This book attempts to spew out the "understanding both sides" garbage. However, one of the main characters is an avowed fascist who doesn't think twice about murdering others or watching murders. Somehow, after ruining a whole bunch of people's lives, he is supposed to end up as the representation of justice.

The so-called "mystery" plot of the story is neither truly mysterious nor surprising. Tejada, a self-admittedly terrible detective, adds to the lackluster nature of the narrative. The characters are initially described as cunning and tough, but then they make absurdly bad choices or "accidentally" give themselves away. There is no character consistency, the ethical framework is weak, and the plot is simply uninteresting.

It seems that the author has failed to create a engaging and thought-provoking story. The attempt to present a complex and morally ambiguous situation falls flat due to the inconsistent characterizations and the unconvincing plot developments. Overall, this book is a disappointment and fails to deliver on its potential.

What a truly interesting book!

I have very limited knowledge about the Spanish Civil War, which initially made the story line a bit challenging to follow. However, this book is more than worth the additional effort.

The characters are all delightfully flawed. There's the doctrinaire Sgt. Tejada, the obsequious Cpl. Jimenez, the bureaucratic Lt. Ramos, the despairing Carmen, and the selfishly single-minded Gonzalo.

Elena and Aleja are the only two characters that I really liked, yet I found all of them to be fascinating.

The plot and the setting are wonderful, but it is the characters that truly make this book shine.

The history of the Spanish Civil War is incredibly cruel. I can't help but wonder how Gonzalo would have reacted to the McCarthy era's persecution of Communists just a few years after the end of WWII.

It makes me think about how different historical events can have such a profound impact on people's lives and beliefs.

This book has definitely piqued my interest in learning more about both the Spanish Civil War and the McCarthy era.

I'm looking forward to exploring these topics further and seeing how they connect to the story and the characters in this book.

Overall, it's a great read that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in history, character-driven stories, or just a good book in general.

This is a very impressive first novel.

The story unfolds in a unique and captivating way, drawing the reader in from the very beginning.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own distinct personalities and motives.

The author's writing style is engaging and流畅, making it a pleasure to read.

The plot is full of twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat, eager to find out what happens next.

Despite being a first novel, it shows great maturity and talent on the part of the author.

Overall, this is a remarkable debut that promises great things for the author's future works.

I would highly recommend this novel to anyone looking for an exciting and thought-provoking read.

It is sure to leave a lasting impression.

In 1939, Madrid is severely affected by the aftermath of the Civil War.

It is thus not unexpected that when a young girl witnesses the murder of a member of the Guardia Civil, she drops her school notebook. Given that paper is rationed, the notebook becomes irreplaceable.

Consequently, upon returning home, her aunt makes the decision to take the risk of going out to retrieve the notebook.

The murdered man happens to be a friend of Sergeant Tejada Alonzo y Leon of the Guardia Civil, a committed fascist who is assigned to investigate the killing.

The setting and atmosphere are meticulously researched and vividly depicted in evocative detail.

Surprisingly, the story could just as easily be set in numerous war zones in the present day, highlighting the timeless nature of the themes of violence, loss, and the struggle for survival in the face of conflict.

This serves as a reminder that the consequences of war are universal and continue to impact people's lives long after the fighting has ceased.

The Spanish Civil War on the eve of WW II serves as the historical backdrop for this captivating mystery.

The complex and multifaceted characters in this story offer profound insights into fascism, communism, and the intricate interplay of personal and political loyalties within this volatile environment.

Carlos Tejada Alonso y Leon is a character who will immediately seize your attention from the very beginning. However, as you progress through the novel, you'll be continuously surprised by his actions and decisions.

This is the first installment in a series that features this fascinating character, promising many more adventures and revelations to come.

Prepare to be immersed in a world of mystery, intrigue, and historical significance as you follow Carlos Tejada Alonso y Leon on his journey.

I have had this book on my To-Read stack for quite some time.

Now, as I look back, I find myself wondering why I did not pick it up and read it sooner.

The perspective presented in this book is truly interesting. It is that of a dedicated Guardia Civil who is living in the aftermath of Franco's victory in the Spanish Civil War. This particular point of view is unique in my reading history, as I have never come across a story told from this angle before.

The main character, Tejada, is a complex and multi-faceted individual. He is both conflicted and flawed, which makes him all the more sympathetic. His initial error sets the plot in motion and it takes him nearly half of the book to recognize his mistake and start to move in the right direction.

Overall, this was a quick and riveting read that kept me engaged from start to finish. I am now eagerly looking forward to reading other entries in this series to see where the story will take me next.

The hardest part of war is waiting.

It is a time filled with uncertainty, anxiety, and anticipation. Soldiers on the front lines have to endure the long hours of waiting, not knowing when the next attack will come or what the outcome will be.

"I hope the fools also have their own gods." This statement reflects the desperation and the need for some form of hope or faith in the midst of chaos.

In war, people often look for something to hold onto, something that gives them the strength to carry on. Whether it is a religious belief, a sense of duty, or a hope for a better future, these things can provide a glimmer of light in the darkness.

However, war is a cruel and unforgiving reality, and not everyone will find the answers or the support they need. Some may lose their lives, while others may be left with physical and emotional scars that will last a lifetime.

Nevertheless, the human spirit is resilient, and even in the face of war, people continue to fight, to hope, and to believe.

The story that unfolds in the early days of Franco's regime is truly captivating.

It is a remarkable blend of elements such as intrigue, which keeps the readers on the edge of their seats, wondering what will happen next.

The mystery within the story adds an air of enigma, making it all the more compelling.

Human folly is also explored, showing the mistakes and weaknesses that humans are prone to.

And yet, amidst all this, there is a glimmer of human compassion, which provides a touch of warmth and hope.

Together, these elements create a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking, transporting the readers to a different time and place and making them experience a wide range of emotions.

It is a story that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.

Another book by a new author has caught my attention.

At first glance, I thought there were a few weak points. However, her description of life in Spain under the victorious Fascists/Nationalists is astonishingly realistic.

It immediately makes you understand the paranoia and fear that enveloped Madrid and other cities at the end of the Civil War.

The story begins with the murder of a Civil Guard member, followed by a lost notebook of a 2nd grade girl. Then, her aunt, who went to retrieve the book and was found crouching over the dead Civil Guard member, is also murdered.

Although it's not martial law, the people of Madrid can't walk freely. The aunt is presumed to have been a "Red" on the losing side of the war.

This sets off an investigation into the life and death of Civil Guard member Paco Lopez Perez. His friend Sergeant Tejada, who is in charge of the investigation, discovers that there are more layers to this death than meet the eye.

We also meet the fiance of the aunt, a devout Communist, who is trying to find out who killed her. So, we have dual storylines as everyone attempts to solve the mystery.

But there's more. There's a black market issue, corrupt Civil Guards, and even the beginning of a relationship between Sergeant Tejada and the 2nd grade girl's teacher. The teacher has lost her job just because she was questioned about the little girl in her class, such was the fear of the Civil Guard.

Overall, it's a good book. However, the ending feels a bit rushed. It should have lasted two chapters instead of cramming all the solutions into one combined chapter.

Despite this flaw, this first book of the series has made me eager to look for more in the Sergeant Tejada series.

Summer Snow is a truly captivating and unique piece of work.

From the moment I started reading my review of it, I was drawn into a world of vivid descriptions and emotions.

The story seems to unfold like a beautiful dream, with the author's words painting a picture that is both enchanting and thought-provoking.

The characters are well-developed, each with their own distinct personalities and motives.

As I delved deeper into the review, I found myself becoming more and more invested in their fates.

The plot is filled with twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat, never knowing what will happen next.

Overall, my review of Summer Snow left me with a sense of wonder and a desire to read more.

It is a work that truly stands out and is well worth the attention of any reader.

I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable and engaging reading experience.

As interesting as a mystery set in Madrid at the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War may be, the stage setting can't save a book without an ending.

The protagonist, Carlos, is a fine character. He has the potential to be a complex and engaging figure. However, he is unfortunately joined by a pantheon of clichéd men and women. Their presence detracts from the overall authenticity and depth of the story.

Carlos's development also suffers, possibly from a lack of another 75 pages. It is hard to believe that a civil war hardened member of the Guardia Civil, who executes a Communist woman with his pistol on page 16, would so quickly start sleeping with "Reds" and inviting them into his home. This rapid change in his character seems forced and unconvincing.

So, this novel is a good start for the author. The period, at least in English, is underdeveloped. There is a lot of potential to explore the historical context and the impact of the war on the characters. However, the author has to learn how to successfully wrap-up in 30 pages, or at least not dig the hole so deep. A satisfying ending is crucial for a good mystery novel, and the author needs to work on improving this aspect of their writing.

Death of a Nationalist is a captivating novel that is set in Madrid immediately following the Spanish Civil War.

Carlosizes Tejada, a Guardian Civil, unfortunately makes a tragic mistake. In a moment of confusion and grief over his friend's death, he shoots and kills an innocent woman whom he wrongly believes is responsible.

Soon after, Tejada realizes the enormity of his error and embarks on a quest for the truth. This pursuit takes him on a journey filled with multiple, unexpected turns and twists.

The book vividly portrays the hardships and turmoil that were left in the wake of the civil war. It also delves into the conflicting ideologies that existed between the two sides. As they must interact to solve the murder, the reader gets a sense of the complex and often tense atmosphere.

While the unfolding story was interesting and held my attention, my lack of knowledge about Spanish history and politics prevented me from fully investing in the intrigue.

However, if you are a true history buff and have a passion for politics, I firmly believe that you would thoroughly enjoy this book. It offers a unique perspective on a significant period in Spanish history and is sure to keep you engaged from beginning to end.