As Ledesma digs deeper, he discovers that the crimes are intricately linked to a dark past and a web of corruption that spans decades. The novel is a race against time to decipher the clues hidden in the lyrics before the final "punishment" is delivered.
Together with a hacker and their assistant Chiki, they delve into a case involving child abductions and historical traumas that trace back to the orphanages of the Ceausescu era in Romania.
Unlike many thrillers that use violence purely for shock value, Chaparro uses horror to critique misogyny. The scold’s bridle is a historical artifact of patriarchal punishment. By placing it on a modern journalist, Chaparro draws a direct line between historical silencing of women and modern day violence, both in the home and in the media.
If you're interested in literary fiction, particularly works written in Spanish or by Spanish authors, "Castigo" by Carme Chaparro might be a great addition to your digital library.