Order of the books of María Oruña

The "Puerto Escondido" series, written by the Spanish author María Oruña, has established itself as a reference in the genre of crime novel Contemporary Spain. Set primarily in the picturesque region of Cantabria, this saga combines intrigue, mystery, and a deep connection with the setting in which the plot unfolds.

About María Oruña and the sPuerto Escondido

María Oruña, born in Vigo in 1976, worked as a lawyer for a decade before dedicating herself entirely to writing. Her transition to the literary world allowed her to explore themes related to mystery and history, characteristics reflected in her works.

The series Puerto Escondido introduces the lieutenant of the Civil Guard Valentina Redondo, a protagonist who, along with other characters, unravels complex cases in settings steeped in history and legends.

Reading order of María Oruña's books

1. Hidden Port (2015)

In this first installment, Oliver Gordon, a young Londoner, inherits an old mansion in Suances, Cantabria. During renovations, the body of a baby is discovered hidden in one of the walls, along with antique objects. This discovery triggers a series of events that connect the past with the present, leading Oliver and Lieutenant Valentina Redondo to investigate family secrets and forgotten crimes.

2. A Place to Go (2017)

After the events of the first book, Valentina Redondo faces a new case: the appearance of a corpse in a prehistoric cave. The investigation will lead her to discover connections with archaeologists and ancient mysteries., while delving into the world of caves and rock art in Cantabria.

3. Where we were invincible (2018)

In this installment, Valentina deals with the death of a gardener in a historic mansion in Suances. Although it appears to be a natural death, the circumstances suggest otherwise. Research reveals secrets of the past and unexplained phenomena that defy logic, leading the protagonists to question the thin line between reality and the supernatural.

4. What the Tide Hides (2021)

The president of an exclusive tennis club is found dead in the cabin of a schooner during a gala in Santander. The cabin was locked from the inside, posing a riddle in the style of classic "locked room" novels.Valentina Redondo must unravel this mystery while facing personal challenges that will test her mettle and deductive skills.

5. The Path of Fire (2022)

The plot moves to Scotland, where Oliver Gordon has acquired an old castle. During the renovations, A hidden room has been discovered that could contain unpublished documents of Lord Byron.Meanwhile, a murder on the castle grounds complicates the situation, leading Valentina and Oliver to confront buried secrets and a web of intrigue that transcends borders.

6. The Innocents (2023)

Just days before Valentina and Oliver's wedding, a mass attack at a spa in Puente Viesgo shakes the tranquility of Cantabria. A sophisticated chemical weapon is used, and the victims appear to be completely innocent.Valentina must solve the case against the clock, facing a formidable adversary and a threat that endangers the entire community.

You can't miss it

María Oruña's "Puerto Escondido" series offers a deep dive into mysteries that intertwine the past and present, with well-developed characters and settings that take on a life of their own. Each book presents a standalone case, but the evolution of the characters and plots makes it advisable to follow the publication order to fully appreciate the story's development.