Reviews with content warning for Sexual assault - Mexican Gothic

It's difficult to read a book clearly and judge it on its own merits when it's been hyped for so long and your job is Books. Honestly, I think that let me down a bit here as I was primed for la creme de la creme. Additionally, the first Silvia Moreno Garcia book I read (The Daughter of Dr. Moreau) was less than stellar, so I was already worried that Mexican Gothic was overhyped. I don't know that I can speak to that but I will say I did enjoy this book. Unfortunately, the

sexual assault

pulled me out of the story, since that crime's already too horrific for me before adding spec fic flavor. Overall the writing is good, not great - too much tell, not enough show. But I'm still rating this closer to a 4 than a 3 because I could not. stop. reading. Well done, Silvia.

Content Warnings

folklorisms's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

if i had a nickel for every time

fungus is the villain

i’d have two nickels which isn’t much but it’s weird that it’s happened twice. anyways the spook was very present in this book and it was excellent. gave me vague mary shelley

but with fungus

and crimson peak

but with fungus

vibes

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rubonyx's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Content Warnings

maquela's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

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chrispy_mac's review against another edition

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medium-paced

4.5

If you like other gothic fiction you'll probably like this. I enjoyed it quite a bit, it was a quick read.

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esme_ella's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Content Warnings

emilycgutierrez's review against another edition

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dark mysterious

4.0

I had a really good time reading Mexican Gothic! 😍 For a wimp like me, this was the perfect level of creepy, icky horror without too much gore. The mystery was great, the atmosphere was deliciously dark and decaying, and I loved the main character, Noemi 💖

I thought the eugenics theme added to the uncomfortable atmosphere in the book, but I was also a little disappointed that the majority of characters in this book are British, and most of the book takes place in their British-styled house. They live in Mexico, so yes this does take place in Mexico, but I guess I was hoping for a more Mexican take on horror, rather than just implanting the usual British-horror tropes/aesthetics into a Mexican countryside.

I’d still definitely recommend for people who enjoy horror or are looking for a gentle introduction to the genre! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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