Mayra - ARC

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for giving me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Where do I begin with this book?

Mayra is Nicky Gonzalez’s 240-page debut novel about a gothic tale of childhood friendship renewed. Childhood friends Ingrid and Mayra grew apart when they went to college and left their toxic relationship behind. Now, Mayra is back in town with a new boyfriend and she wants to reconnect in an old mansion in the middle of the Florida Everglades.

Told in first person, the narration feels introspective but verges on the side of dull in places. At least once a chapter, I found myself skimming until it picked up again.

It’s a quick read that feels too fast, as if the characters weren’t developed enough. Mayra will be available on 7/22/2025 for $28 in hardback through Random House Publishing.

2/5 Stars