Format: ARC, eBook
“My novel is noir, pulp fiction, but it’s based on a real horror story.”
A daydreaming secretary, an enforcer, and a missing woman they are trying to find.
1970s, Mexico City
Maite is a secretary who escapes the student protests and political unrest by escaping into the pages of the latest issue of Secret Romance. Her next-door neighbor, Lenora is beautiful young art student who appears to live a life of intrigue and romance like what Maite reads about. When Lenora disappears, Maite goes looking for her and delves deeper into her secret life.
“life’s a mess.”
Elvis is a member of the Hawks which is a group run by the government. He is a criminal who loathes violence. When it becomes known that Lenora has photos that the government do not want to be seen, El Mago, Elvis’s boss sends him and his crew to get those pictures. While looking for the Lenora and the pictures, Maite catches his eye and Elvis’ eye especially when he learns of the things they have in common. Needless to say, both of their searches are dangerous – more dangerous than they could ever imagine!
“How do stories end?”
This one ended and had me wishing I could begin another book by this author right away. Silvia Moreno-Garcia did a brilliant job of blending fiction with historical events. You can read her Author’s note at the end as she details the events. She caught my eye with Mexican Gothic and I became a bigger fan with this book – I have to say I enjoyed this one more.
This book grabbed me from the get -go and held my attention! It’s a little slower than most books I enjoy. I am typically not a fan of slow burns – they annoy me. But as I mentioned, this one grabbed me, and I didn’t mind the slow start as things did pick up and got interesting. I found this book to be beautifully written, gripping, well thought out and riveting. Both Maite and Elvis are likeable characters. We get to know them individually and their stories until eventually their stories collide. I rooted for each.
**Plus, how about that cover. Both of the books I have read by her have the most beautiful and intriguing covers!
Captivating, atmospheric and violent.
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group/ Ballantine/Del Rey and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.