Mexican Gothic

Mexican Gothic has all the elements in a book that I like, especially this time of year. Scary gothic mansion….check. Set in a foggy, gloomy, isolated place…check. Supernatural, unexplainable occurrences…check. Plus terrific character development….check. It’s no wonder that I liked this book!

I’ve heard a lot of hype about Mexican Gothic and I was ready to be disappointed (as I frequently am with over-hyped books), but I’m so glad I powered through my trepidation and read it, even considering the three-week wait I had from the library. Unlike some other “scary” stories that come out at Halloween, this book is not scary in the traditional sense. There is no gruesome monster, no torture, no overly graphic murder scene. This is a psychological supernatural thriller at its best!

Set in 1950s Mexico, the reader walks through the story alongside the heroine, a strong Mexican woman in her 20s, who goes to the house to rescue her cousin. Unable to leave due to her cousin’s deteriorating mental and physical health, the suspense grows while the heroine discovers more and more about the gothic-sytle house and the creepy family that has lived there for generations. She knows something is not quite right, but isn’t able to put her finger on exactly what is wrong. And then the end comes, where everything is explained, only unlike in some other books, the authors does a great job bringing the story to a close. Everything is satisfactorily wrapped up, but not in a big shiny bow because after all, this is still a gothic novel. Still, I was very pleased with the storyline, the style of writing, the character development, and the ending. All things that are a “must” to me when I recommend a book.

If you’re ready for a supernatural thriller that will keep you guessing until the end, then Mexican Gothic might just be your next great read.