A review by thepercenator
Velvet Was the Night by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

funny mysterious 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

4.0

Overall I enjoyed this book. Initially it took me some time to get into it - I was a bit eh about the characters, but they continued to grow on me more and more and it didn’t take too long for me to get way more invested in them, along with the mystery. I guessed a few things early on that I’m not sure were meant to be surprises

El Gazpacho being killed by El Mago, the film being in the statue Maite stole

, but because they were plot points and not major twists, I didn’t mind too much. I loved how complicated Maite was, with her self esteem issues but also funny way of confidence. She’s herself regardless!

I also loved how Elvis, being someone hired to tail her, is the one who ends up seeing her for the complicated, interesting person she is and he wants to know more. The ending was more open but hopeful, and I really enjoyed that.

I also liked learning a lot about the history surrounding the political climate of the novel. Anyone who didn’t read the author’s note at the end really should! It provides more context if you weren’t aware of the history.