Las que no duermen NASH by Dolores Redondo is a gripping addition to her literary universe, blending meticulous forensic science with the haunting, mystical atmosphere of Navarra. Plot Overview The story follows Nash Elizondo
, a forensic psychologist who, while researching a witchcraft legend in the Legarrea pit cave, discovers the remains of Andrea Dancur, a girl missing for three years. Set in March 2020 against the backdrop of the emerging pandemic, the discovery reopens a closed case for which an innocent woman may be imprisoned. The investigation moves between scientific rigor and the exploration of ancestral mysteries and human psychology. Key Strengths Atmosphere:
Redondo excels at creating an immersive, almost "oniric" setting in the Tranquil Valleys of Navarra, where the line between reality and legend is thin. Thematic Depth:
The novel explores a "resilient lineage of women" who refuse to be broken, even in the face of extreme cruelty. Baztán Connection: Fans of the Baztán Trilogy
will appreciate the special connections and cameos from familiar characters like Amaia Salazar , which add weight to the new narrative. Critical Perspectives Las Que No Duermen NASH - Dolores Redondo.epub
Some readers find the 608-page novel slightly slow or "irregular," noting that it takes time to build intensity before a high-stakes finale. Protagonist Reception:
While many enjoy Nash Elizondo’s scientific approach, some long-time fans feel she doesn't initially "hook" the reader as strongly as Amaia Salazar did in previous works. Narrative Style: Reviewers from Casa del Libro
mention that the author occasionally references her own previous books through the characters, which some found distracting.
This is a "masterful" noir thriller that successfully bridges the gap between Redondo's earlier work and her newer Los Valles Tranquilos series. It is highly recommended for readers who enjoy atmospheric crime fiction that balances cold science with dark, mythical folklore. 6 Sept 2024 — Las que no duermen NASH by Dolores Redondo
Las que no duermen NASH (2024) is the latest "mystic noir" thriller from Dolores Redondo, set in the atmospheric and secretive "Tranquil Valleys" of Navarra, Spain. The Plot
The story begins in March 2020, just as the world begins to face the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Discovery: Forensic psychologist Nash Elizondo is investigating ancient witchcraft legends in the deep Legarrea pit cave. While descending, she unexpectedly finds the fresh body of Andrea Dancur, a girl who disappeared three years earlier—a case everyone thought was closed with a woman already serving time for the crime.
The Investigation: This discovery forces the reopening of the case on two fronts: a rigorous scientific approach and a deeper dive into the psychology and ancestral mysteries of the valley. Setting and Atmosphere The setting is crucial to
Theme of Resistance: The title refers to a "lineage of women" who refuse to bend or sleep until the truth is uncovered. It highlights women who remain vigilant and conscious, even when society wants secrets to stay buried. Key Characters
Nash Elizondo: A university professor and forensic psychologist whose name—NASH—is an acronym used in forensics for the four causes of death: Natural, Accidental, Suicide, and Homicide. She uses empathy to understand victims by analyzing their belongings.
Amaia Salazar: In a "gift" to long-time fans, the protagonist of Redondo's famous Baztán Trilogy makes a supportive appearance in this novel.
Unexpected Allies: Nash is aided by memorable secondary characters, including the resilient women of the Mitxelena funeral home. Setting & Atmosphere
The novel explores the Basque Country's mythical past, blending real historical events (like the 2016 discovery in the Legarrea chasm) with supernatural legends of "red diabolical bulls" guarding the underworld. The location is often hostile and resistant to outsiders unearthing its truths.
The setting is crucial to the novel’s mood. Roncal and the Pyrenees are depicted with atmospheric precision. Redondo utilizes the harsh winter landscape—the biting cold, the isolation, and the blinding snow—to create a sense of claustrophobia. The environment mirrors the plot: cold, unforgiving, and concealing secrets beneath its surface.