Winter in Madrid | 
Found this in the library when looking for the author‘s Shardlake mysteries. Starting today. Already intrigued. Madrid 1940s. Spies, espionage. A “bleak winter thriller.” (Back cover). Still feels more like winter than spring here.
pickMadrid 1940, what everyone wants to know is if Franco will join the war on Hitler‘s side. Into this British Intelligence sends Harry to spy on his old school friend Sandy. Sandy has discovered gold which Franco is desperate for.
Being in Madrid, has Harry thinking about a trip he and another classmate, Bernie, made in 1931. We also gets Bernie‘s story from 1937.
Naturally, a book about war and its consequences and how people try to survive.
Day 14: I‘m following the idea to post a book from my tbr list from @StaceyKondla and @Cortg
No description or reason for wanting to read it is necessary if you want to join along. #tbrpile
so-soSlow burner that got exciting by the end. Lots of historical context (as I have come to expect from CJ Sanson). Irritatingly straightforward (tragic) female lead who only exists through the male gaze. I cared about her but she only exists to enhance the main character. Didn't care about him much by the end.
pickA thriller from the author of the Shardlake series set in Madrid 1940, after the Civil War and while the WW2 rages in the rest of Europe as a British Spy is entangled in both government and personal plots. Not a great thriller, but enjoyable for the picture it paints of a Spain beaten down by war, divided by previous allegiances, seeking a way to progress into an uncertain future, be it to remain neutral or to join the Fascist movement.
#awinterstale #winterwonderland
A winters search on my kindle. I‘ve read two and loved A Place Called Winter 💕
Lifeline Bookfest Book haul. A couple from Madrid - my last home city and a few that have been on my ‘to read‘ list for far too long! #needmoretime #yearofthechunkster
Just to say this book recently mentioned by @Andrew65 is on kindle for 99p now 👍just purchased.
How can you go wrong with C. J. Sansom! #uncannyOctober #ACityintheTitle
It is amazing how quickly I can find a bookstore no matter where I go (I know you guys can relate)! The store where I found these beauties was in tiny little Tarpon Springs, FL. right next to the video game museum we took our son too. And I got both for only $3!!!
pickThis was a very good book that could have been great.
Set in Madrid 1940, just after the Spanish Civil War, the reader is shown the harsh realities of life in Franco's Spain.
Sansom is a master of historical detail, and, probably, authenticity (as I know little about the time of the Spanish Civil War I can't confirm this.) However, I wish he'd spent a little more time drawing in some of his characters.
I've missed you, Littens!
My little boy has been on a break from school this week so I've not been able to read very much. I did get a bit of time to read today with this reading buddy.
How gorgeous is she?
#CatsOfLitsy
I used to live in Croydon and love to see it mentioned in books.
I have a soft spot for places that people look down upon; like Croydon.
❤ Croydon ❤
pickIt's been a few years that I've read this book but I remember that I loved it very much and gave it 10/10* It has everything: likable & unlikable characters, history (Spain in the 1940's), politics, suspense and a love-story that is not overwhelming the main plot. As always Sansom writes well & relatable. One feels the cold, the poverty & the desperation of people after a war & on the brink of another one. But also hope & humor and a bit of love.
