Author: Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Publisher: Del Ray
Released: June 30th, 2020
Received: Own (BOTM)
Warnings: Sexism, racism, kidnapping

Silvia Moreno-Garcia is back with another enchanting and horrifying tale. One that quite literally blends fantastical elements with horror as well as a few Gothic elements. It makes for a chilling read.

Noemi Taboada had enjoyed her life as a debutante. Every day was full of adventures, riches, and entertainment. Yet when a mysterious letter arrives from her cousin, she must investigate.

The letter takes her to an isolated house in the Mexican countryside, and it doesn’t take her long to learn that nothing is what it appears. There is something dark and sinister residing in this house, and she knows that she must get her cousin away and do so quickly.

“One could construct a hundred different narratives, it didn’t make them true.”

I’ll confess that after hearing so much about Mexican Gothic, I went into this novel with high expectations. Admittedly, they’re probably even higher than I’m letting on because I’m an absolute sucker for a book with a pretty cover (so sue me).

Mexican Gothic surpassed all of my expectations. It was delightful and horrifying all in one. The overall aesthetic is captivating, and Noemi’s character arc is a surprisingly complex one, as she boldly meets the threats head-on.

As far as the horror parts of this novel go, Silvia Moreno-Garcia really nailed the horror of the nameless. It’s an Eldritch horror tale through and through, and it sent absolute chills down my spine. This is a book I would happily watch a movie version of – with the lights on and the sun out.

“I have seen the world, and in seeing it I’ve noticed people seem bound to their vices.”

I know that Mexican Gothic was designed to be a standalone novel, but some part of me desperately wants to see a sequel. I want to see more of Noemi’s life, as well as more of the world that Moreno-Garcia has created here.