Typically I don't go for translated books because a lot is lost in translation but the premise intrigued me so I am happy I tried it. I loved Olga the meddling MIL who made the Detectives job even harder. Detective Dominquez was an ok character - he made it too easy to root against him.

Hugo Lamadrid is wanted by the police in relation to a murder. But he is travelling on a train when it is involved in a tragic accident.

This is a translated story, so I found something in the writing didn’t quite flow for me. It was an interesting story, although the narrative jumped around a little too much for me.
I must admit I also got a little confused between characters, as there are sisters Marta (Hugo’s partner) and Mónica and then Marina. Plus Martin (less confusing as he is male). For quite a short novel there are a lot of characters introduced rapidly.

A richly layered and deeply affecting novel that packs an emotional punch. The story is told from multiple perspectives, offering readers different insights into the mystery and serving to keep the tension high throughout the narrative.

The characters in the book are portrayed with great care and detail, and are given backstories that make them feel fully-realized and complex. Hugo, the criminal on the run, is particularly well-drawn, with his inner torments and moral ambiguity adding depth to the themes of the novel.

The book also succeeds in exploring societal issues with insight and nuance. The author is able to explore the themes of privilege, race, and power in a way that is authentic and thought-provoking, while never sacrificing the compelling plot of the novel.

The author's evocative writing style brings the story's setting to life, creating a sense of place that is both vivid and haunting. Her descriptive passages never feel overdone and serve to immerse the reader in the world of the novel.

Overall, this novel is an exceptional read that is both thought-provoking and engaging. The novel's intricate plot, well-realized characters, and social commentary make it a must-read for fans of the thriller genre. 4.5 stars.

Synopsis (from Netgalley, the provider of the book for me to review.)
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An electric Argentinian thriller featuring a deadly train crash, two unidentified bodies, and a missing murder suspect.

The Americans are more astute when it comes to matters like these. They say, “Not guilty”. They don’t say “innocent”. Because as far as innocence goes, no one can make that claim.

A train crashes in the suburbs of Buenos Aires, leaving forty-three fatalities, two of which have not been identified. A prayer card of Saint Expeditus, the patron saint of urgent matters, flutters above the wreckage.

Hugo, a criminal on the run for murder, is on the train. He seizes his chance to sneak out of the wreckage unsuspected, abandoning his possessions – and, he hopes, his identity – among bodies mangled beyond recognition.

As the police descend on the scene, only grizzled Detective Domínguez sees a link between the crash and his murder case. Soon, he’s on Hugo’s tail. But he hasn’t banked on everything from the media to his mother-in-law getting in the way.

The whole mother-in-law aspect of this book made me laugh as (in another life and another detour from librarianship…) I lived and worked in Buenos Aires as a concierge in a very fancy, very expensive hotel and dealt with some of the weirdest requests I think that has ever been made … but that is a whole book in itself. My boss was terrified of his mother-in-law who I thought was the sweetest person on the planet … until I saw her wrath. I get it.
That aside, this was a really good book: well-written, crafted to keep your attention and full of thrilling moments. A wonderful ending makes this a book that I will recommend to patrons without hesitation. #shortbutsweetreviews

A fantastic story of crime and life in Buenos Aires. The novel opens with a train crash. With very little information, we realize that Hugo is on the run and has survived the crash and hopes to flee. We also meet a very dedicated, obsessive detective. Coupled with Hugo's exasperated wife and child and her sister and very strong willed mother, it's a race to see who can find Hugo first.

It's a crazy, quick moving novel and truly entertaining til the final word. The detective provided noir elements. If you like a fast moving noirish thriller, this is a novel for you!
#PushkinPress #Urgent Matters #PaulaRodriguez