I just could not get into this book.

It didn't seem horrible at first glance. However, as I delved deeper into it, I found it to be a bit labored and uninteresting.

The writing style felt forced, and the story didn't seem to flow naturally.

I tried to push through, but by the time I reached about 40 pages in, I just couldn't take it anymore.

I decided to give up and move on to something else.

Maybe this book just wasn't for me, but I'm glad I gave it a try.

There are so many other great books out there waiting to be discovered, and I'm excited to find the ones that will truly capture my imagination.

I truly had no knowledge whatsoever about the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s. The techniques employed by the Guardia Civil in dealing with the republicans properly horrified me.

It was extremely difficult for me to fathom what both sides had endured. Over the course of the novel, Tejada grew on me to some extent. At the end, he felt compelled to do all that he could for Aleja and her mother. Since I had already read Law of Return and The Watcher in the Pine, I was aware that he was indeed a good man. Perhaps that also contributed to my changing perception of him.

In this novel, it was very evident the fear that the defeated republicans felt. It was quite sad as we are not shown their bad deeds, only their suffering at the hands of the Franco regime. This lack of a balanced portrayal makes one sympathize more with the republicans and question the actions of the victorious side.

Overall, the novel has given me a new perspective on the Spanish Civil War and the complex emotions and experiences of those involved.

One in a series of mysteries set in post-civil war Spain.

This captivating mystery unfolds against the backdrop of a country still reeling from the aftermath of the civil war. The story takes readers on a thrilling journey through the streets and alleys of Spain, where secrets lurk around every corner.

The protagonist, a detective with a sharp mind and a tenacious spirit, is tasked with solving a complex case that has baffled the authorities. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he discovers a web of lies, deceit, and hidden motives.

With each clue he uncovers, the detective gets closer to the truth, but he also finds himself in increasing danger. Will he be able to solve the mystery before it's too late?

This mystery is not only a page-turner but also a vivid portrayal of post-civil war Spain, its people, and their struggles. It offers a unique perspective on a tumultuous period in history and keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

This was the first installment of this series that I had the pleasure of reading, and it truly left me with an insatiable desire to devour the rest, which I promptly did.

The story features a highly improbable detective as the hero. He is a Falangist detective serving in the National Guard in post-Civil War Spain during the 1940s. Complementing him is his adroit and intelligent wife, who is, most improbably, a former and defeated Republican school teacher hailing from Madrid.

The plot is truly captivating, although the romantic pairing may not be entirely believable. However, the setting is so vivid and realistic that it more than makes up for any minor shortcomings. It transports the reader back in time to a Spain still reeling from the aftermath of the civil war, with all its political tensions and social upheavals. Overall, it is a great read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for an engaging and thought-provoking mystery.

The work is irregular.

Well, the first half is okay, but then it loses its way.

And the final part is decidedly absurd.

What a pity.

This kind of irregularity makes it difficult for the reader to follow the author's train of thought.

The initial part shows some promise, but as it progresses, it seems to lack a clear direction.

The absurd ending further detracts from the overall quality of the work.

It's a shame that what could have been a good piece turned out this way.

Perhaps with more careful planning and editing, the author could have created a more coherent and engaging work.

As it stands now, it leaves the reader with a sense of disappointment.

This book is truly worth the read. It offers no major surprises, yet it holds a certain charm. If you have an interest in getting a taste of Madrid and Spain in the aftermath of their horrible civil war, then this book is definitely a keeper.

The author does a decent job of描绘 the atmosphere and the lives of the people during that tumultuous time. You can almost feel the pain and the hope that coexisted in the city.

Although it may not be the most thrilling or action-packed book, it provides a valuable insight into a significant period of Spanish history. It's a great choice for those who want to learn more about the country and its people.

Overall, if you're looking for a book that will transport you to a different time and place, and give you a better understanding of Madrid and Spain after the civil war, then this is the one for you.

What first caught my attention about this book was its setting.

It is set in Spain, specifically Madrid, just after their Civil War. Franco is in power, and the people are near starving. The city is trying to recover from the war. A young school girl witnesses the murder of a Civil Guard, who is essentially a military force entrusted with civilian peacekeeping and police duties. In her run home, she loses her school notebook.

Enter Civil Guard Carlos Tejeda Alonso y Leon. He discovers that his best friend has been murdered, and the young girl's aunt, a Red during the war, is there to retrieve her niece's notebook. Tejeda executes the aunt on the spot.

Yes, as the reader, we are asked to like a Franco supporter who shoots a "suspect" without collecting evidence. Pawel's work here is what I would call more of an attempt at a literary mystery, not a hardboiled or parlor room tale. We meet the remainder of the little girl's family and get what I consider a light introduction to the complicated politics of the country and Madrid at the time.

Tejeda does evolve a little over the course of the book, and he becomes more likeable and a bit more nuanced in his portrayal. There are three books that followed this one.

Note: from the library discard box.

I really liked this story.

The plot was great, full of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat.

The characters were well-developed and interesting, each with their own unique personalities and motives.

However, there was a slight historical mistake at the very end. Italy didn't actually declare war on Great Britain until 1940, not when it was stated in the story. But I have to admit that I'm being very picky in saying this.

Overall, it was a great read and I would highly recommend it to others.

I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next.

This work is not the best mystery, nor is it the best description of Franco's Spain. It truly feels as if a golden opportunity to pen something far more vivid and engaging has been squandered.

The setting, rather than being a seamless backdrop that enriches the story, appears to be an artificial stage constructed solely for the unfolding of the plot. It lacks the authenticity and depth that one would expect from a work set in such a significant historical period.

The mystery aspect, too, fails to grip the reader's attention as firmly as it should. The twists and turns seem forced and predictable, lacking the element of surprise that is essential for a truly captivating mystery.

In conclusion, while the idea behind this work may have held promise, the execution leaves much to be desired. There is potential here, but it has not been fully realized, resulting in a story that falls short of expectations.

The book presents a captivating background that is set in Madrid shortly before World War II.

It offers a vivid portrayal of a city on the brink of major upheavals. The characters within the story are truly engaging, with the protagonist standing out as someone who is more than worthy of having additional books dedicated to their adventures and experiences.

The historical background provided is not only informative but also extremely compelling. It delves deep into the high cost of the Spanish Civil War, both in terms of human lives lost and the vast amount of material destruction that occurred.

Readers are drawn into this world, experiencing the turmoil and challenges faced by the characters against the backdrop of this significant historical event.

The book manages to blend an interesting narrative with a rich historical context, making it a must-read for those interested in history and engaging stories alike.

This was the debut novel of a very interesting series.

The series is set in revolutionary Spain, which was truly an interesting time.

In this era, Spain was undergoing significant social and political upheavals.

The story likely explores the lives and struggles of the people during this tumultuous period.

Readers can expect to be immersed in a world filled with passion, conflict, and change.

The debut novel serves as an introduction to this captivating series, leaving readers eager to discover more about the characters and their adventures in revolutionary Spain.

It offers a unique perspective on a historical period that is both fascinating and relevant.

Overall, this series has the potential to be a thrilling and engaging read for those interested in history, adventure, and drama.

I'm an extremely passionate fan of history/mystery books.

This brutally honest and vivid portrayal of the arduous hardships endured during the Spanish Civil War is truly captivating and difficult to set aside.

It presents a highly complicated story that demands more than just a cursory glance.

One simply can't breeze through it.

However, on the other hand, I have a penchant for savoring a writer's unique style.

Consequently, I naturally tend to read at a slower pace, allowing myself to fully immerse in the details and nuances of the narrative.

This way, I can better appreciate the author's craftsmanship and the depth of the story being told.

It's a reading experience that combines the excitement of a mystery with the richness of historical context.

Overall, it's a book that keeps me engaged and eager to discover more with each turn of the page.