Thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley for providing a free ebook ARC edition of this title in exchange for my review.

I will eternally be grateful to Net Galley for introducing me to Silvia Moreno-Garcia a few years ago! I'm a total fan, these are auto-buy/read books for me, and usually re-reads! The author has the ability to weave history, culture, character, paranormal elements and horror into her books in just a perfect blend!

This supernatural horror is set in 1908, 1934, and 1998, each timeline centered around a remarkable female character, linked together with words: "Back then, when I was a young woman, there were still witches."

When you start this one, don't plan on doing anything else, until the book is complete - and allow time for a book hangover! This supernatural horror was an amazing, fascinating book.

4 stars, recommend to Silvia Moreno-Garcia fans and fans of dark, supernatural horror novels.

Thanks to NatGalley for this ARC. This was my first full fledged horror and let me tell you I avoid the horror movies like the plague. But this one gripped me so tight I read it lightning fast. I'd say a steady 4.5 and I hope I'll be able to sleep tonight because it's the creepiest thing in the world, a job very well done.
The characters seemed full of life and personality, the three interconnected storylines were interwoven in the most interesting way and I love me a good ending (maybe a little open).
Considering that I live in Mexico it hit me hard. All the traditions and culture that the book is permeated with.
This was my first book by Silvia Moreno-Garcia and it was a great one.

Genuinely compelling and wildly unsettling. I love Moreno-Garcia's writing and I really admire how much of a genre chameleon she is, all of her books are so different. This had elements of Mexican Gothic about it for sure, but isn't by any means so similar as to be a rehash, and in some ways I think I actually enjoyed it more for the more overt fantasy elements and the variety of perspectives and worldviews in the three women's stories'. Though Minerva's part pulled everything together and made it all work,, and you couldn't possibly do without it I personally preferred and found more engaging the historical-fiction novelty of Alba and Beatrice's segments, partially because I like period pieces and partially because Moreno-Garcia is so good at historical fiction. I felt it took a little while to get going; the structure totally made sense (not bringing in Beatrice's part until Minerva finds her writings, for example, which as a choice was very slick), but it did feel as if we felt a lot of time wandering around an American university before it really got going. There are some massive trigger warnings that I feel I should warn people about before they generally dive into this (I tagged them all on Storygraph, but assault, incest, gore, and blood are probably the main ones), but it's hardly as if they're just there for shock value; this is another gothic horror through and through. And you can tell; the rising sense of dread really packs a punch into the third act. Also has a little smack of dark academia to it, which was nice. Really enjoyed!

“This, she thought, was the tale not of Cupid and Psyche, but of Persephone dragged into the depths of the underworld. This was a chthonic sacrifice.”

Slow, seductive and atmospheric are just a few of the words I’d use to describe this incredible novel by Silvia Moreno-Garcia.

Now I’ll admit, I am but a novice not only when it comes to this author, but the genre as a whole. Nevertheless, I was so excited to dive in and experience her brilliance for the first time.

I am in awe of the beautifully eerie way the author is able to set a scene and maintain it with her prose. The interesting storylines between the three women from different places and times in history were all engaging and it was satisfying to see how their stories converged.

I read this book for a blurb and enjoyed it very much; it's a refreshing but familiar take on the high Gothic and perfect for readers of Clyo Mendoza or Mariana Enriquez.

I never know quite how Silvia Moreno-Garcia will break me open with her exquisite prose when I open her latest novel—her works span genres, but every book she writes captures my imagination long after I’m finished reading it.

She writes with such beautiful language, but never at the expense of the plot—her stories are so compelling and pull me in from the first word, and The Bewitching is no exception.

Minerva is a grad student researching a lesser-known female horror author one summer on a mostly-abandoned New England college campus when the undergrads have all scattered back to their families of origin.

As she unravels the mysterious disappearance that inspired the author’s best-known work, Minerva remembers her grandmother’s version of Once Upon a Time: “Back then, when I was a young woman, there were still witches.”

As a former academic and current adjunct archaeology professor, I can vouch that the depiction of academia was spot on: the burnout, depression fog, wasting time and feeling listless even when urgent and even interesting tasks beckon were very true to my experience, along with the spurts of curiosity and productivity along with the occasional fortunate discovery of sources that carry you through a finally-finished thesis.

I also really appreciate Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s approach to horror. She writes these stories interwoven with lines that bring on the most delicious chills but still allow me to sleep at night.

She really captures how even when spooky things are happening, it’s so easy to rationalize it all away in the light of day when the vibes are normal.

I always get a bit wistful reading Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s books. She often draws from the stories and folktales she heard from her elders (according to her author’s notes), and my living grandparents were not that sort of elder. This book was inspired in part by her great-grandmother’s witchtales from growing up in the Mexican countryside.

This book is perfect for those looking for a spooky but not terrifying tale to read in solitude, preferably on a foggy autumn day.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance copy for review.

I was really excited about the premise of this book. I love the idea of exploring the occult with a cultural focus. Every culture has its stories, whether they are origin tales, religious in tone, or family traditions that include elements of the supernatural. Perhaps this fascination stems from the need to explain and understand mysteries rather than allowing them to remain unexplained. Peculiar sounds at night or the sudden death of a healthy relative can often be attributed to the paranormal.

The story unfolds across three timelines: those of Minerva, Ginny, and Alba. Alba is Minerva's maternal grandmother. Minerva is conducting research for her thesis on a subject that leads her to investigate the disappearance of Ginny, a student at her school several decades earlier. Despite this connection, the stories of the three women are revealed independently. The true connection among them is not unveiled until the end and is rooted in tales of witches.

My biggest complaint about this novel is the pacing. The connection is revealed very slowly, and it doesn't come off as a tantalizing slow burn. The drawn-out buildup ultimately distracted me from the plot. Not only was the development slow, but when we finally reached the reveal, there was little excitement surrounding the villain; it all felt inevitable. Despite this, I enjoyed the individual stories of the three women and found this book to be more engaging than Mexican Gothic.

This is my first book by Silvia Moreno-Garcia and it did not disappoint!
I really enjoyed this one! The gothic, slow building story was amazing. The story follows three women across different time periods and I found this concept very intriguing and entertaining. Obviously, there is something connecting these women.
The writing pulled me in right away. The author does a great job creating a creepy, eerie atmosphere that stays with you.
I was especially drawn to the 1990s storyline. I mean, can you blame me? Dark academia meets vintage witchy vibes!? However, the 1900s narrative was the one that gave me the most chills.
I truly recommend this one!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Soft, slow, atmospheric, and a little bit seductive.

For a horror, this one is on the quieter, softer side. It’s an eerie, creeping sort of horror. There’s a little more of the suspense element, but the split between three timelines gives this a pretty slow pace up until the last ~15%.

Overwhelmingly, this book is atmospheric. Misty and snowy, crispy, grey East Coast vibes. Recommended for fall, winter, or rainy season reading. I also love the Mexican folklore. It’s refreshing and gives a nice touch to these witches.

The only thing that was missing for me was a stronger thread through the storylines. Some sort of twist that overlapped all of them or some deeper mystery maybe. It’s certainly a personal preference, but that would have boosted this over the 4 star line for me.

As always, Silvia’s prose is lovely and is enough of a reason to pick up this book, even if the premise doesn’t speak to you. Though, if you are in the mood for a more historical, slowburn, suspenseful horror, this one is the perfect fit.

All opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in return for my honest review.

A great blend of horror and history and suspense. Full of curses and witches and shadowy entities...so so good!

In "The Bewitching", Silvia Moreno-Garcia takes us across three different time periods and storylines, all loosely connected by the jarring, seemingly supernatural events that unfold across them.

Starting in present day Boston in 1998, graduate student Minerva is working on her thesis focused on author Beatrice Tremblay. whose book "The Vanishing" was inspired by the real-life disappearance of her roommate Virginia. Tremblay was also a student at Stoneridge College where Minerva is studying and working as a RA, and her determination to learn more leads her to Tremblay's grandson Noah, whose family connections allow her direct access to Tremblay's published manuscript.

In 1934, Beatrice Tremblay is a college student and aspiring writer when she meets her eccentric roommate Virginia "Ginny". The two become fast friends, but Beatrice also juggles her new friendship with Carolyn, who comes from a completely different world thanks to her wealthy family and uprbinging. When eerie and unexpected events begin to befall Ginny, however, they seem to be harbingers to her eventual and unexpected disappearance that is never solved...

And in 1908, Minerva's Nana Alba is a young woman growing up in rural Mexico on her family's farm. The family is facing difficulties after the passing of Alba's father, and despite her mother's and brother Tadeo's attempts to keep them afloat, the financial burden has become too great. Alba's uncle comes to live with them right before Tadeo unexpectedly disappears, and a series of eerie, almost supernatural events follow - leading Alba to suspect their family has been cursed.

While I didn't find the transition between storylines too jarring, having three different perspectives and settings to keep up with did get a little tricky as the novel went on, especially with all the side characters and plots that unfolded. It was satisfying to see all the events converge across similar and shared events, especially with the supernatural and horror themes spread throughout. This is not my first of Moreno-Garcia's novels, but I found it to have one of the slowest pacing; getting through a number sections and chapters felt incredibly dragged out. While the eventual antagonists were fairly predictable from the start, I enjoyed the eventual reveal and the lead up to their identities at the end.

Not one of the more memorable reads of the year for me, but I'm sure will be received in July 2025 by those who enjoy the horror/mystery/historical fiction genres that "The Bewitching" falls in!

I really really enjoyed this book! Silvia Moreno-Garcia is one of my auto-buy authors and I have yet to be disappointed. I loved the gothic horror feel of it, the witchcraft, and the fact that it was a multigenerational saga. I honestly can't wait to reread this around Halloween.

Moreno Garcia does it again - another fantastic gothic tale mixed with magic and fun worldbuilding that increased excitement the further along you go and the ending was so good. It wrapped up everything perfectly with a twist.

DNF @ 19%

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

I found myself struggling to get into the story and I found the pacing to be quite slow. One of the POVs (Minerva) was not engaging at all and her chapters were a drag. I think starting the story off with her chapters started this off on the wrong foot, at least for me.

This was soooo good. I' mexican and I love gothic horror, this wasn't exactly scary, but definitely dark and so atmospheric. The setting was what I was most excited about (specially after reading Mexican Gothic, which is set in my favorite part of Mexico close to my family's hometown) and it did not disappoint. The author's references to other writers and novels is so well done, that was another thing I enjoyed about the previous book I read by her, and she had excellent social commentary as well. It has everything: witches, multigenerational povs, academia, folklore... I only wish I had read this during autumn, but I will probably get back to it during that time of the year again. Amazing.

Another great addition to Silvia Moreno-Garcia's already impressive oeuvre. I love how <The Bewitching> (and really all of Silvia's books) blend paranormal and historical elements, it always reminds me of reading classics such as The Haunting of Hill House. I was particularly drawn to Alba's story/timeline, as I think she was a unique blend of strong-willed and ambitious female character while also being allowed to make mistakes.

Compared to Moreno-Garcia's other works, I still think Mexican Gothic is my favorite, but this is a solid 4.5 star read. I highly recommend to anyone who, like me, enjoys this kind of "dark academia" setting with just a hint of the paranormal.

The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia was such a atmospheric and gripping read. I've become such a fan of Moreno-Garcia's writing and The Bewitching delivered as much as her previous works. I love a witchy tale and this story grabbed me right from the start. I liked the three different storylines that took place in three different times. The pacing worked really well for this story and at certain points of the story, I felt unnerved. It was great! The writing was done so well and enjoyed my time reading it. I cannot wait to see what else Silva Moreno-Garcia comes up with and will continue to read everything she writes!

Moody, lush, and delightfully eerie. Silvia Moreno-Garcia is always a master of atmosphere, and this was no different. Magical realism at its finest with a slow unravelling of secrets that felt almost hypnotic. Would recommend if you liked Mexican Gothic.

"The Bewitching" is a captivating blend of horror and historical fiction that interlaces three timelines—1998 and 1934 in Massachusetts, alongside early 1900s Mexico—into an enthralling multigenerational saga. This intricate narrative promises keep you reading through the night with its eerie charm. Blending witches, a feeling of dark academia, and unraveling a generations old mystery. Couldn't put this book down.

Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Del Rey and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

I love Silvia Moreno Garcia's writing. Her books have similar themes, gothic historical setting which gives a musky and claustrophobic feel to the whole book. Whether I overall like the book or not, I can't help but admire her writing. There are people who are born to be writers and Silvia Moreno Garcia is definitely one of them.

That's why whenever I see her books, new release or an old copy , I always grab the opportunity or the book to read it. And I'm mostly able to devour them in few sittings which is a huge thing given I'm a toddler mom. This story is set in three different periods but they are interconnected. Of course you can make sense of two stories early in the book but third was revealed later.

The storyline was intriguing. I had kind of figured it out who might be the responsible person for the deaths (cons of being a mystery/detective works reader) but the reveal was powerful yet and it really got me. Overall the book is well written but I would have liked more spooky incidents and if story had been a bit shorter.

Although characters were good, personally I felt they were not fully fleshed out which kept me away from actually feeling anything for them. Even though I was totally invested in the story, there were moments when I was drifting away while reading which doesn't happen when I'm enjoying the prose. I was just blanking out in between which is strange and totally new for me.

So in parts, I liked the story, it kept me interested throughout but yet a part of me wanted to quit reading coz the pace was alternately getting slow and fast. Overall I will recommend reading it if you are into gothic horror.

Star rating : 3.5 stars