I feel like I say this for every book of hers that I review, but I love Silvia Moreno-Garcia. She hops effortlessly from genre to genre with each book and this is no exception. A gritty noir piece set in the 70s when rock-n-roll and student activism are both under siege in Mexico City. Our protagonist Maite is a shallow woman with aspirations of romance and glamour above her circumstance who gets swept up into some intrigue. The other, Elvis, is street-trash turned low level government agent, who dislikes violence and loves music. I really enjoyed the slow-simmer, low-stakes style. Felt a little like overhearing the next table overs' drama, slightly voyeuristic. Which is to say I loved it.

So I honestly had never heard of a noir book. I knew that there were noir films (which I've not seen), but for some reason, had never heard of this as a book genre. Velvet Was the Night was very intriguing. It was just the right amount of mystery and action, without being a thriller. There was a lot of time delving into the main characters and their personalities, passions, and desires so I felt attached and fulfilled. The mix of history within the noir style was something I really enjoyed as well.

I am endlessly impressed with Silvia Moreno-Garcia as an author. This is now my third book of hers, and they are so completely different in style that I feel she will always surprise me.

Thank you to Del Rey and NetGalley for granting me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed how the story came together in the end with characters overlapping and meeting again in various situations. The event itself was not something I was familiar with before reading the book so the afterword was helpful in explaining some things. The characters were easy to visualize and their story lines flowed well together. I would recommend this book in a heartbeat.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia's "Mexican Gothic" was all the rage last year and I was looking forward to reading it when "Velvet Was the Night" became available. I grabbed a copy of Velvet and soon found out it would not have the supernatural overtones that the previous novel had. I was afraid of enduring a romantic novel but I had made the commitment to read this, so....

This is a captivating story of the world of the 1970's Mexico City. The Hawks or the Dirty War sound like incredible inventions created for some action movie. Moreno-Garcia portrays characters caught up in a life I never knew of. Elvis is a Hawk, employed by the Mexican government to put down Communist agitators. Matie is a hopeless romantic whose drab life is turned upside down when drawn into a dark rebel plot. As the narrative progresses we see these two slowly being pulled together.

The suspense surrounding the politics of Mexico's Dirty War is much more enjoyable than the romantic subplot. Elvis is interesting enough, given the nature of his work versus the normal life he yearns for. Matie just seems so negative when encountering anything other than the escape of her romance comic books.

I loved reading this book for its suspense and the illumination it shed on a time and place I have been severely unaware of. These aspects make reading "Velvet Was the Night" a valuable investment. Thank you to the Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, NetGalley, and Silvia Moreno-Garcia for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Velvet Was the Night by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a historical noir novel set in 1970's Mexico following a romance reading secretary and member or a paramilitary group used by the government to squash dissent and communism. Our secretary, Maite, gets unknowingly swept up in the action when she agrees to watch a neighbors cat and ends up being followed by Elvis. He is fascinated by Maite. The main characters remain somewhat removed from the action and frustrated me that I couldn't learn more about the government plot to squash communism. Though no fault of the author, I just don't think noir is the genre for me. I like high stakes and high drama and this is more of a smaller story. It is wonderfully told and Moreno-Garcia's writing is atmospheric and lovely. Would recommend for Noir fans or fans of the Author. A very charming story.

I very much enjoyed Velvet Was The Night. A historical noir that takes place in 1971 Mexico? Yes please! In this novel we follow Maite, a quiet, 30 year old secretary who lives life through her comics & music, and El Elvis, a member of the Hawks, a shadow group who supports the president as they battle resistance groups. The story opens with Maite agreeing to watch a neighbor’s cat. But then she goes missing and the government, resistance and the hawks all think she’s involved.

This is a slow burn, and like SGMs other books, the build creeps up on you. Thank you, Del Ray books for the NetGalley ARC in exchange for my honest review.

⭐️⭐️.5- gangsters, the search for a missing person with an object of desire, multiple perspectives. Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this book. I have personally never read this author before. I found this book difficult to keep up with and I’m not sure if it was content, writing style, or topic, but this book just wasn’t my cup of tea. I had to reread a bunch of times because I found my attention fading in and out.

I definitely liked Velvet Was the Night , just didn't love it. It's described as a noir but to me seems more like a political thriller, not saying that is bad or anything, the two main characters were okay I wish I would have seen a little more growth between them earlier in the book. The author is very talented and writes a great story, this one just fell a little short for me, the pace was a bit slow. Overall though, I would recommend this book

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review

Velvet Was the Night is a fast-faced, breath taking historical crime noir that hooked me right away. This book was lush with graphic descriptions and well developed characters and situations. While this was very different than Moreno-Garcia’s previous six novels, the writing is still exactly and unapologetically, her. I loved how among the complicated alliances and hostility, there lies a profound loneliness in each of her characters, a loneliness that propels them forward even when facing dangerous circumstances. The novel gives a glimpse into two lonely people living vastly different lives, and the potential they have to become something more together. While this was an action packed, intense political thriller, it’s also a book about two lonely hearts trying to make it - and Oh my, Maite’s evolving, changing, awakening to see the realities of her country, her journey of self discovery was fantastic. I loved the dynamic between Maite and Elvis and the time period and also that the reader got a glimpse into different perspectives. This was the first noir novel I've read and now I can say that Will pick up more!I SMG has again demonstrated her literary talent and scope.

I really like Silvia Moreno-Garcia and my favorite book of hers is The Gods of Jade and Shadow. I found myself struggling to stay engaged and committed to the story. Elvis and Maite were interesting characters but I wanted more growth from them and had trouble embracing them. The writing is still fantastic and I still enjoyed the experience, the atmosphere, and the setting.

Do not go into Velvet Was The Night thinking that you'll be getting the gothic horror and magic of Mexican Gothic, because you'll be disappointed. Taking place in 1970s Mexico, we follow two central characters—Elvis and Maite. Elvis is a criminal, growing up in a life of crime with regret. His life started out with chaos and he just couldn't overcome his environment. Elvis struggles with accepting his past at times, but also enlists to join the Hawks, a group of individuals tied to organized crime and government corruption with just as dark pasts as Elvis. At the same time, we are introduced to 30 year old secretary Maite. Maite seems to live a pretty straightedge life of work and romance stories. However, Maite gets more than what she bargained for after helping out her neighbor and cat sitting while she is away. As Maite starts diving deeper into a world she has never seen before, the two main characters' roles in the polticial uprising of 1970s Mexico begin to intertwine.

One aspect I love of Silvia Moreno-Garcia's storytelling previously was her ability to slowly build the atmospheric undertones around the plot. While she does do that in Velvet Was The Night , it falls a bit flat for me because the pay off isn't some dark, magical, sinister turn. I enjoyed the political historic content in this book, but ultimately was expecting something a bit different. Kudos to the author for being able to pivot and still provide an engaging story, but I'll make sure to go in with different expectations going forward. I will probably have an unpopular opinion, but please note that I still enjoyed the story for what it was! 3 stars isn't a negative review. I will still pick up anything Silvia Moreno-Garcia writes, and I think this book will be favorably reviewed by those who want something a bit more realistic and less fantasy.

It is historical noir. I liked the characters. The story was good. Fell a little short of expectations though.

The sense of place is constant. You never forget where you are. You don't accidentally find that in your head you're imagining an American neighbourhood (if you live in the US). The historical backdrop was a bit confusing for me as I don't know much about Mexican history.

Having the beautiful mysterious rich girl be a side character takes this story in a different direction from the start. It's a good choice because it's the characters that really make this book.

Special thanks to @netgalley and @randomhouse for the ARC in exchange for an open and honest review!

First can we talk about how beautiful this cover is!!!
This is my second from the author and I must say this one is my favorite.

Mood: a single glass of Don Julio Tequila (sipped, not gulped please), red lipstick, Bang Bang (My Baby Shot me Down) playing softly in the background while you read.

Velvet was the Night was simply a delight.

It’s edgy, sultry and simmering noir at its best. And – it’s just plain cool.

This is a crime novel, taking you to a dark point in Mexican history – yet the author’s writing style makes her dark world so compelling. Despite the danger and the heartbreak, a part of me wanted to live in her world.

I simply didn’t want the story to end and can’t wait for what the author brings us next!

And before I go – props to the cover artist on this one. The cover is amazing!

*ARC via Net Galley

Given the fact I was not the biggest fan of Mexican Gothic, I am SO glad I gave Silvia Moreno-Garcia another chance with this one. This beautiful historical fiction dives deep into the character's minds creating an intimacy with the reader that I haven't found before. Based on real events, this is a great glimpse into the Mexican history that many people that are not from the country would never know happened.

Meet Maite - she's a secretary that binds her time reading romance comics, pet sitting for her neighbors, and creating intricate tall tales about her make-believe suitors for her coworkers amusement. Then meet Elvis - your resident thug and unit leader of the Hawks; though rough on appearance he has a kind heart with a love for music and vocabulary words. Though the two couldn't be more opposite, their paths intertwine when Leonora enters and unfortunately goes missing. This is a story focusing on politics, romance, comradery, and loyalty; all coated in true Mexican culture.

Thank you Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Post will be available on www.instagram.com/whataginger.reads July 9, 2021.

Velvet Was the Night was, in a way, disappointing to me. As a surface-level story, I didn't hate it. It was put together well, and the way that various characters eventually connected throughout the book was satisfactory (...with the exception of Elvis and Maite themselves; I wanted them to interact much earlier than they did). And yet, like Mexican Gothic, I felt there was something missing for me. Perhaps it's because I don't really know much about the noir genre, and haven't had much interest in it, but because I know I enjoy Moreno-Garcia's writing I thought that wouldn't matter. I would still like the characters. I would still enjoy the narration. That was ... only half true. Moreno-Garcia knows how to craft a good story, but I didn't feel like either of our main leads really grabbed me. They didn't feel like main characters, and in a way, as we discover later in the novel, they aren't.

Perhaps I'll come back to this review once I've had time to ruminate on the book.

Star Rating: ★★★☆☆ (i.e. "meh")

1970s, Mexico City. Maite is a secretary who lives for one thing: the latest issue of the Secret Romance comic. While students politically protest , she escapes in her comics.

Her next-door neighbor, Leonora, a beautiful art student, seems to live a life of mystery that Maite envies. When Leonora disappears under suspiciously, Maite finds herself looking for her falling deeper into Leonora’s secret life of student radicals.

Meanwhile, someone else is also looking for Leonora at the behest of his gangster boss. Elvis is an eccentric criminal who longs to escape his own life as he hates violence and loves old movies and rock ’n’ roll. As Elvis looks for Leonora he runs into Maite. He becomes obsessed with her and her similar taste in music. As they get closer to the truth they can no longer escape the danger of hit men, government agents and Russian spies all wanting to protect Leonora’s secrets.

I literally couldn’t wait to read this! I really enjoyed this noir style story of an important part of history. Now this is nothing like Mexican Gothic-not even close! This is definitely character driven. The complex characters are full of loneliness which helps drive them forward into the chaos and their complicated alliances. Told from different points of view really strengthen the bond of the two main characters and the connection they have. Being noir, the whole tone of this is moody and full of dialect and atmosphere that help propel the story along. It was exciting and interesting. I must say the use of music and the music of the time really wraps things up nicely. If you are in the mood for something dark, serious and volatile then this is for you.

Btw the cover 😍😍😍 my gosh!

Thank you Netgalley for my advance copy in exchange for my review.

I was so excited to get this ARC. She’s such a fun writer. Her leads are always great and the dialogue is always really snappy and fun. This is labeled as a noir, and I get that, but it really reads to me more as a political thriller. There’s a noirish tone for sure, but it doesn’t have a lot of the elements that I associate with noir, aside from a missing person. Just a heads up for other people who might go in expecting some hard boiled detective story from the description. I would strongly suggest reading the afterward. It’s short, but fascinating. Also, like Mexican Gothic, she curated a playlist on Spotify to act as a sort of soundtrack to the book, so make sure to check that out. It’s really good. I don’t want to get too into plot or anything since this does partially revolve around twists. Just know that even though there are no supernatural elements to it, you’re for sure going to enjoy this book if you’re already a fan of her work. Thanks, Random House!

Moreno-Garcia is just one of those authors where it doesn't matter what they write, you'll always pick up their work. I devoured Mexican Gothic and The Beautiful Ones, and I was thrilled to be approved for Velvet Was the Night. That cover, that title--I couldn't wait to get started.

Set in 1970s Mexico City, Velvet Was the Night follows Maite, a thirty year old secretary who yearns for more. She gets lost in her comics, romantic tales of love triangles with adventure, dashing heroes, and intoxicating damsels, searching for something or someone to rescue her from her mundane life. When her neighbor Leonora asks her to watch her cat, she agrees, but things get crazy when Leonora doesn't return. Teaming up with some unlikely characters, Maite soon finds herself smack dab in the middle of the adventure she always wanted, but what price will she have to pay to have it?

I really loved this book.

Maite was a wonderful protagonist. Quirky and plain yet utterly engrossing, her voice was strong and anything but boring. Her self-awareness made for some humorous moments. Her general unhappiness with her life, wanting more but being completely cognizant of her obstacles, she was an everyman, a person you can relate to regardless of where you are in life, and for that, I think readers will be drawn to her.

Elvis' voice is equally enjoyable, a parallel to Maite, almost, as he constantly searches for more. He wants material things, like a library and music collection, but he also wants the intangibles: love, intimacy, communication, love. As he watches Maite, he becomes a Cyrano figure, harboring an unrequited love but not knowing how to put those emotions into words.

It's also worth noting the significance of music here, how important it is to both Maite and Elvis but also to the people of Mexico City at a time when performances were outlawed. The playlist included at the end of the book is stellar, and I highly recommend.

More than the escapism, Moreno-Garcia gives us the overarching political turmoil of 1970s Mexico. It seems impossible for a love story to be set among the backdrop of unrest, murder, and rebellions, but at the same time, it fits perfectly with the story. No spoilers, of course, but the insight into the real-life events was more than a reflection on a tumultuous cultural standpoint, but an examination of the horrors of El Halconazo and how they apply to current political rhetoric.

Velvet Was the Night is a simultaneously bloody and hopeful story, a brilliant portrayal of love and violence and the gray areas in between. I'd recommend to fans of Atwood, barrio noir, international mysteries with light-hearted humor, or anyone looking to be intoxicated by storytelling.

Big thanks to Del Rey and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for honest review consideration.

Gritty and dark, this noir-type novel will be a great crossover for thriller fans who like Lars Kepler. I had a fun time reading this one.