Mala Vida

Finalist for the Grand Prix des Lectrices d’Elle
Winner of the Prix Plaidoiries Pour un Polar at the Festival Clameur(s) of Dijon

“A diabolically forceful crime novel that takes all the noir tropes and uses them in foreign territory to great effect . . . [The protagonist] name-checks James Ellroy, and this sprawling yet taut crime novel recalls Ellroy’s percussive style.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Gritty and very realistic . . . A fine novel of crime and conspiracy.”—Booklist

“Mala Vida is riveting in its adaptation of historical realities into a thriller atmosphere . . . often with the rhythm of a ticking stopwatch.”—Foreword Reviews

"Mala Vida is a brooding and powerful noir, equal parts social critique, personal journey, and scintillating mystery, from an author with substantial expertise in both Spanish history and the art of mystery fiction. . . .An unsettling look at contemporary Spain, its rightward shift, and demons from the Franco era that continue to haunt the country today. "—CrimeReads

“A dynamic, sophisticated book that will leave you eager for more."—LitHub

“An ambitious thriller.”—Complete Review

“Part legal thriller, part historical, part mystery and part crime fiction . . . A very interesting read.”—mylovebooks

Fernandez has written one of the most damning exposes of a horror possibly perpetrated by the regime of Francisco Franco during his rule of Spain.”—Stacy Alesi's bookbitch.com

"A nice blend of historical fact and crime fiction.”—Melisendeslibrary.com 

"If Orwell had met Almódovar, he would have written something like this."—Le Point

"Marc Fernandez proves himself to be a fearless storyteller, smartly blending historical fact with a crime fiction plot."—Le Monde, M (the magazine)

"Succeeds diabolically."—Paris Match

"Breathless and chilling."—VSD

"The plot, at the intersection of contemporary politics and history, unfolds with a growing sense of pleasure and exoticism. The characters' color and verve is reminiscent of Almodovar."—Le Progrès

"Efficacious. Well put-together with just enough humor and bruised feelings: a good read."—Alsace

"Like a cross between a crime novel and reportage, the story of this dark and little known period during the Franco years cries out with truth."—Point de Vue

“Mala Vida is riveting in its adaptation of historical realities into a thriller atmosphere . . . often with the rhythm of a ticking stopwatch.”—Foreword Reviews

Finalist for the Grand Prix des Lectrices d’Elle and winner of the Prix Plaidoiries pour un polar at the Festival Clameur(s) of Dijon

“A diabolically forceful crime novel that takes all the noir tropes and uses them in foreign territory to great effect.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Gritty and very realisitic . . . A fine novel of crime and conspiracy.”—Booklist

"If Orwell had met Almódovar, he would have written something like this."—Le Point

"Marc Fernandez proves himself to be a fearless storyteller, smartly blending historical fact with a crime fiction plot."—Le Monde, M (the magazine)

"Succeeds diabolically."—Paris Match

"Breathless and chilling."—VSD

"The plot, at the intersection of contemporary politics and history, unfolds with a growing sense of pleasure and exoticism. The characters' color and verve is reminiscent of Almodovar."—Le Progrès

"Efficacious. Well put-together with just enough humor and bruised feelings: a good read."—Alsace

"Like a cross between a crime novel and reportage, the story of this dark and little known period during the Franco years cries out with truth."—Point de Vue

“Mala Vida is riveting in its adaptation of historical realities into a thriller atmosphere . . . often with the rhythm of a ticking stopwatch.”—Foreword Reviews