What began as a “distraction” from creative stagnation 21 year ago, ended up becoming ten “mythical” police novels by Jose Maria Guelbenzu (Madrid), 78 years. Yesterday’s launch of ‘Asesinato en el Jardin Botanico (Destiny), was presented by the author at a breakfast in the same location. This concludes the story of Mariana de Marco, the investigator. It began in 2001 with a ‘Don’t harass the assassin’. The series ends with the investigation into the murder of a 40 year-old woman whose body is hidden behind a royal palm.
Guelbenzu said that he has completed the twelve novels already announced (one, ‘El Hermano Pequeno,’ winner of the Torrente Ballester prize, 2010), and that there are currently no pending projects. “I don’t know if my imagination has died, but I believe I will not write any more,” Guelbenzu said. The man from Madrid doesn’t want to create any more characters, except for a few stories he would like to finish. He ironically says, “I’m tired”> when he talks of his discouragement. He has not promised to tell half the stories.
The love of letters has now migrated to the world of plants. The stunning Madrid Botanical Garden was the perfect setting for Guelbenzu’s latest creation. This prestigious space was built in the 18th century. It is located near the Prado Museum, where Guelbenzu spends many hours meditating and enjoys. Although most of the investigations are set in northern Spain, Guelbenzu wanted to finish his new book in Madrid. He says, “Novels have thought it, but it shouldn’t be noticed.” He also excuses his desire to surround the narrative in nature out of pure affection to the Botanist, “a space” full of life that is not to be missed.
To retain readers, he began the story by introducing the most important point in the story within the first paragraphs. He has decided to “be calm” in the end and has thus developed his work. The book is a collection of humor and manners that starts calmly and ends with drama. Two voices are the innovative feature of this book. “The usual judicial section in which I consider myself to be a good dialoger”, and the other journalistic viewpoint with a chronicle written by the judge’s spouse.
He decided to write another story in 2001 after he got stuck in a literary traffic jam. This became the book titled “Do not harass the killer”. Guelbenzu was determined to be his own voice in a detective genre that was booming in Spain. She says that she realized Guelbenzu had wasted his time when he finished the story. Mariana de Marco, a secondary character, was a great writer and attracted the author’s attention. He was worthy to be saved and promoted to the top. He made a new wager: To show the evolution of his old lawyer.
Guelbenzu isn’t attracted to the plot and has instead focused on Guelbenzu’s professional growth and how she manages her personal life while juggling court cases. The genre is structured in a way that invites the reader to play detective for a while. Each of his works can be considered separately. It is not necessary that you know the judge at the beginning in order to “discover” him.
She recalls that twenty years ago, there were very few female officers in the police force. This was her original contribution. It highlighted the ability to manage important cases and do it well. His character is tired of European crime novels and mystery novels that lack a connection to justice. He believes in the truth. He emphasizes that even if I fail to achieve great things, it’s still worth trying.
These stories were not premeditated. They have been adapted over the years, always highlighting the strength of this woman. She was certain that there would be ten. She explains that she chose the amount as a tribute to Per Wahloo and Maj Sjowall, the creators of Martin Beck, which inspired her with their fictional detective and twelve books.
Guelbenzu admits to being tempted to write a prequel. However, he believes it was enough to be with Mariana de Marco for more 20 years until Mariana “entered the most compromise age in the lives of women today: 50 years.”
He is proud of the ending and insists that he will not be returning to his judge despite the pleas of his faithful readers. Her “friend” was a common term for her in the nine previous novels. He concludes, “I have nothing to say about her, nor about anyone. I will not give up my soul.”