Reviews/Articles - Deadly Secrets - a story of corruption, money laundering and murder in Southern Spain

Deadly Secrets is a story of bribery, corruption, money laundering and murder in Andalucia. The action takes place in the (fictional) coastal town of Los Cipreses as well as in Granada, Madrid, London, the Cayman Islands and Seville.

At first I didn’t know what I would make of this book so I met up with Robert to chat about it and he gave me a complimentary copy to read :-).

I was very impressed by Robert, a very intelligent and articulate man. He really had done some astonishing amount of research for his book and having lived in Marbella for several years, was well aware of some of the goings-on there during the “corruption years”.

Robert was born to Spanish parents in the UK, has an investment banking background, speaks fluent Spanish and understands the Spanish culture perfectly.

After our chat and a coffee at Terra Sana in Nueva Andalucia I walked away with my copy of Deadly Secrets in hand wondering what I would say to Robert if I thought his book was a load of crap. I have been in this situation before.

But I shouldn’t have worried. I couldn’t put this book down. Everywhere I went the book came with me, reading as much as I could at every opportunity. Bank queues, tax office queues, the toilet, everywhere! OK, too much information there.

I loved it. I loved the story, the characters, the intrigue, the plot, everything.

It reminded me a little of the movie “The Business” which is set in the 80s in Southern Spain, and the writing style is similar to perhaps John Grisham. A great combination!

You can’t have my copy

Robert doesn’t know I’m writing this about his book today. I haven’t told him what I think of the book yet, but I’m sure he’ll be pleased with what I’ve written.

Now, you can’t have my copy as I really would like to keep it, but you can get your own. And if you want a great read which does reflect a different side to life in Spain, then here’s how to get it.

By the way, I’m not getting paid to write this or to recommend it (Robert only bought me a coffee!). The link to buy it is not an affiliate link or anything. I just like the book, the author and I’m sure you would like it too, which is why I am recommending it to you.

Kitty Sewell, best selling author of Ice Trap (posted on Amazon)

“Robert Tenison's debut novel has everything you want in a thriller, very fast paced, loads of intrigue, hidden motivations, dark secrets, political conspiracy, deception. It offers a sympathetic (but not stereotypical) hero, a budding romance and an unusual setting, a small coastal town in Andalucia. A lot is written in the papers about corruption in Spanish property development, but Deadly Secrets will reveal the machinations of its players and offers a convincing depiction of how things can get out of hand. It's a case of truth rivaling fiction, as the author has obviously done some heavy duty research. Being a thriller fan, I was impressed, both by the language and the sophistication of style and was surprised to discover this was his first. I can't wait for the sequel. Hurry up, Mr. Tenison.”

Other Press Reviews

Articles by Robert Tenison

Corruption is Drowning Spain

Why is Spain one of the most corrupt democratic countries in Europe?

What Makes Spaniards Spaniards?