Title: Mexican Gothic
Author: Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Publisher: Del Rey
Genre: Gothic Horror, Historical Fiction
Year of Publication: 2020
Date of Publication: June 30, 2020
Pages: 320
ISBN-10: 0525620788
ISBN-13: 978-0525620785
Summary of Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Mexican Gothic follows Noemí Taboada, a woman from Mexico City. When her cousin Catalina sends a rather disturbing letter from her new home, Noemí travels there to visit her. Her goal is to see if she can figure out what is going on and if there is any way she help her cousin. In the letter, Cataliina claims her husband has been poisoning her.
Catalina married into Doyle family who own a home known as High Place. After Noemí arrives and sees the physical condition Catalina is in, she starts asking questions. She meets with Catalina’s husband and his father and the conversations and their behaviors, give her a lot of reason to be concerned. Even the way the household is run makes her wonder if everything is okay.
Main Plot & Characters
- Noemí Taboada: She is the main character in the book. Noemí is sent by her father to go visit Catalina. She becomes the central figure in uncovering the mysteries of High Place.
- Catalina Taboada: She is Noemí’s cousin who recently married Virgil Doyle. Her erratic behavior and disturbing letter prompt Noemí’s visit.
- Virgil Doyle: He is married to Catalina. Virgil is very attractive and is one of those people that appears charming on the surface.
- Florence Doyle: She is Virgil’s aunt. Florence looks after the household but maintains very strict rules. She comes off as cold and rather uninviting.
- Francis Doyle: He is Florence’s son. Francis is quiet and sometimes appears to be quite awkward. He is the only one in the household that welcomes Noemí. The two of them form a bond.
- Howard Doyle: He is the patriarch of the Doyle family. He is obsessed with purity, immortality, and eugenics.
- Dr. Arthur Cummins: He is the doctor who provides medical attention to Catalina.
Writing Style
Silvia Moreno-Garcia tells the story using a third-person narrative. The story is told mostly from Noemí’s perspective.
Final Thoughts on Mexican Gothic
This book will appeal to fans of horror, mystery, and historical fiction.
