A review by thereadingwells
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

challenging dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This gothic horror novel starts out slow - which initially I disliked, but slowly realized was intentional to build tension, suspense, and atmosphere. When this book picks up, it PICKS UP. I couldn't put it down about 3/4 of the way through, and without saying too much I really appreciated the twist on the horror genre with something other than magical creatures or ghosts. I will say, however, that if you're whatsoever intrigued by mycelium, you might love this book.

Noemí Taboada is our 1950's socialite protaganist. She's sent on what seems like a simple, albeit inconvenient errand by her father (with the promise of a reward) to go check in on her cousin, Catalina, who sends a wild, troubling letter from the home of her new husband in a distant misty, mountainous town.

I don't read horror often, but this was our October 2021 book club pick, and it was perfectly unsettling, gothic, and dark for the occasion without being too gory. The ending felt a little bit abrupt, and I was left with lots of questions. Maybe Silvia Moreno-Garcia will fill us in some other time?
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