Red Queen is the first book in the Universo Reina Roja series, which has sold over two million copies in Spain and has been adapted into an Amazon Prime Original series. It is a thriller that introduces Antonia Scott, a brilliant and reclusive woman who has a talent for solving crimes and puzzles.
“The only way to win is to be the first to break the rules.”
However, after a personal tragedy, she has withdrawn from the world and refuses to work with anyone. That is, until Jon Gutierrez, a disgraced police officer, shows up at her door with an offer she can’t refuse: to help him investigate a series of ritualistic murders that are linked to a mysterious organization.
The novel is a fast-paced and gripping read that will keep you hooked until the end. The author creates a complex and intriguing plot that combines mystery, suspense, action, and psychology. Antonia Scott is a fascinating and original protagonist who is not a typical detective or hero, but a complex and troubled woman who must face her own demons as well as the killer’s.
“The world is a chessboard, Antonia. And you are the queen. The most powerful piece, able to move in any direction. But you’re not free. You have a limited number of squares. And each time you use one up, there’s no going back.”
Jon Gutierrez is a sympathetic and loyal partner who tries to understand and protect Antonia, despite her reluctance and resistance. The novel also explores themes such as trauma, identity, justice, and power.
“There are two types of people in this world: those who adapt to the circumstances, and those who change them.”
Red Queen is a novel that will appeal to fans of thriller, mystery, and crime genres, especially those who enjoy stories with strong and unconventional female characters. It is a book that will keep you entertained, intrigued, and challenged. It is a book that will introduce you to Antonia Scott, the most compelling and original detective since Lisbeth Salander.
With thanks to Pan MacMillan SA for the opportunity to read this book.
About this book
https://www.panmacmillan.co.za/authors/juan-gomez-jurado/red-queen/9781529093643
About the author
“Juan Gómez-Jurado is a Spanish author and journalist born on December 16, 1977, in Madrid, Spain. He is known for his work in the thriller and suspense genres. Gómez-Jurado studied information sciences and has a background in journalism, which has influenced his writing style. His debut novel was “La Leyenda del Ladrón” (The Legend of the Thief), published in 2005, which gained significant attention and success. However, he truly rose to international fame with his novel “Espía de Dios” (God’s Spy), published in 2006. This thriller became a bestseller and marked the beginning of his successful writing career. Throughout his literary career, Juan Gómez-Jurado has published several other popular books, including “Contrato con Dios” (Contract with God), “El Emblema del Traidor” (The Traitor’s Emblem), “Cicatriz” (Cicatrix), and “Reina Roja” (Red Queen), among others. His novels are characterized by their fast-paced plots, intricate mysteries, and engaging characters. Gómez-Jurado’s writing has garnered praise from readers and critics alike, cementing his position as a prominent figure in the Spanish thriller genre.”