The Sound of One Hand Killing

Twin brothers Borja and Eduard are private detectives, although you would never be able to guess that from their private lives. Between smuggling, shop lifting, cheating and becoming embroiled with the CIA they somehow manage to find the time to take on an assignment from a Catalan author; Teresa Solana. She wants the twins to investigate the shady goings-on in the world of alternative medicine. This seemingly straight forward job becomes almost more than the brothers can handle when the Director of the Zen meditation centre they are staying at is murdered while they sleep. Forced to investigate, the duo discover that deep, dark secrets are hiding behind the serene façade of flower remedies and yoga classes.

Teresa Solana's third instalment of the twin detective series introduces us to a recession hit Barcelona where the rich throw their money around and everyone else struggles to make it to payday. Her scathing look at the 'science' behind herbal medicine is an interesting take on this alternative life style choice. Intriguingly, Solana establishes herself as a character in the book, giving the story an element of meta-fiction, a fantastic technique that further draws the reader in. Her protagonists are likable rogues and despite their many flaws you can't help but root for them as they wriggle out of the many ridiculous situations they get themselves into.