Reviews

The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas

elizabeth_its_liz_reading's review against another edition

5.0

Wow! I loved this book!

As always with gothic novels, it’s a very slow burn and mostly atmospheric for the first the half, but the second half was incredible.

Definitely understand why this is described as a cross between Rebecca and Mexican Gothic. I think this is very accurate - it does feel like a cross between the two with the addition of Mexican history, discussion of colonization and casta.

monicasf's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

5.0

The pace was great! I was invested from the beginning and felt my skin crawl throughout the book. I loved the main characters, their dynamic, and their chemistry. Andrés’ chapters were some of my favorites. We love a little sin 🤭

Although the haunted hacienda was terrifying, this book is a reminder that sometimes the living, rather than the supernatural, are those we need to fear the most. 

morgalieden's review against another edition

4.0

Similar vibes as Mexican Gothic, but with actual Mexican elements in it. This book would be perfect for people that enjoy casually reading as it has very short chapters. The author does a great job of alternating between the two main characters and years in a way that doesn’t feel jumbled or overdone.

naaaaaaaaat's review against another edition

dark mysterious slow-paced

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

2.0

wayyyyy too long

kateycakee's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.5

mpalma24's review against another edition

adventurous dark tense medium-paced

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

5.0

abigail_reading's review against another edition

dark tense slow-paced

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

3.5

Solid haunted house story. I enjoyed the characters and the story but found it a little slow. It didn’t really scare me at any point either. 

belladonnashrike's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

4.5

ABSOLUTELY. I am so excited to read vampires of el norte!!!!!!

grack21's review against another edition

5.0

4.5, but I read it in a single sitting so I'm rounding up.

bobbyclark's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

The Hacienda ticked all of my gothic boxes and more. The romanticization of the beautifully dreary location, the melding of sublime passion and terror, dripping with the macabre. But it is the deep infusion of Mexican culture and powerful protagonists that made me fall in love with this book. The characters are beautifully tragic and conflicted while also strong and relatable. I would go to war alongside Beatriz, and Andres is perfectly quaint with Constantine levels of inner-darkness. This is now my number one gothic recommendation.