Exploring Andalucía, Nostalgia, and the Art of Storytelling
Paul S. Bradley crafts compelling narratives blending Andalucía’s culture, nostalgia, and mysteries, drawing readers into historical depths and storytelling artistry as highlighted in his interview.
Paul S Bradley is a literary gem whose works transport readers into the heart of history, culture, and human emotion. With a life as rich and varied as the stories he pens, Bradley has seamlessly transitioned from crafting lifestyle magazines and travelogues to becoming a master of cosy mysteries and evocative narratives. His Andalusian Mystery Series, set against the vibrant backdrop of Spain, is a testament to his ability to weave contemporary issues and historical intrigue into compelling tales. Meanwhile, his Nostalgia Man trilogy delves into the poignant theme of memory, offering readers a deeply personal and reflective journey.
Bradley’s storytelling is as diverse as his life experiences. From the sunlit streets of Andalucía to the quaint charm of Henley-on-Thames and Market Harborough, his settings are imbued with authenticity and warmth. His works, such as Reinventing the Wheel, the inspiring biography of America’s first mobility-impaired female judge, and The Fontainebleau, a moving account of a family’s relocation to Spain, showcase his versatility and depth as a writer. With his latest mystery set in Gibraltar and a growing repertoire of captivating titles, Bradley continues to enchant readers with his unique blend of wit, insight, and heart.
In this exclusive interview, Paul S Bradley shares the inspirations behind his works, the cultural influences that shape his stories, and the personal reflections that breathe life into his characters. It is a privilege to delve into the mind of an author whose words not only entertain but also enlighten, offering a window into the worlds he so vividly brings to life.
“Paul S Bradley masterfully blends history, culture, and emotion, creating stories that entertain, enlighten, and resonate with readers worldwide.”
What inspired you to transition from writing lifestyle magazines and travelogues to creating mystery novels?
While travelling around Spain, escorting American alumni groups on educational vacations, or researching content for my publications, I talked in depth with local tour guides. They introduced me to their cities’ rich history, legends and myths. When I finally shut the publication shop, this mass of data swirled around my head, begging for attention. There was only one way to quieten these nagging voices: to collate them into a book, and now I had the time. I have always enjoyed mysteries, such as those by Harlan Coben, and the thought of creating something similar but set in Andalucia, where I live, was my inspiration. The outcome was a mystery series set in locations related to these fascinating legends. My objective was for readers to learn about Spain and be entertained simultaneously.
“My objective was for readers to learn about Spain and be entertained simultaneously.”
– Paul S Bradley
In Cordoba, the age-old argument between church, state, local council and Islamic Society about whether the Mosque-Cathedral is a Mosque, Cathedral, or Cathedral-Mosque rages on. In Ronda, the home of modern-day bullfighting, the inevitable demise of Spain’s national tradition is happening. In Velez-Malaga and Granada, gentrification is driving the Roma out of the town centre, killing off impromptu Flamenco in local bars. In Malaga, the exploitation of undocumented migrants is a growing concern. Many excellent historical novels set in Andalucia have already been published, but these contemporary issues influenced my storytelling. The sixth book in the series is set in Gibraltar among the 55 kilometres of WWII tunnels cut into the Rock. It is due in 2025.
What aspects of Andalucía’s culture and history influenced the Andalusian Mystery Series?
Why did you choose memory as a central theme for the Nostalgia Man trilogy?
As I lurch toward my eighties, I realise the past holds more than my dwindling years. In the current climate, who knows where we will end up? As grey cells diminish and memories become confused between reality and wishful thinking, personal histories can become distorted. Was that also happening to me? It set my mind in a whirl. Eventually, I concluded that I should write a story based on revisiting one’s youth. With the benefit of hindsight, re-examining unresolved issues such as lost love or missed opportunities could be a therapeutic and cleansing experience, like purging the junk stored for years in unopened boxes stacked in the attic. This journey of self-reflection is what inspired the Nostalgia Man trilogy.
“I write what I know. These small, middle England, low-crime, historical market towns where I grew up are where I feel safe and cosy.”
– Paul S Bradley
Is Oliver Matthews based on your own experiences or someone you know?
The main character’s name is a combination of my twin grandsons. I’ve used my story and weaved it into a mystery instead of an autobiography. I concede to overcoming in the plot what I had failed at or hadn’t been brave enough for in real life, but that is an author’s privilege. I hadn’t planned to write a book set in the UK; why would I when I have a host of intriguing material on my doorstep? It was purely by fluke. I was a day early to visit my daughter in Hartley Wintney. As the train from Bristol stopped at Twyford, that ubiquitous inner voice urged me to go to Henley. Not having visited for decades, I gathered my gear and spontaneously hobbled from the Paddington Express over to the Henley branch line and, with a degree of trepidation, caught the next train. Walking from the station to my old favourite haunt at the Red Lion Hotel, I was plagued by flashbacks of pleasant evenings in the hotel riverside bar and playing badly for their football team. I wondered what happened to old so-and-so and other dear friends from my life there in the 1960s. Sitting in the hotel dining room having breakfast the following day, I pondered that maybe I had left behind more than memories. After relationships with local and au pair girls I have never heard of since anything was possible.
How do the settings like Henley-on-Thames and Market Harborough shape the stories in your books?
I write what I know. These small, middle England, low-crime, historical market towns where I grew up, along with my adopted home of Nerja in Spain, which is of a similar size, are where I feel safe and cosy. Hence, cosy mysteries. Reinventing the Wheel is a biography about Patricia Broderick, America’s first female disabled judge. I enjoyed writing her story but was unimpressed during my many visits to Washington, DC and the East Coast to discuss her life. Compared with Spain, it is just a place to earn money and ignores most of those who find it difficult or are incapable of doing so. That is why I keep excessive violence and body counts to a minimum in my stories and won’t be pursuing any more over-the-pond opportunities.
How has living in Spain for over 30 years impacted your storytelling?
Learning the secrets behind what makes Spain tick took me a decade. Extended families rule Spain. They live near each other, and all generations unite to battle life’s challenges, sharing resources where necessary. It is an inclusive land that prioritises people and quality of life for everyone, no matter their circumstances. This practical and caring philosophy produces a healthy work-life balance, a warm community and a low crime rate. People generally like each other and welcome foreigners in their midst, especially those who learn the language and respect their customs. I convey this beautiful way of living in my books.
