The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas
4 Stars
My Review
The Hacienda is a gothic romance horror novel set in the aftermath of the Mexican War of Independence. Beatriz marries Rodolfo in hopes of securing her future, but she soon discovers that something sinister lurks behind the walls of her new home, Hacienda San Isidro. The estate carries a dark mystery tied to the disappearance of Rodolfo’s first wife—and Beatriz quickly realizes that she may be next.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was the dual POVs between Beatriz and Andrés. Through Andrés, we see the history of the house and how it fell under its evil influence, while Beatriz’s perspective places us right in the middle of its horrors. This balance gave such a rich view of the story and made the haunting feel all the more real.
I adore a good haunted house, and this one had everything I wanted: malevolent presences, blood written on the walls, decaying bodies, and chilling whispers in the dark. The atmosphere was exactly the kind of gothic, spine-tingling tension I look for in fall reads.
Beatriz, as a protagonist, completely won me over. She is strong, stubborn, and fiercely independent—a woman determined to fight for herself and those she loves, even against forces beyond the grave. Her resilience and loyalty made me root for her from beginning to end.
And then there’s the romance. The subtle, forbidden slow-burn between Beatriz and Andrés was woven so beautifully into the narrative. By the time their connection fully unfolded, I was hooked—it felt both earned and inevitable.
The ending struck the perfect note for me. Both characters found freedom in different ways, following their passions and carving out their own paths. It was bittersweet yet satisfying, and I closed the book feeling content.
I gave The Haciend 4/5 stars. It did take me a little while to settle into the story, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down. With its blend of witchcraft, haunted houses, evil spirits, and a dash of romance, this book is the perfect gothic read for spooky season.
“When a man makes a promise, he makes it on his honor. When a witch makes a promise, they feel it in their bones.”
Isabel Cañas
Literary Pairings
Other Books by the Author
Some of the author’s other beloved titles include The Possession of Alba Díaz and Vampires of El Norte.
Literary Pairing
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia wonderfully takes classic gothic tropes—isolated estates, eerie atmospheres, and dark secrets—and weaves them into Mexican history, giving the story rich cultural and historical depth. While Mexican Gothic leans into psychological and body horror with a bold, witty heroine, The Hacienda mixes supernatural suspense with themes of faith, survival, and forbidden love. Together, they show just how timeless and delightfully fresh Gothic horror can be.
Shelf To Table
Tres Leches Cake: A light, airy sponge cake soaked in a luscious blend of three milks—evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. Topped with fluffy whipped cream and often a sprinkle of cinnamon or fresh fruit
“Our relationship was founded on one thing, and one thing only. My world was a dark, windowless room, and he was a door.”
Isabel Cañas