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3 Stars

This chilling 3 Star atmospheric, period piece, thriller started with such promise but, did not finish strong.

SUMMARY
Beautiful, intelligent, ahead of her time, Noemi is a very pampered 1950's Mexico City socialite who spends her days at university soaking up knowledge and her nights at glamorous parties, flirting with men. In her father's opinion, her whole purpose in life should be pursuing a husband and finding a suitable marriage. But Noemi? She has other plans. While she is not opposed to marriage, she wanted a masters degree and some independence before she could even think seriously about it.

One day, her father received a very disturbing letter from her cousin, Catalina. Noemi and Catalina had always been very close since they were raised as sisters after Catalina's partners died when she was young. Not quite a year ago, Catalina was married after a whirlwind romance. Immediately after the wedding, her handsome, charming husband, Virgil, whisked her of to High Point, his remote family mountain estate, a long train ride away from Mexico City. The letter from a mentally and physically ailing Catalina caused such concern that Noemi is sent to investigate Catalina's situation.

After the long train ride, Noemi is picked up in the small village and driven up the steep, heavily wooded, mist covered mountain to the family estate. Virgil's family made their fortune mining silver. They were once exceptionally wealthy, but due to the Mexican Revolution and other factors, the mines have not been running for the past several years. Noemi is out rightly shocked by the condition of the home. Although is was obviously once quite opulent, it is now falling apart. Think the Munster's or Adams Family houses. Very foreboding!! To make matters worse, the electricity is insufficient making the house cold and dark almost all the time. And, Howard, the family patriarch, is ill so the house and its residents are to remain quiet at all times. It doesn't take Noemi long to realize that something is very wrong at this house. And it seems more wrong every day she remains at High Point.

Noemi is faced with quite a dilemma, everyone at High Point insists that Catalina is just fine and that she must stay with her husband, but Noemi isn't buying it. She needs to find a solution, and quickly. She absolutely wants to get away from High Point as soon as possible. Something is just not right about that place!!!

WHAT I LOVED
This book started with sooooo much promise!! The build up to the mystery of Catalina's unusual illness and the secrets locked inside the house were fantastic! Plus, the house and surrounding area was so well written. I can totally picture it in my mind.

There was a lot going on in the book as far as sexism, racism and classism. Although she was educated, determined and intelligent, all the men in the book continuously belittled Noemi, acting like she had no decision making ability. Every decision, for both Catalina and Noemi, needed to be made by either Virgil or Noemi's dad. Howard, the family patriarch had old books on eugenics. There was such a backward, messed up vibe at High Point. It was fascinating to see what has and has not evolved over the past seventy years.

The plot started so darn strong!! I was beyond thrilled to be reading this story and with each turn of the page, my excitement grew. I have been waiting for this publication date for months! I was dying to find out all the secrets the house held. Until... It slowed down after Noemi arrived at High Place.

WHAT I DIDN'T LOVE
I didn't get the explanation of what was happening in the house. I'm not sure if I just didn't understand it or if I didn't believe it, but it was a huge let down. I was so looking forward to this book. It kind of felt like getting a pair of socks for Christmas when I was expecting a new iPhone. The ending was bizarre, but not in a good way. I don't think I'm doing a good job trying to convey my thoughts on it but the big reveal lost me. Additionally, there were some places that were just too slow!

OVERALL
Maybe worth reading just for the descriptions of High Place and the initial suspense. I cannot say I loved it.