Moreno-Garcia (
The Daughter of Doctor Moreau) pens another cross-genre novel, using her penchant for historical fiction to weave a tale of occult horror set in 1990s Mexico City. Montserrat Curiel is a talented, underappreciated sound editor, barely scraping by due to the sexism of the film industry. Her best friend, Tristán Abascal, is a washed-up soap actor, his reputation tarnished by an accident from his past. After befriending cult horror-film director Abel Urueta, Montserrat and Tristán become entwined in a dangerous mystery involving an incomplete cursed film that Abel was making for a Nazi occultist. Brazilian actor Gisela Chípe returns to narrate another Moreno-Garcia novel, having previously narrated
Velvet Was the Night and The Daughter of Doctor Moreau. Chípe provides unique voices for each character and seamlessly interweaves Spanish dialogue. The narration is measured, adding an element of melodrama to the story, reminiscent of noir.
VERDICT This slow-burn horror thriller full of Mexican history and culture and laced with social commentary is perfect for fans of horror and film history and listeners looking for moody thrillers with supernatural elements. For listen-alikes about cursed media, suggest Josh Winning’s Burn the Negative, Clay McLeod Chapman’s The Remaking, or Kiersten White’s Mister Magic.
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