Once again, Silvia Moreno-Garcia has swept me up into a world of her own creation, tethered to reality through concept and historical touch points, but blown out into something uniquely eerie and deeply moving.

The Bewitching is ultimately a story focused on power, centered on women, and filled with longing, rage, and a deep sense of curiosity. This book follows 3 women in three timelines across nearly 100 years and the span thousands of miles. First, we have Alba. A young women whose father has died leaving her family to care for the large failing ranch in rural Mexico when a mysterious uncle arrives and everything starts going wrong. Then there is Beatrice, a scholarship recipient to a prestigious all girls college in Massachusetts at the start of the Great Depression whose roommate (who she's in love with) begins behaving strangely. This experience will lead her to write her only horror novel which is precisely what brought Minerva, Alba's granddaughter, to the college as a graduate student. Minerva is drawn to this book, and author, whose story reminds her of her grandmother's tales.

I was absolutely transported with each new character and setting. I even shed a few tears, which is a first for me with a SMG book! I deeply loved trying to place the fictional town and college that the author created as someone who grew up spending a lot of time in Massachusetts in my childhood. Her descriptions were so vivid and authentic, that I predicted she was inspired by a town that was just next door to her muse!

This book is a love letter to Moreno-Garcia's time in Massachusetts, the "witches" of Salem (and beyond as well as the threads of magic that bind them), and the legendary horror authors who call New England home. I'm pretty sure this just beat out Silver Nitrate for my favorite book by Siliva Moreno Garcia.

Thanks for the ARC, Net Galley!

I really love Silvia Moreno-Garcia and her special brand of horror and gothic romance. This book did not disappoint. The three characters while their stories do intertwine were all unique and had their own voices. Loved this one!

Del Rey eARC
I love this author’s stories because they have such a great balance of a creepy atmosphere, horror elements, and multiple timelines that increase the suspense. This book was about witches, but not sweet witches, this was horror done at its best. I loved the parallels between the three timelines, yet they all were so distinct. There was the perfect amount of tension that kept me wondering what was going to happen with these three women. I could not stop reading because I had to know what was going to happen next. Just when I thought I had things figured out, she surprised me again and again. This was so good, and I can't wait to read her next novel!

The Bewitching is a spooky story with multiple POVs set in different periods. It is told by three women who have different lives but share a link with the supernatural: Alba (1908), Betty (1934), and Minerva (1998).

It's atmospheric, slightly creepy, and a bit of dark academia, Minerva is a college student fascinated by horror stories, her grandmother, Alba told her stories of her past, when her family was being haunted by something. Now Minerva is investigating the disappearance of a student in the 1930s, in the same university she attends, the more she investigates the more questions arise and she starts to feel that someone is watching her, and accidents start to happen. 

Alba's story was my favorite, she lives in a hacienda in Mexico, shortly before the revolution when her brother disappeared and the farm animals fell ill. She is scared and something is watching her, she wants to run away, but she needs to find the cause of bewitching or she will have nothing left. In the 30s, although it is Betty's story, it follows 3 friends, all three artists and one of them disappears without a trace, which inspired Betty to write a short story, at first glance they seem to be good friends but all 3 are different and keep secrets. In 1998, Minerva will use her grandmother's stories to defeat whatever is stalking her and uncover secrets that have been hidden for decades. 

I enjoyed all 3 POVs, they are strong, intelligent, and complicated women, it is not only a mystery and horror story, but it is weaved with Mexican folklore and Witches, it is set in a small Mexican town in the early 20th century and New England in the 90s. Both settings have more in common than it seems at first glance.  It’s mesmerizing, slow in a good way, and it has gothic vibes, I love the setting between rural Mexico and a university in New England. It’s a story about secrets, bad witches and nightmares. 

Thank you Del Rey for the ARC, I love it so much. 

Read it if you like:
Mutiple POV
Gothic and spooky
Folklore, Traditional Witches
Atmospheric Setting

3.75

*Thank you to Del Rey/Random House and NetGalley for the e-ARC! All opinions are my own.*

Firstly, I LOVED the narrator for this audiobook (thank you also to LibroFM for my copy!) It's a huge honor when I can get an advance copy in any format, let alone more than one, but when I can, I love to tandem read a bunch. This narrator was a wonderful addition to my experience with this book, she did a fantastic job!

Now, I will say, I found this book to be a bit long at times. I found myself to be twiddling my thumbs a bit in the second quarter with this one, just waiting for some things to fall into place. It felt like I was being asked to trust the process with the various POVs, etc. in this book. That said, the atmosphere and vibes of this book really did keep me going. I felt like the mystery of it all really was something to keep me wanting to pick it up, despite the slow bits. I did, in fact, trust the process, and it paid off I think! This was my first by Sylvia so I can't be sure as to how it compares to her other novels, but I did enjoy the time I spent reading this one.

*One note, regarding the plot, that a lot of people are bringing up - the grooming/incest subplot - it is quite uncomfortable to get through. It is also *supposed* to be, I think. The way Alba gets through this part of the plot is pretty self-aware, despite the icky-ness of it all, and it ends in a way that has you really cheering (imo). I wouldn't write the whole book off because of this, just read your content warnings and go into it knowing it's there!*

Unfortunately I didn't finish this! I found the multiple timelines were confusing. I really enjoyed a few of them but found the story hard to follow. Horror is not usually my genre so I may not be the best audience!

This book was magical. I loved the back and forth between timelines of her grandmother, the school girls and her current time. The story flowed beautifully. It was creepy, magical and historical. There was no indication of who did what and I was pleasantly surprised when the story revealed itself. Loved it.

The Bewitching follows three different women across three different timelines. Despite living in different eras, all three women experience the same threads that tie their lives together: witchcraft and the seemingly inexplicable that follows.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia did it again! This story had me unnerved and feeling the creepy crawlies (in a good way) from the start. Her writing style genuinely makes it feel like you have been transported in the novel and are experiencing everything firsthand with the characters. As a horror novel, this story will definitely have you checking over your shoulder. The characters, as usual, are each so compelling. With each woman getting a perspective and their own chapters, there was never a moment that I wanted to rush through someone’s pov to get to someone else’s.

The Bewitching earns only my second 5/5 rating for the year! Easily sliding into one of my favorite books of 2025 so far, I highly recommend The Bewitching for horror lovers that are looking for something a little more psychological thank physical. As always, please check the content warnings before diving in.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this ARC!

Perfect addition to your late-night/fall reading list.
Another spooky story, this one focuses on witches. I never heard these kinds of stories growing up, maybe because we lived in another country from my great-grandmother, and we only visited in the summer. So I found this story fascinating.

Minerva is a graduate student focusing on the history of horror literature and is researching the life of Beatrice Tremblay, an obscure author of macabre tales. She recalls her great-grandmother Nana Alba saying, “Back then, when I was a young woman, there were still witches”. It's how she began the stories she told Minerva that sparked her interest in horror literature.

While gathering information for her thesis, she uncovers information that Tremblay's most famous novel, The Vanishing, is inspired by a true story. During the Great Depression, Tremblay attended the same university as Minerva, where she met her beautifully, otherworldly roommate, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances.

As Minerva delves deeper into Tremblay's manuscript, she begins to sense that whatever was stalking the missing girl might still be roaming the campus. These events also remind her of a story Nana Alba shared from her youth in 1900s Mexico, where she encountered a witch.

She suspects that the same dark force that threatens the lives of her great-grandmother and Beatrice Tremblay is now after her in 1990s Massachusetts.

The Bewitching is told in three timelines, following three women - Alba in 1908, Beatrice in 1934, and Minerva in 1998. The timelines are distinct with Beatrice's POV being her old journals told in first person. It explores folklore and how two cultures' view of witchcraft can overlap.

In this book, Minerva is writing a thesis on Beatrice's writings and soon finds similarities between her journal entries and the stories her great-grandmother told her. It is eerie and atmospheric, and it leaves the reader anxious throughout, especially during POV switches. The author excels at writing character, especially villains. Though there is predictability in each of the timelines, I do not think it takes away from the story itself.

I think this may be my new second-favorite SMG title (after MEXICAN GOTHIC, of course). I really connected with all three women and their stories from the jump, and SMG builds such lush worlds that it's hard not to be dragged right in. My favorite thing about this novel was that at some of the smallest moments, it was legitimately creepy. Like, I-felt-a-little-chill spooky. We love to see it!! I felt satisfied by the ending of Beatrice and Virginia's story, but the only thing that took my rating from 5 to 4 stars was the ending of Alba and Minerva's stories — they happened too quickly for my liking in a novel that otherwise luxuriated in the mysteries.

🌟🌟🌟🌟
I really enjoyed this one. I did not see it playing out like it did. I enjoyed this TRIPLE timeline book about three different women- Alba, Beatrice and Minerva. If you like horror, this book is for you. I highly recommend this 4 star read. Many thanks to the author, Del Ray Publishing and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

This is my first Silvia Moreno-Garcia book, and it most certainly will not be my last. It is the story of three women from three different time periods, all dealing with witchcraft as well as missing people. As someone who lives in Massachusetts, I loved how much of the story took place here and also how many familiar locations around the state are mentioned.

There were a couple of twists in this story, but they were rather predictable. However, this didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book. The only part I truly didn't enjoy was Alba's relationship with her Uncle. It was first set up as romantic in the way she spoke about him and how attractive he was. I could have done without this part of the storyline because it made me uncomfortable.

The witchcraft part of the story was really well done - it felt like a unique take on the world of witches. Minerva's timeline was the most enjoyable. I loved watching her uncover the mysteries of the past and where her story ended up.

This is a novel that I do not know how I feel about quite yet and need it to sit with me. I did finish it though honestly if some of the incest scenes at the very end were at the beginning I probably would not have finished it. It was a lot. I am also not sure that the three timelines were necessary. It was still easy to follow, but it felt like drifting between two different books. Two of our main storytellers are not really likeable though that is not crucial to a good story and I still enjoyed reading their parts. The novelist was honestly the best main character and I wish we had more of her, and her shirley jackson vibes. Overall spooky read, and the inner workings of college campus over the summer are spot on! If you are unsure give it a try!

Absolutely gripping, atmospheric, and addictive. While I called the twists from the beginning, the journey to the discoveries made this all worthwhile.

'The Bewitching' is one of Silvia Moreno-Garcia's best works to date. From the first page I was drawn in. The 3 POVs layered well together, each adding an increasing sense of foreboding and general creepiness. I particularly enjoyed Alba's 1900s storyline.

I love Silvia Moreno-Garcia, I'll read anything she writes and likely love it but this was outstanding!

The cover (and the witches!) might give off a 'Wicked' vibe but I'd recommend this more for fans of Nosferatu (2024).

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s The Bewitching is a haunting, atmospheric triumph that blends witchcraft, folklore, and dark academia into a richly layered horror novel spanning nearly a century. Told across three timelines—1908 in rural Mexico, 1934 in Massachusetts, and 1998 at a small college—this story follows three unforgettable women: Alba, Beatrice, and Minerva, each entangled in mystery, grief, and the lingering shadow of malevolent magic. As their timelines converge, the suspense tightens, delivering a chilling and deeply satisfying payoff.

The narrative structure is sharp and seamless, with each perspective offering unique tone and atmosphere while connecting effortlessly. Moreno-Garcia’s writing is vivid and immersive—you can practically feel the cold dread creeping through every scene. Found footage elements (journals, manuscripts, interviews) give the story an eerie realism, while the slow-burn horror keeps you reading late into the night.

More than a tale of witches, this is a story about generational trauma, erased histories, and the dangerous power of buried truths. With themes of queer longing, cultural identity, colonial legacy, and survival, The Bewitching is as emotionally resonant as it is unsettling. This is Silvia Moreno-Garcia at the top of her game—an unforgettable, elegantly crafted gothic horror that lingers long after the final page.

No pun intended but there is just something so magical about Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s writing. She just has such a unique style and a way of pulling you into her stories. And over the years she has put her own special spin on some of the classics of the genre: vampires, werewolves, and in the case of The Bewitching, witchcraft. And I always love how often she weaves in Mexican folklore into her stories. While the main focus is on Minerva, a graduate student working on her thesis, Silvia weaves a multigenerational tale told over three time period ranging from 1908 to 1934 to 1998. While not in your face horror, there are definitely creepy parts. Engaging, well paced, and with a few twists I wasn’t expecting, The Bewitching reminds me why I’ve become such a fan of Silvia Moreno-Garcia. I’d like to thank Random House Publishing Group/Del Rey/Inklore and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an eARC of The Bewitching.

https://www.amazon.com/review/RPDIPSTLDFMHD/ref=pe_123899240_1043597390_SRTC0204BT_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

It’s no secret that I love Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s writing, especially when it leans toward the supernatural, so The Bewitching was a perfect summer read for me. It’s mysterious and atmospheric with witchcraft and folklore.

We follow three women linked by mysterious disappearances across three different timelines. I’m always a bit wary about switching timelines because I find that often I will be more invested in one character or storyline, but this was not the case here. Each storyline was super intriguing and distinct in tone. I also love how the author creates a sense of time and place. The twist and turns combined with the way the narratives intertwine creates a feeling of dread and anticipation while building exquisite tension. Honestly, I didn’t want to let these characters and world go, and wouldn’t be mad if we got to explore it more in a future novel.

This is the perfect read for those looking for something witchy and atmospheric!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy. This review was written voluntarily.

Silvia Garcia I find to be in her element when she is writing gothic novels. They are atmospheric and rich. I loved Mexican Gothic and this one was just as good. What I really appreciated about this book was how it was told in three timelines.

The three timelines made this book come together. Making the mystery and horror intriguing. The pace sometimes however falters and sometimes a bit slow or stalled out.

I really enjoy this author and I plan to keep reading everything she writes.

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Ray for this advanced reader copy. My review is voluntarily my own.