Return to Madrid

by Gordon L. Thomas

It is 1685 and autumn in Madrid. Life there is bad for men but much worse for women. Recently widowed, Francisca needs a new purpose in life. With the odds heavily weighed against her, she decides to investigate the mysterious death, sixteen years before, of her bright and gifted son, while he was at university. Did he die of some undetected illness? Did he commit suicide? Or was he murdered? Disguised as mother and son, Francisca and her friend Inés leave Madrid to challenge the staff at Juan’s college, twenty miles away. How can they possibly succeed with this cold case? How will they discover what happened and who can help? What dangers are lurking? Surely, any evidence will be destroyed or lost, after so long… or will it?This fast moving thriller shows how unyielding determination can help unravel puzzling events of the past. It demonstrates how new friendships can blossom from the smallest of buds.

283 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 25, 2019

About the author

Gordon Thomas was brought up in Parkstone, Dorset, in the south of England. He is proud of his late father, a postman. In 1969 Gordon gained a PhD in nuclear physics and in 1972 became employed in the UK Home Office where he and his team conducted some of the original work in fingerprint science. After taking a range of administrative and scientific posts he retired in 2003. At 66 he was one of our oldest 'debut' novelists with the unique and beautiful story of 'The Harpist of Madrid'. His second novel, 'The Emerald of Burgos', a prequel to the first was published in 2014 and a third novel, 'Expulsion' was published in 2017. He's just published his fourth, an historical thriller called 'Return to Madrid'! He lives with his wife, Janet, in Worcester Park in the London Borough of Sutton.

Gordon's blog is at www.gordonlthomas.com

Reviews

[Esther Rabbit · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED

Let me just start out with a quote:

"That potentially dangerous incident told me much about Baltasar.
He acted with calmness and speed in adversity and did not take
advantage of having the upper hand with the street robbers. He could
have killed the man with a single shot but chose only to raise a dust
cloud on the ground in front of him. And he could have discharged his
matching pistol but decided against it."

I'd like to applaud Gordon L. Thomas's storytelling skills. This novel is so charming and character driven. Fast paced, entertaining and very easy to follow even if you're a few centuries ahead. I also appreciate the glossary at the beginning - a quick scan and it becomes easy to follow.

[Cristian Cairo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am happy to give my review to Gordon L. Thomas'book, my personal experience with its book Return to Madrid is amazing! I have never read a book like this: it is a fantastic journey where you will be fascinated by all protagonists and the historical atmosphere that surround this fantastic thriller.
This book can be read from all readers who love Spain History, Thriller Books and inspirational book; yes, you have read right: the main character will inspire you with her determination to ...
I recommend this book!!!

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel.
It is a historical thriller set in 17th century Spain.
A mother needs to find out why her son died, was it murder, or did he commit suicide. Breathtaking and romantic with lots of history.

Recommend to anyone who enjoys historical thrillers.