Historical Fiction: Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Much like with horror movies, horror books can be hit or miss. It is a type of story that is difficult to write well, but many still try. I picked up Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia not necessarily because it is considered horror, but more because it simply sounded interesting. A creepy family in a creepy house in a small town in Mexico sounds interesting in any genre.

The Situation: It is 1950 in Mexico City, and Noemí Taboada is enjoying her life as a wealthy young debutante. While she is not necessarily interested in getting married and settling down, she does enjoy the attention of the young attractive men who are more than willing to escort her to all of the best parties. Unfortunately, when a distressing letter arrives from her cousin Catalina who is now married and lives in the Mexican countryside, Noemí must put her carefree life on hold and visit her. Noemí's father was never a fan of Catalina's new husband, Virgil, and now he is sure that something sinister is taking place. He charges Noemí with going to the small town of El Triunfo and making sure everything is okay. So Noemí puts the parties on hold, packs her bags, and heads into what she is sure will be a cursory visit.

The Problem: When Noemí arrives at High Place - the name of the house where Catalina resides with her husband and his English family - it is clear that the estate had once enjoyed some glorious times, but has since fallen into disrepair. Everything has the feeling of once having been grand and enviable, but now the place looks like it is being consumed by mold and fungus. It also becomes clear to Noemí that Catalina is not okay, but any attempts to help her, and sometimes even attempts to visit her room, are blocked by Virgil and his family. And the more Noemí digs into the history of High Place, the more horrified she is, eventually having nightmares and visions of her own, even occasionally sleepwalking, something she has not done since she was a child. Noemí is determined to find out what is really happening, and save her cousin in the process. However, High Place may have plans of its own.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a historical and horror fiction novel set in Mexico in 1950. Noemí is a young, carefree, and glamorous debutante used to parties and the attentions of men. A disturbing letter from her cousin brings her away from the glamour of Mexico City, and to the eerie setting of High Place. The house includes Catalina's handsome but somewhat intimidating husband Virgil, his father Howard, his cousin Florence, and Florence's son Francis. It used to be that the family operated a prosperous silver mine and employed most of the people in the area. A series of misfortunes and illnesses have since plagued the house, family, and mine, leaving the entire area with a rich history filled with horror and death. Both Noemí and Catalina loved fairy tales as young girls, stories filled with princesses being rescued and evil witches and curses. But when such things become real menaces, Noemí wants nothing more than to leave with her cousin. There is also some talk of eugenics and the idea of superior and inferior races.

My Verdict: This book delivers on the creep factor, as well as the suspense and mystery. Unfortunately, despite an interesting premise, the result is less engaging than anticipated. I am not sure if it is the narrator, as Noemí is naive and spoiled, while also being self-assured and strong-willed. For me, it may have been when I realized what was really going on (I won't spoil it, I promise), and felt disappointment that it was not something more sophisticated. It is original; it is scary; and somehow it still felt like something I have seen before. It was strange. I certainly encourage lovers of horror and historical fiction to pick it up for themselves. I am curious to see how other readers feel about it.

Favorite Moment: When Noemí is able to learn about one of the more disturbing moments in the history of High Place from a local healer.

Favorite Character: Everyone in this book is tiresome to some degree. But I found myself invested in the fate of Francis, and hoping he came out of this okay.

Recommended Reading: I feel like The Shining by Stephen King would be an appropriate follow-up to this one, though it is long, and a different kind of thriller.