I've recently read two books by Spanish authors, which I got at the library. One of them was a novelty, actually recommended by the librarian - it didn't take much effort, though - and the other was the sequel to a book I had read last month.
It seems Spanish thrillers have been quite successful in the recent years among readers but I confess I had not tried many. The ones I mention here were both interesting, yes, for what purpose they had, and I had a good time reading, even if the themes in one of them weren't as thrilling as I imagined.
The Purple Network, as I would literally translate the original title, by Carmen Mola is the second book in the Elena Blanco series, whose first book I had read last month. I had liked it enough to try this one, although I knew this one would not be as easy. I say this, for the first book was focused on a crime investigation with some rather repugnant details, but a clue then set up the plot for this second book and it would be centered on investigating and ending a criminal network, which deals with illegal events. I've found the situations depicted in this book to be repulsive too, but mostly from a moral POV.
I still like the main characters, but they seem themselves in some complicated situations, again, mostly related to their behavior. I can see that this adds drama and realism to the story, but my enjoyment of it was way less than in the first book. I kind of wanted the "good guys" to be above reproach.
I might try the next one, because it is available at the library.
Grade: 5/10
I still like the main characters, but they seem themselves in some complicated situations, again, mostly related to their behavior. I can see that this adds drama and realism to the story, but my enjoyment of it was way less than in the first book. I kind of wanted the "good guys" to be above reproach.
I might try the next one, because it is available at the library.
Grade: 5/10
The Invisible Guardian by Delores Redondo is another crime investigation novel, with a few touches of supernatural and/or mysticism, with detective Amaia as the main character. Girls have been found dead in the woods in an obviously staged position and the investigation reaches detective Amaia's own family...
I liked this one, the pace and the plot felt intriguing and I liked that we get to delve into the main characters' psychological mind frame and even their pasts. I suppose this is ongoing through the remaining books, for this is the first of a trilogy, but here enough was added to make me curious. The case has its appeal, and I liked the process and most of the characters. I wasn't as convinced of the mythical content and such because, to me, it felt like an afterthought. I also think the culprit's motivation was a bit over the top, didn't seem organic to the character's construction, but it was nice to have an explanation. I liked it enough to read the next one, when it's available. I also saw a TV series was done based on these books...something for one day!
Grade: 7/10
I liked this one, the pace and the plot felt intriguing and I liked that we get to delve into the main characters' psychological mind frame and even their pasts. I suppose this is ongoing through the remaining books, for this is the first of a trilogy, but here enough was added to make me curious. The case has its appeal, and I liked the process and most of the characters. I wasn't as convinced of the mythical content and such because, to me, it felt like an afterthought. I also think the culprit's motivation was a bit over the top, didn't seem organic to the character's construction, but it was nice to have an explanation. I liked it enough to read the next one, when it's available. I also saw a TV series was done based on these books...something for one day!
Grade: 7/10
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