Description
The Great Pirelli
Book Summary
An atypical and hilarious noir novel that turns the detective genre on its head. When the most prestigious commissioner in Madrid is imprisoned for a murder, the only person capable of investigating the case is a habitual offender who is not exactly the brightest bulb. Forced to accept the assignment, he embarks on a disastrous investigation, full of eccentric characters and bizarre situations. The reader will find a fast-paced plot, an irreverent homage to the great detectives of history, and plenty of black humor.
What is it about?
The story kicks off with an unexpected twist: the prestigious Commissioner Pirelli, an iconic figure of the Madrid police, is imprisoned, accused of a murder he did not commit. With no other alternatives, someone decides to resort to the most unusual method: hiring a habitual criminal, of limited intelligence but with practical knowledge of the underworld, to investigate on his own. What follows is a succession of entanglements, misunderstandings, and absurd situations where the investigator moves through treacherous ground, all while paying a peculiar homage to the great detectives of world literature, from Sherlock Holmes to Petra Delicado. Rough music and the street atmosphere complete the setting of this police comedy.
Main themes
- Inversion of the detective genre: the criminal as an investigator.
- Black humor and bizarre situations in a criminal context.
- Parodic homage to the great detectives of literature and film.
- The fine line between the law and crime in contemporary Madrid.
Who is it recommended for?
For readers looking for an original and fun noir novel that moves away from traditional conventions. It is ideal for those who enjoy absurd humor, lighthearted detective plots, and eccentric characters. It is also for lovers of literary parodies who will recognize the references to the great detectives of the genre.
What this book offers
- A fresh and comic vision of the mystery genre that subverts reader expectations.
- An agile and entertaining plot, perfect for light and escapist reading.
- An intelligent and fun homage to the great icons of criminal investigation.
- Memorable characters and outlandish situations that guarantee a smile.
Technical Specifications
- Author: Rodríguez, Julio
- Publisher: Editorial Pez de Plata
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: Modern and contemporary fiction, detective and mystery genre
- Collection: La risa floja
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: October 2019
- Number of pages: 344
- Weight: 440 g
Editorial Review
An original proposal within the noir genre that relies on humor as its narrative engine. Julio Rodríguez constructs a novel that does not take itself seriously, but demonstrates a deep knowledge of the genre it parodies. Its greatest success is the premise: a criminal as a detective. The pace is steady, and the plot, although outlandish, maintains interest. Recommended for those looking for a fun and different read, unpretentious but with plenty of personality.