Topherlytle
4.5 - The Bewitching confirms that Silvia Moreno-Garcia is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Her latest novel is a wonderfully atmospheric and gothic read. Set across three distinct timelines, the story weaves an intriguing mystery grounded in both Mexican and American folklore.
The novel unfolds like a snowball rolling downhill, steadily building momentum, tension, and weight until it finally comes to a stop. While many of the reveals may be easy for readers to predict, I suspect that's intentional. The real strength of the book lies in the journey itself, the way the three storylines intertwine and evolve is what makes it so engaging.
That's not to say the mysteries are unimportant; they simply serve the story, rather than being the only thing you remember.
For those who haven't read Moreno-Garcia before, her writing is accessible, efficient, and visually compelling. Her command of gothic literature and horror feels fresh, grounded, and deeply immersive, never veering into camp or hopelessness..
If you like your stories a little gothic and a little spooky, you're going to enjoy this one.
4.5 - The Bewitching confirms that Silvia Moreno-Garcia is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Her latest novel is a wonderfully atmospheric and gothic read. Set across three distinct timelines, the story weaves an intriguing mystery grounded in both Mexican and American folklore.
The novel unfolds like a snowball rolling downhill, steadily building momentum, tension, and weight until it finally comes to a stop. While many of the reveals may be easy for readers to predict, I suspect that's intentional. The real strength of the book lies in the journey itself, the way the three storylines intertwine and evolve is what makes it so engaging.
That's not to say the mysteries are unimportant; they simply serve the story, rather than being the only thing you remember.
For those who haven't read Moreno-Garcia before, her writing is accessible, efficient, and visually compelling. Her command of gothic literature and horror feels fresh, grounded, and deeply immersive, never veering into camp or hopelessness..
If you like your stories a little gothic and a little spooky, you're going to enjoy this one.