The Invisible Guardian cover art

The Invisible Guardian

The Baztan Trilogy, Book 1

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The Invisible Guardian

By: Dolores Redondo
Narrated by: Emma Gregory
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About this listen

A killer at large in a remote Basque Country valley , a detective to rival Sarah Lund, myth versus reality, masterful storytelling – the Spanish bestseller that has taken Europe by storm.

Shortlisted for the CWA International Dagger

The body of a teenage girl has been found on the banks of the River Baztán – the second in a month. Soon rumours are flying in the village of Elizondo. Is this the work of a serial killer, or something even more sinister?

Inspector Amaia Salazar leads the investigation, returning to the Basque country where she was born. Shrouded in mist and surrounded by forest, it conceals a terrible secret from Amaia’s childhood that has come back to haunt her.

Facing the superstitions of the village, Amaia must fight the demons of her past in order to catch the killer. But what is the dark presence she senses lurking in the shadows?

©2015 Dolores Redondo (P)2015 HarperCollins Publishers Ltd Crime Fiction Detective Fantasy Fiction Horror Mystery Supernatural Suspense Thriller & Suspense Women Sleuths Women's Fiction Scary Paranormal

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Critic reviews

‘Myth and reality blend in this sophisticated and razor-sharp thriller … gritty, fascinating and compelling’ Steve Berry

‘Combines singular characters and an eerily atmospheric setting’ Sunday Times

this is a well-written book for those eager to explore a little-known area of Spain, and should appeal to fans of Fred Vargas and James Oswald. The supernatural elements are handled with a light touch, and shouldn’t put off more cynical readers, Crime Fiction Lover

An intriguing read – compelling and often dark’ Liz Loves Books blog

‘Well-written and engaging’ Raven Crime Reads blog

‘Has so many facets to it that it becomes utterly compelling’
Publishing Perspectives

‘An engrossing psychological thriller’ Publishers Weekly

‘Exciting … the level of sustained uncertainty is magnificently realized’ Library Journal
All stars
Most relevant  
I loved this book and film, The only criticism is that you can tell this was written by a woman. The male interactions were not convincing, especially in a romantic setting.

Very enjoyable - legends and detective story

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The vivid descriptions of the Baztan valley were captivatingly brought to life by the reader. Totally engrossing.

Totally absorbing

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Be warned - you probably won't be able to buy only one book of this series. Excellent narration, a wonderful sense of place, characters both believable and engaging.

Not an easy listen though.

An excellent listen!

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Marvellous book as are the other two in the series and wonderful narration by Emma Gregory, as always.

Superb

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A murder mystery touched with sci-fi/horror. Really who could ask for anything more. And that it was written very well or at least the translation was superb!
The ending did leave one question however, I won’t post it here to avoid spoilers.
It may not be the most violent ridden action packed thriller you’ve ever encountered tho it does have it, but it is suspenseful enough and I, being retired law enforcement, was NOT able to glean who the killer was. An unusual occurrence for me but a welcomed one!
The best advice I can give is to get the book.

Excellent

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This is my first read by Dolores Redondo Good story. Good narration. Took me into the tale straight away. Look forward to finding my next read by Dolores.

More please

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A woman has got to do what a man has got to do . Which , is to scatter an amount of foul language and feminist melodrama that is completely implausible and is constructed of nothing but cliche built upon cliche with a fair amount of spirits and forest gollies. I was hoping that a Spanish novel wouldn’t have people vomiting and using foul language while forgetting to take vital action so that they can miraculously solve the case having padded it out to make a book twice as long as required .

They are even vomiting in Spain.

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Despite the good narration by Emma Gregory, this book was a poor listen . By chapter 16 I had to abandon the monotonous and over descriptive ramblings and detail , waiting sleepily for some action that ironically had kicked off reasonably well at the begining but descended into rambling rhetoric . Such a shame, that after a promising start, the action grinds to an indulgence of unecessary detail at the expense of a progressing story line . Maybe later in the book the story does pick up but I'm afraid my attention span had been stretched to boredom . My wife was sharing the experience with me during a car journey. Her comment was "I was losing the will to live " . We are both enthusiastic readers / listeners of a good tale but I'm afraid for us , this one failed to deliver .
UPDATE : At a later date I decided to persevere to the end . It didn't improve a great deal. If you like a book with masses of unnecessary detail that rambles on endlessly then sit back and enjoy . In my opinion a good and thorough edit would produce an acceptable read. In the final chapters it began to move again but with no great excitement or crescendo . The foregoing expanse of detail pretty much gave the ending away so no intruiging twist or surprise or captivate the reader . Well I finished it . Not a book I would recommend or author I would seek more of. However full marks to Emma Gregory for her perseverance of presentation. I have very much enjoyed listening to Emma with alternative authors .

Monotonous

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Sadly, too many cliches in the characterisation and relationships. Listened to about 15 chapters and then tried to give it a second go but not for me.

Pleasant enough narration

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What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

A better narrator but also the book needs an edit. Okay, a serial killer and dead girls. Meh. Misogynistic and cliched but not the end of the world. Bit of Basque folklore and great stuff about her relationship with her mad mother. But Christ it needs chopping and reworking.

What could Dolores Redondo have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Cut most of the mysticism and made the character of James, the American boyfriend, at least vaguely like a real person. Absurdly fictional in all his sympathy and simpering. Also cut the Basque history and folklore lessons. If you can't make it part of the plot, cut it.

Would you be willing to try another one of Emma Gregory’s performances?

Never. Painful, breathless, mystic fairyland voice that makes me want to scream. No characterisation for different people (unless they are specified as having an accent, but even then she does this dreamy delivery that, especially for police staff, is beyond absurd).

You didn’t love this book--but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Yes, the actual book isn't bad. Needs work but it's okay. I like the mother stuff.

Needs a major rewrite

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