Description
Don't skimp on the bug spray!
Book summary
In the prelude to the Universal Forum of Cultures, a bewildered Barcelona becomes the setting for a double death that appears to be criminal. Journalist Fèlix Barba and his niece, Internal Affairs officer Tània Moll, see their paths cross when a Nicaraguan immigrant is found in a coma from a heroin overdose and a Chinese citizen is found hanging by his feet in Badalona. What appears to be a settling of scores between clans is revealed to be a complex web of deception, where nothing is what it seems. This noir novel by Pop Negre immerses the reader in a hall of mirrors and distrust, where the truth is hidden behind a gallery of unforgettable suspects.
What is it about?
The plot begins at a specific historical moment: the imminent inauguration of the Universal Forum of Cultures in Barcelona, an event that the public greets with resignation. In this context, crime journalist Fèlix Barba, nicknamed "França," is researching a report on human traffickers in Catalonia. At the same time, his niece Tània Moll, an officer in the Mossos d'Esquadra's Internal Affairs division, is going through a period of little work. The routine is broken by two seemingly unrelated events: a Nicaraguan immigrant in a coma from a heroin overdose next to a well-known nightclub, and a Chinese citizen hanging by his feet from the Pont del Petroli in Badalona, in what appears to be a revenge killing between clans. However, the investigation reveals that the young woman was not a drug addict and that the man was not murdered by the mafia. From there, the reader enters a game of suspicion and deceit, with characters such as a missing security guard, a Bulgarian martial arts expert, a lawyer devoted to the Teresian Sisters, and a businessman with a passion for boxing. The key to solving the mystery lies in knowing when to use the "bug spray" at the precise moment.
Main themes
- The Barcelona of the Universal Forum of Cultures as a social and urban backdrop.
- Journalistic and police investigation as tools to unravel the truth.
- Human trafficking and labor exploitation in contemporary Catalonia.
- The complexity of family and professional relationships in a hostile environment.
- The game of appearances and the manipulation of information in a criminal case.
Who is it recommended for?
This work is aimed at lovers of noir and detective novels who are looking for plots set in the real Barcelona, with complex characters and a social backdrop. It is also ideal for readers interested in stories that mix investigative journalism with police action, and for those who appreciate a narrative style that combines suspense with a critical portrait of society.
What this book offers
- A mystery plot with unexpected twists that maintains tension until the conclusion.
- A detailed portrait of Barcelona prior to the Universal Forum of Cultures, with its contradictions and hidden realities.
- Characters with complex psychological profiles and credible motivations, which enrich the narrative.
- A reflection on social issues such as immigration, exploitation, and corruption, integrated into the plot.
- An ending that rewards the reader's attention and closes all plot lines.
Technical sheet
- Author: Pop Negre
- Publisher: Editorial Alrevés
- Language: Catalan
- Topic: Detective and mystery genre
- Collection: CRIMS.CAT
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: May 2016
- Number of pages: 188
- Weight: 331 g
Editorial review
Don't skimp on the bug spray! is a solid entry within the Catalan noir genre, which stands out for its ability to build an oppressive and suspense-filled atmosphere. Pop Negre manages to weave a plot that, starting from a real and recognizable setting, delves into the darkest corners of society. The work offers intelligent entertainment, with an agile narrative pace and characters that stray from the usual archetypes. For fans of the genre, it represents an opportunity to discover a unique voice within contemporary detective literature, with a style that combines the rawness of realism with the cunning of a narrative game.