Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a post-colonial gothic horror novel set in 1950s Mexico. It follows Noemí Taboada, a glamorous and seemingly carefree socialite from Mexico City who is sent to the countryside to check on her newlywed cousin, Catalina.
At first, Noemí appears to be someone who doesn’t take life too seriously — she loves to party, changes her major often, and enjoys her freedom. But beneath that, she’s fierce, intelligent, and deeply loyal.
When she arrives at the mysterious manor known as High Place, strange things begin to unfold, and Noemí starts forming unsettling theories about what’s really happening to her cousin.
My review
I loved this story, even though it scared the living lights out of me.
I read this over the course of a week, and it completely consumed me. From the moment I started, I couldn’t put it down. It gave me strong Rebecca and Crimson Peak vibes. It’s eerie, atmospheric, and deeply unsettling in the best way.
I originally wanted to read this after finishing The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, when I had a phase of craving stories set in the 50s and 60s. But I only got around to reading it this month, and honestly, I wish I had picked it up sooner.
Then again, I do believe that books find you when you need them most.
I’ve been having a difficult time at work recently, and in typical Mia fashion, I turned to reading as a way to escape. And somehow, despite how creepy, grotesque, and unsettling this story is… it genuinely made me happy.
What I Loved
Immersive, Atmospheric Writing
As soon as I started reading, the story didn’t let me go.
Every page felt suspenseful, and the tension only grew as the story unfolded. Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s writing is incredibly immersive — it pulls you into the setting so vividly that you feel like you’re inside the manor yourself.
Noemí as a Main Character
Noemí was such a compelling character to follow.
I loved watching her move through the mansion, the woods, and even the cemetery — all while I was internally screaming at her to leave. I don’t know how many times I thought, “get out of the house right now!!!”
But I was rooting for her the entire time.
Her confidence, wit, and resilience made her stand out, and she brought so much life into such a dark, eerie setting.
The Tension and Suspense
At times, the tension made me feel like something shocking was about to happen on every page — and I loved that feeling.
It keeps you constantly on edge in a way that’s intense but so fitting for the story. It’s the kind of suspense that completely pulls you in.
The Setting (Yes, Even the House)
The High Place felt like a character in itself. It reminded me of the house in Haunting of Hill House and Crimson Peak.
Everything about it, the isolation, the silence, the decay, added to the unsettling atmosphere. Even the side characters were intriguing in their own way, adding layers to the mystery.
What Didn’t Work as Much
I mostly like this story. Except for the romance, which felt a little too convenient for me. It didn’t take away from the story, but it wasn’t my favorite part.
How Scary Is Mexican Gothic?
This book is genuinely unsettling, but then again, I’m a scaredy cat. I only read this during daylight.
But the general consensus for this book is that it’s proper scary.
And it’s not just jump-scare scary, it’s slow, creeping horror that builds over time. The imagery can be quite grotesque and disturbing in parts, especially as the story progresses.
If you enjoy atmospheric horror that lingers and makes you uncomfortable in a good way, you’ll love this. But if you’re sensitive to eerie or body horror elements, this might feel quite intense.
Is Mexican Gothic Worth Reading?
Yes, absolutely!
If you enjoy gothic fiction, strong female characters, and immersive, atmospheric storytelling, this is definitely worth picking up.
It’s one of those books that pulls you in completely and stays with you even after you’ve finished.
Final Thoughts
Mexican Gothic is the kind of book that completely absorbs you. It’s unsettling, immersive, and unforgettable.
It’s eerie, strange, and sometimes uncomfortable… but also deeply captivating.
And for me, it came at exactly the right time.
Have you read this book? What did you think? Leave a comment below and let me know!
