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The Bewitching
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Horror (2025)In this chilling multigenerational horror tale, three women across different eras grapple with danger and witchcraft. Silvia Moreno-Garcia, the New York Times bestselling author of Mexican Gothic, weaves a tale where every secret uncovered brings creeping horror. Minerva, a graduate student, delves into the life of Beatrice Tremblay, an obscure horror author, and uncovers a true story behind Tremblay's famous novel, 'The Vanishing'. As Minerva investigates, she feels a malevolent force that once haunted Tremblay and her roommate might still linger on campus. This force echoes the witch encounter Nana Alba, Minerva's great-grandmother, experienced in 1900s Mexico. Minerva fears this shadow threatens her now. An academic pursuit can be challenging, but it could become deadly when witchcraft is involved.
357 pages, Hardcover
First published July 15, 2025
About the author
Silvia Moreno-Garcia
170 books28.4k followersSilvia Moreno-Garcia is the author of several novels, including Mexican Gothic, Gods of Jade and Shadow and The Daughter of Doctor Moreau. She has also edited a number of anthologies, including the World Fantasy Award-winning She Walks in Shadows (a.k.a. Cthulhu's Daughters). Mexican by birth, Canadian by inclination.
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July 15, 2025UPDATE Is there a playlist?
Yes. One of the timelines is set in 1998 and thus it's mostly composed of alternative music from this decade. Enjoy:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4IS...
What genre is this?
Horror/suspense
What is this about?
A graduate student working on her thesis in the 1990s, an aspiring writer attending a women's college during the Great Depression, and a farmer's daughter growing up in the mountains of Hidalgo at the dawn of the 20th century, will all encounter witchcraft and danger.
Will this be available in the UK? In Spanish (or other languages)?
It will be out in the UK in July 2025 through Arcadia/Quercus. At this point (June 2025) Spanish translation rights have been purchased, no release date for that edition is forthcoming. No other languages have been acquired. Translation deals are hard to get and it has become harder to be translated in most markets.
Will this be available from Goldsboro as a limited edition with the sprayed edges?
Yes to Goldsboro.
Will there be other special or signed editions?
Aside from Goldsboro, there should be a number of signed copies available in the UK and the US. Check with your local bookstores.
Yes. One of the timelines is set in 1998 and thus it's mostly composed of alternative music from this decade. Enjoy:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4IS...
What genre is this?
Horror/suspense
What is this about?
A graduate student working on her thesis in the 1990s, an aspiring writer attending a women's college during the Great Depression, and a farmer's daughter growing up in the mountains of Hidalgo at the dawn of the 20th century, will all encounter witchcraft and danger.
Will this be available in the UK? In Spanish (or other languages)?
It will be out in the UK in July 2025 through Arcadia/Quercus. At this point (June 2025) Spanish translation rights have been purchased, no release date for that edition is forthcoming. No other languages have been acquired. Translation deals are hard to get and it has become harder to be translated in most markets.
Will this be available from Goldsboro as a limited edition with the sprayed edges?
Yes to Goldsboro.
Will there be other special or signed editions?
Aside from Goldsboro, there should be a number of signed copies available in the UK and the US. Check with your local bookstores.
July 21, 2025
Strongest emotion I felt reading this was "Girl, that's your uncle 😭"
May 22, 2026
Dangerous witches, powerful curses, and unseen, unidentifiable entities lurking in the shadows—this supernatural tale intertwines three timelines into a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat and make you leave the lights on for a month. Yes, I’m sold! This is another masterful supernatural horror from Silvia Moreno-Garcia that I simply couldn’t resist. It’s gripping, terrifying, and endlessly fascinating—proving yet again her unmatched talent in the genre.
The story unfolds across three timelines, each centered around remarkable women and bound together by ominous words: “Back then, when I was a young woman, there were still witches.” Indeed, witches are still out there, lurking in the darkness, waiting to strike.
Timeline 1: 1908
We meet Alba, mourning the sudden loss of her father and tormented by the mysterious disappearance of her brother, Tadeo. Her family suspects no foul play, dismissing any talk of curses or supernatural forces, but Alba remains unconvinced. Valentin, her brother’s close friend, is the only one who believes her family is bewitched, and he vows to help her uncover the truth.
Timeline 2: 1934
Beatrice Tremblay is a college student and budding horror writer, gaining fame with her debut novel, Vanishing, inspired by the real-life disappearance of her eccentric roommate Virginia. Virginia was rumored to have a connection with the dead, channeling them through abstract art. But her sudden disappearance remains shrouded in mystery. Beatrice’s story is as much about ambition as it is about the ghosts of the past.
Timeline 3: 1998
Minerva, Alba’s granddaughter, is a student at the same academy where Beatrice once studied. Obsessed with Beatrice’s unpublished manuscript for her thesis, Minerva seeks out Carolyn, Beatrice’s former friend, now married to Edgar—the former fiancé of the vanished Virginia. Through Carolyn’s grandson Noah, Minerva gains access to Carolyn’s estate, where the manuscript is kept.
But as Minerva delves deeper into her research, she unwittingly unleashes something dark and malevolent. She begins to feel a sinister presence stalking her—something no one else can see. To survive, she must connect with the two women from decades past to unravel the mysteries that bind their fates. Can she defeat the force that threatens her life?
Overall:
This is a fascinating, unputdownable read that I wholeheartedly recommend to devoted fans of Silvia Moreno-Garcia and lovers of supernatural horror sagas.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/Del Rey/Inklore for providing a digital reviewer copy of this incredible book in exchange for my honest opinions.
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The story unfolds across three timelines, each centered around remarkable women and bound together by ominous words: “Back then, when I was a young woman, there were still witches.” Indeed, witches are still out there, lurking in the darkness, waiting to strike.
Timeline 1: 1908
We meet Alba, mourning the sudden loss of her father and tormented by the mysterious disappearance of her brother, Tadeo. Her family suspects no foul play, dismissing any talk of curses or supernatural forces, but Alba remains unconvinced. Valentin, her brother’s close friend, is the only one who believes her family is bewitched, and he vows to help her uncover the truth.
Timeline 2: 1934
Beatrice Tremblay is a college student and budding horror writer, gaining fame with her debut novel, Vanishing, inspired by the real-life disappearance of her eccentric roommate Virginia. Virginia was rumored to have a connection with the dead, channeling them through abstract art. But her sudden disappearance remains shrouded in mystery. Beatrice’s story is as much about ambition as it is about the ghosts of the past.
Timeline 3: 1998
Minerva, Alba’s granddaughter, is a student at the same academy where Beatrice once studied. Obsessed with Beatrice’s unpublished manuscript for her thesis, Minerva seeks out Carolyn, Beatrice’s former friend, now married to Edgar—the former fiancé of the vanished Virginia. Through Carolyn’s grandson Noah, Minerva gains access to Carolyn’s estate, where the manuscript is kept.
But as Minerva delves deeper into her research, she unwittingly unleashes something dark and malevolent. She begins to feel a sinister presence stalking her—something no one else can see. To survive, she must connect with the two women from decades past to unravel the mysteries that bind their fates. Can she defeat the force that threatens her life?
Overall:
This is a fascinating, unputdownable read that I wholeheartedly recommend to devoted fans of Silvia Moreno-Garcia and lovers of supernatural horror sagas.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/Del Rey/Inklore for providing a digital reviewer copy of this incredible book in exchange for my honest opinions.
medium.com
January 14, 2025
“Back then, when I was a young woman, there were still witches.”
This book is amazeballs. Or that's what I'd say if I were the type of person to use the word “amazeballs,” anyway, which I totally am not. Ahem. The Bewitching is a witchy blend of horror and historical fiction that weaves together three distinct timelines (1998 and 1934 Massachusetts and early 1900s Mexico) into a captivatingly creepy multigenerational saga that will keep you reading long into the night.
This book is filled with witches and warlocks and all kinds of supernatural folklore, but it's not exactly what I'd consider to be scary. There are some creepy parts, sure, but we're not talking Stephen King levels of horror here. This is more historical fiction with a supernatural twist, not that 1998 can be considered “historical” because I turned nineteen in 1998 and that was basically, like, ten years ago. Ahem. Alba's timeline from 1908 Mexico is by far the creepiest, and it's no wonder that Nana Alba's stories of witches and witchcraft are so useful to her great-granddaughter almost a century later.
It's not hard to deduce who the villains of each timeline are, which, contrary to what you might expect, makes things all the more suspenseful. In Alba's timeline especially, you just want to grab her and shake some sense into her as you anxiously wonder what terrible thing the sorcerer or sorceress is going to do next.
And the ending(s)? Fantastic. Alba's timeline (again) was my favorite, but Minerva's has a The Craft-esque epilogue to it which was fun. Beatrice's ending is more tragic than the others – you know that's going to be the case from almost the very beginning – but in a way her story doesn't truly come to a conclusion until Minerva's does, so it's not all doom and gloom.
As an aside, I really enjoyed the little nods to other famous horror writers that Moreno-Garcia worked into this novel. Writer Beatrice “Tremblay” is a focus of the 1934 timeline (and of Minerva's thesis in 1998), and “ancient department heads” of Stoneridge College include “Stephen Graham Jones” (Philosophy) and “Nicholas Mamatas” (Classics). I figured from the very beginning that the “Tremblay” thing could have been a tribute to Paul Tremblay, but it wasn't until I got to the department heads bit that I was all, “Hey, wait a minute!” Stephen Graham Jones is a rather distinctive name, so there's pretty much no missing it at that point.
Overall, this is a fantastic novel and Moreno-Garcia is quickly becoming one of my favorite horror writers. If you enjoy stories about witches, multigenerational (and multicultural) sagas, and/or horror novels set in quaint New England towns (and Mexico), definitely consider giving The Bewitching a read. It's a creepy and sorcery-laden ride.
4.75 stars, rounded up.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Del Rey for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is July 15, 2025.
This book is amazeballs. Or that's what I'd say if I were the type of person to use the word “amazeballs,” anyway, which I totally am not. Ahem. The Bewitching is a witchy blend of horror and historical fiction that weaves together three distinct timelines (1998 and 1934 Massachusetts and early 1900s Mexico) into a captivatingly creepy multigenerational saga that will keep you reading long into the night.
This book is filled with witches and warlocks and all kinds of supernatural folklore, but it's not exactly what I'd consider to be scary. There are some creepy parts, sure, but we're not talking Stephen King levels of horror here. This is more historical fiction with a supernatural twist, not that 1998 can be considered “historical” because I turned nineteen in 1998 and that was basically, like, ten years ago. Ahem. Alba's timeline from 1908 Mexico is by far the creepiest, and it's no wonder that Nana Alba's stories of witches and witchcraft are so useful to her great-granddaughter almost a century later.
It's not hard to deduce who the villains of each timeline are, which, contrary to what you might expect, makes things all the more suspenseful. In Alba's timeline especially, you just want to grab her and shake some sense into her as you anxiously wonder what terrible thing the sorcerer or sorceress is going to do next.
And the ending(s)? Fantastic. Alba's timeline (again) was my favorite, but Minerva's has a The Craft-esque epilogue to it which was fun. Beatrice's ending is more tragic than the others – you know that's going to be the case from almost the very beginning – but in a way her story doesn't truly come to a conclusion until Minerva's does, so it's not all doom and gloom.
As an aside, I really enjoyed the little nods to other famous horror writers that Moreno-Garcia worked into this novel. Writer Beatrice “Tremblay” is a focus of the 1934 timeline (and of Minerva's thesis in 1998), and “ancient department heads” of Stoneridge College include “Stephen Graham Jones” (Philosophy) and “Nicholas Mamatas” (Classics). I figured from the very beginning that the “Tremblay” thing could have been a tribute to Paul Tremblay, but it wasn't until I got to the department heads bit that I was all, “Hey, wait a minute!” Stephen Graham Jones is a rather distinctive name, so there's pretty much no missing it at that point.
Overall, this is a fantastic novel and Moreno-Garcia is quickly becoming one of my favorite horror writers. If you enjoy stories about witches, multigenerational (and multicultural) sagas, and/or horror novels set in quaint New England towns (and Mexico), definitely consider giving The Bewitching a read. It's a creepy and sorcery-laden ride.
4.75 stars, rounded up.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Del Rey for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is July 15, 2025.
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January 12, 2026the cool thing about dnfing this book is that i don't have to listen to this girl fucking her uncle!
October 3, 2025
Boring, predictable and read by a dull narrator.
Despite expectations. this book was neither scary, Mexican nor dark academia enough to be atmospheric. The features that usually make me like such stories - different historical timelines, didn't work with this one. It also contains repulsive incest "spicy scenes" 🤮
As for a narrator, didn't like her way of making long pauses, weird stresses and she often sounds like a robot.
Despite expectations. this book was neither scary, Mexican nor dark academia enough to be atmospheric. The features that usually make me like such stories - different historical timelines, didn't work with this one. It also contains repulsive incest "spicy scenes" 🤮
As for a narrator, didn't like her way of making long pauses, weird stresses and she often sounds like a robot.
July 21, 2025
Gosh, I was so looking forward to this. Ended up throwing in the towel. Yep, this is what...my third DNF...ever?
Three separate timelines and multiple characters in each. I'd just get invested in one and then, poof, we're in a completely different place and I'm struggling to remember: wait, who are these people? How are they related?
Sorry, too much jumping around for anything to gel for me. Bummer.
January 13, 2026
**4.5-stars rounded up**
Minerva was raised on her Nana Alba's stories. Stories that included bizarre things, superstitions, magic and witchcraft. These shaped Minerva's interests into adulthood, as many of us can probably relate to.
Minerva is now a graduate student at a prestigious Massachusetts college, focusing on the history of Horror Literature. More specifically, Minerva is researching the life and work of Beatrice Tremblay, a lesser known author of macabre tales, who once attended the same school.
During her research, Minerva discovers that Tremblay's most famous novel, The Vanishing, was inspired by true events that happened in her own life.
In The Bewitching, we're treated to Minerva's timeline in 1990s Massachusetts; to stories from Nana Alba's life in 1900s Mexico and beyond; as well as Beatrice Tremblay's time in school during the Great Depression, and the events that inspired her most famous novel.
This might sound like a lot, with all the different people and places, but trust me when I say, it's beautifully-woven together into one easily understandable, overarching tale.
Admittedly, I am a huge Silvia Moreno-Garcia stan. I'm obsessed with her ideas and the way she tells stories. While not every single one has been a hit, more often than not, they have been, and I always love diving into a new book from her, as you never know what you are going to get.
I was intimidated going into this, as it is told in three different time periods, following three different perspectives, and I tend to not love sweeping sagas like that. However, I loved each of these perspectives. I was equally enamored by each, which is a hard feat to pull off.
This story is dripping in atmosphere, across all three time periods. It's amazing to me how she was able to completely capture the essence of all three time periods in such a lush and compelling way.
The characters are full of life and distinct in tone. I loved the mystery, intrigue and lore behind it all. It was so good, I can't wait to read it again someday. I'd love to take some more time with it; perhaps finding even more connections.
10/10 recommend for Readers who love vibrant, unsettling atmospheres, and witchy stories, both historical and modern. Also, slight dark academia vibes...
Thank you so much to the publisher, Del Rey, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
I expected to like this, but I was actually surprised at how connected I felt to the story, and how much I ended up loving all the various aspects it was comprised of. This will live in mind for a long time to come!
Minerva was raised on her Nana Alba's stories. Stories that included bizarre things, superstitions, magic and witchcraft. These shaped Minerva's interests into adulthood, as many of us can probably relate to.
Minerva is now a graduate student at a prestigious Massachusetts college, focusing on the history of Horror Literature. More specifically, Minerva is researching the life and work of Beatrice Tremblay, a lesser known author of macabre tales, who once attended the same school.
During her research, Minerva discovers that Tremblay's most famous novel, The Vanishing, was inspired by true events that happened in her own life.
In The Bewitching, we're treated to Minerva's timeline in 1990s Massachusetts; to stories from Nana Alba's life in 1900s Mexico and beyond; as well as Beatrice Tremblay's time in school during the Great Depression, and the events that inspired her most famous novel.
This might sound like a lot, with all the different people and places, but trust me when I say, it's beautifully-woven together into one easily understandable, overarching tale.
Admittedly, I am a huge Silvia Moreno-Garcia stan. I'm obsessed with her ideas and the way she tells stories. While not every single one has been a hit, more often than not, they have been, and I always love diving into a new book from her, as you never know what you are going to get.
I was intimidated going into this, as it is told in three different time periods, following three different perspectives, and I tend to not love sweeping sagas like that. However, I loved each of these perspectives. I was equally enamored by each, which is a hard feat to pull off.
This story is dripping in atmosphere, across all three time periods. It's amazing to me how she was able to completely capture the essence of all three time periods in such a lush and compelling way.
The characters are full of life and distinct in tone. I loved the mystery, intrigue and lore behind it all. It was so good, I can't wait to read it again someday. I'd love to take some more time with it; perhaps finding even more connections.
10/10 recommend for Readers who love vibrant, unsettling atmospheres, and witchy stories, both historical and modern. Also, slight dark academia vibes...
Thank you so much to the publisher, Del Rey, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
I expected to like this, but I was actually surprised at how connected I felt to the story, and how much I ended up loving all the various aspects it was comprised of. This will live in mind for a long time to come!
February 12, 2025
This is not your usual witch tale - not by a long shot! Told in three timelines, The Bewitching is mesmerizing, intriguing, bizarre, mysterious, and thought provoking. Three women are told “Back then, when I was a young woman, there were still witches.” These are not Disney witches, nor are that what will be found when you follow the yellow brick road. These witches are way beyond that.
Alba, Minerva, and Beatrice are three women connected with interesting tales and fates. Each has an interesting backstory, and each has a distinct personality. Each has a connection to witchcraft and beyond.
The first half of the book was a slow burn for me, but I stuck with it as the premise was intriguing. The second half of the book picks up and I was fully invested and wanted answers. I never knew where this book was going or where Silvia Moreno-Garcia was going to take me. The aspect of witches and warlocks was intriguing and piqued my interest. There was one part of the book which was a bit cringe-worthy and other parts that were a bit graphic but otherwise, I found this to be an interesting albeit different book.
Intriguing, dark, well written, and mysterious.
3.5 stars
*This was a witches Words buddy read with Carolyn and Brenda. Please read their reviews as well to see if they were bewitched by The Bewitching.
Thank you to Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | 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.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Alba, Minerva, and Beatrice are three women connected with interesting tales and fates. Each has an interesting backstory, and each has a distinct personality. Each has a connection to witchcraft and beyond.
The first half of the book was a slow burn for me, but I stuck with it as the premise was intriguing. The second half of the book picks up and I was fully invested and wanted answers. I never knew where this book was going or where Silvia Moreno-Garcia was going to take me. The aspect of witches and warlocks was intriguing and piqued my interest. There was one part of the book which was a bit cringe-worthy and other parts that were a bit graphic but otherwise, I found this to be an interesting albeit different book.
Intriguing, dark, well written, and mysterious.
3.5 stars
*This was a witches Words buddy read with Carolyn and Brenda. Please read their reviews as well to see if they were bewitched by The Bewitching.
Thank you to Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | 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.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
September 14, 2025
Unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me. I ended up DNF’ing at 15%. The cover pulled me in, and of course, the idea of any type witch story, be it gothic, historical or modern day, had me interested. But being kind to myself, I know not every book is meant for me.
March 23, 2025
This was a huge swing and a miss for me.
The pacing is ridiculously slow with what seems like a lot of unnecessary filler.
I do feel like at least 30% could be taken out and you'd have a better story to follow.
The witchcraft element was uninspiring and the strange relationship between 2 related characters was off putting.
The pacing is ridiculously slow with what seems like a lot of unnecessary filler.
I do feel like at least 30% could be taken out and you'd have a better story to follow.
The witchcraft element was uninspiring and the strange relationship between 2 related characters was off putting.
July 15, 2025
Title/Author: The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Page Count: 368
Publisher: Del Rey
Format: Audiobook (but I own a physical)
Other Books I Enjoyed by This Author: Silver Nitrate, Untamed Shore, The Lover (amazon original) and Mexican Gothic (I own all of her books though)
Affiliate Link: https://bookshop.org/a/7576/978059387...
Release Date: July 15th, 2025
General Genre: Gothic, Folk, Horror, Historical
Sub-Genre/Themes: Dual narratives, Dark academia, witches, witchcraft, cursed family, mystery, secrets & lies, missing persons, supernatural, black magic, spell craft, romance, sapphic yearning & desire, horror fiction,
Writing Style: Intricately plotted, character-driven, historical accuracy and detail, menacing, creepy, fast-paced/compelling
What You Need to Know: "Minerva is a graduate student researching the life of Beatrice Tremblay, an obscure horror author. Tremblay's most famous novel was inspired by a true story: decades earlier, Tremblay attended the same university where Minerva is studying and became obessed with her otherworldly roommate, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances. These events echo stories Minerva's Nana Alba told about her girlhood in 1900s Mexico, where she had an encounter with a witch. Minerva begins to sense that the malign force that stalked Tremblay and the missing girl might still walk the halls of the campus in 1990s Massachusetts." --NoveList Plus
I listened to a gifted audiobook from Libro FM
My Reading Experience: Well, Silvia Moreno-Garcia is my go-to when I'm craving an intricately plotted, historically accurate, compelling, tale with larger-than-life characters and strong female protagonists. I know I'm in good hands when I show up to one of her books. The Bewitching delivers on so many favorite themes, tropes, and sub-genres of gothic and folk horror, it's hard to know what to highlight first!
I would say the folk magic and witchcraft of Alba's story is my favorite aspect of this book, followed very closely by the dark academia--Minerva is researching information for her thesis when she uncovers the story of a missing student who attended the same university where she is currently enrolled--the mixed media "found footage" elements of journal entries and loose pieces of paper found buried in books is everything
As we bounce back and forth between the two tales and uncover how they are connected, the story flies by! I listened to the audiobook so basically, I just looked for things that needed to get done around the house so I could listen to my book--I went on a lot of walks and cleaned everything and even listened while I was grocery shopping yesterday lol
There are some elements of the story that gave me Nosferatu and Doctor Sleep vibes--although, I think it would be spoilerly to disclose why--so we will talk about that at a later time :)
Highly recommend enjoying in this format!
Final Recommendation: If you enjoy dual timelines, strong female protagonists, folk magic + witchcraft, cursed families, dark academia, mysteries unfolding surrounding missing people, gothic vibes, sapphic yearning and romance, this is the book for you! Plus, it acts as a love letter to horror fiction AND it showcases Moreno-Garcia's knack for historical fiction. So, pretty much the whole package--don't miss it!
Comps: A Secret History of Witches & The Great Witch of Brittany by Louisa Morgan, Plain, Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth, Woodworm by Layla Martinez, The Book of Witching by C. J. Cooke
Page Count: 368
Publisher: Del Rey
Format: Audiobook (but I own a physical)
Other Books I Enjoyed by This Author: Silver Nitrate, Untamed Shore, The Lover (amazon original) and Mexican Gothic (I own all of her books though)
Affiliate Link: https://bookshop.org/a/7576/978059387...
Release Date: July 15th, 2025
General Genre: Gothic, Folk, Horror, Historical
Sub-Genre/Themes: Dual narratives, Dark academia, witches, witchcraft, cursed family, mystery, secrets & lies, missing persons, supernatural, black magic, spell craft, romance, sapphic yearning & desire, horror fiction,
Writing Style: Intricately plotted, character-driven, historical accuracy and detail, menacing, creepy, fast-paced/compelling
What You Need to Know: "Minerva is a graduate student researching the life of Beatrice Tremblay, an obscure horror author. Tremblay's most famous novel was inspired by a true story: decades earlier, Tremblay attended the same university where Minerva is studying and became obessed with her otherworldly roommate, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances. These events echo stories Minerva's Nana Alba told about her girlhood in 1900s Mexico, where she had an encounter with a witch. Minerva begins to sense that the malign force that stalked Tremblay and the missing girl might still walk the halls of the campus in 1990s Massachusetts." --NoveList Plus
I listened to a gifted audiobook from Libro FM
My Reading Experience: Well, Silvia Moreno-Garcia is my go-to when I'm craving an intricately plotted, historically accurate, compelling, tale with larger-than-life characters and strong female protagonists. I know I'm in good hands when I show up to one of her books. The Bewitching delivers on so many favorite themes, tropes, and sub-genres of gothic and folk horror, it's hard to know what to highlight first!
I would say the folk magic and witchcraft of Alba's story is my favorite aspect of this book, followed very closely by the dark academia--Minerva is researching information for her thesis when she uncovers the story of a missing student who attended the same university where she is currently enrolled--the mixed media "found footage" elements of journal entries and loose pieces of paper found buried in books is everything
As we bounce back and forth between the two tales and uncover how they are connected, the story flies by! I listened to the audiobook so basically, I just looked for things that needed to get done around the house so I could listen to my book--I went on a lot of walks and cleaned everything and even listened while I was grocery shopping yesterday lol
There are some elements of the story that gave me Nosferatu and Doctor Sleep vibes--although, I think it would be spoilerly to disclose why--so we will talk about that at a later time :)
Highly recommend enjoying in this format!
Final Recommendation: If you enjoy dual timelines, strong female protagonists, folk magic + witchcraft, cursed families, dark academia, mysteries unfolding surrounding missing people, gothic vibes, sapphic yearning and romance, this is the book for you! Plus, it acts as a love letter to horror fiction AND it showcases Moreno-Garcia's knack for historical fiction. So, pretty much the whole package--don't miss it!
Comps: A Secret History of Witches & The Great Witch of Brittany by Louisa Morgan, Plain, Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth, Woodworm by Layla Martinez, The Book of Witching by C. J. Cooke
April 6, 2025
live, laugh, love, decapitation
Read my review
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy.
Bookstagram | Blog
Read my review
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy.
Bookstagram | Blog
September 10, 2025
This urban fantasy is like a love letter to literature students, especially those who appreciate horror. In fact the tension between academia and the horror genre in and of itself is fascinating and something I have always wished more writers would explore. This is basically the best book she’s written since Mexican Gothic, in my humble opinion. The clash of cultures which the protagonist must negotiate as she attempts to solve the mystery of the witchy haunting which plagues her, alongside multiple unexplained disappearances, is beautifully handled. The pacing is relentless and readers will be sucked in immediately. It’s wonderfully written start to finish and not to be missed.
Basic central plot:
Minerva is finishing her MA Thesis and staying on campus during the off season as she is a dorm monitor and working her way through her higher degree. Her thesis explores the horror stories of a lesser known female writer from the 1970’s and in order to get the research materials she needs, she contacts Carolyn (a former highly moneyed graduate) to obtain the archive she inherited and holds at her estate. Shortly after visiting Carolyn’s estate, eerie events begin to plague Minerva. These events escalate in a deliciously creepy horror all on their own.
Secondary historical plot:
Alba, Minerva’s grandmother, is under attack by seemingly demonic forces which follow her and the man she loves.
Themes in conflicts:
Privileged vs. Working Class
Nihilism vs. Work Ethic
Black Magic vs. Psychically Gifted
Academia vs. the Horror genre
I truly loved every page of this book. It’s so well written and the subject matter is fascinating. I think it is extremely difficult to pull off a tale of black sorcerers hunting the innocent these days. For one, most stories have simply been written to death and are spent. For another, most people understand that the subject of witchcraft in and of itself is really usually an excuse for misogyny—a socially acceptable way to hate women. But this novel never falls into either trap. The storyline is unique and original, and the narrative very carefully differentiates between black sorcery and white witches. Black sorcery becomes a symbol of greed and in this novel it is associated with men more than with women.
I strongly recommend this novel, and not merely to fantasy lovers. I have given this book to my friends who read all genres, and even those who normally avoid fantasy have loved it.
Basic central plot:
Minerva is finishing her MA Thesis and staying on campus during the off season as she is a dorm monitor and working her way through her higher degree. Her thesis explores the horror stories of a lesser known female writer from the 1970’s and in order to get the research materials she needs, she contacts Carolyn (a former highly moneyed graduate) to obtain the archive she inherited and holds at her estate. Shortly after visiting Carolyn’s estate, eerie events begin to plague Minerva. These events escalate in a deliciously creepy horror all on their own.
Secondary historical plot:
Alba, Minerva’s grandmother, is under attack by seemingly demonic forces which follow her and the man she loves.
Themes in conflicts:
Privileged vs. Working Class
Nihilism vs. Work Ethic
Black Magic vs. Psychically Gifted
Academia vs. the Horror genre
I truly loved every page of this book. It’s so well written and the subject matter is fascinating. I think it is extremely difficult to pull off a tale of black sorcerers hunting the innocent these days. For one, most stories have simply been written to death and are spent. For another, most people understand that the subject of witchcraft in and of itself is really usually an excuse for misogyny—a socially acceptable way to hate women. But this novel never falls into either trap. The storyline is unique and original, and the narrative very carefully differentiates between black sorcery and white witches. Black sorcery becomes a symbol of greed and in this novel it is associated with men more than with women.
I strongly recommend this novel, and not merely to fantasy lovers. I have given this book to my friends who read all genres, and even those who normally avoid fantasy have loved it.
July 19, 2025
I was completely bewitched by this novel. I think I’m definitely drawn to books with multiple timelines with each one having their own MC. This fit the bill perfectly.
In 1998 Minerva is a graduate student in a small college outside of Boston. She is writing her thesis on her favorite horror novelist, Beatrice Tremblay, who also went to the same school. She is convinced that one of Beatrice‘s novels is based upon a missing classmate named Virginia. While digging into the disappearance, it appears Virginia may have been interested in the occult/witchcraft. This is all too familiar to Minerva as her great grandmother Alba had many stories that involve witchcraft. The novel then switches to Alba‘s story in 1908 and Beatrice’s story in 1934.
I liked all the different elements mixed in, including the witchcraft, Mexican folklore and the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Ginny. I enjoyed the slow burn pacing as things progressed amongst each timeline. However, the ending felt really rushed, and there were a few unanswered questions that I had. I enjoyed Alba‘s timeline, but I didn’t see how it fully connected with the other two timelines. There wasn’t an aha moment for me that I was like oh that’s how they’re connected. Besides the familial relationship to Minerva it seemed a bit out of place.
Overall, this is one of those books I was able to take my time with and enjoy. I’m late to the game with the author and certainly will be checking out her back list.
In 1998 Minerva is a graduate student in a small college outside of Boston. She is writing her thesis on her favorite horror novelist, Beatrice Tremblay, who also went to the same school. She is convinced that one of Beatrice‘s novels is based upon a missing classmate named Virginia. While digging into the disappearance, it appears Virginia may have been interested in the occult/witchcraft. This is all too familiar to Minerva as her great grandmother Alba had many stories that involve witchcraft. The novel then switches to Alba‘s story in 1908 and Beatrice’s story in 1934.
I liked all the different elements mixed in, including the witchcraft, Mexican folklore and the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Ginny. I enjoyed the slow burn pacing as things progressed amongst each timeline. However, the ending felt really rushed, and there were a few unanswered questions that I had. I enjoyed Alba‘s timeline, but I didn’t see how it fully connected with the other two timelines. There wasn’t an aha moment for me that I was like oh that’s how they’re connected. Besides the familial relationship to Minerva it seemed a bit out of place.
Overall, this is one of those books I was able to take my time with and enjoy. I’m late to the game with the author and certainly will be checking out her back list.
July 22, 2025
A Journey Through Folklore & Fright
It is a multigenerational horror saga where danger and bewitching magic intertwine. Yes please!
Three women—spanning eras—are mysteriously bound by a dark force lurking in the shadows, creating a tapestry of terror that’s as eerie as it is exciting, as intriguing as it is unpredictable
Horror and Folklore Collide
With a title like Bewitching, I was all set for a cauldron brimming with classic witchery—potions, herbs, and timeworn incantations. Instead, I found myself immersed in a world where witches draw their power from the rich traditions of Mexican folklore, offering a refreshing break from the norm. At first, the unconventional take threw me off balance, but as the story’s eerie horror elements steeped in folklore and an unsettling atmosphere slowly crept in, I couldn’t help but be drawn into its thrilling, otherworldly allure.
A Haunting Rhythm: Uneven Pacing Disrupts the Spell
For me, pacing is the skeleton that holds any story together. I appreciate a slow build when it has an engaging structure that keeps me eagerly clicking through each page. Unfortunately, the pacing here felt uneven, flashes of action, only to be swallowed by a sluggish rhythm that sometimes breaks the spell. This imbalance makes the pacing feel like a ghostly waltz, where moments of tension build beautifully only to slow down again.
You’ve Been Warned
One part of the story left me utterly stunned—the kind of twist that makes you gasp and think, ‘Don’t go there!’—only to be left completely astonished when it does. Consider this your friendly warning: prepare for the unexpected, because this narrative isn’t afraid to push boundaries
More Than Spells and Potions
Despite a few pacing hiccups and one particularly shocking moment or two…, the daring blend of Mexican folklore with spine-tingling horror is both refreshing and deeply engaging, challenging everything you thought you knew about witches. In the end, it left me delightfully bewitched!
Take this journey if you're eager to explore the darker side of legends.
Oh, the author is Mexican Canadian!!
A Witches Words buddy read with some of my favorite witches. Debra and Carolyn
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley
It is a multigenerational horror saga where danger and bewitching magic intertwine. Yes please!
Three women—spanning eras—are mysteriously bound by a dark force lurking in the shadows, creating a tapestry of terror that’s as eerie as it is exciting, as intriguing as it is unpredictable
Horror and Folklore Collide
With a title like Bewitching, I was all set for a cauldron brimming with classic witchery—potions, herbs, and timeworn incantations. Instead, I found myself immersed in a world where witches draw their power from the rich traditions of Mexican folklore, offering a refreshing break from the norm. At first, the unconventional take threw me off balance, but as the story’s eerie horror elements steeped in folklore and an unsettling atmosphere slowly crept in, I couldn’t help but be drawn into its thrilling, otherworldly allure.
A Haunting Rhythm: Uneven Pacing Disrupts the Spell
For me, pacing is the skeleton that holds any story together. I appreciate a slow build when it has an engaging structure that keeps me eagerly clicking through each page. Unfortunately, the pacing here felt uneven, flashes of action, only to be swallowed by a sluggish rhythm that sometimes breaks the spell. This imbalance makes the pacing feel like a ghostly waltz, where moments of tension build beautifully only to slow down again.
You’ve Been Warned
One part of the story left me utterly stunned—the kind of twist that makes you gasp and think, ‘Don’t go there!’—only to be left completely astonished when it does. Consider this your friendly warning: prepare for the unexpected, because this narrative isn’t afraid to push boundaries
More Than Spells and Potions
Despite a few pacing hiccups and one particularly shocking moment or two…, the daring blend of Mexican folklore with spine-tingling horror is both refreshing and deeply engaging, challenging everything you thought you knew about witches. In the end, it left me delightfully bewitched!
Take this journey if you're eager to explore the darker side of legends.
Oh, the author is Mexican Canadian!!
A Witches Words buddy read with some of my favorite witches. Debra and Carolyn
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley
March 28, 2026
For a full spoiler version of this review, please check out my blog, spoiledbooks.blogspot.com
⭐️⭐️ 2 out of 5 stars
Am I the odd one out here? 😅 The Bewitching had all the ingredients I usually love—witchcraft, folklore, eerie academia, layered timelines—but somehow… it just didn’t click for me.
The novel follows multiple generations of women connected by a supernatural presence, weaving together past and present through stories of obsession, folklore, and bewitchment. The atmosphere is thick, moody, and clearly well-researched, and I can absolutely see why so many readers admire it.
That said, I personally found it very slow. The pacing dragged, the story felt far longer than it needed to be, and I struggled to stay engaged despite an interesting premise. I powered through (thank you, soothing audiobook narration 🎧), but overall this one just wasn’t for me.
Not bad—just not my vibe.
⭐️⭐️ 2 out of 5 stars
Am I the odd one out here? 😅 The Bewitching had all the ingredients I usually love—witchcraft, folklore, eerie academia, layered timelines—but somehow… it just didn’t click for me.
The novel follows multiple generations of women connected by a supernatural presence, weaving together past and present through stories of obsession, folklore, and bewitchment. The atmosphere is thick, moody, and clearly well-researched, and I can absolutely see why so many readers admire it.
That said, I personally found it very slow. The pacing dragged, the story felt far longer than it needed to be, and I struggled to stay engaged despite an interesting premise. I powered through (thank you, soothing audiobook narration 🎧), but overall this one just wasn’t for me.
Not bad—just not my vibe.
September 3, 2025
This is what I wanted The Year of the Witching to be. This checked off so many boxes for me, with the disturbing scenes, gothic witchy vibes, multiple timelines, historical elements, writing that's compelling and flows easily, characters I got invested in, etc etc. Although I did predict two big reveals, I had such a great reading experience from start to finish, and this is absolutely going on my top 10 books of 2025 and will be a new favorite that I will recommend to anyone looking for the perfect autumnal read.
March 11, 2025
I'm still singing the praises of Garcia's "Mexican Gothic," and I also really loved "Silver Nitrate." I was quick to request a copy of this one, because the thought of her doing a witchy story was pretty exciting. There were spooky moments and an intriguing mystery, for sure, but overall "The Bewitching" didn't really compare to those other two novels.
Let's get this out of the way, first: The romantic tension between Alba and her uncle, while skillfully written, made me uncomfortable. I'm sure it was supposed to, and it became a purposeful plot element. But it's definitely worth noting before going into this read that if an incestual plotline is an automatic "nope" for you, then one of the three POV's in this book will give you trouble. Aside from that aspect, Alba's story was definitely the creepiest of the three due to the witch/curse elements and I was most invested in her storyline and her fate. Garcia is great at crafting women who at first appear to be damsels in distress but then flip the script and reveal more of themselves in a way that's inspiring. You root for them.
The “modern” (1990's) chapters with Minerva were the least interesting to me. Every male character was such a nosy POS and even her best friend kept bossing her around. The action in these sections grew repetitive after a while. And did we really need to know what band she was listening to every time she pulled out her discman? But I loved the many specific references to places in the Boston area! I lived there for ten years and I miss it SO much. Garcia even name dropped Emerson College, the one I graduated from! (I will never be able to pay off that student loan. Wicked sad.) The setting of a snowy university in New England was a great one for a creepy story.
I’m not the sort of reader who tries to predict endings, or who gets any sort of smug satisfaction when I do. But the conclusions of each of the narratives were not surprising to me. Maybe because many clues were left along the way, or because they were simply a little bit formulaic. I wouldn't say the story is dripping in atmosphere, either, but there are effective moments throughout. The witchcraft aspect is a little sporadic and heavier in some sections than in others. Much of the plot involves the mystery of a woman's disappearance and Minerva trying to find out what may have happened to her, though I got the feeling that she didn't care THAT much about the answer. I will say that I deeply related to Minerva's aversion to socializing and her desire to just stay at the dorm and read.
This story made me pause and think about which of my friends would actually take me seriously if I claimed I was being cursed by a witch. (Answer: Most of them!)
Thank you to Netgalley and to the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.
Biggest TW: Mention of animal harm/death, Incest, Self-harm
Let's get this out of the way, first: The romantic tension between Alba and her uncle, while skillfully written, made me uncomfortable. I'm sure it was supposed to, and it became a purposeful plot element. But it's definitely worth noting before going into this read that if an incestual plotline is an automatic "nope" for you, then one of the three POV's in this book will give you trouble. Aside from that aspect, Alba's story was definitely the creepiest of the three due to the witch/curse elements and I was most invested in her storyline and her fate. Garcia is great at crafting women who at first appear to be damsels in distress but then flip the script and reveal more of themselves in a way that's inspiring. You root for them.
The “modern” (1990's) chapters with Minerva were the least interesting to me. Every male character was such a nosy POS and even her best friend kept bossing her around. The action in these sections grew repetitive after a while. And did we really need to know what band she was listening to every time she pulled out her discman? But I loved the many specific references to places in the Boston area! I lived there for ten years and I miss it SO much. Garcia even name dropped Emerson College, the one I graduated from! (I will never be able to pay off that student loan. Wicked sad.) The setting of a snowy university in New England was a great one for a creepy story.
I’m not the sort of reader who tries to predict endings, or who gets any sort of smug satisfaction when I do. But the conclusions of each of the narratives were not surprising to me. Maybe because many clues were left along the way, or because they were simply a little bit formulaic. I wouldn't say the story is dripping in atmosphere, either, but there are effective moments throughout. The witchcraft aspect is a little sporadic and heavier in some sections than in others. Much of the plot involves the mystery of a woman's disappearance and Minerva trying to find out what may have happened to her, though I got the feeling that she didn't care THAT much about the answer. I will say that I deeply related to Minerva's aversion to socializing and her desire to just stay at the dorm and read.
This story made me pause and think about which of my friends would actually take me seriously if I claimed I was being cursed by a witch. (Answer: Most of them!)
Thank you to Netgalley and to the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.
Biggest TW: Mention of animal harm/death, Incest, Self-harm
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up
This book definitely delivered on giving an eerie horror story! The creepy and suspense with dark academia vibes makes it an ideal Halloween read!
The Bewitching is a multi-generational gothic horror saga that weaves together the lives of three women across different times and places, all connected by a chilling lineage of witchcraft.
· Minerva (1990s, Massachusetts): A Mexican graduate student whose research into an horror literature writer uncovers a true crime and a malevolent force that may still be active on her campus.
· Beatrice (1930s, Massachusetts): An aspiring author at a women's college whose life is upended by the mysterious disappearance of her friend/roommate that inspires her famous novel.
· Alba (1900s, Mexico): Minerva's great-grandmother, whose terrifying childhood encounter with a witch provides the folkloric knowledge and warnings that echo through the decades.
The Silvia connects these timelines so seamlessly without confusion. I adore the incorporation of Mexican folk magic (teyolloquani) and how this same predatory evil stalks each generation. I didn't like the grooming of Alba with her uncle though, it was uncomfortable to read at points which I felt wasn't needed, her uncle was creepy without that characteristic. I started reading this but then switched to listening to the audio to help with the pronunciation and definitely recommend!
This book definitely delivered on giving an eerie horror story! The creepy and suspense with dark academia vibes makes it an ideal Halloween read!
The Bewitching is a multi-generational gothic horror saga that weaves together the lives of three women across different times and places, all connected by a chilling lineage of witchcraft.
· Minerva (1990s, Massachusetts): A Mexican graduate student whose research into an horror literature writer uncovers a true crime and a malevolent force that may still be active on her campus.
· Beatrice (1930s, Massachusetts): An aspiring author at a women's college whose life is upended by the mysterious disappearance of her friend/roommate that inspires her famous novel.
· Alba (1900s, Mexico): Minerva's great-grandmother, whose terrifying childhood encounter with a witch provides the folkloric knowledge and warnings that echo through the decades.
The Silvia connects these timelines so seamlessly without confusion. I adore the incorporation of Mexican folk magic (teyolloquani) and how this same predatory evil stalks each generation. I didn't like the grooming of Alba with her uncle though, it was uncomfortable to read at points which I felt wasn't needed, her uncle was creepy without that characteristic. I started reading this but then switched to listening to the audio to help with the pronunciation and definitely recommend!
May 22, 2025
♥ My Thoughts and Rating ♥
This was a great horror occult fantasy novel! It explores different generations in the years of 1908, 1934, and 1998. It follows three different women, whose names are Alba, Beatrice and Minerva. I usually don’t like multiple timelines in a story, but this book was the exception! It captured my attention right away! It is about witchcraft and historical events. This book is extremely mysterious, dark, emotional, tense, adventurous and hopeful. The atmosphere in this book is very eerie and left me feeling anxious. It is a medium paced read that comes with lovable characters.
These female characters were diverse, intriguing, engaging, strong and powerful. This story explores the impact of past traumas, generational trauma and the exploration of witchcraft and the occult! This is my first book read by this author and it definitely won’t be last! I loved her writing, it really brought this whole book together. Overall, I rate this a 4 out of 5 star rating!
♥ Content warnings & who I think would enjoy this book ♥
Content warnings include death, incest, blood, animal death, animal cruelty, sexual content and gore. I think if you’re a fan of horror occult books, you would really enjoy this one!
♥ Thank You ♥
Thank you to NetGalley, author Silvia Moreno-Garcia and Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Del Rey for this digital advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
♥ Expected Release Date ♥
This book is expected to be published on July 15, 2025!!
♥ Notes ♥
This author does have other books out right now as well, if you would like to check them out!
♥ Quick Review ♥
╰┈➤ Horror Occult / Fantasy
╰┈➤ 3 Timelines / 3 Women
╰┈➤ Witchcraft
╰┈➤ Generational Trauma
╰┈➤ Eerie Atmosphere
╰┈➤ Contains Historical Events
╰┈➤ Dark / Emotional / Tense
╰┈➤ Strong & Powerful Women
》* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • ˚《
❥ ୨⎯ Connie ⎯୧ ❥
ツ౨ৎ
This was a great horror occult fantasy novel! It explores different generations in the years of 1908, 1934, and 1998. It follows three different women, whose names are Alba, Beatrice and Minerva. I usually don’t like multiple timelines in a story, but this book was the exception! It captured my attention right away! It is about witchcraft and historical events. This book is extremely mysterious, dark, emotional, tense, adventurous and hopeful. The atmosphere in this book is very eerie and left me feeling anxious. It is a medium paced read that comes with lovable characters.
These female characters were diverse, intriguing, engaging, strong and powerful. This story explores the impact of past traumas, generational trauma and the exploration of witchcraft and the occult! This is my first book read by this author and it definitely won’t be last! I loved her writing, it really brought this whole book together. Overall, I rate this a 4 out of 5 star rating!
♥ Content warnings & who I think would enjoy this book ♥
Content warnings include death, incest, blood, animal death, animal cruelty, sexual content and gore. I think if you’re a fan of horror occult books, you would really enjoy this one!
♥ Thank You ♥
Thank you to NetGalley, author Silvia Moreno-Garcia and Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Del Rey for this digital advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
♥ Expected Release Date ♥
This book is expected to be published on July 15, 2025!!
♥ Notes ♥
This author does have other books out right now as well, if you would like to check them out!
♥ Quick Review ♥
╰┈➤ Horror Occult / Fantasy
╰┈➤ 3 Timelines / 3 Women
╰┈➤ Witchcraft
╰┈➤ Generational Trauma
╰┈➤ Eerie Atmosphere
╰┈➤ Contains Historical Events
╰┈➤ Dark / Emotional / Tense
╰┈➤ Strong & Powerful Women
》* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • ˚《
❥ ୨⎯ Connie ⎯୧ ❥
ツ౨ৎ
November 7, 2025
The narrative of The Bewitching is skillfully woven across three distinct timelines (1908, 1934, and 1998), following the lives of three different women. The earliest periods—particularly the events of 1934—provide the historical blueprint Minerva needs to solve a pattern of mysterious disappearances seemingly replicating in the late nineties.
Minerva Contreras, a sharp and diligent Mexican graduate student on scholarship at Stoneridge College in Massachusetts, is pursuing a thesis on Beatrice Tremblay. Tremblay is an obscure, intriguing horror writer whose correspondence with figures like H.P. Lovecraft has captured Minerva’s academic curiosity. Minerva discovers that Tremblay’s only published work, The Vanishing, is based on the real-life disappearance of Virginia Somerset, a girl who seemingly vanished out of thin air.
The crucial link appears with Noah Yates, the grandson of Carolyn Yates. Minerva correctly reasons that by befriending him, she might gain access to Carolyn, who donated the only scarce public information on Beatrice Tremblay and likely holds unpublished manuscripts and journals. However, the deeper Minerva delves into Beatrice’s tragic story and the dark academia history of the campus, the more the details align disturbingly with the Mexican folklore and brujería stories her great-grandmother, Nana Alba, shared in her childhood—tales linked to a generational curse. Could these old stories of malevolent witches be horrifyingly true?
Ultimately, it is Minerva who must connect these disparate, supernatural dots to uncover the truth.
I enjoyed this first reading by the Mexican author living in Canada. I found the mystery's solution a touch predictable, but the book was nevertheless immersive and compelling. The characters, particularly Minerva and her ancestor Alba, are richly defined and driven by strong, relatable motivations. I definitely look forward to reading more of her work.
Minerva Contreras, a sharp and diligent Mexican graduate student on scholarship at Stoneridge College in Massachusetts, is pursuing a thesis on Beatrice Tremblay. Tremblay is an obscure, intriguing horror writer whose correspondence with figures like H.P. Lovecraft has captured Minerva’s academic curiosity. Minerva discovers that Tremblay’s only published work, The Vanishing, is based on the real-life disappearance of Virginia Somerset, a girl who seemingly vanished out of thin air.
The crucial link appears with Noah Yates, the grandson of Carolyn Yates. Minerva correctly reasons that by befriending him, she might gain access to Carolyn, who donated the only scarce public information on Beatrice Tremblay and likely holds unpublished manuscripts and journals. However, the deeper Minerva delves into Beatrice’s tragic story and the dark academia history of the campus, the more the details align disturbingly with the Mexican folklore and brujería stories her great-grandmother, Nana Alba, shared in her childhood—tales linked to a generational curse. Could these old stories of malevolent witches be horrifyingly true?
Ultimately, it is Minerva who must connect these disparate, supernatural dots to uncover the truth.
I enjoyed this first reading by the Mexican author living in Canada. I found the mystery's solution a touch predictable, but the book was nevertheless immersive and compelling. The characters, particularly Minerva and her ancestor Alba, are richly defined and driven by strong, relatable motivations. I definitely look forward to reading more of her work.
October 12, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up. A fabulously atmospheric and haunting intergenerational story of witches and the occult that was absolutely perfect for over the spooky season.
The Bewitching unfolds three interconnected mysteries across different, yet related timelines
1908, Alba is a young girl with dreams of a more glamourous and sophisticated life than her families rural farm in Mexico can provide her. When her handsome and sophisticated uncle comes to visit from Mexico City she finds herself being swept up by his charms and the potential escape from her provincial future.
1934, through her memoir, Betty Tremblay recounts the mysterious disappearance of her close friend and unrequited love, Virginia 'Ginny' Somerset, as she beguns to behave in an increasingly bizarre manner believing someone was stalking her.
1998, Minerva is facing writers block for her thesis, the topic of which is horror literature, and more specifically the works of little known occult author Betty Tremblay, who wrote one novel said to be inspired by the disappearance of her friend. However the more that Minerva learns, the more strange occurrences start to haunt her steps.
Moreno-Garcia is an incredibly skilled author of the gothic and macabre and I think this was the strongest work of hers that I've read and I just loved it. While the vibes in each of the timelines were immaculate and spookily atmospheric, I was especially impressed by Moreno-Garcias ability to write a suite of completely different yet equally strong, complex and engaging female characters.
A great option if you are searching for a spooky read with atmosphere and escalating tensions led by a cast of strong female characters. I'll admit that none of the climaxes surprised me, but I thought it was executed so well that I don't even mind that I clocked some of the plot turns earlier on. (Also just to be clear this is very much not a romance, so please don't come looking for romantic subplots here hahaha)
✨✨Content warnings✨✨ animal slaughter and death, blood drinking, grooming, incest and some sexual content.
The Bewitching unfolds three interconnected mysteries across different, yet related timelines
1908, Alba is a young girl with dreams of a more glamourous and sophisticated life than her families rural farm in Mexico can provide her. When her handsome and sophisticated uncle comes to visit from Mexico City she finds herself being swept up by his charms and the potential escape from her provincial future.
1934, through her memoir, Betty Tremblay recounts the mysterious disappearance of her close friend and unrequited love, Virginia 'Ginny' Somerset, as she beguns to behave in an increasingly bizarre manner believing someone was stalking her.
1998, Minerva is facing writers block for her thesis, the topic of which is horror literature, and more specifically the works of little known occult author Betty Tremblay, who wrote one novel said to be inspired by the disappearance of her friend. However the more that Minerva learns, the more strange occurrences start to haunt her steps.
Moreno-Garcia is an incredibly skilled author of the gothic and macabre and I think this was the strongest work of hers that I've read and I just loved it. While the vibes in each of the timelines were immaculate and spookily atmospheric, I was especially impressed by Moreno-Garcias ability to write a suite of completely different yet equally strong, complex and engaging female characters.
A great option if you are searching for a spooky read with atmosphere and escalating tensions led by a cast of strong female characters. I'll admit that none of the climaxes surprised me, but I thought it was executed so well that I don't even mind that I clocked some of the plot turns earlier on. (Also just to be clear this is very much not a romance, so please don't come looking for romantic subplots here hahaha)
✨✨Content warnings✨✨ animal slaughter and death, blood drinking, grooming, incest and some sexual content.
September 12, 2025
I’m kind of feeling bad about how harshly I’m rating this but this was SO predictable. I think I figured out the ‘plottwist’ around 30-40% in, which made the rest of it extremely dull to read. I was constantly annoyed how the protagonist did not see what was right in front of her. The atmosphere started out great but it all became extremely repetitive and this just fell flat for me.
June 21, 2026
In a Nutshell: A multi-generational horror-suspense focussing on three women and their dark experiences with witchcraft. Good historical atmosphere and a couple of compelling characters. Needlessly intricate, guessable antagonists, dragged pacing. One incestual relationship (not sure if it’s culturally/historically accurate). The horror comes only in bits and spurts. I liked some parts of this novel but wasn’t too impressed. Not sure if this was because of the audio version.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
While I haven’t read much of Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s works (I have read only the novel ‘Gods of Jade and Shadow’ and two short stories of hers, all of which I liked), I still admire her. For one, she doesn’t shy away from her roots, and skilfully incorporates authentic Mexican mythology and culture in her writing. At the same time, though horror is her forte, she doesn’t recycle the same storylines in her books. Each novel has a distinct plot that doesn’t seem to have anything in common with her other works except that they all have horror-fantasy elements. Further, she is also outstanding in recreating a historical era and its atmosphere.
In this novel, we can see these strengths of hers in full swing. Unfortunately for me, these are the only aspects where the book mainly delivered. It was otherwise a fairly forgettable experience, partly because of how unwieldy the plot gets.
Bookish Yays:
👻 The atmosphere. I appreciate the effort this author puts into creating spooky vibes.
👻 The depiction of the racist and ignorant attitude towards international students in American universities. A small but well-written component of the story.
👻 The portrayal of Mexican culture and its belief system regarding the occult. Very interesting!
👻 The trivia connected to the horror genre and horror authors. The novel pays homage to several horror greats through its writing choices.
👻 The excellent use of the settings of New England and Mexico.
Bookish Okays:
☠ The secondary character development. Some interesting characters here, but they often go through a random flip in attitude. One character’s arc in Minerva’s timeline is unnecessarily built up because he doesn’t even come up later.
☠ Alba’s timeline is the most intriguing with a proper rustic and creepy feel. Unfortunately, the ending of this timeline was not at all enjoyable to me.
☠ The sexual tension and the resultant darkly romantic relationship between Alba and her maternal uncle – yikes! Not just was the grooming awkward to read, but it was also tough to understand why no character in the book considered it incest. Then again, I don’t know if this writing choice was a deliberate way to exacerbate the horror vibe, or if it might be indicative of actual relationships in historical Mexico. (Some cultures allow avunculate marriages; I am not aware if Mexico is/was one of these.) Putting it under Okays instead of Nays just to give it the benefit of the doubt because this writing choice did add to the creepiness.
☠ The suspense aspects, coming from the mystery related to the disappearance of Beatrice’s friend. While the suspense starts off well and even develops in an eerie manner, the poor character development kills some of the intrigue. The antagonists are fairly guessable in each timeline as there’s only one possible suspect in each.
☠ The horror. The depiction of witches is not like what we usually see in this genre, which I like. But some of the reveals are just unbelievable. There’s a limit to how much disbelief can be suspended. Plus, a lot of the spooky content feels more like a ghost story than like a witchy one.
Bookish Nays:
👹 “Back when I was a young woman, there were still witches.” – a sentence oft repeated in the novel, well before the said witches even come on page. So we know about the witches’ existence long before we see the witches’ presence. 🤦🏻♀️
👹 The use of the triple narrative for plot development. Each timeline has a complex plot with many main and side characters, so it is a bit tough to remember everything that’s happening (especially on audio). The link across the timelines is tenuous at best, and Alba’s timeline could even have been eliminated, with the essentials possibly shifted to Minerva’s timeline as reminiscences or flashbacks.
👹 Minerva’s timeline. Starts off decently but then somehow loses its way as she seems more obsessed with finding out what happened to Ginny than about Beatrice Tremblay’s life. There was no punch to this timeline, which is sad as it was given the most prominence in the book.
👹 The Beatrice Tremblay narrative in first person. Surprisingly the weakest and blandest of the three timelines, which is odd as her being an author should have led to more memorable writing. But this track was quite repetitive in its plotting and foreshadowing. Further, it sounds more like a personal diary than like the manuscript it is supposed to be.
👹 The pacing – so very dragged. Nothing happens for most of each timeline and then suddenly a lot happens. Beatrice’s track leaves several things incomplete.
👹 All the attraction-love-lust nonsense in all three timelines. There was an overdose of sexual undertones.
👹 The ending. Too rushed and partly a deus ex machina.
🎧 The Audiobook Experience:
The audiobook, clocking at a little more than 14 hours, is narrated by Gisela Chipe. She is a good narrator but somehow dull. I never felt gripped by her narration, even during tense moments. Also, given how we hear three distinct women’s perspectives, I would have preferred three narrators for this version. I wouldn’t recommend the audio to newbies as it gets quite intricate.
Overall, while I liked some parts of this novel, I wasn’t that bewitched by it. A part of me wonders if this was because the audio didn’t work too well for me, but I feel sure I wouldn’t have loved the book even if I had read it. Then again, it does offer an unusual take on witches, and has great setting and atmosphere.
Recommended to readers who might enjoy horror-fantasy with some spooky vibes, and don’t mind the slow pacing or incestual content.
2.5 stars, rounding down for the audio version.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I follow the Goodreads rating policy:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Lifelong favourite!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I loved the book.
⭐⭐⭐ - I liked the book.
⭐⭐ - I found the book average.
⭐ - I hated the book.
The decimals indicate the degree of the in-between feelings.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
1998. Minerva is a graduate student who wants to write her dissertation on the life of Beatrice Tremblay, a talented but relatively obscure horror author with one famous novel and who had been a student at the same college in the 1930s. As Minerva tries to find more information on Beatrice, she finds herself grappling with the same dark forces that Beatrice once did and referred to in her novel, which was supposedly inspired by the true event of her friend Ginny going missing. Minerva also realises the parallels in her experience with what was faced by her great-grandmother Alba in 1900s Mexico.
The story comes to us from three characters in three unequal timelines: Minerva from 1998 and Alba from 1908 both written in third person and getting a mostly equal share of the narrative, and Beatrice in 1934 written in first person and getting fewer chapters.
While I haven’t read much of Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s works (I have read only the novel ‘Gods of Jade and Shadow’ and two short stories of hers, all of which I liked), I still admire her. For one, she doesn’t shy away from her roots, and skilfully incorporates authentic Mexican mythology and culture in her writing. At the same time, though horror is her forte, she doesn’t recycle the same storylines in her books. Each novel has a distinct plot that doesn’t seem to have anything in common with her other works except that they all have horror-fantasy elements. Further, she is also outstanding in recreating a historical era and its atmosphere.
In this novel, we can see these strengths of hers in full swing. Unfortunately for me, these are the only aspects where the book mainly delivered. It was otherwise a fairly forgettable experience, partly because of how unwieldy the plot gets.
Bookish Yays:
👻 The atmosphere. I appreciate the effort this author puts into creating spooky vibes.
👻 The depiction of the racist and ignorant attitude towards international students in American universities. A small but well-written component of the story.
👻 The portrayal of Mexican culture and its belief system regarding the occult. Very interesting!
👻 The trivia connected to the horror genre and horror authors. The novel pays homage to several horror greats through its writing choices.
👻 The excellent use of the settings of New England and Mexico.
Bookish Okays:
☠ The secondary character development. Some interesting characters here, but they often go through a random flip in attitude. One character’s arc in Minerva’s timeline is unnecessarily built up because he doesn’t even come up later.
☠ Alba’s timeline is the most intriguing with a proper rustic and creepy feel. Unfortunately, the ending of this timeline was not at all enjoyable to me.
☠ The sexual tension and the resultant darkly romantic relationship between Alba and her maternal uncle – yikes! Not just was the grooming awkward to read, but it was also tough to understand why no character in the book considered it incest. Then again, I don’t know if this writing choice was a deliberate way to exacerbate the horror vibe, or if it might be indicative of actual relationships in historical Mexico. (Some cultures allow avunculate marriages; I am not aware if Mexico is/was one of these.) Putting it under Okays instead of Nays just to give it the benefit of the doubt because this writing choice did add to the creepiness.
☠ The suspense aspects, coming from the mystery related to the disappearance of Beatrice’s friend. While the suspense starts off well and even develops in an eerie manner, the poor character development kills some of the intrigue. The antagonists are fairly guessable in each timeline as there’s only one possible suspect in each.
☠ The horror. The depiction of witches is not like what we usually see in this genre, which I like. But some of the reveals are just unbelievable. There’s a limit to how much disbelief can be suspended. Plus, a lot of the spooky content feels more like a ghost story than like a witchy one.
Bookish Nays:
👹 “Back when I was a young woman, there were still witches.” – a sentence oft repeated in the novel, well before the said witches even come on page. So we know about the witches’ existence long before we see the witches’ presence. 🤦🏻♀️
👹 The use of the triple narrative for plot development. Each timeline has a complex plot with many main and side characters, so it is a bit tough to remember everything that’s happening (especially on audio). The link across the timelines is tenuous at best, and Alba’s timeline could even have been eliminated, with the essentials possibly shifted to Minerva’s timeline as reminiscences or flashbacks.
👹 Minerva’s timeline. Starts off decently but then somehow loses its way as she seems more obsessed with finding out what happened to Ginny than about Beatrice Tremblay’s life. There was no punch to this timeline, which is sad as it was given the most prominence in the book.
👹 The Beatrice Tremblay narrative in first person. Surprisingly the weakest and blandest of the three timelines, which is odd as her being an author should have led to more memorable writing. But this track was quite repetitive in its plotting and foreshadowing. Further, it sounds more like a personal diary than like the manuscript it is supposed to be.
👹 The pacing – so very dragged. Nothing happens for most of each timeline and then suddenly a lot happens. Beatrice’s track leaves several things incomplete.
👹 All the attraction-love-lust nonsense in all three timelines. There was an overdose of sexual undertones.
👹 The ending. Too rushed and partly a deus ex machina.
🎧 The Audiobook Experience:
The audiobook, clocking at a little more than 14 hours, is narrated by Gisela Chipe. She is a good narrator but somehow dull. I never felt gripped by her narration, even during tense moments. Also, given how we hear three distinct women’s perspectives, I would have preferred three narrators for this version. I wouldn’t recommend the audio to newbies as it gets quite intricate.
Overall, while I liked some parts of this novel, I wasn’t that bewitched by it. A part of me wonders if this was because the audio didn’t work too well for me, but I feel sure I wouldn’t have loved the book even if I had read it. Then again, it does offer an unusual take on witches, and has great setting and atmosphere.
Recommended to readers who might enjoy horror-fantasy with some spooky vibes, and don’t mind the slow pacing or incestual content.
2.5 stars, rounding down for the audio version.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I follow the Goodreads rating policy:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Lifelong favourite!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I loved the book.
⭐⭐⭐ - I liked the book.
⭐⭐ - I found the book average.
⭐ - I hated the book.
The decimals indicate the degree of the in-between feelings.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Facebook ||
July 25, 2025
3.7 Stars
One Liner: Atmospheric, though predictable
1990s
Nana Alba’s stories always talked about the witches. Great-granddaughter Minerva spent her life listening to them. It’s no surprise that Minerva chose to graduate in the history of horror literature and is researching the life of Beatrice Tremblay, a horror author not known by many.
When she finds out that the author’s novel, The Vanishing, was inspired by a true story, Minerva is curious. Turns out, Trembley was a student at the same university and became obsessed with her roommate, only to disappear under mysterious circumstances.
Soon, Minerva finds out common elements in Trembley’s life and her Nana Alba’s stories about the 1900s in Mexico. Looks like the same situation is repeating with her. Can Minerva figure out the next step?
The story comes in three timelines (1998-Minerva, 1908-Alba, and 1934-Beatrice). Minerva and Alba’s POVs are in the third person, and Beatrice’s is in the first person.
My Thoughts:
I read Gods of Jade and Shadow by the author and enjoyed the atmospheric settings in it. This book promises something good, and it does to a good extent. Don’t expect it to be a mystery or a thriller despite the vibes. It is slow-burn atmospheric horror (of sorts).
The book is divided into three timelines with three women narrators. Two of them are proper historical, while Minerva’s track is in 1998. Still, the setting gives a nice ‘oldish’ vibe. I like that Minerva and Alba’s tracks have 13 chapters each, and Beatrice’s (Betty) has 7. This evens out the story and sorts it into neat sections.
The timelines are in alternate chapters with clear headings and numbers. Very easy for readers to follow each track without confusion.
The pacing is quite slow in the first half. It takes a lot of time to establish the setting and the characters. Of course, right away, we know how things are likely to go. I didn’t feel any attempt to hide it or mislead the readers, so I’m guessing it was a deliberate move.
The mention of the actual witches (type of witches, to be specific) comes rather late. Until then, it’s all hints and vibes. Even afterward, there isn’t much info about them. I could have done with a creepy story or two, like the couple of ones we get in the earliest timeline.
The main characters are well-defined and are what they seem. There’s no unwanted romance in Minerva’s timeline, which I appreciate. It doesn’t suit her character arc. Though I’m not sure what to think of the Conrad guy.
The book is informative too, in the sense that I learned a bit about Mexican beliefs as well as life on the university campus as a student-cum-employee.
The ending is just right, filling the gaps as required and retaining the sense of fear and caution. That said, I would have enjoyed this much more if the dangerous elements/ scenes were a bit more. The horror quotient could have been upped by a level or two.
To summarize, The Bewitching is an atmospheric slow burn that can give you chills. While some elements could have been better, the narration flows well and can keep you interested from start to finish.
Thank you, NetGalley and Del Rey(Inklore), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TheBewitching
One Liner: Atmospheric, though predictable
1990s
Nana Alba’s stories always talked about the witches. Great-granddaughter Minerva spent her life listening to them. It’s no surprise that Minerva chose to graduate in the history of horror literature and is researching the life of Beatrice Tremblay, a horror author not known by many.
When she finds out that the author’s novel, The Vanishing, was inspired by a true story, Minerva is curious. Turns out, Trembley was a student at the same university and became obsessed with her roommate, only to disappear under mysterious circumstances.
Soon, Minerva finds out common elements in Trembley’s life and her Nana Alba’s stories about the 1900s in Mexico. Looks like the same situation is repeating with her. Can Minerva figure out the next step?
The story comes in three timelines (1998-Minerva, 1908-Alba, and 1934-Beatrice). Minerva and Alba’s POVs are in the third person, and Beatrice’s is in the first person.
My Thoughts:
I read Gods of Jade and Shadow by the author and enjoyed the atmospheric settings in it. This book promises something good, and it does to a good extent. Don’t expect it to be a mystery or a thriller despite the vibes. It is slow-burn atmospheric horror (of sorts).
The book is divided into three timelines with three women narrators. Two of them are proper historical, while Minerva’s track is in 1998. Still, the setting gives a nice ‘oldish’ vibe. I like that Minerva and Alba’s tracks have 13 chapters each, and Beatrice’s (Betty) has 7. This evens out the story and sorts it into neat sections.
The timelines are in alternate chapters with clear headings and numbers. Very easy for readers to follow each track without confusion.
The pacing is quite slow in the first half. It takes a lot of time to establish the setting and the characters. Of course, right away, we know how things are likely to go. I didn’t feel any attempt to hide it or mislead the readers, so I’m guessing it was a deliberate move.
The mention of the actual witches (type of witches, to be specific) comes rather late. Until then, it’s all hints and vibes. Even afterward, there isn’t much info about them. I could have done with a creepy story or two, like the couple of ones we get in the earliest timeline.
The main characters are well-defined and are what they seem. There’s no unwanted romance in Minerva’s timeline, which I appreciate. It doesn’t suit her character arc. Though I’m not sure what to think of the Conrad guy.
The book is informative too, in the sense that I learned a bit about Mexican beliefs as well as life on the university campus as a student-cum-employee.
The ending is just right, filling the gaps as required and retaining the sense of fear and caution. That said, I would have enjoyed this much more if the dangerous elements/ scenes were a bit more. The horror quotient could have been upped by a level or two.
To summarize, The Bewitching is an atmospheric slow burn that can give you chills. While some elements could have been better, the narration flows well and can keep you interested from start to finish.
Thank you, NetGalley and Del Rey(Inklore), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TheBewitching
February 15, 2026
On pickup: Just got the arc and I'm so, so, SO excited! Silvia Moreno-Garcia is tied with Alix E. Harrow as my favorite modern writer. They both write like story-tellers and I love it.
Review: Thanks to Netgalley, Random House Publishing, and Del Rey for the advanced copy.
I'm a huge fan of Silvia Moreno-Garcia. I'm still working my way through her catalogue but everything I've read so far, I've loved. Her writing reminds me of my favorite writer, Alix E. Harrow. They're both true story-tellers and have just the most magical way of writing that pulls you into their worlds of beautiful words.
The Bewitching is no different and was just what I was hoping for - a spooky, vibey jaunt through time with witches and dark magic. We travel to 1908, 1934 and 1998, all connected through our MC, Minerva, in 1998. I appreciated the way the story unfolds through time. Moreno-Garcia is an expert writer though, and you can tell this is her passion.
I will say that this IS a slow burn of a novel. If you don't like slow burns then this is not for you. Personally, I love it. I love the drawn out vibey aesthetics of wintry New England. I could practically smell the farm in 1908. This is one writer who does atmosphere wonderfully well.
I also really enjoyed the particular mythology for the witches and magic of this story - it was something different from the usual witch mythology and I greatly appreciated it. It was exciting to learn and encounter this new witch type, which is based on witches of Mexican legend, teyolloquani.
I read this as slow as I could to keep it with me as long as I could, same as I did Mexican Gothic and Silver Nitrate. I think I loved Mexican Gothic the best among the three but all three are great. I think The Bewitching might be slow to garner love but I think it will be loved all the same. I love witchy books lol
If you're in the mood for a vibey autumn/winter witch read, this is for sure for you. Also, if you're just a fan of a good story, haha
*This was one of my top 5 favorite books of 2025, along with Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop, A Drop of Corruption, Tomb of the Sun King, and The Everlasting.
Review: Thanks to Netgalley, Random House Publishing, and Del Rey for the advanced copy.
I'm a huge fan of Silvia Moreno-Garcia. I'm still working my way through her catalogue but everything I've read so far, I've loved. Her writing reminds me of my favorite writer, Alix E. Harrow. They're both true story-tellers and have just the most magical way of writing that pulls you into their worlds of beautiful words.
The Bewitching is no different and was just what I was hoping for - a spooky, vibey jaunt through time with witches and dark magic. We travel to 1908, 1934 and 1998, all connected through our MC, Minerva, in 1998. I appreciated the way the story unfolds through time. Moreno-Garcia is an expert writer though, and you can tell this is her passion.
I will say that this IS a slow burn of a novel. If you don't like slow burns then this is not for you. Personally, I love it. I love the drawn out vibey aesthetics of wintry New England. I could practically smell the farm in 1908. This is one writer who does atmosphere wonderfully well.
I also really enjoyed the particular mythology for the witches and magic of this story - it was something different from the usual witch mythology and I greatly appreciated it. It was exciting to learn and encounter this new witch type, which is based on witches of Mexican legend, teyolloquani.
I read this as slow as I could to keep it with me as long as I could, same as I did Mexican Gothic and Silver Nitrate. I think I loved Mexican Gothic the best among the three but all three are great. I think The Bewitching might be slow to garner love but I think it will be loved all the same. I love witchy books lol
If you're in the mood for a vibey autumn/winter witch read, this is for sure for you. Also, if you're just a fan of a good story, haha
*This was one of my top 5 favorite books of 2025, along with Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop, A Drop of Corruption, Tomb of the Sun King, and The Everlasting.
August 2, 2025
Silvia Moreno-Garcia always hits for me, but I really loved The Bewitching! It's an intergenerational witchy horror novel with a tinge of vampirism and it's fantastic. Three generations of women encounter dangerous witchcraft and their stories are skillfully woven together.
In rural 1900's Mexico, Alba is a young woman being courted by a farmboy but dreaming of the big city, and being groomed by her attractive young uncle.
In 1990's New England, Minerva is an international graduate student writing a thesis on a little known female horror writer from the mid-1900's. Minerva gains access to the author's journal about the disappearance of a friend who inspired one of her stories, but history and the present begin blur together in strange ways and some of the things that she reads in the journal are happening to her...
It's an eerie and brilliantly told story with themes of privilege, exploitation, survival, and working for a better future. I loved it. The audio narration is great, though the tone for the diary part is a little stilted. I kind of get that choice to differentiate it but it might not appeal to everyone. I received an audio copy from Libro.FM and a review copy via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
Content warning for grooming and incest that's pretty disturbing, but not at all romanticized.
In rural 1900's Mexico, Alba is a young woman being courted by a farmboy but dreaming of the big city, and being groomed by her attractive young uncle.
In 1990's New England, Minerva is an international graduate student writing a thesis on a little known female horror writer from the mid-1900's. Minerva gains access to the author's journal about the disappearance of a friend who inspired one of her stories, but history and the present begin blur together in strange ways and some of the things that she reads in the journal are happening to her...
It's an eerie and brilliantly told story with themes of privilege, exploitation, survival, and working for a better future. I loved it. The audio narration is great, though the tone for the diary part is a little stilted. I kind of get that choice to differentiate it but it might not appeal to everyone. I received an audio copy from Libro.FM and a review copy via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
Content warning for grooming and incest that's pretty disturbing, but not at all romanticized.
November 19, 2025
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!
i still think mexican gothic is silva moreno-garcia’s best book, but maybe i’m a tad biased because it was my first book by her, and because there was only one pov/timeline as opposed to the three in this book.
while i did genuinely find the plot and magic interesting, i wish the narrator had more emotion in her voice. the bewitching was also, in my newbie horror opinion, not very scary, but more spiritual and cautionary. many people turn their noses up to old folk and spiritual practices to appease spirits and keep away negative energy, and this book mostly portrayed that.
also, incest is just a big fat no to me… i don’t care how hot your uncle is.
i also listened to the audio, and i do wish there were three narrators for each pov.
——
i haven’t read a silvia moreno-garcia book in a hot minute, very excited to dive into her latest novel!
i still think mexican gothic is silva moreno-garcia’s best book, but maybe i’m a tad biased because it was my first book by her, and because there was only one pov/timeline as opposed to the three in this book.
while i did genuinely find the plot and magic interesting, i wish the narrator had more emotion in her voice. the bewitching was also, in my newbie horror opinion, not very scary, but more spiritual and cautionary. many people turn their noses up to old folk and spiritual practices to appease spirits and keep away negative energy, and this book mostly portrayed that.
also, incest is just a big fat no to me… i don’t care how hot your uncle is.
i also listened to the audio, and i do wish there were three narrators for each pov.
——
i haven’t read a silvia moreno-garcia book in a hot minute, very excited to dive into her latest novel!
December 31, 2025
me 90% of the book” -this is so fascinating i love generational hauntings”
that last 10% - “hey WHAT”
that last 10% - “hey WHAT”
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