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The Horseman's Song

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( 211 ratings, 27 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Horseman's Song by Ben Pastor is a gripping blend of historical fiction and crime thriller. Set during the Spanish Civil War, the story follows Martin Bora, a German officer, as he investigates the murder of a celebrated poet amidst the backdrop of political turmoil and personal dilemmas. Navigating through layers of deceit and danger, Bora's quest for truth takes him deep into the heart of war-torn Spain.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2499
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate gripping historical mysteries set during the Spanish Civil War. The story weaves complex characters and political intrigue, blending a rich tapestry of history, suspense, and a deep sense of place that captivates fans of crime and thriller novels.

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Spain, July 1937. The tragic prelude to World War II is played out in the civil war between Spanish nationalists and republicans. Among Franco's volunteers is Martin Bora, the twenty-something German officer and detective. Presently assigned to the Spanish Foreign Legion, Bora lives the tragedy around him as an epic, between idealism and youthful

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Spain, July 1937. The tragic prelude to World War II is played out in the civil war between Spanish nationalists and republicans. Among Franco's volunteers is Martin Bora, the twenty-something German officer and detective. Presently assigned to the Spanish Foreign Legion, Bora lives the tragedy around him as an epic, between idealism and youthful recklessness.

Doubts about his mission in Spain arise when Bora happens on the body of Federico GarcΓ­a Lorca, a brilliant poet, progressive and homosexual. Who murdered him? Why? The official version does not convince Bora, who, intoxicated by the mystery, begins a perilous investigation. His inquiry paradoxically proceeds alongside that of Walton, his opposite number with the International Brigades. Soon the German and the New Englander join forces, and their cooperation will not only culminate in a thrilling chase after a murderer but also in an existential face-to-face between two adversaries forever changed by their encounter.

Historical accounts tell us that Lorca was arrested and executed by Franco's troops under circumstances that remain largely unknown. To this day, his body has not been found.

Publishers Weekly, Starred Review: Set in 1937, Pastor's outstanding sixth mystery featuring German investigator Martin Bora makes effective use of the death of Federico GarcΓ­a Lorca, the celebrated poet, during the Spanish Civil War. Pastor does an excellent job of creating a backstory for her lead that fits in well with the previous books.

Top Ten Adult Fiction for February chosen by Independent Booksellers Affiliate Programme: Full of danger, suspense and historical intrigue this is crime fiction at its very best.

NB Literary Magazine: The Horseman's Song is an accomplished historical thriller set in Spain in 1937. This novel is confidently plotted and the tempo is judged to perfection...

Foreword Reviews: Pastor's writing is thick with atmosphere; one can taste the dust and blood of the region... Pastor weaves a poignant, convincing portrait of life during wartime.

Midwest Book Review: An expertly crafted mystery by a master of the genre.

Series: The Martin Bora series

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  • The Horseman's Song
    Spain, July 1937. The tragic prelude to World War II is played out in the civil war between Spanish nationalists and republicans. Among Franco's volunteers is Martin Bora, the twenty-something German officer and detective. Presently assigned to the Spanish Foreign Legion, Bora lives the tragedy around him as an epic, between idealism and youthful recklessness. Doubts about his mission in...
    Paperback
    $2499
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Horseman's Song is acclaimed for its well-crafted mystery set in the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War in 1937. It is praised for skilfully intertwining historical facts with fiction, particularly the mysterious death of renowned poet Federico GarcΓ­a Lorca. The book impressively portrays wartime life, with a compelling protagonist, Martin Bora, whose character development aligns seamlessly with previous series entries. Overall, it is lauded as an expertly plotted, thought-provoking thriller.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781912242115

Publisher: Bitter Lemon Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 07 February 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bitter Lemon Press

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 376

About the Author

Ben Pastor, born in Italy, lived for thirty years in the United States, working as a university professor in Vermont and has since returned to her native country. She is the author of other novels including The Water Thief and The Fire Waker (set in Roman times and published to high acclaim in the US by St. Martin's Press), and is considered one of the most talented writers in the field of historical fiction. In 2008 she won the prestigious Premio Zaragoza for best historical fiction. She writes in English.

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