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The Hong Kong Widow
Not yet published
Expected 7 Oct 25Hong Kong, 1953: In a remote mansion, witnesses insist a massacre took place. The police see nothing but pristine rooms and declare it a collective hallucination. Until decades later, when one witness returns…from the Edgar®-nominated author of The Last Russian Doll.
In 1950s Hong Kong, Mei is a young refugee of the Chinese Communist revolution struggling to put her past in Shanghai behind her. When she receives a shocking invitation—to take part in a competition pitting six spirit mediums against one another in a series of six séances over six nights, until a single winner emerges, in one of Hong Kong’s most notorious haunted houses—she has every reason to refuse.
Except that the hostess, a former Shanghainese silent film star, is none other than the wife of the man who once destroyed Mei’s entire life.
It is promised the winner will receive a fortune, but there is only one prize Mei wants: revenge.
Decades later, the final night of that competition has become an infamous urban legend: The police were called to the scene of a brutal massacre but found no evidence, dismissing it as a collective hallucination. Mei knows what she saw, but now someone else is convinced they know what she did. She must uncover the truth about that fateful night in the cursed house at last—even if the ghosts of her past are waiting for her there. . . .
In 1950s Hong Kong, Mei is a young refugee of the Chinese Communist revolution struggling to put her past in Shanghai behind her. When she receives a shocking invitation—to take part in a competition pitting six spirit mediums against one another in a series of six séances over six nights, until a single winner emerges, in one of Hong Kong’s most notorious haunted houses—she has every reason to refuse.
Except that the hostess, a former Shanghainese silent film star, is none other than the wife of the man who once destroyed Mei’s entire life.
It is promised the winner will receive a fortune, but there is only one prize Mei wants: revenge.
Decades later, the final night of that competition has become an infamous urban legend: The police were called to the scene of a brutal massacre but found no evidence, dismissing it as a collective hallucination. Mei knows what she saw, but now someone else is convinced they know what she did. She must uncover the truth about that fateful night in the cursed house at last—even if the ghosts of her past are waiting for her there. . . .
368 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 7, 2025
9 people are currently reading
13404 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Loesch
5 books274 followersKristen Loesch grew up in San Francisco. She holds a BA in History, as well as a Master’s degree in Slavonic Studies from the University of Cambridge. Her first novel, The Last Russian Doll, was a finalist for the Edgar Award and has been published in twelve territories. She lives with her family in Switzerland.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 5, 2025
The last author who made me feel this off-kilter after finishing one of their books was Catriona Ward, so kudos to Kristen Loesch for playing pinball with my head so successfully for the last few days. I hope it was fun up there!
Ultra-brief synopsis: a Chinese woman living in Hong Kong named Mei with a gift of the “Sight” is seen as a young girl, a young woman and an older woman in alternating chapters trying to grapple with the events of her past. From a young age her gift has enabled her to see ghosts - some of whom she knows and some she doesn't. In the past she was invited as one of six mediums to attend a competition at a haunted mansion that ended badly. Decades later, she's now trying to make sense of that night and the bigger picture of her life.
I’m so glad I stuck with this book. I was considering DNF’ing after the first 25% because it had three timelines going and I couldn’t make much sense of any of them, in addition to it being very slow. My advice: Don’t read the blurb. At least not for the U.S. version. It says way too much yet still somehow gave me the wrong impression of what I’d be reading.
What I thought I’d be reading was a creepy ghost story with a continual sense of supernatural menace centered on a long-ago massacre. I thought it would stay more consistently in the lane of horror. What I got was a historical fiction/mystery/drama with sprinkles of supernatural horror throughout set in the time of the Japanese invasion of China beginning in 1937, the fictional tragic competition in 1953, and an investigation into that event in 2015.
Don’t get me wrong - the creepy ghosts, supernatural menace and horror were there, but it was dabbled between an unexpectedly emotional story about life. I was expecting literal and what I got was more metaphorical in the end.
So you must think I’d be disappointed. Quite the contrary! Sometimes what you think you want and what you unexpectedly end up enjoying are two different things! I won’t say too much, other than to say that the ghosts in this story serve a purpose beyond just being there to creep you out and I think it’s truly worth finding out why.
If you want a ghost story that leaves you with some deeper things to think about, I highly recommend this. Don’t read the author’s note ahead of time, but DO read it after. It’s very insightful!
★★★★
Thanks to Berkley Publishing, NetGalley and author Kristen Loesch for this digital ARC to honestly review. It’s due to be published on October 7, 2025.
Ultra-brief synopsis: a Chinese woman living in Hong Kong named Mei with a gift of the “Sight” is seen as a young girl, a young woman and an older woman in alternating chapters trying to grapple with the events of her past. From a young age her gift has enabled her to see ghosts - some of whom she knows and some she doesn't. In the past she was invited as one of six mediums to attend a competition at a haunted mansion that ended badly. Decades later, she's now trying to make sense of that night and the bigger picture of her life.
I’m so glad I stuck with this book. I was considering DNF’ing after the first 25% because it had three timelines going and I couldn’t make much sense of any of them, in addition to it being very slow. My advice: Don’t read the blurb. At least not for the U.S. version. It says way too much yet still somehow gave me the wrong impression of what I’d be reading.
What I thought I’d be reading was a creepy ghost story with a continual sense of supernatural menace centered on a long-ago massacre. I thought it would stay more consistently in the lane of horror. What I got was a historical fiction/mystery/drama with sprinkles of supernatural horror throughout set in the time of the Japanese invasion of China beginning in 1937, the fictional tragic competition in 1953, and an investigation into that event in 2015.
Don’t get me wrong - the creepy ghosts, supernatural menace and horror were there, but it was dabbled between an unexpectedly emotional story about life. I was expecting literal and what I got was more metaphorical in the end.
So you must think I’d be disappointed. Quite the contrary! Sometimes what you think you want and what you unexpectedly end up enjoying are two different things! I won’t say too much, other than to say that the ghosts in this story serve a purpose beyond just being there to creep you out and I think it’s truly worth finding out why.
If you want a ghost story that leaves you with some deeper things to think about, I highly recommend this. Don’t read the author’s note ahead of time, but DO read it after. It’s very insightful!
★★★★
Thanks to Berkley Publishing, NetGalley and author Kristen Loesch for this digital ARC to honestly review. It’s due to be published on October 7, 2025.
August 24, 2025
3.5 Stars
I loved the cultural elements of this novel which were easily my favourite aspects. In terms of the horror, this one felt fairly straightforward and predictable. Without the setting aspect, I'm not certain this one would have stood on it's own but I overall enjoyed this one for those cultural elements.
I would recommend this one for readers who are also seeking dark thrillers and horror novels set outside of the usual western countries.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I loved the cultural elements of this novel which were easily my favourite aspects. In terms of the horror, this one felt fairly straightforward and predictable. Without the setting aspect, I'm not certain this one would have stood on it's own but I overall enjoyed this one for those cultural elements.
I would recommend this one for readers who are also seeking dark thrillers and horror novels set outside of the usual western countries.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
March 19, 2025
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this breathtaking novel which will continue to haunt me for a very long time.
“One of those books where you wish you were already at the end when you begin, because you want to know it, and then you’d wish you were back at the beginning when you end, because you want to experience it all over again.”
A quote from the book, describing perfectly how The Hong Kong Widow made me feel.
It is a haunting tale propelled by internal and external forces, at times making my heart beat faster, at others utterly heartbreaking. The plot is pacy, raising a further question each time one is answered, which kept me up reading long after I should have been asleep.
Mei is our main character, taken from her home in Jiangsu Province to live in Shanghai with strangers when she was just seven years old. She lives through the Japanese occupation of Shanghai, the Pacific War and the Chinese Communist revolution, finding ways to cope through and with her loss.
The author effectively employs three timelines to tell this story – the earliest shows Mei growing up, the
second covers an event in Mei’s life which results in a horrific outcome which leaves the police bewildered.
The third timeline shows Mei, now an old woman of 85, helping her daughter discover the truth behind a mystery her dead husband had been desperate to solve. In helping her daughter, Mei considers the nature of their relationship and is able to learn from that too.
The prose is magical, each paragraph a beautifully wrapped gift which deserves to be lingered over. And the ending is full of hope.
I absolutely adored this book.
“One of those books where you wish you were already at the end when you begin, because you want to know it, and then you’d wish you were back at the beginning when you end, because you want to experience it all over again.”
A quote from the book, describing perfectly how The Hong Kong Widow made me feel.
It is a haunting tale propelled by internal and external forces, at times making my heart beat faster, at others utterly heartbreaking. The plot is pacy, raising a further question each time one is answered, which kept me up reading long after I should have been asleep.
Mei is our main character, taken from her home in Jiangsu Province to live in Shanghai with strangers when she was just seven years old. She lives through the Japanese occupation of Shanghai, the Pacific War and the Chinese Communist revolution, finding ways to cope through and with her loss.
The author effectively employs three timelines to tell this story – the earliest shows Mei growing up, the
second covers an event in Mei’s life which results in a horrific outcome which leaves the police bewildered.
The third timeline shows Mei, now an old woman of 85, helping her daughter discover the truth behind a mystery her dead husband had been desperate to solve. In helping her daughter, Mei considers the nature of their relationship and is able to learn from that too.
The prose is magical, each paragraph a beautifully wrapped gift which deserves to be lingered over. And the ending is full of hope.
I absolutely adored this book.
June 30, 2025
From my endorsement!: “THE HONG KONG WIDOW is at once an eerie haunted house gothic and a deeply profound meditation on mothers and daughters, the mysteries we end up keeping from each other, and the healing power of empathy and togetherness as a way of confronting — and laying to rest — the ghosts of a painful past. Stunning prose, impeccable historical research, and page turning suspense. I absolutely devoured this book.”
— Olesya Salnikova Gilmore, Author of The Haunting of Moscow House
— Olesya Salnikova Gilmore, Author of The Haunting of Moscow House
May 8, 2025
This book had me in a chokehold the entire time!!
September 5, 2025
Six nights. Six mediums. One house that whispers secrets darker than blood.
In the turbulent landscape of 1950s Hong Kong, Kristen Loesch weaves a mesmerizing narrative that blends historical drama with supernatural intrigue. This novel transcends traditional storytelling, exploring a refugee’s quest for revenge and redemption.
At its heart is Mei, a young woman caught in an extraordinary competition: six spirit mediums, six nights, one notorious haunted house. Her true prize isn’t the promised fortune, but revenge against the wife of the man who destroyed her life.
Loesch’s narrative brilliance emerges through a multi-layered approach, presenting Mei across three pivotal timelines. We witness her transformation from a child searching for her mother to a teenager navigating profound loss, and finally to an older woman confronting her haunting past.
The setting breathes with authenticity, a decaying manor that becomes a character in its own right. Mei’s journey reveals layers of trauma, survival, and the enduring power of memory, blurring lines between personal history and broader historical wounds.
Unexpected narrative twists elevate the story, with Loesch dropping bombshells that resonate like aftershocks. The supernatural elements blend seamlessly with historical context, creating a reading experience both intellectually stimulating and emotionally profound.
For readers craving ghost stories with substance, “The Hong Kong Widow” offers an unforgettable exploration of memory, revenge, and the spirits that never truly release their grip.
Thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for this advance review copy. My thoughts remain entirely my own.
In the turbulent landscape of 1950s Hong Kong, Kristen Loesch weaves a mesmerizing narrative that blends historical drama with supernatural intrigue. This novel transcends traditional storytelling, exploring a refugee’s quest for revenge and redemption.
At its heart is Mei, a young woman caught in an extraordinary competition: six spirit mediums, six nights, one notorious haunted house. Her true prize isn’t the promised fortune, but revenge against the wife of the man who destroyed her life.
Loesch’s narrative brilliance emerges through a multi-layered approach, presenting Mei across three pivotal timelines. We witness her transformation from a child searching for her mother to a teenager navigating profound loss, and finally to an older woman confronting her haunting past.
The setting breathes with authenticity, a decaying manor that becomes a character in its own right. Mei’s journey reveals layers of trauma, survival, and the enduring power of memory, blurring lines between personal history and broader historical wounds.
Unexpected narrative twists elevate the story, with Loesch dropping bombshells that resonate like aftershocks. The supernatural elements blend seamlessly with historical context, creating a reading experience both intellectually stimulating and emotionally profound.
For readers craving ghost stories with substance, “The Hong Kong Widow” offers an unforgettable exploration of memory, revenge, and the spirits that never truly release their grip.
Thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for this advance review copy. My thoughts remain entirely my own.
September 12, 2025
I like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me a chance at this twisty tale.
I read the author's other book, so I expected something a bit twisty with an ending I didn't quite see coming. With this book, I certainly got it.
A lot of reviews are thrown off by the three various time periods told through the story, since you have to know all three time periods in order for the story and the conclusion to make sense. You also have to be open to the idea of ghosts and possession, since that also plays a part in the story.
The interesting part of the story is how fate and the supernatural are tied to one another, and how grief could also weigh into that aspect as well. My favorite time period of the story was the 'actual incident' and what happened that night and the outcome that would shape the future which is how our story begins.
The reason I did rate it down a star is that when presented chronologically, and after sitting through the entire book, the story isn't all that strong, but the way the author framed / told the book the creepy aspect comes from that - you don't know what happened that night and to understand why and the outcome you have to see the book out through the end.
I read the author's other book, so I expected something a bit twisty with an ending I didn't quite see coming. With this book, I certainly got it.
A lot of reviews are thrown off by the three various time periods told through the story, since you have to know all three time periods in order for the story and the conclusion to make sense. You also have to be open to the idea of ghosts and possession, since that also plays a part in the story.
The interesting part of the story is how fate and the supernatural are tied to one another, and how grief could also weigh into that aspect as well. My favorite time period of the story was the 'actual incident' and what happened that night and the outcome that would shape the future which is how our story begins.
The reason I did rate it down a star is that when presented chronologically, and after sitting through the entire book, the story isn't all that strong, but the way the author framed / told the book the creepy aspect comes from that - you don't know what happened that night and to understand why and the outcome you have to see the book out through the end.
July 18, 2025
Kristen Loesch's The Hong Kong Widow tells a hauntingly tense tale set in 1950s Hong Kong, where Mei, a young refugee escaping the Chinese Communist revolution, becomes embroiled in a mysteriously haunted house séance competition. In place of the fortune promised, revenge drives Mei against a man who once devastated her life, and this competition's enigmatic hostess is closely tied to her painful past. As the story unfolds across several timelines, it reveals layers of betrayal, survival, and the long shadow of history without giving any spoilers to the central mystery.
Mei's journey is one of strength; she's haunted by memories of wartime Shanghai and saddled with a complicated relationship to trauma and forgiveness. The story also introduces her relationship with major supporting characters, including the enigmatic hostess, and decades later with Mei's daughter, who seeks truth and understanding about her mother's past. This multigenerational aspect adds nuance to Mei's character arc, including not just her confrontation with external ghosts but also the internal ones connected to family and identity.
Among the major concerns of the novel are survival in the face of upheaval, the scars of political and personal betrayal, and the struggle for justice and closure. The issues echo many ongoing discussions around colonialism's legacy, displacement, and women's endurance in turbulent situations. The setting of the novel, a city caught between modernity and tradition, is a reflection of the tensions, while the figure of spirit mediums and séances bears out cultural perceptions of the supernatural as metaphors for unfinished histories and silenced voices.
Loesch's prose is lyrical and immersive, changing its tone from a chilling suspense towards poignant reflection. As for the narrative architecture, putting into use three timelines gives a tight suspense and also fills in emotional drive by weaving the past and the present into one seamless whole. Her language invites readers to pause and absorb the postwar atmosphere in Hong Kong, from eerie haunted houses to bustling streets marked by political uncertainty. This lends towards the mood within the story and leads towards grounding and believing the supernatural elements rather than having them feel gratuitous.
This is the kind of emotionally educating book, historical drama combined with gothic thriller, delivering tension as well as emotional appeal, Mei's relentless search for truth, painful reconciliation with her past, and invitation of queries from readers on the price of revenge as against healing. The promise of hope does not minimize the weight of Mei's suffering but reinforces themes of empathy and the ties that bind mothers and daughters.
If much can be said for The Hong Kong Widow in general terms, historically, it places itself among those particular fictions of suspense that dwell in the colonial past. In definite ways, it contrasts with other work by Kristen Loesch on women's lives amid notable moments of historical change, clearly because of the embroidery of the ghost story on social reflection. Through this atmospheric setting, the plot gains density and authenticity in regard to a city that finds itself straddled between the old world and the new.
This criticism always makes a constructive argument to points where plot complexity gets close to overwhelming pacing, although the layers usually reward a patient reader. It might also be true that, while the supernatural competition is original, some people would have liked an exploration of the other mediums who compete alongside Mei. But this mix of suspense, cultural reflection, and emotional depth is what makes it a special book, and all readers will now be invited to think about how history mixes with memory and individual bravery.
In short, The Hong Kong Widow is an exciting and compellingly written novel, remnants of which will last long after the last page is finished, making readers reconsider the ghosts we all carry and the different ways we seek peace in chaotic contexts. It dares to challenge the readers into thinking about their own pasts and the connections across generations that hold them together.
Mei's journey is one of strength; she's haunted by memories of wartime Shanghai and saddled with a complicated relationship to trauma and forgiveness. The story also introduces her relationship with major supporting characters, including the enigmatic hostess, and decades later with Mei's daughter, who seeks truth and understanding about her mother's past. This multigenerational aspect adds nuance to Mei's character arc, including not just her confrontation with external ghosts but also the internal ones connected to family and identity.
Among the major concerns of the novel are survival in the face of upheaval, the scars of political and personal betrayal, and the struggle for justice and closure. The issues echo many ongoing discussions around colonialism's legacy, displacement, and women's endurance in turbulent situations. The setting of the novel, a city caught between modernity and tradition, is a reflection of the tensions, while the figure of spirit mediums and séances bears out cultural perceptions of the supernatural as metaphors for unfinished histories and silenced voices.
Loesch's prose is lyrical and immersive, changing its tone from a chilling suspense towards poignant reflection. As for the narrative architecture, putting into use three timelines gives a tight suspense and also fills in emotional drive by weaving the past and the present into one seamless whole. Her language invites readers to pause and absorb the postwar atmosphere in Hong Kong, from eerie haunted houses to bustling streets marked by political uncertainty. This lends towards the mood within the story and leads towards grounding and believing the supernatural elements rather than having them feel gratuitous.
This is the kind of emotionally educating book, historical drama combined with gothic thriller, delivering tension as well as emotional appeal, Mei's relentless search for truth, painful reconciliation with her past, and invitation of queries from readers on the price of revenge as against healing. The promise of hope does not minimize the weight of Mei's suffering but reinforces themes of empathy and the ties that bind mothers and daughters.
If much can be said for The Hong Kong Widow in general terms, historically, it places itself among those particular fictions of suspense that dwell in the colonial past. In definite ways, it contrasts with other work by Kristen Loesch on women's lives amid notable moments of historical change, clearly because of the embroidery of the ghost story on social reflection. Through this atmospheric setting, the plot gains density and authenticity in regard to a city that finds itself straddled between the old world and the new.
This criticism always makes a constructive argument to points where plot complexity gets close to overwhelming pacing, although the layers usually reward a patient reader. It might also be true that, while the supernatural competition is original, some people would have liked an exploration of the other mediums who compete alongside Mei. But this mix of suspense, cultural reflection, and emotional depth is what makes it a special book, and all readers will now be invited to think about how history mixes with memory and individual bravery.
In short, The Hong Kong Widow is an exciting and compellingly written novel, remnants of which will last long after the last page is finished, making readers reconsider the ghosts we all carry and the different ways we seek peace in chaotic contexts. It dares to challenge the readers into thinking about their own pasts and the connections across generations that hold them together.
May 14, 2025
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC! 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.
May 13, 2025
The Hong Kong Widow is a complex narrative, full of events, character relationships and the supernatural, set mostly in Shanghai and Hong Kong, and spanning nearly eighty years of the life of main character, Mei.
As always, Kristen Loesch’s prose is golden on a sentence level, full of imagery, local sensory detail that – most memorably – evokes the China of Mei’s youth, and aphorisms (according to Mei, the long-drawn effects of war are like losing your life “one mahjong tile at a time. You can lose it while you’re not even looking”).
However, Loesch, above all, is a storyteller, and this is a novel that bursts with story.
For all its gothic horror and ghouls – and, dare I even say it?, a haunted house that makes the Overlook Hotel of The Shining look like a motorway Travelodge – ultimately this is a tale of how the losses of the past, present and future can haunt (the ghosts of) ourselves.
It is not all horror and darkness, though. Despite the backdrop of war and innumerable personal traumas, there are, for instance, great charm and humour to the scenes of young Mei. First Wife “wears a qipao with so many flowers sewn into it that I want to sneeze”. After breaking a vow of silence, Little Mei’s voice is “like a pet cricket that doesn’t want to go back in its cage”. And, despite the challenges of her journey, Mei’s IS a journey, one built on resilience and self-determination. A journey that ends with hope.
As always, Kristen Loesch’s prose is golden on a sentence level, full of imagery, local sensory detail that – most memorably – evokes the China of Mei’s youth, and aphorisms (according to Mei, the long-drawn effects of war are like losing your life “one mahjong tile at a time. You can lose it while you’re not even looking”).
However, Loesch, above all, is a storyteller, and this is a novel that bursts with story.
For all its gothic horror and ghouls – and, dare I even say it?, a haunted house that makes the Overlook Hotel of The Shining look like a motorway Travelodge – ultimately this is a tale of how the losses of the past, present and future can haunt (the ghosts of) ourselves.
It is not all horror and darkness, though. Despite the backdrop of war and innumerable personal traumas, there are, for instance, great charm and humour to the scenes of young Mei. First Wife “wears a qipao with so many flowers sewn into it that I want to sneeze”. After breaking a vow of silence, Little Mei’s voice is “like a pet cricket that doesn’t want to go back in its cage”. And, despite the challenges of her journey, Mei’s IS a journey, one built on resilience and self-determination. A journey that ends with hope.
July 7, 2025
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.
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.
September 18, 2025
The Hong Kong Widow by Kristen Loesch
I've read another book by Kristen Loesch that I enjoyed and I love historical fiction so I knew I wanted to read this story. I had to keep my thinking cap on the entire time because there are several timelines and many characters but I got so interested in just what was going on that I powered through the start of the book until I was so hooked I just had to have answers. Throughout the story there is turmoil, political turmoil, the disruption of new locations, feelings of abandonment and grief. Mei's life is unhappy and that unhappiness is laid across a landscape of death and destruction that cannot be stopped by individuals.
Seven year old Mei is taken from the only people she's ever known to live with other people, a new family of people who resent her and have expectations a little girl could never meet. Mei finds she not "alone" and it will be a while until she understands that she has a talent, or a curse, depending on how a person wants to see things. Mei has been told she's not smart but that isn't true and eventually someone very special to Mei is able to help her break through her reading barriers.
There are many betrayals, and whether it is through supernatural events or Mei's own detective skills, she is going to learn heartbreaking things that will cause her to hold revenge in her heart so tightly it overshadows her life. People want things from Mei and Mei can be destroyed by these wants. Because of Mei's talent, the pull for Mei comes from both the living and the dead.
It's because of something that happens in 1953 that fosters an anonymous rumor that Mei killed many people at a seance. Decades later, this brings Mei and her grown daughter back to the place of her growing up so that this rumor can be investigated and it is during this time that Mei gains more enlightenment to the past. This story is a horror story but some of the horror is the real life horror of how politics, war, and people one trusts can destroy even more viciously than imaginary monsters.
Even though the timelines and going back and forth could have confused me, I wanted so much to understand what Mei had been through that I was able to hang on to the strands between each timeline. I became very attached to Mei and felt for her as she realized the hateful, revengeful things in her heart were due to all that had happened in the past. This is a woman who has a chance to make things right and I was ready to stand behind Mei the entire time.
This is an impossible book to describe but it worked well for me. The historical parts of the story are a real life horror story all on their own, especially if you know the history of this time and place. Who needs monsters when living, breathing humans are killing all those around you. But Mei has to let go of some of what is inside of her in order to free herself of internal monsters and she will try to help her daughter to find her way through grief, too.
Expected publication October 7, 2025
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley, Elisha, and NetGalley for this ARC.
I've read another book by Kristen Loesch that I enjoyed and I love historical fiction so I knew I wanted to read this story. I had to keep my thinking cap on the entire time because there are several timelines and many characters but I got so interested in just what was going on that I powered through the start of the book until I was so hooked I just had to have answers. Throughout the story there is turmoil, political turmoil, the disruption of new locations, feelings of abandonment and grief. Mei's life is unhappy and that unhappiness is laid across a landscape of death and destruction that cannot be stopped by individuals.
Seven year old Mei is taken from the only people she's ever known to live with other people, a new family of people who resent her and have expectations a little girl could never meet. Mei finds she not "alone" and it will be a while until she understands that she has a talent, or a curse, depending on how a person wants to see things. Mei has been told she's not smart but that isn't true and eventually someone very special to Mei is able to help her break through her reading barriers.
There are many betrayals, and whether it is through supernatural events or Mei's own detective skills, she is going to learn heartbreaking things that will cause her to hold revenge in her heart so tightly it overshadows her life. People want things from Mei and Mei can be destroyed by these wants. Because of Mei's talent, the pull for Mei comes from both the living and the dead.
It's because of something that happens in 1953 that fosters an anonymous rumor that Mei killed many people at a seance. Decades later, this brings Mei and her grown daughter back to the place of her growing up so that this rumor can be investigated and it is during this time that Mei gains more enlightenment to the past. This story is a horror story but some of the horror is the real life horror of how politics, war, and people one trusts can destroy even more viciously than imaginary monsters.
Even though the timelines and going back and forth could have confused me, I wanted so much to understand what Mei had been through that I was able to hang on to the strands between each timeline. I became very attached to Mei and felt for her as she realized the hateful, revengeful things in her heart were due to all that had happened in the past. This is a woman who has a chance to make things right and I was ready to stand behind Mei the entire time.
This is an impossible book to describe but it worked well for me. The historical parts of the story are a real life horror story all on their own, especially if you know the history of this time and place. Who needs monsters when living, breathing humans are killing all those around you. But Mei has to let go of some of what is inside of her in order to free herself of internal monsters and she will try to help her daughter to find her way through grief, too.
Expected publication October 7, 2025
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley, Elisha, and NetGalley for this ARC.
September 9, 2025
In late 1930s China, Mei, 6, is living in Shanghai, in 1953 she is in Hong Kong, by the 1950s she is in the USA. Everywhere she sees Ghosts. Now living in Seattle in 2015, her daughter, Susanna, has received a mysterious letter which prompts the two of them to travel to Hong Kong to resolve a mystery in Mei’s past. Japan invaded China in 1937 and ruthlessly occupied it. Mei had been living with her parents and sisters in a remote village, but following the disappearance of her mother she has been taken to live in Shanghai at her Uncle’s house. The war has not reached there yet, but it shortly will. She has always had the “Sight”, the ability to see, meet and converse with spirits, although she can’t conjure them. While in Shanghai she meets George Maidenhair, the owner of Maidenhair House, who becomes her teacher; initially just to overcome her dyslexia, but then to introduce her to the power of literature. George leaves China just before Shanghai is occupied and Mei stays in a Ghetto area until the end of the war in 1945, then escapes to Hong Kong ahead of Chairman Mao and the Red Army. Living in Hong Kong in 1953 she is invited to enter a competition with five other mediums, the winner to receive enormous wealth. The Invitation comes from former film star Holly Zhang, who is now George’s wife and lives in a vast mansion in the Peak area, which resembles the long lost Maidenhair House and is widely known to be haunted. What happened there during the seances is the mystery that Mei and Susanna hope to resolve.
This is a ghost story, a supernatural story, a horror story, a magic story, a fantastic story, a biography, a murder-mystery, a family saga. I could probably find another half dozen genres. What it is, is a beautifully written, lyrical story with a tremendous plot, full of surprises, twists, shocks and tensions. It is told by Mei, over three time lines; a tour de force of controlled exposition. Mei is a wonderful character, especially the precocious young girl who is trying to make sense of her world. I’m glad I met her.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
This is a ghost story, a supernatural story, a horror story, a magic story, a fantastic story, a biography, a murder-mystery, a family saga. I could probably find another half dozen genres. What it is, is a beautifully written, lyrical story with a tremendous plot, full of surprises, twists, shocks and tensions. It is told by Mei, over three time lines; a tour de force of controlled exposition. Mei is a wonderful character, especially the precocious young girl who is trying to make sense of her world. I’m glad I met her.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
September 7, 2025
What just happened?
Honestly, I felt lost for most of this book. It weaves through three different timelines, each trying to piece together moments from Mei’s life. Her sorrowful memories— both the ones she’s lived through and the ones she’s still facing, unfolded as I read, and for four hours it felt like I was right there with her.
Just a gist of the story: it follows Mei as she struggles with the disappearance of her mother. She tries to track her down using her Sight, her ability to see and interact with ghosts. Much of the story centers on Maidenhair House, a haunted residence with a dark history where many have died. Driven by anger, Mei heads to the Peak Mansion with one purpose and that was revenge.
Spending those hours with Mei, I went through so many emotions, but most of it was confusion, if I’m being honest. There were definitely moments where I was like, what the hell is going on? That said, this was my first time reading a book with horror elements, and it delivered. Not in an over-the-top way, but in a subtle, creeping manner. It's the kind of supernatural detail that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.
It was a well-written piece, full of atmosphere and layered foreshadowing that only makes sense once you reach the final page. It’s been a while since a book left me with that kind of lingering chill. I’d definitely like to read more of Kristen Loesch’s work in the future.
Thank you for this ARC, NetGalley, Kristen Loesch, and Allison and Busby. Really enjoyed reading this.
The Hong Kong Widow will be out by October 7, 2025.
Honestly, I felt lost for most of this book. It weaves through three different timelines, each trying to piece together moments from Mei’s life. Her sorrowful memories— both the ones she’s lived through and the ones she’s still facing, unfolded as I read, and for four hours it felt like I was right there with her.
Just a gist of the story: it follows Mei as she struggles with the disappearance of her mother. She tries to track her down using her Sight, her ability to see and interact with ghosts. Much of the story centers on Maidenhair House, a haunted residence with a dark history where many have died. Driven by anger, Mei heads to the Peak Mansion with one purpose and that was revenge.
Spending those hours with Mei, I went through so many emotions, but most of it was confusion, if I’m being honest. There were definitely moments where I was like, what the hell is going on? That said, this was my first time reading a book with horror elements, and it delivered. Not in an over-the-top way, but in a subtle, creeping manner. It's the kind of supernatural detail that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.
It was a well-written piece, full of atmosphere and layered foreshadowing that only makes sense once you reach the final page. It’s been a while since a book left me with that kind of lingering chill. I’d definitely like to read more of Kristen Loesch’s work in the future.
Thank you for this ARC, NetGalley, Kristen Loesch, and Allison and Busby. Really enjoyed reading this.
The Hong Kong Widow will be out by October 7, 2025.
August 31, 2025
This fascinating book follows the story of Mei from her childhood in Shanghai, to a seance ‘competition’ in Hong Kong and then her return to Hong Kong as an elderly woman. Full of wonderful descriptive prose this is a complex and unique family drama.
Briefly, in 1940’s China, during the Chinese communist revolution, Mei is just a child when she is taken from her family in the county to live in Shanghai where she grows up always looking for the truth about her mother’s disappearance, which took place before Mei moved to Shanghai. Mei also has a secret; since a very young age she sees and can speak with ghosts. In 1953 Mei is invited to Maidenhair House in Hong Kong, by former silent film star Holly Zhang, to take part in a seance competition but Mei has her own agenda. Many years later, aged 85, Mei returns to that infamous house with her daughter hoping to finally get closure.
I spent some time in Hong Kong in the 1980s and I can see how a property on the Peak would perfectly fit this storyline. The authors has crafted a beautifully haunting (no pun intended) and emotional story with a bewitching main character in Mei. The lives of women in China during the period covered are largely that of unpaid servants/ playthings for their masters. My heart broke for Mei, taken at such a young age, confused about her identity and her gift, wanting a happy ending that always seemed just out of reach. A compellingly supernatural historical drama and an enthralling read.
Briefly, in 1940’s China, during the Chinese communist revolution, Mei is just a child when she is taken from her family in the county to live in Shanghai where she grows up always looking for the truth about her mother’s disappearance, which took place before Mei moved to Shanghai. Mei also has a secret; since a very young age she sees and can speak with ghosts. In 1953 Mei is invited to Maidenhair House in Hong Kong, by former silent film star Holly Zhang, to take part in a seance competition but Mei has her own agenda. Many years later, aged 85, Mei returns to that infamous house with her daughter hoping to finally get closure.
I spent some time in Hong Kong in the 1980s and I can see how a property on the Peak would perfectly fit this storyline. The authors has crafted a beautifully haunting (no pun intended) and emotional story with a bewitching main character in Mei. The lives of women in China during the period covered are largely that of unpaid servants/ playthings for their masters. My heart broke for Mei, taken at such a young age, confused about her identity and her gift, wanting a happy ending that always seemed just out of reach. A compellingly supernatural historical drama and an enthralling read.
May 14, 2025
Thank you so much to the author for an ARC of this book!
After reading The Last Russian Doll, I’ve been waiting anxiously for Kristen Loesch to release a new book…and with good reason! This had so many of the elements I loved from TLRD, while being completely different at the same time.
Kristen Loesch has a talent for weaving a story together to reveal things at just the right moment to keep you invested until the end, and beyond. When the story ends, I’m ready to start all over from the beginning to see what I missed the first time through.
Hong Kong Widow centers around Mei in three different times of her life. As a child, taken from her family to be raised in Shanghei; as a young adult given a unique opportunity to receive a fortune - that she may take to seek revenge; and as an elderly woman, reluctant to reveal her past to her daughter. When her daughter insists she learn her mother’s story to help her in her grieving process, the story begins to unfold.
It was honestly just a beautiful book, with insight into letting things go and the different ways you can be haunted. I know I’ll be thinking about it for years to come.
After reading The Last Russian Doll, I’ve been waiting anxiously for Kristen Loesch to release a new book…and with good reason! This had so many of the elements I loved from TLRD, while being completely different at the same time.
Kristen Loesch has a talent for weaving a story together to reveal things at just the right moment to keep you invested until the end, and beyond. When the story ends, I’m ready to start all over from the beginning to see what I missed the first time through.
Hong Kong Widow centers around Mei in three different times of her life. As a child, taken from her family to be raised in Shanghei; as a young adult given a unique opportunity to receive a fortune - that she may take to seek revenge; and as an elderly woman, reluctant to reveal her past to her daughter. When her daughter insists she learn her mother’s story to help her in her grieving process, the story begins to unfold.
It was honestly just a beautiful book, with insight into letting things go and the different ways you can be haunted. I know I’ll be thinking about it for years to come.
July 20, 2025
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.
Thanks to NetGalley for an eGalley of this title.
Thanks to NetGalley for an eGalley of this title.
May 5, 2025
Part gothic thriller, part mystery with horror elements, The Hong Kong Widow grabs you and gives you a strong need to find out. The three timelines work well - both to build the drama and also giving an insight into periods of Chinese history I wasn’t familiar with.
Everything Kristen writes is beautifully written. This will leave you with questions about the spirit world as well as questions about your own internal ghosts. Recommend.
Everything Kristen writes is beautifully written. This will leave you with questions about the spirit world as well as questions about your own internal ghosts. Recommend.
July 26, 2025
This novel was an unexpected delight, haunting and beautifully written with a wonderful sense of place and experience.
I won't give the plot a way but it's quirky and our main protagonist is pretty unforgettable. The past present vibe makes it all the more intriguing and it has a great finish.
Overall an excellent read.
I won't give the plot a way but it's quirky and our main protagonist is pretty unforgettable. The past present vibe makes it all the more intriguing and it has a great finish.
Overall an excellent read.
April 3, 2025
Absolutely loved this beautifully written and profoundly moving tale about the search for meaning amongst the ruins of loss. At the heart of this chilling story, Mei is navigating her path through a life devastated by war, proving that at the end of the day, it is love and survival that triumph. Masterfully told, this mesmerising novel should be on everyone’s to read list.
September 20, 2025
Really enjoyed this book! I loved the cultural horror elements, but was most impressed by the relationships Mei forges throughout the decades. A wonderful take on the family you're born into, and the family you create
2025
July 1, 2025Was offered an arc of this
August 4, 2025
A brilliantly told story, effortlessly crossing three timelines and countries. Mei's story was fascinating.
I was completely absorbed and read this in one day - highly recommended read.
I was completely absorbed and read this in one day - highly recommended read.
August 16, 2025
I really liked the premise of "The Hong Kong Widow" but the novel ultimately fell short of my expectations.
The ghost element was interesting at first, but its execution, especially in the present-day timeline, was rather weird and didn't make a lot of sense. The revenge storyline also didn't really work for me.
The ghost element was interesting at first, but its execution, especially in the present-day timeline, was rather weird and didn't make a lot of sense. The revenge storyline also didn't really work for me.
August 11, 2025
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 séance 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!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for this ARC.
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!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for this ARC.
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