Who Killed Palomino Molero?

Summary

In the scorching Peruvian province where desert sands meet the salty breath of the ocean, the mutilated body of young soldier Palomino Molero is discovered. His death becomes a mystery that unsettles not only the locals but also two policemen—guileless Lieutenant Silva and his naive assistant Lituma. As they delve into the investigation, they encounter a wall of silence, fear, and secrets hidden behind the facade of the military base and provincial life. As the protagonists unravel a tangle of passions, social prejudices, and forbidden love, a tragic story unfolds before the reader—a story of inequality, cruelty, and the impossibility of happiness in a world where honor and duty often outweigh human life. Mario Vargas Llosa masterfully weaves detective intrigue with deep psychological insight, creating a piercing portrait of a society where truth becomes a dangerous luxury.