Not a surprise that this was a captivating novel. The author is a master world builder and I loved being in the early Hollywood days. (I used to watch a lot of black and white films.) I also liked how there were multiple POVs.

A young woman named Vera Larios wins the role of a lifetime as Salome in a big-budget film about a legendary heroine. As she rises to fame, she becomes the envy of Nancy Hartley, a struggling actress willing to do anything to reclaim her spotlight. Set against the backdrop of 1950s Hollywood, a place brimming with gossip, scandal, and intrigue.

I was so excited to receive an ARC of this book. The synopsis sounded really good, and I’ve enjoyed old Hollywood stories in the past. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book at all.
I’m not even sure where to begin. I had read one previous book by this author that I didn’t love, but the premise of this one sounded much more promising and right up my alley. The story really struggled with a strong start. It was hard to keep track of the chapters because the narrative isn’t divided by chapters; it’s broken up by different POVs. And there are a lot of POVs. So many that it became confusing and hard to follow the storyline and figure out the timeline of events.

The story is told in multiple formats by multiple points of view from various times. Throughout most of the book, it was hard to determine where we were in the timeline. There were interviews that seemed to take place in present day with people reflecting on past events, but it was unclear when "present day" actually was. There were also clips from magazine articles from when the movie was being filmed, as well as what seemed to be excerpts from the movie's script. Finally, we had perspectives from Vera, the lead actress, and Nancy, an extra who wanted the lead role.

Because of the constant jumps from POV to POV and from present to past tense, the story felt very choppy and difficult to follow. The format of this book and the way it was written took away from the story itself. With all the shifting POVs, the pacing was slow, and it seemed like it was leading up to something big, but it just never got there. The ending felt abrupt, and the different storylines never came together in a way that made sense to me, which was very disappointing. I kept thinking that the unconventional structure would lead somewhere significant, but it didn’t.

I’m still not 100% sure what to think of this book. I had zero emotional connection to the story or any of the characters. The Salome storyline didn’t seem to add anything to the overall narrative. The alternating timelines were slightly confusing; it was hard to know when everything was happening. It was clear that the interview POVs were set in the future, but it wasn’t clear how far in the future until the last few pages revealed it was 40 years after the events surrounding the film.

I absolutely hated how many POVs there were in this book. Some felt unnecessary and just made things messy and confusing. It was tough to keep track of each POV and how they tied into the story, especially since some only showed up once. I don’t think the story came together neatly at all. While Nancy and Vera’s narratives intertwined, Salome’s story felt completely out of place.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Truly amazed at how unique each individual title from Silvia Moreno-Garcia is and this is no exception. I will always be a fan of her writing. While this title doesn’t break top two from her, it will always be memorable and enjoyable. I like that romance isn’t the focus of her writing but it is still present. She does a good job of making the plot creep by in an intentional way without being boring. Always always always a fan.

I'm super hesitant going into historicals because I can be kinda picky, but give me Hollywood drama and I'll read it all day long. Silvia Moreno-Garcia is able to infuse intrigue, mystery, drama, and glitz into a tight and concise story with depth and characters you are drawn too.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia has such a range. This particular work does not dive into the supernatural, instead we find ourselves wrapped up in a story about Salome and old Hollywood.

Perspectives from Vera, Nancy and Salome are all woven together quite nicely and it is easy to see parts of Salome in both contemporary characters.

I loved the tinsel town details and the inner workings of the business during the ‘50s. It was clear that the author did her research here. I enjoyed this compelling work of historical fiction!

I think I will always love everything that Silvia Moreno-Garcia writes and I will always say that. I love the way she writes historical fiction with queer and BIPOC characters that always feel so real that I actually get super invested in their lives, and this book was no different. While I don't love books about movies or celebrities, I still had a fun time reading this. I enjoyed that the story was told through multiple POVs including news articles and I really liked the POV of Salome just living her life alongside the movie being filmed. The only thing that would've made this a 5 star for me is if it was more gut-wrenching and the ending did fall a little flat for me. Overall though, I had a great time and I literally couldn't stop reading. Looking forward to reading everything Silvia writes!

while i can confidently say this is an objectively well written book, it, unfortunately, was not for me.

i enjoyed the format with a documentary-style storytelling from numerous POVs. i believe the inclusion of so many POVs is where the story went wrong from me. i never felt like i was fully immersed into the story because we were continuously bouncing around from one person’s story to the next.

this will be a hit for many others, but fell flat for me.

I am a big (huge) fan of Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Mexican Gothic and The Daughter of Doctor Moreau are two of my favorite books of all time, so I was beyond excited to read The Seventh Veil of Salome. This book hits a little differently. Whereas past titles I've read from Moreno-Garcia immediately pick up pace and have a darker foreboding presence throughout the story, this one smolders consistently throughout. It feels more like a coming-of-age story than a thriller or suspenseful drama, and as always, the reader is deeply drawn to and connected to the characters by thoughtful and emotional storytelling. Vera is a highly likable character, a beauty that doesn't know her own strength because she's always lived in the shadow of her sister, who comes into her own as the main character Salome in 1950s Hollywood. The scene-setting alone is delicious enough to pick up this book, but the modern-day struggles so many of us face, particularly as women, quickly come to light and play out. If you're looking for a slower-paced novel with the same delicious depth as Moreno-Garcia's past works, this is it.

I felt there were too many characters to keep track of. I lost interest in this story, despite a few great characters. I think the build-up was too slow. And the framing of two women at odds wasn't intriguing.

I have thoroughly enjoyed so many of Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s books and this book is no exception. Once again, she weaves an amazing tale that pulls you right into the setting, that being 1950s Hollywood in his book. The transition between scenes of Salome, and the actresses for the movie involving Salome was exception, well-timed, and well-paced. The characters were memorable and complex, even the ones you loved to hate (ahem, Nancy). I read the digital copy along with the audiobook when I had the chance and it is highly worth listening to as it has a full cast. Every character has a distinct voice even without the use of differing narrators, and they along with the plot felt easy to follow. I couldn’t put this down even when I had appropriate moments where I wanted to yell about what was happening, particularly when our male character has to deal with the casual racism and sexism in the film industry that was historical accurate of that time.

From both this book and the last one of Silvia’s that I have read (Silver Nitrate), it’s apparent that the author takes great strides to research the film industry and its many moving parts. I really can’t wait to read more, be it about film, about Mexico and Mexican culture (holy hell, the description of the dinner scene at Vera’s house made me hungry), or anything else.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a master of gothic horror and magical realism, yet this book is a departure from those genres. The Seventh Veil of Salome is a very creative form of storytelling. There are multiple stories going on at the same time. You have characters from 1950s Hollywood telling the story of the making of a movie about Salome some time after the actual events. You quickly learn that something bad happened and who was involved, but you don't find out the details for some time. Simultaneously, you have scenes from the movie and see Salome navigate a critical period in her life. Initially, the book is a little confusing as it jumps between narrators and stories, but once I was able to follow the two different stories, I was completely caught up in both of them. I wanted to know what happened between Vera and Nancy, and I wanted to know how Salome was going to fare. Silvia Moreno-Garcia has successfully jumped into a new genre.

My thanks to NetGalley and Random House for an ecopy. My opinion is my own.

Loved this. I’ve really enjoyed everything by this author. She’s an autobuy author for me. I love how every one of her stories is completely different from the others but you can still feel she’s the author. A very strong voice - one I really enjoy.

Thank you net galley and penguin random house for providing me an arc! I loved everything about this book and Silvia Moreno Garcia never disappoints! A new all time favorite. Here is my official review on TikTok!

Reading a new Moreno-Garcia is like listening to the album from a favorite band that sounds NOTHING like the previous albums, all experimental and strange. That’s what reading a Moreno-Garcia book is like. Unusual. Unexpected. And yet, entirely intriguing. Not only are her books infinitely clever, but they are also unique and different. Some authors choose a genre and dig in, producing book after book with the same tried-and-true formula. While I appreciate that, I also know that breaking out of that mold takes guts.

I loved Mexican Gothic. It’s one of my favorite creepy historical fantasies. I didn’t think it could be topped as my favorite Moreno-Garcia. I was wrong.

Enter The Seventh Veil of Salome. Anything Old Hollywood is certain to be a favorite of mine, and this book was no exception. How Moreno-Garcia wove together multiple modern (1950s) storylines with the Biblical storyline was super fun. While at first I was puzzled by the Salome chapters, I grew to understand Moreno-Garcia’s desire to give context and draw parallels between both stories. Both stories ended in tragedy, much like a great film noir. And that’s exactly what Moreno-Garcia did; she wrote an excellent noir. This book is for film lovers. Thank you, Mrs Moreno-Garcia. Bless you.

This transports readers straight into Golden Hollywood, a world glimmering with glamour on the surface but shadowed by envy, ambition, and betrayal. SMG, known for her vivid storytelling, once again captures an era with lush detail, but this time she pairs it with the moral decay hidden beneath the golden sheen.

Vera is a rising star plucked from obscurity - an unknown Mexican woman cast in the biblical role of Salome and struggling to keep her part. Nancy is an extra actress striving for her big break whose desperation to rise from obscurity to stardom adds tension as she convinces herself that Vera is her enemy and not the system in which they both struggle. It’s a tale of two women grappling with their own desires, but also with a world that’s more than willing to devour them both.

What I loved about this book is how it explores the power struggles of Hollywood while weaving in the legend of Salome. The parallels between Vera and Salome, both of whom are caught between duty and desire, add layers to the story. The Salome chapters mirror the dynamics happening behind the camera. Moreno-Garcia skillfully draws these two storylines together, creating a fascinating reflection on the roles women are forced into.

There’s plenty of what you’d expect from a 1950s Hollywood epic—scandals, secrets, and the pervasive darkness lurking beneath the glitz. Racism, sexism, and exploitation are ever-present, and the author doesn’t shy away from showing the ugly side of the industry. You feel the weight of those struggles in Vera’s journey, especially as a Mexican actress trying to break into the spotlight.

For me, the tension throughout the novel is what makes it so compelling. Moreno-Garcia ratchets it up so subtly that before you realize it, you’re holding your breath. That gradual buildup of pressure makes the characters’ decisions feel even more significant. However, I think that the ending felt a bit rushed and left me wanting more closure. There’s a sense that not everything is wrapped up neatly, which could be purposeful.

While The Seventh Veil of Salome may not be my favorite of her works, it showcases Moreno-Garcia’s incredible talent for blending historical settings with emotional intensity. It’s a captivating, if bittersweet, look at ambition, desire, and the price of fame. If you’re a fan of her atmospheric storytelling and enjoy the darker side of Hollywood, this one’s definitely worth reading.

Thanks so much to Netgalley and Del Rey for the complimentary pre-released copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.

Every film studio in 1950s Hollywood was making a sword-and-sandals movie based on biblical stories, preferably with a seducing woman and a powerful man falling under the woman’s spell. The moviegoers were also tired of seeing Gary Cooper and wanted Richard Burton’s animal magnetism. Hence, in Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s new novel “The Seventh Veil of Salome,” a seasoned movie director decides to make a movie based on the story of Salome, a young woman who danced so beautifully that she could ask Herod for whatever prize she wanted – and she asked for John the Baptiste’s head on a silver platter. The director casts an unknown Mexican ingénue Vera in the leading role.

Vera, a shy girl with a preference for classical music, seems an unlikely fit for the Hollywood spotlight. Yet, her grace, fresh and unexpected in the cutthroat world of Tinseltown, sets her apart. The allure of the Hollywood spotlight, with its false smiles and fake friends, is a tempting yet treacherous path for Vera. Nancy, an actress who had her sights set on the role of Salome, finds herself resenting the charming newcomer. Will Vera succumb to this allure, or will she stay true to her honest ways? And how far will Nancy go to reclaim her place?

Separated by centuries, there is another young girl, Salome. Like Vera, she is on her path to discovering who she is and what she wants. And just like Vera, she must distance herself from her family and admit her feelings. This fascinating woman became the subject of paintings and an opera. The contrast between the two eras, the 1950s Hollywood and the biblical times of Salome, is stark and intriguing. We know what will happen after her dance, yet we can’t take our eyes off her dancing.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia wrote an engaging story of three women. Men are in the background; they mostly set the stage for women. The background of old Hollywood was fascinating, but what truly stands out is the author’s unique perspective on it, obviously based on her thorough research and her love of cinema. The earlier book of Silvia Moreno-Garcia, “Silver Nitrate,” also talked about the old movies world. I read both of these books, and they are very different – “Silver Nitrate” is more of a horror story, while “The Seventh Veil of Salome” feels like a psychological mystery with a touch of a coming-of-age novel.

I tremendously enjoyed the author’s latest venture into the alluring world of old movies. I was entertained and learned about Hollywood of the past. Interestingly, my reading of “The Seventh Veil of Salome” coincided with the Emmys Awards, where the subject of diversity was, once again, raised. Vera, being a Mexican woman, faces prejudice, which didn’t entirely disappear in 2024. This novel takes a reader into the past but makes one think about our times, which is the greatest gift any book can offer.

I'm normally a massive fan of Silvia Moreno-Garcia, I think she's a master at genre bending and until this book I would have said that her writing grips me every time. However, this was a miss for me. I thought the two timelines with different sets of characters were confusing and they never quite came together in a way that made the story cohesive for me.

The lives of three complicated women intertwine in this story of 1950s Hollywood and a little known Biblical figure. Moreno-Garcia beautifully wove these stories together, using different aspects of all three women to reflect and contrast each other. I particularly enjoyed the scenes depicting the movie script of Salome, struggling with whether to follow her misguided heart or her hopes of revenge. If you enjoyed The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, you definitely need to read this.

I really enjoyed this novel. I enjoyed the way it was written in an interview like style. I enjoyed the time piece around 1950s Hollywood. I thought everything about it was unique and enjoyable.

The cast of characters was definitely a plus for me. I liked having so many different point of views of the people surrounding the overall activities in the potline. I did not find any of the POV to be unnecessary or boring or to halt to the pacing of the book.

I thought the accurate descriptions of the way Mexican people were treated in California/Hollywood in the 1950s definitely lent an air of authenticity to the novel. It is not very often discuss how racist people can be towards the Mexican community and therefore it feels very swept under the rug in a lot of cases. That did not happen here it was first and foremost in the experience of our Mexican starlet.

The book definitely gave an emotional response, not only to the characters, but to the story in general, which is exactly what I'm looking for in a novel. I found this to be just a whole lot of fun to read, and I definitely will always read anything by Silvia Moreno Garcia.

I want to love Moreno-Garcia, but this is the third book of hers I’ve disliked. The plot within a plot, while well executed, wasn’t as enjoyable as I expected and the paranormal/horror elements were underwhelming as well.