This week, I’m thrilled to recommend Ane Odriozola’s novel, “The Iron Valley” (original title: El valle del hierro). A novel that spontaneously fell into my hands, and just from its introduction, I knew I would like it and that it could excite many readers as it is doing now. Published in March, it has already gone through two editions, and we are gearing up for a third, as the story has all the ingredients to make it a bestseller this summer. Historical thrillers are popular, and when set in northern Spain with such a well-woven story, they never disappoint. So, I am confident that this is just the beginning of a successful career.
16th century. Another disappearance. Two rival guilds, charcoal burners and forgers. Some women determined to impose the only law possible, the law of the valley.
On a rainy night in 1577, the charcoal burner Domingo Harria leaves his farmhouse for the Mirandaola ironworks, where the owners, the Plazaolas, are waiting for him. The next morning, his wife Asencia discovers that Domingo has not returned home and raises the alarm. It’s not the first time someone has disappeared in the valley; nor will it be the last.
After several days with no news, Asencia goes to the ironworks in search of any clues about her husband’s whereabouts, but although they assure her that Domingo never showed up, she is convinced the Plazaolas are lying. Their guild has never been trustworthy. Years later, when the entire valley seems to have forgotten Domingo, except Asencia, Jurdana appears in her life a young woman of unknown origin who not only carries a great secret but is also fleeing from a past she will inevitably have to face. She just hopes she won’t have to do it alone.
Death, love and power struggles between guilds, this is what we will find in this story with two powerful female characters that will provide a lot of excitement.
Are you going to miss out?
