in time to just before WWII when England is watching this German guy, Hitler, and spectating about what might be coming next. Our story begins when Lina and her brother are moved from London to the family estate when her father is murdered. The setting is a lot of fun, playing on the Gothic novels of the lat 18th century. Lots of suspense and some good, spooky scenes.

I recommend this novel for anyone looking for a good Halloween read or anyone who enjoys mysterious historical fiction. I will be on the lookout for more from this author.

I requested this book on NetGalley last year and then hit a reading slump and never got round to downloading it. Then around a week ago I spotted it in my local bookshop and remembered that I'd wanted to read it, so I picked it up. Here's the blurb:

> Lina doesn’t believe in ghosts, but they won’t leave her alone.

> When her father is killed, Lina and her little brother Mateo are forced to move in with her domineering uncle at Blackwater Manor. Lina soon discovers that her uncle intends for her to marry his nephew, Bray, to gain control of her inheritance. She is also convinced her uncle had something to do with her father’s death.

> As the days pass, it becomes increasingly clear that Blackwater is haunted, and the malevolent presence seems determined to harm the siblings. To protect her brother, Lina attempts to communicate with the ghosts, all the while evading the handsome but devious Bray and crossing paths with the mysterious Max, a dashing army lieutenant with secrets of his own.

> But as Lina unearths the atrocities of the past, she must now unmask her father’s killer and discover the ghosts’ intentions before she becomes one of them.

I love a good haunted house story, and combining that with a murder mystery sounded like it was going to be right up my street. Unfortunately that wasn't the case, and I ended up deciding not to finish reading the book at around 25%.

It's always immediately obvious when a book set in England is written by somebody who isn't from the UK, in a way that's hard to pin down precisely. I'm sure it's exactly the same when English writers set their work in other countries, too, but being English I found it hard to ignore the anachronisms here. They were mostly small things like the language people use, but also larger inaccuracies that speak to the research into the setting being a little lacking. The most jarring, for me, was the moment that Lina speaks about the library she worked at in London, which is named as Chetham's. Chetham's Library is the oldest surviving public library in Britain and is, famously, in Manchester (which happens to be where I'm from, so of course this jumped out at me immediately).

This is ostensibly an adult novel but to me it reads more like YA, and had it been marketed in that way I likely wouldn't have picked it up. I think there's likely an interesting plot hiding in here somewhere, but it's buried beneath a tangled layer of multiple other plots that feel a little too much, especially at the start. There is of course every chance that they all come together into a cohesive whole by the end of the novel, but initially it all felt a little messy and unfocused and nothing was compelling enough to override my irritation at the anachronistic setting and strange word choices in much of the writing.

Ultimately this just wasn't for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers giving me the chance to read this book. I'm just sorry it took me so long to actually get to reading it. I really enjoyed the book. Part ghost story, part mystery, part love story, and part domestic thriller that was a very cozy, palate cleanser for me. Once I got into the story (a few chapters), I sat down and read the rest of the book in one sitting.

Lina and Mateo become orphans after their father was shot. They are sent to live with their uncle and aunt at Blackwater. A lot happens during their stay - ghosts, potential arranged marriage, espionage, etc. While it did seem like the book had maybe too many storylines rolled into it, it was a fun book to read. Each storyline did get wrapped up, albeit in a fast old time movie or Scooby Doo kind of a way - pointing fingers around the room. I did enjoy it.

Thank you Netgalley and City Owl Press for the chance to read The haunting of Blackwater by Marcia Armandi. This was a new author for me and I wish I had read it around Halloween because I probably would have been more into the spooky vibe. I did find that it started off slow, and I had to push myself to continue reading, but midway through it caught my attention and had a solid ending. I wouldn't describe it as horror, but a spooky gothic mystery.

Good ghost story read, a bit slow to begin with but then I got really into it. Not read by this author before but look forward to future books.

The Haunting of Blackwater ensnared me in its eerie embrace, transporting me to a realm of dark magic and ancient secrets. Lina's unwavering resolve and Mateo's stalwart support entwined like the tendrils of a mysterious vine, drawing me deeper into the labyrinthine plot. Each twist and turn ignited a fire of curiosity, as the world of Blackwater materialized before me like a haunting dream. The author's masterful weaving of suspense and intrigue kept me breathless, hurtling toward a climax that shattered my expectations like a lightning bolt on a stormy night. This tale lingers within me, a haunting whisper that beckons me to return to its shadowy realm.

Thank you to NetGalley and City Owl Press Publishing for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of this book.♥️

I love a gothic, haunted house story! I am alway all in.

The writing was very good but the pacing was a little slow until the last half of the book.

The story is full of conflicts and ghosts!

I loved the ending, didn't see it coming.

"The Haunting of Blackwater" by Marcia Armandi is an exceptional novel that seamlessly weaves together elements of mystery, romance, and the supernatural. From the very first page, readers are drawn into a suspenseful and atmospheric story filled with secrets, danger, and a skeptical yet determined protagonist.

Lina, a young woman who doesn't believe in ghosts, finds herself thrust into the ominous and oppressive Blackwater Manor after the tragic death of her father. As she and her brother Mateo adjust to their new surroundings, it becomes clear that something malevolent lurks within the manor's walls. Deeply suspicious of her uncle's intentions and convinced of his involvement in her father's demise, Lina must navigate a treacherous web of manipulation and deceit.

Armandi's skillful storytelling brings the haunted existence of Blackwater Manor to life, immersing readers in its chilling atmosphere. The author adeptly builds tension as Lina unravels the mysteries surrounding the hauntings and the true nature of her father's killer. Each twist and turn keeps readers on the edge of their seats, yearning to uncover the truth alongside Lina.

The characters in "The Haunting of Blackwater" are richly developed and multi-layered, each with their own motives and secrets. Lina's resilience and determination to protect her brother, coupled with her growing abilities to communicate with the ghosts, make her a compelling and relatable protagonist. The complex web of relationships, including the devious Bray and the enigmatic Max, adds depth and intrigue to the narrative.

Marcia Armandi masterfully blends history, romance, and supernatural elements, crafting a story that both captivates and chills. The author's attention to detail in describing the atrocities of the past and the bond between the living and the dead creates an emotional depth that resonates long after the final page.

In conclusion, "The Haunting of Blackwater" is an absolute must-read for fans of mystery and supernatural suspense. Marcia Armandi has created a haunting tale that will keep readers enthralled from beginning to end.

An intriguing mix of thriller and ghost story. Absolutely 💯 reccomend you read this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book

Not read anything by this author before, but did read quickly. I wouldn’t call it horror just an old fashioned ghost story. I got a bit frustrated with the main character Lina, but you could imagine yourself in this large gothic, haunted house. There were other things going on in the background, and you would not have guessed the ending. Would recommend.

This one was a slow start for me. The first 40% of the book was harder for me to get into. But, the tail end of the book was action packed. I'm not sure I'd call this a horror novel, more a mystery with some spooky aspects. I found the prose strong and the story interesting.

I was able to guess a bit of the ending, but it was still well done. The atmosphere felt particularly vibrant.

Lina doesn’t believe in ghosts, but they won’t leave her alone. When her father is killed, Lina and her little brother Mateo are forced to move in with her domineering uncle at Blackwater Manor.

I love a good haunted house/gothic horror mystery and this book certainly delivered. Very atmospheric and chilling. Well done!

A solid, creepy haunted house novel that kept me interested. Perfect for this time of year. Look forward to more by this author

The Haunting of Blackwater is a historical story in which mysteries of past and present collide in this well penned novel. The storyline is good, the characters are believable, and the presence of ghosts makes this quite a page-turner. The threats to the characters are not just supernatural, and the author does a great job of weaving a variety of threads and red herrings throughout the story to create a marvelously fashioned literary tapestry. I will definitely look out for more from this author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I love a good ghost story, history, and the setting of a creepy house. I do not love romance, but i will give this one a pass.
I found this book to be enjoyable and weird.
Bravo.
Ghost stories are hard but they nailed it!

There were no trigger warnings provided for triggering topics discussed in the book.

Weirdly dismissive of sexual assault and never fails to reduce the main character to the state of motherhood (ie when she muses her only purpose is to protect and nurture her brother), but a ghost story that scratches the itch of wanting a haunted house story. My full preliminary review is on my Goodreads.

One of the best books i have read. The storyline was brilliant and the book so very well written. It has a stunningly haunting vibe throughout.
The ending was amazing - i definitely did not expect it.

Highly recommended.

An interesting mix of characters that find themselves in the midst of solving an old case, spy accusations and murderous plots. Life changes drastically when Lina and Mateo’s remaining parent is murdered. They are forced to return to the family estate and things begin to deteriorate quickly. Lina discovers ghosts which she wants to help crossover but she has to figure out why the spirits are stuck on this plane. Continued changes make Lina only miss her parents more. After a harrowing attack, Lina soon discovers how much had changed while she and her brother were gone from the estate.
I loved this gothic mystery. There were so many situations going on that it was like watching a film rolling across a screen. I could hear the sounds of the manor as Lina searched for clues. The description of the attack on Lina made me want to rush to her aid. There was a hint of romance but their plot was not the focus of the story. The ending wrapped up all the questions nicely. 5⭐️.

Lina's life takes a chilling turn when her father is brutally murdered, forcing her and her brother, Mateo, to seek refuge with their uncle at the enigmatic Blackwater Manor. However, instead of offering solace, Lina's uncle has dubious intentions – he's determined to marry her off to secure control over the family's finances. As Lina grapples with the sinister shadows surrounding her father's death, she begins to suspect her uncle's involvement. Meanwhile, the realization that Blackwater Manor is haunted dawns on her, shaking the very foundation of her beliefs. Caught between her responsibilities towards her brother, the mystery of her father's murder, her domineering uncle, the charismatic Bray, the enigmatic army lieutenant Max, and the restless spirits in her new abode, Lina finds herself in a maelstrom of challenges.

“The Haunting of Blackwater” by Marcia Armandi is a good spooky haunted house story for Halloween season. I loved how clever Lina is and how she thinks about the appropriate words to use so she has a little control of her situation. The book is pretty slow and doesn’t have a lot of action during most of it. The ending was a big surprise, and I didn’t see it coming. I wish there was a little more romance and tension. 4 out of 5 stars.

5 ⭐️!
A perfect spooky, who-done-it read for Halloween.
This is one of those books that I couldn’t wait to get back to when I had to do life things. 😂 I would even read 2 or 3 pages if I only had a minute or so. It was that good. Marcia’s writing style is 5 stars alone for me. The story was solid from beginning to end. I loved all of the characters and how everyone tied in to the ending. Speaking of the ending, I was completely shocked. I did not see that coming! Also, I am not usually a fan of historical fiction - I find it intimidating - but, The Haunting of Blackwater may change that for me. I need more of Lina and Max. 😭

Thank you to Marcia Armandi, NetGalley, and City Owl Press for this free ARC. This review is my honest opinion.