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The Watchwood Inheritance
Thirteen-year-old Peter Penstimon thought summer meant sun, surfing, and maybe a little boredom—not unraveling family secrets at a crumbling estate teeming with ghosts. But when Peter's parents drag him to Watchwood Farm, the long-abandoned ancestral home, everything changes. He soon discovers his father isn’t who he thought he was…and neither is Watchwood.
Haunted by spirits desperate to reveal a centuries-old mystery, Peter is pulled into a chilling quest for answers. With the help of sharp-witted Hadley Hawkins, granddaughter of Watchwood’s groundskeeper, Peter must uncover the truth behind his uncle Lincoln’s disappearance and the dark legacy buried deep in Watchwood’s past.
He wanted a carefree summer. Instead, he got ghostly riddles, hidden dangers, and a life-threatening inheritance. Ignoring the spirits could cost him everything—not just the truth, but the lives of those he loves most…
Haunted by spirits desperate to reveal a centuries-old mystery, Peter is pulled into a chilling quest for answers. With the help of sharp-witted Hadley Hawkins, granddaughter of Watchwood’s groundskeeper, Peter must uncover the truth behind his uncle Lincoln’s disappearance and the dark legacy buried deep in Watchwood’s past.
He wanted a carefree summer. Instead, he got ghostly riddles, hidden dangers, and a life-threatening inheritance. Ignoring the spirits could cost him everything—not just the truth, but the lives of those he loves most…
- GenresMystery
264 pages, Hardcover
Published October 29, 2025
1 person is currently reading
2201 people want to read
About the author
Ann Huchingson
2 books7 followersA UCLA Communications graduate, Ann began her career at 20th Century Fox and went on to become head writer of the 65-episode primetime drama Wicked, Wicked Games starring Tatum O’Neal. She earned her MFA in Fiction Writing from Saint Mary’s College of California, where she studied under literary luminaries including Michael Chabon and Andrea Barrett. Ann has three sons: Henry, Brady and Andrew. She lives in the California Bay Area with her husband, Jim, and their German Shorthaired Pointer, Loki.
"The Watchwood Inheritance stands out in the paranormal genre with its unique blend of suspense, mystery, and family drama. It's a perfect escape for fall, packed with unexpected twists, atmospheric moments, and characters who stand out. The narrative is driven forward with energy and intrigue, leaving you eager for the next chapter. This is a reading experience that's both haunting and irresistibly compelling, and a must-read for fans of the genre. Ann Huchingson has left a lasting impression on this reviewer with her exceptional writing and storytelling finesse. This is the book you never want to see end, and it's clear this series is not just a great read, but also a potential game-changer in the literary world. With its unique blend of suspense, mystery, and family drama, it's poised to make a remarkable impact and is a must-read for any fan of the genre."
--Suzie Housley, Midwest Book Review
"Middle-grade readers who enjoy stories with haunted mansions, small-town summer adventures, first crushes, and mysteries that echo through history are sure to love Ann Huchingson's THE WATCHWOOD INHERITANCE."
--Cameron Gillespie for IndieReader
"The Watchwood Inheritance stands out in the paranormal genre with its unique blend of suspense, mystery, and family drama. It's a perfect escape for fall, packed with unexpected twists, atmospheric moments, and characters who stand out. The narrative is driven forward with energy and intrigue, leaving you eager for the next chapter. This is a reading experience that's both haunting and irresistibly compelling, and a must-read for fans of the genre. Ann Huchingson has left a lasting impression on this reviewer with her exceptional writing and storytelling finesse. This is the book you never want to see end, and it's clear this series is not just a great read, but also a potential game-changer in the literary world. With its unique blend of suspense, mystery, and family drama, it's poised to make a remarkable impact and is a must-read for any fan of the genre."
--Suzie Housley, Midwest Book Review
"Middle-grade readers who enjoy stories with haunted mansions, small-town summer adventures, first crushes, and mysteries that echo through history are sure to love Ann Huchingson's THE WATCHWOOD INHERITANCE."
--Cameron Gillespie for IndieReader
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 29, 2025
Wasn't sure what to expect, especially being a debut novel and targeted towards teen readers, but I absolutely loved it! Not normally my favorite genre, but I found it so engaging and exciting. Can't wait for the next one!
October 16, 2025
Ann Huchingson has hit a grand slam with The Watchwood Inheritance—not just a home run. This delicious ghost story has everything I love: characters I’d happily be friends with, a mystery full of clever twists, and a vividly atmospheric Vermont setting that feels both eerie and inviting.
When Peter Elliot learns his father is heir to a fortune—and a grand estate tucked into the Vermont hills—he has no idea the mansion is haunted or that the ghosts might hold the key to generations of family secrets. As Peter unravels the mystery, he begins to piece together a web of complicated, fascinating relationships—marked by old hurts, deep loyalty, and the possibility of forgiveness.
The friendship between Peter and Hadley is an absolute gem—authentic, funny, and full of heart. And Huchingson’s writing shines with beautiful descriptions, from the echoing hallways of Watchwood to the misty Vermont landscape beyond.
This story delighted my mystery-loving middle-grade heart. As someone who loved every book in the The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew series this book delighted me, but is even better—more intricately plotted, more emotionally layered, and every bit as page-turning.
When Peter Elliot learns his father is heir to a fortune—and a grand estate tucked into the Vermont hills—he has no idea the mansion is haunted or that the ghosts might hold the key to generations of family secrets. As Peter unravels the mystery, he begins to piece together a web of complicated, fascinating relationships—marked by old hurts, deep loyalty, and the possibility of forgiveness.
The friendship between Peter and Hadley is an absolute gem—authentic, funny, and full of heart. And Huchingson’s writing shines with beautiful descriptions, from the echoing hallways of Watchwood to the misty Vermont landscape beyond.
This story delighted my mystery-loving middle-grade heart. As someone who loved every book in the The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew series this book delighted me, but is even better—more intricately plotted, more emotionally layered, and every bit as page-turning.
November 7, 2025
Amazing debut novel. Exceeded my expectations, especially since written for a middle school audience. Highly recommended for both kids and adults. 👍🏽👍🏽
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews