Grab a Snake by the Tail (Mario Conde Series #7)

by Leonardo Padura, Peter Bush (Translator)

Overview

Mario Conde investigates a murder in the Barrio Chino, the rundown Chinatown of Havana. Not his usual beat, but when Conde was asked to take the case by his colleague, the sultry, perfectly proportioned Lieutenant Patricia Chion, a frequent object of his nightly fantasies, he could n’t resist. The case proves to be unusual. Pedro Cuang, a lonely old man, is found hanging naked from a beam in the ceiling of his dingy room. One of his fingers has been amputated and a drawing of two arrows was engraved with a knife on his chest. Was this a ritual Santería killing or a just a sordid settling of accounts in a world of drug trafficking that began to infiltrate Cuban society in the 1980s? Soon Conde discovers unexpected connections, secret businesses and a history of misfortune, uprooting and loneliness that affected many immigrant families from China. As ever with Padura, the story is soaked in atmosphere: the drinking of rum in deliciously smoke-filled bars, the friendships, the food and beautiful women.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781912242177
Publisher:	Bitter Lemon Press, Ltd
Publication date:	06/11/2019
Series:	Mario Conde Series , #7
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	284
Sales rank:	431,516
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 7.70(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Leonardo Padura was born in Havana in 1955. A novelist, journalist, and critic, he is the author of several novels, one collection of essays, and a volume of short stories. His Havana series crime novels featuring the detective Mario Conde, published in English by Bitter Lemon Press, have been translated into many languages and have won literary prizes around the world.

Peter Bush is a celebrated translator from the Spanish and Catalan, known for his translations of Leonardo Padura, Juan Goytisolo and Josep Pla.

Editorial Reviews

04/08/2019

In this solid spin-off from Cuban author Pedro’s Havana Quartet, police detective Mario Conde investigates the 1989 murder of 73-year-old Pedro Cuang, a dry cleaner, in Havana’s Chinatown. Cuang was found hanging naked from a rope in the small room where he lived, with two arrow symbols “etched into his chest with the blade of a knife” and a finger severed. Was he killed in connection with a cocaine shipment? A Santeria ritual? Or does it go back to the influx of Asian migrants into Cuba decades before? Conde only agrees to work the case because of his desire for Lt. Patricia Chion, who begs him to solve the crime. Conde’s lust evokes early 1950s Mickey Spillane, while Patricia’s father, Juan, speaks in heavy dialect (Juan says of his daughter, “Is c’lazy, Conde, talk to her. Has got this vel’y young man... Gets back ve’ly late eve’ly night”). The sexism and racial stereotyping may be true to period, but they will also likely make some readers uneasy. Fans of the Havana Quartet will welcome Conde’s return. (June)

Publishers Weekly

Few contemporary writers understand noir as well as Padura, and far fewer convey Cuba with such grit and sensuality.” Playboy

“Overlaid with a rich smoky patina, an atmosphere that reeks of slums and riches, cigar smoke and exotic perfumes. Havana Black is a strong tasting book, a rich feast of wit and feeling.” Independent

“Drenched with that beguiling otherness so appealing to fans of mysteries of other cultures, Havana Blue will also appeal to those who appreciate the sultry lyricism of James Lee Burke. “ Booklist

“…a magnificent Dickensian evocation of the city’s street hassle; it takes in drug dealers, hookers, people queuing for pizza, newly-weds, the hotels and baseball fans, and captures the enthralling gloom of dimly lit, apocalyptic early-evening Havana.’ Times Literary Supplement

“Havana Gold is a textured treat for those who like their detective fiction served long and lazy with a double shot of rum.” Financial Times

“Conde’s quest follows the basic rhythm of the whodunit, but Padura syncopates Havana Red with brilliant riffs on Cuban sex, society, religion, even food.” Independent

In this solid spin-off from Cuban author Pedro’s Havana Quartet, police detective Mario Conde investigates the 1989 murder of 73-year-old Pedro Cuang in Havana’s Chinatown. Fans of the Havana Quartet will welcome Conde’s return. Publishers Weekly

How nice it is to watch a high-powered talent at work on a form that too often relies on flat-footed prose. Booklist

Padura on his very best form. Once again, we have Padura’a irresistible combination of quirky storytelling and a vivid evocation of the city of Havana – Padura’s specialities, in fact. The translation by Peter Bush does full justice to the novel, which was inspired by the author’s work as a journalist when investigating the history of Havana’s Barrio Chino. ELN Barry Forshaw

“Grab a Snake by the Tail” is pitted with black humour, noir as the gods intended it to be. This intelligent and insightful crime novel is thoroughly intriguing. It will have you examining your own prejudices and assumptions. Conde is a compelling character and ultimately this is a very satisfying read. NB Magazine

From the Publisher