The Hong Kong Widow

by Kristen Loesch

Hong 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. . . .

Genres: Horror, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Historical, Thriller, Mystery Thriller

368 pages, Hardcover

First published October 7, 2025

About the author

Kristen 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.

Reviews

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Rachel (TheShadesofOrange) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Sadie Hartmann]

review soon!

[Sue Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Olesya Gilmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Haileyyjk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me in a chokehold the entire time!!

[melhara · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5

There were definitely elements in this book that I enjoyed (Max, the creepy art scattered throughout this book, and the WWII setting in Shanghai), but this just wasn't the book for me.

Set in alternating timeframes, jumping back and forth between 2015 (when the main character is 85 years old), 1953 (23 years old), and 1937 to 1947 (7 to 17 years old), we follow Mei's life and her connection to the mysterious and haunted Maidenhair House.

"For six nights
For six séances
In six different locations within Maidenhair or upon its ground.
You are one of six spirit mediums whose presence I hope to secure for this occasion. One of you will be asked to leave Maidenhair after every séance, until there is only one remaining.
The final session will be an exorcism..."

This was an eerie and haunting story centred around Mei's ability to see spirits and how she uses her abilities at different stages of her life. We experience how her gift of Sight has impacted her childhood, especially while growing up during WWII; later on, she uses her abilities to conduct séances at Maidenhair House, which led to a mysterious, disastrous, and unsolvable murder case; and finally, when she returned to Maidenhair House 60 years later to solve the mystery of the massacre that occured at the place.

This was a slow-moving novel that was beautifully written. The prose was great, but I felt the plot and mystery were rather underwhelming. I was expecting more from the paranormal aspects of the story.

**I received a free physical copy of the book from the publisher for review consideration, but all opinions are my own.**

[Janereads10 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Victoria Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow.

I love stories that make you think. The twists and turns really got me and I never saw them coming. I feel so bad for Mei. She had a very rough life and it was at times difficult to read. The drawings in the book freaked me out but I loved that they were included because it helped me make sense of everything at the end.

My favorite quote was, “Time passes and Mei reads and reads. She would love to go back to the very start, but you can never go back to the very start.” There were other quotes similar to this.
It reminded me of two things:
1. the loss you feel after reading such a great book and that you can never go back to before you read the book to enjoy it a second time.
2. The fact that you can’t change your past. You just have to go forward.
The epilogue explained this beautifully. My flabbers were gasted. I also felt a bit triggered not going to lie because I too at times live in the past. Mei says that you are supposed to step over the parts of yourself that want to stay rooted in grief and trauma and move forward 😭

I hope to find another book that captivates me as much as this one.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark, rich, and twisty!

The Hong Kong Widow is a mysterious, gripping tale that sweeps you between the 1940s, 1950s, and 2015, and into the lives of Mei and her daughter Susanna as they journey to China to uncover what truly happened all those years ago, when a massacre and a series of bizarre occurrences haunted the halls of Maidenhair Mansion.

The prose is taut and gritty. The characters are multilayered, secretive, flawed, and determined. And the plot unravels quickly into a menacing tale of life, loss, tragedy, desperation, deceit, manipulation, family drama, buried secrets, heartbreak, and the supernatural.

Overall, The Hong Kong Widow is an ominous, atmospheric, sophisticated read by Loesch that does a wonderful job of interweaving historical events and compelling fiction into a suspenseful mystery that is not only deliciously eerie but utterly engrossing.

[Andi · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kim Novak (The Reading Rx) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hong Kong Widow is a sinister triple timeline story that explores the childhood, young adult, and modern-day experiences of an elderly Chinese woman with secrets in her Hong Kong past. Part ghost story, part exploration in grief, and part family mystery, this book has just the right sparkle of supernatural to make this historical fiction satisfying for both mystery and horror lovers alike. Gothic feels abound!

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

[Rin · Rating 3 out of 5]

i really liked this! it was very spooky! i think that the interweaving of the different timelines/hauntings was a BIT clumsily done! this could have been really really great for me and instead it was just very good which, like, is not an indictment against the book - i had a good time reading this! i just wish it had done a little more.

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

review to come.

[Mana · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Heather | Nerdy By Nature Blog · Rating 2 out of 5]

This had an interesting premise, but something about it didn't totally work for me. I found it difficult keeping all three timelines straight with the audiobook, so I may have enjoyed it more had I read it physically.

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to win this book in a Goodreads giveaway and received it on release day.

I had not read from this author before so I was excited to dive into her writing. The writing is lovely and lyrical but perhaps a bit too much so. I kept thinking a lot of what was written would have been better utilized in poetry. The flowery nature of the writing took me out of the story as it was a bit excessive and created long intervals between scenes and dialogue.

We jump around between three timelines and I really only cared about the time line where Mei was first in Maidenhair house, preforming seances. The ghosts and other paranormal aspects felt a bit messy and not very compelling. I also felt the revenge aspect was quite unnecessary and felt a little forced into the story.

Again, lovely writing, but this just didn't work for me.

[Kory · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Fay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Berkley Pub for the free book and thank you PRH Audio for the #gifted listening copy of The Hong Kong Widow! #BerkleyBookstagram #BerkleyIG #berkley #berkleypub #PRHAudioPartner #PRHAInfluencer #TheHongKongWidow #KristenLoesch #AnnieQRiegel #historicalfiction

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐨𝐰
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐊𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐡
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐞 𝐐. 𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐥
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

𝟰★

Kristen Loesch is one amazing storyteller! The Hong Kong Widow is haunting yet beautifully written and I loved how it combined so many genres into one. It was a combination of historical fiction and gothic thriller with supernatural elements that made this book so unique. From the start I could just feel the tension and the author did such an amazing job with the way the book was set up. I loved the multiple timelines in the 1930s, 1950s and present day (2015). I also thought it was interesting learning more about the historical time period. I loved my time with this book and Mei and loved how there were cultural aspects woven effortlessly throughout the book. My only criticism was the shifting between time periods got a little confusing at times, but after awhile, I did get the hang of it and was able to better keep up with the back and forth of the multiple time periods.

🎧Narrated by Annie Q. Riegel, I loved how she took the reader on an epic journey and brought this novel to life. It was haunting and beautiful at the same time and I loved listening to Riegel narrate this story. The way she created tension was unmatched and I cannot recommend the audio enough!

[Noelani · Rating 3 out of 5]

▪️Read this if you like:
▫️historical fiction- Jiangsu Province China 1930s, Hong Kong 1950s, & present day
▫️horror that’s not too scary
▫️mind-bendy stories
———
3.5⭐️ I went into this book expecting a certain kind of ghost story, but I came out of it with a different one.

I’m a big lover of ghosty/spooky stories, so I was excited to dive into this one. I will say that while this had creepy moments, it felt more thought-provoking than scary, which wasn’t what I thought it’d be. The ghost aspect of the story was more personal ghosts than paranormal ghost, though there was some of that too. The multiple timelines felt confusing at times (especially at the beginning), and I had to flip back and forth a few times to make sure I was following things correctly.

That said, I did enjoy this book. The historical bits about these time periods were interesting to read about in this kind of setting. The parts of the book that were more horror-focused were creepy and had me on edge, and I wished I got more of that. Even though I wasn’t expecting it, I did find idea of Mei struggling with the ghosts of her past to be compelling.

I liked this book, but I think if I had gone into it with a different idea of what it was going to be about, I would’ve liked it even more.

Thank you Berkley for the free copy!

[Dee Furey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the e-arc of The Hong Kong Widow by Kristen Loesch and I really enjoyed this story. This is a story told over multiple timelines. Mei as a young girl, Mei as a young woman in Hong Kong in 1953, and then the present day timeline where Mei and her daughter travel back to Hong Kong to figure out what happened in 1953. As a young girl, Mei discovers that she has a gift - she can see and communicate with ghosts. In 1953, she is invited to a competition with 5 other mediums or spiritualists, and during that competition, several people are murdered but when the police are called in to investigate, they do not find evidence of a crime. How is it possible? What really happened? That is what Mei and her daughter travel back to Hong Kong to find out. I thought this was a well done historical fiction mystery. This book was published. October 7, 2025. Thank you to Net Galley and Berkley Publishing for my e-arc.

[Dustin · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be honest I had no idea what's to believe throughout most of this book, lol. It was a good ghost story though and I definitely suggest reading the author note at the end (after you finish the book, as it contains spoilers) . This book has some really good creepiness to it that is perfect for the spooky season.

[Munch · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

[Jim Curtin · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun blend of historical fiction and spooky

[Leslie Zemeckis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent complicated story about ghosts - secrets and the past -
Did a mass murder occur during a sceance? Set in three different era about Mei and her daughter Susanna

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

very spooky in a good way

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher, via Netgalley, for an advance e-galley for honest review.

The storytelling in this, with three different time periods with the same main character, keeps readers on their toes with our shifting understanding of who everyone is and what their role in the story will be. The historical context and information in this were really interesting.

[MyNeverEndingTBRList · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hong Kong Widow is an engaging novel that blends gothic fiction, haunted house horror, historical drama, and mystery into a richly layered story. Set against the backdrop of 1950s Hong Kong and shifting timelines, it weaves themes of memory, trauma, and revenge with an intriguing séance competition.

4 🌟