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Sangre De Toro
When Pepelito dramatically escapes certain death in a bullfight, he enrages some and delights others. Taken pity on by Rita Silvera, a caring homicide detective, he soon begins to heal from the physical and psychological torture of the bullring.
But Pepelito's nightmare is not over. Javier Castella is the best matador in Spain - maybe the world. He would kill for a chance to finish his masterpiece - and he's not the only one.
Because, as Rita soon learns, a serial killer is on the loose. And her love of animals might make her the next target...
'Rachael accurately describes what it means for a bull to be a victim of bullfighting. The physical pain, the fear, the agony. The bull's perspective is missing from most written bullfighting stories, making this book different and refreshing. For anyone who considers bullfighting a barbaric activity, this book also offers comfort. In addition, it is an exciting story that will keep you up until the last moment!" - Estefania Pampin Zuidmeer, campaigner CAS International
Cover by Nisha P. Sons
Content This book contains mature themes and descriptions of violence, including towards animals. It will not be suitable for all.
But Pepelito's nightmare is not over. Javier Castella is the best matador in Spain - maybe the world. He would kill for a chance to finish his masterpiece - and he's not the only one.
Because, as Rita soon learns, a serial killer is on the loose. And her love of animals might make her the next target...
'Rachael accurately describes what it means for a bull to be a victim of bullfighting. The physical pain, the fear, the agony. The bull's perspective is missing from most written bullfighting stories, making this book different and refreshing. For anyone who considers bullfighting a barbaric activity, this book also offers comfort. In addition, it is an exciting story that will keep you up until the last moment!" - Estefania Pampin Zuidmeer, campaigner CAS International
Cover by Nisha P. Sons
Content This book contains mature themes and descriptions of violence, including towards animals. It will not be suitable for all.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2024
About the author
Rachael Adam
3 books27 followers(she/her)
Hi I am Rachael nice to meet you. I'm the author of Sangre De Toro, a book endorsed by CAS International the anti bullfighting charity. Currently I'm working on 2 more books. One is a sequel to SDT and one is a stand alone thriller set in the corporate world.
My favourite writers are Melvin Burgess, Robert Harris, Agatha Christie, Kazuo Ishiguro, Natsuo Kirino, Gillian Flynn, Louise Candlish, Val Mcdermid, Philip Pullman and many others.
I love reading, especially dystopia, mystery and thrillers. I love nature and animals and I'm passionate about conservation. I have been told my books are too political but my views influence my work and what I like writing about, I can't help it.
With some exceptions I only read books I think I'm going to like so most of my reviews are 4 and 5 stars - not all of them though. Most of the books I have listed are those I have read and enjoyed through the years. If there is no review then I read it a long time ago.
Rating system -
5 ⭐️ - excellent, loved it so much and can't find anything to criticise it at all or only something very minor
4 ⭐️ - thought it was fantastic except for maybe a few little things that did not affect my enjoyment
3 ⭐️- it was largely good but had issues, maybe it just wasn't for me
2 ⭐️ - some parts of it were good but overall I didn't enjoy it
1 ⭐️ - hated it
No rating - on hold or don't know what to rate it
Hi I am Rachael nice to meet you. I'm the author of Sangre De Toro, a book endorsed by CAS International the anti bullfighting charity. Currently I'm working on 2 more books. One is a sequel to SDT and one is a stand alone thriller set in the corporate world.
My favourite writers are Melvin Burgess, Robert Harris, Agatha Christie, Kazuo Ishiguro, Natsuo Kirino, Gillian Flynn, Louise Candlish, Val Mcdermid, Philip Pullman and many others.
I love reading, especially dystopia, mystery and thrillers. I love nature and animals and I'm passionate about conservation. I have been told my books are too political but my views influence my work and what I like writing about, I can't help it.
With some exceptions I only read books I think I'm going to like so most of my reviews are 4 and 5 stars - not all of them though. Most of the books I have listed are those I have read and enjoyed through the years. If there is no review then I read it a long time ago.
Rating system -
5 ⭐️ - excellent, loved it so much and can't find anything to criticise it at all or only something very minor
4 ⭐️ - thought it was fantastic except for maybe a few little things that did not affect my enjoyment
3 ⭐️- it was largely good but had issues, maybe it just wasn't for me
2 ⭐️ - some parts of it were good but overall I didn't enjoy it
1 ⭐️ - hated it
No rating - on hold or don't know what to rate it
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 14, 2024
This book is great - I should know, I wrote it :D
Seriously though, thanks for checking out my work. I started writing this book as a bit of a fun catharsis after a non fiction article I researched about a politician obsessed with bullfighting. From there I realised I really liked the concept of a bull escaping this barbaric event. I wanted to tell Pepelito’s story. A lot of times bullfighting gets romanticised in fiction and I wanted to write something that depicted it accurately as well as entertaining the reader.
After so much was taken from him Pepelito’s friends are everything to him. Despite his strength and the danger posed by his horns, he is also innocent and vulnerable, and desperately needs kindness and care. During the course of the book he transforms from an abused and traumatised bull into a very brave and kind hearted animal. I hope this comes across in my writing.
I hope that you enjoy the book as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Seriously though, thanks for checking out my work. I started writing this book as a bit of a fun catharsis after a non fiction article I researched about a politician obsessed with bullfighting. From there I realised I really liked the concept of a bull escaping this barbaric event. I wanted to tell Pepelito’s story. A lot of times bullfighting gets romanticised in fiction and I wanted to write something that depicted it accurately as well as entertaining the reader.
After so much was taken from him Pepelito’s friends are everything to him. Despite his strength and the danger posed by his horns, he is also innocent and vulnerable, and desperately needs kindness and care. During the course of the book he transforms from an abused and traumatised bull into a very brave and kind hearted animal. I hope this comes across in my writing.
I hope that you enjoy the book as much as I enjoyed writing it.
June 13, 2024
Wow! This well written, fast paced book is a roller coaster of emotion, centred around a bull named Pepelito, who escapes from a bullring and finds friendship and protection as he literally stumbles into the house of a policewoman called Rita.
Pepelito is a wonderful character and I loved that much of the book was written through his eyes and that he was able to show so much love and empathy to others, despite the horrors that he’d lived through.
Rita was soon drawn into the violent world of bullfighting and stumbled upon a link between several murders in both Spain and England - bringing attention to herself from the serial killer with dramatic consequences.
This book really opened my eyes to the horrors of bullfighting and as an animal lover some parts were difficult to read without real tears.
This book is unique ~ educational, with a little romance and a dark thriller. Best of all though - our hero, Pepelito, finds love and friendship and the life he deserves.
This is one book that will stay in my mind for a long time to come and I highly recommend reading it.
Pepelito is a wonderful character and I loved that much of the book was written through his eyes and that he was able to show so much love and empathy to others, despite the horrors that he’d lived through.
Rita was soon drawn into the violent world of bullfighting and stumbled upon a link between several murders in both Spain and England - bringing attention to herself from the serial killer with dramatic consequences.
This book really opened my eyes to the horrors of bullfighting and as an animal lover some parts were difficult to read without real tears.
This book is unique ~ educational, with a little romance and a dark thriller. Best of all though - our hero, Pepelito, finds love and friendship and the life he deserves.
This is one book that will stay in my mind for a long time to come and I highly recommend reading it.
May 3, 2024
As an elementary school teacher, I am well-aware that many children have a passion for animals. Many adults do too. Although I have nothing against animals, to be honest, I am not generally stirred to anger by the injustices they face. The children are always motivated to learn about animals, and they get in an uproar when they learn about their trials and tribulations. I don’t discourage them, but I guess I want to see the humans saved first, or I’m more moved by us and disturbed by the harm we cause each other and the environment in general.
However, I’ve read about lawyers fighting for animal rights with interest, and I feel queasy sometimes when I bite into chicken meat that seems like it must have been bulked with hormones or something, but I can not say I am making signs and marching on city hall, though I may eat less and less meat as the years go by…
Compassion isn’t supposed to be a zero-sum game, nevertheless it is what it is. Sometimes I even like to start a debate in class by pretending to care about animals even less than I do. For example, try telling children that you aren't sure if animals have souls. They will debate you until they are blue in the face!
Despite that, I’m glad I took a shot at reading Sangre De Toro, because I really enjoyed this novel. And Pepelito the bull is probably my favorite character. That’s right! There are chapters narrated from Pepelito’s point of view and rather than tear the fictional dream to shreds, they work and I loved them, because they work very well. If you aren’t a fan of animal POV, you may love Pepelito too. And if you already are an animal fan, I can’t see how Pepelito won’t become one of your very favorite characters. And mind you, the author achieves this while maintaining verisimilitude. Pepelito acts like a bull when you’re in his POV and his thoughts feel authentic. I was amazed!
So this novel has an agenda, an anti-bullfighting agenda, but that did not interfere with my enjoyment of the story, despite the fact that that agenda isn’t necessarily something I want to learn more about. It’s there, but there are so many other elements too, including a Spanish police officer named Rita with a mystery to solve and a wealthy serial killer who, to be honest, rankled me a lot because I hate evil people. There are other characters to hate too, like a bullfighter, and other characters to love, like an old farmer named Uncle Silvio.
And to be honest, I did go to a bullfight in Spain decades ago. I didn’t go a second time, but I don’t remember the violence striking me as abhorrent either, which I am a little embarrassed about after reading this.
And believe me, if I’m ever in Spain again, I will skip the bullfight.
However, I’ve read about lawyers fighting for animal rights with interest, and I feel queasy sometimes when I bite into chicken meat that seems like it must have been bulked with hormones or something, but I can not say I am making signs and marching on city hall, though I may eat less and less meat as the years go by…
Compassion isn’t supposed to be a zero-sum game, nevertheless it is what it is. Sometimes I even like to start a debate in class by pretending to care about animals even less than I do. For example, try telling children that you aren't sure if animals have souls. They will debate you until they are blue in the face!
Despite that, I’m glad I took a shot at reading Sangre De Toro, because I really enjoyed this novel. And Pepelito the bull is probably my favorite character. That’s right! There are chapters narrated from Pepelito’s point of view and rather than tear the fictional dream to shreds, they work and I loved them, because they work very well. If you aren’t a fan of animal POV, you may love Pepelito too. And if you already are an animal fan, I can’t see how Pepelito won’t become one of your very favorite characters. And mind you, the author achieves this while maintaining verisimilitude. Pepelito acts like a bull when you’re in his POV and his thoughts feel authentic. I was amazed!
So this novel has an agenda, an anti-bullfighting agenda, but that did not interfere with my enjoyment of the story, despite the fact that that agenda isn’t necessarily something I want to learn more about. It’s there, but there are so many other elements too, including a Spanish police officer named Rita with a mystery to solve and a wealthy serial killer who, to be honest, rankled me a lot because I hate evil people. There are other characters to hate too, like a bullfighter, and other characters to love, like an old farmer named Uncle Silvio.
And to be honest, I did go to a bullfight in Spain decades ago. I didn’t go a second time, but I don’t remember the violence striking me as abhorrent either, which I am a little embarrassed about after reading this.
And believe me, if I’m ever in Spain again, I will skip the bullfight.
September 8, 2024
It's not every day that I get to read a novel that has a pacifistic bull as its protagonist.
Pepelito, the bull, grabs a reader's interest and sympathy from the very first page. When we first meet him, he's a sweet, loving guy who has no idea how to process the trauma of his abusive past (all bulls bred for bullfighting ring are abused, in an attempt to beat the gentleness and affection out of them and make them fierce). He eventually reaches a point where he is willing to commit violence to protect his loved ones, though, and each time he does, it's completely justified. Seriously, the villains in this novel are easy to hate - and sadly believable as people who one could easily encounter in real life. I won't name names, but let's just say I was reminded of a few horrible politicians and celebrities.
The supporting characters are also sympathetic. Rita, the police officer, is easy to connect with, as is her love interest, a veterinarian named Alfonso (there is an utterly unerotic, hilarious sex scene early in their relationship that had me giggling). Minor characters are also well done, whether they are "good guys" or "bad guys." That includes non-human animal characters, by the way. I will forever root for Team Goose.
The suspense is believable. I was on the edge of my seat. There were some twists. I should probably avoid going into detail, because of spoilers.
Bonus points for positive representation of LGBTQIAP+ people, people of color, Muslim people, and other oppressed/underrepresented minority populations.
If you like your suspense novels to advocate passionately for animal rights - or if you like your animal rights reading to have the option of being fictional suspense novels - this book is for you. I can't hype it enough.
May 24, 2024
Sangre De Toro was a heartwrenching read that follows a bull named Pepelito as he escapes the ring and enters into a new world of troubles (and always with the threat of the area hanging over him). Pepelito was 100% my favorite character in this book and I loved how Rachel hows things from his eyes, keeping as much to how I'd imagine a bull would really think as possible. I especially love when he gets a little crush on a cow!
That being said, the plot is mainly driven by Rita a homicide detective and animal rights activist who is pulled into the plot and soon finds herself handling both the needs of an injured bull and a homicide case that feels oddly linked to the horrors of bullfighting.
The read was exciting, emotional, and felt innovative and original the whole way! I loved the characters and I loved the Rachel doesn't shy from the darker sides of things. There is no pulling punches in this book!.
That being said, the plot is mainly driven by Rita a homicide detective and animal rights activist who is pulled into the plot and soon finds herself handling both the needs of an injured bull and a homicide case that feels oddly linked to the horrors of bullfighting.
The read was exciting, emotional, and felt innovative and original the whole way! I loved the characters and I loved the Rachel doesn't shy from the darker sides of things. There is no pulling punches in this book!.
August 15, 2024
Sangre De Toro is a heart-racing, gritty, realistic, romantic, and, most importantly, heartwarming book about a bull who's fighting for his freedom. Rita and Pepelito are a wonderful pair, struggling against insurmountable odds, and they share a bond that travels through the pages effortlessly. Rachael Adam's descriptions and writing style will hook you from the first chapter. Highly recommended.
August 19, 2024
A word of warning, I know Rachael.
This book is not for extreme right-wingers or those into animal cruelty (there is an overlap).
The big criticism I will make is that characters in the book fit into categories, whereas in real life, people have contradictions or quirks.
The plot is exciting and there is a suspense throughout the book, only criticism on this score is that one of the villains is exposed as a serial killer too early.
This book is not for extreme right-wingers or those into animal cruelty (there is an overlap).
The big criticism I will make is that characters in the book fit into categories, whereas in real life, people have contradictions or quirks.
The plot is exciting and there is a suspense throughout the book, only criticism on this score is that one of the villains is exposed as a serial killer too early.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2024
This is such a tragic, yet heartwarming story. I’m sure any animal lovers out there would love it as it follows the tale of Pepelito, an escaped bull who was meant for the bull fights. It shows the true kindness that some people have and is filled with hope and justice. It is very well researched and covers these topics well while telling an entertaining tale. The story is well written, and it’s a great experience to read!
July 15, 2024
One of the most unique concepts I've ever come across! This novel is a MUST read for animal lovers, the compassionate writing of Pepelito's experience as a bull exploited as a fighter is something extremely special. This is a fast paced, exciting story that will keep you turning pages, second guessing everything all while breaking and warming your heart.
Fantastic debut!!!
Fantastic debut!!!
May 2, 2024
An exciting book with a story that touches the heart. All readers who love animals and defend their rights should read this book. Pepelito has become one of my favorite characters.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews