For the curious, and as the publishing dates given are often wrong, it is as follows: (1) Pasado Perfecto (Havana Blue) (1991); (2) Vientos de Cuaresma (Havana Gold) (1994); (3) Mascaras (Havana Red) (1997); (4) Paisaje de otono (Havana Black) (1998); (5) Adios Hemingway (same) (2001); (6) La neblina de ayer (Havana Fever) (2005); (7) La Cola de la serpiente (2011). I'm off to Scandinavia soon (in my literary travels--actually I'm off to Barcelona in a month in more literal travel terms), but taking a side trip to Cuba first, by means of Leonardo Padura's Havana Blue (that's the title in English of the third of his quartet-plus-one of novels featuring detective Mario Conde, the Count). Police lieutenant Mario Conde, known as the Count, investigates the disappearance of an up-and-coming government trade official, who also happens to be an old classmate, married to Tamara, a girl Conde and his friends fantasized about back in high school.

The male characters are obsessed with women, but it doesn't go much deeper than the appreciation of anatomy.

On a certain level, Padura's work invokes the creative process, as does the journey of Montero's journalist. In Padura’s quartet, the plot is of relatively minor importance, although it certainly kept my attention. The rich characterizations and bittersweet remembrances of the good old days, 20 years before, play as great a role in the book as the investigation of a missing man. The second novel of the series is in many ways a continuation of this one, he has another try at love, but, like all good Marlowe type detectives, will remain essentially a melancholy loner. While she claims to be mystified by her husband vanishing, swearing that he was an honest public servant, Tamara remains high on Conde's list of suspects even as he struggles to master his desire for her.

Larger than average (4-5cm diameter) flowers appear for many months from early summer above the clumps of yellow-green foliage. His Havana series crime novels featuring the detective Mario Conde, published in English by Bitter Lemon Press, have been translated into many languages and have won literary prizes around the world. The Tom Ford eyewear collection contains vintage inspired frames that remind us of Hollywood chic, with many of the frames featuring statement bold chunky geek styles, all with detailed and exquisite craftsmanship. At age thirty-four, with two divorces behind him, he drinks too much rum and smokes two packs a day. While pursuing the case in a decaying but adored Havana, Conde confronts his lost love for Tamara and the dreams and illusions of his generation.

Please note that the heights, spreads and flowering periods mentioned are approximate, as they can be affected by your soil type, light levels and other various conditions that may surround the plant. Padura uses the elements of a police procedural to criticize the political and social structures of the society in which the action takes place. But then he finds the man is someone he was at school with who has done not only much better than him work-wise, but married Conde's long-ago love Tamara. They complement most other plants beautifully and, chosen wisely, can provide a continuation of colour in the garden from spring through to early winter. We offer a huge selection of movie, game or sports posters of all sizes as well as wide range of original gifts for true fans of Star Wars, Harry Potter, comics or the whole Warner Bros family.