Book Review: "The Hacienda" - A Chilling Haunt with Gothic Tropes

The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas

Rating: 4.5/5

Genre(s): Gothic, Paranormal, Mystery, Horror, Fantasy, Adult

Synopsis: San Isidro was supposed to be Beatriz’s safety, her dream, but it quickly becomes her living nightmare. Plagued by an angry spirit and hidden secrets alike, the hacienda is out to get Beatriz. In a desperate attempt to save herself and her new home, Beatriz turns to Padre Andrés for help, but will they be able to save the home and it’s inhabitants before it’s too late?

Review: If you like intense suspense and ghost stories, then this is the perfect read! As part of an annual book exchange between me and a friend last Christmas, this book found its way I to my hands. I wasn’t sure I was going to like the premise or the protagonist at first, but Cañas’s writing is enchanting. Her prose is beautiful, and she manages to set the scene with airs of mystery, romance, horror, and more. In terms of a murder mystery, it’s there, but I personally found it kind of obvious; that being said, I think the plot is supposed to center around the haunting of the hacienda and the tormented sport, less so the mortal murders and figuring out “whodunnit.”

You can’t help but be invested in Andres and Beatriz’s relationship either. It’s a slow-burn but a comfortable/sweet relationship, and their adventure together is definitely memorable and page-turning. A bit of advice though: don’t do what I did and read this book before bed.

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This Book Review was originally posted on Instagram on February 11, 2023.