“For me, a person who has experienced love and lives in harmony cannot knowingly harm another human being. This belief, along with my desire to explore the darker side of humanity, is what motivates me to write,” explains Belén Montero, author of the Cloacas de Lujo series, a collection of fictional thrillers. We asked Belén why El Cas Ciru, her first novel in the Cloacas de Lujo series, represents a key moment in her writing career.
Interview: Irina Rybalchenko
Why does El Cas Ciru, your first novel in the Cloacas de Lujo series, represent a milestone in your writing career?
I’ve always had a deep passion for reading and writing, but it was with El Cas Ciru that I decided to take the plunge and become a published author. That novel marked a turning point in my career, not only as an introduction to the literary world, but also as the start of the Cloacas de Lujo series, in which I expose my beliefs about the darkest and most hidden corners of society through the investigative thriller genre.
With El Cas Ciru, I wanted to go beyond mystery and intrigue. Some readers say that this novel is anything but humorous, and that’s understandable, because it deals with a subject as raw as organ trafficking. In the story, this reality is shown in a credible and terrifying way, raising many questions for the reader. For me, it’s not just about telling a story, it’s about immersing the reader in a plot that makes them think and keeps them on the edge of their seats until the last page. This first installment touched readers in an unexpected way, which gave me the impetus to continue exploring other intrigues just as striking.
Why do you think people see you as an independent voice in the literary scene?
I think people see me as an independent voice in the literary scene because I decided to take total control of my work—from writing to publication and promotion. In the publishing world where we often depend on the big publishing houses to reach readers, I chose to set up my own publishing house and website: www.cloacasdelujo.com.
I write to entertain, but also to uncover stories that shine a light on the dark, hidden side of our society. Cloacas de Lujo is not just a thriller series—it’s a true exploration of corruption, organised crime, and the networks of power that operate in the shadows. This frank approach without filters or censorship accentuates the sense of realism, even though all my work is pure fiction. I’m convinced that it’s precisely this authenticity that leads many readers to see me as an independent and authentic voice in the noir genre.
I manage distribution directly from Andorra, since sending books from here can be a more complicated process due to customs. However, I make sure that my novels arrive without complications everywhere in Spain, including bookshops, to which I offer special conditions with their own discounts. For this reason, I invite all Spanish bookshops to receive my novels in the same way as they would any distributor: info@cloacasdelujo.com.
You have said that “the thriller is not just entertainment; it is also a tool for exploring the darkest aspects of our society.” What are your books about?
My books are completely fictional, although I like them to appear to be based in reality. I draw my inspiration from events and issues that punctuate our society, such as organised crime, corruption, human trafficking and corporate manipulation. I don’t write stories based on real events, but I use a credible context to create captivating plots and believable characters.
Thrillers are more than just entertainment; they are also a way of exploring the darker side of the human condition and questioning the true motivations of individuals and our environment. In my Cloacas de Lujo series, each novel tackles a distinct plot, while retaining a sense of mystery and suspense at the heart of the investigation.
I like the reader to ask questions as the story progresses—that they become immersed in a captivating plot, but at the same time wonder to what extent everything could happen in reality. It’s this sense of realism that makes so many readers connect with my novels.
Do you intend to produce an audio book and translate the novel into different languages?
I intend to transpose my novels into other formats and languages in order to reach a wider audience around the world. Audiobooks are a particularly interesting option for me, as they offer an immersive experience of the story enhanced by voice and interpretation. I feel that thrillers, with their fast pace and relentless suspense, are ideally suited to this format.
I’d like my novels to be available in English, French, and other languages so that they can reach a wider audience. I’m convinced that the themes I tackle are universal and can resonate with readers from all cultures and all walks of life.
Belén’s books are published in Spanish and can be sent from Andorra to any destination in Spain. If you like tense, thrilling settings, enigmas, and secrets, as well as complex situations that will hold your attention and unexpected plot twists, this is the author for you !
