I absolutely loved this story set mainly in 1950s Hollywood. There are also biblical references (Salome). This novel revolves around two Hollywood rising stars, Vera Larios and Nancy Hartley. Vera is a Mexican ingenue and Nancy's career is bit parts. There are multiple POVs in this novel and it also is a retelling of the story of Salome. I was absolutely entranced while reading this beautiful novel and loved the parallels that were made. Moreno-Garcia made a phenomenal piece of work!

This book was amazing. It wasn’t what I’m used to in regards to Sylvia’s previous work, but my word did it hit the spot. This one was based on the story of Salome, as you can tell by the title but also life for aspiring actresses in Hollywood and the 1950’s.

Nancy. Ugh I could punch her. She was awful. But necessary.

I didn’t know that around the 50’s Mexicans were not allowed to buy property and had to say they were Spanish instead.

I felt so bad for Vera in so many ways. Her mother and aunt were awful. I had a mother like hers and honestly the toll it takes on you all the way into adulthood is paramount.

I don’t wanna spoil too much, but there were characters I wished different endings for and I would have loved to have seen more.

This book was a 4.5 star from me! I love Sylvia’s work. I cant wait for her next project!

Silvia Moreno-Garcia has a penchant for transporting readers to a faraway land or distant pasts with the amount of detail she provides in every line. I have been a fan of her ever since I read Mexican Gothic, yet no other recent book of hers has captured me quite as much as The Seventh Veil of Salome. It was quite fortuitous that I found myself in the Chicago Art Institute and saw a few paintings of Salome, each paired with the grisly image of John the Baptist, or Jokanaan, and his head on a silver platter. I instantly recognized it and I felt so much more excitement toward finishing the book. How would Moreno-Garcia tie up all the loose ends and political drama of Salome's world and Vera's struggle in 1950's-1960's Hollywood?

Everything came to a climactic finish at the last 10% of the book, and though it was bittersweet, there were no other ways that it could have ended. Moreno-Garcia tugged at my heart strings until the very end, and I thoroughly enjoyed the parallels of Salome and Vera.

I believe that some readers did not like the switching POVs of the narrative, but I have to say that I personally quite enjoyed it. It played like a documentary one would watch about the dramatic and high-tension filled days filming an iconic movie. I loved hearing the different perspectives and hearing the ominous warnings from earlier in the book about unforeseen events that will come to pass.

Overall, this book is a hit, and the cover is absolutely gorgeous (as many of her books are).

I've been a long-time fan of Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and this is probably her strongest book for me since MEXICAN GOTHIC. I love the way she consistently writes complicated characters, and it's clear that she is very interested in classic Hollywood, both of which add to a well-rounded story about what it's like to pursue a creative career that doesn't value you insomuch as value how lucrative of an investment you are. I adore the different ways her various protagonists -- of which I'm counting Vera, Nancy, and Salome -- take control of their respective narratives. I'm sure this will be another blockbuster for SMG!

I received a free ARC ebook of <i>The Seventh Veil of Salome</i> from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

I have read four other books by this author and I am always impressed how the characters and settings are so unique. This novel, with two timeframes, is set in the Biblical land of Herod and in Hollywood of the 1950s. Both settings present a diabolical and political war where women, especially women of color, are the pawns of powerful men. The time may be different but the treatment of women is remarkably similar.

In the Biblical setting, Salome, the stepdaughter of the powerful tetrach, is attracted to the dangerous preacher, John the Baptist. Her future, however, is not hers to contemplate since her body is an object to be traded for power and influence. She must dance a sexually provocative dance for her leering stepfather and others; in return she gains the right to have one request granted without question.

In Hollywood, Vera is a young Mexican actress hired to play Salome in a movie. As a young girl she was always second in her mother's eyes to her younger sister. Vera has a difficult time overcoming her self-doubt under her mother's withering gaze. Others view her acting with derision, especially Nancy, a wannabe actress. Nancy believes that it is only Vera who stands in her way on the road to stardom. Nancy's manipulative personality has been polished with lousy decisions and by men who use her while she uses them.

There is no happy ending here - not for Salome, not for Vera, and not for Nancy. The glittering court of Herod and the bright lights of Hollywood reflect tawdriness and deceit where women are the puppets of the powerful. Even their dreams and aspirations are structured within a man's world.

<i>The Seventh Veil of Salome</i> is an engrossing read.

This was so good!!!! It was giving Yellowface/I, Tonya realness but with the old Hollywood touch, I LIVED

In 1950’s Hollywood every actress wants to play Salome, the legendary woman who story has inspire artists since ancient times.

So when an unknown actress is cast in the lead role, Vera, she becomes the talk of the town and envy for Nancy, a player who’s career has stalled and will do anything to win the fame she believes she richly deserves.

Both actresses are determined to make it to the top, but this is a tale of three women, Salome also has a say.


I have read and really enjoyed previous books by this author, and I expected this book to be similar. However, it was quite different. This book was similar to Silver Nitrate in that it focused on cinema, however this one is more historical fiction. There are three main perspectives in this book with sprinklings of other perspectives scattered about. I was a little confused in the beginning as to what was going on, but after a while I got into it and it all made sense. More clear headers would have really helped in this regard. This book was full of atmosphere much like the authors previous works. She writes really good gothic tales. There was also a lot of Hollywood gossip which was fun. The pacing was on the slow, methodical side but things did pick up in the last 20% or so.

While this was a truly interesting and entertaining book, I have learned that I enjoy the horror and paranormal books this author writes the most.

incredible saga of complicated women trying to make their way in Hollywood . SMG never disappoints .
Thank you for the eArc .

4.5 rounded up
Grabbed me right away and did not let up. Great descriptions and story. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

I really enjoyed how different this book was from her others. She truly sucked me in as usual and I’m super thankful I got the ARC through NetGalley. I wish I had the physical copy now. I’ve already recommended it to others!! Thank you to the publishers, I absolutely love Silvia Moreno Garcia! The characters in this book were really well written and the pace and description were perfect. Such a great version of a historical story mixed with some drama. I felt like I was right there in the mix and have been digesting the feelings I got from it since I finished.

SMG (Silvia Moreno-Garcia) never misses with her delivery in novels. This was 50’s Hollywood. New actress vs jealous desperate actress. Sword- Sandals POV story mixed in. It’s the works. If you have always loved SMG since Mexican Gothic you better not miss this one.

SMG is such a solid author-especially her paranormal stuff. I love that she is focusing on cinema her last book Silver Nitrate (which I was lucky enough to get an ARC of THANK YOU BTW) was excellent and this is a similar vein. It reminds me of 7 husbands of Evelyn Hugo and I loved it!!!! I think this is another awesome book from her, I am already awaiting her next publication

First of all thank you for providing me with this e-book. Silvia Moreno-Garcia has the most beautiful book covers ever!!! That’s what catches my attention with her books. This book was rated a 3.5/5 for me. Honestly it was a bit hard to get through. There were a lot of parts at the beginning where I was confused but maybe that’s just me. It wasn’t a bad read by any means but I just wasn’t intrigued by the story line that much. I do love how we get three different perspectives from the three different ladies. I do think that maybe I need to read the physical book to understand it a little more rather than just reading it from my phone. Again, thank you for this opportunity.

In 1950's Hollwood, no one has been able to successfully pull off a film adaptation of the story of Salome and the prophet who stole her heart.  The hunt for someone to play Salome is on with all the expected drama.  Everyone wants to play the starring role, though some are willing to go farther than others. Vera Larios is an unknown from Mexico, but once her casting is announced Nancy Hartley starts gunning for her. Nancy has tried everything to become more than a bit player, everything but actually putting the work in for something she feels she deserves.  Vera Larios is uncomfortably in the position her family once expected for her sister. In between scenes of classic Hollywood drama, readers see the story of the biblical Salome and the fiery prophet.

The Seventh Veil of Salome includes two of my favorite subjects, but I will admit that I've loved Silvia Moreno-Garcia's other offerings so much more. As always, her descriptions are wonderful and her dialogue is excellent, but I just couldn't fall as deeply in love with this as Mexican Gothic or Silver Nitrate. It is still a worthy read.

The Seventh Veil of Salome is available August 6, 2024.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia has a real talent for writing compelling novels in virtually every genre. Here, she does it again, in a novel that blends romance, suspense, and drama in 1950s Hollywood.

Vera Larios has just arrived in Hollywood to play Salome in one of a medium-size studio's big budget swords-and-sandals films. Although half of Hollywood's actresses has screen-tested for the role, she wins the role because she can portray Salome's complexities--naivete and seductiveness at all once. Nancy Hartley is a wannabe actress who has the looks and desires to be a famous actress, but not the good judgment or temperament to stand out in Hollywood. She burns with envy over Vera's casting, as Nancy believe she should have won the part.

The novel toggles between their stories and the story of Salome at the heart of the the big-screen adaptation. Each woman's story touches on desire and the tensions between competing urges and external forces in her life. Interspersed between these alternating chapters are first-person vignettes from fellow actors, writers, directors, and journalists whose comments hint at a ill-fated future looming over Vera and Nancy.

I love a good Hollywood Golden Age story, with this one focusing on the overt racism experienced by actors of color at that time, as well as the changing tides brought by method acting and its new class of actors. Salome's tale was told with greater complexity than she is typically afforded. I don't want to spoil anything, but the story was more suspenseful that I expected and I loved being on the edge of my seat as the three women's stories seemed to progress toward some tragic conclusion.

I highly recommend this book from one of the most reliable "must read" authors around. Silva Moreno-Garcia really captivates here, and I'm sure that fans of historical fiction and Hollywood drama will enjoy this. Also, the cover? Gorgeous.

The Seventh Veil of Salome by Silvia Moreno-Garcia brings us to 1950s Hollywood and the glitz and glamor of the time. As with so many of her books, this has a gothic/noir flavor to it. To me, it truly felt as if I were immersed in a noir movie from that era.

In the book, The Seventh Veil of Salome is a big-budget epic that has all of Hollywood clambering to get a role. Yet, famous actresses keep getting turned down for the star role of Salome. The industry ends up getting quite a surprise when an unknown Mexican actress is discovered and given the lead role of Salome.

The book features several points of views, which is a plus for me. I love multi POV. There’s Salome in the movie as she falls for John the Baptist and who prophesizes Herod’s end. Vera, the actress who landed the Salome role, and Nancy, an aspiring actress who didn’t get the role and becomes obsessed with Vera, convinced the role belongs to her. Not surprisingly, Silvia’s writing is superb and it was hard for me to put down.

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey books for an advanced copy of this book.

I never miss a book by Moreno-Garcia and this one did not disappoint! Glamorous Hollywood in the 50’s, an innocent ingenue, a scheming actress, and gothic atmosphere. Awesome story, it moved along so quickly and I had no issues with the shifting pov. Fantastic!

Pub Date: July 16, 2024

When it comes to Silvia Moreno-Garcia, I will read practically anything she writes. I love her writing and how she is able to dabble in different genres so seamlessly from speculative to science fiction or, in this case, historical fiction. THE SEVENTH VEIL OF SALOME was one of my most anticipated books this year. Now having read it, this may just be Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s best work to date.

In 1950s Hollywood, the biggest production in town is “The Seventh Veil of Salome.” It’s bound to be a sword-and-sandal Biblical epic on the heels of other hit films alike with every actress clamoring for the lead role. After the studio casts an unknown Mexican ing​​énue named Vera Larios, much to the envy of bit player Nancy Hartley, she is thrown into the spotlight of celebrity and scandal alongside the whirlwind production of the film. At the same time, Salome’s story is also at the forefront and her love for a prophet who foresees her stepfather Herod’s demise.

There are so many things I love about this book, but I don’t want to give too much away. What I can say however and praise, is how Silvia Moreno-Garcia weaves together an intricate tale of Hollywood and the myth that is Salome. With the story told through multiple perspectives, including Vera, Nancy, and Salome’s, there is a build up that will have you anticipating what is in store. Through this narrative, the three women are seen or scrutinized in a certain way when there is actually much more to them than what we think we know. It all converges into a cinematic climax about dreams, desire, and identity.

I love movies. Everything about them is fascinating along with what is projected on screen. The history, the behind the scene stories, the allure of Hollywood, the artistry that goes into a film, are all pieces of how the silver screen became a place where dreams are made and come to life. Then, when you combine that with Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s impeccable writing, you get a novel that brings together the Golden Age of Hollywood, the magic of the movies, and the truth within the fantasy.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Del Rey Books for the ARCs, and Silivia Moreno-Garcia for the giveaway ARC.

----
This review is currently posted on Goodreads and Storygraph.

My review will be posted on Instagram at @cinderellasbookshelf before or on its publication date. I will also have a post on Movie Recommendations Inspired by The Seventh Veil of Salome that will also be shared during the same week of publication.

The Seventh Veil of Salome by Silvia Moreno-Garcia takes us to 1950s Hollywood and the filming of this movie. Vera Larios is the newcomer cast in the role of Salome. The story introduces us to everyone she meets director, agent, producer, cast and screenwriter. What’s different is each character gives their thoughts and opinions to move the story along. Also included is the film scenes of the movie. Very creative and just enough foreshadowing to let you know something is going to happen. Highly recommend! Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Glamorous 50's in Hollywood. There's a new role in a big-budget movie, the Seventh Veils of Salome. Hollywood is finally looking for fresh new faces for roles like Salome. When Vera Larios is discovered in her father's dental office in Mexico she believes it might just all be a mistake. She takes a leap of faith and moves to Los Angelos with her mother and aunt. Less established actresses in the business aren't interested in welcoming a newcomer and Vera has to contend with Nancy, and actress who did not get the part.

As Vera navigates the racist and sexist systems, we follow Nancy as she tries to break into the business. There are additional portions of the actual story of Salome, of the Herodian Dynasty (Herod II's daughter) and her own unsung story.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia has done her research and has woven the pov's and the biblical story together beautifully .
It's a dazzling story with glamour, adventure and a bit of romance. Step back in time and get lost in the story! #randomhouse #theseventhveilofsalome #siliviamorenogarcia