Some Clouds

Independent detective Héctor Belascoarán Shayne takes on a case in Mexico City involving the murder of a young woman. The investigation leads him through a web of corruption encompassing both the police force and political circles. The detective must navigate dangerous territory as he pursues answers in a city where truth and justice are fluid concepts. His investigation brings him into contact with a cast of characters from different social strata, from high-ranking officials to street vendors. As a noir mystery set in 1980s Mexico, the book explores themes of systemic corruption, the blurred lines between law and criminality, and one man's determination to uncover truth in a society built on lies. The narrative reflects broader questions about power, justice, and moral compromise in modern urban life.

Readers found this noir mystery engaging but less compelling than other books in Taibo's Belascoarán series. The plot follows an investigation into police corruption in Mexico City. Readers appreciated: - Dark humor and cynical observations about Mexican society - Vivid descriptions of Mexico City's atmosphere - Complex character development of detective Belascoarán Common criticisms: - Confusing plot elements that don't fully connect - Slower pacing compared to other books in the series - Abrupt ending that left some threads unresolved One reader noted: "The corruption storyline feels authentic but gets tangled in too many subplots." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (124 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (17 ratings) Several reviews mention this book works better after reading earlier entries in the series, as it builds on established character relationships.

The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler A detective navigates corruption in Los Angeles while investigating the death of his friend's wife, uncovering connections between wealth, power, and murder.

Down the Mean Streets by Piri Thomas A Puerto Rican detective works through the criminal underworld of Spanish Harlem to solve crimes while confronting social inequalities.

The Rules of Silence by David Lindsay A Mexico City investigator pursues drug cartels and political conspiracies across the border between Texas and Mexico.

Death in the Andes by Mario Vargas Llosa Two civil guards investigate disappearances in the Peruvian Andes while encountering local myths, political violence, and cultural conflicts.

The Buenos Aires Quintet by Manuel Vázquez Montalbán A Spanish detective searches for a missing person in Argentina while uncovering layers of political corruption and historical trauma.

🔍 Written in Spanish as "Algunas nubes," this noir detective novel features Taibo's recurring character Héctor Belascoarán Shayne, a one-eyed Mexican private investigator 📚 The book explores corruption within Mexico's police force and government, drawing from real events that occurred during Mexico's "Dirty War" of the 1970s ✍️ Paco Ignacio Taibo II helped create the "neopolicial" genre - a Latin American take on hardboiled detective fiction that incorporates social and political commentary 🏆 The author founded the Black Novel Festival (Semana Negra) in Gijón, Spain, which has become one of the largest literary festivals in Europe 🌎 Though born in Spain, Taibo II moved to Mexico at age 9 and became a naturalized citizen, making him one of Mexico's most celebrated adopted literary voices