Spanish Beauty

In Spanish Beauty, a hard-nosed police officer navigates the seedy underbelly of Benidorm while searching for a stolen cigarette lighter, encountering a host of colorful characters.

In Spanish Beauty, we are introduced to Michela, a police officer with a unique background—her father is an English gangster and her mother a flamenco dancer. This complex character operates on the fringes of the law, navigating a world filled with moral ambiguity. The story unfolds in the vibrant and chaotic setting of Benidorm, where Michela embarks on a quest to recover a stolen cigarette lighter belonging to the infamous Reggie Kray. Author Esther Garcia Llovet masterfully weaves a tale that is both thrilling and thought-provoking, taking readers on a wild ride through the underbelly of the Costa Brava.

As Michela delves deeper into her investigation, she encounters a colorful array of characters, including English gangsters, Russian mafiosi, and various other figures from the criminal underworld. Each character adds depth to the narrative, creating a rich tapestry of interactions that reveal the complexity of life in this sun-soaked locale. The author’s sharp wit and keen observational skills shine through, making the story not only engaging but also visually striking, akin to a cinematic experience.

Beyond the surface of sunburns and tourist traps, Spanish Beauty explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. Llovet's writing is both humorous and poignant, reminiscent of the best works of Almodovar. This unconventional thriller is a love letter to the chaos of mass tourism and a testament to the originality of its storytelling.