Leonardo Padura was born in Havana, Cuba, in 1955. A novelist, journalist, and critic, he is the author of several novels, including The Man Who Loved Dogs , two volumes of short stories; and several nonfiction collections. His novels featuring the detective Mario Conde have been translated into many languages and have won literary prizes around the world. He lives in Cuba.
“Few contemporary writers understand noir as well as Padura, and far fewer convey Cuba with such grit and sensuality”. Playboy; “A textured treat for those who like detective fiction served long and lazy, with a double shot of rum.” Financial Times