Reviews

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

staceyjazz's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.5

This is the first gothic horror novel I've read that matches Rebecca in delivering atmospheric chills, which makes it a definite four-star read.

hilary314's review against another edition

3.0

This book was wonderfully odd. I was really enjoying it, then it made a shift to a way that I didnt like, but then it made it back to an ending I can live with?

I really loved the setting - I don't think I've ever read a book set in 1950s mexico. The author is excellent at describing the scenes.

jjccrraayy's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

sprouter's review against another edition

4.25

• Not as scary as I thought it would be 
• Liked the audio version - I think it would’ve dragged for me in eyeball version
• Satisfying albeit predicable ending 
• It’s weird ppl comment about how it could be set anywhere and focused too much on the English house- like they completely missed that it’s about colonialism and eugenics 

svreads's review against another edition

5.0

If you’re not one to pick up thrillers or horror, don’t let the name scare you away. I’ve heard this book described as creepy, but not scary, and that’s pretty spot on.

I so enjoyed this one and am genuinely sad it’s over. I can’t stop thinking about this story and these characters!

veronicacanread's review against another edition

dark mysterious fast-paced

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

3.5

styxis's review against another edition

3.0

"The walls speak to me. They tell me secrets. Don’t listen to them, press your hands against your ears, Noemí. There are ghosts. They’re real. You’ll see them eventually.”

Mexican Gothic really captures the sense of helplessness in Neomi's situation. I could feel her being trapped and suffocating slowly in that musty old house, that denies her any means of escape or return to her old life.
However, it sadly took nearly 200 pages for something to actually happen and the imaginery did not really scare me as much as I hoped it would, which is why I am only giving it a 3-star rating.

savvystory's review against another edition

3.0

The pacing of the first half was slow, and this didn't grab me the way mysteries usually do. Perhaps if the relationship between Catalina and Noemi had been deeper, or if their interactions weren't so sparse. The action also doesn't pick up until the back half. The concept is original and horrific, just wish this could have been more of a page turner.

charliegirl21's review against another edition

3.0

It started off great, with really great gothic elements. The premise on which it was built was pretty dumb. It was great writing with a lame plot. I also wish it would have focused more on Mexico and less on the English culture the Doyle family comes from.

sydney_arcuri's review against another edition

4.0

I would like to thank this book for giving me a new fear of mushrooms and old houses!