Let me start by saying that I’m a fan of Karen Marie Moning and was super excited to see that she had a new series coming out. Thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the digital ARC-I was delighted to get my hands on it.

The House at Watch Hill is a fantasy about a woman named Zo Grey, who loses her only know family when her mother dies, then finds out that she has inherited a large house (and fortune) if she moves in for three years. There are lots of mysteries regarding the house and the townsfolk, and there is ample foreshadowing to let you know that bad and scary things are coming. From the very beginning, she doesn’t know who to trust and has little to rely on past her own instincts.

I really love Moning’s Fever series, but this book made me wonder if I might enjoy this series even more. She has such a compelling style of writing that draws you right in-this book takes a scant few pages before I was excitedly all in trying to figure out what was going on. Zo is a really well written character and I, as a reader, was really rooting for her. As this is the first book in the series, there are way more questions than answers about what is going on, but I love the world building that Karen Marie Moning has employed with this series. Fantasy tropes are tropes because they are so successful, but she breathes new life into them, and even puts new spin on them. For readers who love fantasy, I highly recommend this book.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Karen Marie Moning for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The House at Watch Hill coming out October 1, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. It was a little rough to get into it at first. There were a couple odd things. I gave it a shot and I liked it more when she inherited the house. I’m obsessed with gothic mansions and the Scottish groundskeeper was a nice touch. But I felt like something was missing for me. It seemed like things just happened to Zo. I didn’t like her character as much as I wanted to. She was a little too instalove. And I hoped it would be more like The Haunting of Hill House or something. I would check out other books by this author.

3.5 stars (but rounding up in the hopes that when book two comes out, I’ll see this as more of a 4)

I’m still not totally sure about what I just read, what is actually happening, who we can trust, where it’s going to go from here- and yet, the vibes were spectacular??

This gothic, fantasy, witchy story follows Zo as she goes to Divinity, Louisiana to claim a birthright and inheritance she had no idea existed. Her mother, sadly now gone, kept Zo in the dark for her entire life and now her eyes are having to open real fast!

To me, this book felt like one long bit of exposition for the broader series, with small hints and actions that I am absolutely certain we are going to look back on and do the Leo pointing gif yelling “AHA” as everything clicks into place. Zo is a completely compelling main character, she’s inquisitive, emotional, and fierce as hell. The more she learns about her new world, the more we as an audience are let into the story to begin speculating. And let me tell you, I am SPECULATING!! This was a great start to a series and I am very hopeful that the wait won’t be too long to get to our next book!!

Thank you so much to Karen Marie Moning, HarperCollins, and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the gifted arc!
This is my first book by this author, and I found that I really love her writing style! This was a great gothic spooky season book, and I’ll absolutely be reading the next one! This book definitely set up the characters and setting of the story more than anything else—the first 1/3 was pretty slow, but it picked up a lot! I would also say this is more of like a paranormal mystery than a romantic fantasy. I was definitely expecting more romance, but it’s extremely minimal.
Zo annoyed me for a lot of the book, but she was growing on me by the time I got to the end of the book. I wish she had more interactions with Devlin before saying she was falling for him—but based on the ending I honestly have no idea if he’s going to be the MMC. I guess we’ll see in future books!
I think my favorite part of this book is the mystery—although some questions were answered, I still have so many and am looking forward to reading the next book when it comes out!

KMM holds a very, very special place in my heart. The Fever series is the world that got me into fantasy, fae, and morally gray, extremely big and sexy MMCs. So, when I saw she was starting a new series about Witches it immediately became one of my most anticipated reads of 2024!

This is very much a world building book, and I think that is important to know before going in. I can tell she is setting the stage for something BIG to come in this series. We find ourselves thrown into this world and learning right alongside our main character, Zo. So, it feels like we are learning a lot with not necessarily a lot going on if that makes sense. It absolutely worked for me, but I can see where it may not work for everyone. Just prepare to sit down and take everything in, because every little detail in a KMM book is important.

This book builds and builds, leaving you with an ending that will absolutely leave you wanting more. I am anxiously awaiting the next book already and this one hasn’t even been officially published yet. I truly believe this is a steppingstone to something great.

Pick this one up if you are looking for:

-The PERFECT witchy read for fall
-Vampires, Gothic Vibes, and the Occult
-A Spooky House setting
-Lots of secrets and reveals
-An ending that will leave you wanting more immediately

The hardest part of reading book one of a series that has just been published, is knowing you’ll be waiting what feels like an eternity for the remaining books. Karen Marie Moning, the master of this cruelty, has definitely roped me in. This book was unreal. Riveting, engaging, spellbinding in so many ways.

Zo (as in No) lives in a small town in Indiana with her ailing mother. Her mom has been sick for so long, Zo can scarcely remember a time when she wasn’t. Working three jobs to try to support them and pay for her mother’s care, Zo is tired. She often wonders if there will ever be a way out of this hole they seem to live in.

And then the unthinkable happens. Her mother is gone. And a world full of magic is about to engulf her in ways she never could have imagined. Good, bad, and all manner of insanity are about to take over Zo’s life.

Without giving anything else away, I can only say that I will be sitting, impatiently, awaiting the next book. Incredible. Just as always. A story for the ages full of love, lust, rapture, sadness, and every emotion of the rainbow. Incredible.

4.5 ⭐️ (Rounded up to 5)

I am a huge fan of KMM! I loved the Fever series immensely! And, yes, I loved even Dani’s books! So, I was extremely excited when I saw the announcement of a new series.

The House At Watch Hill is the first book in a new trilogy by Karen Marie Moning!! Did A LOT happen in this first book, YES! Was there A LOT that DID NOT happen in this first book, also YES! Am I disappointed; absolutely not! KMM just has a way of storytelling that sucks you in and never lets go. Her writing is prolific and she just has this uncanny ability to reel readers in with her enticing words.

This book is all about building this alluring paranormal world. About weaving the bigger picture layer by layer. It’s gothic and witchy and full of rich Cameron family history. It’s also a bit creepy and little terrifying at times too. It’s full of mysteries and secrets that will surely keep you your toes trying to guess where this story is going. It is utterly amazing! The characters are full of depth and mystery. You’re sort of left scratching your head because nothing appears as it seems. But, all good things come to those that wait! And wait is what KMM will make us do as she tends to unravel her stories slowly and methodically.

This book is gripping and intriguing and it thoroughly sucked me in and never let me go. The plot moves a bit slow, but that is just the way KMM writes. There is also very little romance to speak of in this first book. However, my guess is that will change based on events that occurred within this book. The book spends a good amount of time with Zo, the FMC, transitioning from destitute, working tirelessly to make ends meet to immense wealth and power. It revolves around her journey to learn who she really is and why she was kept in the dark for so long. It’s about learning what exactly her mother was running from and why. So many answers left unspoken!! All answers I hope we will get in due time.

I honestly really enjoyed this book. Im fully invested and excited to see how KMM destroys us in book 2. Especially after that little cliffy ending I experienced.

This is most definitely a great spooky season read for sure.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read this eARC. All opinions are my own.

This was such a delightful book to read. The changes Zo deals with build on top of the other. The horror of the fire to becoming the top of her world is whiplash worthy. Devlin and Kellen are pure temptation. This is a finely crafted tale that keeps you riveted.

The Houst at Watch Hill - eBook ARC from Netgalley

Are you ready for the perfect witchy vibes this fall? The House on Watch Hill delivers all the magical goodness you didn’t know you needed! From sentient houses to sentient books (yes, the books have opinions, and I’m here for it), this novel is everything witchy and spooky wrapped into one.

Let’s talk about the “animals” for a second—are they really animals, or is there more to them? I’m still not sure, but I'm obsessed with how Moning keeps you guessing! And don’t even get me started on the covens and tight-knit communities that fiercely protect their own. There's also a thread of family loss woven into the narrative, so bring some tissues, but trust me, it's worth it.

The pacing? Absolutely on point! Each new clue is like a breadcrumb you can’t resist following, and just when you think you’ve figured things out—bam! More mystery. The story is told in parts, with chapters narrated by a mysterious observer, adding an eerie and fresh layer to the storytelling. Oh, and did I mention the angsty love? It’ll make you swoon and stress in equal measure.

Although it's set in modern times, there’s an old-world magic that seeps into the edges, giving the whole book a unique vibe. Add some gorgeous vampires and dangerous, yet unidentified, enemies into the mix, and you’ve got a rollercoaster ride of thrills.

But beware: Moning ends on a MASSIVE cliffhanger (thanks for the warning, Karen!). I wasn’t even aware it was part of a series when I grabbed the ARC, so now I’m anxiously awaiting the next book like a witch waiting for the full moon.

In conclusion, consider me bewitched. I’ll definitely be continuing this series!

𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
I have recently been branching out and reading a lot more fantasy, so I was super excited when I got approved to read this on Netgalley, and it did not disappoint! Witches, vampires, occult, gothic vibes, and southern charm all blend together in this epic fantasy read, which is the first in a new series. Although this book was a bit slow, it was incredibly detailed and engaging. Moning spends a lot of time with introducing us to the characters and the secrets of Divinity, which is the town that not everyone can see unless you are invited or have the special power to do so. I loved the writing, the atmospheric setting, the mystery, the world of Divinity, the secrets, and the characters (especially the MC: Zo!) By the end of the book I was left with so many unanswered questions and trying to figure some things out. I feel like this was a prequel to the series and that it is barely scratching the surface of what lies ahead in the series. I loved it way more than I thought I would, and I am HOOKED as I anxiously await the 2nd book in the series!


𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗘𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆:
✦Paranormal (Witches, vampires, spirits, spooky houses and settings, etc)
✦Characters that are easy to love
✦Superb writing + an atmospheric setting
✦Gothic vibes + southern charm
✦A blend of fantasy, paranormal, and romance
✦Mystery and secrets
✦An ending that does not necessarily tie things together, but rather leaves you with a lot of unanswered questions

𝐌𝐲 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4/5

Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins publishers, for allowing me to read and review Karen's newest book.

Zo Grey has lived a gray life. Moving from home to home with her sick mother. Trying to keep a job to help pay for medical bills. Running from something.

Until one day, tragedy strikes and she's all alone with no home and no possessions. She receives a call from a location called Divinity, located in Louisiana, where she's discovered that she's the last heir to the Cameron Fortune. In order to receive all contents in the will, she must abide by many stipulations provided by the former resident.

During this time, she learns she's a witch from a royal line and her mother has been suppressing her powers until the day she turns 25 or has a child.

As she awakens her true identity, she realizes many are not on her side ..

I was so incredibly excited to see a new series from this author. Sadly, I don't think it lived up to my own overhyped expectations. I don't think it was bad by any means, I just think that I may have spoiled it a little for myself by expecting to be blown away. A solid three stars - if this gothic story sounds intriguing, I definitely think it's worth a read. I don't know that I will continue the series though. With so many books and so little time, I don't know that there was enough here to make me all that interested in it further.

Karen Marie Moning was instrumental in my adolescence. I read her Fever series probably way younger than I should have, and it transformed me.

I really enjoyed this one, perfect for upcoming spooky season. I freaking love witches, so this book was right up my alley. Very excited to continue on in the series.

**I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

5 bloody, glorious, heart pounding stars! Karen Marie Moning has absolutely done it AGAIN! She has created a world that is vibrant, gothic and mysterious.

I absolutely loved this first book in this series and I'm desperate for book 2! I will be re-reading this book when book 2 is closer to release date just to dive back into this world.

This has all the gothic vibes, witchy vibes and somewhat spooky vibes for this fall/spooky season. You follow a girl who is taking care of her dying mother from cancer. She does everything she can but always has a positive outlook on life, which is how her mother has raised her. When her mother passes in a terrible way she is given a letter that she is an heir to a fortune. When she travels to Divinity Louisiana, she is caught up in a mystery, a town that doesn't want her there and so many questions left unanswered all while a mysterious guy who stays on the grounds is tempting and alluring her to seduction.

I am OBSESSED!

This was a gorgeously atmospheric read and an absolute page turner! throughout my day I found myself thinking about how quickly I could get back to reading to find out what happens next! I’m entranced, spell-bound and caught in a web of theories…a feeling that really excites me as a reader and makes me so excited for future books!

This is the first installment in a paranormal fantasy trilogy and this book laid some serious groundwork. So much backstory is given but told with such beautiful prose that it doesn’t at all feel crowded or overwhelming. I feel so emotionally invested in every single character due to how intricately woven the author explained their histories. The plot points are so intriguing and explained with so much intention it was so easy to follow without it seeming elementary. The romance elements have so much tension although it’s definitely not the core focus of the story. I wished for more development in the chemistry build-up but aside from that, I have no notes 👏🏻

I can’t wait to tell my coworkers about this book 🤭

I thought this was something else entirely.

What I expected was a woman, discovering her ancestral history and powers, coming into her own.

What I found....a kind of complainy woman who is consumed by her mother. She can't keep a job, and then just accepts a strange inheritance. She blindly accepts a business-class seat/flight to New Orleans, an expensive hotel and black car services.

Then the book shifts into light erotica - but not enough to be called erotica? I mean, talk about an attitude about just using men for sex....and then completely cut that part out. Give me the stuff!

I don't know. I think the writing is good, but trying a bit too hard.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

KMM is back! I am a Fever series fan, and this book did not disappoint.

A gothic, southern, mystery with the main character trying to discover who she really is. This book was definitely the "set up" book but there were no info dumps. Instead it was the opposite, with layers of information being given at a slow build up. Characters are introduced but who are they really? Who can be trusted? Who are the mysterious people working against her?

As Zo finds out her whole life has been a lie, and that she is a very powerful witch, she must solve the mystery of her history, figure out the politics of the witch community and learn how to safely use her magic. Just when things start to make sense, a new piece of information throws everything out the window.

I really liked Zo. Her hard upbringing molded her into a strong character. She adapts well until of course someting else happens to twist everything going on. Then she reevaluates and moves forward. She still doesn't have all the information, and that cliff hanger ending was not expected (though I really should've known better after reading the Fever series). I'm looking forward the next 2 books. This is going to be am amazing ride!

I have always loved Karen Marie Moning and her works. She builds wonderful stories and worlds and this is no exception!
I think the most important thing to keep in mind that this is slated to be a trilogy and this is the first book. There is a lot of world building and setting up of the characters and stories.
That said I really did enjoy the book. It is a bit of a slow burn but the writing is fantastic and the characters and town take hold of you.
I can not wait for the rest of this series and where the story goes from here!

This was a really fun read, and my first book by Karen Marie Moning. It reminded me a lot of books and movies like The Witches of East End and Practical Magic. This is definitely something you want to read around Halloween. I really liked the main character Zo, and enjoyed watching her unravel the mystery of the house she has inherited. I do think there's some more worldbuilding to be done, so I'm excited for the next book in the series.

This book really sneaks up on you and gets you hooked. It took a few chapters for me to get used to the Zo Grey as first-person narrator/protagonist, but once she arrives in Divinity, the oddities and quirks start to make more sense. As she learns more about her powers, her family history (or is it?) and the weight of the inheritance that she was left by a complete stranger, I got pulled into the story. Nothing is what it seems, so you (and Zo) are constantly questioning who is good, who is bad, and what the truth of everything really is. On its own, this is more paranormal thriller or women's fiction than paranormal/fantasy romance, but the series appears to be building to a potential love triangle that may play a bigger role going forward. This is definitely a very atmospheric story and would be a great Halloweed read. My one complaint is that it felt like book 1 set up too many questions without answers, so when the cliffhanger ending abruptly happened I didn't realize that was the end until I turned the page. Suffice it to say, I am very much looking forward to reading book 2 (and 3) of the series!

Thank you to William Morrow Books and Netgalley for providing an ARC for review!