Description
THE DRAGON'S HANDS
Book Summary
In a Barcelona preparing for the Diada de Sant Jordi, a wave of murders shakes the city. Corpses appear in both churches and book stalls, and a cultural journalist, a Catholic fundamentalist obsessed with Verdaguer's exorcisms, and Mossos d'Esquadra sergeant Mireia Pla must discover what is hidden behind these crimes. A crime novel that offers an irreverent and satirical vision of the world of books and Catalonia's most literary festival.
What is it about?
The plot unfolds during the Diada de Sant Jordi, which this year coincides with Easter Sunday. In this festive context, corpses begin to appear in various settings: some in Barcelona churches and others at stalls prepared for author signings. The investigation is placed in the hands of three very different characters: a cultural journalist, a Catholic fundamentalist fascinated by Verdaguer's exorcisms, and Mossos d'Esquadra sergeant Mireia Pla. As the investigation progresses, key questions arise: are the murders in the churches related to those occurring at the stalls? What do the dragon's hands hide? The novel combines the satanic thriller with a parody of the publishing world and a critical look at the relationship between authors and editors.
Main themes
- Serial murders and police investigation.
- The Diada de Sant Jordi as a festive and literary setting.
- The book world: authors, editors, and signing stalls.
- Religion and exorcisms, with references to Verdaguer.
- Satire and parody of satanic thrillers.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is recommended for readers of crime and detective novels looking for an original plot set in a Catalan cultural and festive context. It is also ideal for those interested in the book world and its dynamics, as well as those who enjoy stories with a satirical and critical tone. It is not suitable for readers who prefer linear plots or stories without an ironic edge.
What this book offers
- An original and irreverent vision of the Diada de Sant Jordi, combining celebration and crime.
- An intelligent parody of satanic thrillers and the publishing world.
- Diverse and well-defined characters who bring different perspectives to the investigation.
- A fast-paced and concise plot, at only 128 pages, ideal for agile reading.
Technical specifications
- Author: Sebastià Bennasar
- Publisher: Llibres Delicte
- Language: Catalan
- Subject: Detective and mystery genre
- Collection: Fondo
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: April 2014
- Number of pages: 128
- Weight: 253 g
Editorial review
This work by Sebastià Bennasar stands out for its ability to fuse the noir genre with a cultural context deeply rooted in Catalonia, such as the Diada de Sant Jordi. The plot, despite being short, is effective and maintains interest thanks to its dose of humor and criticism. The combination of murders, exorcisms, and the publishing world offers a different reading experience within the genre, ideal for those seeking a crime novel with a personality of its own and a satirical touch.