Mexican Gothic

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.

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.

This was honestly an incredible read, I love her books so much! I can’t believe she has gotten me into reading more horror!

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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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.