Mexican Gothic vintage book review by Tam Francis
The Synopsis
Mexican Gothic Del Rey Publishing (June 30, 2020) by Silvia Moreno-Garcia fits into a 1950s Gothic style horror mystery with hints of Historical Fiction and romance set a small villiage in Mexico.
Receiving a frantic letter from her newly-wed cousin, Noemí embarks on a journey to High Place, a remote estate nestled in the Mexican countryside, cloaked in mystery and mist. Amidst its ancient halls, she confronts a foreign world where her cousin’s English husband, a captivating stranger, holds dominion over secrets buried deep within the region’s silver mine and the mansion they live in.
Noemí, with her glamorous allure and sophistication reminiscent of a bygone era, finds herself thrust into a role far removed from the glittering soirées of Mexico City. Armed with determination and resilience, she faces the looming specter of her cousin’s husband, whose charm masks a darker, more sinister nature. Additionally, she also encounters the patriarch of the house, an enigmatic figure whose fascination with Noemí hints at hidden agendas lurking beneath the surface.
In this mansion, where doom whispers through its halls and visions of blood and glowing entities haunt her dreams, Noemí’s sole confidant is the youngest scion of the family. Gentle and withdrawn, he harbors secrets of his own. Consequently, as Noemí delves deeper into the mysterious family and their past, she unravels a tapestry of supernatural violence, madness, and manipulation obscured by the family’s once-great wealth and the legacy of a faded mining empire.
Caught in the web of intrigue and danger, trying to save her cousin, Noemí is emeshed into the perilous and hypnotic world of High Place, where reality blurs with nightmare and escape becomes increasingly elusive. In the heart of this enigmatic house, she may discover truths that could shatter her perception of reality and bind her to its dark legacy forever.
Mexican Gothic Vintage Book Review: What I liked about it
- As a historical fiction writer who has two paranormal titles, and coming off reading The Night Tiger, I loved the surreal, supernatural aspects of the novel.
- I absolutely adored the creepy cemetary and the mushroom picking (and botanical lesson) with Francis.
- I love that before we got to the tiny town and High Place, we got a glimpse into the glamorous and cosmopolitan nightlife of 1950s Mexico City.
- Having read classic horror in my teens, the obvious references to HP Lovecraft, Jane Eyre, and even Sir Author Conan Doyle was delightful.
- Francis’ mother was a particularly perfect trope of the evil mother as were most of the characterizations, especially the characters in the town.
- Her descriptions of Noemí’s fashion was spot on and I loved it!
Favorite Quotes from Mexican Gothic
“A woman who is not liked is a bitch, and a bitch can hardly do anything: all avenues are closed to her.”
“It was easy to kiss someone when it didn’t matter; it was more difficult when it might be meaningful.”
“…she was trapped between competing desires, a desire for a more meaningful connection and the desire to never change. She wished for eternal youth and endless merriment.”
“She wanted to be liked. Perhaps this explained the parties, the crystalline laughter, the well-coiffed hair, the rehearsed smile. She thought that men such as her father could be stern and men could be cold like Virgil, but women needed to be liked or they’d be in troublento the field, the fireflies drew back as if golden doors yawning open to welcome them into a new realm where anything was possible.”
“Our bodies hide so many mysteries and they tell so many stories without a single word.”
“It’s no good telling tales without a drink.”
What I Wanted More Of
- A little more forward movement of the plot or having some of the set-up atmosphere-building condensed or added a little more action. More concrete tension that wasn’t just hinted at. It didn’t start to get unput-downable until about page 200.
- A little more romance and sexual tension, I know the author was trying to emulate the classic gothic romances, but it’s a modern novel, and I would have loved a little more steam and spice.
- I would have like to spend a little more time in Mexico City with Noemí, her cousin, and her suitors.
- I could have gone for MORE of Noemí’s fashion descriptions
- How fun would it have been if Noemí and Francis had snuck off to a dance in the little town or even a cantina where she might have introduced Francis to 1950s music.
- I could have used a peak into the mine. It was talked about so much, I feel like Francis would have shown it to her.
- I also wanted to know her cousin more, we get just tiny glimses of her.
- Atmostpheric title. Mexican Gothic reminded me of a local restuarant called: Seafood and Steak. Sure, it tells me what it is, but it doesn’t give me vibes or poetry in the title.
Overall
One of the most likable facets of historical fiction has to be the mini-history lessons and exposure to other eras and cultures which is very well done in this novel. Of course, my readers who like that vintage vibe coupled with the mild horror and supernatural, paranormal elements will easily sink into this story. If you’ve read The Flapper Affair or Ghostoria, I know you will love Mexican Gothic!
There was enough 1950s fashion, vintage flair, and romance that kept me in the vibes and I think will you too. Anyone who likes romance and ghosts and a little paranormal mystery with a smattering of historical fiction will vibe on Mexican Gothic.
Vintage Enthusiast Rating
Fashion: ♥♥♥♥
Music: ♥
Dance: ♥
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Do you like historical ghosty, horror paranormal stories? Have you read any other of books set in Mexico with a gothic vibe? Have your read any of Moreno-Garcia’s other novels? What did you think of the cover? Did it feel vintage horror enough for you? Did my Mexican Gothic vintage book review inspire you to read it?
Tam Francis is a writer, blogger, swing dance teacher, avid vintage collector, and seamstress. She shares her love of this genre through her novels, blog, and short stories. She enjoys hearing from you, sharing ideas, forging friendships, and exchanging guest blogs. For all the Girl in the Jitterbug Dress news, give-aways, events, and excitement, make sure to join her list and like her FB page! Join my list ~ Facebook page
