La Sirena Y El Jubilado / The Mermaid and the Retiree

Carmen Larra aga parece tener todo en contra. Ante la plaga de violencias que padecen las mujeres, ha decidido lanzarse como candidata a diputada federal por su ciudad. Sin embargo, los dirigentes de su partido --el Partido Democr tico del Pueblo Bueno-- le niegan su apoyo, pues impulsar n al oportunista Vega Fern ndez, cuyas alianzas se extienden como tent culos hasta el crimen organizado. Pero ste no ser su mayor obst culo. En su primer acto de campa a como candidata independiente, Carmen recibe dos balazos de un tirador furtivo, que la dejan malherida.

La joven candidata no se amedrenta; su mensaje ha calado r pido y hondo, y tiene el respaldo de un grupo de tenaces amigas. Pero c mo hacer una campa a sabiendo que el enemigo acecha, un enemigo que puede estar en las filas de su poderoso expartido o en las filas de un grupo criminal igualmente poderoso? Carmen necesita protecci n y la encontrar en la imprevista figura de N stor del Valle, un guardia de museo jubilado. Ser suficiente?

lmer Mendoza consagra su lugar como maestro de la novela negra con esta fascinante historia, que combina magistralmente thriller pol tico y retrato social. Una obra que refleja una realidad tan cruda que nos estremece y nos duele a todos. La sirena y el jubilado nos sumerge en la intensa lucha diaria de las mujeres por la justicia y la supervivencia en un pa s donde el poder nunca se comparte y la corrupci n e impunidad se multiplican.

ENGLISH DESCRIPTION

"Some monsters grow, others crouch."

Carmen Larra aga seems to have everything against her. Faced with the plague of violence suffered by women, she has decided to run for federal deputy for her city. However, the leaders of her party--the Good People's Democratic Party--deny her their support, as they will promote the opportunistic Vega Fern ndez, whose alliances extend like tentacles into organized crime. But this will not be her biggest obstacle. In her first campaign event as an independent candidate, Carmen is shot twice by a sniper, leaving her seriously wounded.

The young candidate is not intimidated; her message has resonated quickly and deeply, and she has the support of a group of tenacious friends. But how can she campaign knowing that the enemy is lurking, an enemy who may be in the ranks of her powerful former party or in the ranks of an equally powerful criminal group? Carmen needs protection, and she will find it in the unexpected figure of N stor del Valle, a retired museum guard. Will he be enough?

lmer Mendoza cements his place as a master of crime fiction with this fascinating story, which masterfully combines political thriller and social commentary. A work that reflects a reality so harsh that it shocks and pains us all. The Siren and the Retiree immerses us in women's intense daily struggle for justice and survival in a country where power is never shared and corruption and impunity are rampant.