EDITOR’S CHOICE
Atmospheric, gripping, and rich in cultural detail—Darkness in Málaga delivers an intriguing mystery with compelling characters and a vivid Andalusian setting.
Paul S Bradley’s Darkness in Málaga is an engaging and atmospheric start to the Andalusian Mystery Series, offering a compelling blend of crime, culture, and intrigue set against the sun-soaked yet shadowy backdrop of the Costa del Sol.
The story follows disgraced Detective Inspector Leon Prado, reassigned to lead a department handling crimes involving foreigners. Tasked with investigating the mysterious disappearance of a young British woman during the San Isidro Festival in Nerja, Prado faces not only a complex case but also a significant language barrier—one that forces him to rely on two translators, each with their own struggles. As the trio delves deeper into the case, they uncover a disturbing pattern that suggests a serial predator is at work.
Bradley’s strength lies in his vivid depiction of Andalusia, capturing both its beauty and its darker undercurrents. The novel paints an evocative picture of Spanish culture, from local festivals to the complexities of expatriate life, making the setting feel like a character in its own right. The protagonist, Prado, is a flawed yet compelling figure, whose personal redemption arc adds depth to the mystery.
While the pacing occasionally lags, the suspense builds steadily, culminating in a satisfying, if slightly predictable, resolution. Fans of crime fiction with a strong sense of place will find Darkness in Málaga a rewarding read, and the promise of further instalments in the series makes it all the more enticing.
