Prey for the Shadow

The mayor of Barcelona is being blackmailed over a sex tape from her student days. She is offered 300,000 euros and her immediate resignation. Melchor Marín, a private detective, is tempted back to Barcelona to work on the case, but it soon becomes more serious and disturbing. A shock revelation changes everything, and Melchor's heart's dark desire is in his grasp.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 06 July 2023
Publisher: Quercus Publishing

The mayor of Barcelona, a prominent political figure known for her populist agenda and sweeping victories, finds herself trapped in a blackmail scandal that threatens to unravel her career and personal life. A sex tape from her student days, one she never knew existed, has surfaced, and the person holding it demands a hefty sum of 300,000 euros in exchange for its immediate release. The catch? If the mayor refuses to resign, the sex tape will be made public, tarnishing her reputation and exposing her secrets.

As the pressure mounts, the mayor realizes that she has no one to turn to. Her ex-husband, who has his own political ambitions, would be delighted to see her downfall. Her deputy, who has been secretly plotting against her, would also benefit from her demise. Desperate and alone, the mayor feels like she has nowhere to run.

However, just when all seems lost, Melchor Marín, a retired detective living in a quiet town outside Barcelona, is tempted back into the city to work on the case. Melchor, known for his sharp mind and unorthodox methods, sees this as an opportunity to finally solve a case that has haunted him for years. He is drawn to the mayor's predicament because of her complex personality and the political machinations surrounding her.

As Melchor begins to investigate, he discovers that the blackmail scandal is just a small part of a much larger and more dangerous plot. The sex tape is only a tool being used by a group of powerful individuals to gain control of the city's government and its resources. Melchor's investigation takes him deep into the underbelly of Barcelona's political scene, where he encounters a network of corruption, deceit, and violence.

As he digs deeper, Melchor becomes increasingly aware of the danger that he and his family are in. He faces threats from unknown assailants who are willing to do anything to protect their secrets. Despite the danger, Melchor is determined to expose the truth and bring those responsible to justice.

With the mayor on the verge of capitulation, a shocking revelation changes everything. Melchor discovers that the sex tape is not the only secret that the powerful individuals behind the plot are trying to keep hidden. They are involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and corruption.

As Melchor races against time to expose the truth, he becomes increasingly aware of the personal toll that the case is taking on him. He is forced to confront his own demons and past mistakes, as well as the consequences of his actions. He also realizes that he has become deeply involved in a web of lies and deceit that extends far beyond the mayor's scandal.

In the end, Melchor is able to expose the truth and bring the powerful individuals behind the plot to justice. The mayor resigns from her position, admitting her guilt and accepting the consequences of her actions. Melchor, though scarred by the experience, emerges stronger and more determined than ever. He knows that there will be more cases to solve and more secrets to uncover, but he is ready to face whatever challenges come his way.

"Even the Darkest Night" is a gripping thriller that explores the dark side of politics and the lengths that people will go to protect their secrets. The novel is praised for its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and powerful storytelling. The translation by Anne McLean is praised for its seamless rendering of the Spanish language and its ability to capture the essence of the original text.

In conclusion, "Even the Darkest Night" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery, political intrigue, or a story that challenges the boundaries of morality. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of literature to shed light on the darker aspects of human nature.

Weight: 604g
Dimension: 165 x 241 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529422481