What do you think?
Rate this book
Chief Inspector Max Cámara #5
A Body in Barcelona
Tensions in Spain are rising: political violence and social unrest have suddenly re-emerged. Madrid is trying to keep a tight leash on Catalonia, where the call for independence is getting louder by the day. The last time Barcelona moved to break away, in the 1930s, Spain quickly descended into civil war.
Down in Valencia, a shallow grave is found among abandoned orange groves just outside the city. Chief Inspector Max Cámara, now heading up the new Special Crime Unit, is put on the case. But this is no ordinary murder. Behind it, Max uncovers a tangled web that could awaken ghosts from the past, decimate Barcelona and destabilise the whole country
It’s all down to Max, but the stakes are higher than anything he’s ever known.
Down in Valencia, a shallow grave is found among abandoned orange groves just outside the city. Chief Inspector Max Cámara, now heading up the new Special Crime Unit, is put on the case. But this is no ordinary murder. Behind it, Max uncovers a tangled web that could awaken ghosts from the past, decimate Barcelona and destabilise the whole country
It’s all down to Max, but the stakes are higher than anything he’s ever known.
387 pages, Hardcover
First published June 5, 2014
About the author
Jason Webster
32 books98 followersJason Webster is a highly acclaimed Anglo-American author and authority on Spain whose work ranges from biography to travel, crime fiction and history. His books have sold in over a dozen countries, including the US, the UK and China, and have been nominated both for the Guardian First Book Award and the Crime Writers’ Association New Blood Dagger Award. He has been favourably compared with writers such as Bruce Chatwin (The Daily Mail), Gerald Brenan (El País) and Ernest Hemingway (Sunday Telegraph).
Webster was born near San Francisco and brought up in the UK, Germany and Italy. After finishing a degree in Arabic and Islamic History at the University of Oxford, he worked as an editor at the BBC World Service for several years before becoming a full-time writer and moving to Spain. He is married to the flamenco dancer Salud and they have two sons. They currently divide their time between Valencia and the UK.
Webster was born near San Francisco and brought up in the UK, Germany and Italy. After finishing a degree in Arabic and Islamic History at the University of Oxford, he worked as an editor at the BBC World Service for several years before becoming a full-time writer and moving to Spain. He is married to the flamenco dancer Salud and they have two sons. They currently divide their time between Valencia and the UK.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 3, 2015
A Body in Barcelona – As many twists and turns as Messi
Jason Webster has written the fifth in his Inspector Max Cámara, A Body in Barcelona and once again he brings together many strands of Spanish society to a wider world. This crime thriller has it all, murder, betrayal, revenge and the occasional fascist with a trip across to Ceuta, on the edge of Morocco.
The political tensions are growing once again in Spain, the Catalonians are look for independence and the Madrid government is trying to keep them under control. Memories of the last time this happened was in the 1930s which heralded the start of the civil war and the coming of Franco, the last thing Madrid or those in Brussels want.
Cámara has just returned from a commission in Barcelona investigating the death of a civilian by the police, when he and his colleague Torres are summoned upstairs. They are given a case that has been taken from homicide and given to their new Special Crime Unit to investigate the death of a 10 year old boy found in a shallow grave in orange groves north of Valencia. Where, Fermín the illegitimate son of Alfonso Segarra, the fourth richest man in Spain, has been found and there are very little clues or evidence to help them out.
With seemingly no clues Carlos a member of the CNI offers Cámara the possibility of some information on the crime if they could meet and come to an understanding. Cámara has a problem with this, especially as he is a drug smoking anarchist when outside of work. There is something about Carlos that Cámara is uneasy about throughout the thriller.
The information Carlos provides Cámara will take him to Spain’s dirty little secret, Ceuta, Spain’s very own ‘Gibraltar’ in Morocco to arrest a Colonel Terreros of La Asociación de Ayuda para Legionarios, the Legionarios (elite Spanish soldiers) Welfare Association. The association seems to be a front for a right-wing Franco loving military organisation, fundamentally opposed to the breakup of the Fatherland and allow Catalan independence.
Daniel and his son Dídac organise the anarchists in Valencia and run the food bank that is close to where Cámara has his flat with his partner Alicia. Cámara knows them both well and often attends meetings they hold and eats with them, as he is sympathetic to their politics. When a politician is murdered in Barcelona both Daniel and Dídac head there to take the anarchist fight to the people.
At the same time it seems like there is a connection to Fermín’s murder and Cámara heads to Barcelona to continue his investigation and bring it to a close. Cámara rapidly works out that he is not the most popular police officer in Barcelona but he hopes that he will be able to bring the investigation to a successful conclusion.
A Body in Barcelona is a fast paced thriller that mixes many elements successfully which helps to make it a gripping exploration of the political and social tensions in Spain especially where Catalan Independence is concerned. Webster’s prose is as crisp as an iceberg lettuce and the imagery as clear as a digital picture which helps to make this an excellent thriller any reader will love, especially as there are as many twists and turns as Messi.
Jason Webster has written the fifth in his Inspector Max Cámara, A Body in Barcelona and once again he brings together many strands of Spanish society to a wider world. This crime thriller has it all, murder, betrayal, revenge and the occasional fascist with a trip across to Ceuta, on the edge of Morocco.
The political tensions are growing once again in Spain, the Catalonians are look for independence and the Madrid government is trying to keep them under control. Memories of the last time this happened was in the 1930s which heralded the start of the civil war and the coming of Franco, the last thing Madrid or those in Brussels want.
Cámara has just returned from a commission in Barcelona investigating the death of a civilian by the police, when he and his colleague Torres are summoned upstairs. They are given a case that has been taken from homicide and given to their new Special Crime Unit to investigate the death of a 10 year old boy found in a shallow grave in orange groves north of Valencia. Where, Fermín the illegitimate son of Alfonso Segarra, the fourth richest man in Spain, has been found and there are very little clues or evidence to help them out.
With seemingly no clues Carlos a member of the CNI offers Cámara the possibility of some information on the crime if they could meet and come to an understanding. Cámara has a problem with this, especially as he is a drug smoking anarchist when outside of work. There is something about Carlos that Cámara is uneasy about throughout the thriller.
The information Carlos provides Cámara will take him to Spain’s dirty little secret, Ceuta, Spain’s very own ‘Gibraltar’ in Morocco to arrest a Colonel Terreros of La Asociación de Ayuda para Legionarios, the Legionarios (elite Spanish soldiers) Welfare Association. The association seems to be a front for a right-wing Franco loving military organisation, fundamentally opposed to the breakup of the Fatherland and allow Catalan independence.
Daniel and his son Dídac organise the anarchists in Valencia and run the food bank that is close to where Cámara has his flat with his partner Alicia. Cámara knows them both well and often attends meetings they hold and eats with them, as he is sympathetic to their politics. When a politician is murdered in Barcelona both Daniel and Dídac head there to take the anarchist fight to the people.
At the same time it seems like there is a connection to Fermín’s murder and Cámara heads to Barcelona to continue his investigation and bring it to a close. Cámara rapidly works out that he is not the most popular police officer in Barcelona but he hopes that he will be able to bring the investigation to a successful conclusion.
A Body in Barcelona is a fast paced thriller that mixes many elements successfully which helps to make it a gripping exploration of the political and social tensions in Spain especially where Catalan Independence is concerned. Webster’s prose is as crisp as an iceberg lettuce and the imagery as clear as a digital picture which helps to make this an excellent thriller any reader will love, especially as there are as many twists and turns as Messi.
August 6, 2021
This is the fifth book in an interesting series set in Spain, featuring Chief Inspector, Max Camara. The story picks up months after events that happened in the previous book where the Valencia detective was sent to Barcelona to look into the death of a man at a rally for Catalan independence. Catalonians are look for independence and the Madrid government is trying to keep them under control. The last time tensions were this high was in the 1930s, resulting in the Spanish Civil War
Max is now the head of the two person Special Crimes Unit. As soon as he returns to Valencia, he and his partner, Torres, are asked to take over the investigation of a murdered child, the young son of a very wealthy and powerful man. As Max tries to bring a child killer to justice, he finds clues that also tie the murder to the Catalonian independence group.
This book shouldn't be read as a standalone due to numerous threads that are pulled from prior books. Also, the politics are extremely difficult to understand, unless you have a real interest in Catalonian and Spanish history. Max is a great character but this was my least favorite book of the series. However, it's deeply steeped in the culture of Spain and I enjoyed that very much.
Max is now the head of the two person Special Crimes Unit. As soon as he returns to Valencia, he and his partner, Torres, are asked to take over the investigation of a murdered child, the young son of a very wealthy and powerful man. As Max tries to bring a child killer to justice, he finds clues that also tie the murder to the Catalonian independence group.
This book shouldn't be read as a standalone due to numerous threads that are pulled from prior books. Also, the politics are extremely difficult to understand, unless you have a real interest in Catalonian and Spanish history. Max is a great character but this was my least favorite book of the series. However, it's deeply steeped in the culture of Spain and I enjoyed that very much.
May 12, 2018
Thought it might be a distracting detective story, especially since I am headed to Barcelona soon, but the characters are too stereotypical. The plot has enough twists to be a bit confusing, but not enough to make it really all that interesting.
November 3, 2015
Murder mystery set in Barcelona and Valencia (Politics of Catalonia, with a murder)
Based in Barcelona, and Valencia, this murder mystery is set against a background of politics as the people of Catalonia hope for independence, in contrast to the many Spanish who (according to the book) do not want the country to be divided. It is set in the current day, with the recession biting and tensions rising.
The first half of the book clarifies the politics, the policing and why Camara (the police officer) is thinking and acting as he does. Very interesting for those who want to learn something about the question of the independence of Catalonia. However, it is not until Chapter 8 that a body is found and not until the middle of the book that the action really gets going, and it becomes a thrilling read. The description of the farming life around Valencia is wonderful, and other areas explored include the various police and intelligence agencies, paella making, the Legión, government agricultural grants, social problems and anarchists.
There are numerous strands to the plot, which makes the book seem to jump around in the first half, but gradually they all come together, as the book races through a thrilling second half. Camara is an interesting character, needing to decide between upholding his moral values or letting them go in order to assist in solving a case in which he has no leads.
For the tourist a few places of interest in Barcelona are mentioned, including a wonderful (according to the book) fish restaurant that still exists. However the main interest for tourists will be the political background that is described.
This is the first book in the Camara series that I have read (this is the 5th novel), and I found it difficult to get through the first half – interesting as it was (too much politics, too little action). However once all the explanations had been completed and I had reached the second half, it was brilliant and difficult to put down. I’m glad I kept reading.
This review first appeared on our blog: http://www.tripfiction.com/murder-mys...
Based in Barcelona, and Valencia, this murder mystery is set against a background of politics as the people of Catalonia hope for independence, in contrast to the many Spanish who (according to the book) do not want the country to be divided. It is set in the current day, with the recession biting and tensions rising.
The first half of the book clarifies the politics, the policing and why Camara (the police officer) is thinking and acting as he does. Very interesting for those who want to learn something about the question of the independence of Catalonia. However, it is not until Chapter 8 that a body is found and not until the middle of the book that the action really gets going, and it becomes a thrilling read. The description of the farming life around Valencia is wonderful, and other areas explored include the various police and intelligence agencies, paella making, the Legión, government agricultural grants, social problems and anarchists.
There are numerous strands to the plot, which makes the book seem to jump around in the first half, but gradually they all come together, as the book races through a thrilling second half. Camara is an interesting character, needing to decide between upholding his moral values or letting them go in order to assist in solving a case in which he has no leads.
For the tourist a few places of interest in Barcelona are mentioned, including a wonderful (according to the book) fish restaurant that still exists. However the main interest for tourists will be the political background that is described.
This is the first book in the Camara series that I have read (this is the 5th novel), and I found it difficult to get through the first half – interesting as it was (too much politics, too little action). However once all the explanations had been completed and I had reached the second half, it was brilliant and difficult to put down. I’m glad I kept reading.
This review first appeared on our blog: http://www.tripfiction.com/murder-mys...
July 15, 2017
I was really looking forward to this next Max Camara book because I've loved all the ones to date. This had all the elements that I've enjoyed in the past - politics, deep understanding of Spanish culture, well crafted characters - but this one felt somewhat forced. I didn't quite believe all the connections and I confess that I miss the Camara's grandfather and his politics. Which doesn't mean to say that I didn't find it an engrossing read...just not as "real" as the others.
January 22, 2021
Skilfully woven plot of politics, crime and history in contemporary Spain
June 19, 2021
It was good. Bit difficult to start with but turned out be a page turner. Thoroughly enjoyed it
October 19, 2021
Much of it was disjointed; second half much better.
March 26, 2022
Interesting glimpse into Spanish sentiments around Catalonia.
September 22, 2024
DNF. Got more than halfway through and realised I just wasn’t enjoying it. It seemed relentlessly depressing, with a total lack of any lightness or humour. Sigh. A waste of my time.
August 30, 2015
Another great story on Chief Inspector Max Cámara, the fifth novel in the series. While the author does not delve into the character traits and backgrounds as much as in other books (most readers will probably have read 1 or more of the first four novels) and focuses more on the story line (except perhaps for the flashbacks to Max's memories of his grandfather Hilario), the narrative is very solid. It can even be considered reasonably probable , despite the seemingly distant scenarios of trouble in Catalunya/Catalonia because of an impending unilateral independence declaration.
There are also interesting parallels with Spanish history, especially the story of the conspiring Colonel Terreros, kept safely in Ceuta and away from the Spanish mainland, a decision as fateful as the banishment of Francisco Franco to the Baleares and later in '36 to the Canary islands. Such a seemingly safe distance from continental Spain actually gave them all the time and space in the world to concoct their plans for take-over.
Given Spain's history, there is enough material (Basque country, Galicia, Andalusia, overseas, the catholic church, opus dei) for the settings of Max Cámara crime novels.
There are also interesting parallels with Spanish history, especially the story of the conspiring Colonel Terreros, kept safely in Ceuta and away from the Spanish mainland, a decision as fateful as the banishment of Francisco Franco to the Baleares and later in '36 to the Canary islands. Such a seemingly safe distance from continental Spain actually gave them all the time and space in the world to concoct their plans for take-over.
Given Spain's history, there is enough material (Basque country, Galicia, Andalusia, overseas, the catholic church, opus dei) for the settings of Max Cámara crime novels.
December 6, 2015
This is another 3.5. It's not quite classy enough to make 4 but it's a great yarn.
The story focusses on Max Camara and Catalonian separatist ideals and the remnants of the Franco lovers.
It took me a while to get into the book as we met all the characters and I had to reread some chapters so I could work out who was who. Webster introduces some characters to explain others, e.g Sandrita and leaves others unexplained e.g Mata (more of a story here seemed to be hinted at).
Once the story got going I was gripped. It's great to be able to picture some of the places (I'll avoid Ceuta) and to begin to understand some of the political tensions in Spain.
I read Webster's "Guerra" before going to Spain a few years ago and found it helpful and illuminating.
I look forward to more Max Camara stories.
The story focusses on Max Camara and Catalonian separatist ideals and the remnants of the Franco lovers.
It took me a while to get into the book as we met all the characters and I had to reread some chapters so I could work out who was who. Webster introduces some characters to explain others, e.g Sandrita and leaves others unexplained e.g Mata (more of a story here seemed to be hinted at).
Once the story got going I was gripped. It's great to be able to picture some of the places (I'll avoid Ceuta) and to begin to understand some of the political tensions in Spain.
I read Webster's "Guerra" before going to Spain a few years ago and found it helpful and illuminating.
I look forward to more Max Camara stories.
October 25, 2016
These Max Cámara novels are the most enjoyable detective stories I've come across in recent years. No psychopathic maniacs or grotesquely horrible crimes (both of which are easy to do, and hence overdone), but instead good plotting, interesting and believable characters and story lines, and a great sense of place - mostly in and around Valencia (and in this case Barcelona too). I've read a couple so far, and am looking forward to finding the rest on my travels.
July 17, 2021
At 248 pages, I had to ask myself why I was still reading it. I did not care about any of the characters. There seemed to be little emotional depth. And thrill wasn't thrilling. Perhaps it is because I came into the series at book 5 instead of the beginning that makes me unable to connect with Inspector Max Camara, but nothing will make me like Col. Terreros, who while loathsome in behavior and attitude, isn't really a fully realized character.
August 25, 2015
I've enjoyed this series in Valencia Spain. This new book moved between Valencia where Max is based to beautiful Barcelona. Characters well drawn, as usual. However, this time around the topic was too political for me.
August 17, 2015
It's always a treat to read another installment of Jason Webster's Inspector Max Cámara, joined with his partner Torres in the newly formed Special Crime Unit. Murder and mayhem prevail as well as political turmoil. Another winner!
April 2, 2024
was fine. a bit dated but okay, we can live with drones being a novelty. writing was just okay, very male-centric and angsty. plot was fine, kept me intrigued from start to finish. I'm actually very curious about the previous books like what happened to Alicia?
September 23, 2016
An incredible story set in Spain.It shows the problems the Police have when their loyalties are questioned.Should be read by people living in Northern Ireland and Scotland
October 17, 2016
DNF I'm afraid, much too much politics for my taste and found it hard to relate to the characters, which is a shame as I really enjoyed Winter in Madrid on a similar theme
October 2, 2017
What a timely read as the police try to stop Catalans voting in a referendum on independence.
December 1, 2017
Excellent book. Weaving the political situation in Barcelona into the story and as a general backdrop to events added to the impact.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews