Noemí Taboada is a Mexican City debutante, awash in a world of fashionable dresses, parties, and eligible gentlemen. She longs to get her degree in anthropology, but as Mexican Gothic takes place in the 1950’s, she’s been told this is not the path of a debutante. When a terrified letter arrives from her newlywed cousin, Catalina, Noemí’s father gives an ultimatum: Go assess what’s wrong with her cousin, and Noemí can go to school for anthropology. She arrives at High Place, a gothic English manor in the Mexican countryside. Immediately she is made uneasy by the silent servants, the brusque family members, and the fact that everyone seems to be hiding a secret in a home filled with moldy walls and a murderous past. Catalina seems to have lost her mind, but is it the house itself or the family?
Silvia Moreno-Garcia is rapidly gaining ground in my top five author list. Her work is beautifully atmospheric and creates a legend all on its own. Her characters are believable, and as I was finishing the book I found myself holding my breath more than one while frantically reading through the pages. Noemí is a smart, resourceful character with wit and grace. The reader wants her to succeed. Mexican Gothic is a haunted house novel for those who love the style of tale, but want something a bit more. Moreno-Garcia’s writing, as always, embraces the local legends and beliefs of the Mexican people, while also being something just different enough to thrill both those who love adventure tales and fairy tales. If you haven’t had a chance to read her work, Mexican Gothic is a great place to start. Gods of Jade and Shadow, a release of hers from last year is still on my top reads list. Her most recent novel, Untamed Shores is more of a crime novel, but also something to snap up and read quickly.
Mexican Gothic comes to stores June 30, 2020 from Random House. You can, and should, pre-order it now.
