I was really looking forward to this, and it's an enjoyable read: full of ghosts and fungus and creepy Gothic goodness. I've skimmed through some of the other reviews and a few people said they thought the first half was a bit too slow, and I don't agree at all. To me, Gothic horror stories are pretty much characterised by a eerie, undermining sense that builds and builds over time, and that's what happens here. The creep factor is present from very early on, and it doesn't need fast-paced shocks front-loaded in the text to be disturbing.

I think, too, that part of the - I want to say distraction, but it's not the right word - sleight of hand that helps to keep this eerie atmosphere building in the background has to do with the main character. Noemí feels very modern, very relatable, and she's got an appealing voice, and the flippancy with which she conducts herself (often a cover for something deeper) is used really successfully by Moreno-Garcia. The contrast between that flippant tone and the expectation of those Gothic horror elements combines to keep the reader off-balance, which is absolutely the right approach for a book like this, I think. I just wish, in the climactic scenes, that my liking for Noemí didn't suddenly plummet with every dumb decision she made. Honestly, if ever I'm forced to be in a horror movie with someone from that family, I'm taking Catalina with me, because she at least doesn't hesitate at crucial moments. Why, Noemí, why do you not make sure your attempted rapist is really dead? Why do you wait to go for the gun? And why, for the love of God why, does it take you so damn long to figure out what to do with your lamp? You've had a lighter all this time! You could have ended this weird, creepy shit days ago!

It was very good of you to come to rescue your cousin. You are a kind and clever young woman, but honestly. Towards the end I was continually shaking my head in disbelief and rooting entirely for Catalina, who should have all the weapons, as clearly she's the only one here prepared to use them. Other than Mrs. Danvers, of course.