I'm a big fan of SMG and was delighted when I received my ARC.

Diving right into the book the reader is quickly thrust into the world of 1950's Hollywood; both the good and bad of it. Before meeting the main character, readers are introduced to Nancy, an aspiring actress who has been trying to catch her big break. She is running out of time to make it as she's been at it for years with nothing to show but some modeling gigs and minor parts. Readers also meet Salome in the beginning. Salome's story in the book is SMG's take on the biblical story. Finally, readers get their first look at the main character, Vera. Vera is young, living in Mexico, and working in her Dad's dental practice when she is discovered. The eccentric producer of the next blockbuster movie demands to have her in the lead role.

The book weaves together each of these ladies' lives. Vera beats out Nancy for the lead actress role and this starts a slow burn hate in Nancy that ends up consuming all of her attention. Vera struggles to learn the ropes of being in Hollywood as an up and coming leading lady. And Salome struggles with unrequited love.

There are some major themes that each woman experiences in their own way. One being parent/child relationships and the struggle to deal with unrealistic expectations, harsh words and finding their courage to make hard decisions and stand on their own.

While Nancy is written to be the villian of the story I'd argue she is the best developed, and most interesting character. Sure I had plenty of dislike for her, but that's what good writing should do. Her upbringing and delusions combine to make a character who could ultimately do anything to make it in Hollywood. How far will she actually go?

Vera's character, on the other hand, takes forever to develop, and never quite gets there. She makes the book feel slow. I didn't particularly care for Salome's storyline either. While her story had more intrigue and excitement, it felt out of place at times, making the book feel choppy.

While I sometimes struggled with my motivation to read this book I'm glad I stuck with it to the end. The last part moves at warp speed, with the events unfurling quickly, whipping up a range of reader emotions.

While I don't think this is SMG's best work yet, I think it is still worth the read. I think readers will each get something different from the book, whether they are new to SMG or a veteran reader of her works. Dive in like I did and enjoy hanging around that time period with all the different characters and storylines.

Sending gratitude to NetGalley and Random House/Del Rey for the ARC and the opportunity to share my honest opinions of this book.

I am a fan of SMG’s many and varied works, so I jumped at a chance to read this ARC. I think a LOT of people will love this book. I struggled a bit with the multiple POVs. I found myself most interested in the Salome POV and less interested in the Vera and Nancy drama. I also don’t tend to fall in love with stories with “fame” at the center. For me, this was not a fave amongst SMG’s writings, but it did still contain her signature prose and wonderful storytelling. I also think that, for many readers, this will be a fave. SMG writes in so many different genres and themes that there is something for everyone. This is historical fiction and you will find glamour, envy, and intrigue in its pages. You will also find wonderful writing from an author who masters her craft by writing in a wide range of genres.

It took my a while to adjust to the format of this book because I wasn’t aware but then quickly enjoyed each part and perspective we get. It also took me a moment to adjust to the switch from first and third person.

But SMG wrote another amazing book. I love her ability to jump between genres and knock it out of the park. Her historical research is so well done as well her being able to create such compelling stories. I love the setting of “old” Hollywood and am a sucker for books with this setting.

Nancy was a great character to hate and she was truly disgusting. Vera was love able and you want to cheer for her. It was interesting to read about Hollywood from her perspective and the racism that she was facing.

The only complaint I have was that the ending felt very rushed. So much happens in the last 5% and it was like whiplash. But it didn’t hurt my enjoyment of the book. I really enjoyed this one and will definitely be recommending! Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the eARC

****Huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/Del Rey for this ARC in exchange for my honest review***

Firstly, I'd like to commend Silvia Moreno-Garcia for her versatility in effortlessly transitioning between multiple genres. It was a pleasant surprise to deviate from her usual supernatural horror narratives and delve into the realm of historical fiction, particularly with the exploration of a well-known biblical figure.

Typically, I tend to shy away from narratives with numerous shifting points of view, but Moreno-Garcia's execution was anything but confusing. Instead, it provided context with hints of foreshadowing, propelling the story forward seamlessly. I found myself thoroughly engrossed in the different stories of the three main characters.

This book masterfully blends elements of women's fiction with historical fiction, offering a vivid portrayal of 1950s Hollywood. As always, Silvia Moreno-Garcia's remarkable research skills shine through, providing enlightening information about that era complexities and offering valuable insights into enduring issues like racism, sexism, and homophobia.

The infusion of film noir and thriller elements keeps readers on edge, hinting at a tragic conclusion that mirrors Salome's own shocking narrative. The conclusion was executed with finesse, reflecting the excellence maintained throughout the entire narrative. The character development was exceptional, with Moreno-Garcia crafting intricately layered characters that resonate deeply with readers.

Without a doubt, this book deserves a solid five stars. I wholeheartedly recommend this brilliant book—a perfectly crafted concept that captivates from beginning to end!

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for giving me a copy of this in exchange for an honest review!

This book felt inconsistent and insubstantial. The plot follows three women: the biblical Salome, Vera, a recently discovered actress from Mexico in the 50s, and Nancy, a struggling white actress in the 50s who has been relegated to bit parts but is dreaming of more.

I found the 50s Hollywood plot to be compelling (though predictable), but the biblical storyline to be tedious and a bit of a slog to get through. I understand the parallels that Moreno-Garcia was attempting to draw between the three women, but splitting the plot up in the way that she did make the entire story feel choppy. I felt like she didn't really have enough time to dedicate to really fleshing out any of the characters, because the points of view were constantly jumping around. The most effective use of this framing device was at the very end during the climax of the story, and I found that to be really well done, but by that point I was pretty over the whole setup. I don't necessarily think the book would have benefited from focusing on just one plot over the other, but I think it could have been longer and more complete. Everything just felt very surface-level.

As per usual, Moreno-Garcia's writing style is eminently readable, and I enjoyed the little details that she always includes, which help set the scene and ground her stories a bit. I don't think this was a bad book by any stretch, it just wasn't what I've come to expect from Moreno-Garcia. I'll still be recommending this to people once it comes out, but probably less often than I recommend her other books.

I thought this was really well written and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I think it will find readers at our library, so we will definitely be purchasing for the collection.

Rather than drawing readers into another supernatural horror story, Silvia Moreno-Garcia takes on the infamous Salome, briefly mentioned in two Gospels of the New Testament. She weaves her narrative into the 50s Hollywood entertainment circle, where politics, gossip, racism, and scheming dominate the scene, mirroring today's film industry dynamics, where diversity is gradually changing the landscape but white privilege still holds sway, and women are scrutinized for their personal lives in the name of open social media policies.
I love this woman and everything she writes!

This novel is set in the Golden age of Hollywood during the 1950’s. The reader is introduced to Vera, a young Mexican woman who is “discovered” and lands the role of the legendary Salome in a big screen adaptation. The author then shifts to the biblical times and the real Princess Salome as she prepares to dance for her uncle King Herod. This was a beautifully written novel that weaves the two stories simultaneously. Both woman face struggles in a male dominated world and fight to maintain their identities. As the novel progresses, and tensions escalate, the feeling of impending doom arises. Moreno-Garcia has such a talent of creating characters that truly come to life and pull the reader into the storyline, barely having time to come up for air. This was an absolute 5 star read for me.

In The Seventh Veil of Salome by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, the author showcases her versatility by venturing into new territory while maintaining her trademark skill and finesse. Through the lens of three distinct characters—Vera, Nancy, and Princess Salome—Moreno-Garcia masterfully explores the multifaceted nature of ambition, rivalry, and self-discovery.

Vera, the central protagonist, grapples with a lifetime of feeling overshadowed by her younger sister's perceived superiority. As she steps into the spotlight of Hollywood, Vera confronts her deepest insecurities and strives to carve out her own identity, both on and off the screen. Moreno-Garcia's portrayal of Vera's journey is poignant and relatable, capturing the complexities of navigating one's own path in the face of external pressures and expectations.

In stark contrast, Nancy emerges as the quintessential antagonist—the character readers love to hate. Fueled by envy and ambition, Nancy's relentless pursuit of fame and recognition leads her down a dark and treacherous path. Her actions serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of allowing ambition to consume one's sense of morality and self-worth. Through Nancy's character, Moreno-Garcia explores the darker side of Hollywood and the lengths some will go to achieve success.

At the heart of the story lies Princess Salome, whose tale intertwines with those of Vera and Nancy, blurring the lines between reality and myth. As Salome grapples with desire, duty, and the consequences of her choices, readers are drawn into a mesmerizing narrative that transcends time and space.

Through the intricate interplay of these three characters, Moreno-Garcia crafts a rich and compelling narrative that delves into the complexities of human nature and the allure of fame. The Seventh Veil of Salome is a testament to the author's talent for storytelling, showcasing her ability to captivate readers with compelling characters and richly imagined worlds.

The pacing was a bit slow at times for my tastes, but Moreno-Garcia created such an atmospheric, transfixing, and emotive story that it didn't detract from the overall reading experience. Her authority on the periods found within the timelines of this story, both biblical and Hollywood golden era, is both convincing and well-developed. I would encourage anyone who enjoys Historical and Women's Fiction to consider reading The Seventh Veil of Salome.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book. Every time I read something by Moreno-Garcia, I am astonished by how she pulls me into the story. It was a bit of a slow beginning, especially as I was unfamiliar with the historical story, but as I got deeper into it, I found it hard to put down. I loved settings, both 1950s Hollywood and the historical period in which Salome lived. I loved seeing Vera's and Salome's stories become entwined. The romantic relationships were spot on and I found the family relationships for both Salome and Vera to be particularly compelling. The author's note gave me a deeper appreciation of the story.

Absolutely fantastic!

Silvia Moreno-Garcia continues to grow as an author, evolving into different genres while still holding true to her writing style.

The Seventh Vail of Salome weaves multiple character’s points of view to keep the storyline moving swiftly and giving insights to their motivations. Moreno-Garcia seamlessly layers the events set in 1950s Hollywood with the Biblical story of Salome.

I highly recommend The Seventh Vail of Salome by the stunningly talented Silvia Moreno-Garcia.

Interesting concept but unsure if it delivered in the end - which is sad, because I adore SMG! There's a sense of dread pervading the book because we know the ending of Salome's story and it's hinted that the Hollywood storyline will mirror it. While I appreciated how it lended to the atmosphere, it made the ending lose its emotional impact for me; I had already cut my losses earlier in the book by not letting myself get attached to a certain character. As far as her romances go, this one wasn't my favorite but I did like her take on Salome's story.

This was one of my favorite of her books. I loved the setting and conceit of the book, even though I was initially a little skeptical of the Actual Salome chapters. The characters were very trope-y, but it worked given the vibe and plot of the book. I was genuinely on my toes, never quiet sure what the end would bring.

There are no surprises here; this is another book from Silvia Moreno-Garcia that I enjoyed! SMG has ignited my desire to watch films during the "Golden Age of Hollywood." Now, I've watched so many of them and can see elements of her narrative on the inner workings at play during that period. For fans of SMG, this is not a gothic thriller; instead, it is more similar to The Untamed Shore. It's a historical fiction with discussions on race/politics/hollywood at that time. My only issue is that sometimes the book was a bit slow, though it kept you interested throughout. And for some readers, the "love story" occurring with Salome wasn't something I enjoyed reading. I much preferred reading Nancy's love story with its twists and turns.

Numerical Rating: 3.5 stars

Thank you to Random House/Del Ray and NetGalley for this advanced review copy. All opinions are my own.

Note: A full review will be provided on my blog during publication week.

With a lot of different voices to cover the story, the author does a good job of telling the reader what is happening with Salome and the actress born to play her, Vera.

I loved the old hollywood, the personalities, the inside look at what Nancy was going through. I loved that the author did not set this out to be a horror novel, yet there was some horror like things, The Baptists head, the hinting of incest, murder.

I loved how the author developed Vera. Yet I felt that the character was not as developed as Nancy was.

Also you could have cut out the entire Salome story line and it would be about the same story.

There was so much unneeded things in the book, that did not enhance the story that at times it was confusing. I wondered why did I need to know or hear from this bit character.

This is not the authors best book, however, its still an ok read.

Salome and a woman playing Salome in a 50s Hollywood production are on parallel tracks in this newest offering from Moreno-Garcia. Like her previous book Silver Nitrate, she displays her deep knowledge, reverence, and delight in filmmaking from this period. This is the first book of hers that I have read which does not contain otherworldly elements and I did find myself missing them. She is so great at creating creepy atmosphere. Despite going in a different direction for this book, she still has her same clear voice that allows you to enter the inner world of her characters.

This book took me on a trip and back! I absolutely adore anything that Silvia Moreno-Garcia creates. However, this one in particular was amazing; I felt that I was watching this book play out. The emotions came alive and that ending I can’t believe it! I will definitely be picking up a physical copy when this book comes out and add to my collection. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to share this wonderful book. This review is of my own accord. #TheSeventhVeilofSalome #NetGalley

Disclaimer: Thank you NetGalley and Random House for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is my favorite thing Silvia Moreno-Garcia has written, along with Mexican Gothic. I was completely transported into the story from the first page. I love how this reads like a documentary on Hollywood, the studios, rising and falling movie stars, and the sword-and-sandal era of film. But also a realistic adaptation of a Biblical story of the beheading of John the Baptist.

The cast of characters felt so alive; and I half believe they could have been or are inspired by real stars from that golden decade. I keep expecting to see the name, “Vera Larios,” on an old film poster. And I can’t help imagining what a real version of the song, “Salome’s Dream,” would sound like. If she was a two-faced temptress or lonely woman desperate to be free of the shackles of her time.

This novel is both a tragedy and a triumph. And as I expected, Garcia did not disappoint in her ability to wreck me and leave me stranded in a puddle of emotions. Everything she writes is so unique unto itself. I never know what to expect when she releases a new book, other than an engrossing tale with tight prose to match. A great deal of intrigue, a dash of romance, and the inevitable turning of pages.

I must say this story is a strong contender for my favorite of the year. And I can’t wait to see what Garcia will come up with next!

We get to see Ms. Moreno-Garcia spin a a classic golden age of Hollywood tale here, and it's frankly fascinating to see her lean into the historical fiction side of her oeuvre, as opposed to the fantasy or horror. We get the tale of a fictional biblical epic focusing on Salome (including a sort of novelization of the fictional movie interpsersed throughout), and the whole novel is framed like it's being told over a dimly lit table in a dingy old bar. Yes, there's lots of period typical racism and sexism, but you can see the disaster coming throughout the book, and the players lean into their doom rather than away. This was a great read, and will be a perfect pool read for you in July!