What I Liked:

The history presented in "Death of a Nationalist" by Rebecca Pawel is truly captivating. I've read numerous works set during or around World War II, but this was my first encounter with a novel set in Francoist Spain right after the Spanish Civil War. It was fascinating to gain insights into the nature of the conflict through the eyes of regular citizens who were essentially at the mercy of historical forces. The author skillfully humanizes both the anti-Francoist and pro-Franco characters, making it easy for the reader to empathize with their struggles. The flawed primary character, Carlos Tejada Alonso y Leon, a sergeant in the Guardia Civil, adds another layer of complexity to the story. Unlike the typical detective in such novels, he is not a paragon of virtue but a fully developed and humanly flawed individual who makes mistakes in his investigation. The writing in this novel is also of a high caliber. Despite a relatively simple plot, Pawel's ability to construct beautiful descriptive sentences and develop her characters makes up for it. Whether she's描绘 a plaza in Madrid, the emotions of a traumatized character, or a scene of brutal violence, her writing is at the level of excellent literary fiction.

What I Didn't Like:

While I enjoyed the historical aspects of the novel, I felt that there could have been more in-depth exploration of the broader ideologies and historical events that surrounded the narrative. The author mainly focuses on the experiences of her characters, which sometimes overshadows the larger context. I would have liked to see more about the Spanish Civil War as a whole to better understand the lives of the characters. Other authors I've read have done a better job of balancing the personal and the historical, providing a stronger foundation for the reader to engage with the story.

Final Verdict:

"Death of a Nationalist" is a thoroughly enjoyable crime mystery that offers a unique perspective on the Spanish Civil War and Francoist Spain. The flawed protagonist, excellent writing, and engaging story make it a must-read for fans of historical fiction and mystery novels. I'm already looking forward to seeing what sergeant Tejada will do in the next installment of the series.

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This is an extremely detailed and superbly written historical fiction detective story.

It offers a truly enjoyable means to gain a smattering of knowledge about Spanish history.

The story is filled with intricate plotlines and engaging characters that draw the reader in and keep them hooked from start to finish.

As the detective navigates through the mysteries and clues, the reader is also taken on a journey through different periods of Spanish history, learning about the culture, politics, and social norms of the time.

The author's attention to detail is remarkable, creating a vivid and immersive world that feels both真实 and captivating.

Whether you are a history buff or simply a lover of good detective stories, this book is sure to satisfy.

It provides an entertaining and educational experience that will leave you eager to learn more about Spanish history and the fascinating world of historical fiction.

Overall, it is a must-read for anyone looking for a unique and engaging literary experience.

DEATH OF A NATIONALIST (Historical Novel/Mystery) – EX

Rebecca Pawel – 1st book

Set in Madrid in 1939, the city is in the aftermath of the bitter civil war. The Nationalists, supported by the fascists, and the Republicans, supported by the communists, have both committed atrocities. At this moment, with the Republicans having surrendered and the Guardia Civil starting to impose order in the ruins of Madrid, Carlos Tejada Alonso y Leon, a Sergeant in the Guardia Civil, discovers the body of his best friend. His friend, a hero of the siege of Toledo, has been shot to death on a street named Amor de Dios. Naturally, a Red is suspected. And it seems easy for Tejada to assume that the woman caught kneeling over the body is the killer. But as doubts begin to creep in, Tejada decides to conduct a further investigation.

This is an extraordinary and poignant book. It stirs up anger at the actions of mankind throughout the centuries that have led to war and atrocities. However, it is also a very well-written story. It presents the dual perspectives of Tejada, the Nationalist, and Gonzalo Llorente, the Republican, as well as the internal conflict within Tejada himself when he realizes that the woman he killed was innocent. The descriptions are brutally honest, yet the book is excellent and truly deserving of having received an Edgar. It offers a deep and thought-provoking look into a dark period of history.

The immediate post-Spanish Civil War setting of just conquered Madrid in mid-1939 offers a captivating backdrop for an engrossing story.

The protagonist, a Guardia Civil sergeant and a committed supporter of the fascist Nationalist victors, adds another layer of complexity to the narrative.

Carlos Tejada discovers the murder of a fellow police Guardia and shoots the Red woman he believes is responsible. However, as the story unfolds, he gradually realizes that corruption and the black market may have been the real motives behind the killing.

The interaction between the victors and the defeated is portrayed realistically, adding depth and authenticity to the story.

This combination of a historical setting, a complex protagonist, and a mystery plot makes for a truly engaging and thought-provoking read.

GREAT BOOK!

This is truly a remarkable piece of literature that offers a wonderful and in-depth look into life under Franco. It provides a vivid and detailed portrayal of the era, allowing readers to gain a better understanding of the social, political, and cultural context of that time.

If you've ever had the opportunity to visit or study in Spain, you will surely appreciate this book even more. As you read, you will likely recognize the streets and places that the characters inhabit, adding an extra layer of authenticity and connection to the story.

The author's writing style is engaging and captivating, drawing you in from the very beginning and keeping you hooked until the end. The characters are well-developed and complex, each with their own unique personalities and motives.

Overall, this is a must-read book for anyone interested in Spanish history, culture, or simply a good story. It is a powerful and thought-provoking work that will leave a lasting impression on you.

Soho Crime press has once again delivered a fab book.

The story is set just after the Spanish Civil War. While the book does provide some information, a reader might find it beneficial to have a bit more background knowledge about that particular period than what the book prepares you for.

Nevertheless, it is still a solid read. The plot is engaging and the characters are well-developed. The series as a whole is definitely worth maintaining.

Readers who enjoy mysteries and historical fiction will likely find this book to be an enjoyable addition to their collections.

Soho Crime press continues to produce high-quality books that keep readers coming back for more.

A fairly entertaining thriller that takes place in the days after Madrid has fallen to the forces of Francisco Franco. The story unfolds in a tense and动荡的 backdrop, with the city in a state of chaos and uncertainty. However, the characters in the novel are a bit flat. They lack depth and complexity, making it difficult for the reader to fully engage with them. Additionally, the prose is uninspired, lacking the vividness and elegance that would have made the story even more captivating.

Despite these flaws, the book is still worthwhile if you enjoy the era and the genre. It offers a glimpse into a significant period in Spanish history and provides an exciting and thrilling read. The plot is engaging, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. So, if you're a fan of historical thrillers set in the Spanish Civil War, this book is definitely worth checking out.

I don't often bestow five stars upon a book. And when I do, I find myself at a loss for words. It appears that criticizing is far simpler than offering praise. Criticism has this air of sounding well-versed and wise, as if one has seen it all, perceived the flaws with a discerning eye, and has read far superior works. On the other hand, praise seems to be mere gushing, like fluff, with statements like "I liked this" and "I liked that."

However, in the case of this particular book, I truly cannot help but express my genuine admiration. It has managed to touch something within me, to engage my mind and emotions in a profound way.

So, despite my initial hesitation and lack of confidence in expressing praise, I must say that I really liked this book. It has left an indelible mark on my reading experience, and I would highly recommend it to others.

I hope that more people will have the opportunity to discover the beauty and value within its pages and be as moved as I have been.

An interesting read

I truly enjoyed the story of Sargent. It was not only engaging but also provided a fascinating glimpse into the political aspects of life in Spain during those years. The author did a great job of painting a vivid picture of the era, filled with its unique challenges and intrigues.

I found myself completely immersed in the narrative, eagerly following Sargent's every move. His adventures were both thrilling and thought-provoking, making me wonder what other surprises lay in store for him.

I hope there are more adventures with this character. I can't wait to see where his journey takes him next and how he will navigate the complex political landscape that surrounds him.

Overall, this was a great read that left me wanting more. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a touch of mystery and adventure.

Nicely done first mystery.

It is set in the days following the end of the Spanish Civil War. During this time, the tensions between Franco supporters and the vanquished Republicans were extremely high. People were so on edge that they would shoot first and ask questions later.

Carlos Tejada, a member of the feared Guardia Civil, finds himself with the task of solving the murder of a friend. He makes many mistakes along the way, but the real pleasure of the novel lies in those moments when he finally gets it right.

As he delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies that threaten to tear apart the already fragile fabric of society.

Will he be able to solve the case and bring the killer to justice, or will he become another victim of the violence and chaos that plagues the country?

Only time will tell in this thrilling and suspenseful mystery.

This is an extremely interesting novel that takes the form of a detective story or murder mystery. It is set at the conclusion of the Spanish Civil War in 1939, when General Franco's nationalists came to power. The novel follows the journey of Tejada, an officer in the Guardia Civil (Police), as he investigates the death of a colleague.

The novelist has set a rather challenging task for herself by making the protagonist a policeman representing a totalitarian and Fascist regime. In our current context, where the role of the police is often heavily condemned, it becomes even more difficult to have sympathy for the character. The novel opens with Tejada killing someone in cold blood who happened to be at the crime scene, setting the tone for the story.

Leaving this aspect aside, the novel is well-paced. As new characters are introduced, the reader is constantly kept guessing about who might be the true perpetrator of the crime. I also felt that the setting of the novel, with hunger and fear being commonplace in bombed-out Madrid, and Tejada's detective work, which seems to rely a lot on pure luck and many mistaken identities, was very realistic and believable.

While you don't necessarily need to have a deep understanding of the Spanish Civil War to follow the plot of the novel, you might miss some of the more subtle references. Personally, I would have liked to see more exposition about these in the novel.

The ending was quite unexpected, although it felt a bit rushed and some of the loose ends were resolved a bit too neatly.

But overall, it is an interesting read for someone who enjoys mystery novels.

The first installment of the all-too-brief series showcases Guardia Civil Lt. Carlos Tejada and his "Red" love interest, Elena Fernandez, set at the conclusion of the Spanish Civil War. Carlos grapples with reconciling his Fascist political beliefs with his fundamental integrity. Meanwhile, Elena battles against her growing attraction to a man who embodies everything she loathes. As the story unfolds, we witness the evolution of their complex relationship.

Not only do we have the turmoil of their romance, but there's also a captivating mystery to solve. It's a well-crafted enigma that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. The combination of the love story and the mystery makes this first part of the series truly engaging.

We can't help but be drawn into the lives of Carlos and Elena, rooting for them to find a way through their differences and solve the mystery that lies before them. This series has the potential to be a real page-turner, and we're eager to see what comes next.