G.P. Putnam’s Sons (June 2, 2026)
Natalia’s grandmother was known to create spells for the highest bidder, no questions asked. Although she had been forbidden to have contact with her grandmother, as a young teen, Natalia disobeyed her mother’s orders and began an apprenticeship of sorts, learning the spells that her grandmother used to alarming effect.
After Natalia’s mother dies of a terminal illness, the family she worked for for decades, who unceremoniously fired her for missing too many days (to go to the doctor, of course), sent a simple bouquet and a week’s worth of pay. Natalia moved on from these tragic events, but did not forget.
So when she hears that Violeta, the daughter of that same wealthy family, has fallen ill to a mysterious illness, one that has left her in what appears to be a permanent coma, Natalia realizes that something supernatural might be at play. She jumps at the chance to be Violeta’s caretaker.
From there, Gomez takes us on a fascinating journey that continually surprises, scares, and infuriates the reader. This is a book that addresses settler colonization (doubly!), patriarchy, and the way that queer women have had to fight for their identity and ability to be themselves and love who they want to for such a long time.
Muñeca, which is the Spanish word for doll, delivers some of the best doll horror scenes I’ve ever read. Without spoiling how exactly the reader is introduced to a sentient doll, there are scenes that are delightfully comedic and extremely creepy involving the little pigtailed wonder and will sit in this reader’s head for a very long time.
Set in Oakland in the late ‘60s, Gomez makes full use of the social issues of the time, reflecting just how similar the political environment is to 2026. The scenes of queer joy and love are brilliantly realized, and while this is absolutely a gothic horror novel, it is also one that has plenty of hope, too.
Gomez builds everything to an incredibly satisfying final act that will have you gasping, cheering, and might even bring a tear to your eye.
Should you read it?
If gothic horror is your jam, then Muñeca belongs right on top of your TBR.
