The Shadows of Barcelona is a mystery set in 1800s Spain about serial killings of women. It has elements of a police procedural but has a heavy focus on the characters. I enjoyed reading the story. The pacing felt appropriate and it was written in a way that I am not sure if the author subtly added red herrings or if I just created my own from two of the characters. I would read future stories from this author.

Well, what a fun little mystery! For a short book, it had everything in it I love, and I devoured it in just over an hour.

What interested me the most was the writing style, the short punchy single and non-complex sentences when there was action, the way when a conversation was happening between two characters there was little indication as to who was saying what, but you know exactly who is saying which line. I’ve never read anything like it and I’m happy to say I was so here for it!

(Also I didn’t guess who the killer was until it was revealed so I was thrilled)

In such a short book, I must admit I was sceptical as to how much character work could truly be achieved and I was pleasantly surprised at just how much a talented author can convey through a few sentences.

A wonderful setting, it felt reminiscent of the Jack the Ripper mystery (which is a huge plus as I have some form of morbid fascination with the women of Whitechapel) but the added elegance of Barcelona.

Maravilloso!

While on the shorter side, this is a perfectly paced mystery with an incredible sense of place. Everything worked together really well and created a great reading experience. Will definitely be checking the next books from this author!