MONTH OF MAEVA – El Negocio – Susana Jodar

Submitted: 24th July 2025

El Negocio – Susana Jodar

Now this novel has a very interesting premise – Set in Oviedo, it follows a binman who goes around like many others on his cart collecting the rubbish that people place in bags in the street. Only certain people, businesses put things out for collection that they really shouldn’t. So, there are envelopes of money that pass hands to keep things on the down low.

Could the bags hide body parts though?

Map of locations in El Negocio

El Negocio susana jodar

BOARDING PASS INFORMATION

Destination : Oviedo

Author guide: Susana Jodar

Genre: Spanish language thriller

Food and drink to accompany: nothing – you’re looking through trash

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A novel to transport you to Oviedo

Map of locations in El Negocio

Loved the premise of this one from the off – a binman in Oviedo gets envelopes of cash handed to him if he ignores what’s in certain binbags. I could so imagine this happening and the question begs…what is in these bags? Marco who is one of these binmen, just turns a blind eye. However, when there’s a collection outside of his ex girlfriend’s house, then he starts to panic. This is starting to be personal and far too close to home for comfort.

The bags are starting to attract attention elsewhere and Iva, a private investigator is hot on the trail of those responsible. But so too is Marcos as he has dangerous suspicions about just what exactly is going on. This does seem to be a very unique and clever way of disposing of bodies.

The city of Oviedo comes across really well and there’s a fine mix of real and fictional lcoations. I had great fun exploring them all. Ok, so if I ever go there (it’s on the list) I will be looking at every bin bag I pass now. But I really still want to go. Not sure the tourist board would be on board with that recommendation!

Great characters. A binman and a PI. An odder couple you could not meet. But it works. It works as it feels fresh and yet dangerous. What I really liked was that Marco spoke in first person yet Iva is written in third. A really great mix to showcase characters and make Marcos more of a troubled character.

No spoilers. Spanish readers – recommended. English readers – hope this is translated some day soon.