Books
6 top crime novels set in Spain
If you’re looking to take a break from the dark, snowy and ominous Nordic noir novels that have been in fashion over the last few years, we’ve got the perfect solution for you – thrillers set in Spain.
This sun-soaked location has provided an excellent backdrop for some of our favourite crime novels; whether it’s a chase across the beautiful countryside or a showdown in the winding old-town streets, from Bilboa to Barcelona, great writers have continually chosen it as the setting for their page-turning novels.
Here’s our pick of the best crime novels set in Spain.
Or the Bull Kills You by Jason Webster
Or the Bull Kills You by Jason Webster
This first in Webster’s crime series is set against a beautiful Spanish backdrop and introduces Max Cámara, our series protagonist. In the city of Valencia, Cámara is unwittingly drawn into the bull fighting world when he has to fill in for his boss and judge a fight. Later that night, the most celebrated young matador turns up dead – brutally slaughtered. As the city atmosphere builds towards both a fiesta and a local election, Cámara must stalk his killer through the streets of Valencia, which run thick with money, corruption and death, while he battles his own demons and desires along the way.
Origin by Dan Brown
Origin by Dan Brown
Harvard professor Robert Langdon is back. This time, his adventures will lead him from the Guggenheim Museum in Bilboa to the streets of Barcelona on a perilous quest to locate a cryptic password, all the while evading devious enemies. Langdon and his accomplice, Ambra, come face to face with an unbelievable truth that has remained forever buried – until now. You can always count on Dan Brown to bring his very best and this action-packed, engaging mystery – the last in this series – is no exception.
The Summer of Dead Toys by Antonio Hill
The Summer of Dead Toys by Antonio Hill
This thrilling summer read is set over a stifling Barcelona summer and is perfect for fans of Jo Nesbø. After assaulting a young witness in a case of human trafficking, Inspector Salgado is sent away to investigate a teenager’s fall to death in one of Barcelona’s uptown areas. It isn’t long before he begins to uncover inconvenient truths ahead the city’s most powerful families, as two seemingly unsolvable cases are set to implode under the hot Spanish sun.
Firing Point by Mike Maden
Tom Clancy’s Firing Point by Mike Maden
Jack Ryan Jr is caught up in a web of lies and secrecy after a suicide bomber kills an old flame of his, who utters one word as she dies in his arms: ‘Sammler.’ Ryan is forced on an unrelenting search through Barcelona to find answers and avenge her death – although it turns out that she had some secrets of her own. This story moves across the Spanish countryside with feverish pace and action.
April in Spain by John Banville
April in Spain by John Banville
When pathologist Dr Quirke spots a familiar face in the crowd on his holiday in San Sebastián, he can hardly believe his eyes. Is it who he thinks it is, and does she have a connection with a crime that nearly brought ruin to an Irish political dynasty? Unable to ignore his instincts, he makes a quick call home and Detective St John Strafford is soon dispatched to Spain. But he isn’t the only one rushing to the scene; a terrifying hitman is also seeking out his prey. What follows is a brutal race and showdown against two sides who refuse to back down. The themes of power, family and dirty money make for a darkly compelling page turner.
The Andalucian Friend by Alexander Soderberg
The Andalucian Friend by Alexander Söderberg
When Sophie meets Hector, she knows everything she needs to: he’s handsome, charming and makes her happy. But what she doesn’t know is that Hector has nasty friends and nastier enemies, and that he is constantly shadowed by a secretive police operation. With her house under surveillance and some unscrupulous people after her, she must decide what side she is on – and what she is going to do about it. Split between Spain and Sweden, this is an epic thriller you won’t want to miss.
What are your favourite crime novels set in Spain? Let us know in the comments below!
Explore our other recommended reads set in Italy, Japan and Paris.
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The Isabel Flores stories by Anna Nicholas set in rural Mallorca are great.
‘The Devil’s Horn’, ‘Haunted Magpie’, ‘Fallen Butterfly’ and the latest, just published, ‘Aunt Maria’s last Aria’.
I still prefer to turn actual pages. I know digital, reading is probably more eco friendly, and apparently cheaper, but I guess I have some old fashioned habits
I enjoy crime fiction novels. Regards, Vincent.