Lying Crying Dying: a novel

by Dominic Martell

Pascual is a marked man lying low. In the 1980s, he was a courier for a network of radical groups that spread terror across Europe in the name of separatism and liberation. That is, until he defected to the Mossad and CIA, selling out his former comrades save one—his old flame, the beautiful Katixa. Then he vanished along with his new identity into the streets of Barcelona, his childhood home. Sleeping in flophouses and living hand to mouth, Pascual spends his days trying to atone for his sins among the city’s teeming alleys and taverns. He keeps a low profile, hiding from old associates looking to exact revenge. But just when he thinks he’s finally shed his past, Katixa bursts back into his life with a suitcase full of cash hijacked from an ETA kidnapping, looking for a one-way ticket out of Spain—with Pascual. His better judgment doesn't stand a chance. To redeem both their lives, Pascual dusts off his old skills of subterfuge and deceit and goes on the run with Katixa, dodging ETA hitmen and the police in a nerve-wracking headlong race for survival. But nothing is what it seems, and betrayals lurk at every turn. When Pascual realizes that everyone is lying to him, the crying and the dying cannot be far behind.

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 6, 2020

About the author

A pseudonym used by Sam Reaves.

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Dominic Martell's story of Pascual Rose. His life was certainly not dull. He worked in the world of radical groups, some on one side of the law and sometimes on the other side. But he had reached a point in his life when he realized it was time to get out. What he didn't realize is that was not going to be easy.
There were many loose ends and it was going to be difficult to cut all his connections and retire to somewhere he could live a normal ? life ! This wild adventure will keep him trying to stay one step ahead of the bad guys, however even some of the good guys were still interested in him.
Come along for a wild ride in " Lying, Crying, Dying ' !!

[Donadee's Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dominic Martel – Lying Crying Dying – Reviewed 10/11/20 – Read 10/6-7/20

How do you know the one you love with all your heart is true? Especially if your both KILLERS!

Pascual was a courier for a group of radicals that was trying to spread terror in all of Europe, in the name of separatism and liberation. Then the day came when he had a better offer, so he defected to the Mossad and CIA. Of course, this means that he sold out all his former comrades, except, the one woman that he loved, the beautiful Katixa.

His new associates gave him a new identity and he was to vanish! Going home to Barcelona, his childhood home seemed like the place that he could be the happiest. Keeping an extremely low profile, existing and living hand to mouth, Pascual tried to atone for his past. This included hiding from his previous comrades but helping where he could.

Then the day arrived when he thought that he had finally put his past away, an eruption occurred, Katixa walked back into his life!!! They decide to pick up where they left off, but things do not seem right! Why? At every move, the deception was around him, everyone was lying to him, with that he knew then the crying and dying would not be far behind!!!

And the story begins…

What did I like? This book was a real test of my languages, which I loved, as I do not use some of them often enough. Now, the storyline, extremely complicated and mysterious. The main thing that I liked was the descriptions. I have never been to Europe, I felt like this book picked me up and off I went to Barcelona and many other places. I loved the foods, people, and lifestyles that were a part of the journey. I can honestly say that I was caught up in the storyline, with the pictures flying through my mind’s eye!

What will you like? When you use the word action, it seems like such a small word, but when you apply it to a book like this one, you will find this astonishing journey through hell and back! Duck, the lead is flying, the crooks are around you, with deception every step of the way, and the love is abounding. Well, at least one of them is in love! The characters are so unique and amazing. This storyline has the feel of real life, and it is obvious that the author has personal knowledge of it. You can see the research on every page. Dominic brings this book to life, and you will not be able to put it down, as the mystery, lead flying, running, and the race for survival will take over your mind! Professionally written and edited. An extremely exciting and wonderful read, it will be a great addition to your library.

• File Size: 4231 KB
• Print Length: 208 pages
• Publication Date: October 6, 2020
• Publisher: Dunn Books
• ASIN: B08JGYVF9R
• Genre: International Mystery & Crime, Women Sleuths

[Travelisfers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so happy to have found a new spy/intrigue series to read! Lying Crying Dying: a novel by Dominic Martell was such a fun read! Pascual Rose is that anti-hero that you love! A former courier for a network of radical groups spreading terror throughout Europe, Pascual was laying low years after he betrayed his colleagues - to get out. Then out of the blue, his former love, Katixia comes back into his life. She was the only one he didn't betray - and she needs his help! What a fun read as we follow Pascual being forced back into the life he did not want - but doing it for love. We learn about his past, we travel throughout Spain and parts of Europe with him and Katixia - and we come across twist after twist - that leaves us with our mouth open at the very end of the book!

I love a good spy story and this was fun! I look forward to the next two in this series that are out now!

Thank you to the publisher for my gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Ana Manwaring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dubbed “the thriller nouveau,” Martell’s first in a post-cold war series written in the 1990s, is a masterpiece of intention, angst, danger and dark action. Antihero Pascal, marked for his selling out his comrades in a 1980s radical group is trying to atone for past sins. He lives alone hand-to-mouth, flophouse to cheap hotel to back alley taverns in Barcelona, hiding. When he thinks he might have escaped his past, ex-lover Katixa with a suitcase of cash stolen from a political kidnapping in hand, turns up. She’s looking for away out of Spain and Pascal can’t resist her. On the run, Pascal hones his old skills to survive as betrayal dodges their steps and he realizes everything is a lie. Tension runs high throughout. Tightly crafted to put the reader into Pascal’s mind, I couldn’t help but experience the action in a visceral way. As dark as this story is, I cared about Pascal. I wanted him to triumph. Not only did I visit parts of Barcelona no tourist ever sees, but I was introduced to the familiar streets of Barri Gótic, anew—narrow, winding, dark-shadowed and suspicious. Some have criticized the writing style as ponderous for its deep characterization. I found the exploration of morality juxtaposed against Pascal’s passion and the violence of this fictional world to be superb—it’s what elevates Lying Crying Dying above a straight spy thriller. If you love suspense, getting into the character’s heads, travel, and the post-cold war spy genre of novel, read this book!