The atmosphere in this book is everything, creepy gothic old house where something is not quite right. If you liked the atmosphere in Hill House I think you'd like the atmosphere here, not the same but similar creepy-ass vibes. It's a slow character-driven story that builds, as we get to know Noemí and her relationship with her cousin and her husbands family, we get to know the house as the plot develops which for me only enhanced the creepy atmosphere and made it all the more impactful. Plot-driven readers may find the start a bit slow, but I'd recommend powering through the beginning, you won't be disappointed.

As an anthropology student myself, I loved the shoutouts to Evans-Pritchard and other anthro classics. It's great to see a woman in a historical fiction pursuing academia purely because she loves learning (and how she applied her knowledge at certain points in the story was ace *chef's kiss*). I loved all the facets of Noemí's complex personality, but that aspect especially made me so happy.

The only thing I wish the book had more of was Mexico. We get little tidbits at the beginning and throughout the story, as Noemí talks about her family and remembers past events, but most of the story happens within an English-style manor with English speaking characters. Which I know this is the intent of the book and makes sense within the characters and plot (and greater conversations about colonialism and wealth) but I would have liked a bit more Mexico. Maybe if when the characters spoke Spanish we got the Spanish text and then an English translation as I've seen done in other books with other languages recently? (Which may well be a thing, just not in the ARC I've read.)

Overall I've been anticipating this book for a while, was super excited when Net Galley granted me an ARC and it didn't let me down. It lived up to the creepy gothic vibes, and did a lot of really cool stuff along the way, discussing really important themes and giving us a complex woman main protagonist. I'd recommend this book to people who love gothic stories, atmospheric horror, or anyone who's looking for a good horror plot that also has great developed characters. I'm excited to buy this with the beautiful cover when it comes out in a couple of weeks from Quercus Books!

Mexican Gothic was an absolute gripper. I flew through this with the urgent need to know what was going to happen next at every moment. It's almost as though I was captive in the book’s central gothic estate and simply could not escape until I finished – although I’m sure I had a much more enjoyable time than some of these characters did.

The story follows Noemí Taboada – a wealthy, city-bred socialite who seems most at home in the center of a party with a champagne glass in hand. Her father may imply that she’s flighty, but Noemí would likely argue that she only prefers to enjoy life one day at a time. If she changes clothes, career paths and romantic partners at a drop of a hat, it’s simply because she has no interest in making serious commitments without assessing all her options first.

She doesn’t seem a natural match for the aesthetic of a gothic estate, but a concerning letter from her newly-married cousin Catalina has her quickly journeying to such a very place out in the Mexican countryside. The letter begs Noemí to save her, and despite Catalina’s husband Virgil Doyle dismissing this as the ravings of an illness, Noemí is sent out to assess if her cousin truly does need help. Noemí's suspicions are only further raised after the cool greeting she receives once she arrives at High Place, the estate home owned by the Doyle family where Catalina now lives. The members of the Doyle family restrict Noemí’s access to her cousin, adamant that their care of Catalina is more than adequate without the help of an interfering relative.

She finds no kind respite within the house itself, either. Although once an impressive home when the family-owned silver mines were operational, the house has since fallen into disrepair as the family fortune began to dwindle. It’s now more adequately described as an unsettling shell of former glory. There are some rooms that are completely out of use, subtle signs of mold growing in rooms that are still functional, and every hint of past luxuries are diminished. But the longer Noemí stays at High Place, the more it becomes frighteningly apparent that the Doyle's home hides far more sinister secrets than she first suspects.

I think what this book does so well is creating such an evocative, haunting ambience – something aided greatly by the captivating voice of the third-person narration and wonderful prose. The setting and atmosphere were well crafted and could rapidly flip from entrancing to disquieting in equal measure. The descriptions on everything from character outfits to the dilapidated state of High Place itself were vividly rich. Once the darker elements that makes this a horror story began to make their appearance, it’s this powerful imagery that adds to a growing sense of foreboding seems to seep into your conscious with every turned page.

The characterizations are another strong point to the novel for me. Florence’s domineering will cause you to grit your teeth. Virgil will seem intriguing in a way that still gets those chills crawling down your back. Francis will appear shyly endearing yet keep you wondering just how many family secrets he hides. Even Catalina turns out to be much more than a damsel in distress. But it’s Noemi who truly shines. I was rooting for this unconventional party girl and her stubborn determination all the whole way through. I was entertained by her casual, deliberate defiance of the strange Doyle house rules and her refusal to be daunted when some of the creepier aspects came into play. Her lack of patience for the racism and interest in eugenics displayed by certain characters was also terribly endearing.

I’ll admit to being part of the target audience here, having enjoyed many other Gothic and horror reads in the past. But even if this genre isn’t your usual cup of tea, I would still suggest giving Mexican Gothic a try simply for the excellent prose, intense atmosphere and intriguing characters. Silvia Moreno-Garcia never fails to spin a great story.

Thank you to NetGalley, Quercus, and Jo Fletcher Books for the eARC!

I would be the first to admit that horror/gothic/paranormal genres do not usually feature prominently on my reading lists. But it was Silvia Moreno-Garcia. What was I supposed to do?

And Silvia Moreno-Garcia being Silvia Moreno-Garcia, she smashes it out of the park. Her style is so perfectly suited to the story, and the way she slowly ratchets up the creepy tension is just unbelievable. It is pretty much the perfect novel.

Mexican Gothic is, as the title suggests, a gothic novel set in Mexico. It follows Noemí, whose cousin writes to her father to ask for help, saying something about how her husband, a man they barely know, is poisoning her. When Noemí arrives, she finds a creepy house and a threatening family, but no clear indication of why her cousin is feeling like this.

As ever, Moreno-Garcia’s writing is beautiful and evocative. It’s perfect for the setting because it makes everything just that bit more creepy. That and the way she builds tension just makes the whole thing brilliant. I am very glad I didn’t read this at night because I would definitely have scared myself too much.

I think the only thing that could have made this book better was if I had actually read any gothic literature. It’s like that time I read Northanger Abbey and didn’t get half the humour of it. I’m not saying you can’t enjoy this book not having read gothic literature, I just think it adds to the appreciation of it all (I mean, the wallpaper, I think, would make more sense if I knew what it was about). And that’s probably why, for me, it was 4 stars and not 5.

But anyway. This is definitely a book you all need to be getting on as soon as it’s out.

This book absolutely blew me away. I wasn't entirely sure I'd enjoy this book going into it as it's in a genre (horror) that I've never really read much of but the synopsis sounded so intriguing that I just had to give it a go. And I loved it.

Mexican Gothic follows Noemí as she attempts to rescue her cousin Carolina after the family receives a worrying letter suggesting Carolina's new husband and his family home are not all as they seem. In the house, Noemí begins to realise how strange things really are and starts to wonder if she and Carolina are going mad, or whether there really is something going on inside High Place.

For me, the absolute best thing about this book was the atmosphere, Moreno-Garcia crafts an absolutely amazing setting. Noemí is stranded in a remote and dilapidated mansion, away from anyone she knows, and I felt that. There was an uneasiness in the story that was translated so well and I felt that I could feel exactly what it would be like in this mysterious house. I, like Noemí, was uneasy. This book was so deliciously creepy, I'm not necessarily one for gore and jump scares so this was right up my alley, this was the kind of story that makes your hair stand on end and has you really questioning what is going on and who you can really trust, it was absolutely exceptional.

Noemí herself was a solid lead, although my one complete about this novel would be that while Noemí herself was wonderfully developed and we got to know her so well over the course of the novel, some of the other characters felt like they could have done with some more time spent on them. But this was very much a plot and Noemí driven story, rather than one driven by a whole host of characters.

And the plot was certainly something. This book while mainly a gothic horror novel also largely revolves around a mystery; the main issue I find with mysteries is that very few of them find that sweet spot between dropping too many hints and not dropping enough. I want to have enough clues that I can at least guess at the ending, but I don't want to be 100% right, or at least I don't want to be sure that I am until the very last second. Moreno-Garcia did this perfectly, there were some hints I picked up on, and there were some that I did not and while I guessed at some aspects of the ending, the majority of it took me completely by surprise. The ending was not necessarily my 'perfect ending' but it was delivered very well, and made sense given the story we had been through.

All in all this was a highly enjoyable read and one that I found myself unable to put down. The atmosphere was mesmerising, Noemí extremely likeable, and the story itself was so captivating. It doesn't matter what kind of thing you like in a story if you like solid writing and an engaging, mysterious, and creepy atmosphere then I highly recommend picking up this book.

Trigger Warning for Sexual Assault

4.5/5

This is my first Silvia Moreno-Garcia and I went into it blindly . I am not a person who reads horrors in general , but I enjoyed 'Mexican Gothic' a lot. The book definitely starts slowly and sweetly but don't let it fool you! Such creepiness !! I read the last 70% of the book in a day!

I don't want to delve into summary as I mainly want to gush about this book and it is better if you get into this book blindly as the trigger warnings are very spoilery. If you are okay with the words "creepy", " darkly delicious", "wtf is happening" this is your book[ though I slept perfectly in the night] , and , er...uh the sci-fi element is never far away.

Now, let's talk about the negatives [ not really ] without getting much into the spoilers . The only thing I didn't understand [didn't buy is a better word] is the motive behind all of these , well there is a clear motive but what I mean is that what was the point? Although I am aware of the fact that you don't always need clear reasoning , the desire of power and greed is enough. Oh, another thing , I wanted more romance , the existing one was definitely not enough. MORE ROMANCE!!

Now, I definitely want to read Gods of Jade and Shadow .

Ps, Did I mention her good writing style and beautiful prose?

I received an e-ARC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was un-put-down-able for me. It instantly reeled me in with its highly complex, fleshed out, and intriguing main character. I fell in love with Noemi in an instant. She is everything you can ask for in a main character - smart, inquisitive, unrelenting, cunning and flawed in her own ways. My interest was piqued at all times while reading. The book is imaginative, descriptive and alluring with its words. It perfectly captures the essence of every character whether cruel or kind. The imagery it gave me will stay with me for a long time, as well, as the characters and the story.

Also, I knew there was a reason for my distrust of mushrooms.

A gothic dilapidated mansion up a perpetually foggy mountain, centuries old dark secrets, rumours of ghosts and whispering walls? Yes please!!

When a frantic and incoherent letter is received by Noemi's father from his niece, Catalina, recently married into the Doyle family, that she is being poisoned by her new husband and kept against her will, he sends
Noemi, a sassy, feisty, spoilt socialite as an envoy of the family to High Place to check on her and report back.

What Noemi finds is a run down mansion, damp and mouldy, with a family of inhabitants that are strange, unwelcoming and unfriendly. She is shocked when she sees Catalina, a shadow of her former bubbly self. Noemi's enquiries of and visits to Catalina are strongly discouraged by the family and as Noemi starts to experience strange dreams and flashbacks, she finds that perhaps not all of Catalina's claims are entirely untrue.

This is a dark and twisted read to give you some very creepy vibes. Think The Silent Companions meets We Have Always Lived in the Castle. Beautifully written, 1950's Mexico, it's people and culture comes alive. This book is a slow burner, particularly the first half but it is nonetheless gripping as it sets the scene for long held secrets and familial horrors to be revealed slowly, all the while ratcheting up the suspense, the tension and the horror!

Review to be published when the book is released.



This book was so amazing!!
At the beginning, I didn’t know what to expect, and while I was reading it, new theories were coming to my mind to be replaced by the next one and still I was surprised until the end.

TW: incest, cannibalism, descriptive gore, drugs, child death, attempted rape.

It was absolutely addictive. I went though different phases thinking it was going to be a family drama with some kind of supernatural horror, a traditional old fashioned haunted house with ghosts but the reality blew out all my expectations. When my mind finally clicked I was left in awe of the author’s ability to surprise the reader with such a finely woven plot.

The ambience is just so dark, so oppressive, so brilliantly done. I usually don’t get scared by books, but this was beyond just being scared, I could feel the tense atmosphere and I was hooked to this pages until I finished it because I needed to know how everything was going to end. All the elements work perfectly: the haunted house, the family, the tragic events, the mysteries. I can’t really describe it in all the details that I would like as I would spoil it for you. This is one of those novels that you will enjoy much more the less you know about it.

At the beginning, I kind of disliked Noemí, the main character, but as I went on reading I grew fond of her and now that I have finished the book I see how this is done completely on purpose. The evolution of her character is stunning. She starts the book as a spoiled rich mexican kid who cares only about herself and what she wants to do in life but the end of her journey will be on another lane. The rest of the characters are equally good, they all work in a perfect equilibrium with the rest of the elements creating this delicate plot.

The only downside that I can find is that it may be a bit slow at the beginning. The way that it starts is very different to where it’s going to take us, so I can understand that at the beginning it may be a bit tedious, while the first pieces of plot are set in motion. It gives a false idea of safety at the beginning. On the other hand, it is a weird book, in an absolutely good way, in my case. But I can understand that this might put some people off reading it.

Mexican Gothic is the kind of book that will haunt you for years to come. It's the kind of book that will make you yearn for a feeling like that again. It is dark, it is twisted and it is so entralling and bewitching that it is hard to put into words. It is the book I will spend all year thrusting desperately into people's hands while screaming READ IT. It is a book I wish I could read for the first time again, because the horror and shock and awe was captivating.

So what's it all about? Noemí receives a frantic and odd letter from her cousin, Catalina, full of frantic pleas to help her as she thinks her husband is trying to poison her. In a bid to find out exactly what the f**k is going on Noemí travels to High Place, the mysterious mansion where Catalina now lives with her husband and his odd, dysfunctional family. In this damp and mould covered house, Noemí is met with fierce disapproval and downright hatred from all except one, Francis, who she enlists in her attempts to work out what's going on.

And boy, it's a fucking ride. This book is so delightfully twisted and creepy. At first glance, this evokes the feelings of classic gothic novels: the fog, the house, the wilderness encroaching on the humanity and living people inside. But Moreno-Garcia has brought an entirely modern twist to the genre, blending elements of the supernatural with science and academia, creating a book that is both a love story to classic gothic and embraces modern dark academia. In daylight, it is a gothic mystery, but at night, through Noemí's disturbing and dark dreams, we see the other side of this novel. Moreno-Garcia's language is stunningly horrific and disturbing - at many points it makes you sick to the stomach, and you dare not turn your eyes away from the page so desperate to see what the everloving f**k is happening.

And let's talk about Noemí herself! Some books you just read the first few pages and know it's going to be bloody excellent. Mexican Gothic was one of those for me. And it's usually down to the ease and strength of the character voice. Noemí really shone in this novel. Her voice was so clear and immediately engrossing, she is both capable and independent, flirty and kind. And we see this strong, capable woman descend into horror across the book and it is the strength of Noemí's voice at the start which makes me care so much for and be so passionate and mad as this house destroys such a wonderful character.

The other characters we meet are:
- Virgil: the new husband to Noemí's cousin, cold and calculating and cruel, with a vicious grasp on Noemí, able to spark deep rage and passion in her
- Florence: an Aunt who runs the household, even more unfeeling than Virgil, strict beyond measure and deeply unkind
- Howard: the patriarch of the family, slowly dying and around whom all revolve in this household
- Catalina: Noemí's cousin who frantically wrote a letter to save herself, and seems constantly seesawing between peaceful and well, and wild and manic.
- Francis: the one individual in the house who dares to be kind to Noemi, sweet and unsure but ruled with an iron fist by Howard, Florence and Virgil.

These characters evolve around each other in an uneasy fashion, lies around every corner and horrors hiding in the dark, mould invested mansion of High Place. Mexican Gothic is a twisted, f**ked up book that will surprise you at every turn. It combines all my favourite elements of gothic suspense but brings the genre into the modern age with glimpses of horror and dark academia. It is the book I am going to gift to pretty much everyone I know because I adored it so much. It gave me disturbing dreams, my heart raced as I read, and I never wanted to stop reading it.

I should start this review by saying that I don’t generally read horror. I’m a scaredy cat and generally steer well clear of all things horror related but if Silvia Moreno Garcia is writing a gothic horror novel with a cover that beautiful, obviously I’m going to make an exception.

This novel follows Noemí, a young socialite from Mexico City, who is sent to visit her cousin, Catalina who has written a distressed letter to Noemí’s father and appears to be unwell. Her cousin married a British man and now lives in his family’s home, High Place, on the outskirts of a small town in a remote part of Mexico near a now closed mine which the family operated. The house is an old gothic mansion perched on top of an eternally foggy hill. Her cousin’s husband’s family are strange to say the least. Noemí is forced to try and work out whether her cousin has TB or whether there is something more sinister going on.

This novel nails the creepy tone from the get go. The setting on top of the foggy hill in the old house is creepy. The family in the house is creepy. The stories the villagers tell about the house and the family are creepy. To be honest everything is really creepy. Moreno is a master of tone and maintained this creepiness through out masterfully making this a very suspenseful novel that I couldn’t put down. I absolutely flew through this, needing to know what was going to happen. That being said, I did think there were some points where things did drag and some unnecessary scenes which bloated the narrative.

I will say that the suspense built during the novel did not let me down and the reveal as to what was really going on in the house was dark and twisted and really grossed me out at times. Moreno García’s descriptions particularly at the end of the book were very detailed and easy to envision and left me feeling uncomfortable and unsettled.

I really enjoyed both Noemís’ and Francis’ character arcs in this book. Moreno García did an amazing job at really allowing them to grow over the course of the story which really made them feel like real fully rounded characters.

A really good pick if you’re looking for a dark and suspenseful novel. I would encourage you to pick it up when it gets released later this year!

*Arc provided for free via netgalley.

This book is an absolutely wild ride and completely bonkers! I loved the build up in this book and the amazing story telling of this author. There is a little bit of everything in this book - creepy characters, a very spooky house, hallucinations, nightmares, family drama and a lot of questionable goings on.

Great gothic horror novel and something a little bit different!

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The protagonist of Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s novel Mexican Gothic is twenty-two year old Noemí Taboada, a feisty socialite from a well-to-do family, who is equally at ease flirting with young men at parties and studying anthropology at University, despite both activities being considered quite daring in 1950s Mexico. Her carefree life is unexpectedly interrupted by an urgent missive received from her cousin Catalina, recently wed to mining magnate Virgil Doyle. The letter has a series of incredible allegations: she states that she is being held captive in a haunted house, and possibly being poisoned. Something is clearly amiss. Noemí is not particularly keen to play the (potentially supernatural) detective, but she promises to leave for High Place, the Doyles’ remote country mansion, in return for her father allowing her to pursue university studies.

When she arrives at High Place, Noemí realizes that Catalina’s tall tales might not be so far-fetched after all. The Doyles, in fact, make for a weird household, ruled with a fist of iron by the repulsive old patriarch Harold Doyle. The house itself seems to throb with malevolence, crumbling under the weight of a horrifying secret…

The novel is called Mexican Gothic and it certainly delivers what it says on the tin. Most of the tropes of classic Gothic suspense are thrown into the mix: a decrepit, haunted mansion; “chosen” brides; a young woman who is, for all intents and purposes, imprisoned by a smoulderingly handsome yet terrible husband; a strange family hiding terrible secrets; silent servants; abandoned mines; rituals which seem uncomfortably (to this reader) like blasphemous versions of Catholic liturgy; a mist-covered cemetery; even magical mushrooms...

Sometimes the dividing line between tribute and parody can be very thin. Moreno-Garcia’s novel is a such smorgasbord of Gothic clichés that it easily have degenerated into a parody of the genre. Yet, despite being over-the-top (as most classic Gothic is), it has enough interesting and idiosyncratic touches to make it an enjoyable pastiche.

I noted that one of the authors to give early praise to this book is Yangsze Choo, the author of The Night Tiger (which I review here). I am not surprised as, despite the contrasting geographical settings, and the different folkloric traditions they tap into, both Mexican Gothic and The Night Tiger combine horror and historical fiction, and feature a likeable, independent-minded young heroine. Like The Night Tiger, Mexican Gothic also has a sentimental subplot which will particularly appeal to fans of Romance. I confess I preferred both novels darker aspects…

3.5*

This is the first book I have read by this author, although other ones have been on my TBR list for quite a while. I absolutely love modern spins of the gothic novel and especially appreciated the Mexican setting. This novel has it all: atmosphere, creepy characters, a family curse and a great ending!

This was an absolute wild ride. Was given an eARC to read for an honest review, and I’m so overwhelmed by how weird, trippy, strange, trippy (have I mentioned how trippy it is?) this read was.
It takes a lot for a book to grab me enough to read it in one sitting, but Mexican Gothic does that. I particularly liked the way Moreno-Garcia builds the picture. It's exactly the kind of writing I like to read - beautifully crafted descriptions with such simplicity.

The descriptions are so lush, pacing is good (though everything just explodes in the last quarter of the book) and I loved Noemí. Also Francis. Made me think of The Yellow Wallpaper, but it is so much more than that. It’s such a clever gothic novel - despite all the familiar tropes, you cannot predict the twists and turns!

Think Silent Companions meets the Yellow Wallpaper with a beautiful Mexican backdrop.
The only thing I would say, is that there are a lot of 'high art' references, which might alienate some readers who might not understand them? As a PhD student who works on things like Kubla Khan, Lavater, and Fuseli, I understood the gentle nudges and references to them, but the subtle hints might take away from the enjoyment of reading for others.

Full review to come on personal blog. But this is definitely a book to look out for in June this year!

My second book from Silvia Moreno-Garcia and it turned out to be another 5 star gem. I swear this woman could beat me up and I'd say thank you!!!

The book is set in 1950s Mexico and follows Noemi, a rich socialite who receives an urgent letter from her newly married cousin begging for her help. The request takes her to High Place, a mysterious mansion in the Mexican countryside where something is indeed very wrong with both the place and the people occupying in it. Expect a lot of secrets, things that go bump in the night, and a richly Gothic atmosphere as suffocating as the fog around the mansion.

I honestly could not predict where the book was going and I'm not going to spoil any of it, but prepare to be mind-blown and make sure to strap yourself in for this ride. On top of the brilliant plot, Naomi was an excellent heroine and I really enjoyed seeing her superficial socialite side mix with her passionate, stubborn bravery.

Definitely one of my favourite reads of the year so a MASSIVE thank you to Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Quercus Books and NetGalley for letting me read this masterpiece!! Cannot wait to see what's next for the author :)

An epic gothic tale! I loved Gods of Jade, but this story kept me on the edge of my seat and reading well past midnight! Beautiful prose!

Family bonds have never been so strong.

Jazz age socialite, Noemí, receives a worrying letter from her recently married cousin, Catalina, and sets off to investigate. Catalina is now living with husband, Virgil, at his family home, High Place, a remote, dilapidated pile in which the family’s history and traditions are kept very much alive.

This is gothic in the Hammer Horror style, with a haunted house, women wandering around in floaty attire (usually nighties or antique wedding dresses), an attractive Machiavellian antagonist, lots of gore and a malevolent fungus. What’s not to like?

Moreno-Garcia has created a winning character in Noemí, who has her flaws, but over the course of the novel, finds herself and matures. The author has a knack for page-turning adventures.

Pacey, full of action and hugely enjoyable.

My thanks to NetGalley and Quercus Books for the ARC.

I’m a big fan of this author and have been looking forward to reading Mexican Gothic for months. It’s a brilliant book, written as masterfully as all her work. I loved the central character, Noemí, and adored the nods to The Yellow Wallpaper and Rebecca. I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting the book to go in the direction that it did and much preferred the build up , with all its eeriness and dread, to the rather more fantastical finale. But I very much enjoyed going on the journey.

A twisted, dark set in 1950's Mexico, Mexican Gothic was a deliciously creepy tale to read.

Socialite Noemí Taboada and her father receive an unusual letter from her cousin Catalina, which sets alarm bells ringing and at the behest of her father Noemi travels to the distant mountain village where her cousin and new husband now reside with her husband's family. The strange behaviour of the family and the mansion in which they live are so eerily described by the author and the tension builds almost immediately... something isn't right with Catalina and Noemi is desperate to uncover the secrets of the house and her family and free her cousin from its clutches.

I have been choosing different styles of books to read lately than my usual, and I am so glad I was able to read this book. Although set in decades past, driven by the lead character Noemi, the story did not feel dated and could have taken place in modern times. The descriptions of the mansion, mine and small nearby village eloquently set the scene for the tumultuous tale of desperation and fright,

Noemi is an unusual character but I was immediately drawn to her, although a socialite she is deeply interested in studies and wishes to attend University, her strong will drives the plot forward as she investigates the mysteries of the house and the mine.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, despite not being the best when it comes to horror or scary things, I was so engaged with the story that I would have been unable to stop reading even if completely scared. (It's not *that* scary, I am just a wimp!) A fantastic, Gothic tale. that I would highly recommend.

*Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*

Ok if you know me then you know I am a self confessed wimp and this book creeped me out, but in allll the right ways. Will I have to sleep with the light on for a few nights? Possibly. Was it worth it to read this intense and surreal book? Absolutely.

Noemí is living the life, attending party after party with a line of suitors. So when her father asks her to visit her cousin, after receiving a slightly worrying letter, she is reluctant to give up her social life in Mexico City. After reading the letter, Noemí is understandably worried and agrees to head to High Place and find out exactly what is going on. She arrives to find a house in disrepair, a family far from the one she left behind with strict rules and a cousin who seems to have lost her mind. Her only solace is Francis, the family's youngest son and someone Noemí see's as an ally in this strange and mysterious house. Determined to find out the cause for her cousins illness Noemí starts digging, into the town, into the family and into the house, only she discovers far more than she bargained for and by the time she realises how deep she is in it may be too late.

This book is dark, gritty, mysterious, chilling and immersive in all the best ways. The perfect blend of fantasy and Gothic suspense Moreno-Garcia had my mind working overtime trying to work out the mystery of High House and the peculiar Doyle family, but no amount of guessing could have prepared me for what she had in store.

Noemí is a fantastic perspective to read from. Strong headed, quick to judge and slow to forgive. She comes to High House looking to find out the mystery behind her cousins disturbing letter not knowing the dangers that lurk, not just in the Doyle family who live there but in High House itself. As a reader, following Noemí's journey we are just as much in the dark as she is, and come to the same revelations as her at the same time. Because of this she is such a relatable character and you feel her emotions right alongside her, her wariness of the Doyle family, her fear for her cousin and her revulsion when she finds out what exactly is happening.

The Doyle family are a reserved lot, living in the shadow of their former glory as silver miners in a house that they can no longer afford to upkeep. Howard, Virgil, Florence and Francis made for some intriguing characters, you cant quite work out who you can trust, but you know that there is something deeply wrong with them all. High House can almost be classed as a character itself, with its mould ridden walls and all the secrets it keeps hidden. We don't find out until later in the book exactly the true purpose of the house, but throughout the book, even though I could't put my finger on it, I knew something was off.

I fell in love with Moreno-Garcia's writing after reading God's of Jade and Shadow last year and this book blew me away all over again. She manages to make a standalone seem like a 3 book series with all the character growth, plot twists and terrifying outcome's that keep you glued to the pages. The first part of the book is slow going, however the set up makes the ending that much more powerful. Her descriptive writing manages to bring the book to life in your hands and you feel yourself in 1950's Mexico, the glamorous lifestyle and beautiful clothing drag you back in time effortlessly, and the dankness and chill of Hill House have you clutching for a blanket.

If I wasn't already a huge fan of the author then this book would have cemented that for me. If you enjoy a good mystery, one that's impossible to figure out but keeps you guessing all the same, one with a fantasy element that hits you out of nowhere, filled with gorgeous descriptions and some edge of your seat moments, then this is the book for you.