A review by catapocalypse
The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas

dark mysterious 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

4.0

I had a fun time reading this debut gothic horror! While it gets comped to <i>Mexican Gothic</i>, I'd say being gothic horror set in Mexico is all they really have in common. This is faster-paced and more surface-level, whereas Silvia Moreno-Garcia's book is more thoughtful on its deeper themes and builds it high suspense slowly.

Andrés, the priest with a dark secret, is my favorite part of the book overall. There are ways the plot could have played out that might have been even more compelling, but it's still satisfying. And I personally appreciate the realistic depiction of the effects of a concussion.

I am interested to see what Cañas writes next!
Expand filter menu Content Warnings