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A review by awebofstories
The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas
dark
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? No
4.0
When they claim that this book is a mix of Mexican Gothic and Rebecca, they hit the target. This is a good, old-fashioned gothic haunted house story with a menacing former wife.
I suppose describing it makes it sound formulaic, but it really isn't. There are enough details to enrich this tale and keep you guessing truly. Given its comps, I was looking for certain things, but Cañas smartly subverts expectations at key points. She also hits the mark on the atmosphere, creating a community brimming with secrets and things that come out at night.
If I had any complaint about this book, it would be that I would have liked the mercury on the spooky meter to go up just a bit. I don't think this book was especially tame, and I did get a chill now and then, but I was never truly spooked. However, I've been leaning into horror this spooky season, so my tolerance may be on the high side. Another reader might find this frightful (in the appropriate way).
This was an excellent debut, and I hope we get more from Isabel Cañas in the future!
I suppose describing it makes it sound formulaic, but it really isn't. There are enough details to enrich this tale and keep you guessing truly. Given its comps, I was looking for certain things, but Cañas smartly subverts expectations at key points. She also hits the mark on the atmosphere, creating a community brimming with secrets and things that come out at night.
If I had any complaint about this book, it would be that I would have liked the mercury on the spooky meter to go up just a bit. I don't think this book was especially tame, and I did get a chill now and then, but I was never truly spooked. However, I've been leaning into horror this spooky season, so my tolerance may be on the high side. Another reader might find this frightful (in the appropriate way).
This was an excellent debut, and I hope we get more from Isabel Cañas in the future!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Blood, Body horror, and Death