just ordered Arturo Perez-Reverte's first two from Amazon.

Should make good reading prior to and during my third visit to Madrid in 2 weeks time.

thanks guys

There was a writer years ago called Juan de Madrid who specialised in crime novels set in Madrid. There is also an English writer, who's name escapes me, but can be found at the Triskel bar some Mondays and at the various bring and buy sales organised by the British Embassy. He has been writing crime novels for yonks.