“You must come for me, Noemí. You have to save me.” – Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Mexican Gothic

If you’re drawn to eerie mansions, long-buried secrets, and a strong heroine at the center of it all, Mexican Gothic might be your next favorite read. This novel takes the classic elements of gothic horror—creepy houses, strange families, and slow-building dread—and gives them a fresh twist by setting the story in 1950s Mexico.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia blends horror, mystery, and cultural richness into a haunting tale that’s as thought-provoking as it is chilling. Instead of gloomy castles in Europe, you’ll find mist-covered mountains and an old house filled with unsettling whispers.

At the heart of it is Noemí Taboada, a sharp and stylish young woman who finds herself pulled into a dark family mystery. If you enjoy atmospheric stories that keep you turning pages late into the night, Mexican Gothic deserves a spot on your reading list.

Plot Summary

Noemí is brave, curious, and witty. She doesn’t back down, even when things get scary. Catalina, her cousin, is sick and trapped in a house that seems to change her. The Doyle family, who own High Place, are cold and odd. The house itself feels alive, full of secrets and shadows.

As Noemí stays longer, she begins to have dreams and strange thoughts. Something in the house is trying to reach her. With the help of Francis, a quiet member of the Doyle family, Noemí tries to protect her cousin and find the truth. But the truth is more terrifying than she imagined.

The story starts slowly, with Noemí adjusting to the eerie house. Over time, the tension builds. Strange rules, creepy servants, and whispers in the walls keep you on edge.

Every chapter adds more mystery. When the secrets are finally revealed, they’re shocking, twisted, and unforgettable. The ending ties the story together in a way that’s both scary and satisfying.

My Review

This book was unlike anything I’ve read before. It’s dark and strange, but also rich and thoughtful. I loved how the author used horror to follow deeper themes, such as control, family, and power. The writing felt smooth and smart, with just enough detail to keep me guessing.

Things I Liked and Disliked

Liked

• The setting was fresh and different.
• Noemí is a strong and unique main character.
• The mix of history and horror worked really well.
• The story kept me guessing until the end.

Disliked

• Some parts were slow.
• The horror got a little confusing near the middle.
• I wanted more backstory on the house and the family.

EXPLICIT SPOILER WARNING

The story has a supernatural element that connects deeply to the house’s disturbing past. The old mansion, High Place, is tied to a strange, almost sentient fungus that grows within its walls and grounds. This fungus isn’t just part of the scenery—it plays a central role in the eerie power the Doyle family holds.

They’ve discovered a way to use it to extend their lives, control others, and maintain their dominance over the house and those in it. As the truth unfolds, the connection between the family, the house, and the fungus becomes more terrifying. It’s not just a spooky detail—it’s a full-blown horror element that adds to the dread.

This dark secret, both shocking and deeply unsettling, turns the house itself into a living, breathing presence that Noemí must confront to survive.

Ratings and Reviews from Readers

“The world might indeed be a cursed circle; the snake swallowed its tail and there could be no end, only an eternal ruination.”-Mexican Gothic

Goodreads Rating and Review Count

Mexican Gothic has a 3.7 out of 5 rating on Goodreads, based on more than 220,000 reviews. That’s a strong number, showing it has been widely read and discussed.

Goodreads And Amazon Reviews

• “Beautiful writing and an unforgettable setting. It creeped me out in the best way.”
• “Not your typical horror book. It’s slow, rich, and full of style.”
• “I didn’t know what was real or not—but I couldn’t stop reading.”
• “This book gave me chills. The mix of horror and culture was amazing.”
• “A little slow at first, but worth it. Noemí is a great lead.”
• “So different from other gothic books. Loved the twist!”

Mexican Gothic stands out because of its setting and point of view. It’s rare to see gothic horror take place in 1950s Mexico. The book uses this background to add depth. It also gives the genre a new face by making a bold, smart Mexican woman the lead. The story doesn’t rely on cheap scares. It builds slowly and stays with you.

What Authors Have to Say About Mexican Gothic

• Roxane Gay, author: “Stylish and smart. A chilling, slow burn.”
• Victor LaValle, horror author: “A mix of old and new. A real standout in modern horror.”
• Carmen Maria Machado, writer: “Gorgeous, scary, and full of meaning.”

Is Reading Mexican Gothic Worth It?

“Silvia Moreno-Garcia gives new life to old bones.”- Mexican Gothic

Good Things About the Book Readers Will Enjoy:
Readers will enjoy the strong lead character, the unique setting, and the slow, creeping horror. The book is written with care and brings something new to the horror genre.

Where the Book Was Lacking:
Some readers might find the slow pacing a bit too slow. The horror elements are strange and might be hard to follow. If you like fast action, this might not be your pick.

If You Like This Genre or These Story Arcs, You Should Try It:
If you like gothic horror, stories about haunted houses, or slow, spooky reads with strong women, this book is for you. Fans of Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier or The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson will likely enjoy it.

Similar Books If You Enjoyed This Book

1. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier: A classic gothic tale with a haunted feel and a strong female lead.

2. The Haunting of Hill Houseby Shirley Jackson: Spooky and smart. A must-read for haunted house lovers.

3. The Family Plotby Cherie Priest: Another haunted house story with a strong Southern flavor.

4. We Have Always Lived in the Castleby Shirley Jackson: Twisted, creepy, and unforgettable.

5. The Silent Companionsby Laura Purcell: Set in an old house with dark secrets. Gothic fans will enjoy it.

Conclusion

Mexican Gothic is more than a horror novel. It’s smart, rich, and full of style. Silvia Moreno-Garcia uses Mexico’s setting and the gothic genre to tell a story that’s both scary and deep. The book builds slowly, but it leaves a strong impact.

What makes this story stand out is how it blends classic gothic themes with the history and feel of 1950s Mexico. The foggy hills, strange house, and family secrets create a deep, spooky world. Noemí’s strength adds something fresh. She’s not just reacting to fear—she questions it, stands up to it, and pushes back.

The writing is smooth but packed with detail. You feel the mood in every room and hallway. Even when nothing is happening, the unease stays. It’s a story that pulls you in slowly and doesn’t let go.

If you’re looking for a fresh twist on gothic horror, this book is worth reading. It’s a dark, thoughtful tale that sticks with you. Noemí’s bravery, the eerie house, and the twisted secrets will keep you thinking long after the last page. It’s about fear, yes—but also about power, love, and survival. That’s what makes this book truly stand out.