Glamorous 50's in Hollywood. There's a new role in a big-budget movie, the Seventh Veils of Salome. Hollywood is finally looking for fresh new faces for roles like Salome. When Vera Larios is discovered in her father's dental office in Mexico she believes it might just all be a mistake. She takes a leap of faith and moves to Los Angelos with her mother and aunt. Less established actresses in the business aren't interested in welcoming a newcomer and Vera has to contend with Nancy, and actress who did not get the part.

As Vera navigates the racist and sexist systems, we follow Nancy as she tries to break into the business. There are additional portions of the actual story of Salome, of the Herodian Dynasty (Herod II's daughter) and her own unsung story.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia has done her research and has woven the pov's and the biblical story together beautifully .
It's a dazzling story with glamour, adventure and a bit of romance. Step back in time and get lost in the story! #randomhouse #theseventhveilofsalome #siliviamorenogarcia

Silvia Moreno-Garcia does it again! If you are a fan of her books, you will not be disappointed in this new one. The book sucks you in from the get-go and you will find yourself thinking about the characters long after you finish it. Do yourself a favor and get this book!!

Seventh Veil of Salome tells two interwoven stories in alternating chapters. One is set in the Golden Age of Hollywood, and the other is the motion picture currently being filmed, the story of Salome and John the Baptist. The Hollywood story is focused on two women: Vera Larios, the debut actress cast as Salome, and Nancy Hartley, a washed up actress who is determined to do everything she can to have Salome recast.

This is an extraordinary and unusual story. As I initially started the book, I was confused about the lack of sumptuous descriptions of 1950s Hollywood, but it all started to make sense. Moreno-Garcia focuses on the seedy underbelly of the era, exemplified by the shabby digs Nancy stays in and the casual racism Vera encounters as a Mexican actress.

The two stories are interwoven beautifully, and the question comes up again and again– who is Salome in our Hollywood story? And who is John the Baptist?

Moreno-Garcia may be my favorite active writer right now. Her versatility is astounding. I've read half a dozen books by her, and each one has been in a different subgenre and an absolute treasure in its own right including this one, Certain Dark Things(a haunting tale about vampires in Mexico), Gods of Jade and Shadow (a modern day Mayan fairy tale and road trip novel), Mexican Gothic (an incredible take on gothic horror) Signal to Noise (an unusual coming of age story), and Silver Nitrate (a combination of the 1970s Mexican horror movie scene and the occult). I also enjoyed Velvet was the Night and Untamed Shore. I suppose Seventh Veil might align closer to Velvet and Untamed Shore since all are period pieces without fantastical components, but all of Moreno-Garcia’s work is magical.

As always, Silvia Moreno-Garcia delivers with her new book.

There really is just something about how Silvia’s voice comes through in all of her works. No matter the genre, subject matter, or time period - it flows like only she can.

I’ve been out of the bible fandom for a while now, but I’m (still) a huge fan of biblical themes, motifs, and aesthetics. So this was kind of right up my alley. I especially relate to the author’s note:
“I sought classical paintings with Biblical motifs that had gory or dramatic scenes. Judith was a favorite heroine of mine…”

I’ve seen others comment that they had issues with the POV switching or formatting between Salome and the rest of the Hollywood plot, but I never found it to be distracting, and the biblical segments are kind of what I live for. I thought all the major characters - and quite a few of the minor characters - had plenty of time for the reader to get to know them.

The only part that fell a bit flat was the very end. Everything leading up to it was solid, but the ending felt like it was rushing to wrap everything up and give us a sort of epilogue to boot. Also just a heads up that it is the 50’s in America, so be prepared for racism and maybe take a look at the trigger warnings on StoryGraph if you’re someone who needs/uses them.

In all, a delightful read for those interested in 1950’s Hollywood, juicy biblical retellings, or fans of Silvia Moreno-Garcia in general.

All opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in return for my honest review.

If you have read the infamous Silvia Moreno-Garcia before then you know she does not disappoint! The setting is *chefs kiss* because Mexican Gothic in the 1950s! This has so many impactful characters I can’t choose who to f***, marry, or kill. This is about a bit of luck, predicted tragedy, tears galore, & feminism. This book is sexy as hell & sinful for everything in between. Thank you so much to the author, the publisher, & NetGalley for this wonderful book!

Outside my usual wheelhouse of books by this author, The Seventh Veil of Salome is quite the imaginative story.

The story itself is told from multiple perspectives and that is where I tended to struggle quite a bit as it tied into the pacing which in turn, made the plot less than tolerable. The characters themselves are interesting enough but we get many inner dialogues and it doesn’t help move the pacing along much. Where this author continue to shines is how she handle discussions on race.

For the most part, this is an interesting tale. If you’re a fan of Hollywood noir and old movies, then this book is right up your alley.

Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read/review.

Thank you NetGalley and Piblisher!!

Silvia has done it again! Silvia is an auto read and this one was great! Such a great story and I loved the MC!

Silvia Moreno-Garcia has done it again!

Old Hollywood glitz and glamour and drama? Sign me up. I enjoyed the Seventh Veil of Salome so much. I devoured it - I read it so quickly. I highly recommend it to all readers.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for this wonderful ARC!

I'm a big fan of SMG and was delighted when I received my ARC.

Diving right into the book the reader is quickly thrust into the world of 1950's Hollywood; both the good and bad of it. Before meeting the main character, readers are introduced to Nancy, an aspiring actress who has been trying to catch her big break. She is running out of time to make it as she's been at it for years with nothing to show but some modeling gigs and minor parts. Readers also meet Salome in the beginning. Salome's story in the book is SMG's take on the biblical story. Finally, readers get their first look at the main character, Vera. Vera is young, living in Mexico, and working in her Dad's dental practice when she is discovered. The eccentric producer of the next blockbuster movie demands to have her in the lead role.

The book weaves together each of these ladies' lives. Vera beats out Nancy for the lead actress role and this starts a slow burn hate in Nancy that ends up consuming all of her attention. Vera struggles to learn the ropes of being in Hollywood as an up and coming leading lady. And Salome struggles with unrequited love.

There are some major themes that each woman experiences in their own way. One being parent/child relationships and the struggle to deal with unrealistic expectations, harsh words and finding their courage to make hard decisions and stand on their own.

While Nancy is written to be the villian of the story I'd argue she is the best developed, and most interesting character. Sure I had plenty of dislike for her, but that's what good writing should do. Her upbringing and delusions combine to make a character who could ultimately do anything to make it in Hollywood. How far will she actually go?

Vera's character, on the other hand, takes forever to develop, and never quite gets there. She makes the book feel slow. I didn't particularly care for Salome's storyline either. While her story had more intrigue and excitement, it felt out of place at times, making the book feel choppy.

While I sometimes struggled with my motivation to read this book I'm glad I stuck with it to the end. The last part moves at warp speed, with the events unfurling quickly, whipping up a range of reader emotions.

While I don't think this is SMG's best work yet, I think it is still worth the read. I think readers will each get something different from the book, whether they are new to SMG or a veteran reader of her works. Dive in like I did and enjoy hanging around that time period with all the different characters and storylines.

Sending gratitude to NetGalley and Random House/Del Rey for the ARC and the opportunity to share my honest opinions of this book.

I am a fan of SMG’s many and varied works, so I jumped at a chance to read this ARC. I think a LOT of people will love this book. I struggled a bit with the multiple POVs. I found myself most interested in the Salome POV and less interested in the Vera and Nancy drama. I also don’t tend to fall in love with stories with “fame” at the center. For me, this was not a fave amongst SMG’s writings, but it did still contain her signature prose and wonderful storytelling. I also think that, for many readers, this will be a fave. SMG writes in so many different genres and themes that there is something for everyone. This is historical fiction and you will find glamour, envy, and intrigue in its pages. You will also find wonderful writing from an author who masters her craft by writing in a wide range of genres.

It took my a while to adjust to the format of this book because I wasn’t aware but then quickly enjoyed each part and perspective we get. It also took me a moment to adjust to the switch from first and third person.

But SMG wrote another amazing book. I love her ability to jump between genres and knock it out of the park. Her historical research is so well done as well her being able to create such compelling stories. I love the setting of “old” Hollywood and am a sucker for books with this setting.

Nancy was a great character to hate and she was truly disgusting. Vera was love able and you want to cheer for her. It was interesting to read about Hollywood from her perspective and the racism that she was facing.

The only complaint I have was that the ending felt very rushed. So much happens in the last 5% and it was like whiplash. But it didn’t hurt my enjoyment of the book. I really enjoyed this one and will definitely be recommending! Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the eARC

****Huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/Del Rey for this ARC in exchange for my honest review***

Firstly, I'd like to commend Silvia Moreno-Garcia for her versatility in effortlessly transitioning between multiple genres. It was a pleasant surprise to deviate from her usual supernatural horror narratives and delve into the realm of historical fiction, particularly with the exploration of a well-known biblical figure.

Typically, I tend to shy away from narratives with numerous shifting points of view, but Moreno-Garcia's execution was anything but confusing. Instead, it provided context with hints of foreshadowing, propelling the story forward seamlessly. I found myself thoroughly engrossed in the different stories of the three main characters.

This book masterfully blends elements of women's fiction with historical fiction, offering a vivid portrayal of 1950s Hollywood. As always, Silvia Moreno-Garcia's remarkable research skills shine through, providing enlightening information about that era complexities and offering valuable insights into enduring issues like racism, sexism, and homophobia.

The infusion of film noir and thriller elements keeps readers on edge, hinting at a tragic conclusion that mirrors Salome's own shocking narrative. The conclusion was executed with finesse, reflecting the excellence maintained throughout the entire narrative. The character development was exceptional, with Moreno-Garcia crafting intricately layered characters that resonate deeply with readers.

Without a doubt, this book deserves a solid five stars. I wholeheartedly recommend this brilliant book—a perfectly crafted concept that captivates from beginning to end!

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for giving me a copy of this in exchange for an honest review!

This book felt inconsistent and insubstantial. The plot follows three women: the biblical Salome, Vera, a recently discovered actress from Mexico in the 50s, and Nancy, a struggling white actress in the 50s who has been relegated to bit parts but is dreaming of more.

I found the 50s Hollywood plot to be compelling (though predictable), but the biblical storyline to be tedious and a bit of a slog to get through. I understand the parallels that Moreno-Garcia was attempting to draw between the three women, but splitting the plot up in the way that she did make the entire story feel choppy. I felt like she didn't really have enough time to dedicate to really fleshing out any of the characters, because the points of view were constantly jumping around. The most effective use of this framing device was at the very end during the climax of the story, and I found that to be really well done, but by that point I was pretty over the whole setup. I don't necessarily think the book would have benefited from focusing on just one plot over the other, but I think it could have been longer and more complete. Everything just felt very surface-level.

As per usual, Moreno-Garcia's writing style is eminently readable, and I enjoyed the little details that she always includes, which help set the scene and ground her stories a bit. I don't think this was a bad book by any stretch, it just wasn't what I've come to expect from Moreno-Garcia. I'll still be recommending this to people once it comes out, but probably less often than I recommend her other books.

I thought this was really well written and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I think it will find readers at our library, so we will definitely be purchasing for the collection.

Rather than drawing readers into another supernatural horror story, Silvia Moreno-Garcia takes on the infamous Salome, briefly mentioned in two Gospels of the New Testament. She weaves her narrative into the 50s Hollywood entertainment circle, where politics, gossip, racism, and scheming dominate the scene, mirroring today's film industry dynamics, where diversity is gradually changing the landscape but white privilege still holds sway, and women are scrutinized for their personal lives in the name of open social media policies.
I love this woman and everything she writes!

This novel is set in the Golden age of Hollywood during the 1950’s. The reader is introduced to Vera, a young Mexican woman who is “discovered” and lands the role of the legendary Salome in a big screen adaptation. The author then shifts to the biblical times and the real Princess Salome as she prepares to dance for her uncle King Herod. This was a beautifully written novel that weaves the two stories simultaneously. Both woman face struggles in a male dominated world and fight to maintain their identities. As the novel progresses, and tensions escalate, the feeling of impending doom arises. Moreno-Garcia has such a talent of creating characters that truly come to life and pull the reader into the storyline, barely having time to come up for air. This was an absolute 5 star read for me.

In The Seventh Veil of Salome by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, the author showcases her versatility by venturing into new territory while maintaining her trademark skill and finesse. Through the lens of three distinct characters—Vera, Nancy, and Princess Salome—Moreno-Garcia masterfully explores the multifaceted nature of ambition, rivalry, and self-discovery.

Vera, the central protagonist, grapples with a lifetime of feeling overshadowed by her younger sister's perceived superiority. As she steps into the spotlight of Hollywood, Vera confronts her deepest insecurities and strives to carve out her own identity, both on and off the screen. Moreno-Garcia's portrayal of Vera's journey is poignant and relatable, capturing the complexities of navigating one's own path in the face of external pressures and expectations.

In stark contrast, Nancy emerges as the quintessential antagonist—the character readers love to hate. Fueled by envy and ambition, Nancy's relentless pursuit of fame and recognition leads her down a dark and treacherous path. Her actions serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of allowing ambition to consume one's sense of morality and self-worth. Through Nancy's character, Moreno-Garcia explores the darker side of Hollywood and the lengths some will go to achieve success.

At the heart of the story lies Princess Salome, whose tale intertwines with those of Vera and Nancy, blurring the lines between reality and myth. As Salome grapples with desire, duty, and the consequences of her choices, readers are drawn into a mesmerizing narrative that transcends time and space.

Through the intricate interplay of these three characters, Moreno-Garcia crafts a rich and compelling narrative that delves into the complexities of human nature and the allure of fame. The Seventh Veil of Salome is a testament to the author's talent for storytelling, showcasing her ability to captivate readers with compelling characters and richly imagined worlds.

The pacing was a bit slow at times for my tastes, but Moreno-Garcia created such an atmospheric, transfixing, and emotive story that it didn't detract from the overall reading experience. Her authority on the periods found within the timelines of this story, both biblical and Hollywood golden era, is both convincing and well-developed. I would encourage anyone who enjoys Historical and Women's Fiction to consider reading The Seventh Veil of Salome.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book. Every time I read something by Moreno-Garcia, I am astonished by how she pulls me into the story. It was a bit of a slow beginning, especially as I was unfamiliar with the historical story, but as I got deeper into it, I found it hard to put down. I loved settings, both 1950s Hollywood and the historical period in which Salome lived. I loved seeing Vera's and Salome's stories become entwined. The romantic relationships were spot on and I found the family relationships for both Salome and Vera to be particularly compelling. The author's note gave me a deeper appreciation of the story.

Absolutely fantastic!

Silvia Moreno-Garcia continues to grow as an author, evolving into different genres while still holding true to her writing style.

The Seventh Vail of Salome weaves multiple character’s points of view to keep the storyline moving swiftly and giving insights to their motivations. Moreno-Garcia seamlessly layers the events set in 1950s Hollywood with the Biblical story of Salome.

I highly recommend The Seventh Vail of Salome by the stunningly talented Silvia Moreno-Garcia.