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I received an advance copy via NetGalley.

The Seventh Veil of Salome is a fascinating work of historical fiction that juxtaposes the dark drama behind set of 1950s Hollywood with the tale of Salome from 2,000 years ago. The greater focus is on Hollywood in the era of epic swords-and-sandals films, as a young Mexican woman, Vera, is cast as Salome. She isn't even aware of her enemy, Nancy, who was snubbed for the role. The two are opposites in many ways. Vera is a dreamer, compassionate, tired of living in her sister's shadow. Nancy is ambitious, manipulative, certain of what she deserves. Around them are friends and studio insiders whose voices emerge in brief, insightful chapters that hint of a horrible tragedy to come.

Meanwhile, there is the interspersed tale of Salome herself. I enjoyed reading about that era and setting of history, though I wished there'd been more explanation about certain things. The plot plows onward, a fast read, but sometimes it felt too fast, and I was left wanting.

I won't give away spoilers, but the book itself does that from a bit too early on. I'd hoped for more twists at the end, but everything played out as it had been telegraphed.

This is still a fantastic read, with deep studies of character and cringe-inducing insights into the rampant sexism and casual racism of Hollywood and society at large (the microaggressions of Vera's family are horrific in the realism).