Muñeca by Cynthia Gómez (Putnam)

Let’s be real: most gothic novels are just the same old ghost in a different dress. Muñeca is different because it’s grounded in the dirt of 1968 Oakland. You’ve got Nati, a queer Latine witch who isn’t looking for destiny; she’s looking for a payday. She cons her way into a rich family’s mansion to "cure" their heiress, and that’s where the real horror starts. It’s not just about magic; it’s about the rot of colonial wealth and the ghosts that come with it.

The pacing is a slow burn, and if you’re looking for a quick thrill, this might feel a bit heavy. But the character work is solid. These aren't tropes; they’re people with bad habits and baggage they can't shake. The writing is lean and doesn't waste time on flowery nonsense. It’s direct, a bit cynical, and deeply human.

"Love wasn't a refuge; it was the sharpest tool she'd ever held."

Read this if you want a story that feels like a fever dream but has the brain of a social critique. Skip it if you want something "cozy" or a typical "chosen one" arc. This is for the ones who like their magic with a side of grit.

4/5

If you liked this, try these:

• The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas
• Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia