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The Woman of the House
Not yet published
Expected 13 Oct 26A terrifying, twisty, and impossible-to-put-down supernatural thriller that reminds us that houses are never just houses—and secrets never stay buried.
Rose Crawley isn’t the perfect wife—or the perfect woman—that her husband thinks she is. And she isn’t about to let him find that out, ever. She’s finally gotten everything she’s ever a house by the lake, an adoring husband, and a fresh start from the past she’s long tried to outrun.
But the house she now calls home seems to have other plans. She wakes with bloody scratches lining her arms. She sees reflections in mirrors, only to find she’s standing alone. She hears the floors creak under invisible footsteps. And when Rose lies awake in the dark, the air feels heavy, like the house is pressing in on her, waiting for her to crack.
When Rose learns that the previous occupant, a wife and mother named Angela, vanished under suspicious circumstances, she becomes obsessed with uncovering what happened. Drawn deeper into the disappearance by her peculiar and prying neighbor, Rose digs into Angela’s past. But the more she discovers, and as the house's strange occurrences escalate, Rose finds herself questioning not just what happened to Angela, but whether she’ll share the same fate.
Rose Crawley isn’t the perfect wife—or the perfect woman—that her husband thinks she is. And she isn’t about to let him find that out, ever. She’s finally gotten everything she’s ever a house by the lake, an adoring husband, and a fresh start from the past she’s long tried to outrun.
But the house she now calls home seems to have other plans. She wakes with bloody scratches lining her arms. She sees reflections in mirrors, only to find she’s standing alone. She hears the floors creak under invisible footsteps. And when Rose lies awake in the dark, the air feels heavy, like the house is pressing in on her, waiting for her to crack.
When Rose learns that the previous occupant, a wife and mother named Angela, vanished under suspicious circumstances, she becomes obsessed with uncovering what happened. Drawn deeper into the disappearance by her peculiar and prying neighbor, Rose digs into Angela’s past. But the more she discovers, and as the house's strange occurrences escalate, Rose finds herself questioning not just what happened to Angela, but whether she’ll share the same fate.
336 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 13, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 1, 2026
Overall this was a quick, pretty fun read that I enjoyed. I love a haunted house story and the FMC is very interesting. At first this story felt like it had everything: a very flawed main character, a marriage built completely on lies, slightly evil in-laws, a weird small town, a disappearance mystery, genuinely creepy moments. I think a lot of these could have been interesting plot points but unfortunately things weren’t very well fleshed out, and therefore didn’t end up adding much to the story. Parts of this book felt really repetitive only for the ending to be really rushed, and it just left me asking “But why?”. There were a lot of things that happen that end up having no consequence or never coming up again, like the glass rattle getting broken and Rose basically drugging Brian. The epilogue reveals that the deaths of the previous owners weren’t accidental but we learn literally nothing about it. It is implied that the new owners are also having weird experiences in the house.
Rose and Brian’s relationship could have added so much to the story, but Brian ends up being absent for the vast majority of the book. Was he cheating on her? Was he genuinely just at work the whole time? There are several times when he is acting suspicious and it’s implied that he’s also having weird experiences in the house, but we never learn anything about that. Rose made herself into the exact person she thought Brian wanted, but at the end Brian says that he was only doing things that he thought SHE wanted. But he was pressuring her into having a baby? And what was the deal with Frances? For the majority of the book I was convinced that she was not actually real only for her truth to be revealed in the last two pages.
I do think this book has a lot of promise even if many of the plot points fell flat. I especially loved how flawed Rose was, and following her decent into madness. I’ll be keeping an eye out for future books from this author!
Rose and Brian’s relationship could have added so much to the story, but Brian ends up being absent for the vast majority of the book. Was he cheating on her? Was he genuinely just at work the whole time? There are several times when he is acting suspicious and it’s implied that he’s also having weird experiences in the house, but we never learn anything about that. Rose made herself into the exact person she thought Brian wanted, but at the end Brian says that he was only doing things that he thought SHE wanted. But he was pressuring her into having a baby? And what was the deal with Frances? For the majority of the book I was convinced that she was not actually real only for her truth to be revealed in the last two pages.
I do think this book has a lot of promise even if many of the plot points fell flat. I especially loved how flawed Rose was, and following her decent into madness. I’ll be keeping an eye out for future books from this author!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“The Woman of the House” by Kate Mooney is one of those slow-burn psychological thrillers where you spend the entire book questioning literally everything, like the house, the town, the husband, the friendships, and especially the main character’s sanity. And honestly? That constant uncertainty is what made this such an addictive read for me.
The story follows Rose, who moves into a new home with her husband Daniel while carrying years of trauma from an abusive childhood. Right away, you can tell Rose is deeply damaged by the way she grew up. She desperately craves stability and safety, which is partly why she essentially manipulated her way into this marriage with Daniel, who is a man who wants the perfect traditional wife and family while Rose secretly wants something very different. Their relationship is uncomfortable in the most fascinating way because neither of them truly understands the other, and there’s this constant tension simmering underneath every interaction.
Rose herself is such a compelling mess of a character. She’s manipulative, unreliable, paranoid, lonely, and emotionally fragile all at once. I spent half the book feeling terrible for her and the other half wondering if she was actively making everything worse. Mooney does a great job making Rose frustrating in a way that still keeps you deeply invested in her unraveling.
And wow, the atmosphere in this book is so unsettling. The house itself feels suffocatingly quiet and isolating without relying on big flashy haunted-house moments. Instead, it’s all strange noises, glimpses of things that may or may not be there, scratches, missing women, whispers from townspeople, and the growing sense that something horrible happened in this house long before Rose arrived. There’s also this constant question hanging over the story: is something genuinely supernatural happening, or is Rose’s trauma and deteriorating mental state distorting reality?
That ambiguity worked incredibly well for me. The story constantly blurs the line between memory, paranoia, obsession, and reality. Rose becomes fixated on the disappearance of a previous homeowner, convinced the woman was murdered even when everyone around her insists she was simply depressed. Her obsession slowly starts consuming her life and marriage, and the deeper she digs, the more isolated and unstable she becomes.
I also really loved Frances, Rose’s mysterious new friend. There’s something deeply off about her from the beginning, especially because she avoids being seen by other people, and every scene with her added this extra layer of eerie tension that kept me hooked.
This book definitely leans more character-driven than action-packed thriller, though. If you’re expecting nonstop twists and chaos from page one, this may feel slower. It’s much more about psychological deterioration, complicated women, buried trauma, and simmering dread. The pacing is very much a “quiet unraveling” type of story.
That said, I do think the ending is going to divide readers. Personally, I thought the final twist completely changed the way I viewed everything that came before, and I loved how dark and disturbing Rose’s spiral became by the end. But I also understand why some readers may feel frustrated because the final stretch moves fast and leaves several details ambiguous or unanswered. There were definitely moments where I finished a chapter thinking, “Wait, what exactly just happened?”
Still, I kind of think that lingering uncertainty fits the book’s overall vibe. Even the epilogue leaves you sitting there wondering whether the house itself was truly evil or whether Rose’s trauma simply consumed everything around her.
Overall, “The Woman of the House” is a moody, eerie, psychologically messy thriller full of unreliable narration, toxic relationships, female obsession, and slow-building paranoia. If you love books with complicated women, haunted-feeling houses, blurry reality, and unsettling emotional tension, this is absolutely worth picking up.
“The Woman of the House” by Kate Mooney is one of those slow-burn psychological thrillers where you spend the entire book questioning literally everything, like the house, the town, the husband, the friendships, and especially the main character’s sanity. And honestly? That constant uncertainty is what made this such an addictive read for me.
The story follows Rose, who moves into a new home with her husband Daniel while carrying years of trauma from an abusive childhood. Right away, you can tell Rose is deeply damaged by the way she grew up. She desperately craves stability and safety, which is partly why she essentially manipulated her way into this marriage with Daniel, who is a man who wants the perfect traditional wife and family while Rose secretly wants something very different. Their relationship is uncomfortable in the most fascinating way because neither of them truly understands the other, and there’s this constant tension simmering underneath every interaction.
Rose herself is such a compelling mess of a character. She’s manipulative, unreliable, paranoid, lonely, and emotionally fragile all at once. I spent half the book feeling terrible for her and the other half wondering if she was actively making everything worse. Mooney does a great job making Rose frustrating in a way that still keeps you deeply invested in her unraveling.
And wow, the atmosphere in this book is so unsettling. The house itself feels suffocatingly quiet and isolating without relying on big flashy haunted-house moments. Instead, it’s all strange noises, glimpses of things that may or may not be there, scratches, missing women, whispers from townspeople, and the growing sense that something horrible happened in this house long before Rose arrived. There’s also this constant question hanging over the story: is something genuinely supernatural happening, or is Rose’s trauma and deteriorating mental state distorting reality?
That ambiguity worked incredibly well for me. The story constantly blurs the line between memory, paranoia, obsession, and reality. Rose becomes fixated on the disappearance of a previous homeowner, convinced the woman was murdered even when everyone around her insists she was simply depressed. Her obsession slowly starts consuming her life and marriage, and the deeper she digs, the more isolated and unstable she becomes.
I also really loved Frances, Rose’s mysterious new friend. There’s something deeply off about her from the beginning, especially because she avoids being seen by other people, and every scene with her added this extra layer of eerie tension that kept me hooked.
This book definitely leans more character-driven than action-packed thriller, though. If you’re expecting nonstop twists and chaos from page one, this may feel slower. It’s much more about psychological deterioration, complicated women, buried trauma, and simmering dread. The pacing is very much a “quiet unraveling” type of story.
That said, I do think the ending is going to divide readers. Personally, I thought the final twist completely changed the way I viewed everything that came before, and I loved how dark and disturbing Rose’s spiral became by the end. But I also understand why some readers may feel frustrated because the final stretch moves fast and leaves several details ambiguous or unanswered. There were definitely moments where I finished a chapter thinking, “Wait, what exactly just happened?”
Still, I kind of think that lingering uncertainty fits the book’s overall vibe. Even the epilogue leaves you sitting there wondering whether the house itself was truly evil or whether Rose’s trauma simply consumed everything around her.
Overall, “The Woman of the House” is a moody, eerie, psychologically messy thriller full of unreliable narration, toxic relationships, female obsession, and slow-building paranoia. If you love books with complicated women, haunted-feeling houses, blurry reality, and unsettling emotional tension, this is absolutely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was...fine. To be honest while I was reading this I couldn't help but think about how everything this book was trying to do, You Did Nothing Wrong by CG Drews did it better.
I think what I enjoyed most about this book is Rose isn't as innocent as she seems. Unfortunately, despite this fact, it doesn't necessarily make her an interesting character to follow. Like listen, diva, I have a whole slew of mommy issues that makes me a people pleasing doormat too but eeeyyyuuuuccckkk! At least I don't revolve my entire personality around a MAN. Imagine Rose as a lady Joe Goldberg but like, more boring. I think learning of Rose's sinister behavior would have been better to learn at the end, along with several other twists and reveals you learn. Or, I don't know, keep it at the beginning but make Rose more...interesting?
In that same train of thought, there's a reveal of a certain plot point that Rose's husband, Brian discovers, and...it's really weird? In the sense that Brian is pushing Rose to have a baby she doesn't want (because of aforementioned mommy issues) and then claims he's pushing her to have a baby because he thought that's what SHE wanted. It was just a weird confrontation for them to have and personally, it was just a weird way he found out. Brian also gives Rose a glass family heirloom at the beginning of the book that ends up breaking and then we never hear about it again. Why not have Brian discover the broken glass and confront her about it?
This book wasn't for me but I think if you're new to the thriller & mystery genre you'd find this interesting despite its odd plot holes and mysterious red herrings. For me, at this point, I need a domestic thriller to really do something different and unexpected. I don't mind a "is the house haunted or is the main character just losing her grip on reality?" kind of story but this one just didn't do it for me unfortunately.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced DRC and provide a review, all opinions are my own.
I think what I enjoyed most about this book is Rose isn't as innocent as she seems. Unfortunately, despite this fact, it doesn't necessarily make her an interesting character to follow. Like listen, diva, I have a whole slew of mommy issues that makes me a people pleasing doormat too but eeeyyyuuuuccckkk! At least I don't revolve my entire personality around a MAN. Imagine Rose as a lady Joe Goldberg but like, more boring. I think learning of Rose's sinister behavior would have been better to learn at the end, along with several other twists and reveals you learn. Or, I don't know, keep it at the beginning but make Rose more...interesting?
In that same train of thought, there's a reveal of a certain plot point that Rose's husband, Brian discovers, and...it's really weird? In the sense that Brian is pushing Rose to have a baby she doesn't want (because of aforementioned mommy issues) and then claims he's pushing her to have a baby because he thought that's what SHE wanted. It was just a weird confrontation for them to have and personally, it was just a weird way he found out. Brian also gives Rose a glass family heirloom at the beginning of the book that ends up breaking and then we never hear about it again. Why not have Brian discover the broken glass and confront her about it?
This book wasn't for me but I think if you're new to the thriller & mystery genre you'd find this interesting despite its odd plot holes and mysterious red herrings. For me, at this point, I need a domestic thriller to really do something different and unexpected. I don't mind a "is the house haunted or is the main character just losing her grip on reality?" kind of story but this one just didn't do it for me unfortunately.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced DRC and provide a review, all opinions are my own.
May 6, 2026
The Woman of the House follows a woman with a hidden past who moves into a home with her husband, only to become increasingly drawn into the property’s unsettling and suspicious history. As she begins investigating what happened there, the line between reality, memory, and imagination starts to blur.
This book is definitely creepier when read at night, with an overall eerie atmosphere that keeps you engaged. However, some aspects didn’t fully work for me. Daniel, the husband, felt quite boring and underdeveloped, which made certain relationship dynamics less compelling than they could have been.
There were also moments that felt implausible, even allowing for potential paranormal explanations, and these elements were never really clarified later in the story. The inclusion of flashbacks was another challenge—at times they weren’t clearly distinguished from present-day narration, which made the timeline confusing until I adjusted to the pattern. Once I understood what was happening, it became easier to follow, but it may be disorienting for other readers.
I did enjoy much of the book and initially didn’t understand some of the more negative reviews. The suspense and mystery kept me turning pages. However, the ending left me with a “what just happened?” reaction, not in a satisfying or thought-provoking way, but more in a sense of unresolved threads and missing explanations. It felt like the first 80% of the book was carefully developed, while the final portion felt rushed and underexplained—particularly regarding key details like unexplained scratches and Rose seeing what appeared to be blood on her face.
Overall, this was an atmospheric and engaging read with strong creepy moments, but it ultimately fell short in clarity and resolution.
This book is definitely creepier when read at night, with an overall eerie atmosphere that keeps you engaged. However, some aspects didn’t fully work for me. Daniel, the husband, felt quite boring and underdeveloped, which made certain relationship dynamics less compelling than they could have been.
There were also moments that felt implausible, even allowing for potential paranormal explanations, and these elements were never really clarified later in the story. The inclusion of flashbacks was another challenge—at times they weren’t clearly distinguished from present-day narration, which made the timeline confusing until I adjusted to the pattern. Once I understood what was happening, it became easier to follow, but it may be disorienting for other readers.
I did enjoy much of the book and initially didn’t understand some of the more negative reviews. The suspense and mystery kept me turning pages. However, the ending left me with a “what just happened?” reaction, not in a satisfying or thought-provoking way, but more in a sense of unresolved threads and missing explanations. It felt like the first 80% of the book was carefully developed, while the final portion felt rushed and underexplained—particularly regarding key details like unexplained scratches and Rose seeing what appeared to be blood on her face.
Overall, this was an atmospheric and engaging read with strong creepy moments, but it ultimately fell short in clarity and resolution.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you netgalley for the arc! Trigger warnings for emotional/verbal child abuse, cancer and negatively stereotyped mental illness depictions.
Such an unsettling atmosphere in this book that I found myself completely pulled into Rose’s world of uncertainty. The blend of grief, loneliness, and paranoia worked incredibly well, and I loved how the house itself felt so quiet and isolating without relying on over-the-top haunted house tropes. I especially enjoyed how the story constantly kept me questioning what was real, what was memory, and what Rose might be imagining.
The dynamic with Frances was one of my favorite parts because it added such an eerie layer to the story, and I genuinely did not know where things were headed for a large portion of the book. The psychological tension kept building in a way that made this hard to put down.
My only real criticism is that I sometimes wanted clearer transitions between memories and present-day events, because there were moments where I had to stop and reorient myself in the timeline. Still, I thought the confusion also added to the unsettling feeling of being inside Rose’s mind, so it didn’t take away too much from the experience overall.
A creepy, emotionally tense psychological horror story that I ended up enjoying a lot. Definitely a 4-star read for me.
Such an unsettling atmosphere in this book that I found myself completely pulled into Rose’s world of uncertainty. The blend of grief, loneliness, and paranoia worked incredibly well, and I loved how the house itself felt so quiet and isolating without relying on over-the-top haunted house tropes. I especially enjoyed how the story constantly kept me questioning what was real, what was memory, and what Rose might be imagining.
The dynamic with Frances was one of my favorite parts because it added such an eerie layer to the story, and I genuinely did not know where things were headed for a large portion of the book. The psychological tension kept building in a way that made this hard to put down.
My only real criticism is that I sometimes wanted clearer transitions between memories and present-day events, because there were moments where I had to stop and reorient myself in the timeline. Still, I thought the confusion also added to the unsettling feeling of being inside Rose’s mind, so it didn’t take away too much from the experience overall.
A creepy, emotionally tense psychological horror story that I ended up enjoying a lot. Definitely a 4-star read for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing Group for an opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review!
I’ve never read a book where the main vibe was claustrophobic but this checked that off the list for me. I enjoyed some of this book. This is your typical “couple moves into house, wife starts seeing and hearing things, husband is completely unsupportive and tells her she’s crazy, is she really crazy?” book. I wanted to punch the husband because he was just nonexistent. When will we get a book where the wife tells the husband the house is haunted and he’s like “Yes it is. I totally believe you.” - not “You’re crazy and I’m questioning everything about you?” I feel like I’ve read that a million times.
It was good and I’m not saying I disliked it but I have questions. Lots of questions. Like who is Frances? Where did she come from? (I need more from her.) Is Frances a figment of the main characters imagination? Why was the main characters mom acting a fool after she died? Did the main character kill her? What actually happened to Angela? Why is the main character in a coma in the end? Like what. Is. Happening.
If this is how the author wanted me to feel after I read it, then five stars all the way because she succeeded. If not, then I need more info.
I’ve never read a book where the main vibe was claustrophobic but this checked that off the list for me. I enjoyed some of this book. This is your typical “couple moves into house, wife starts seeing and hearing things, husband is completely unsupportive and tells her she’s crazy, is she really crazy?” book. I wanted to punch the husband because he was just nonexistent. When will we get a book where the wife tells the husband the house is haunted and he’s like “Yes it is. I totally believe you.” - not “You’re crazy and I’m questioning everything about you?” I feel like I’ve read that a million times.
It was good and I’m not saying I disliked it but I have questions. Lots of questions. Like who is Frances? Where did she come from? (I need more from her.) Is Frances a figment of the main characters imagination? Why was the main characters mom acting a fool after she died? Did the main character kill her? What actually happened to Angela? Why is the main character in a coma in the end? Like what. Is. Happening.
If this is how the author wanted me to feel after I read it, then five stars all the way because she succeeded. If not, then I need more info.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Woman of the House was a solid 4-star spooky suspense novel.
The main character, Rose, was EXTREMELY flawed- and I loved the way Kate Mooney developed the character as the book progressed. She was someone I thoroughly enjoyed being irked by (if that makes sense??). Her submissive behavior with her husband juxtaposed with how she was the one to strategically set up their whole relationship was very unsettling, and really enhanced the creepy vibe of the book. Mooney also managed to really bring to life the idea of a small town, that while picturesque, definitely had eerie undertones. I think each of the peripheral characters really added to the creepy setting.
About half way through, I was CONVINCED I knew exactly how things were going to play out, and I was very pleased to be wrong! This one kept me guessing and hesitant to put it down at any point. While I did like the ending, I felt like the whole thing wrapped up a little too suddenly, which is why I am only giving 4 stars. There was so much leading up to the end, and I felt it wasn’t as well-developed as the rest of the book… I would’ve liked MORE about what happened, and the implications.
The main character, Rose, was EXTREMELY flawed- and I loved the way Kate Mooney developed the character as the book progressed. She was someone I thoroughly enjoyed being irked by (if that makes sense??). Her submissive behavior with her husband juxtaposed with how she was the one to strategically set up their whole relationship was very unsettling, and really enhanced the creepy vibe of the book. Mooney also managed to really bring to life the idea of a small town, that while picturesque, definitely had eerie undertones. I think each of the peripheral characters really added to the creepy setting.
About half way through, I was CONVINCED I knew exactly how things were going to play out, and I was very pleased to be wrong! This one kept me guessing and hesitant to put it down at any point. While I did like the ending, I felt like the whole thing wrapped up a little too suddenly, which is why I am only giving 4 stars. There was so much leading up to the end, and I felt it wasn’t as well-developed as the rest of the book… I would’ve liked MORE about what happened, and the implications.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I enjoyed this book overall, although I did feel the plot was somewhat predictable at times while also feeling a bit all over the place. Despite that, I found myself genuinely invested in the story and constantly reaching for the book, excited to figure out what was really going on.
I especially felt for the main character, Rose. While many of her actions made me question her sanity and reliability, that also made her character more interesting to follow. She felt emotionally complex, and I often found myself torn between sympathizing with her and wondering if she was making everything worse for herself. The story felt like it had the potential to go in so many different directions, which kept me engaged even when the pacing or plot became chaotic. There was always an underlying sense of tension and mystery that made me want to keep reading. My biggest issue was the ending. While I enjoyed the journey, I do feel like several events and details were left unanswered, leaving the conclusion a little unsatisfying for me. Even so, it was still an entertaining and compelling read that kept my attention from beginning to end.
I especially felt for the main character, Rose. While many of her actions made me question her sanity and reliability, that also made her character more interesting to follow. She felt emotionally complex, and I often found myself torn between sympathizing with her and wondering if she was making everything worse for herself. The story felt like it had the potential to go in so many different directions, which kept me engaged even when the pacing or plot became chaotic. There was always an underlying sense of tension and mystery that made me want to keep reading. My biggest issue was the ending. While I enjoyed the journey, I do feel like several events and details were left unanswered, leaving the conclusion a little unsatisfying for me. Even so, it was still an entertaining and compelling read that kept my attention from beginning to end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars. I def wanted to DNF this after reading about weirdo Rose and her basically having no identity or personality of her own. Like making a man your entire life because *blank* said mean things to you is nasty work…
Anyway, I pushed through because I really wanted to know if the house was haunted or if girly was just crazy. Some parts were predictable and some parts were not. The reveal at the end was literally so underwhelming. All that build up just to not really have a great motivation for characters’ actions. It’s honestly kind of an open ended ending, which I hate. I actually need to know in great detail what happened to Rose and Brian after that hospital scene.
This is definitely a psychological horror story, so if that’s your jam, you might really enjoy this. It does keep your attention, but I feel like the pieces to the puzzle of the big mystery were coming together at a painstaking pace. I would say that the story itself it more fast-paced as a lot happens in a short amount of times and the action starts quickly, it’s just all of that isn’t necessarily tied to the key mystery. I actually think this is the fastest I’ve ever read a book
Anyway, I pushed through because I really wanted to know if the house was haunted or if girly was just crazy. Some parts were predictable and some parts were not. The reveal at the end was literally so underwhelming. All that build up just to not really have a great motivation for characters’ actions. It’s honestly kind of an open ended ending, which I hate. I actually need to know in great detail what happened to Rose and Brian after that hospital scene.
This is definitely a psychological horror story, so if that’s your jam, you might really enjoy this. It does keep your attention, but I feel like the pieces to the puzzle of the big mystery were coming together at a painstaking pace. I would say that the story itself it more fast-paced as a lot happens in a short amount of times and the action starts quickly, it’s just all of that isn’t necessarily tied to the key mystery. I actually think this is the fastest I’ve ever read a book
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Women of the House was such a strong, layered read, I ended up really loving it.
This book leans more into character driven storytelling than fast paced thriller energy, and honestly, that’s what made it stand out. The dynamics between the women were messy, complex, and so real. You’re watching relationships unfold, secrets simmer, and tension build in a way that feels quiet at first… and then suddenly it’s not.
The writing pulled me in, it had that slightly haunting, emotional tone that makes you sit with the characters instead of just rushing through the plot. It’s not a “twist every five seconds” kind of book, but when things land, they hit.
I will say, if you’re going in expecting a super fast, high-action thriller, this might feel a little slower, but if you like depth, atmosphere, and complicated women making complicated choices, it really delivers.
A thoughtful, moody read with strong character work and just enough tension to keep you hooked.
It’s giving quiet secrets, layered relationships, and that slow-burn unraveling I can’t resist
This book leans more into character driven storytelling than fast paced thriller energy, and honestly, that’s what made it stand out. The dynamics between the women were messy, complex, and so real. You’re watching relationships unfold, secrets simmer, and tension build in a way that feels quiet at first… and then suddenly it’s not.
The writing pulled me in, it had that slightly haunting, emotional tone that makes you sit with the characters instead of just rushing through the plot. It’s not a “twist every five seconds” kind of book, but when things land, they hit.
I will say, if you’re going in expecting a super fast, high-action thriller, this might feel a little slower, but if you like depth, atmosphere, and complicated women making complicated choices, it really delivers.
A thoughtful, moody read with strong character work and just enough tension to keep you hooked.
It’s giving quiet secrets, layered relationships, and that slow-burn unraveling I can’t resist
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Woman of the House had so much potential for being a 5-star worthy read, but there were too many unresolved and unexplained plot points that made the story feel incomplete. I'm really not sure about anything I read. The ending was left open for interpretation or insinuation. No solid answers were provided to any of the occurrences, which only increased my confusion. I have so many questions! I did enjoy the premise of this book though. The creep factor was on point, and I loved the supernatural aspect. The pacing was a little too slow for my taste, but the storyline held my interest enough for me to keep turning the pages in suspense. Rose was portrayed well in all of her dysfunction. The unreliability of her character was intriguing and had me questioning everything. I just wish I could say that I knew the answers. This was a mediocre read that left a lot on the table. I didn't love it nor did I hate it.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for granting me a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for granting me a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“Woman of the House” is a classic “woman and her husband move into a new house in the isolated country and things quickly get very strange” story, which we as a society can never have enough of. Imagine Rose Crawley’s surprise when she finds out that her new house has an alarmingly interesting past, which she has plenty of time to learn about while her husband commutes into the city for work.
Oh, and there’s her peculiar neighbor Frances—what’s up with Frances?
This book had a compelling plot, though the execution did fall flat for me. I struggled with the dialogue and overall writing style feeling awkward or clunky at times. There were also a few unresolved plot holes that left me feeling dissatisfied by the last chapter…which is one of my pet peeves! This ended up being a 3 ⭐️ read for me, and one that I would say is more enjoyable than memorable.
Overall, I would recommend this book for a quick read when you’re in a slump. “Woman of the House” will be published on October 13 (aka just in time for spooky season). Huge thanks to Berkley for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Oh, and there’s her peculiar neighbor Frances—what’s up with Frances?
This book had a compelling plot, though the execution did fall flat for me. I struggled with the dialogue and overall writing style feeling awkward or clunky at times. There were also a few unresolved plot holes that left me feeling dissatisfied by the last chapter…which is one of my pet peeves! This ended up being a 3 ⭐️ read for me, and one that I would say is more enjoyable than memorable.
Overall, I would recommend this book for a quick read when you’re in a slump. “Woman of the House” will be published on October 13 (aka just in time for spooky season). Huge thanks to Berkley for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rose has finally built the life she's always wanted: a new home, a loving husband, and a chance to leave her past behind. But when strange things start happening in the house and she learns about the mysterious disappearance of the woman who lived there before, her carefully crafted world begins to unravel.
I loved the atmosphere, the house felt unsettling from the very beginning. I appreciated how the story blurred the lines between reality, memory, and paranoia, making it hard to know who or what to trust.
Rose is flawed, but she was fascinating to follow. The more I learned about her, the more I wanted to uncover both her secrets and the house's. The mystery kept me engaged throughout, and I found myself flipping through the pages, eager for answers.
I am still unsure how I feel about the ending, but overall, this was a creepy and entertaining read that provided plenty of suspense and kept me engaged from beginning to end.
Thank you so much to Berkley Publishing Group, Kate Mooney, and NetGalley for the #gifted earc.
All opinions are my own 🖤
I loved the atmosphere, the house felt unsettling from the very beginning. I appreciated how the story blurred the lines between reality, memory, and paranoia, making it hard to know who or what to trust.
Rose is flawed, but she was fascinating to follow. The more I learned about her, the more I wanted to uncover both her secrets and the house's. The mystery kept me engaged throughout, and I found myself flipping through the pages, eager for answers.
I am still unsure how I feel about the ending, but overall, this was a creepy and entertaining read that provided plenty of suspense and kept me engaged from beginning to end.
Thank you so much to Berkley Publishing Group, Kate Mooney, and NetGalley for the #gifted earc.
All opinions are my own 🖤
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Woman of the House follows a woman with a hidden past who moves into a new home with her husband and becomes increasingly drawn into the property's unsettling history. As she investigates what happened there, the line between reality, memory, and imagination starts to blur.
The atmosphere is genuinely effective, especially reading it at night. The creepiness is consistent and the mystery kept me turning pages through most of it. I can see why this one has an audience and I initially didn't fully understand some of the more critical reviews I had seen.
That said, a few things didn't work for me. Daniel, the husband, felt underdeveloped in a way that flattened some of the relationship dynamics that should have added tension. There were also moments that stretched plausibility, and the book never really circles back to clarify whether there is a paranormal explanation or not, which left some threads just hanging.
The flashbacks were another stumbling block early on. They weren't always clearly separated from the present day narration, which made the timeline genuinely confusing until I got used to the pattern. Once I adjusted it was fine, but I imagine some readers won't get that far.
The biggest issue for me was the ending. The first eighty percent feels carefully built, and then the final stretch rushes through in a way that left too much unexplained. Specific details, like the scratches and a particular moment involving Rose and what appeared to be blood, are just never addressed. It left me with more of a "what just happened" feeling than a satisfying one.
Atmospheric and engaging in stretches, but it needed a stronger landing.
Thank you Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley & NetGalley for this ARC!
The atmosphere is genuinely effective, especially reading it at night. The creepiness is consistent and the mystery kept me turning pages through most of it. I can see why this one has an audience and I initially didn't fully understand some of the more critical reviews I had seen.
That said, a few things didn't work for me. Daniel, the husband, felt underdeveloped in a way that flattened some of the relationship dynamics that should have added tension. There were also moments that stretched plausibility, and the book never really circles back to clarify whether there is a paranormal explanation or not, which left some threads just hanging.
The flashbacks were another stumbling block early on. They weren't always clearly separated from the present day narration, which made the timeline genuinely confusing until I got used to the pattern. Once I adjusted it was fine, but I imagine some readers won't get that far.
The biggest issue for me was the ending. The first eighty percent feels carefully built, and then the final stretch rushes through in a way that left too much unexplained. Specific details, like the scratches and a particular moment involving Rose and what appeared to be blood, are just never addressed. It left me with more of a "what just happened" feeling than a satisfying one.
Atmospheric and engaging in stretches, but it needed a stronger landing.
Thank you Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley & NetGalley for this ARC!
May 18, 2026
The writing is easy to read and flows well. It hits all the main point for books in its genre but it just lacks something maybe urgency or true connection? Rose as the main character was fine, I just didn’t find her that compelling.I wouldn’t consider it addictive, it’s very slow paced. It feels like the author wanted you to feel a slow decline in Rose’s mental status(or is it?) but I didn’t feel anxious in the places I was supposed to. Though I got a nearly vomit inducing ick at this line:
“You need something to do everyday, something that will give you a purpose. It’s time for a baby, Rose.”
I do feel this was the response they were going for, so that was immensely successful. This is not a diss at mothers, but that this is the only way she would find purpose is disgusting.
Overall, okay. Just missing something I can’t fully describe.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for a review.
“You need something to do everyday, something that will give you a purpose. It’s time for a baby, Rose.”
I do feel this was the response they were going for, so that was immensely successful. This is not a diss at mothers, but that this is the only way she would find purpose is disgusting.
Overall, okay. Just missing something I can’t fully describe.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for a review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There is a lot to like about this story- it has a familiar fish out of water theme, the protagonist is unreliable from the beginning, and it has some fabulous descriptive sections highlighting the 'ghost' in Rose Crawley's life. She is abundantly off kilter, which is almost endearing as she tries to figure out what haunts her in her new home. I could feel the atmosphere change when apparitions supposedly appeared, and the distance between her and her new husband Brian. I wasn't altogether a fan of the ending, there were quite a few loose threads that weren't quite tied up by the end of the book. It lacks cohesion when introducing the plot lines of the missing woman Angela, the friend Francis, and I wasn't quite happy with those subplots. What I did love was that everyone will think they know the twist- but they will be surprised as it doesn't stick to formulaic plot devices.
This book was courtesy of Netgalley.
This book was courtesy of Netgalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Publishing for the arc
I thought Woman of the House was an okay read with an interesting idea at the start. The story had some tense and suspenseful moments that kept me curious about what would happen next. I liked the overall mood, and there were parts that felt creepy and engaging.
However, the pacing felt slow in places, and it sometimes took too long for things to happen. I also didn’t really connect with the characters, which made it harder for me to stay fully interested. Some parts of the story felt a bit repetitive, and I was hoping for a stronger or more exciting ending.
Overall, it wasn’t a bad book, but it didn’t stand out to me. It had some good moments, but I don’t think it will stay with me for long.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Publishing for the arc
I thought Woman of the House was an okay read with an interesting idea at the start. The story had some tense and suspenseful moments that kept me curious about what would happen next. I liked the overall mood, and there were parts that felt creepy and engaging.
However, the pacing felt slow in places, and it sometimes took too long for things to happen. I also didn’t really connect with the characters, which made it harder for me to stay fully interested. Some parts of the story felt a bit repetitive, and I was hoping for a stronger or more exciting ending.
Overall, it wasn’t a bad book, but it didn’t stand out to me. It had some good moments, but I don’t think it will stay with me for long.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing for the eARC.
This is a difficult book for me to review: I couldn't stop reading it, that's how absorbing it is, but at the same time, the further I read, the more depressing it became.
The MC is married to a man she followed for quite a while, then got to know him and created a whole new personality for herself (and him) so that he would love her.
They move into a house that seems to be haunted and it drives her mental, to the point her husband pulls away from her. The ending is quite sad and it left me feeling a bit ambivalent ... did I enjoy this read or not? But it is well written and I'm glad I read it.
This is a difficult book for me to review: I couldn't stop reading it, that's how absorbing it is, but at the same time, the further I read, the more depressing it became.
The MC is married to a man she followed for quite a while, then got to know him and created a whole new personality for herself (and him) so that he would love her.
They move into a house that seems to be haunted and it drives her mental, to the point her husband pulls away from her. The ending is quite sad and it left me feeling a bit ambivalent ... did I enjoy this read or not? But it is well written and I'm glad I read it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
* thanks to Berkley for the NetGalley review copy (pub date: October 13, 2026)
Loved the premise and the book had a strong start with the secret-keeping protagonist and her dingdong husband, but then it just went on and on and on and on in circles, and it felt like I wasn't getting anywhere. I gave up at about 50% and skipped to the end -- it does seem like things got a little crazy and that it ended on a wild note, so I wouldn't discourage people from reading it, especially if they have a higher slow-burn tolerance than me, but I won't be recommending it either.
Loved the premise and the book had a strong start with the secret-keeping protagonist and her dingdong husband, but then it just went on and on and on and on in circles, and it felt like I wasn't getting anywhere. I gave up at about 50% and skipped to the end -- it does seem like things got a little crazy and that it ended on a wild note, so I wouldn't discourage people from reading it, especially if they have a higher slow-burn tolerance than me, but I won't be recommending it either.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC!This is like 3.5 stars, but I still had a lot to fun reading this. I read the first half in one sitting and I finished up the other when I had some free time this weekend. It's kind of a basic haunted house story, but it's still worth reading in my opinion. The pages fly by and you get really absorbed into the story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for the review copy of this book.
A Woman of the House is a wonderfully written unsettling thriller. I couldn’t put it down. It has a lot of elements I love in a book: a haunted house, an interesting main character, and a creepy mystery.
Kate Mooney delivered a page turning and chilling thriller. If you enjoy Gothic horror, this one’s for you.
A Woman of the House is a wonderfully written unsettling thriller. I couldn’t put it down. It has a lot of elements I love in a book: a haunted house, an interesting main character, and a creepy mystery.
Kate Mooney delivered a page turning and chilling thriller. If you enjoy Gothic horror, this one’s for you.
April 27, 2026
Started strong but ending fell a little flat. The main character is very interesting. Not really an unreliable narrator but definitely not picking up what she needed to see. Interesting plot. Had me feeling a little mad myself at some points. I think it’s a pretty strong debut. This will be released in October of 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book got under my skin. I loved how tense and unsettling everything felt without trying too hard. Rose also wasn’t a perfect main character, which made her way more interesting. The ending felt a little rushed for me, though.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Full RTC!
May 7, 2026
Rose, recently married, moves states and into a new house with her husband. Little does she know that she can't run away from her past...but neither can the house they just moved into. Is the house haunted or is she haunted? The first half of this book packs a punch! Mooney does a great job narrating, setting the scene and fully developing Rose as the main character. The pacing in the first half of the book is great and feels like you're watching a film. The second half unfortunately falls flat. I guessed the ending when I was 77% in, so that is good as I tend to guess things easily. I did not like the ending. It was a mediocre reveal and there was no closure keeping the book almost open ended like a B rated horror film. I wish there were dates on the chapters so you can see how things were changing. Overall, it was a good read and I did enjoy most of the book. 3.5 stars.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley for this eArc in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley for this eArc in exchange for an honest review!
May 9, 2026
This was an ARC book and I Absolutely loved it. Held my interest through the whole book.
Definitely recommend it for anyone who wants a suspense/ psychological thriller
Definitely recommend it for anyone who wants a suspense/ psychological thriller
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Honestly, The Woman of the House caught me off guard.
I went in expecting a slow, quiet story, and at first I wasn’t sure where it was going. It takes a while to get started.
But once it settled, I started to care more than I expected. The main character really got under my skin in that messy way where you don’t always like her, but you understand her.
I kept reading because I wanted to see how things would turn out. It’s not fast-paced, but there’s a steady tension running through it that builds over time.
That said, the pacing does drag. I found myself skimming a bit in the middle and wishing it would move along faster.
Still, it stuck with me after I finished. A bit uneasy, a bit thoughtful.
If you like character-focused stories that take their time, it’s worth it—just be patient with the beginning.
Thanks NetGalley for the eARC.
I went in expecting a slow, quiet story, and at first I wasn’t sure where it was going. It takes a while to get started.
But once it settled, I started to care more than I expected. The main character really got under my skin in that messy way where you don’t always like her, but you understand her.
I kept reading because I wanted to see how things would turn out. It’s not fast-paced, but there’s a steady tension running through it that builds over time.
That said, the pacing does drag. I found myself skimming a bit in the middle and wishing it would move along faster.
Still, it stuck with me after I finished. A bit uneasy, a bit thoughtful.
If you like character-focused stories that take their time, it’s worth it—just be patient with the beginning.
Thanks NetGalley for the eARC.
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