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The Intrigue
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Expected 14 Jul 26Win a free print copy of this book!
24 days and 05:38:21
10 copies available
U.S. only
From the
New York Times
bestselling author of
Mexican Gothic
and
Velvet Was the Night
comes a sizzling noir about desire, danger, and greed, in which seduction is the ultimate con.
Handsome con artist Ulises has long charmed lonely women via letters to steal their money, but money is hard to come by in 1940s Mexico. Ulises knows his looks won't last forever, and he's desperate to get his hands on a real fortune.
He thinks he's found it when he captivates his newest correspondent, Perla, the owner of a small-town boardinghouse in picturesque Veracruz. But when he meets her, he finds something he didn't expect. The woman has a niece, Inés, who is as observant as she is desperate to escape her aunt’s household.
When Inés discovers Ulises' true intentions, she wants in on the scheme. They’ll convince her aunt that Ulises is a great catch, Perla will marry him, and her money will vanish. Easy, fast and clean.
But Perla is not the desperate, silly spinster Ulises imagines. She harbors secrets. And although Ulises does not believe in true romance, Inés is more alluring than he bargained on. Suddenly, a simple plan may become perilously complicated.
Venture into the streets of a small town where the patina of convention and good manners conceals a cauldron of avarice and lust.
Handsome con artist Ulises has long charmed lonely women via letters to steal their money, but money is hard to come by in 1940s Mexico. Ulises knows his looks won't last forever, and he's desperate to get his hands on a real fortune.
He thinks he's found it when he captivates his newest correspondent, Perla, the owner of a small-town boardinghouse in picturesque Veracruz. But when he meets her, he finds something he didn't expect. The woman has a niece, Inés, who is as observant as she is desperate to escape her aunt’s household.
When Inés discovers Ulises' true intentions, she wants in on the scheme. They’ll convince her aunt that Ulises is a great catch, Perla will marry him, and her money will vanish. Easy, fast and clean.
But Perla is not the desperate, silly spinster Ulises imagines. She harbors secrets. And although Ulises does not believe in true romance, Inés is more alluring than he bargained on. Suddenly, a simple plan may become perilously complicated.
Venture into the streets of a small town where the patina of convention and good manners conceals a cauldron of avarice and lust.
336 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication July 14, 2026
18 people are currently reading
4925 people want to read
About the author
Silvia Moreno-Garcia
170 books27.7k followersSilvia Moreno-Garcia is the author of several novels, including Mexican Gothic, Gods of Jade and Shadow and The Daughter of Doctor Moreau. She has also edited a number of anthologies, including the World Fantasy Award-winning She Walks in Shadows (a.k.a. Cthulhu's Daughters). Mexican by birth, Canadian by inclination.
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December 23, 2025UPDATE NOV 2025: Can be requested via Netgalley by reviewers Go here.
What genre is this?
Noir/historical/drama. This is *not* horror. There are no fantastical elements. Please do not tag it as horror/gothic or anything similar.
Are there any fantastical elements?
Nope. See above.
What is this about?
It's 1943 in Mexico and a charming con artist who runs romance scams has found his latest target. Things might not work out as planned.
When it this out?
July 2026.
Will this be available in the UK? In Spanish (or other languages)?
It will be out in the UK in July 2026 through Arcadia/Quercus. No translation rights for any languages have been sold.
Will this be available from Goldsboro as a limited edition with the sprayed edges? BOTM? Other book boxes?
Nothing so far, but it would be nice!
What genre is this?
Noir/historical/drama. This is *not* horror. There are no fantastical elements. Please do not tag it as horror/gothic or anything similar.
Are there any fantastical elements?
Nope. See above.
What is this about?
It's 1943 in Mexico and a charming con artist who runs romance scams has found his latest target. Things might not work out as planned.
When it this out?
July 2026.
Will this be available in the UK? In Spanish (or other languages)?
It will be out in the UK in July 2026 through Arcadia/Quercus. No translation rights for any languages have been sold.
Will this be available from Goldsboro as a limited edition with the sprayed edges? BOTM? Other book boxes?
Nothing so far, but it would be nice!
Read
January 7, 2026
Book Riot’s Most Anticipated Books of 2026:
Silvia Moreno-Garcia could write a guide on knitting sweaters for earthworms, and I'd be out here cheering, "Yesss, clothe the tiny invertebrates!" She has, of course, crafted an irresistible plot in a noir tale of desire, greed, and seduction. In 1940s Mexico, a handsome grifter charms women into giving him their money through letters. Intent on securing a bigger, more reliable bag when the letter scheme runs its course, he sets his sights on the owner of a boardinghouse in a small town in Veracruz. There are two holes in this plan: his intended victim's niece clocks him right away and wants in on the scheme as a means to escape this small town, and his victim is not the gullible mark he thinks she is... —Vanessa Diaz
Silvia Moreno-Garcia could write a guide on knitting sweaters for earthworms, and I'd be out here cheering, "Yesss, clothe the tiny invertebrates!" She has, of course, crafted an irresistible plot in a noir tale of desire, greed, and seduction. In 1940s Mexico, a handsome grifter charms women into giving him their money through letters. Intent on securing a bigger, more reliable bag when the letter scheme runs its course, he sets his sights on the owner of a boardinghouse in a small town in Veracruz. There are two holes in this plan: his intended victim's niece clocks him right away and wants in on the scheme as a means to escape this small town, and his victim is not the gullible mark he thinks she is... —Vanessa Diaz
December 1, 2025
(Disclaimer: I received the ARC from the publisher, but this has in no way influenced my review. My thoughts are entirely unbiased and honest.)
Absolutely floored with how this author consistently makes you feel immersed with the setting and genre she chooses her story to have.
Not really a spoiler but I was fully convinced that Puerco Ahogado was a real place until the Notes chapter revealed otherwise.
I'm rating this 4.25 because I found the character-building and its story progression better compared to the previous releases. Last book of hers I really enjoyed was The Beautiful Ones.
This book is kind of its edgier cousin with all the killing, kissing (and more), and just the overall darker themes rooted in class struggles and patriarchy.
Perla aka the Bigger Baddie is a very well-written villain. She sucks so bad hahaha
(I've been reading Silvia Moreno-Garcias' works before Mexican Gothic.)
I daresay Inés and Ulises may be the most romantic pairing this author ever wrote and kind of the healthiest dkdkfk
(Her other main characters tend to have.... questionable dynamics.)
To be honest, the best thing about this book really is the doggie named, Diógenes huhu and if you know you know
Absolutely floored with how this author consistently makes you feel immersed with the setting and genre she chooses her story to have.
Not really a spoiler but I was fully convinced that Puerco Ahogado was a real place until the Notes chapter revealed otherwise.
I'm rating this 4.25 because I found the character-building and its story progression better compared to the previous releases. Last book of hers I really enjoyed was The Beautiful Ones.
This book is kind of its edgier cousin with all the killing, kissing (and more), and just the overall darker themes rooted in class struggles and patriarchy.
Perla aka the Bigger Baddie is a very well-written villain. She sucks so bad hahaha
(I've been reading Silvia Moreno-Garcias' works before Mexican Gothic.)
I daresay Inés and Ulises may be the most romantic pairing this author ever wrote and kind of the healthiest dkdkfk
(Her other main characters tend to have.... questionable dynamics.)
To be honest, the best thing about this book really is the doggie named, Diógenes huhu and if you know you know
December 2, 2025
This was such a good book with themes of desire, greed, and cons! Ulises is an interesting character and a sneaky con artist but young Ines throws him off his game when he targets Perla, her aunt. As the plot evolved I found myself paranoid of who could be trusted and what everyone’s intentions really were. There were definitely twists and it made this book very hard to put down! I read it in a matter of hours because I was so hooked on the plot. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5-4/5
Di prossima uscita in inglese, il nuovo romanzo “The Intrigue” di Silvia Moreno-Garcia si scosta un po’ dal classico terreno battuto in precedenza dall’autrice, senza perdere freschezza e arguzia narrativa. Il suo nuovo libro, infatti, è un noir di ambientazione storica, con al centro una macchinazione, un inganno, in un contesto sociale osservato nel dettaglio e con una trama che si va via via intricando e mescola intrighi personali con tematiche più complesse quali il potere, il controllo e l’ambiguità morale che ne deriva.
Ambientato nel Messico degli anni Quaranta, la storia ruota attorno a Ulises, un affascinante truffatore che sopravvive seducendo donne sole attraverso la corrispondenza epistolare, sfruttando le falle emotive di queste ultime e uno repertorio romantico pre-confezionato. Quando le opportunità economiche si assottigliano, Ulises rivolge la propria attenzione a Perla, proprietaria di una modesta pensione in un piccolo paese, sicura di poterla circuire e trarne per sé un guadagno materiale. Tuttavia, giunto in questo contesto apparentemente tranquillo, Ulises si trova immerso in un ambiente domestico e sociale di inattesa complessità, soprattutto attraverso la figura della nipote di Perla, la cui acutezza rendono il piano dell’uomo tutt’altro che lineare. Ciò che nasce come uno schema calcolato si trasforma così in una narrazione stratificata, in cui i segreti si moltiplicano, le intenzioni mutano e le apparenze si rivelano pericolosamente ingannevoli.
Il romanzo dialoga i classici temi cari al noir, ossia l’ambiguità morale, il desiderio destinato alla rovina, l’illusione del controllo, ma li contestualizza nell’ambito storico e sociale messicano del tempo in modo perfetto. Troviamo quindi una cittadina governata da pettegolezzi, convenzioni e retaggi coloniali che regolano i comportamenti tanto quanto la legge o la forza. Questo scenario è fondamentale per lo svolgersi della storia, poiché proprio il decoro e le buone maniere sono maschere che occultano avidità, brama e disperazione che raffinano le strategie anche più subdole e becere di sopravvivenza.
La costruzione dei personaggi rappresenta uno dei risultati più notevoli dell’opera, la complessità emotiva dei quali è assolutamente centrale. La narrazione si articola attraverso più punti di vista, ciascuno dei quali contribuisce con una prospettiva propria, psicologica ed etica, senza compromettere la coesione narrativa. Ulises incarna l’antieroe noir: seducente, calcolatore, sufficientemente consapevole della propria corruzione morale, ma incapace a immaginare una modalità alternativa di esistenza. Inés, con la sua intelligenza e la sua inquietudine, rappresenta i limiti imposti alle donne nel contesto storico e geografico in cui vive. Perla, infine, sovverte l’archetipo della vittima ingenua, rivelando quanto spesso la sopravvivenza in una società restrittiva richieda una forma di segretezza e ambiguità altrettanto sofisticata. La doppiezza morale dei personaggi è determinata storicamente e socialmente, radicata nelle realtà di genere, classe e precarietà economica del Messico di metà Novecento.
Matrimonio, romanticismo e rispettabilità fanno parte di strutture istituzionali attraverso cui gli individui e i destini vengono regolati. La dimensione storica intensifica questa sottesa critica al potere, mettendo in luce appunto come nella vita messicana degli anni Quaranta le aspettative coloniali e le gerarchie ereditate continuino a modellare le relazioni ben oltre i cambiamenti politici formali.
Lo stile di Moreno-Garcia è ricco senza indulgere nell’eccesso. L’atmosfera è cinematografica e immersiva. Il dialogo assume un ruolo fondamentale, facendo avanzare la narrazione attraverso ciò che resta implicito tanto quanto attraverso ciò che viene dichiarato. Il ritmo consente l’accumulo di dettagli e di pressione psicologica, rafforzando l’idea che l’inganno non sia un evento isolato.
Nel suo esito complessivo, “The Intrigue” è un’ottima prova della versatilità e dell’ambizione narrativa di Silvia Moreno-Garcia. È un romanzo che concepisce il noir come una lente attraverso cui rendere leggibili le contraddizioni e pulsioni dell’animo umano, ricordando che sotto le superfici levigate della civiltà e del romanticismo si celano esistenze modellate dal compromesso, dal coraggio e da una silenziosa, ostinata tensione verso la trasformazione.
Grazie all’editore e a Netgalley per la copia digitale per questa recensione.
Di prossima uscita in inglese, il nuovo romanzo “The Intrigue” di Silvia Moreno-Garcia si scosta un po’ dal classico terreno battuto in precedenza dall’autrice, senza perdere freschezza e arguzia narrativa. Il suo nuovo libro, infatti, è un noir di ambientazione storica, con al centro una macchinazione, un inganno, in un contesto sociale osservato nel dettaglio e con una trama che si va via via intricando e mescola intrighi personali con tematiche più complesse quali il potere, il controllo e l’ambiguità morale che ne deriva.
Ambientato nel Messico degli anni Quaranta, la storia ruota attorno a Ulises, un affascinante truffatore che sopravvive seducendo donne sole attraverso la corrispondenza epistolare, sfruttando le falle emotive di queste ultime e uno repertorio romantico pre-confezionato. Quando le opportunità economiche si assottigliano, Ulises rivolge la propria attenzione a Perla, proprietaria di una modesta pensione in un piccolo paese, sicura di poterla circuire e trarne per sé un guadagno materiale. Tuttavia, giunto in questo contesto apparentemente tranquillo, Ulises si trova immerso in un ambiente domestico e sociale di inattesa complessità, soprattutto attraverso la figura della nipote di Perla, la cui acutezza rendono il piano dell’uomo tutt’altro che lineare. Ciò che nasce come uno schema calcolato si trasforma così in una narrazione stratificata, in cui i segreti si moltiplicano, le intenzioni mutano e le apparenze si rivelano pericolosamente ingannevoli.
Il romanzo dialoga i classici temi cari al noir, ossia l’ambiguità morale, il desiderio destinato alla rovina, l’illusione del controllo, ma li contestualizza nell’ambito storico e sociale messicano del tempo in modo perfetto. Troviamo quindi una cittadina governata da pettegolezzi, convenzioni e retaggi coloniali che regolano i comportamenti tanto quanto la legge o la forza. Questo scenario è fondamentale per lo svolgersi della storia, poiché proprio il decoro e le buone maniere sono maschere che occultano avidità, brama e disperazione che raffinano le strategie anche più subdole e becere di sopravvivenza.
La costruzione dei personaggi rappresenta uno dei risultati più notevoli dell’opera, la complessità emotiva dei quali è assolutamente centrale. La narrazione si articola attraverso più punti di vista, ciascuno dei quali contribuisce con una prospettiva propria, psicologica ed etica, senza compromettere la coesione narrativa. Ulises incarna l’antieroe noir: seducente, calcolatore, sufficientemente consapevole della propria corruzione morale, ma incapace a immaginare una modalità alternativa di esistenza. Inés, con la sua intelligenza e la sua inquietudine, rappresenta i limiti imposti alle donne nel contesto storico e geografico in cui vive. Perla, infine, sovverte l’archetipo della vittima ingenua, rivelando quanto spesso la sopravvivenza in una società restrittiva richieda una forma di segretezza e ambiguità altrettanto sofisticata. La doppiezza morale dei personaggi è determinata storicamente e socialmente, radicata nelle realtà di genere, classe e precarietà economica del Messico di metà Novecento.
Matrimonio, romanticismo e rispettabilità fanno parte di strutture istituzionali attraverso cui gli individui e i destini vengono regolati. La dimensione storica intensifica questa sottesa critica al potere, mettendo in luce appunto come nella vita messicana degli anni Quaranta le aspettative coloniali e le gerarchie ereditate continuino a modellare le relazioni ben oltre i cambiamenti politici formali.
Lo stile di Moreno-Garcia è ricco senza indulgere nell’eccesso. L’atmosfera è cinematografica e immersiva. Il dialogo assume un ruolo fondamentale, facendo avanzare la narrazione attraverso ciò che resta implicito tanto quanto attraverso ciò che viene dichiarato. Il ritmo consente l’accumulo di dettagli e di pressione psicologica, rafforzando l’idea che l’inganno non sia un evento isolato.
Nel suo esito complessivo, “The Intrigue” è un’ottima prova della versatilità e dell’ambizione narrativa di Silvia Moreno-Garcia. È un romanzo che concepisce il noir come una lente attraverso cui rendere leggibili le contraddizioni e pulsioni dell’animo umano, ricordando che sotto le superfici levigate della civiltà e del romanticismo si celano esistenze modellate dal compromesso, dal coraggio e da una silenziosa, ostinata tensione verso la trasformazione.
Grazie all’editore e a Netgalley per la copia digitale per questa recensione.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received The Intrigue as an ARC from NetGalley, and as someone who adores Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s writing and has read almost all of her work, I was very excited to dive into this one.
As always, Moreno-Garcia’s prose is a pleasure to read—elegant, confident, and atmospheric. Her command of language remains the strongest aspect of the novel, and even when the story wasn’t fully working for me, I still found myself appreciating her voice on the page.
That said, The Intrigue ultimately didn’t resonate with me. The novel feels at least 100 pages shorter than it needs to be (at least in my opinion). I yearned for more development...
Ines’ role in helping Ulises woo and seduce Perla is glossed over when it should have been explored in depth, and the emotional arc between Ulises and Ines felt rushed. Their growing connection needed more space to breathe in order to feel earned. I struggled to fully invest in the characters and their relationships, even though the premise had potential.
Overall, while The Intrigue didn’t quite work for me on a narrative or emotional level, but fans of Moreno-Garcia’s writing style and/or noirs/dramas will still find plenty to enjoy, of course.
This is just my take on the ARC. I’ll continue reading her work, as she is one of my all-time favorite authors. It was truly a pleasure staring 2026 with a gem.
As always, Moreno-Garcia’s prose is a pleasure to read—elegant, confident, and atmospheric. Her command of language remains the strongest aspect of the novel, and even when the story wasn’t fully working for me, I still found myself appreciating her voice on the page.
That said, The Intrigue ultimately didn’t resonate with me. The novel feels at least 100 pages shorter than it needs to be (at least in my opinion). I yearned for more development...
Ines’ role in helping Ulises woo and seduce Perla is glossed over when it should have been explored in depth, and the emotional arc between Ulises and Ines felt rushed. Their growing connection needed more space to breathe in order to feel earned. I struggled to fully invest in the characters and their relationships, even though the premise had potential.
Overall, while The Intrigue didn’t quite work for me on a narrative or emotional level, but fans of Moreno-Garcia’s writing style and/or noirs/dramas will still find plenty to enjoy, of course.
This is just my take on the ARC. I’ll continue reading her work, as she is one of my all-time favorite authors. It was truly a pleasure staring 2026 with a gem.
Want to read
October 16, 2025I'M SO EXCITED I CAN'T WAIT!! FINALLY ANOTHER NOIR YAYYY
December 6, 2025
This novel is noir at its finest—a genre that already fascinates me with its moral ambiguity, and here the author wields it with near-perfect precision. Intrigue has everything I love about noir—dark, morally tangled, constantly forcing you to question every character’s choices and every line between right and wrong. I’m obsessed with how noir stories dig into the shadows of people, and this book truly lives there. The author doesn’t just explore ambiguity— she revels in it, and it’s honestly breathtaking to watch unfold this whole drama with such an emotionally rich cast of characters.
The psychological depth is astonishing. I loved how intricately the book explores the inner workings of each character—their motives, their flaws, and the complex web of family dynamics that shape who they become.
This book is so beautifully crafted with lush, poetic writing that really just places you inside the town where everything is unravelling and you feel like you’re right there with the characters because the writing is so atmospheric.
There’s one character who was absolutely insufferable, and honestly? It takes real talent to evoke that kind of visceral reaction. And yet, almost paradoxically, I found myself rooting for the happiness of two other characters despite their undeniable crimes. The emotional conflict, the tension, and the empathy this book manages to inspire are remarkable.
Overall, this was a stunning, absorbing, and emotionally sharp novel—one I’m going to be thinking about for a long time.
The psychological depth is astonishing. I loved how intricately the book explores the inner workings of each character—their motives, their flaws, and the complex web of family dynamics that shape who they become.
This book is so beautifully crafted with lush, poetic writing that really just places you inside the town where everything is unravelling and you feel like you’re right there with the characters because the writing is so atmospheric.
There’s one character who was absolutely insufferable, and honestly? It takes real talent to evoke that kind of visceral reaction. And yet, almost paradoxically, I found myself rooting for the happiness of two other characters despite their undeniable crimes. The emotional conflict, the tension, and the empathy this book manages to inspire are remarkable.
Overall, this was a stunning, absorbing, and emotionally sharp novel—one I’m going to be thinking about for a long time.
December 13, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley for the eArc in exchange for an honest review!
This was honestly such a great book with some brilliantly written characters that really evoked some deep feelings out of me. Ulises is such an interesting main character and you really feel for him throughout his scam marriage to Perla, who by the way is INSANE and I don't care about her upbringing— it doesn't justify the shit she's done to Ines.
As the plot continued, I really found myself wondering how it was all going to come together and I was still flipping through pages continuously as the plot thickened - none of this felt like filler and my interest was piqued throughout.
I definitely recommend giving this noir a go!
This was honestly such a great book with some brilliantly written characters that really evoked some deep feelings out of me. Ulises is such an interesting main character and you really feel for him throughout his scam marriage to Perla, who by the way is INSANE and I don't care about her upbringing— it doesn't justify the shit she's done to Ines.
As the plot continued, I really found myself wondering how it was all going to come together and I was still flipping through pages continuously as the plot thickened - none of this felt like filler and my interest was piqued throughout.
I definitely recommend giving this noir a go!
Want to read
January 7, 2026Yes ma’am! Here for it!
February 6, 2026
A great combination of high gothic drama (think family drama, an old decaying house, dynamics souring over decades) and two of just the worst people teaming up to con her shitty fucking aunt out of everything they can. Just the best kind of intrigue, and watching these two shitty people almost get found out multiple times is fantastic to watch.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a sizzling,-noir novel with building tension.
Initially, I found the story very slow, seeing little happening, but I was quickly drawn into the plot, thanks to Inês's cunning personality.
Of all the characters, she is by far the most fascinating one.
I knew nothing of Mexican history, nor how the country was affected by World War II, and the way the author describes it makes the story very believable. I often felt trapped with Inês behind the gate of that house.
I enjoyed the story and recommend it.
Initially, I found the story very slow, seeing little happening, but I was quickly drawn into the plot, thanks to Inês's cunning personality.
Of all the characters, she is by far the most fascinating one.
I knew nothing of Mexican history, nor how the country was affected by World War II, and the way the author describes it makes the story very believable. I often felt trapped with Inês behind the gate of that house.
I enjoyed the story and recommend it.
January 29, 2026
Messico, anni Quaranta. Mentre la guerra incendia l'Europa, un giovane uomo si trasferisce in un paesino sulle colline. Lo scopo? Sedurre e derubare la zitella di buona famiglia che gestisce il locale affittacamere, conosciuta tramite gli annunci matrimoniali.
Antesignano dei moderni love scammers, Ulises si guadagna da vivere così: seduce e truffa, truffa e seduce. Ma in questo caso le cose non vanno come previsto.
Un noir asfissiante e torbido, in cui il più innocuo è, probabilmente, lo stesso truffatore; prede e predatori si scambiano costantemente di ruolo; e la piccola borghesia messicana si svela come una trappola a cui non si può sfuggire se non da morti.
Antesignano dei moderni love scammers, Ulises si guadagna da vivere così: seduce e truffa, truffa e seduce. Ma in questo caso le cose non vanno come previsto.
Un noir asfissiante e torbido, in cui il più innocuo è, probabilmente, lo stesso truffatore; prede e predatori si scambiano costantemente di ruolo; e la piccola borghesia messicana si svela come una trappola a cui non si può sfuggire se non da morti.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My thanks to Netgalley, Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore and Silvia Moreno-Garcia for the eARC of this book in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
As a book collector, in the sense that I am able to acquire books for my library, whether they are used or new or discounted or special releases, I have to follow some rules. They're not always set in stone, some of them change as the years go and my interests change for what I want to read for always and what I can borrow to save money, time and space. Still, I have to have some kind of rules in place, something easy to keep things from going overboard. One rule is that everything is on a calendar, so I know what releases I have to look forward to and when to expect their arrivals so that nothing gets lost. I've had books never arrive and having everything laid out in an easy to access space keeps the system moving. Another rule is that if I'm going to get multiple copies of a book, they better have a lot of bonus content to make it worth it and I should try gift and/or donate the original copy. Don't ask me how many times that has actually worked. And another rule that I ALWAYS follow is that any Silvia Moreno-Garcia book is an automatic pre-order for me. End of story.
What I love about Moreno-Garcia's writing is that nothing follows the same formula from one book to another. Sometimes we have a magical realism book to look forward to, sometimes it is horror, and other times we have a classic noir. This book belongs more with Velvet Was the Night than it does with Mexican Gothic or The Bewitching. I loved every moment of this which is funny because I'm not usually a noir fan. I studied the genre in school but every time I tried a noir, I had a hard time connecting with it. That wasn't the case with this book. Once we got to the main setting, I was completely invested in the story, in the characters, just everything worked for me with this book. I want to pass this book around my family and have them read it, that's how much this book made me smirk and grin and laugh with glee. Because I have a bit of a vindictive bone in my body and when villains don't get their comeuppance, it makes me gripe. The ending to this book was in a word, delicious, and I can't wait until I get my copy.
The Intrigue follows Ulises, a con artist in 1940s Mexico who scams women out of their money by writing them letters, charming them until he can ask for some kind of payment for help. But Ulises has fallen on harder times and he wants to make enough money to settle down and stop long enough to be comfortable before making his next move. Ulises decides that opportunity is with Perla, his latest correspondent who runs a boardinghouse in Veracruz. When he meets Perla though, he finds a woman who is difficult to get close to and his usual tricks aren't good enough for her. Perla also has a niece, Inés, who discovers what Ulises is doing and she'll help him with his scheme for a cut of the money. The idea is to convince Perla to marry Ulises so he can have access to her money and then they can take it all. But Perla isn't what she appears, with secrets she has kept hidden for decades. And Ulises is starting to think that Inés is more than she appears with his focus constantly turning back to her. Now Ulises needs to figure out how to get his money before the secrets in the boardinghouse destroy everything.
The whole of this book interested me from the start. I thought Ulises was interesting in the sense that he seemed to be a con artist with a little bit of a conscience. I thought Inés was the best character of the story, and I loved when the book focused on her. I thought Perla felt familiar, reminding me of characters I've seen before from old stories that have some kind of background in Mexico. What started as a simple story about Ulises wanting to finally get himself enough money to make a difference quickly turned into a story about the kinds of secrets a family would be desperate enough to keep as long as it meant they could keep up the illusion they have cultivated for years. It was fascinating to see the way this family tried to keep itself in some kind of position of power, even if it was a lie. Perla Inclán had been raised to believe that her life was meant to go a certain way and when none of that manifested for her, she was determined to make sure she could still walk around as if she had everything she could ever want. That need to keep the facade going is what drove her every decision and it had a ripple effect for Inés and for Ulises, who do not believe that the old ways that Perla clings to are the way things should remain. The book is as much about the way the town makes its occupants act as it is about the secrets the Inclán family had managed to keep in the boardinghouse they own.
What I found most interesting was the Notes at the end of the book, the part where Moreno-Garcia explains that a Mexican novel like this one which focuses on customs and habits of a particular society are called novelas costumbristas. The Intrigue has a large focus on the society that is seen in Puerco Ahogado, the fictional town this book is set in. As much as this story focuses on these three characters, the town itself and the way these people have to work to fit into it is another character altogether. The town has this family in a stranglehold that has kept them tied up for decades and the only way to fix it is to escape. I loved seeing everything come to light, the way Perla was raised and how she turned around and treated everyone in her life. The novel focuses mainly on the 1943 storyline and it goes between our three leads as narrators. Whenever Perla was the focus, there was a lot of information given about the past for the family, the expectations they had and what happened to Perla and her siblings. The more that was revealed, the more I wanted to know, which is exactly what you want in a book like this. The villain of the book is not who I thought it would be but when the ending hit and they got their comeuppance, it made me grin. I still smile and chuckle a little each time I think about the ending.
This is another great from Silvia Moreno-Garcia. If you're a fan, this is another to add for your collection. I still have a few novels to get for my shelf to be complete so I'll be working on that for when The Intrigue is ready to join them.
Rating on my scale: 10 Stars. If you like a good noir, this is a highly recommended and respectable read. Even if you are not a fan of the genre, this could be the book that makes you one. I know I'll be looking into reading a few more noirs this year. I'll also be on the lookout for the next release from Silvia Moreno-Garcia, whenever that comes for us readers.
As a book collector, in the sense that I am able to acquire books for my library, whether they are used or new or discounted or special releases, I have to follow some rules. They're not always set in stone, some of them change as the years go and my interests change for what I want to read for always and what I can borrow to save money, time and space. Still, I have to have some kind of rules in place, something easy to keep things from going overboard. One rule is that everything is on a calendar, so I know what releases I have to look forward to and when to expect their arrivals so that nothing gets lost. I've had books never arrive and having everything laid out in an easy to access space keeps the system moving. Another rule is that if I'm going to get multiple copies of a book, they better have a lot of bonus content to make it worth it and I should try gift and/or donate the original copy. Don't ask me how many times that has actually worked. And another rule that I ALWAYS follow is that any Silvia Moreno-Garcia book is an automatic pre-order for me. End of story.
What I love about Moreno-Garcia's writing is that nothing follows the same formula from one book to another. Sometimes we have a magical realism book to look forward to, sometimes it is horror, and other times we have a classic noir. This book belongs more with Velvet Was the Night than it does with Mexican Gothic or The Bewitching. I loved every moment of this which is funny because I'm not usually a noir fan. I studied the genre in school but every time I tried a noir, I had a hard time connecting with it. That wasn't the case with this book. Once we got to the main setting, I was completely invested in the story, in the characters, just everything worked for me with this book. I want to pass this book around my family and have them read it, that's how much this book made me smirk and grin and laugh with glee. Because I have a bit of a vindictive bone in my body and when villains don't get their comeuppance, it makes me gripe. The ending to this book was in a word, delicious, and I can't wait until I get my copy.
The Intrigue follows Ulises, a con artist in 1940s Mexico who scams women out of their money by writing them letters, charming them until he can ask for some kind of payment for help. But Ulises has fallen on harder times and he wants to make enough money to settle down and stop long enough to be comfortable before making his next move. Ulises decides that opportunity is with Perla, his latest correspondent who runs a boardinghouse in Veracruz. When he meets Perla though, he finds a woman who is difficult to get close to and his usual tricks aren't good enough for her. Perla also has a niece, Inés, who discovers what Ulises is doing and she'll help him with his scheme for a cut of the money. The idea is to convince Perla to marry Ulises so he can have access to her money and then they can take it all. But Perla isn't what she appears, with secrets she has kept hidden for decades. And Ulises is starting to think that Inés is more than she appears with his focus constantly turning back to her. Now Ulises needs to figure out how to get his money before the secrets in the boardinghouse destroy everything.
The whole of this book interested me from the start. I thought Ulises was interesting in the sense that he seemed to be a con artist with a little bit of a conscience. I thought Inés was the best character of the story, and I loved when the book focused on her. I thought Perla felt familiar, reminding me of characters I've seen before from old stories that have some kind of background in Mexico. What started as a simple story about Ulises wanting to finally get himself enough money to make a difference quickly turned into a story about the kinds of secrets a family would be desperate enough to keep as long as it meant they could keep up the illusion they have cultivated for years. It was fascinating to see the way this family tried to keep itself in some kind of position of power, even if it was a lie. Perla Inclán had been raised to believe that her life was meant to go a certain way and when none of that manifested for her, she was determined to make sure she could still walk around as if she had everything she could ever want. That need to keep the facade going is what drove her every decision and it had a ripple effect for Inés and for Ulises, who do not believe that the old ways that Perla clings to are the way things should remain. The book is as much about the way the town makes its occupants act as it is about the secrets the Inclán family had managed to keep in the boardinghouse they own.
What I found most interesting was the Notes at the end of the book, the part where Moreno-Garcia explains that a Mexican novel like this one which focuses on customs and habits of a particular society are called novelas costumbristas. The Intrigue has a large focus on the society that is seen in Puerco Ahogado, the fictional town this book is set in. As much as this story focuses on these three characters, the town itself and the way these people have to work to fit into it is another character altogether. The town has this family in a stranglehold that has kept them tied up for decades and the only way to fix it is to escape. I loved seeing everything come to light, the way Perla was raised and how she turned around and treated everyone in her life. The novel focuses mainly on the 1943 storyline and it goes between our three leads as narrators. Whenever Perla was the focus, there was a lot of information given about the past for the family, the expectations they had and what happened to Perla and her siblings. The more that was revealed, the more I wanted to know, which is exactly what you want in a book like this. The villain of the book is not who I thought it would be but when the ending hit and they got their comeuppance, it made me grin. I still smile and chuckle a little each time I think about the ending.
This is another great from Silvia Moreno-Garcia. If you're a fan, this is another to add for your collection. I still have a few novels to get for my shelf to be complete so I'll be working on that for when The Intrigue is ready to join them.
Rating on my scale: 10 Stars. If you like a good noir, this is a highly recommended and respectable read. Even if you are not a fan of the genre, this could be the book that makes you one. I know I'll be looking into reading a few more noirs this year. I'll also be on the lookout for the next release from Silvia Moreno-Garcia, whenever that comes for us readers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Intrigue is a bold shift from the supernatural and gothic tones I usually associate with Silvia Moreno-Garcia. Instead of haunted mansions or mythic darkness, this novel leans fully into a slow-burning, psychological noir—an intimate, tension-filled story about deception, class, power, and survival. Set in 1940s Mexico, it blends historical atmosphere with a domestic thriller structure, where secrets simmer behind polite smiles and every relationship feels like a transaction.
While I personally still gravitate more toward Moreno-Garcia’s fantasy and horror works, I found myself drawn into this story in a quieter, more unsettling way. It doesn’t rely on shocking twists or dramatic spectacle. Instead, it creeps forward, tightening its grip with each chapter, building unease through small choices, stolen glances, and carefully hidden motives. True to its title, the novel unfolds like an intricate game—one where no one is fully in control.
At the heart of the story is Ulises Linares, a handsome, charming con artist who learned his trade from his father. His life has always been built on lies, letters, and borrowed affection, but after a failed scheme leaves him desperate and nearly ruined, he sets his sights on what he believes will be his final, perfect con. That plan leads him to Perla, the owner of a modest boardinghouse in a quiet town, who seems like an easy mark from a distance.
But once Ulises arrives, the story quickly proves that nothing is simple.
Perla lives with her niece, Inés—a young woman trapped by duty, poverty, and an unspoken longing for escape. Ulises’ presence unsettles the fragile balance of the household and sparks suspicion from Candido, a local man who has long been attached to Perla and begins digging into Ulises’ past. When Inés uncovers the truth about Ulises’ intentions, the novel takes a sharp turn. Instead of exposing him, she considers joining him—believing the con might be her only way out.
What none of them anticipate is that Perla herself is far from helpless. Beneath her rigid manners and stern exterior is a woman shaped by loss, bitterness, and secrets of her own. The power dynamics begin to shift, and the original scheme collapses into something far more dangerous. Every character becomes both predator and prey, and the question is no longer who is lying—but who will survive the truth.
Moreno-Garcia’s writing is lush, controlled, and quietly devastating. The setting feels alive, soaked in tension and suffocating social rules. The town watches, judges, and whispers, turning ordinary interactions into high-stakes encounters. The themes of class division, gender roles, ambition, and repression are woven seamlessly into the narrative, giving the story emotional and political weight.
I’ll admit that I didn’t fully connect with the characters, and I struggled at times to care about their fates. They often felt distant and morally cold. However, the strength of the writing, the carefully balanced pacing, and the way the plot coils into a powerful climax completely won me over. The ending—and especially the epilogue—felt sharp, satisfying, and haunting in its implications.
Even though this isn’t my favorite Moreno-Garcia novel, it is still a compelling, stylish, and immersive noir that rewards patience. It’s the kind of story that lingers, not because of shock, but because of the quiet cruelty and longing that drive it.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Del Rey for sharing this intriguing thriller’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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While I personally still gravitate more toward Moreno-Garcia’s fantasy and horror works, I found myself drawn into this story in a quieter, more unsettling way. It doesn’t rely on shocking twists or dramatic spectacle. Instead, it creeps forward, tightening its grip with each chapter, building unease through small choices, stolen glances, and carefully hidden motives. True to its title, the novel unfolds like an intricate game—one where no one is fully in control.
At the heart of the story is Ulises Linares, a handsome, charming con artist who learned his trade from his father. His life has always been built on lies, letters, and borrowed affection, but after a failed scheme leaves him desperate and nearly ruined, he sets his sights on what he believes will be his final, perfect con. That plan leads him to Perla, the owner of a modest boardinghouse in a quiet town, who seems like an easy mark from a distance.
But once Ulises arrives, the story quickly proves that nothing is simple.
Perla lives with her niece, Inés—a young woman trapped by duty, poverty, and an unspoken longing for escape. Ulises’ presence unsettles the fragile balance of the household and sparks suspicion from Candido, a local man who has long been attached to Perla and begins digging into Ulises’ past. When Inés uncovers the truth about Ulises’ intentions, the novel takes a sharp turn. Instead of exposing him, she considers joining him—believing the con might be her only way out.
What none of them anticipate is that Perla herself is far from helpless. Beneath her rigid manners and stern exterior is a woman shaped by loss, bitterness, and secrets of her own. The power dynamics begin to shift, and the original scheme collapses into something far more dangerous. Every character becomes both predator and prey, and the question is no longer who is lying—but who will survive the truth.
Moreno-Garcia’s writing is lush, controlled, and quietly devastating. The setting feels alive, soaked in tension and suffocating social rules. The town watches, judges, and whispers, turning ordinary interactions into high-stakes encounters. The themes of class division, gender roles, ambition, and repression are woven seamlessly into the narrative, giving the story emotional and political weight.
I’ll admit that I didn’t fully connect with the characters, and I struggled at times to care about their fates. They often felt distant and morally cold. However, the strength of the writing, the carefully balanced pacing, and the way the plot coils into a powerful climax completely won me over. The ending—and especially the epilogue—felt sharp, satisfying, and haunting in its implications.
Even though this isn’t my favorite Moreno-Garcia novel, it is still a compelling, stylish, and immersive noir that rewards patience. It’s the kind of story that lingers, not because of shock, but because of the quiet cruelty and longing that drive it.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Del Rey for sharing this intriguing thriller’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
medium blog
December 7, 2025
Silvia is a masteress of her writing craft and she nails it with her upcoming noir! She is unapologetically writing and publishing non-western narratives that truly inspire new authors. In her latest, The Intrigue the atmosphere is not focal on horror but a setting of mystery and desire. Your heart is still pounding to figure out the answer and you will find yourself needing to devour each page as much in one sitting as you can. However – the ambience to find the answer is less to settle our fears but to discover this spiral of a mystery. For those readers that love Silvia’s vivacious horror – you will not be dissatisfied, because she provides that same level of imagery throughout this narrative. Truly a gift from Silvia that extends that her craft is not defined by one genre and applies to the various ways writing will make you rethink the paradigm of common colonized centric narratives.
Like her other novels this is of course a time period piece. The historical fiction aspect of Silvia’s writing is one I hope that never changes. It sets her writing apart because it shows her depth of research and passion to fully understand the elements of the time and what that looked like in Mexico. The protagonist is moody and I picture each scene in almost a sepia tone. The protagonist will have you questioning her actions, yelling at her through the pages, and wondering why she never fully grasps the consequences. Or maybe you will find yourself siding with the protagonist’s series of choices.
This fictional town in Mexico is written to highlight what the experience looked like in this noir setting. The complexity of personalities that are dependent on colonial expectations outside of pointing out the hypocrisies colonialism extends unto the character’s lives. There is quite a bit of character building that I think this noir allowed Silvia to explore and further enhance without the horror backdrop. My only gripe with this novel and that at times the pacing was slow for the noir. But in the conclusion, I would argue that it is a satisfying end. Thank you Netgalley and Del Ray for this advanced digital copy. 4.5 rounded up!
For more Arc impressions, reviews, and more, please visit my blog, Brujeria’s Library at, https://brujerialibrary.wordpress.com/
Like her other novels this is of course a time period piece. The historical fiction aspect of Silvia’s writing is one I hope that never changes. It sets her writing apart because it shows her depth of research and passion to fully understand the elements of the time and what that looked like in Mexico. The protagonist is moody and I picture each scene in almost a sepia tone. The protagonist will have you questioning her actions, yelling at her through the pages, and wondering why she never fully grasps the consequences. Or maybe you will find yourself siding with the protagonist’s series of choices.
This fictional town in Mexico is written to highlight what the experience looked like in this noir setting. The complexity of personalities that are dependent on colonial expectations outside of pointing out the hypocrisies colonialism extends unto the character’s lives. There is quite a bit of character building that I think this noir allowed Silvia to explore and further enhance without the horror backdrop. My only gripe with this novel and that at times the pacing was slow for the noir. But in the conclusion, I would argue that it is a satisfying end. Thank you Netgalley and Del Ray for this advanced digital copy. 4.5 rounded up!
For more Arc impressions, reviews, and more, please visit my blog, Brujeria’s Library at, https://brujerialibrary.wordpress.com/
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Last year, I read two of Moreno-Garcia's books, 'Mexican Gothic' and ' Gods of Jade and Shadow' and really enjoyed both. She writes really well so requesting an ARC for The Intrigue was a no-brainer.
I love her brand of speculative fiction/magic realism/fantasy so I was a bit disappointed early into The Intrigue when I realised this novel would not be in that vein. But a few chapters in I didn't care anymore because I was hooked on this new brand of realism. The things I loved in her previous books are still here: she's created a deeply immersive and sensory Mexican setting, a decaying, genteel home and once-flourishing family; her ability to create unsettling, intense atmospheres remain, in this hot, claustrophic, tense town; The Intrigue is compulsive reading like her other books, a real romp that you can't put down.
What she's really outdone herself with here is characterisation. Her characters are flawed, often unlikeable, plotting entrapment, murder or plain basic meaness. But each character makes complete sense - you know them, you understand them, you completely get why they are like that, and you are made to feel sympathy for them. Moreno-Garica has completely got the psychology of these characters and it's so well done. I stayed with this book for the characters and the author's skill as a writer. There are more twists and turns in this book than her other novels I've read, but they're well done and ramp up the tension, suspense and general horror of being stuck in a life you're desperate to escape.
Read this book if:
- you like Moreno-Garcia's other novels
- you want a well-crafted small-town, historical (in this case, WW2) Mexico setting
- you want to read about a confidence trickster Romeo who fleeces women or an oppressed, repressed and wounded woman who grows up to oppress and repress and wound others
- you love brilliantly formed characters who are flawed and very, very real
- you like slow-burn romance
- you enjoyed Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel, especially the themes of family honour, lack of freedom and oppression
- you want drama, murder, poison, dancing, pain
- you want to feel completely in the dark about how the novel will end
- you want to read a really well written book
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC
I love her brand of speculative fiction/magic realism/fantasy so I was a bit disappointed early into The Intrigue when I realised this novel would not be in that vein. But a few chapters in I didn't care anymore because I was hooked on this new brand of realism. The things I loved in her previous books are still here: she's created a deeply immersive and sensory Mexican setting, a decaying, genteel home and once-flourishing family; her ability to create unsettling, intense atmospheres remain, in this hot, claustrophic, tense town; The Intrigue is compulsive reading like her other books, a real romp that you can't put down.
What she's really outdone herself with here is characterisation. Her characters are flawed, often unlikeable, plotting entrapment, murder or plain basic meaness. But each character makes complete sense - you know them, you understand them, you completely get why they are like that, and you are made to feel sympathy for them. Moreno-Garica has completely got the psychology of these characters and it's so well done. I stayed with this book for the characters and the author's skill as a writer. There are more twists and turns in this book than her other novels I've read, but they're well done and ramp up the tension, suspense and general horror of being stuck in a life you're desperate to escape.
Read this book if:
- you like Moreno-Garcia's other novels
- you want a well-crafted small-town, historical (in this case, WW2) Mexico setting
- you want to read about a confidence trickster Romeo who fleeces women or an oppressed, repressed and wounded woman who grows up to oppress and repress and wound others
- you love brilliantly formed characters who are flawed and very, very real
- you like slow-burn romance
- you enjoyed Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel, especially the themes of family honour, lack of freedom and oppression
- you want drama, murder, poison, dancing, pain
- you want to feel completely in the dark about how the novel will end
- you want to read a really well written book
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If you're looking for a terrifying book about witches or haunted haciendas or dark curses, well … this is not it. This is a very different sort of Moreno-Garcia novel, as there's not one bit of horror or supernatural shenanigans to be found within its pages. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but somehow I missed the “historical fiction” tag on NetGalley (because let's be honest, I saw Moreno-Garcia's name and immediately smashed that request button without reading much else), so I was very confused for a whole bunch of pages. Then I saw the author's note on Goodreads and … oh. Oops.
Anyway, The Intrigue is a dark, slow burn of a novel filled with incredibly unlikeable characters. I'm not even sure who I was supposed to be rooting for because they were all pretty deplorable. I think I'm on Team Dog, because the dog was kind of barky but otherwise decent. The main characters you feel sorry for at times, but there was not a one of them that truly deserved a happy ending.
But still. This was entertaining and it definitely kept me reading. There's subterfuge and scheming and alley sex and murder and romance, and it's all pretty great. The pacing is slow but it's certainly not boring. And, I mean, there's a dog so that's always a plus. Also, the setting is fantastic and you almost feel as if you're there in the small, oppressive Mexican mountainside town with the characters.
Did I enjoy this as much as Moreno-Garcia's horror novels? Eh, perhaps not, but that speaks more to my love of horror than anything about this book. This isn't a scary read, but it's still delightfully dark and twisted.
3.85 stars, rounded up.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Del Rey for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is July 14, 2026.
Anyway, The Intrigue is a dark, slow burn of a novel filled with incredibly unlikeable characters. I'm not even sure who I was supposed to be rooting for because they were all pretty deplorable. I think I'm on Team Dog, because the dog was kind of barky but otherwise decent. The main characters you feel sorry for at times, but there was not a one of them that truly deserved a happy ending.
But still. This was entertaining and it definitely kept me reading. There's subterfuge and scheming and alley sex and murder and romance, and it's all pretty great. The pacing is slow but it's certainly not boring. And, I mean, there's a dog so that's always a plus. Also, the setting is fantastic and you almost feel as if you're there in the small, oppressive Mexican mountainside town with the characters.
Did I enjoy this as much as Moreno-Garcia's horror novels? Eh, perhaps not, but that speaks more to my love of horror than anything about this book. This isn't a scary read, but it's still delightfully dark and twisted.
3.85 stars, rounded up.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Del Rey for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is July 14, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
(3.75-4 stars) A solid and gripping 1940s noir thriller; as competent and immersive as Moren0-Garcia's work ever is, and this one felt particularly cinematic, which I guess is somewhat by design and by influence. Tense and claustrophobic everywhere you turned, I think the choice to set almost all of it in the boarding house was definitely the right one, because it ended up exacerbating this massively and it made it much easier to sympathise with Inés's desperation to escape. Thematically very strong when it came to the stifling and oppressive nature of tradition (particularly upper-class patriarchal tradition and family 'honour') and the violence and hysteria that can erupt out of years of repression and desperation and disappointed hopes. I felt perhaps it could have stood to be slightly longer, as I have to say the leaps from plan to plan sometimes felt hasty... perhaps we could have seen more attempts from Ulises to get hold of Perla's accounts before he and Inés turned to attempting to kill her? Some of the side characters like Encarnación and Bartolo, and Nepomuceno to an extent, were explored pretty well, but others were more or less just functional, which was a little bit of a shame because when we did get them in more detail, I was pretty interested in them, and perhaps more of people like Perla's best ('best'?) friend and the priest might have helped us understand in more detail Perla's horror at being judged by the town beyond her outdated ideas of class dignity. The odd clunky line threw me slightly, and I felt that a lot of Perla's motivations should have been left to implication or suggestion for much longer than was the case... but on the whole I really enjoyed it and found it readable and compelling.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Set in Mexico in 1943, The Intrigue by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a deliciously atmospheric noir that completely gripped me. It felt like a love letter to the old classic detective fiction and the Golden Age of cinema, it is very filmic and it carries all the charm, danger, and moral grayness I was hoping for.
Ulises is a handsome lonely-hearts con artist in Mexico City whose luck is running out. After losing his father (and partner in crime) and botching his latest scheme, he’s desperate for a win. So he heads to a small town in Veracruz to meet Perla, a boardinghouse owner he plans to charm, marry, and rob. Simple plan right? What could go wrong?
Things get complicated fast. Perla isn’t the naïve spinster Ulises expects, and her sharp, restless niece Inés quickly becomes the most interesting wild card in the story. When Inés discovers Ulises’ con, she doesn’t turn him in, she wants in. What follows is a slow-burn tangle of secrets, desire, ambition, and shifting power dynamics that kept me glued to the page. Garcia Moreno really captures the essence of noir here, it gave me major Patricia Highsmith vibes and in the best possible way.
The small-town setting is a great choice, beneath the polite manners and gossip-filled streets are scandals, resentments, and long-buried secrets just waiting to surface. Moreno-Garcia absolutely excels at showing how much darkness can hide behind respectability.
Stylish, sexy, and full of tension, The Intrigue is a noir where seduction is the ultimate weapon and no one is quite who they seem. I loved every minute of it. #pudseyrecommends
Thank you to Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore, and NetGalley for the ARC.
Ulises is a handsome lonely-hearts con artist in Mexico City whose luck is running out. After losing his father (and partner in crime) and botching his latest scheme, he’s desperate for a win. So he heads to a small town in Veracruz to meet Perla, a boardinghouse owner he plans to charm, marry, and rob. Simple plan right? What could go wrong?
Things get complicated fast. Perla isn’t the naïve spinster Ulises expects, and her sharp, restless niece Inés quickly becomes the most interesting wild card in the story. When Inés discovers Ulises’ con, she doesn’t turn him in, she wants in. What follows is a slow-burn tangle of secrets, desire, ambition, and shifting power dynamics that kept me glued to the page. Garcia Moreno really captures the essence of noir here, it gave me major Patricia Highsmith vibes and in the best possible way.
The small-town setting is a great choice, beneath the polite manners and gossip-filled streets are scandals, resentments, and long-buried secrets just waiting to surface. Moreno-Garcia absolutely excels at showing how much darkness can hide behind respectability.
Stylish, sexy, and full of tension, The Intrigue is a noir where seduction is the ultimate weapon and no one is quite who they seem. I loved every minute of it. #pudseyrecommends
Thank you to Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore, and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance reader copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.*
The Intrigue follows Ulises in 1940s Mexico as he works as a con artist to charm lonely women via letters to steal their money. Ulises is handsome but he knows his looks won’t last forever and he wants a real fortune that will give him a future. He goes to stay with Perla, his next victim and she owns a small boardinghouse in Veracruz. Perla has a niece, Inés who hates Perla and wants to escape her aunt’s house. Inés discovers Ulises’ intentions with her aunt and wants in on the scheme. The hope is for Perla to marry Ulises so him and Inés can take her money. Perla doesn’t make it easy though as she has secrets of her own and a simple plan becomes complicated when Ulises sees another side to Inés.
I really enjoyed this book and that’s no surprise to me because I’ve loved the majority of this author’s books. The writing was great as is typical for Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s books. The atmosphere was so good and there is a vibe to this author’s books that I just can’t describe. I liked following each character as this is told from Perla, Inés and Ulises’ point of view. All 3 of these characters are very complex as I hated Perla but she was still a fascinating character. Inés and Ulises are bad people for scheming against Perla but I still found myself rooting for them. This book is very different from this author’s last release, The Bewitching and it is more similar to Untamed Shore. I’m giving this 4.5 stars rounded up to a 5.
The Intrigue follows Ulises in 1940s Mexico as he works as a con artist to charm lonely women via letters to steal their money. Ulises is handsome but he knows his looks won’t last forever and he wants a real fortune that will give him a future. He goes to stay with Perla, his next victim and she owns a small boardinghouse in Veracruz. Perla has a niece, Inés who hates Perla and wants to escape her aunt’s house. Inés discovers Ulises’ intentions with her aunt and wants in on the scheme. The hope is for Perla to marry Ulises so him and Inés can take her money. Perla doesn’t make it easy though as she has secrets of her own and a simple plan becomes complicated when Ulises sees another side to Inés.
I really enjoyed this book and that’s no surprise to me because I’ve loved the majority of this author’s books. The writing was great as is typical for Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s books. The atmosphere was so good and there is a vibe to this author’s books that I just can’t describe. I liked following each character as this is told from Perla, Inés and Ulises’ point of view. All 3 of these characters are very complex as I hated Perla but she was still a fascinating character. Inés and Ulises are bad people for scheming against Perla but I still found myself rooting for them. This book is very different from this author’s last release, The Bewitching and it is more similar to Untamed Shore. I’m giving this 4.5 stars rounded up to a 5.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In full transparency, Silvia Moreno-Garcia is one of my favorite authors. I read all of her works as they come out these days, and she has done nothing to discourage that behavior!
Be forewarned that this does not have fantastical elements like some of her work, and is not horror. This is a historical noir drama.
Set in the 1940s, the war in Europe looms over Mexico city like a dark banner. Our charming, handsome con-man Ulises is quickly running out of cash and his mistakes are beginning to catch up with him. Having turned to scamming widows via "Lonely Hearts" letters after the death of father, he is looking for a big score, and a way out of the city.
The way out is Perla, the mistress of a dilapidated great house, a moldering monument to her families' once impressive legacy. Like the house, Perla is frozen in time, encased by the rotting trappings of wealthy, of class, of incomprehensible rules of propriety and etiquette. She has trapped her orphaned niece Ines with her, selfishly locking her in the same cycle which imprisoned Perla herself. Ulises will have to tread carefully, as Ines is as alluring and she is clever, and is willing to ask all the questions of him that Perla will not.
True to genre conventions, no one here is "the hero." Noir fiction explores darker and more cynical motivations, and all the sex and violence that come with that. Ulises, Ines and Perla are all complicated people, with desires they are desperate to sate.
A slow-burn, but true to it's name, full of intrigue. Big recommend from me -- see you at the next one!
Be forewarned that this does not have fantastical elements like some of her work, and is not horror. This is a historical noir drama.
Set in the 1940s, the war in Europe looms over Mexico city like a dark banner. Our charming, handsome con-man Ulises is quickly running out of cash and his mistakes are beginning to catch up with him. Having turned to scamming widows via "Lonely Hearts" letters after the death of father, he is looking for a big score, and a way out of the city.
The way out is Perla, the mistress of a dilapidated great house, a moldering monument to her families' once impressive legacy. Like the house, Perla is frozen in time, encased by the rotting trappings of wealthy, of class, of incomprehensible rules of propriety and etiquette. She has trapped her orphaned niece Ines with her, selfishly locking her in the same cycle which imprisoned Perla herself. Ulises will have to tread carefully, as Ines is as alluring and she is clever, and is willing to ask all the questions of him that Perla will not.
True to genre conventions, no one here is "the hero." Noir fiction explores darker and more cynical motivations, and all the sex and violence that come with that. Ulises, Ines and Perla are all complicated people, with desires they are desperate to sate.
A slow-burn, but true to it's name, full of intrigue. Big recommend from me -- see you at the next one!
December 19, 2025
Thank you NetGalley, Del Rey, Random House Worlds, and Inklore for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of The Intrigue by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. This novel is to be published on July 14, 2026.
Ulises is a con-man though not as clever as his father. His latest mark is Perla, the owner of a boarding house in Veracruz. However, her niece, Inés, has her own intentions to escape her aunt’s control and teams with Ulises. Is Ulises and Inés conning Perla? Is Perla the con?
No one can paint a picture with her words as vividly as Silvia Moreno-Garcia. It’s a moody, psychological read with bits of dark humour and surprising raw vulgarity.
The story is mostly told in 1940’s Mexico though we do revisit the past. Perla’s failed relationship is explored and how it relates to the rise and fall of her father’s business. We learn of her relationship with her siblings and how that relates to the present circumstances. It’s a story about dated traditions that families uphold and the classism during that time period.
Though it reads at a slow pace, the story progresses perfectly. The development and growth of the characters is exceptionally well-done. What you initially think of the characters, as you proceed, changes dramatically. It's an intriguing read from start to finish that's just as timeless and classic as the other books the author has written.
Ulises is a con-man though not as clever as his father. His latest mark is Perla, the owner of a boarding house in Veracruz. However, her niece, Inés, has her own intentions to escape her aunt’s control and teams with Ulises. Is Ulises and Inés conning Perla? Is Perla the con?
No one can paint a picture with her words as vividly as Silvia Moreno-Garcia. It’s a moody, psychological read with bits of dark humour and surprising raw vulgarity.
The story is mostly told in 1940’s Mexico though we do revisit the past. Perla’s failed relationship is explored and how it relates to the rise and fall of her father’s business. We learn of her relationship with her siblings and how that relates to the present circumstances. It’s a story about dated traditions that families uphold and the classism during that time period.
Though it reads at a slow pace, the story progresses perfectly. The development and growth of the characters is exceptionally well-done. What you initially think of the characters, as you proceed, changes dramatically. It's an intriguing read from start to finish that's just as timeless and classic as the other books the author has written.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
1940s Noir Detective Fiction Set in Veracruz, Mexico
Ulises has the looks of a movie star, but he is a con man who romances women and steals their money. His next mark is Perla, who runs her family’s boarding house, along with the help of her niece Inés. Perla never married, and now that both of her parents have died, her duty to care of her parents is over and she’s ready for marriage. But Perla is much smarter than Ulises had thought, and she has secrets of her own. Inés is a wild card, forced to live with and take care of her aunt instead of living the life she wants.
This is a great noir con man story, with multiple layers and revelations throughout the book. I didn’t know where this was going because the story was always pushing forward in new directions with new obstacles, and it changed who I was rooting for in the book. I really loved how the story unfolded and ended. I also really liked the depiction of Mexico in the 1940s, both with the lush description of the fictional mountain town of Puerco Ahogado, and the frustration that women have little say in the direction of their lives. This is my first book by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and I’ll be adding more of her books to my TBR. 4.5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Del Rey for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ulises has the looks of a movie star, but he is a con man who romances women and steals their money. His next mark is Perla, who runs her family’s boarding house, along with the help of her niece Inés. Perla never married, and now that both of her parents have died, her duty to care of her parents is over and she’s ready for marriage. But Perla is much smarter than Ulises had thought, and she has secrets of her own. Inés is a wild card, forced to live with and take care of her aunt instead of living the life she wants.
This is a great noir con man story, with multiple layers and revelations throughout the book. I didn’t know where this was going because the story was always pushing forward in new directions with new obstacles, and it changed who I was rooting for in the book. I really loved how the story unfolded and ended. I also really liked the depiction of Mexico in the 1940s, both with the lush description of the fictional mountain town of Puerco Ahogado, and the frustration that women have little say in the direction of their lives. This is my first book by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and I’ll be adding more of her books to my TBR. 4.5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Del Rey for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a sizzling delight of a novel about a handsome con artist who gets more than he bargained for when the frustrated niece of one of his targets wants a cut of the loot.
In 1940s Mexico, Ulises has graduated beyond lonely heart letters where he cons women out of money to in-person cons, looking for a big payout. But he may have met his match in the wily Perla and her stubborn niece Ines. While Perla responds to Ulises' attention, she's not exactly showering him with money. Meanwhile, Ines desperately seeks a way out of the house, where a controlling Perla treats her poorly, thinking that her lot is to care for her until her death, when she'll inherit the house. Ines isn't sure she wants to wait that long.
This story takes a sweeping view of one family's history that shaped them into the people they are now. I especially enjoyed the flashbacks with Perla and her sister, where a reversal of fortunes has contributed to Perla's bitterness and hardness.
I really enjoyed this one, but be warned, there are no saints to root for here. Each character is complicated, morally grey and makes some questionable choices along the way through their desperation to survive and get what they feel's owed them. It's still a thoroughly enjoyable romp with some great twists along the way.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance review copy of this book.
In 1940s Mexico, Ulises has graduated beyond lonely heart letters where he cons women out of money to in-person cons, looking for a big payout. But he may have met his match in the wily Perla and her stubborn niece Ines. While Perla responds to Ulises' attention, she's not exactly showering him with money. Meanwhile, Ines desperately seeks a way out of the house, where a controlling Perla treats her poorly, thinking that her lot is to care for her until her death, when she'll inherit the house. Ines isn't sure she wants to wait that long.
This story takes a sweeping view of one family's history that shaped them into the people they are now. I especially enjoyed the flashbacks with Perla and her sister, where a reversal of fortunes has contributed to Perla's bitterness and hardness.
I really enjoyed this one, but be warned, there are no saints to root for here. Each character is complicated, morally grey and makes some questionable choices along the way through their desperation to survive and get what they feel's owed them. It's still a thoroughly enjoyable romp with some great twists along the way.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance review copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I admire Silvia Moreno-Garcia for her distinctive voice and her willingness to explore unconventional corners of life. Her work is consistently atmospheric and thoughtfully constructed, though not every novel resonates equally with me. I ultimately set aside Silver Nitrate because I felt I lacked the background in Mexican horror cinema to fully appreciate its nuances. Her stories are often rooted in Mexico, and while that sense of place can sometimes feel distancing, it can also be immersive and rewarding.
With The Intrigue, Moreno-Garcia turns her attention to 1940s noir. Noir, at its best, invites readers to revel in moral ambiguity and deeply flawed characters—but it also depends on emotional investment, even if that investment takes the form of fascination or disdain. Unfortunately, I found myself disconnected from nearly every character. With the exception of the drunken professor and the dog, I disliked them all and felt no real stake in their fates. By the end, I was more relieved than satisfied to close the book.
That said, Moreno-Garcia’s skill remains undeniable. The atmosphere is vivid, and her prose is crisp and precise. These strengths were enough to keep me marginally engaged, even when the characters failed to do so. Three stars for its craftsmanship and mood, and I remain hopeful that her next project will connect with me more deeply.
With The Intrigue, Moreno-Garcia turns her attention to 1940s noir. Noir, at its best, invites readers to revel in moral ambiguity and deeply flawed characters—but it also depends on emotional investment, even if that investment takes the form of fascination or disdain. Unfortunately, I found myself disconnected from nearly every character. With the exception of the drunken professor and the dog, I disliked them all and felt no real stake in their fates. By the end, I was more relieved than satisfied to close the book.
That said, Moreno-Garcia’s skill remains undeniable. The atmosphere is vivid, and her prose is crisp and precise. These strengths were enough to keep me marginally engaged, even when the characters failed to do so. Three stars for its craftsmanship and mood, and I remain hopeful that her next project will connect with me more deeply.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Del Rey, the author and Netgalley for the ARC opportunity. I don’t have a ton of experience reading noirs so I went into this with an open mind, knowing I’ve enjoyed every other book by this author. The noir pieces of the plot, the uncovering was a nice and slow meander. You’re always allowed to live in the daily structure of the narrative and of the characters and become fully immersed. If this is what the genre feels like I will have to add more noir to my TBR! Ulises is a study in trying to live a life you know but also trying to do it in a way that’s unique to you. His path might have been one that was carved and taught, however as he tries to find his own way in it, he comes up against Perla and ines. Both have their own agenda and their own secrets. As does every one in the house from the professor to perla’s financial confidant. I do like the way the characters develop in this story. Ulises journey and the comparison of him to his father is interesting as a plot device. It’s like what happens when you embark too quickly on a path; when the little voice whispers you may be in over your head but desperation keeps you rooted. Ines becomes this unexpected part of the plot as her own traumas are uncovered. It’s classically Moreno Garcia but unique.
February 6, 2026
The Intrigue by Silvia Moreno‑Garcia ended up being just okay for me. I’ve read several of her books, and she tends to be hit or miss and this one landed somewhere in the middle. She’s great at noir atmosphere and setting the scene, but it took me a while to settle into the story, and I struggled to stay consistently engaged.
Set in 1940s Mexico, the book follows Ulises, a mysterious lodger who arrives at an inn with a con in mind: he plans to pursue Perla, the aunt of Inés. Inés quickly realizes what he’s up to and decides she wants in on his plan. Their dynamic becomes the center of the story , an unusual, evolving relationship that goes in some unexpected directions. I liked the potential there, but I wished it had been developed even further.
Overall, this felt like a bit of a departure from some of Moreno‑Garcia’s other work I’ve read, more in line with Velvet Was the Night than Mexican Gothic. It’s a slow‑burn, noir tinged mystery that I think will work well for readers who enjoy atmosphere and character tension. It just wasn’t a standout for me.
Thank you to Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore, and NetGalley for the e‑ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Anticipated Release Date- July 14, 2026
Set in 1940s Mexico, the book follows Ulises, a mysterious lodger who arrives at an inn with a con in mind: he plans to pursue Perla, the aunt of Inés. Inés quickly realizes what he’s up to and decides she wants in on his plan. Their dynamic becomes the center of the story , an unusual, evolving relationship that goes in some unexpected directions. I liked the potential there, but I wished it had been developed even further.
Overall, this felt like a bit of a departure from some of Moreno‑Garcia’s other work I’ve read, more in line with Velvet Was the Night than Mexican Gothic. It’s a slow‑burn, noir tinged mystery that I think will work well for readers who enjoy atmosphere and character tension. It just wasn’t a standout for me.
Thank you to Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore, and NetGalley for the e‑ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Anticipated Release Date- July 14, 2026
December 10, 2025
I would like to thank the publisher, the author, and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this so much! If you enjoy dramatic books about bad people doing bad thing and falling in love with bad characters this is the book for you.
Silvia Moreno-Garcia sets such a vivid setting and atmosphere in this novel that transports you back to 1943 Mexico, it gives you the feeling of reading a classic gothic thriller. The story moves at the perfect pace allowing you to appreciate certain discoveries even if you were able to figure them out before the characters.
My favourite part of the book were the characters and how well developed they are. The book is told from 3 different POVs and surprisingly each of the POVs pull their own weight and didn't drag the story down. Ines was my favourite character, loved how we got to see and feel what she was going through as a woman of that time and place.
I recommend picking this up when it's released, I think it has a broad appeal.
I enjoyed this so much! If you enjoy dramatic books about bad people doing bad thing and falling in love with bad characters this is the book for you.
Silvia Moreno-Garcia sets such a vivid setting and atmosphere in this novel that transports you back to 1943 Mexico, it gives you the feeling of reading a classic gothic thriller. The story moves at the perfect pace allowing you to appreciate certain discoveries even if you were able to figure them out before the characters.
My favourite part of the book were the characters and how well developed they are. The book is told from 3 different POVs and surprisingly each of the POVs pull their own weight and didn't drag the story down. Ines was my favourite character, loved how we got to see and feel what she was going through as a woman of that time and place.
I recommend picking this up when it's released, I think it has a broad appeal.
December 7, 2025
Gracias a Netgalley porque sin ellos tendría que esperar hasta el otro año para poder leer a mi favorita
Otro noir, otra excelente historia que atrapa desde las primeras páginas, una historia sobre un chico que saca provecho de mujeres que buscan el amor a través de correspondencia y una familia en un pueblo donde las apariencias, habladurías y buenos modales lo son todos
Una historia dramática, emocionante, con personajes grises y como ya es costumbre en las historias de Silvia con contexto histórico que es lo que complementa y enriquece sus novelas
Me tenía tan atrapada que no quería deja
r de leer, como siempre que amo un libro tengo mucho que decir pero me cuesta plasmarlo solo diré Silvia por favor nunca dejes de escribirporque necesito seguir leyendote en muchos géneros, con grandes personajes y diferentes épocas de México!
Otro noir, otra excelente historia que atrapa desde las primeras páginas, una historia sobre un chico que saca provecho de mujeres que buscan el amor a través de correspondencia y una familia en un pueblo donde las apariencias, habladurías y buenos modales lo son todos
Una historia dramática, emocionante, con personajes grises y como ya es costumbre en las historias de Silvia con contexto histórico que es lo que complementa y enriquece sus novelas
Me tenía tan atrapada que no quería deja
r de leer, como siempre que amo un libro tengo mucho que decir pero me cuesta plasmarlo solo diré Silvia por favor nunca dejes de escribirporque necesito seguir leyendote en muchos géneros, con grandes personajes y diferentes épocas de México!
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