The Spanish Civil War was a complex and tragic event that had a profound impact on the people of Spain.

It was a time when different ideologies clashed, and families and friends were divided.

The war was not just a military conflict; it was also a struggle for the hearts and minds of the people.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Spanish Civil War is how the stories of the different participants were effectively interwoven.

We see the perspectives of both the Republicans and the Nationalists, and we learn about their hopes, fears, and dreams.

We also see how the war affected the ordinary people, who often found themselves caught in the middle.

Another important aspect of the Spanish Civil War is how it made people question their feelings towards their enemies.

In a war, it is easy to demonize the other side, but as we learn more about the individual stories, we realize that things are not always so black and white.

The Spanish Civil War was a reminder that even in the midst of conflict, there is always the possibility of understanding and forgiveness.

I have a deep affection for books that possess the remarkable ability to transport you into a particular era and moment in time. It's as if you can step right into the pages and experience everything firsthand. And this particular book truly accomplishes just that. From the very first page, it immerses you in a world with its own unique atmosphere, filled with vivid details and characters that come alive. The author's skillful writing creates a sense of authenticity that makes you believe you are actually living in that specific date and time. It's an absolute delight to read and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Whether you're a history buff or simply someone who enjoys a captivating story, this book is sure to satisfy. So, don't miss out on this wonderful literary gem.

The story presents great characters, especially the Guard Sargent, and a setting and time that vividly recalls the exotic Spain Civil War.

In the 1930s in Madrid, Franco was pitted against the Republicans, creating a police state with a 'Us or them' mindset.

Embedded within this mystery is an implausible love story that, remarkably, still manages to work despite the obvious conflicts of interest.

The way the author weaves together the historical backdrop and the personal dramas is truly captivating.

The details of the setting, from the political unrest to the everyday life of the people, add depth and authenticity to the story.

The characters are well-developed, with their own motives and desires, making it easy for the reader to become invested in their fates.

I'm so intrigued that I'm going on to the second one in the series, eager to see what new adventures and mysteries await.

Love this series,

especially Death of A Nationalist.

I have a great passion for reading anything that is set in Spain.

In this particular case, the author has done a truly fantastic job.

Despite the main character having flaws and holding the position of a feared Guardia Civil, the author manages to make us root for him.

The story is filled with complex characters and a richly detailed setting that brings Spain to life.

The author's ability to develop the main character and make us empathize with him, even though he may not be a traditional hero, is a testament to their writing skills.

Overall, this is a series that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys reading about Spain or complex characters in a thrilling story.

This article offers an entertaining and interesting mix of characters. The author has made a good effort to present a balanced view of a difficult time. However, the resolution is somewhat predictable. It was rather obvious, even to me, that it wasn't written by a Spaniard.

In sum, if you're in search of a light mystery set in a distinctive setting, then it's worth reading this. It has its charm with the diverse characters and the attempt to depict a challenging period. But don't expect a mind-boggling, unexpected resolution. It's a pleasant read that can keep you engaged for a while, especially if you enjoy mysteries that don't require too much deep thinking.

So, give it a try if you think it might be up your alley. You might just find it an enjoyable way to pass the time.

This is not your typical murder mystery.

It transports you to Franco's Spain and takes you inside a small slice of the terror that prevailed during that time.

The story is filled with casual murder, disappearances, and complex allegiances.

It offers a unique and captivating look into a dark period of history.

Reading it in the original Spanish would be an even greater experience, as it would allow you to fully immerse yourself in the language and atmosphere of the story.

The author's vivid descriptions and engaging narrative make this a must-read for fans of historical fiction and mystery.

Whether you are interested in learning more about Franco's Spain or simply looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking read, this book is sure to satisfy.

So, pick up a copy today and prepare to be transported to a world of danger, mystery, and intrigue.

I was initially leery of the fascist with a heart of gold tone that the books seemed to commence with. However, I was pleasantly astonished when Tejada emerged as a far more intricate character. He is neither a good fascist nor an outstanding detective. This, I believe, is part of what renders him a sympathetic figure. I was pleased, in a rather perverse way, that Pawel wasn't afraid to make Tejada an advocate for the Nationalist cause, and he frequently employs the violence and brutality that the Guardia Civil was renowned for.

I suppose this is the juncture where I should discuss moral ambiguity and the question of inherent decency and all that. But I don't think Tejada truly chafed under the power that the Guardia held. He appears to grapple much more when compelled to be a decent individual and a deficient Guardia. This is part of the reason why I like this book. Few of the characters are mere caricatures. Tejada is this complex person who happens to believe, with some misgivings, in the Nationalist cause. But ultimately, he is willing to betray some of his ideals for his belief in friendship, revenge, and perhaps atonement.

I don't read many detective stories, but this one hooked me immediately. I didn't want to care for a fascist, with "¡Viva la Republica!" and all. But I found that the writing and the authenticity of the characters made this a page-turner for me.

An interesting crime story set at a period of time rarely covered, in my experience. It truly stands out as something unique. The narrative unfolds in a way that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. It has a certain charm and mystery that is captivating.

Reminds me of the Bernie Gunther series in many ways. There are similarities in the style of writing and the atmosphere that is created. Both manage to transport the reader to a different time and place, filled with intrigue and danger.

The characters in this story are well-developed and engaging. Their actions and decisions drive the plot forward, making it a thrilling read from start to finish. I highly recommend this crime story to anyone who enjoys a good mystery set in an unusual time period.

I completed this concise book, and upon finishing, I had the distinct impression that I had overlooked something significant. As a result, I have a strong inclination to read it once more.

This book is truly remarkable, especially in these contemporary times. It delves deep into the themes of blind loyalty, nationalism, and the dangerous "us vs. them" mentality.

The author presents these complex ideas in a thought-provoking and engaging manner, making it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the human condition and the forces that shape our society.

By exploring these themes, the book challenges us to question our own beliefs and assumptions and to consider the consequences of our actions. It serves as a powerful reminder that we must strive to be more open-minded, empathetic, and inclusive in our interactions with others.

In conclusion, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a profound and enlightening read that will leave a lasting impression.

I gradually got pulled in by this book.

The story is set in Spain right after the civil war has come to an end. The war's impact is palpable everywhere: bombed-out buildings stand as silent witnesses, hunger stalks the land, unemployment is rampant, distrust festers, and anxiety fills the air. It's obvious that those who lost the war are enduring the harshest of times.

The narrative is presented from two perspectives. One is that of a Guardia civil, who is on the winning side of the civil war. The other is from the viewpoint of a communist who fought against Franco in the war and is now on the run, knowing that if caught, he will face execution.

The story is rich in atmosphere, and the plot holds a certain level of interest. However, the unfolding of the plot sometimes feels a bit rushed, and the ending doesn't seem entirely believable.

Unfortunately, for me, the characters and their actions weren't always highly credible. In particular, I had great difficulty understanding the moral code of the fascist protagonist. Given that he is a fascist, his actions and beliefs just didn't make sense within the context of the story.

On a positive note, I did like the fact that the protagonist realizes that the investigation he is conducting is of poor quality and that its course is determined by luck – whether it be bad luck or good luck, depending on one's perspective.

So, all in all, this book has some good points and some not-so-good ones. It earns a solid three stars.

The strengths of "Death of a Nationalist" are indeed the remarkable atmosphere and strong sense of place. Pawel masterfully captures the general paranoia and the unique landscape of Madrid at the conclusion of a civil war.

In this chaotic time, neighbours are filled with uncertainty, not knowing who they can truly trust. Sections of the population are being hunted and arrested, people are suffering from starvation, either becoming hardened or completely broken. The buildings and streets bear the scars of bullets and bombs, painting a vivid picture of destruction.

Sergeant Carlos Tejada is a complex lead character. He is a learned and cultured man, yet also a battle-hardened veteran. Capable of torturing prisoners and killing in cold blood, he is generally standoffish. However, he can also display moments of empathy and romance. This interesting mix creates an anti-hero who teeters on the limits of reader sympathy.

The other characters are decently written, but there is a lack of backstory regarding the Llorente family with whom Tejada becomes involved. Moreover, the plot can be a bit convoluted and thin at times, and the ending is mainly presented through an epilogue.

Nevertheless, considering its historical setting and the intriguing lead character, this first book in the series shows promise. I would definitely be interested in giving the second installment a read to see how the story progresses and if the author can further develop the characters and plot.

It is a captivating murder mystery that is set in Spain right after the conclusion of the civil war.

The question that looms large is: who killed the Guardia Civil? The main character, Sergeant Carlos Tejada, believes he has the answer and promptly executes the suspected person. However, as the story unfolds, he gradually comes to realize (as the reader already knows) that he has made a grave error. How he grapples with this realization forms the core of the novel.

There are two aspects that make this book truly stand out. Firstly, the landscape is vividly描绘. You can almost feel the atmosphere of Madrid in the book, with all its fear, pain, and uncertainty. The author skillfully teases out the shortages of basic goods, as well as the availability of the black market for those with the right kind of money (i.e. not Republican). She also lays out the deep-seated hatred that the two sides had for each other - in fact, it was more than just hatred; there was a sense of disdain. Moreover, she brings out how everyone is extremely cautious about what they say and what emotions they allow to show, even with their supposed allies.

Secondly, the character complexity is remarkable. Through Tejada, you can sense the ideology of the Spanish civil war. He is absolutely cold-blooded when it comes to Republicans or anyone who is not fully in line with Franco and the Nationalist cause. Some of the most fascinating parts of the novel are his encounters with people who have different ideological perspectives and how he feels about them. He even has to find ways to rationalize why he helps some people and not others.

I have added this book to my collection of political mysteries, with the intention of using it for a class I will teach someday. Exactly when that will be, I have no idea. But I am certain that it will make for a thought-provoking and engaging discussion.