Description
A Restless Corpse
Book Summary
Àngel Alegre, a mediator by profession, accepts a case that seemed routine: managing the separation of a friend of his partner, who is being harassed by her husband, Orlando Pomar. What begins as a simple task turns into a nightmare when several corpses appear, one of which is particularly "restless." To get rid of it, Alegre is plunged into a frantic race of escapes, chases, and lies, even going so far as to impersonate the deceased. This crime novel combines humor and tension in a plot where the protagonist, convinced that his angelic appearance protects him, descends into a spiral of crime and danger in order to achieve his redemption.
What is it about?
The novel follows Àngel Alegre, a mediator who finds himself trapped in a case that goes far beyond a simple marital separation. It all begins when his partner asks him for help for a friend who is suffering harassment from her husband, Orlando Pomar. What seemed like a simple matter becomes complicated with the appearance of corpses, one of which turns out to be especially problematic for the protagonist. Forced to get rid of it, Alegre embarks on a desperate flight full of chases, deceptions, and extreme situations. The plot unfolds in a spiral of crime where the protagonist, taking advantage of his innocent appearance, is forced to impersonate the very man who died to escape his pursuers. The story combines the suspense of the noir genre with an ironic tone, showing how an ordinary man can end up involved in a criminal world in an attempt to save himself.
Main themes
- Mediation and its limits: how a professional intervention can lead to unforeseen and dangerous situations.
- Identity theft: the protagonist is forced to adopt the identity of a dead person to survive.
- Flight and pursuit: a continuous race to escape the consequences of acts he did not seek.
- Black humor in extreme situations: the novel deals ironically with the darkest and most absurd moments of the plot.
- Redemption through crime: the protagonist is driven to commit crimes to achieve his personal salvation.
Who is it recommended for?
This work is recommended for readers of noir and detective fiction who appreciate plots full of unexpected twists and an ironic tone. It is also ideal for those who enjoy protagonists who are dragged into chaotic situations and must improvise to get by. If you like stories of chases, deceptive identities, and a black humor that lightens the tension, this book is for you.
What this book offers
- A fast-paced, action-packed plot that keeps you interested from the very first page.
- A charismatic and relatable protagonist whom it is easy to empathize with, despite his questionable decisions.
- A balance between suspense and humor, offering an entertaining and original read within the noir genre.
- A reflection on how circumstances can lead a normal person to commit extreme acts to survive.
Technical specifications
- Author: Casas, Salvador
- Publisher: Novela negra
- Language: Catalan
- Topic: Detective and mystery genre
- Collection: CRIMS.CAT
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: October 2018
- Number of pages: 236
- Weight: 415 g
Editorial review
A Restless Corpse is an original proposal within the Catalan noir genre, which successfully combines criminal intrigue with a humorous and lighthearted tone. Salvador Casas constructs an agile plot full of bizarre situations, featuring a protagonist who, far from being a classic detective, is an ordinary man who finds himself overwhelmed by circumstances. The novel is particularly attractive to readers looking for an entertaining read, with rhythm and a touch of irony, without giving up the tension typical of the genre. A work that knows how to maintain the balance between amusement and suspense, ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy a different kind of noir story.