Good Reads Desciption:
An isolated mansion. A chillingly charismatic aristocrat. And a brave socialite drawn to expose their treacherous secrets. . . .
From the author of Gods of Jade and Shadow comes a novel set in glamorous 1950s Mexico.
After receiving a frantic letter from her newlywed 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 is also an unlikely rescuer: She’s a glamorous debutante, and her chic gowns and perfect red lipstick are more suited for cocktail parties than amateur sleuthing. But she’s also tough and smart, with an indomitable will, and she is not afraid: not of her cousin’s new husband, who is both menacing and alluring; not of his father, the ancient patriarch who seems to be fascinated by Noemí; and not even of the house itself, which begins to invade Noemi’s dreams with visions of blood and doom.
Her only ally in this inhospitable abode is the family’s youngest son. Shy and gentle, he seems to want to help Noemí but might also be hiding dark knowledge of his family’s past. For there are many secrets behind the walls of High Place. The family’s once colossal wealth and faded mining empire kept them from prying eyes, but as Noemí digs deeper she unearths stories of violence and madness.
And Noemí, mesmerized by the terrifying yet seductive world of High Place, may soon find it impossible to ever leave this enigmatic house behind.
Helen says: 🤓🤓
There is a fungus among us, and this book kind of stinks! It has been on the New York Times bestseller list for a few weeks and recommended in reputable magazines. I was intrigued to read it. On the positive side, Mexican Gothic was very descriptive and read like a fairy tale. On the negative side, it started off great and got very boring in the middle of the book. In all honesty, I probably wouldn’t have finished it if I wasn’t reviewing it. I will never look at a mushroom the same way again. I won’t be eating them for a while either (you’ll have to read the book to get what I’m saying 😉). Side note: I read an article from the author. Interesting fact – the book is inspired by a real place in Mexico settled by English miners called Real de Monte in the Hidalgo region. Google it if you want to get a visual of the architecture and topography of the region – it is very Cornish. Not Corny, like the book.
Holly says: 🤓🤓
This book has lots of great reviews, mine is not one of them. I am trying to be nice here, but what the what?!? Am I completely missing something? Just no, no, no… The positive: Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a lovely writer and has a beautiful way with words. Stop. “Gothic – definition: or or relating to a style of writing that describes strange or frightening events that take place in mysterious places” – ok – check. It is strange, the place is mysterious for sure, but I found the book a little dull, not scary, somewhat gross, and weirdly creepy – and not in a good way. I am a huge fan of Jane Eyre, Rebecca and Dracula to which other reviewers compare this book – not even close. Minus the creepy sexual vibes, the story seemed strangely juvenile – more of a tween or young reader horror story – reminiscent of Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight vampire series.
Helen and Holly Hit the Books 