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 Spain arise when Bora happens on the body of Federico García 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 García 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.