A writer investigates the astonishing case of a Spanish man who, after being presumed dead in the sinking of the Titanic, returns home years later. But his family begins to have doubts: is he really who he claims to be… or an impostor? Suspicion intensifies when his wife dies under mysterious circumstances. The new cozy crime novel by bestselling author Carmen Posadas, full of mystery, elegance, and unforgettable characters.
Emilia Pardo Bazán, the protagonist of the novel and one of the most renowned real-life writers in Spanish history, helps her friend Ignacio Selva—a writer with detective ambitions—write an article for a newspaper about the Spaniards who survived the Titanic tragedy. The article has an unexpected impact: they receive a letter informing them that one of the three missing Spanish passengers, presumed dead, has returned.
They are contacted by Amalia Olmedo, a wealthy woman from Avilés, Asturias, asking for their help. She is the sister of Armando, one of the Spanish victims of the Titanic nearly ten years ago, who has now come back. But is it really him? What proof is there that this man is truly her brother? His wife, Eva, although she welcomed him with open arms, admits that there are differences in his personality compared to the Armando she once knew, which might be due to amnesia. However, Amalia suspects otherwise—she believes he may be an impostor and begs the pair of writers to investigate. And so, they head to Avilés.
Once there, they begin their investigation while staying in Amalia’s home: a beautiful, grand indiano-style mansion known as “the House of the Two Towers.” Emilia, with her sharp wit and tireless curiosity, and Selva, who can’t help but be distracted by Amalia, observe how Armando interacts with the family—especially with Eva, their son, Amalia, and her blind niece Laura. But not only that: one’s true character is often revealed by how they treat the household staff, led by the housekeeper, Piedad.
At first, Armando’s behavior doesn’t raise alarms. But when Eva suddenly dies—apparently in an accident—everything is once again thrown into question. If Armando is an impostor, could he also be a murderer?
As their investigation deepens, aided by a note and the retired detective Elías Corralero (who helped them at the beginning), the protagonists uncover the truth: the murderer was Piedad, the housekeeper. As a young woman, Piedad had been abused by the master of the house, Armando and Amalia’s father, and bore a child—Juan. He was expelled and sent to Cuba. Piedad never forgave this and swore she would find a way for her son to reclaim his rightful place in the family. When the Titanic sank, she saw the perfect opportunity.
She trained Juan for years, teaching him everything he needed to know to impersonate Armando. Once ready, he would return from the dead, seemingly as if by miracle. But things became complicated when Juan truly fell in love with Eva, causing Piedad to fear for the success of her plans…
In an epilogue set more than thirty years later, Laura—Amalia’s blind niece, now married to Plácido—addresses the reader. She reveals that Amalia ultimately forgave Juan, understanding his story, and came to recognize him as her brother.
Now a journalist, Laura is about to publish the story, since neither Emilia (who died soon after) nor Selva (out of love for Amalia) ever did. And who better than Laura to recount the passionate history of her family?
RELEVANT INFORMATION: The Mysterious Case of the Titanic Impostor is a novel that blends mystery, historical fiction, drama, melodrama, and romance, interweaving real and fictional events and characters. This reflects Carmen Posadas’s deep passion for history and literature, with abundant references to Sherlock Holmes (Sherlock Holmes), Inspector Poirot (Inspector Poirot), and even Wuthering Heights (Cumbres borrascosas).
It recalls Agatha Christie adaptations and, more recently, the Knives Out films, thanks to its colorful and charismatic characters and its story unfolding largely in a single location.
Carmen Posadas is the author of more than a dozen novels, over fifteen children’s books, two biographies, and several essays. She has received numerous awards, including the Premio Planeta, the Apelles Mestres Award for Children’s Literature, and the Culture Prize from the Community of Madrid. Her novels are considered bestsellers, translated into more than thirty languages. One of them, Invitation to a Murder (Invitación a un asesinato), has already been successfully adapted by Netflix.
What the critics say:
“With this game of mirrors and nested stories in the Cervantine style, Carmen Posadas spins a web of intrigue with Emilia Pardo Bazán as the central character. […] Posadas weaves a perfectly crafted and fascinating plot.” – ABC Cultural
“From the moment the detective—none other than the famous writer Emilia Pardo Bazán—appears, the novel is a triumph.” – La Vanguardia
“To say a novel like this has an ending is an understatement. It has at least five. There’s always one more twist.” – RNE
AUDIOVISUAL POTENTIAL: TV Series, Miniseries, Feature Film, TV Movie.
AVAILABLE LANGUAGES: Spanish.
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