(originally posted on August 15, 2005)
In the first of her novels to be translated into English, Santos-Febres explores a moody, melancholic noir landscape while showcasing a place (San Juan) and an atmosphere that's rarely written about in crime fiction. Julian Castrodad -- failed journalist, failed novelist, failing at relationships -- lands at a seedy motel and is soon mixed up with mysterious women, cryptic letters and other people's drug money. When it was over, I wanted more. Translate the rest of her novels soon!
