The Bewitching
Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré

Mexican Gothic

After receiving a frantic letter from her newly-wed cousin begging for someone to save her from a mysterious doom, Noemí Taboada heads to High Place, a distant house in the Mexican countryside. She’s not sure what she will find—her cousin’s husband, a handsome Englishman, is a stranger, and Noemí knows little about the region.

Noemí is also an unlikely rescuer: She’s a glamorous debutante, and her chic gowns and perfect red lipstick are more suited for cocktail parties than amateur sleuthing. But she’s also tough and smart, with an indomitable will, and she is not afraid: Not of her cousin’s new husband, who is both menacing and alluring; not of his father, the ancient patriarch who seems to be fascinated by Noemí; and not even of the house itself, which begins to invade Noemi’s dreams with visions of blood and doom.

Her only ally in this inhospitable abode is the family’s youngest son. Shy and gentle, he seems to want to help Noemí, but might also be hiding dark knowledge of his family’s past. For there are many secrets behind the walls of High Place. The family’s once colossal wealth and faded mining empire kept them from prying eyes, but as Noemí digs deeper she unearths stories of violence and madness.

And Noemí, mesmerized by the terrifying yet seductive world of High Place, may soon find it impossible to ever leave this enigmatic house behind.

More Adult, Non-Juvenile Books

  • In Miss Austen, Cassandra Austen returns to Kintbury two decades after the death of her sister, Jane, determined to uncover a cache of Jane's letters that contain hidden secrets about both sisters. As she navigates the challenges of her surroundings, Cassandra must decide whether to reveal the intimate details of her life or protect her sister's legacy. This poignant tale intertwines memory and discovery, offering a fresh perspective on the life of a woman deeply connected to one of literature's most beloved figures.
  • After decades of marriage, Jenny feels the urge to reclaim her independence, leading her to secretly join the competitive world of Britain Bakes. As she navigates the pressures of the show, memories of long-buried secrets resurface, threatening to unravel her life with Bernard. Can Jenny find the balance between her newfound passion for baking and the delicate truths of her past?
  • Music and Mind by Renée Fleming explores the therapeutic benefits of music and arts therapies in addressing various health conditions, including pain relief and anxiety reduction. Drawing on her advocacy experience, Fleming invites insights from leading experts, examining the intersection of evolution, brain function, and technology in the arts and health sector. This groundbreaking work highlights the burgeoning interest in how the arts can enhance well-being, supported by recent advances in brain imaging and research initiatives.
  • My Cousin Momo tells the story of a flying squirrel who visits his excited cousins. Despite his quirky games and reluctance to fly, they learn to embrace Momo's unique ways, discovering that differences can lead to fun and friendship.