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Mexican Gothic
After receiving a frantic letter from her newly-wed cousin begging for someone to save her from a mysterious doom, Noemí Taboada heads to High Place, a distant house in the Mexican countryside. She’s not sure what she will find—her cousin’s husband, a handsome Englishman, is a stranger, and Noemí knows little about the region. Noemí, mesmerized by the terrifying yet seductive world of High Place, may soon find it impossible to ever leave this enigmatic house behind.
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Community Reviews
Originally reviewed on Cyn's Workshop
Mexican Gothic is a chilling tale that keeps the reader on edge from beginning to end,
Brilliant Female Protagonist
Mexican Gothic is an excellent novel. What was striking about the opening was how Moreno-Garcia decides to introduce the reader to Noemí. The scene is striking, painting a decadent time in 1950s Mexico and introduces Noemí through a male lens.
This first impression paints a frivolous view of our main protagonist, but it works in favor of the plot because it showcases how the characters constantly underestimate her. Even the reader underestimates her. Noemí is an accomplished character, a studious one who wants to do something great, not just party, drink, and find a husband. Noemí wants to make a name for herself, which makes her incredible, her determination and resilience, her genius.
As a Mexican woman myself, I love and appreciate what Moreno-Garcia does with her female characters, breaking a mold and forging a solid direction outside of gender and racial stereotypes.
Creating a Story
Moreno-Garcia did an excellent job of building up the tension and chilling atmosphere as well. Mexican Gothic was reminiscent of Crimson Peak and the original American Gothic. However, there is something wrong, something unsettling about this house that Noemí goes to. After receiving an unsettling message from her cousin.
The atmosphere is chilling, creepy and makes the reader wonder what is real and what is not. Following Noemí through the dark halls, as she learns more and more of the dark history of High Place, the reader becomes increasingly unsettled.
The creepiness, visions, and gloom draw the reader into the narrative and mystery surrounding the house and its inhabitants.
Final Thoughts
Mexican Gothic is incredible. The pacing, the tension, the atmosphere, and the characterization draw the reader into the narrative. Furthermore, the ending was unpredictable and unique, offering readers something new and creepy.
See more reviews at Cyn's Workshop and follow me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Spotify Podcast | YouTube | BookBub | Goodreads+ | LinkedIn
Mexican Gothic is a chilling tale that keeps the reader on edge from beginning to end,
Brilliant Female Protagonist
Mexican Gothic is an excellent novel. What was striking about the opening was how Moreno-Garcia decides to introduce the reader to Noemí. The scene is striking, painting a decadent time in 1950s Mexico and introduces Noemí through a male lens.
This first impression paints a frivolous view of our main protagonist, but it works in favor of the plot because it showcases how the characters constantly underestimate her. Even the reader underestimates her. Noemí is an accomplished character, a studious one who wants to do something great, not just party, drink, and find a husband. Noemí wants to make a name for herself, which makes her incredible, her determination and resilience, her genius.
As a Mexican woman myself, I love and appreciate what Moreno-Garcia does with her female characters, breaking a mold and forging a solid direction outside of gender and racial stereotypes.
Creating a Story
Moreno-Garcia did an excellent job of building up the tension and chilling atmosphere as well. Mexican Gothic was reminiscent of Crimson Peak and the original American Gothic. However, there is something wrong, something unsettling about this house that Noemí goes to. After receiving an unsettling message from her cousin.
The atmosphere is chilling, creepy and makes the reader wonder what is real and what is not. Following Noemí through the dark halls, as she learns more and more of the dark history of High Place, the reader becomes increasingly unsettled.
The creepiness, visions, and gloom draw the reader into the narrative and mystery surrounding the house and its inhabitants.
Final Thoughts
Mexican Gothic is incredible. The pacing, the tension, the atmosphere, and the characterization draw the reader into the narrative. Furthermore, the ending was unpredictable and unique, offering readers something new and creepy.
See more reviews at Cyn's Workshop and follow me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Spotify Podcast | YouTube | BookBub | Goodreads+ | LinkedIn
This was one I had been looking forward to checking out and frankly it ended up not being very appealing to me. The chapters were long and the plot was slow. I just never found myself very invested to the story or the characters. Frankly, i surprised myself because I almost always get too invested into my reads. I don’t think the plot was predictable by any means but I had sort of figured out where things were going so I wasn’t itching to figure out what was going on. I think my biggest hangup was Noemi. She wasn’t a character I particularly related to or liked so I was never emotionally connected. Overall, I thought the overall concept of this horror was terrifying and a crazy story, I could actually see it becoming a horror movie, so I can definitely see the intrigue for this story. it just wasn’t one that satisfied me.
I'm not sure what to give this...stars-wise.
I went in with the idea that this had the same vibe as Rebecca...one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE books. And yes, the secluded mansion home and the mystery surrounding the marriage and people at said mansion...but that is where the similarities END! So, with such expectations in my head, I didn't like the book very much. But, had I known nothing going in, would I feel differently? I don't know...
Also, without giving away too much, if you are squeamish, just walk away! It's not so much blood and guts as much as boils and rotting mouths. Yeaaaaaah. No, Thank You...
Overall, it was... ... ...fine. I think I would have really enjoyed the writing if I hadn't been so distracted by what was going on in the story. I prefer my Rebecca and could have done without all the very, very graphic descriptions.
Edited to add: This is a PERFECT description of the "gore" of the book that I found on the Goodreads page...
"Gore in the sense of bloody violence: none. But in the sense of bodily fluids ending up where you wouldn't want them? Yeah, that is part of the psychological horror."
I went in with the idea that this had the same vibe as Rebecca...one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE books. And yes, the secluded mansion home and the mystery surrounding the marriage and people at said mansion...but that is where the similarities END! So, with such expectations in my head, I didn't like the book very much. But, had I known nothing going in, would I feel differently? I don't know...
Also, without giving away too much, if you are squeamish, just walk away! It's not so much blood and guts as much as boils and rotting mouths. Yeaaaaaah. No, Thank You...
Overall, it was... ... ...fine. I think I would have really enjoyed the writing if I hadn't been so distracted by what was going on in the story. I prefer my Rebecca and could have done without all the very, very graphic descriptions.
Edited to add: This is a PERFECT description of the "gore" of the book that I found on the Goodreads page...
"Gore in the sense of bloody violence: none. But in the sense of bodily fluids ending up where you wouldn't want them? Yeah, that is part of the psychological horror."
Mexican Gothic is a creepy tale that takes the mind on a colorful and grimy adventure to find out why Noemi's newlywed cousin sent a mysterious letter with a sketchy S.O.S. The author does a fantastic job of scratching all the itches for the gothic novel genre with impeccable wording, sensations and imagery. Her character development and pacing could use a little pick me up but overall this was an outstanding read.
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