Mexican Gothic

This story builds very slowly, which I liked because it did build into something completely worth the investment of time.

But even the parts before the monster reveal were enjoyable. Noemie is a likeable heroine, she is smart, quick, brave, but makes a lot of mistakes and has room for self doubt. The early book was about her coping with no longer being in a place where she's popular, loved and protected. She has to deal with the strict rules and humorless personalities of her mysterious hosts.

She also has to think of someone besides herself, her cousin who is ill, in a vulnerable position, and unable to get out of the trap of her marriage. You get the idea that Noemie has never had to take responsibility before and has previously only had to consider her own wants. Watching her struggle, fail, and work up the courage to try again, as well as figure out what is right from wrong was what the early bit of the story was all about. It could be a good YA book for the older end of that age group.

Once the monster part takes off it's wonderfully weird and creepy. That was a good surprise because I was starting to wonder if we were going to get out of the pattern of Noemie having weird dreams in between creepy encounters with her cousin's unpleasant and controlling in-laws.

Fun monster story with romance, thrills, and a good character arc.