2.5 stars for Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s latest novel.

Let’s start with the plot. Vera is a young actress from Mexico City that is plucked from her ordinary life and given a coveted role in Hollywood. Salome is the name of the woman she is playing, a young princess from the Herodian line that is caught in a tangled web of politics. The story switches between their points of view, along with Nancy Hartley, the main antagonist who is jealous of Vera.

There was a secondary antagonist, and references in side character POVs to a “Cold War” between the person and Vera, but he basically disappears after one bad article is written about her, so the side POV describing the animosity felt pointless.

While I liked the switches in POV, I felt like the tension never ratcheted up. Rather than showing it through actions, there would be an odd-POV thrown in where a side character remarked on “Nancy/Vera didn’t deserve what happened to them” to add suspense. We didn’t experience the suspense through the novel, we were TOLD something bad was going to happen. For me, that wasn’t enough to create a sense of dread.

I found the romance between Vera and Jay to be lacking, when it needed to be stronger. It’s become an all too common theme in this author’s books for the heroine to fall for a man who doesn’t love her for her, but for the idea of her. It results in a feeling like the woman is being punished for her innocent naïveté and her decision to open her heart.

Overall this was entertaining but not as engaging as I wanted it to be.

4.25/5

I was SO excited to receive this ARC and The Seventh Veil of Salome did not disappoint. Another reviewer said that Silvia Moreno-Garcia can write any genre and I completely agree.

I really loved the format of this book. It absolutely transported me to a 1950s Hollywood tabloid tell-all and also straight into Salome's story. I am entirely unfamiliar with the Bible so this definitely inspired further research and exploration. I also learned a lot about the Mexican experience in Hollywood at that time and it was clear that this book was extremely well-researched.

While the storyline was predictable and I didn't mind it, I did feel that the ending was rushed and I would have liked to have seen it drawn out a little more. There was such a crescendo in the story that the ending felt a little abrupt.

All-in-all, this was a captivating read and I cannot wait to see with the author does next.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House, and Del Rey for the e-ARC.

The Seventh Veil of Salome is a triumph, and proof that Silvia can write in any genre, any timeline, and craft a compelling story with characters that keep you interested beyond the last page. We meet Nancy, a bit part, good time gal looking for a break to the big time. Nancy will sleep with anyone she thinks can help her, manipulate and plot, and her racist, mean attitude makes her a top tier villain even if she is at the bottom of the Hollywood ladder. Vera couldn't be more different, a Mexican ingenue who has spent her life being belittled by her mother in favor of her prettier, fairer sister - but when Vera nabs the much coveted role of Salome in an upcoming bible drama, it sets off many things in motion. The legendary Salome, the one who asks for the head of John the Baptist as a reward for her dancing, is also a girl in search of power. She can go after the young preacher she is smitten with, seduce her uncle, or settle for a match with the up and coming Agrippa, and she also suffers from an overbearing mother. All these women journey toward an inevitable destiny, and in Silvia's capable hands, the journey is as important as the destination.

This book was amazing, I really enjoyed the switching perspectives and all of the distinct narrative styles that the characters each had. It’s not split up into chapters in the traditional way, which was a choice that I think definitely paid off in terms of the story itself– it felt really continuous without feeling like it was hard to read.
And the characters themselves are really well-done. The novel centers around three women– Vera, Nancy and Salome. Vera is a really easy character to love, and is both a good character as a person and a complex and dynamic character. I think that it’s important that the difficulties of being a Mexican woman in Hollywood are touched upon without her story only being one of pain because of her experiences as a minority in the entertainment business. Nancy is a horrible person, but she’s not a caricature, and she’s really fun to read about, for lack of a better word that conveys the feeling. Her character has bad experiences within the system but just reacts vastly differently to her experiences, and is definitely a show of white privilege. Salome, is well, Salome, and is probably the character who I cared for the least, but probably only because I knew how her story went, and by the end, I was still fully roped into how she progressed, and how it blended into the other narratives. The other characters were also pretty complex as well, even if they were not in the book for a long time, and I liked how it was acknowledged that there were a lot of other latine people in Hollywood, even if they were limited or hid their heritage (often because they were forced to)

This book is different from what I normally read but I greatly enjoy it. Moreno Garcia does a fantastic job of drawing you, into 1950s Hollywood. I am not a big fan of multiple perspectives but I do believe it helps to understand the story and how in the end everything connects. The plot, with a mix of drama and history (which I loved), was intriguing and had me locked in from the beginning to the end. It is worth the read.

Thank you, NetGalley for the Arc.

Golden age film drama mixes with history, and results in compelling characters with compelling and often mixed motives. The writing style itself draws the reader in, and for those who are fans of the author's work already, this is another must read.

Moreno-Garcia never fails to amaze me. Every book has a different angle, but all tell stories of humanity and need and the darkness of the heart. Here, a young woman is plucked out of obscurity to star as Salome in a 1920s silent epic, and Moreno=Garcia weaves her story of Salome (or the film's treatment, as it was called then) with the young actor's life in a brilliant and compelling way. It's old Hollywood, and all of the gossip and camp and scandal and ways to survive are on display . It's a great read.

Another home run from Silvia Moreno Garcia! This was my fourth experience with this author, and my respect for her only increases with every novel. Definitely an auto buy author at this point! I have her back catalog at the top of my tbr, I need to catch up.

I’m going to start with the COVER. If I hadn’t already been familiar with her work I would have purchased it strictly on the title and cover alone. It is gorgeous and I can’t wait to see it in full color on those shiny new hardcovers!

These novel differs a little from other historical novels I’ve read, as it’s a mix of historical…mythology? Folklore? (I’m not a Bible reader so I wasn’t really familiar with the story of Salome before this) and the glitzy old glamour of 1950’s Hollywood. Everyone wants to be in the entertainment biz, from the writers to the starlets to the musicians.

This book shows the viewpoints of three women, with a variety of “extras” who pop up in interview style chapters. These women each have a complex story and life, with both weaknesses and strengths. The beauty comes in watching them either take advantage of what strength they can gather, or succumb to their weakness. Salome’s story was easily my least favorite, as she was the easiest to write off- her time period and station in life didn’t allow her the choices that would be present to some degree with the 1950’s women. I enjoyed watching Vera and (especially) Nancy struggle against the roadblocks they faced as women in this Hollywood setting. Frankly, I really enjoyed watching Nancy deteriorate from the weight of her aspirations. It’s frightening how she felt this was the only way to further her own career, and the absolute certainty in her head that she would be a star in the end.

Overall it was just an excellent book. It will definitely be a recommendation for anyone wanting to try out the author, even though it is a little different from her usual fare.

Thank you so much to the Sylvia Moreno Garcia, Del Rey/Random House Publishing and NetGalley for the advance readers copy!

My very first ever Netgalley approved ARC! WAHOO! Thank you Netgalley and to the publishers for my advanced copy.

2023 was the year for me to discover Silvia Moreno-Garcia. It all started with her book A Certain Dark Things. Then I read Mexican Gothic, Silver Nitrate, Amazon’s short story The Lover, and last but not least The Seventh Veil of Salome.

What draws me to Silvia’s writing is the way she expertly brings devious characters to life. I am a fan of her horror books. The horror genre is what’s what brought me to her books in the first place. With The Seventh Veil of Salome, you’ll get none of her horror magic but instead, you get Hollywood glamor! This book is the story of Vera and her landing of the role of a lifetime. You’ll meet the captivating Jay, a love interest, and a plethora of other characters that are vibrant and shiny as well as flawed and damaged.

Moreno-Garcia flexes her talents in world building and in the ways she portrays naughty and deviant characters such as Nancy. She does not hold back when exploiting the ugliness of white fragility in 1950s Hollywood. She is so SO very good at highlighting the ways Mexicans have been stereotyped, harassed, oppressed and mistreated by white people in many of her stories, so you should expect to find that here in Vera’s journey navigating life behind and in front of the camera.

But can we just go back to Nancy for one second please. Frankly, I was obsessed with how nasty and hideous she was on the inside. Not to mention delusional! “The best way to get out of trouble, in Nancy’s experience, was to never admit to a wrong. If she bumped into someone, she was likely to blame the person for bumping into her.” Nancy is violent, entitled, and desperate for so many things. Not only was she the product of what pressure does to child stars in the movie business, but also the product of never being treated with love, honesty and compassion, particularly from her wanna be Hollywood star father.

Overall, I enjoyed this book! Moreno-Garcia sticks to what I think is her M.O. Stories that are slow to weave but stories that are entrancing with their layers. She will fill your mind with colors, fill your heart with sentiments.

I was excited to have received an ARC of this as I’ve enjoyed other works by Silvia Moreno-Garcia! I’m biased as I have a fascination with this era of Hollywood, but the author does a great job of blending narrative with fact, creating an immersive backdrop that leapt off the page. Vera and — surprisingly -- parts of Nancy felt relatable; Vera struggles throughout the novel with her identity and difficult familial dynamic, and Nancy struggles with being a pick me (jk but tbh kinda).

A few things that kept me from fully enjoying this:
- I thought the narrative device was an interesting choice, but the parts of the book I didn’t care for, ie Salome’s portions, would take me out of the experience.
- The ending felt unsatisfactory to me. Not necessarily what happens, which is pretty heavily foreshadowed, but how it was told? It was wrapped up so quickly after the climax that I didn’t have time to sit with it. Specifically Nancy’s story — I wanted more than a few sentences near the end.

This was a fun, quick read and I’m looking forward to the author’s next. Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the ARC!

Oh man. Oh man, oh man, oh MAN. This is my favorite Silvia Moreno-Garcia book by leaps and bounds. This is everything I wanted <i>The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo</i> to be. The tension was awful and heart-breaking, but it wasn't wholly predictable. I loved Vera and Salome and Jay and even Nancy, a little bit. I loved Marla and Joe. Tragedy loomed at the end of this book like a skyscraper, but I didn't know who wouldn't make it to the end until the final scene.

I can't wait for this book to come out so other people can read and experience this story.

This book grabbed my attention more than I had expected with a plot focusing more on an old Hollywood film. I always love stories told with multiple perspectives, especially in this novel I loved how the focus included the character of Salome. Her story tied in well with the rest of the characters and also was in a way keeping track of the timeline of the whole book honestly. The last few chapters and their apt title were so gripping I didn't want to put it down. Tragic story of fame and loss and desire and what you have to lose to get what you want.

A beautiful novel: lush settings, engaging characters, gorgeous writing. Thoroughly enjoyable.

The only aspect I had trouble believing was that Salome loved Jokanaan so fiercely based only on his beauty. I wish Moreno-Garcia had developed and explored Salome's attraction to him a bit more.

(Review based on advance reader's copy of the novel.)

I'm a big fan of Moreno-Garcia so was thrilled to read The Seventh Veil of Salome

A Hollywood noir with told with multiple points of view. I really liked it.

I just reviewed The Seventh Veil of Salome by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. #TheSeventhVeilofSalome #NetGalley

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

Firstly, I'd like to thank netgalley and the publishers for your ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I fell in love with SMG's writing when I read Mexican Gothic. Her writing is beautiful and extraordinary, so when I read the premise for this book, I knew it was going to be amazing.

It's 1950's Hollywood and every actress is dying to play Salome in a new movie. Vera is cast for the role. Vera also consumes herself in this role and as the story interweave real life this story unfolds.

SMG puts her classic spin of love and tragedy in this book and will be pulling at your heartstrings.

I am a huge fan of Ms. Moreno-Garcia and so it was no surprise to me at all that I loved this book. I loved it from the epigraph, actually, because she chose to include a favorite Oscar Wilde quote of mine. From that point on, this book ensnared me in the most delightful way. Three women, each fascinating, each with their own stories to tell. I will say Salome's story was my favorite, but I enjoyed it all! Highly, highly recommended and a delicious treat to all who enjoy historical fiction and Hollywood in its Golden Age. Ten stars!

I loved this book!

Multiple POVs are spot on. I often get lost in books with multiple POV or think that not enough time is spent developing the characters. Not here! Every POV is there for a reason and is the right voice and length to keep the story moving.

The character of Vera is complicated. I enjoyed her internal monologues, back story, and her journey to discover who she is and can be in Hollywood. Moreno-Garcia does not hold back on the sexism and racism, so be prepared for some discomfort.

The sections with Salome's story are captivating! In my mind I sometimes imagined her as a separate character and sometimes imagined her as Vera. I think it works either way. Similar to Vera, Salome is deciding her future based on multiple options and is faced with hard choices.

Plan to be immersed in 1950s Hollywood as well as ancient Israel with sumptuous description throughout.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for a digital ARC in return for my opinion.

A beautifulyoung woman wins the role of a lifetime in a film about a lengendary heroine, but the real drama is behind the scenes in this historical epic. I thibk if you are a fan of her other works, then you would love this book too.
The story unfolds in a half-documentary style with multiple narrations, intertwining Salome's story. There are two other women Nancy Hartley and Vera Larios that have a story to be told. Salome is entangled in a forbidden love affair with a young preacher too .

The qriti g is great, the ending was great, and i was hooked the whole time
Thanks #netgalley

This was my first foray into this author’s novels, and it was terrific. It is the story of Salome mixed with the making of a movie about her.

Vera, a newcomer in Hollywood, is cast in the titular role. Sadly, she endures racism being Mexican in 50’s America. But she doesn’t let that deter her as she films the movie and falls in love as well.

It took a bit for me to get into the parts about Salome, but I wound up finding her very captivating and wish I could see the dance on screen.

There were also parts dedicated to the POVs of others in Vera’s world, including Nancy who is dying to take over the role of Salome. She was truly a hateful person in this story, and definitely couldn’t root for her at all.

Thanks as always to NetGalley for the ARC.