I could be wrong because I never watched House of Cards, but this book felt like Mexican House of Cards. The prose is great, I like Fuentes' writing style enough that I finished this book despite not being gripped by the plot. I imagine this book would land better with someone more familiar with the quirks of Mexican politics. I looked at some reviews for this book earlier and someone commented about the letter format being contrived and I have to say I agree. Overall this book was fine, but I can't think of anyone I know to whom I'd recommend it.