Mexican Gothic

By Silvia Moreno-Garcia

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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Published Jun 15, 2021

352 pages

Average rating: 6.86

2,326 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

What Bookclubbers are saying about this book

✨ Summarized by Bookclubs AI

Readers say *Mexican Gothic* offers a richly atmospheric, moody Gothic tale set in 1950s Mexico, praised for its immersive setting, lush prose, and cu...

PawshGardener 🐾🌿
6/10 stars
Well that was unexpected! 😅
CeLynasings
10/10 stars
Gothic style writing hasn’t ever been my cup of tea, but this author ensured the balance between prose and narrative balanced to where the plot pulled you so deep in the book there are times you find yourself telling the characters not to touch the moving mold. Brilliant writing and a new favorite author.
Sue Dix
6/10 stars
This was a bizarre story and I liked it quite a lot, initially, but it started to drag in the middle, and I found the ending to be ridiculous. I’ve read thrillers that were more plausible and scarier. It was well written, just not my cup of tea.
Sarah Habeeb
9/10 stars
This was honestly an incredible read, I love her books so much! I can’t believe she has gotten me into reading more horror!
Cyn's Workshop
10/10 stars
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.

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