The Seventh Veil of Salome

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A young woman wins the role of a lifetime in a film about a legendary heroine—but the real drama is behind the scenes in this sumptuous historical epic from the author of Mexican Gothic.

1950s Hollywood: Every actress wants to play Salome, the star-making role in a big-budget movie about the legendary woman whose story has inspired artists since ancient times.

So when the film’s mercurial director casts Vera Larios, an unknown Mexican ingenue, in the lead role, she quickly becomes the talk of the town. Vera also becomes an object of envy for Nancy Hartley, a bit player whose career has stalled and who will do anything to win the fame she believes she richly deserves.

Two actresses, both determined to make it to the top in Golden Age Hollywood—a city overflowing with gossip, scandal, and intrigue—make for a sizzling combination.

But this is the tale of three women, for it is also the story of the princess Salome herself, consumed with desire for the fiery prophet who foretells the doom of her stepfather, Herod: a woman torn between the decree of duty and the yearning of her heart.

Before the curtain comes down, there will be tears and tragedy aplenty in this sexy Technicolor saga.“Using a kaleidoscope of perspectives, Silvia Moreno-Garcia skillfully depicts the rise of a starlet in 1950s Hollywood, capturing not only the glamour of poolside parties but also the sordid underbelly of the industry. That alone would be a great read, but she also weaves in the original story of Salome, adding rich layers to a story that bubbles with anticipation and will leave you spellbound.”—Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Spectacular

“I’ve been a huge Silvia Moreno-Garcia fan since her sensational Mexican Gothic, but this epic of 1950s Hollywood really hits my sweet spot. A pensive Mexican ingenue becomes the talk of Tinseltown when she lands the part of Salome in a big-budget sword-and-sandal biblical epic; meanwhile, a jealous starlet schemes to steal her place in the spotlight. Against their splashy soundstage drama, the real Salome (or is she?) tells her own story of love, revenge, and betrayal. The Seventh Veil of Salome is absolutely not to be missed!”—Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Diamond Eye

“I’ve long been a fan of Silvia Moreno-Garcia. To me, she’s one of the most versatile, quirky, and interesting writers around. In The Seventh Veil of Salome, she reveals—veil by veil—layers of emotion, character, the Bible, and Hollywood. What a fun and compelling dance!”—Lisa See, New York Times bestselling author of Lady Tan’s Circle of WomenSilvia Moreno-Garcia is the author of Silver Nitrate, The Daughter of Doctor Moreau, Mexican Gothic, and many other books. She has won the Locus and British Fantasy Awards for her work as a novelist and the World Fantasy Award as an editor.US

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