★★★★☆ (4/5)

O Mistério da Estrada de Sintra is a collaborative novel written by Eça de Queirós and Ramalho Ortigão, first published in 1870. The book is often considered one of the earliest examples of detective or mystery fiction in Portuguese literature.

I read this book in Portuguese, which felt particularly fitting given that both authors are such important figures in Portuguese literary history. Reading a classic in its original language always adds something special to the experience.

The story begins with a mysterious kidnapping on the road to Sintra, setting off a chain of letters, testimonies, and revelations that gradually unfold the mystery. The narrative structure itself is quite interesting, as the story was originally published in newspaper installments written as letters sent to the editors. This gives the novel a dynamic and somewhat playful tone, as readers follow the investigation through different voices and perspectives.

As the title suggests, the story takes place in Sintra, a place that I personally love in Portugal. Even though the novel was written more than 150 years ago, you can still feel the atmosphere of the region through the descriptions of the forest, the misty landscapes, and the almost magical setting that Sintra is known for. That connection made the reading experience even more enjoyable for me.

The mystery itself is engaging and entertaining, keeping the reader curious about what really happened and how all the pieces of the story fit together. While the narrative style reflects the time in which it was written, the sense of intrigue still works well today.

Overall, this was an entertaining and enjoyable read. Even though I read it some time ago, I still remember the sense of mystery and the vivid setting that the authors created.

For anyone interested in Portuguese literature, mystery stories, or simply books connected to places like Sintra, this novel is definitely worth exploring.