The Intrigue by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

 

Silvia Moreno-Garcia can be counted on to write a moody, noir book that is both rich in characters and has an attention-grabbing plot. Her books Mexican Gothic and The Bewitching are two of my favorites. The Intrigue, while not containing that magical realism touch, looks into the heart of a grifter and makes one root for him to get his big payoff.

Ulises, an aging con artist, needs to make a quick exit from 1940s Mexico City. Usually preying on lonely women through letters, he decides to take the next step and meet Perla, his intended target. Moving into the boardinghouse she runs in Veracruz, Ulises goes to work charming her. Perla isn't a pushover, however, and her niece, Ines, sees through Ulises' scheme and demands to be let in on the scam. As things get more complicated, Ulises begins to question his decisions and wonders if involving himself in Perla's life was a good idea. Seeing no way out, Ulises is caught between Perla and Ines, with few options.

This is a beautifully written and imaginative story. The three main characters are, at times, both sympathetic and conniving. They are well matched in terms of what they want and their determination to get it. Their deceptions--to themselves and to others--make for a good tale. 

4/5 stars.

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