Or the Bull Kills You: (Max Cámara 1)

Webster, Jason

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0701185090 ISBN 13: 9780701185091

Publisher: Chatto & Windus, 2011

Either you kill the bull, or the bull kills you - traditional proverb.

Chief Inspector Max Cámara hates bullfighting, but one hot afternoon in Valencia he has to judge a festival corrida starring Spain's most famous young matador. That night he is back in the ring, and what he finds on the bloodstained sand shocks the city of Valencia to its core. As Cámara hunts his prey through the streets and bars, firecrackers echo for the festival of Fallas, and the town hall election. The anti-bullfighting campaigners and the breeders of prize beasts fight to the death. The bullring is a test of virility, but should it be a site of national pride or shame?

Or the Bull Kills You has a brilliantly authentic setting and a great detective, with a love of flamenco and brandy. This is the first of a series of books starring the quirky and forceful Cámara - a man clearly destined to make his mark.

Review:

"Sexual politics, male identity, clan loyalties, and the experience and lore of bullfighting: the novel is full of interesting material" (TLS)

"An American author, brought up in England, writes about bullfighting in Spain. Festive Valencia is his chosen city and the murder of a charismatic matador the centre of the plot. Jason Webster is pretty ambiguous about the morals of the fight, but knows his stuff" (Country Life)

"One of the most attractive figures to enter recent detective fiction ... Like the best detective stories, this book becomes a scrutiny of our most powerful drives and secrets" (The Independent)

"The first in a projected series, which is very good news indeed ... nifty plotting, great descriptions and the most enchanting new detective I've come across in a good while." (The Guardian)

"Webster has completely nailed Chief Inspector Max Camara, while vividly bringing to life Valencia." (Daily Mirror)

Book Description:

Gripping, hot-blooded detective fiction with authentic Spanish setting - first in a series.