I always look forward to this authors books as they are all so different. This one is a bit thriller/noir set in 1970s Mexico searching for a missing woman. As usual an entertaining and interesting read with politics, protest and music.

"Velvet Was the Night" by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a mesmerizing and atmospheric noir novel set against the backdrop of 1970s Mexico City. The story follows the lives of two unlikely individuals, Maite and Elvis, whose paths become entwined in a web of political intrigue, espionage, and mystery. Moreno-Garcia brilliantly captures the tension and paranoia of the era, weaving a tale of love and danger with rich historical detail. The characters are complex and compelling, and the author's evocative prose immerses readers in the vibrant yet perilous world of Mexican politics. "Velvet Was the Night" is a captivating blend of noir aesthetics, historical authenticity, and a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Silva M-G is such an incredible writer I would read anything she creates. Every one of her books is totally different and ‘Velvet…’ is no different.
There is no supernatural aspect to this story, rather it is a period piece set in 197”s Mexico. As ever the main characters are beautifully written and the world is impeccably imagined. I wasn’t quite as gripped by this as some of her other novel- honestly if this was written by someone else I may not have read it. But I did enjoy it greatly

I think I have to assume noir isn't really the genre for me, because this was very well written, but I still didn't love it. I did think it was good, although it was a little slow to start. I found myself hooked around halfway through, but I especially enjoyed Maite's chapters - I just found her the more interesting character. The ending felt a little too quick for me and I'd have wanted a little more out of it. I do want to read more of Silvia Moreno Garcia's books and to slowly make my way through her other books that I haven't read yet.

At this point I have to accept that Silvia Moreno-Garcia's books aren't for me.
Like the other books I've read by her, I wasn't invested in the story and I found it hard to care about the characters.
I do think that people who've enjoyed the author's other books will enjoy this one as well, but it didn't work for me.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
There was a struggle for me at times with this book as the pace was slow in some areas. One of the main characters Maite was someone echo wanted more to her life but is not really sure how to get that until she is asked to look after her neighbours cat for a few days. When her neighbour doesn’t return Maite is thrust into a part of the Mexican underworld that’s gives her more excitement than she bargained for.
I enjoyed this story although like I previously wrote it was very slow in places which is why my rating was not higher. It gives a terrifying look into Mexican politics in the 70’s and what the people went through just to have a partial voice.

3.5 stars

I really liked the noir atmosphere of the story and that it centred around morally grey characters.

I’m a big fan of Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s writing style but I definitely prefer her fantasy stories.

Not my favourite of Moreno-Garcia's books, it is extremely slow to get started and didn't hook me in like the others. Like the setting of a 70's Mexico, but I didn't take to Maite as much as I had the other books' central characters. I think this would be one that I would revisit with a different mindset and enjoy very much but at the time, it didn't hit the spot for me.

3.5 stars

Maite is a secretary in 1970s Mexico City. Unhappy with her daily life, she finds escape in music and through reading romance comics.
Elvis is a criminal who works as part of a gang but doesn't like getting his hands dirty and dreams of more.
When Maite's neighbour, Leonora, goes missing, Maite is drawn into the search to find her which will become more dangerous than she could have imagined.
Elvis is also involved in the search for Leonora, and finds himself observing her neighbour, Maite.
Can Maite or Elvis find Leonora?
Will they survive the search?

As a fan of the author, I wanted to read this novel as soon as I heard about it, especially as it's described as an historical-noir.
Maite was an OK protagonist. I did find her relatable at times, but I also struggled to fully connect with her. However, I did feel sorry for her with the way she was treated by her mother and sister.
I preferred Elvis as a character and found him more interesting, rooting for him more.
The setting was interesting, especially as I didn't know anything about that period of history in Mexico.
The plot was enjoyable, but I predicted several things that happened. However, while I wasn't gripped, I never lost interest and was intrigued to see how the novel would end.
The writing style was easy to follow, and I love how different the author's novels all are.
I am a little bit disappointed that I didn't enjoy this more, but, for me, this didn't quite live up to its potential.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read.

I absolutely loved this crime noir thriller! Moreno-Garcia's book is atmospheric with a wry sense of humor. I loved following Maite and her quest to track down Leonora. I cannot wait to read more of this author's works.

Silvia Moreno Garcia is one of my favourite authors and I love the way she plays with genre, so when I heard her new release was a thriller-noir set in 1970's Mexico, against the backdrop of student protest and political tensions, I could not wait to get to it!

Maite works as a secretary, but spends most of her time reading romance comics, and longing for a life like the heroines she reads about. When here neighbour Leonora goes missing, Maite is forced to investigate, getting caught up in a political game with higher stakes than she could have realised. Meanwhile, 'goon-for-rent' Elvis, who's not-so-secret passion is rock 'n' roll, is assigned to search for Leonora. As Maite and Elvis begin to solve this mystery in parallel, meeting a colourful cast of characters from student radicals, to hitmen and even Russian spies, and become embroiled in the dangerous political machinations of the time.

The novel taps into the pop culture of the time in such an atmospheric way - from Maite's comics to the records and songs seeded through the book. I highly recommend checking out Moreno-Garcia's playlist to accompany it for a really immersive experience! This atmosphere laid on top of the dark, mystery plot and alongside compelling characters give the book a rich and compelling narrative, which compels you to read on.

Maite and Elvis are wonderful protagonists, and each narrative view is a joy to read, and a fun device as we see the mystery unfold in tandem. Moreno Garcia is a master at reinventing genre tropes to tell Mexican history and reflect Mexican culture. Velvet was the Night is an evocative, dark noir exploring a lesser known aspect of history (for Anglo-Western audiences at least), with an immersive delve into 1970s pop culture.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a force to be reckoned with in this atmospheric read. Aptly described by the author in their Author's Note as a "noir, pulp fiction but it's based on a real horror story", I was completely taken once again by Moreno-Garcia's prose and storytelling. Brimming with hostility, and violence, Moreno-Garcia also details a part of Mexican history that is often skimmed over, displaying the extent of its turmoil during the 1970s. Both Elvis and Maite were interesting vessels for the story, their inner thoughts often juxtaposing their actions, making them fascinating to read about. I also loved how, despite being entirely different people, both of the MCs were connected through mutual loneliness and displacement in their lives, only finding solace in music. Their voices were so clear and distinct to each character which allowed me to become fully immersed in the story.
This novel is definitely on the slower side, leaning heavily into its noir influences, and is much more reliant on "vibes" rather than plot. However, by pushing through with the right expectations, I cannot see why anyone would not be entranced by this gorgeous, immersive, and dark tale.

4 stars!

I don't think I've ever read a historical noir before but maybe I should read more of them, because this was fantastic.

Velvet Was the Night is set in Mexico in the 1970s, where there's a lot of political unrest and a lot of danger.

It follows Maite and Elvis, who couldn't be more different from each other, yet end up on the same path to look for a missing girl with a secret.

This is a dual POV story with lush descriptions, complex characters, and a distraught moral compass. One of that things that stuck out to me the most is how different each POV actually is from the other. You can definitely tell they're two different voices and I loved that about the book.

This is a very intense and exciting story filled with hopeful undertones and I highly recommend it.

I was intrigued to try this noir crime thriller novel set in 1970s Mexico City and enjoyed it (perhaps not as much as the author's fantasy/horror novels I've read but not far off). The two main characters were morally grey at times but very human and I found I still empathised with them. I'm looking forward to reading her next one 'The Daughter of Doctor Moreau' out July 2022.

(ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley)

As a huge fan of Moreno-Garcia, I was very excited to receive an eARC of Velvet Was the Night. Sadly, it lacked her usual charm. She usually writes fantastic female characters and I always enjoy following their stories. Whilst I did like our main protagonist, I thought that the story let her down as it didn't really grab me. The romance felt rushed and unbelievable, and I expected more from the story/character development.

A big disappointment for me but I'm so happy to have been given the opportunity to read it!

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for sending me a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

I rarely read noir novels so going into this book has me looking forward to all the fun and it did not disappoint. The story is told from the POVs of Maite--a daydreaming secretary who is fond of romance comics--and Elvis--an eccentric criminal wanting to create a new life for himself. These two become embroiled together for the search of a missing art student, whose secrets may threaten to shift the turbulent political climate of Mexico City.

Set in the 1970s amidst the backdrop of student demonstrations and political unrests, Velvet was The Night was a slowburn delight, and although the pacing was sluggish, I thought it suited the setting it was based in, and gave more depth to the protagonists and their motivations for doing what they do. This book also shared some historical parallels with turbulent events that happened in the Philippines in the 1970s--the declaration of Martial Law--where activists were targeted, media was controlled and limited, and silencing of dissent among other injustices were prolific so recognizing these similarities gave me an idea of what it was truly like that time. This book had me engrossed from start to finish and thus proves that Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a powerhouse no matter what genre she writes in. Recommended!

Like all of Silvia Moreno-Garcia's books that I've read, Velvet Was the Night was highly engaging and thought-provoking. Everything, from the characters to the setting to the plot, practically leapt off the page. I simply couldn't put this book down.

The overall theme of living throughout political instability is one that's quite close to my heart. As a Filipino, I'm certainly no stranger to it. The stories of my parents, who were also young student protesters in the 70s and 80s, are remarkably similar to the vibes this book gives off. But what really drew me into this book was Maite, one of two protagonists in this book. She crosses paths with Elvis, the other protagonist, when she's accidentally drawn into a conspiracy involving gangsters, radicals, and the government.

Maite lives as ordinary a life as possible, and in fact throughout the book is utterly determined to stay ignorant of the goings-on in her country. But as we're shown, sticking one's head in the sand doesn't guarantee anyone's safety. Her thoughts on the events of the book, interspersed with her own musings about the mundanity of her life and her lack of job or marital prospects, were utterly fascinating - not to mention incredibly immersive.

If you're into gritty noir thrillers that are fast-paced, atmospheric, and yet somehow also character-driven, Velvet Was the Night is the book to read!

I wish I could say that I loved this, but it just wasn't for me.. I absolutely love Silvia's writing. It's always beautiful and poetic. This was no exception. The background and history of the story was also intriguing. The issue for me, however, was that the actual plot and characters just didn't hold my attention or inspire me to want to know more. I finished it out of hope that I'd eventually be sucked in, but it just never happened. Unfortunately, my favorite thing about this book was the cover.

Though it took me a while to both get to this book and read through it, I quite enjoyed it. Silvia Moreno-Garcia is an author that I automatically know I will at least have a fun reading experience. The way she creates her characters, constructs her worlds and the way that she tells her stories are all elements that really work for me.

The 1970s noir vibe set in Mexico City was incredibly atmospheric and I did enjoy our two MC's, Matie and Elvis, though sometimes I felt them to be slightly dull. This book defies genre categorisation, I would say, as it is a great combination of crime thriller and mystery, with a bit of romance and drama set on the backdrop of truly a wonderful context. Although I found it overall an enjoyable reading experience, especially the build up to the climax, I found my engagement at times waning. It took me longer than usual to get into Velvet was the Night and at times, also predictable - which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

It just was not my favourite book by this author but I do recommend it and I cannot wait to see what else Silvia Moreno-Garcia writes next.

My feelings are very conflicted over this book. At first, I didn’t like it one bit, it took me months and great willpower to return to it. But since finishing it and upon reflection, the novel has somewhat grown on me.

The strong point of Velvet was the Night was its characterisation. Nobody writes characters like Moreno-Garcia - nobody. Where I adored Noemi in Mexican Gothic, and loved to loathe Valerie in The Beautiful Ones, Maite falls somewhere in between. I found her entirely captivating. From her obsession with her perception, to her insecurities over her youth and to her compulsive need to tell tall tales to make her life feel bigger than what it was…

I really liked Moreno-Garcia’s social commentary and illustration of what life was like (and arguably remains in some manner) for women. I felt Maite’s frustration and alienation over the idea of fading away from her prime of life; where to anyone who looked upon her, she was merely an unwed 30 year old spinster, who had to jump through extra financial hoops and the like, by virtue of being an unmarried woman. Maite’s character will forever stay in my mind.

The other narrator of the book is El Elvis, a member of a militant group focusing on suppressing communist ideas. I really loved his character’s embodiment of that lost-amongst-the-living type. Throughout the book his perspective is extremely reflective, trying to workout his sense of self and is particularly sentimental through his passion for music.

Maite and Elvis’ dual narration felt like two sides of the same coin. They both long for life to be different, with similar aspirations, yet they’re from two totally different backgrounds.

The mystery itself is incredibly slow burn, like a true crime noir. There’s few thrills and major turns; the novel primarily centres on the mounting tension between the competing ideologies and the confrontations of the combatants from government and activists. For historical fiction aficionados, who like me are fascinated with social history, Velvet was the Night centres on a slither that is really enjoyable. This was made all the more enthralling by how exquisitely engaging Moreno-Garcia’s writing style is; every time I’m reeled in, hook, line and sinker. It’s the definition of being spellbound.

Sadly I would say the mystery element is what detracted from my enjoyment, which really shocked me. In theory, I like how both Maite and Elvis were looking for the missing girl, Leonora, even if it were for two different reasons. It clearly and well served to connect the overarching threads of the novel. In practice? I really couldn’t care. The elusive girl was essentially out of sight = out of mind. It didn’t help the pace was atrocious.

All in all, even though the mystery and pace of Velvet was the Night was regrettably a let down, nevertheless, I very much enjoyed the triumphant craftsmanship of characterisation, symbolism, historical context and an enthralling style of prose. This is another string to Moreno-Garcia’s bow, further demonstrating how she is one of the most versatile and talented authors on the go.

Thank you kindly to the publishers for providing me with an e-copy in exchange for this honest review.