Review: The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas

Author: Isabel Cañas
Publisher: Berkley
Released: May 3, 2022
Received: Own (BOTM)
Warnings: Rape (mentioned), colourism, arson

4 kitties

If you love Mexican Gothic, then you’ll love The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas. At least that’s the marketing that sucked me in – and I am so happy for that fact. This is absolutely a book worth reading.

Beatriz has not had the happiest of lives. She lost her father during the overthrow of the Mexican government. Her remaining family members treated her and her mother horribly. It was then that Isabel promised herself that if she could change her fate, she would.

When a wealthy politician offers marriage and a stunning house to her, you better believe that Isabel didn’t hesitate even if he stood for everything she detested. Perhaps she should have known that things were too good to be true.

“When a man makes a promise, he makes it on his honor. When a witch makes a promise, they feel it in their bones.”

If you love that whole gothic and haunted house vibe, then you’ll probably love The Hacienda. This story is dark and unafraid to dive into very real and disturbing plot points in hopes of terrifying its readers. Naturally, it’s quite successful at that!

I think what makes this book so good is the subtlety in which Isabel Cañas writes. There’s so much detail, all of which steadily pushes readers to the point of panic. It’s very well done.

Beatriz’s backstory added a surprising amount to the plot, explaining why she felt trapped long before she ever set foot in the house; what surprised me further, though, was the romantic subplot. I don’t know why I didn’t see that coming! Though I’ll admit that it added to the story, thank you for that.

The Hacienda is told from two main perspectives. The first is Beatriz (obviously). The second is a bit more of a surprise, though his presence helps to show the other side of events. Likewise, his backstory brings a lot to the table.

Long story short, The Hacienda was another chilling addition to my bookshelf, and I am delighted to have read it.

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About Liz (AKA Cat)

I am an avid animal lover, photographer, reader, and much more. While my photography blog is feeling a bit neglected at the moment, the other sites I'm involved in are going strong. ✧I review books, comics, and basically anything else in the literary world over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks (of Books). ✧I review comics and books, as well as write content for Word of the Nerd. ✧I review comics for Monkeys Fighting Robots. ✧I write content for Screen Rant and CBR. ✧I write book reviews for The Review Crew.
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