4.5 stars. I’ve heard of Mexican Gothic before, but everything Silvia Moreno-Garcia has ever written is now instantly on my tbr list. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read the book early in exchange for an honest review.

This is a multigenerational horror tale, inspired by Mexican folklore, in which stories of three women facing dangerous witchcraft in different time periods intertwine. I was rooting for all three characters as they faced similar malevolent forces. All their stories captivated me, and I don’t think I have a favorite POV.

1908: Alba is a farmer’s daughter who is discovering the disturbing secrets around her brother’s death.
1934: Beatrice is a college student and a future horror writer whose most well known novel was inspired by the unexplained disappearance of her enchanting best friend.
1998: Minerva brings the timelines together. She is Alba’s granddaughter and is also writing a thesis about Beatrice’s work at the same college she went to.

The author’s writing really stood out. She paints such incredibly vivid pictures. The atmosphere is dark and creepy, and I love how quickly she’s able to completely shift the mood with a single bone-chilling detail. I like that the evil forces are kept a mystery for most of the book because I think the horror elements are stronger when you’re still guessing what’s going on. I suspected who the villain would be about halfway through, but there were still enough mysteries to uncover, and there was still one plot twist that made me gasp in delight and that I didn’t predict.

The only negative I have is that I wish it came with some kind of a trigger warning (and maybe it will when it’s published) because, not gonna lie, some of the content was genuinely distressing to me. However, I’m not even sure how to word the warning because I wouldn’t have even picked the book up if I knew about this plot beforehand and would have been worse off for it. You decide if a character from the 1900s having a forbidden love affair with their uncle is too much for you. There’s also some quite explicit animal cruelty.

This is my second book written by Moreno-Garcia and I love the sense of atmosphere that they manage to capture. The book was slower paced that I expected, but I enjoyed following the different characters and finding out how the timelines converged. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book to other readers.

Love Silvia Moreno-Garcia, one of my favourite authors of all time. I also love books about witches so I was well placed to enjoy this book. It did not disappoint. I read an e-ARC of The Bewitching on NetGalley so thank you to the author and the publisher.

We follow three women across three different timeframes, learning their connections across the years and the horrors they collectively face. This book explores witchcraft and supernatural powers along with superstitions. We see the similarities regardless of time and geography and also the regional differences. How the perceptions of these powers can be shaped by the place and culture and people. Something I found to be exceptionally well done in this book is how the place informed so much of the stories being told there. The local folklore in Mexico, the legacy of the horror authors in the parts in Massachusetts. It added such depth and the impacts on the characters felt palpable.

We have three women in this book sharing curiosity, inquisitiveness, a sensitivity for the supernatural and an ability to question, to challenge, to see through what’s being presented to them in a way others brush off. Though they exist decades apart, with different backgrounds and in different places, they share qualities that leave them uniquely placed to investigate and stand up to the malicious efforts of others.

I loved the affection shown for earlier horror authors here. With the author paying homage to the influence of these authors whilst showing their impact on the characters themselves.

We have a skilful weaving together of the three narratives, paced well so that all three stories feel of equal importance and cleverly tied together for a satisfying finale.

I will read anything this author writes but I am particularly excited to have a witchy horror novel from her!

This, I would like to see on screen. Silvia Moreno-Garcia is one of my favourite horror authors of present day. She’s incredible, and I love how atmospheric and spooky her books tend to be. If anything, I can’t wait to read this again in October, as though I’m reading it for the first time again, discovering the creepiness once again. When you think horror, you think witches, you think curses as old as time, you think settings that could make you jump out of your own skin. This has it all. My favourite aspect of the story was that you follow three different timelines. It was a little different and a little unique, as most horror I have read usually focuses on one timeline, and if we go back in time to a historical tragedy, then two. It was nice to see three timelines at three different points. Our main characters Beatrice, Alba and Minerva are all connected in some form of another and each have their own stories to tell, while their own stories are interwoven with one another, which I found fascinating. I felt like I was exhilarating reading this book. Garcia did a wonderful job and showed her talent through her writing and characters. Perhaps another reason why I believe she’s a master storyteller within the genre. 5 stars!

This was my first Sylvia Moreno Garcia novel and it was a blast to read! Her writing style is very easy to read, with just the right amount of description without being too dense or taking away from the speed of the plot. The beginning of the story is medium-paced but the end is quite fast-paced with a lot happening, making it difficult to put down! There are three timelines that you get to follow, which I always thoroughly enjoy in a story because it adds a layer of mystery as you try to figure out how the stories are connected. You follow the story of Alba in 1908 as her family grieves the loss of her father and tries to overcome mysterious tragedies occurring at their farm. You also follow the story of Alba’s granddaughter, Minerva, in 1998 as she works her way through her thesis as a foreign student at a New England college and stumbles upon the story of the chilling disappearance of Ginny Somerset, the third timeline set in 1934. Each timeline has an antagonist you won’t suspect and a very intriguing sense of folklore/tradition that is passed down through family or village lore. It’s a very unique and engaging story, with an ending that aligns perfectly across each timeline.

I’ve read nearly all her books ever since I picked up Gods of Jade and Shadow. It’s either hit or miss with me when she writes depending on the genre she leans more towards. But when she gets it right, she knocks it out of the park with this book! Gothic horror with a mixture of fantasy and a dash of suspense/thriller - reading 3 different timelines lead to a sense of dread and feeling and heading towards a satisfying reveal.

I love me a story that takes place over multiple generations. In this case, we saw narrators from 1908, 1934, and 1998, all of whom are women dealing with events that seem suspiciously witchy. In 1908, Alba's brother disappears from their home in Mexico, and all of a sudden she's finding dead animals, weird green light, and very unsettling noises. In 1934, Beatrice Tremblay is in university, and her beloved roommate seems to be dealing with odd things happening to her until she suddenly vanishes one night. In 1998, Minerva, Alba's great-granddaughter, is a student at Tremblay's university, writing her master's thesis on Tremblay's novel, which was inspired by the events Tremblay experienced as a student. She also starts to feel like she's being followed, watched, and illuminated by strange green light.

I thought this story was very spooky, and I loved learning about some of the witchcraft traditions in Mexico. I loved having a good chunk of the story happen at a spooky old college in Massachusetts, too! The characters were interesting, and I kept wanting to go back to my Kindle to keep reading.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my thoughts.

Sylvia Moreno-Garcias books do not disappoint. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the ARC.

This books weaves magic and witches into what is. Great story with strong characters and a plot that is unique.

Spanning three timelines we see witches, curses and the paranormal in a genre bending novel with intrigue and suspense.

At this point it’s hard for me to write an impartial, book-specific review of any of Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s books because she’s an auto-read for me. I enjoy all of her stuff and this is no exception. It had the same level of magic that I enjoyed about other favorites of hers. I will continue to be endlessly impressed with her ability to write with such a similar style while creating wholly separate characters and worlds for her stories to exist.

Hoy os traigo la reseña de The Bewitching, una de mis publicaciones más esperadas de este año.
Chicas es que Silvia escribe tan bien y crea unos escenarios tan mágicos y fantasmales…la amo.

Durante la historia seguimos tres puntos de vista, el de Minerva, el de Nana Alba y el de Beatrice Tremblay. La narración empieza con Minerva, una estudiante cuya tesis se enfoca en la historia de la literatura de terror, y que actualmente está investigando la vida de la escritora Beatrice Tremblay.

A medida que su investigación avanza va descubriendo más cosas sobre Tremblay y la fuerza maligna que la acechaban a ella y a su amiga, además va viendo muchas similitudes entre con las historias de brujas que le contaba Nana Alba en México.

Ha sido una lectura que he disfrutado muchísimo, además los tres puntos de vista ha hecho una narración muy dinámica y que te mantiene super enganchada durante todo el libro. Además, lo he mencionado antes, pero Silvia describe los momentos de tensión de una forma tan inmersiva que es que no puedes parar de leer.

Puntuación ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARC del libro gracias a NetGalley, las opiniones son todas mías!

A very well written gothic horror set in three timelines about three different set of women. Minerva, writing her thesis on Beatrice Tremblay’s life ends up discovering more than she signed up for. She manages to overcome her obstacles thanks to her nana Alba’s “stories” which weren’t just random tales but her lived experiences.

All three timelines were a delight to read about, especially Beatrice and Ginny’s story. The book really brought in the horror aspect by setting the eerie atmosphere perfectly. At some point even I feared I was being watched. So safe to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. That being said, I also believe the plot twists were quite predictable and easy to guess what direction the book was going in.

In some parts especially the first half it felt like my flow of reading kept getting interrupted due to the constant change of timeline too soon, since there was a change every next chapter. However this also kept me reading because I constantly wanted to know what happens next.
So all over a really good read with a super satisfying ending where everyone gets what they deserve! SMG has a new fan<33

SMG never misses and this book is no exception! Moreno-Garcia masterfully blends three different timelines of women facing their own struggles into a seamless tale of being hunted and haunted by witches and how terrible they can be. One of my fave books of the year for sure.

I was underwhelmed by Mexican Gothic so I wasn't quite sure what to expect with The Betwitching - it just sounded like something I'd enjoy!

One of the risks in having multiple POVs is that often I find one more interesting than the others, and I'm annoyed when that chapter ends and I have to read a less interesting/engaging POV. However, although at the end of each chapter I was sad to leave Minerva, Alba, or Beatrice to go follow a different storyline, I then immediately loved the next chapter.

I didn't care that the villains in each storyline were obvious, I just enjoyed the ride and watching the protagonists figure it out. I loved the atmospheres of each time period and the witchiness throughout. Frankly, I enjoyed this the way that everyone else enjoyed Mexican Gothic. It was such a good read and I was sad to finish it!

Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s "The Bewitching" offers a thrilling blend of horror, mystery, and suspense that grips readers from the first page. The story centers on Minerva Contreras, a 24-year-old graduate student at Stoneridge University, who is struggling with the typical toils of adulthood while pursuing a degree in English literature. Her passion for her favorite author, Beatrice Tremblay, leads her to uncover a chilling mystery hidden in one of Tremblay’s centuries-old works. This discovery sets Minerva on a dangerous quest to unravel secrets from the past, which will place her life in imminent peril. What follows is an enigmatic story with a seamless narrative that alternates between past and present, intensifying the mystery with every twist.

One of the most striking elements of "The Bewitching" is its dynamic characters. Minerva is especially relatable — her struggles to figure out her life and balance academic pressure resonate deeply. Her emotional journey as she navigates the challenges of adulthood and uncovers dark secrets is both compelling and authentic, making her a character readers can truly empathize with. The emotional depth adds a layer of tension, amplifying the stakes of her investigation.

The unpredictability of the plot is another highlight of the novel. I was consistently surprised by the twists and turns, and its climax was mind-blowing. The story never became predictable, and I found myself eagerly turning the pages to see where the mystery would lead next. Silvia Moreno-Garcia skillfully blends the supernatural and the unknown, crafting a narrative that keeps you guessing until the very end.

Equally impressive is the meticulous editing of the book, which enhances the flow and pacing of the plot. The transitions between the historical and modern timelines are smooth, and the steady build-up of tension ensures that readers remain on edge throughout. The well-constructed narrative and careful attention to detail allow the story to unfold naturally, keeping the reader fully immersed.

At its heart, "The Bewitching" is a tale of betrayal, determination, and uncovering hidden truths. It is a journey that not only explores the supernatural but also delves into the complexities of family, identity, and the human spirit. I would rate this book a solid 5 out of 5 for its gripping plot, relatable characters, and masterful storytelling.

I highly recommend "The Bewitching" to young adult readers who enjoy a rich mix of horror, mystery, and supernatural elements.

A slow burn mystery with 3 different story lines. The book held me from start to finish. I love a good "witchy" book and this one delivered for me.

Somewhat predictable at times but overall enjoyable! Witchy horror told over the course of three generations of women in Mexico and Massachusetts. I'll definitely recommend this one once it's out!

On a personal note, I'm often drawn to witchy New England tales but also quite skeptical of them after growing up there and living in Salem for a decade. In this, the witchy side was well done! But I found the 90s New England setting inauthentic, and the dialogue was more British than Boston.

The book started strong with an intriguing premise, but lost some momentum halfway through. Still, there were standout scenes that made it worthwhile.

“Back then, when I was a young woman there were still witches”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This story follows three events that happened over a century—each one entangled with witchcraft and danger.
We meet Alba, who lives with her family and is trying to save their farm while grieving the devastating loss of her brother. Then there's Beatrice, an aspiring writer who pens The Vanishing, based on the mysterious disappearance of Virginia Somerset. Finally, we follow Minerva, Alba’s great-granddaughter, in 1998. As Minerva works on her thesis, she uncovers secrets buried in the past. But the deeper she digs, the more danger she faces—eerie happenings, unsettling truths, and the feeling that someone is watching her.
Will she be able to uncover the truth and survive the darkness that surrounds it?

My Review:
Wow! This one is a masterpiece! This was a refreshing read for me—my first horror book and my first read from Silvia.
This isn’t your typical witchy story filled with herbs and potions. It’s a chilling tale rooted in Mexican folklore, filled with power struggles and dark secrets. The writing is superb. The atmosphere is so vivid and eerie—it’ll definitely make you want to keep the lights on!
It’s a brilliant blend of historical fiction, dark academia, fantasy horror, and witchcraft. What more could you ask for?
The first half of the book felt a bit slow to me, and the multiple timelines were a little confusing at first. But once I got into it, the pace picked up—and I couldn’t put it down. Total page-turner!
Some scenes were uncomfortable, but I think that’s part of the story’s essence—it’s meant to unsettle you.
I especially liked Alba’s timeline—how determined she was to prove her family was bewitched! And I was really rooting for Minerva—such a clever and strong character.
And the twist? Wow. So good!
I totally and highly recommend this book.
Out on July 15!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Del Rey Books!

4.25 Stars

So much atmosphere!!

This book is a slow burn, the first half dripping in history, setting up three distinct time periods, exploring both class disparities and women's roles in each era. And then the story really ramps up in the second half, expertly bringing the three stories together with plenty of creepy moments along the way.

I loved Minerva and the representation of a female protagonist who is utterly un-charming, yet still likeable. She's socially awkward, brusque, and a bit of a loner. Yet she's respected for her intelligence and work ethic, and has friends all the same. It's refreshing and real.

The three storyline format works wonderfully as well, with each woman an interesting character to follow. Personally, I did struggle with Alba's part in the first half, and would have liked more depth in Beatrice's arc, but overall I enjoyed jumping between them as bits of the narrative are unraveled.

The mystery aspect is perhaps the weakest element, but it doesn't detract from the overall story. As for the witchcraft, I found the unique take grounded and effectively scary.

The Bewitching is a great, eerie, read that is a mix of dark academia, dark fantasy, and crime mystery.

I’m not usually one to read horror/suspense books and took a chance on reading The Bewitching. It was an amazing read from start to finish. Three different time lines and 3 different mysteries, and yet somehow they all connected perfectly. I would be reading one timeline and didn’t want it to end. Same for the other timelines. I did see one of the mysteries coming and found it obvious that was who did it. But for one timeline it could’ve been anyone and I was baffled when the author revealed who it was. The beginning of the stories did start off slow because they have to build into the world but about 20% in I couldn’t put my book down and was on the edge of my seat.