Truthfully, I gave up on it half-way.

It was a task that seemed insurmountable, and my determination waned as I faced one obstacle after another.

I just couldn't find the motivation to push through and complete it.

Also, I gave up on the author for the most part.

Their writing style didn't resonate with me, and I found it difficult to engage with the story or characters.

Perhaps it was a mismatch of interests or a lack of connection, but whatever the reason, I simply lost interest in both the task and the author.

It's a shame really, as I'm sure there was potential there, but sometimes things just don't work out the way we hope.

Maybe in the future, I'll give it another try and see if my perspective has changed.

Great book!

This is truly an amazing book that has captured my attention from the very beginning. The story is engaging and filled with interesting characters and plot twists that keep me on the edge of my seat. The author's writing style is vivid and descriptive, allowing me to easily picture the scenes and events in my mind.

Not only is the story entertaining, but it also offers valuable insights and lessons. It makes me think about life, relationships, and the world around us. The book has a way of touching the heart and leaving a lasting impression.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves to read. It is a must-read for book lovers of all ages. Whether you are looking for a thrilling adventure, a heartwarming romance, or a thought-provoking read, this book has it all. So, don't miss out on this great opportunity to discover a new favorite book.

Another one of Reverte's books that forms my sacred "Holy Trinity" of his works! An old church in Seville that "kills" anyone who tries to demolish it. A special envoy-priest from the Vatican who is called to investigate the case. People who pursue the demolition or the salvation of the church, each for their own reasons. And all of this with the unique atmosphere of beautiful Spain as a backdrop, with the siesta time and its customs, its mysteries and its music, its people with their 1000+1 faces and their habits, the religious, the art lovers, the aristocrats... An excellent "package", written by the master of Spanish literature, a book that will charm you so much that you won't want to let it go until it's finished. It has everything, in delightfully satisfying proportions.

(And a criminally charming priest-protagonist who managed to throw the Zalmá Cross and his role as Father John from my... ecclesiastical throne! :P)

The characters presented in the book were truly vivid and had been developed with great care and detail. Each one seemed to have a unique personality and backstory that added depth to the overall narrative.

However, for my personal taste, the pace of the story was incredibly slow. It felt as if the events were unfolding at a glacial pace, which made it difficult for me to stay fully engaged.

Despite this, I did find the story line itself to be quite compelling. There were interesting plot twists and turns that kept me curious about what would happen next.

Nevertheless, I never really managed to get fully into the book. It just didn't have that certain something that would have made me unable to put it down.

Despite this experience, I still have high hopes for Perez-Reverte's other novels. I believe that he is a talented writer, and I'm looking forward to seeing what else he has to offer. Maybe his other works will be a better fit for my reading preferences.

I truly loved the concept behind this book.

The idea of someone breaking into the Vatican's computer system and leaving a mysterious note regarding a church in great peril, which then leads to a priest/agent being dispatched to conduct an investigation, was really quite fascinating.

However, unfortunately, the way the tale was told left a lot to be desired. It took an incredibly long time to unfold, and it simply failed to grip me and make me eager to turn the page.

In fact, I had to force myself to persevere and finish the book.

I believe that the author had a great initial idea, but perhaps did not invest enough effort into making the story flow smoothly.

As a result, for the most part, I was just relieved when I finally reached the end.

It's a shame because with a bit more polish and refinement, this could have been a truly engaging and exciting read.

In reality, it is a good story.

However, there are some details that don't completely convince me.

Although the ending is closed, it seems a bit hasty to me.

I lacked a little more excitement.

Maybe if the author had spent more time developing certain aspects of the plot or the characters, it would have had a greater impact.

Nonetheless, it still has its merits and I appreciate the effort that went into creating it.

I look forward to seeing what the author comes up with in the future.

We have a classic story, beautiful language and thought. We also have the "Bond" from the Vatican. It would make a beautiful adaptation, perhaps there is?

The idea of a story with such elements is truly captivating. The combination of a classic narrative, expressed in beautiful language that can touch the hearts and minds of the audience, is a recipe for success. And the mention of the "Bond" from the Vatican adds an air of mystery and intrigue.

Imagine a movie or TV show that brings this story to life on the screen. The visuals could be stunning, with the beautiful language being translated into equally beautiful dialogue. The character of the "Bond" from the Vatican could be a complex and fascinating one, adding depth and excitement to the plot.

Whether or not such an adaptation actually exists, the concept alone is enough to spark the imagination and leave us longing for more. It makes us wonder what other hidden gems of stories are waiting to be discovered and brought to the world through the magic of film and television.

For some reason unknown to me, I had left this novel by Arturo Pérez-Reverte unread. And the truth is that I don't understand why.

Piel del tambor, La is a fantastic suspense and action novel set in Seville in the pure Pérez-Reverte style: interesting, enjoyable, descriptive, sharp, and dynamic. All of these attributes are what make the novels of Mr. Arturo true wonders, works that hook one and almost force one to keep reading and reading.

It is highly recommended. This novel not only offers a thrilling plot but also vividly描绘s the atmosphere and characters in Seville. Pérez-Reverte's writing style is so engaging that it allows readers to immerse themselves in the story completely. Whether you are a fan of mystery novels or just looking for an exciting read, "Piel del tambor, La" is definitely worth picking up.

This is the first of 4 books by Perez-Reverte that I have read, and I have liked them a great deal.

This particular one might be especially fitting at the moment as it takes place partially in the Vatican.

The story commences with a hacker accessing the Pope's personal computer to convey a message regarding a small Seville church that is about to be demolished.

A rather unusual priest, who is a very stylish dresser and appears to specialize in resolving difficult situations, is dispatched to look into what has become a highly muddled mess.

Several deaths are associated with it.

I will not go into details, but Perez-Reverte seems to excel in details - and very believable ones at that - about the inner workings of the Vatican, of Spain, and of Seville, especially in relation to church, business, and government intrigue.

All the books of his that I have read are mysteries, yet different from many of the mysteries I enjoy - there is no common detective.

The author is highly literate, but not to the almost incomprehensible extent that Umberto Eco does, for example.

There is no "detective" solving the problem, but the protagonists are truly well-developed - their inner thoughts and motives are so well-described that these are simply a delight to read.

In every book, Perez-Reverte showcases intricate knowledge of additional areas not previously suspected.

I will most definitely read some more of his works.

A hacker infiltrates the Vatican. A baroque church in Seville that kills to defend itself. Three picturesque villains who aspire to keep the Spanish copla alive. A beautiful Andalusian aristocrat. A handsome priest-special agent specializing in dirty affairs. A jealous banker and his secretary, a gambler. A septuagenarian who drinks Coca-Cola. The postcard of a woman who died a century ago. And the mysterious legacy of Captain Xaloc, the last Spanish corsair, who disappeared off the coast of Cuba in 1898.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

An attractive story of lust, greed, faith, betrayal and murder. Succulent ingredients, well integrated and structured.

With such interesting ingredients, Arturo Pérez-Reverte constructs in "La piel del tambor" an ingenious, complex and fascinating novelistic plot. With his overflowing imagination, and a spectacular mastery of narrative engineering and the various overlapping genres - mystery, police, historical, a bit of sinful romance, adventure - he immerses us breathlessly in a story that cuts off any possible withdrawal of the reader, dragging him into an enigma whose key is hidden in the shadow of the old docks of the Guadalquivir; where still today, on full moon nights, shadows of women wave their handkerchiefs and schooners crewed by ghosts continue to set sail for the Antilles.

A young priest works for the Vatican, let's call it "Special Division". He is called to Seville to investigate a murky affair that surrounds the possible closure of a church.

A small parish and the diocese can make a lot of money by demolishing the church and selling the land.

The problem is that some people want to keep the church open: an old, rather cantankerous priest. A glamorous young woman who appears in newspapers, her mother who has the money to maintain said church, and also a renegade nun who works in the restoration of the church's works of art. The husband of the young woman is a banker who is involved in the financial deal for the church.

Fast-paced, with its good doses of Hosts, it ends up being a very interesting and entertaining read.

A thriller set in the clerical world and dealing with mysterious murders, ecclesiastical politics, high finance and crisis of faith, the book reminded me of Umberto Eco. Reverte shows himself to be conscientious in characterization and setting.

Pérez-Reverte develops an intricate dance of diversion and mystery, incorporating into the game a rather colorful cast of characters, somewhat sinful.. ✍️

No le encantó, pero sí me gustó. This simple statement holds within it a world of difference in opinions. Maybe it was a movie, a book, or a particular activity. While one person might not have been overly enthusiastic about it, for me, it had a certain charm. It could be that the elements that didn't appeal to the other person were precisely the ones that caught my attention. Perhaps it was the unique storyline, the beautiful cinematography, or the engaging characters. Or maybe it was the way it made me feel, the emotions it evoked. In any case, this difference in taste shows how subjective our preferences can be. What one person dislikes, another might find truly enjoyable. And that's what makes life so丰富多彩. There's always something new to discover and experience, even if it doesn't appeal to everyone.

It's a pity that the ending disappointed me.

However, the rest is among the best of the author.

It's worth remembering the explanation that the priest gives about his function today.

Besides that, it's exceptional.

This work has many remarkable aspects. The author's writing style is engaging and captivating, drawing the reader in from the very beginning.

The characters are well-developed and complex, adding depth and authenticity to the story.

The plot is also quite interesting, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

Despite the disappointing ending, the overall quality of the work cannot be denied. It's a great piece of literature that should be read and appreciated.