Please excuse me while I fan girl and gush over this book. Mexican Gothic was on my radar months ago and I have been eager to read it ever since I downloaded my ARC back in February.

That cover is outstanding and the whole summary spoke to my dark heart. One of my favorite authors is Victoria Holt and I absolutely adore all of her books. The author of this book, Silvia Moreno-Garcia wrote a fantastic piece in the book club kit for this book all about the popularity of novels similar to Victoria Holt. It’s worth reading so you should absolutely check it out.

This book was also a Book of the Month pick for July and has been getting a TON of hype especially with the movement for inclusiveness and BIPOC authors in the publishing industry. I think this book came at just the right time and it’s a gem!

Summary
An isolated mansion. A chillingly charismatic artistocrat. And a brave socialite drawn to expose their treacherous secrets…

After receiving a frantic letter from her newly wed cousin begging for someone to save her from a mysterious doom, Noemí Taboada heads to High Place, a distant house in the Mexican countryside. She’s not sure what she will find—her cousin’s husband, a handsome Englishman, is a stranger, and Noemí knows little about the region.

Noemí is also an unlikely rescuer: She’s a glamorous debutante, and her chic gowns and perfect red lipstick are more suited for cocktail parties than amateur sleuthing. But she’s also tough and smart, with an indomitable will, and she is not afraid: Not of her cousin’s new husband, who is both menacing and alluring; not of his father, the ancient patriarch who seems to be fascinated by Noemí; and not even of the house itself, which begins to invade Noemi’s dreams with visions of blood and doom.

Her only ally in this inhospitable abode is the family’s youngest son. Shy and gentle, he seems to want to help Noemí, but might also be hiding dark knowledge of his family’s past. For there are many secrets behind the walls of High Place. The family’s once colossal wealth and faded mining empire kept them from prying eyes, but as Noemí digs deeper she unearths stories of violence and madness. And Noemí, mesmerized by the terrifying yet seductive world of High Place, may soon find it impossible to ever leave this enigmatic house behind. (summary from Goodreads)

Review
How do I even begin to review this book? There are so many points that I want to hit on and discuss and so much that I want to praise but don’t want this post to be thousands of words long! Let me start by saying that if anyone wants to discuss how amazing this book is, EMAIL ME! I would love to discuss! I also included the PDF book club kit here, it has tons of cool stuff in it including a paper doll of Noemí which you don’t want to miss. This was a great addition to the novel and I loved reading the author notes.

I know that some people criticized this book as not being ‘horror enough’. Some reviews I read felt that this book just scratched the surface of horror and didn’t dive into more complex themes in the genre. Some also said that this book played on typical horror troupes and didn’t bring anything ‘new’ to the genre. I need to say how much I disagree with some of these reviews. While I might be new to horror, I think the point of this book was to bring back some of the splendor and adoration for the classic modern Gothic novels such as Rebecca and other authors like Phyllis Whitney, Mary Stewart and Victoria Holt. I definitely got that impression after I read the piece by the author in the book club kit.

Could the tropes and themes have been more nuanced and explored? Sure, but as it was, I loved this book and felt that it was perfect for fans of the classic modern Gothic novel such as me. This book is categorized as horror but if you don’t read horror or aren’t into that genre really, I think you will still like this book. There are supernatural elements and a haunted house, but if you love historical fiction I think you would still find something to love in this book. It had a lot to recommend itself!

One of the big things that stood out to me in this book as unique was the setting. I adored the setting of this book. So many Gothic novels are set in England and with this one being set in Mexico, I thought it added an exotic feel while at the same time conjuring classic images of the foggy English moors. Now when I think of Mexico I don’t think of desert landscapes, but rather foggy cliffs and ravines. The author did an excellent job with the setting.

The main character Noemí was just the right amount of sassy and defiant to be interesting and likable. On the surface she seemed like such a spoiled brat but as we got to know her, it was clear she had a soft spot for her cousin, Catalina, and wanted to help her in any way that she could. Francis was the unlikely and unexpected hero of the book. There wasn’t any need for a romance in this one but we got a little romance all the same and I thought it was sweet and I loved that Naomi went for the underdog instead of the ‘dangerous’ man who dominates the genre.

This book is probably going to be one of my favorite reads of the year. It was haunting and nostalgic at the same time. I have been searching for modern takes on the classic Gothic novel and all I ever seem to find are domestic suspense novels…..this book was written for me and I absolutely loved it. I sure hope she writes more novels like this or even set in this same world with new or familiar characters from this book. I can’t sing the splendor of this book any louder! Read it, you will love it!

Mexican-Gothic-book-club-kit

Well-worth all the hype its been getting, and if the advance publicity doesn’t do it, the cover will pull you in. All I can say is I’ll never look at fungus and mushrooms in the same way. Moreno-Garcia is up to writing a story equal to Bronte or du Maurier in this post-colonial story of a racist English family who own silver mines in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Mexico.

When I picked up this book for the first time, I was immediately drawn into the atmosphere and the environment that was High Place (the mansion that our main character, Noemi, goes to when her cousin sends her a disturbing letter and wants to find out what’s going in this house). Silvia’s descriptions of the mansion were so intricate and it really gave off this sense of foreboding that stuck with me throughout the whole novel. This is definitely a slow burn but that’s what makes the ending even better and even more shocking. I won’t spoil anything but I did not see anything coming and there were a lot of jaw dropping moments that probably will be in my nightmares soon (hopefully not but that’s how creepy this book was!!). This was my first book written by this author and I definitely want to pick up the rest of books because I absolutely loved her atmospheric writing as well her character development with Noemi. This was a really really well done novel that you should definitely pick up if you are a fan of creepy houses, jaw dropping plot twists, and slow burn thriller/horror novels.

Mesmerizing, creepy, atmospheric and destined to join the list of gothic greats.

Plot-wise, Mexican Gothic is about a smart, savvy socialite in 1950s Mexico who's enlisted to rescue her sister after the family receives a strange and disturbing letter. Things unravel quickly after Noemi arrives at High Place, the manor above an old mining town. But that's just the beginning. Mexican Gothic also has plenty to say about class, power, exploitation and eugenics.

Recommended for fans of Rebecca (of course), but I'd also say if you like the Haunting of Hill House, definitely pick this one up.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s novel Mexican Gothic deserves to be heralded as a new classic of the genre. It’s tempting to say that Moreno-Garcia brings a breath of fresh air to the Gothic novel, but as fans know, Gothics leave no room for fresh air. They’re claustrophobic and dread-filled; the walls of their crumbling, oppressive mansions are always, in one way or another, closing in.

What Moreno-Garcia does with the genre, then, is something else. Call it putting equal weight on both words of the title. The story is both unmistakably Gothic—full of suspicion, paranoia, literal and figurative darkness—and proudly Mexican, rooted in a specific culture and time in a way that expands and enhances the story.

(continued at chireviewofbooks.com)

I read somewhere that Silvia Moreno-Garcia said this book was for the "trashy but classy reader." Which is me! So obviously I liked this book. And I loved reading a suspense/thriller/horror book that takes place in 1950s Mexico. In Mexican Gothic, Noemí Taboada gets a worrisome letter from her cousin who married into an English family. So she goes to their haunted house called High Place and stays with the whole family of creepers and jerks. I was expecting more gothic horror, and this ended up being a little more fantasy/supernatural.

🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 4.5 Stars (Closer to the Five Star Mark)

Mexican Gothic will have you scrubbing that mildew off your shower walls extra hard and whisper thinly veiled threats to your portabellas.

Last year, I read Moreno-Garcia's Gods of Jade and Shadow. While I enjoyed that book's mythology, Mexican Gothic wins my heart. Moreno-Garcia has a way of writing historical fantasy that toes the lines of magical realism. Her books are perfect for readers who love a rich, well-crafted setting.

Dude, the use of mushrooms? Genius! The "superior white race" commentary? Phenomenal! A snarky socialite that doesn't listen to no man even though it's the 1950s? Hilarious.

Moreno-Garcia dives deep into research, and it shows. The intricate knowledge of fungi and its real historical functions creates a strong authority. I started to believe every mushroom factoid, even the supernatural ones.

The novel opens up in 1950s Mexico City. Noemi is the influencer prototype: mindful of gossip about her in the newspaper and hyperaware of the company she keeps. Our main character parties, sneaks around at night, and flirts with men she can’t marry for the thrill. Her father describes her as “flighty” and “stubborn.” He asks her to come down to Earth and visit her cousin, Catalina. He believes that she needs psychiatric help. He’s worried Catalina’s new husband is refusing to send her to a facility because he won’t have access to her money. He makes a deal with Noemi: investigate and handle the situation, then she’ll get to go to graduate school.

Noemi leaves the familiar and enters the unknown: The High Place. This manor has seen better days. Its decoration seems decades behind and the fashion worn by the caretakers. There is a mandatory rule that English is the only language allowed on the property. This isn’t an obstacle for Noemi; she’s rich! She went to private schools all her life. She thinks the rule is laughable, but Noemi should have seen this as the oppressive, racist, imperialist move that it is. The longer Noemi stays, she realizes there’s something weird about the high place. The caretakers never talk, Florence is too controlling, and there are bees in the walls?

A lot works in this novel—the magic mushrooms, the isolation, the social structure, setting, character drives, etc. There are fantastic allusions to “Woman in the Yellow Wallpaper” and The Haunting of Hill House. Moreno-Garcia gives a breath of fresh air into a classic horror genre that newbies and horror buffs can appreciate. There's something in this book for everyone!

However, I do have a few gripes. The strong moments are when Moreno-Garcia immerses the reader into the scene. The hallucinations, dreams, flashbacks, and mushy weirdness works because we are just as confused as Noemi. There is a critical point where Noemi learns about how the fungi functions, but the characters start to reexplain the vision Noemi just saw. Yes, our girl is in shock, but it feels redundant. This is a little disappointing because there are moments of “telling” that work. For example, the found text works because Noemi stumbles upon texts that reveal critical character background about our host--Howard. Then there is the fact that Howard can’t understand Spanish even though he theoretically should be able to. It’s ridiculous but believable because of how incredibly racist he is.

UM THIS WAS SO GOOD? It's hard to find something to say about it that isn't just gjklngkjhgvkvhjbl. The worldbuilding is excellent. The characters are well-drawn. The sense of dread rose with every subsequent chapter. And now as of today it's a New York Times bestseller? It's a well-deserved honor, because the twists and turns of this book are still haunting me and I finished it a little bit ago.

This is my first book by Moreno-Garcia (I have Gods of Jade and Shadow but I haven't started it yet) but I know it won't be my last. This was an AMAZING story and everyone should pick it up.

Believe all the hype!!! This book is great! These are the 3 things I love the most about it:

1: Noemí Taboada (main character) #YasssGirl
She is a stubborn, smart, sassy Latina that will grab your attention pretty quick. A force to be reckoned with and you’ll feel it right from the very beginning.

2. The descriptions on this book are next level! I felt like I was walking inside this house and watching everything that happened there with my own two eyes. Like a Guillermo del Toro movie, beautifully eerie and haunting.

3. The many subtopics brought to light masterfully woven within the horror-gothic theme: feminism, eugenics, classism.

Just one warning, if you read at night you might be scared of what you will dream about.

PS: Go ahead and GET THIS BOOK!

Sometimes you just KNOW that you're going to love a book. With Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, it was love at first sight. Vibrant jewel tones and a woman in a gorgeous dress caught my eye, and when I spotted GOTHIC right in the title, I was sold. Gothic novels are my all time favorite!

I was approved on NetGalley to read an advanced reader copy, but I just did not want to read this book on my Kindle! I wanted to read it as a real life book!! So I waited. The day it was released I bought a copy at my Barnes and Noble. Seeing the book in person and holding it in my hands, I knew I made the right decision.

SYNOPSIS:

Charming socialite Noemi is summoned by a peculiar letter from her newlywed cousin claiming she is being poisoned and seeing ghosts. Worried about her cousin, Noemi travels to High Place, a decaying mansion resting in the Mexican countryside inhabited by the strange family her cousin married into, and perhaps something more sinister.

WHAT I LIKED:

The setting!! Mexico in the 50's is a fantastic setting for a classic gothic story. Not only is Noemi's wardrobe gorgeous, I loved vicariously experiencing Mexican high society.
The house!! I LOVE A BIG SCARY HOUSE!
The characters!! Naomi is clever and funny - I loved watching her solve the mystery! Other characters in the book were just as fascinating.
The dialogue! Naomi has some great lines. Reading her banter and flirt made me wish Mexican Gothic was a movie.
So scary! I don't know why, but I didn't expect this book to creep me out. There were quite a few parts that were unsettling and disturbing and gross and super scary.
Back to me wishing this book was a movie - I love that I could see Guillermo del Toro directing it. There's a few similarities to Crimson Peak - a big house, family secrets, and a smart, captivating main character. He could really do this story justice with the lush surroundings, the moldy, deteriorating house and spine-chilling scares!



RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A thrilling and horrific read that I enjoyed immensely (and was extremely terrified by)! Moreno-Garcia does a great job of building suspense and laying the foundation for the big reveal(s) without giving too much away. I adored Noemí's character, she is smart, tough, confident, and compassionate; I connected with her character immediately. Moreno-Garcia does a fantastic job of creating a gothic horror novel that merges older imagery with modern ones--and importantly incorporating the racism and violence faced by indigenous folks in Mexico and how that is perpetuated by colonizers and their descendants--into something that feels new and so scary. The horror elements are heavy on the body gore, and there are mentions of child abuse, sexual assault, and more, so that is something I will keep in mind when recommending this book to patrons. I won't look at mushrooms the same again, for sure!

I think this title a fantastic addition to the gothic horror genre and look forward to more of Moreno-Garcia's work!

This one is difficult for me to review, because on one hand, I LOVED everything about the characters and the writing. Seriously, the writing was STELLAR. The first 25% felt like the perfect gothic suspense you can sink your teeth into on a chilly spring afternoon curled up in blankets. I thought for sure this would be a five star book. And oh, it is worth all the stars! That is ... if you like horror.

I unfortunately didn't realize this sat in the horror genre, and I slowly and a bit painfully learned the hard way that it was much too creepy for me. I'm talking creepy, weird, icky, and it keeps ramping up the further you get. Unfortunately at one point, I had to sit it down for good. I let a friend spoil me because of course I had to know all the secrets, and I'm rather glad I didn't finish.

So, it's for sure a "me, not you' situation here. But hat's off to the author for stellar atmosphere and beautiful strings of words!

First thing to note about this book is that it is unsettling, wild and unforgettable. We think that this will be a classic Gothic story but it turns into a mystery wrapped up in a reflection on class, sexuality, and family.

Our introduction to this world is when Noemi goes to a remote town to visit her cousin after receiving a disturbing letter. There we meet the creepy family with their strict rules and old fashioned attitudes. This is set during 1950's Mexico, a time where attitudes about women were still steeped in the past, yet the glamour of the times was starting to change how women lived. Noemi is a pampered rich girl who is smart enough to know how to deal with all sorts of people but coming to the Doyle house is unlike anything she has ever dealt with.

The real star of the story is the house and it's past. It is disturbing in how it is built, how it is run and what happens when you fall asleep. I found myself flying through the pages to see what the hell was actually happening and why. When we finally get our answers it is not the end of the story and I loved that aspect as the why becomes secondary to how Noemi will deal with a situation that seems hopeless.

Readers who enjoy atmospheric tales will find themselves absorbed in this book. The reveals are unexpected, the characters are intriguing as to how horrible they can be to each other, and it is all wrapped up in a luscious story that as a Latina, I was ecstatic to read. Books on immigration are important but I would love to see more Latinx book that have absolutely nothing to do with it and instead highlight a culture that is filled with richness, far from the regular stereotypes of what Mexico "should" look like.

No me extrañes corazón, que regreso en el camión
“Do not miss me, sweetheart, I’ll be back by bus” (p. 112)
Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s novel Mexican Gothic embraces classic gothic-horror. Noemí travels to visit her cousin Catalina, who has become ill after moving into her husband’s family estate. We are introduced to the Doyle family, English natives, who occupy High Place. There is Catalina’s husband Virgil and his father Howard who run the estate. Also living in the old home is Virgil’s sister Florence and her son Francis, who has a passion for Mycology and befriends Noemí. Noemí struggles to understand the family’s mysterious dark past and even more mysterious home, which seems to be sentient.Moreno-Garcia has a mastery of imagery in this novel. It is romantic, suspenseful, and creepy. It kept me engaged until the very end.

'Mexican Gothic' by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a wonderfully dark story filled with twisting paths and wicked antagonists. I absolutely loved it.

Centering around wealthy Mexican socialite, Noemi Taboada, the story follows her to a creepy old mansion in the countryside in response to a desperate sounding letter from her recently-wed cousin Catalina. The missive is fraught with anxiety and implores the family to send someone to save her. Her father doesn't really take it seriously and neither does she, they both think the girl is on the dramatic side, but he asks her to go for a visit to assuage his mind in any case and see if she does indeed need help.

Upon her arrival, what she finds is a seemingly menacing new husband.. not the classy, charismatic Englishman Catalina seemed to be marrying, a chilling patriarch who appears to be obsessed with racial traits and uncomfortably interested in Noemi, and a household run with a rigidity that is unlike anything she's ever experienced. Having come from the city.. a glamorous debutante with her choice of parties and dates to accompany her.. regardless of her sometimes inconsiderate behavior, High Place is definitely a culture shock.

Francis, brother to her cousin's new husband, seems to be the only one who might be trustworthy. Unlike Virgil, Francis is rather soft-spoken, gentle, and seems to want only to help her. Though he too may be hiding dark familial secrets and as the house begins to invade Noemi's dreams, she digs deeper.. trying to get to the bottom of what's happening in an attempt to help her cousin.

Honestly, the family is messed up. Howard, the patriarch.. is the most unpleasant person to experience. Even sitting at a meal with him.. trying to have a regular discussion, it's pretty plain that his views are so removed from polite society.. I'd want nothing to do with him. The moment he appeared in the story.. I disliked him.

The house is managed by Florence, Howard's niece, and she's almost equally unpleasant. Her demands of structure seem outrageous and the friendliest emotion she seems to manage is disdain.

I really believed I knew early on what the origin of the family was going to be.. but I was wrong. It's an incredibly unorthodox story and I love that it wasn't explained in a big 'gotcha' reveal.. so much as a slow, dawning understanding. For me personally, I felt I was sort of battered over the head with the symbolism a bit too frequently, but it's plausible that zealotry could manifest in that way.

Initially, I thought the book started out a little slowly, but as I read on I came to believe it was a methodical pace designed to put the reader in that carefree, rich party girl headspace. It gave me a chance to settle in, frown at the main character, and be dismissive of what was ahead because it didn't feel pressing. Likewise, my first impressions of the Doyle family only encouraged that thinking. I found them rude and cold, but not necessarily frightening.

Moreno-Garcia does a fantastic job of making sure the reader is exactly where she wants us to be. She's unafraid to use truly disturbing themes and manages to convey graphic scenes without the usual accompanying language. She's a gifted writer and now I find myself curious about one of her previous works, 'Gods of Jade and Shadow,' as well.

If you're thinking about picking this up and you like gothic horror, this is for you. There's plenty of mystery and extremely uncomfortable interactions to keep you turning the pages even before you understand what has occurred.

If I’m being completely honest I picked this book based purely on the beauty of the cover and because I’ve kind of been on a gothic horror/mystery glom lately. Also, who can resist a spooky house set in 1950s Mexico?

The pacing is slow as this author sets the stage for her big reveal at the end and I gotta tell you… it worked for me. From the moment Noemi steps foot in High Place in all it’s dark, musty, decaying glory readers have an idea that she’s in for trouble. The setting is spooky and atmospheric, I kind of felt like I had jumped inside a well-drawn 1950s horror movie.

You’ll be positively disgusted by the family who owns High Place (or maybe the family that High Place owns…????) and thrilled with Noemi’s insistence on being her own person and finding out what the hell is going on. There almost might be a low-key love interest who is also her help in navigating the madness.
And the climax and ending are amazing.

This was just what I needed. Really enjoyed.

Mexican Gothic is a masterpiece.

While I have never been a fan of gore, I have enjoyed horror primarily gothic horror which, Silvia Moreno-Garcia has capture so well in her new release. Mexican Gothic is a slow burn. You first introduced to a heroine you know you are going to love. Noemi is intelligent, charismatic, and savvy, and resourceful, which are the qualities we find out she desperately needs to navigate her stay at High Place.

Moreno-Garcia is such a great storyteller. The plot was artfully drawn out and detailed without being annoyingly descriptive. This book was everything a gothic novel should be and then some. I can't wait to read her other books.

Well, the title of this book is certainly accurate.

Glamorous socialite Noemi is sent to check on her cousin Catalina, who has recently married and moved to her husband's home near the village of El Triunfo. The Doyles are a British mining family in decline. Noemi finds her cousin in a terrible state, she alternates between exhaustion and wild hallucinations. Her husband and his family do not seem overly concerned. Noemi attempts to get to the bottom of her cousin's illness as the house takes on a life of its own.

This is a wonderful Gothic tale. The 1950's Mexico setting amplifies the gloomy setting. Noemi's life in Mexico City is glamorous and exciting, but also filled with shallow relationships and limited expectations. She yearns to further her education and prove herself a serious person, but is underestimated by her domineering father. At High Place she must stand on her own two feet and trust her own judgement when confronted with terrifying visions and dreams. The Doyles are delightfully sinister. Catalina's husband Virgil is at first charming, but is in fact a leering creep. His father Howard is elderly and appears to be deteriorating before our eyes. He immediately begins talking to Noemi about eugenics which is never a good sign. Virgil's cousin Florence acts as housekeeper and she takes an immediate dislike to Noemi. Only Florence's son Francis tries to make their guest feel remotely comfortable.

Noemi is a great main character. At first she seems like a privileged dilettante, but she proves herself intelligent, strong and quick witted. When confronted with the true horror of her situation she does not give in, but will fight for her life. The plot is a bit slow moving, but once all the secrets are revealed, the book gets really exciting.

The characters and atmospheric setting kept me interested throughout the entire book.

Seeing this gorgeous cover, would you ever think you were picking up a scary book? I didn’t!
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When socialite Noemí receives a letter from her cousin Catalina begging for someone to save her from a mysterious doom, Noemí heads to High Place, an isolated estate in the Mexican countryside. Catalina’s English husband is a virtual stranger to Noemí, and she’s unfamiliar with the area, but she is undaunted by the unknown.
Silvia Moreno-Garcia has a gift with writing Mexican mythology and folklore and fully drawing in the reader to her vivid narrative. This novel was so colorful with the description that I could visualize the clothing, the wallpaper, the grounds and the gore. A movie would probably have made me cringe (I’m a wimp), but I found myself intrigued by the story more than scared.
I’m such a fan of reading great #ownvoices authors, and this one really delivered.

Noemí receives a letter from her recently married cousin Catalina. In the letter is a plea for help that doesn’t make much sense. Noemí’s father sends her on a trip to check on her dear cousin and see what can be done to help her.

High Place is an old mansion in the Mexican countryside with many secrets. When Noemí arrives, she begins to realize that something truly horrible is wrong at the Doyle mansion. All she has to do is find out how to fix it and rescue her cousin from its clutches.

This is not my typical type of book. I am a wimp, and horror is generally not my cup of tea. I picked this one up because I have enjoyed several gothic novels over the years, including Rebecca and Wuthering Heights. Mexican Gothic has that same classic feel. The setting is haunting and perfectly described. The storyline is intriguing. The novel has a slow build, and when everything is revealed, it is a quick read until the end.

I do like that the heroine of this novel, Noemí, is a strong female, and the primary focus isn’t a romantic one. It is truly horrifying to watch as she discovers what is happening.

This book is very well-done for the genre. It is unique, descriptive, and cleverly written. The author even touches on heavier themes in history. The discussion on the Doyle family keeping their bloodline pure was revolting, and also thought-provoking. I found this book to be very DARK and graphic. Many scenes will potentially make you sick to your stomach.

If you love smart horror novels, then Mexican Gothic may be right up your alley.

TW/CW: attempted rape, assault, murder, supernatural elements, violence, suicide, psychological abuse, incest, sexual scenes, handful of curse words.