Book Review: Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

I’d never willingly stay in a haunted house but read about one, that’s fine for me.

Blurb

After receiving a frantic letter from her newly-wed cousin begging for someone to save her from a mysterious doom, Noemí Taboada heads to High Place, a distant house in the Mexican countryside. She’s not sure what she will find—her cousin’s husband, a handsome Englishman, is a stranger, and Noemí knows little about the region.

Noemí is also an unlikely rescuer: She’s a glamorous debutante, and her chic gowns and perfect red lipstick are more suited for cocktail parties than amateur sleuthing. But she’s also tough and smart, with an indomitable will, and she is not afraid: Not of her cousin’s new husband, who is both menacing and alluring; not of his father, the ancient patriarch who seems to be fascinated by Noemí; and not even of the house itself, which begins to invade Noemi’s dreams with visions of blood and doom.

Her only ally in this inhospitable abode is the family’s youngest son. Shy and gentle, he seems to want to help Noemí, but might also be hiding dark knowledge of his family’s past. For there are many secrets behind the walls of High Place. The family’s once colossal wealth and faded mining empire kept them from prying eyes, but as Noemí digs deeper she unearths stories of violence and madness.

And Noemí, mesmerized by the terrifying yet seductive world of High Place, may soon find it impossible to ever leave this enigmatic house behind.

Review

If you are a fan of Rebecca, Wuthering Heights and The Haunting of Hill House, you will enjoy Mexican Gothic. Now I will say that it is a slow burn. However, the work the author does setting up the scene is fantastic and keeps you longing for more. I felt like I could see every corner of High Place – and it’s certainly nowhere I’d want to stay!

For me, however, Mexican Gothic is not simply a story about a creepy house. The entire book was led by Noemí, who is a feisty, fiercely independent women. I loved how sure of herself she was, and how brave she was in her quest to help her cousin. Don’t be deterred by the glamour of Noemí, she is a strong women.

Although I can’t say I was a major fan of any of the Doyle family (except maybe Francis), they certainly brought a lot to the story. Although I only every encountered them through the pages of a book, they sent a chill down my spine.

I listened to Mexican Gothic rather than read it, and it was a good choice. Although some might thing curled up in bed in the dark might not be the best place to consume the story.

Sounds like it’s up your street? Pick up your copy of the book here.