Crime Fiction on a EuroPass is a community meme hosted by Kerrie at Mysteries in Paradise. The idea behind is that participants write a post linked to the country of the week. This week’s country is Spain/Portugal. You can visit HERE the contribution of other fellow participants.
Barcelona is one of the main European capitals of crime fiction. (Read also about BCNegra annual crime festival) Great writers have portrayed the city, following in the footsteps of private investigators, police officers and criminals. The main exponent of the genre was Manuel Vazquez Montalban, who penned his Pepe Carvalho series, the city’s most charismatic private eye. Other notable characters are Inspector Mendez by Francisco González Ledesma and Inspector Petra Delicado by Alicia Giménez Bartlett. We can not forget other writers such as Andreu Martin and, more recently, Teresa Solana. They have also helped to spread the knowledge of Barcelona and Catalan culture.
One of my favourite spots in Barcelona is HERE.
But today I would also like to highlight two novels that I read long before I started blogging The City of Marvels by Eduardo Mendoza and The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón.
Barcelona Map Linked to a Photo Guide of The City Centre
Following you can find my reviews of:
- A Not So Perfect Crime by Teresa Solana
- A Shortcut to Paradise by Teresa Solana
- Dog Day by Alicia Giménez Bartlett
- Death Rites by Alicia Giménez Bartlett
- No hay que morir dos veces de Francisco González Ledesma
- Méndez de Francisco González Ledesma (only in Spanish)
- La dama de Cachemira de Francisco González Ledesma (only in Spanish)
- Tatuaje de Manuel Vázquez Montalbán (only in Spanish)
- The Angst-Ridden Executive de Manuel Vázquez Montalbán
- Los mares del Sur de Manuel Vázquez Montalbán (only in Spanish)
- Asesinato en el Comité Central de Manuel Vazquez Montalbán
- An Olympic Death by Manuel Vázquez Montalbán
A Crime is Afoot 
Many thanks for lots of lovely sights and books to explore Jose Ignacio
Thank you Kerrie
Oh, I hadn’t realised City of Marvels was a crime novel …. that’s just bumped it hundreds of places up my TBR. I love Mendoza’s novels!
I’m sorry, Lizzy, I have not explained myself correctly. City of Marvels is not a crime novel, strictly speaking, but it is a very interesting description of the evolution of the city of Barcelona.
José Ignacio – Thanks for sharing Barcelona with us. I was there at a conference once and was so impressed with its beauty and with the blend of cultures in it. And, as you’ve shown us, some wonderful crime fiction that takes place there :-). And your post reminds me that I must read some Montalbán!
You are welcome Margot.
Just an update on Montalbán’s books available in English translations. There are a total of eight titles available from Serpent’s Tail in English including Tattoo and Southern Seas which you list as only in Spanish. Only the first book Yo maté a Kennedy and a few of the story collections have not yet been translated. Go here for the complete list of Serpent’s Tail books by Montalbán.
John, thanks for your comment. I’m sorry if my post is misleading. I mean that my post about Tatoo, Tatuaje, is only in Spanish.
Your post is clear, my reading is hasty. Speed reading is definitely NOT working to my advantage. I see now that the list refers to your reviews. I have now a few new Spanish crime writers to read. I’ve been to much immersed in French and Nordic wirters. Time to catch up with a few countries I’ve neglected.
Barcelona is a lovely city, and what a great idea with a long list of Spanish treats 🙂
Jose Ignacio: My travels in Europe have not taken me to Spain. Your post makes me want to get to Barcelona as soon as possible.