Reviews

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

roeckitcody's review against another edition

Haunting. I loved this.

profwrecks's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicide and Sexual assault

jdschmitz's review against another edition

4.0

Mexican Gothic caught my attention right from the start. Although I was at first a little put off by the main character, who seemed somewhat shallow and uninteresting, Moreno-Garcia's compelling writing style soon pulled me in to what quickly proved to be a very intriguing situation. I very much enjoyed the book's highly atmospheric, creepy tone, which I thought struck a very nice balance between the dramatic, verbose style of Gothic fiction and more modern sensibilities. Before long, I also found myself much more interested in the main character, who proves herself to be strong, determined, and clever, and not just a flirtatious socialite. She really shines as she solves the mystery of the house that is at the center of this story and confronts its evil masters. The house itself was one of the most interesting parts of this book; it really added to the menace of the whole situation, mirroring the actions of the villains and contributing lots of rich--and creepy--imagery. Mexican Gothic probably won't cause anyone any nightmares (though there are a few really disturbing incidents), but readers who enjoy a deliciously creepy, atmospheric tale with a strong female protagonist will probably love Moreno-Garcia's tale.

morgalieden's review against another edition

4.0

The book could be painfully slow at times, but eventually it picked up in the last third. If I could rate half stars, I’d give it 3.5 not 4, but I enjoyed it enough that I wouldn’t simply rate it a 3. The author is great at fully painting the picture. I could imagine every part of the story in my mind. I kept thinking on of the main characters would secretly be a villain by the end of it, and was a little sad that they didn’t.

dashie's review against another edition

5.0

I am now utterly and completely terrified of mushrooms.

I think this is a sign to buy every, single book that Silvia Moreno-Garcia has ever written and read the heck out of them! This woman writes confections of literature.

If Gods of Jade and Shadow tasted like gold plated dark chocolate covered sun-dried persimmons then Mexican Gothic is the box of thin mint after eights that my neighbour brought down from England over Christmas. I was captivated and enchanted and completely freaked out. This is what I wanted from Rebecca but didn't get. This is gothic literature.

If I had a million bucks and permission to make any movie I ever wanted, I'd make this! It was just so exquisite. End gushing.

dbenceno's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional funny informative mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

meawarren's review against another edition

3.0

A super creepy tale that has lots of random twists throughout. Not my normal fare but kept me pretty engaged through the end.

highkingtay's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This was probably the book that made me obsessed with Moreno-Garcia as an author. I read "Gods of Jade.." a while ago when I came across the hardcover in the library. The writing style is smooth and sets up a really tense mystery for the protagonist. There's some horror (especially body-related) but nothing that is too grotesque...depending on what kind of movies you've seen haha. I enjoyed the protagonist as well even though she's a bit of a stock character. I still was rooting for her to get to the bottom of the mystery and to save her cousin. Would totally recommend!

alexandriam_rose's review against another edition

4.0

This is definitely gothic horror. And lives up to the gothic part of the title. There is a slow-build for a little more than the first half. It is unassuming and seems like a typical haunted house story until it is definitely more. It is creepy, atmospheric, and really by the end is on the horror side of mystery. I don't end up reading too many true horror books, but I really enjoyed this modern take on classic gothic books. The main character, Noemi, and the Mexican setting were very interesting, but most of it does take place at an English manor with an English family (just in Mexico) leading to a commentary on colonialism which is an interesting undertone.

Overall I wasn't completely shocked but would definitely recommend for the creepy house and family vibes.

ahollofcats's review against another edition

dark mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Interesting story. The writing was hard to follow in some spots but I’m a sucker for a happy ending.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual violence