For as long as 24 year old Zo Gray can remember she’s had nothing of permanence in her life, except for her mother who is in the late stages of cancer, and her best friend Este. Zo and her mother have spent their lives on the run, never staying in one place for too long. Tirelessly working to pay her mother’s medical bills, Zo is living a half life. When tragedy strikes, Zo is left heartbroken and grieving. When she gets a call telling her that she is the heir to a monstrous estate, she heads to Divinity, Louisiana. To get her inheritance, Zo must live in the house on Watch Hill for a total of three years. But, soon Zo will learn that in Divinity, nothing is as it seems and she will uncover the roots to her past and just maybe, find out why she had spent her whole life running.

How am I supposed to wait for the next book?! Although I guessed that twist I still LOVED it.

This first book was definitely setting us up for the rest of the series. It shows us a lot of pieces to the puzzle and I can’t wait to see how everything fits together!
As with many set up books, it felt slow and somewhat dragging at times.
Nonetheless, the prose was beautiful and it was very easy to immerse myself into this world.
I was worried that this would be too reminiscent of other secret heir to a haunted house books but things took a turn in a direction I wasn’t expecting and I was pleasantly surprised by it.
The lore and world building was so well done. I don’t want to give too much away in that sense but Moning has created a fun and immersive urban fantasy that I can’t wait to continue reading!
I will say that this is not a romantasy, so if you go into this looking for romance or a romance subplot, you will be disappointed. There are definitely some spicy scenes and plenty of eye candy but this book centers around Zo and her self discovery. I think in the next couple of books there will be more romance but for this first installment is filled with betrayal and healing, loss and acceptance and most of all self exploration.
Zo is deep in the trenches of grief throughout this book and reeling from truths long hidden from her. We follow her from the POV of “future Zo” after the events at Watch Hill, as she recounts what happened.

You’ll enjoy this book if you like the tropes/themes of
-Gothic
-Witches
-Secret Heir
-Inheritance
-Haunted house
-Hidden truth
-Magic

Similar titles
Inheritance by Nora Roberts
Gallant by VE Schwab
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

I enjoyed the book thoroughly. The gothic setting so extremely well done. The writing was very beautiful.

I can’t quite put finger to it but it missed the make slightly.

Thank you to William Morrow publishing, Karen Marie Moning, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read The House on Watch Hill.

I will start off by saying I am a huge fan of Karen Marie Moning and all of her books. Her Fever series and her Highlander books have topped my favorite books' list for years. When I heard Moning was writing again, I was so excited! Moning never disappoints!

The House on Watch Hill was everything I have been waiting for, wanting, and more! Moning has a magical ability to create the most irresistible men characters. Hello Jericho Barrons?! Now we have Kellan and Devlin?! Not only does Moning create spectacular characters, she knows how to create enticing worlds that a reader can't help, but get drawn into.

The House on Watch Hill has mystery and intrigue in spades. I love a good gothic story that involves witches and manor houses that have a history or mysterious past. Honestly, Moning is off to a wonderful start to her new series!

I am hoping to love Zo and her character arc as much I enjoyed the journey with MacKayla in the Fever series. I do feel the readers are going on a developmental journey with Zo. I am already rooting for her! Can you imagine finding out your entire life has been a lie?

My only complaint is this book ends on a cliffhanger. I'm not a huge fan of those endings. However, I am left in a state of need for more of Zo's story immediatly! I have high hopes that Moning is already writing her next book!

The House on Watch Hill should be on everyone's to be read list. Not only should it be on the list, it should top it. I will be highly recommending this book and publishing reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC! Despite the fact that I have so many questions after finishing, I still had a good time reading this. The atmosphere is what did it for me - the writing really sucked me in and kept things interesting. The vibes are ominous and I found myself unable to stop reading because I needed to know what would happen next. I do wish there had been more of a romance plot, however I'm thoroughly invested in the main character and her story. I will definitely be continuing this series once it's available!

This was such a beautifully written and created spell binding story. The world building is absolutely incredible, involvement and development draw you in. This book immediately tugs on your heartstrings from page one. Honestly, I was hooked, and I didn’t even know where this book was going to go, the twist and the turns, they were phenomenal.

I was able to connect and also ache for our main female character (Zo). Not only were her struggles real, and her feelings were valid, but as somebody who has lost their parent this year, I was able to feel that emptiness. Coming out of the woodwork, she finds out she has this inheritance, desperate for a change and to put the pain behind her, she accepts to hear them out. What she does not expect is her life to be put in danger and the truth of the past coming into the light.

All of a sudden, she learned she is not the person who she thought she was. How would you feel if you woke up and everything that you have ever known changed?

This book does have a cliffhanger which is a love-hate relationship with me. I desperately need to find out what happens. However, if you want a enchanted spellbinding mesmerizing thriller, I absolutely recommend this book.

KMM's Fever series is one of my top 3 favorites, so when I saw she was releasing a new series, I was immediately on board! Then, add in that it has a witchy plot? Take all my money.

I'm in book hangover mode after finishing this. I found that it was a little slow to start, and I got a tad frustrated that the setup took so long to manifest any real action. But once the fireworks started, it was nonstop!

In true KMM fashion, we meet a woman who is far more complex than even she herself realizes at first. The development of the main character, Zo, is in the beginning stages but progressing nicely. I am loving some of the other characters and really don't dislike more than 1 person in the story so far.

The plot is a little spooky, a lot witchy, and VERY mysterious. I know this is supposed to be a trilogy, so it's not too surprising that almost the whole first book is mainly the setup with some action and few reveals at the end. I can't wait for the next book! Such a cliffhanger ending with so many questions left unanswered, but don't let that deter you! Knowing how Karen writes, we must be in store for some fantastic reveals.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this ARC!

Karen Marie Moning has been on my radar for a long time, and I’ve been meaning to read her Fever series forever, but this is my first book by her.

Let me say I am IMPRESSED! I could not put this book down from the moment I started it. It has been so long since I’ve read a witchy book and this did not disappoint. I spent the weekend immersing myself into Zo Grey’s world as she navigates the secrets of a past she knew nothing about. Halfway through I went to double check because I forgot that this will be a series – I trilogy to be specific – because I knew I would need more. This does end on a little bit of a cliffhanger but I don’t think it’s a painful one so would still recommend you read this even if you tend to stay away from non-completed series.

Lots of questions were answered and still so many left that have me clamoring for the next book. This book is a perfect fall release and I’m so excited for others to read this. My only gripe is that I selfishly wish it was longer cos I didn’t want it to end and now comes the wait for book 2.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and William Morris for the opportunity to read and review this eARC.

hmm low key this was a big lot of nothing. like, things happened but nothing that really elevated the plot and im so surpassed because i loved her other series and a new book after so long was really exciting, but this *was* the first book. 3 stars sadly

KMM can do no wrong! I loved her Fever series and was eagerly anticipating this release. It’s the perfect gothic, atmospheric, and steamy urban fantasy!

All of the characters were incredibly well written and Zo (like no) was a very relatable MC. The plot was the right combination of intrigue and suspense, keeping me hooked as Zo learned more about her witchy heritage.

The House at Watch Hill is very much the first book in a trilogy. The stage is set, the players are introduced, the mystery starts to unravel, when BOOM, cliffhanger. I am already eager to get my hands on the next book!

Thank you to Netgalley and William Morrow for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I'm a long-time reader of KMM, and when I saw her announce a new series, I was eager to get my hands on it, and once I did, I devoured it pretty quickly.
Zo (like no, not Zoe) Grey is a young woman, struggling to make ends meet while supporting her terminally ill mother in a small town in IN, when tragedy strikes, and her mother dies in an all-consuming house fire. Shortly after her mother's death, she learns she has been named in the will of a relative she didn't know she had, in a small town in LA, Divinity. The main plot of the book takes place in Divinity, as Zo comes to terms with the death of her mother, while living in the House at Watch Hill, and learning about her past and all that her mother kept hidden from her while she was alive. There is a diverse cast of side characters that aide Zo, but she is the primary narrator.
The book itself is a bit of a slow burn, primarily setting up the action for future entries in the series, with almost everything left as an unanswered question by the closing of this book. There are some minor issues I have with the side plots and back stories, but I remain hopeful that they will be wrapped up in the subsequent books, and so with that all in mind, I am rating a 5 star, rounding up from 4.5.
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the electronic ARC of this novel for review.

A spooky, gothic and endlessly intriguing start to a new series by Karen Marie Moning! Zo Grey has led a life of struggles, moving from town to town with her ailing mother and never putting down roots. Suddenly her life is turned completely upside down - her mother dies and Zo finds out that she has been left an inheritance by an unknown distant relative. Moving to Divinity to discover her heritage and claim her birthright is filled with secrets upon secrets. Who to trust? How to unravel the mysteries? Every answer learned opens the door to more questions.

Admittedly this got a bit slow at times - it felt like I had too many questions and not enough answers. A good chunk of the book continued in that same vein and it was hard not to feel a bit frustrated by the story. With that being said, I do feel like the rich world building in this book laid a foundation for what could be an awesome new series. I will definitely be reading book two!

Thank you to Net Galley and William Morrow for the chance to read an early copy.

KMM came back swinging. I missed her so much. I swear the woman can do no wrong. The writing hooked me from the first page and didn't let go. I read it in 2 days.

Thanks so much for the galley I can't wait to add it to my recs shelf

This book is witchy, gothic and atmospheric. I love the FMC, she is relatable, funny and dynamic. I enjoyed the storyline, it felt a little bit slow at some points but I realized it’s also building up for the trilogy. Would definitely recommend this one!

I have read several of KMM’s books in the Fever series and I did enjoy them, so I was very excited to see that she had started a new series. I have previously loved urban fantasy, and this new one is Southern Gothic, taking place in Louisiana. In The House at Watch Hill our main character is Zo, a young woman struggling to survive paycheck to paycheck, and most importantly, whose beloved mother is dying. After tragedy strikes, Zo will find out that there are secrets in her family’s past and nothing is as it seems.

Although I enjoyed this in the beginning, the pacing was uneven. The plot zoomed by very quickly at first and then slowed down so much that at 40% I didn’t care to continue. I understand that this is the first in a series and that world-building is important, but the level of minute description of different things was overwhelming and many times, unnecessary. The plot was also very reminiscent of the Fever series, with an orphan who doesn’t really understand she has powers, Celtic elements, etc.

I do think KMM is a very talented writer and this novel had a realistic emotional depth regarding Zo’s feelings towards her mother. Maybe I am burnt out on urban fantasy, or maybe there was just too little fantasy in the first half of the book to keep my interest, but unfortunately, this one didn’t work for me.

Loved reading the mesmerizing and spellbinding story. When Zo inherits the House at Watch Hill, she finds out her mother was murdered, someone is trying to kill Zo, and the house is full of mysteries and hidden passages. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read riveting story. Can't wait to read the next story in the series by the phenomenally talented author, Karen Marie Moning!

BRAVO!!!🙌
In a triumphant return to the literary world, Karen Marie Moning has crafted a masterpiece that reaffirms her place among the greats. With The House At Watch Hill, KMM delivers a fabulously written novel that not only meets but exceeds the high expectations set by her previous works! I've read every book she's ever written and this is one of her best! She remains one of my top favorite authors of all time! And here is just a little teasing taste of what's sure to became another unforgettable series by this amazing storyteller.

In the heart of Louisiana, where the air is thick with history and mystery, unfolds a dark gothic fantasy romance that ensnares both the heart and the imagination. This novel masterfully blends the allure of vampires and the mystique of witches, weaving a tale that is both haunting and darkly sensual where not only witches dewell but sexy sinful vampires as well.

The protagonist, is Zoey Grey and after the death of her beloved mother not only does she deal with overwhelming grief but also a darker side that's full of pain and tangled dark emotions. And the only relief she gets is in the arms of men that she hand picks to bring to her bed where is can unleash all her volatility and give and take pleasure on her own terms! But when Zoey receives a letter saying that a relative has died and she's the only living relative to the inheritance, its off to Divinity she goes!

What sets this book apart is its ability to balance dark themes with moments of intense, heartfelt emotion. The characters are richly developed, their struggles with love, loss, and identity drawing readers into a whirlwind of passion and peril. The interplay between the witch’s burgeoning powers and the coven that she has now inherited. ancient power plays create a dynamic that is as captivating as it is unpredictable.

The plot twists and turns like the labyrinthine streets of New Orleans, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The author’s prose is lush and evocative, painting scenes that linger long after the final page is turned. This novel is not just a story; it’s an experience, a journey into a world where the supernatural is always just a breath away.

For fans of dark fantasy and gothic romance, this book is a must-read. It’s a spellbinding blend of sex, magic, and danger that will leave you yearning for more.
Can't wait for book 2!!! The cliffhanger was marvelous! Until next time Luv's😉💋

Dark and endearing. Enjoyed the mystery of the whole experience. Read this book with an open mind and don’t over think it and it will be enjoyable all the way to the end.

4⭐️ || <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@jennyreadsalot">TikTok</a>

This book runs on vibes and atmosphere and it does a spectacular job at keeping you reading and interested despite the fact that almost nothing happened during the entire book.

Well to be fair, things do happen but at the end of the book you’re still wondering what the fuck is going on. This felt more like Part I in a single book than the first book in the series.

Despite being thoroughly annoyed that I still have so many unanswered questions at the end of this book, I still had a really great time.

This is the perfect read for spooky season. It’s atmospheric, witchy, has a sentient (or maybe haunted) house, vampires, spirits, what might be more than just normal animals (see: lots of unanswered questions), and mystery.

That said, I really expected some romance and I don’t think I got any. If fact I was a little put off at the FMC’s weird hook-up/thoughts/opinions on sex. It felt like it was trying really hard to be sex positive and instead just seemed out of place.

All the sex happens off page, and technically she does have a romantic connection but I definitely didn’t feel like I was reading any romance.

I will absolutely be continuing the series and picking up more of this authors books in the future.

I've been wanting to check out Karen Marie Moning for a while but was a bit intimidated by the number of books in her other series. What better way to get a taste of her writing than reading the first book in a new series!


Thank you NetGalley and Willian Morrow for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

I have to start off saying, I love and will read anything KMM writes. Love the McKayla Lane/fever series, as well as the Highlander series.
This book was a fun and interesting read. Definitely gave gothic Louisiana vibes. Witches, creepy house with mysterious doors/hallways/dimensions, and multiple sexy Irish and Scottish men, what’s not to love?
I will want to do another read when this book comes out officially, I felt the first half seemed to be kind of slow, spent a bit too much time describing places (I enjoy painting the picture but it seemed to take me out of the story a bit). But holy moly from a bit over halfway it was a fast and intriguing ride! Can’t wait to see where this series goes. I know KMM is incredibly talented at character growth so while this character seems a bit immature at times, I can’t wait to see where she goes and how she grows after that ending (which just a heads up is a cliffhanger).

This is story about a girl who one day felt a death and discovered a whole new world.
A crazy inheritance leads her on a path to witchy discovery filled with lies, twists, learning and ruling.

Starts slow and continues to slowly build but once it gets to the middle it’s a fast ride!

Thanks NetGalley *