The Fifth Column (An Inspector Ruiz Mystery Book 3)

I really enjoyed the 3rd outing for Inspector Ruiz. In this book he is forced to take Cindy as interpreter to a new potential battle ground . As ever the local details are excellent . In addition there the author has a good go at how difficult it was to integrate the " International brigade " into the local forces . Many questions of Race/Creed/ even political outlook manage to pervade this book ; mostly very well done.I wasn't sure that all the new characters worked and the ending was a bit abrupt and even a tad unlikely. Even so ,a very good read at a fair price. Where possible I would suggest potential new readers to try and read these in order .

I am enjoying these Paco Ruiz books. Their setting, Spain during the Civil War, makes them quite different from most crime novels and gives an interesting incite into those times. The book ends with the detective reflecting on whether he wants to survive a war in which the wrong side will almost certainly will win. We know that it did. It will be interesting to see where the author takes his protagonist next.

An intelligent, engrossing book. The third of the series, it extended the narrative set by the previous books increasing the insight into the main characters and also the Spanish Civil War. It had me reaching for the maps and the historical background to the conflict, something I do if I am drawn into an historical and cultural drama such as this.Garcia Woods has worked out intelligent, themes and rationales for his ex police inspector. Clever and believable plot, exotic (being Spain in 1930s) and tense. I thoroughly recommend but begin with ‘A Murder of no Consequence’

I enjoyed the book. It was very engaging and the plot was interesting, particularly interesting is the contextual information about the Spanish civil war. The characters were believable and the plot was gripping.

Paco Ruiz rides again and the stories just get better and better,In a world gone completely mad, one man`s quest for justice transcending ideologies continues. Not a detective series any more but a profound meditation on unimportant truths of life. It's also a riveting page turned that like the others I finished in practically one session

Easy read, interesting times and characters, but story tends to wrap up quickly, read all three, and will read the next one if its published.

A really good story about a murder in the context of the Spanish Civil War, only spoiled by the names of the two principle female characters; two American women called Cindy and Doll !!!Now I find that so silly that it marred an otherwise excellent tale.

Strong story line set in Spain during the civil war. Ruiz once again blackmailed into returning to his role as a policeman with his Felipe to assist him.