In the heart of Portugal’s sun-drenched Algarve lies the quaint town of Fuseta, the setting for Gil Riberio’s captivating mystery series, starting with “Lost in Fuseta”.

This novel introduces Leander Lost, a German detective with an exceptional ability to detect lies, who finds himself on an exchange program with the local police. As Lost navigates the complexities of a new country, language, and culture, he is quickly drawn into a perplexing case that challenges not only his investigative skills but also his understanding of human nature.

Riberio does an excellent job of blending suspense, humour, and the allure of the Algarve’s scenic beauty, creating a richly atmospheric tale that enthrals and entertains.

As Lost grapples with a new culture and language, he delves into complex criminal cases, uncovering corruption and deep-seated secrets within the seemingly idyllic town.

Throughout the series, he confronts his own vulnerabilities while slowly gaining the trust of his team and forming heartwarming, though unconventional, friendships.

Currently the Lost in Fuseta series includes six books, and filming has been completed on a second TV adaptation:

Lost in Fuseta (Ein Portugal-Krimi) – A Portugal Crime Story
Spur der Schatten (Lost in Fuseta, #2) – Trace of Shadows
Weiße Fracht (Lost in Fuseta, #3) – White Cargo
Schwarzer August (Lost in Fuseta, #4) – Black August
Einsame Entscheidung (Lost in Fuseta, #5) – Lonely Decision
Lisbon (Lost in Fuseta, #6) Lisbon

The popularity of the series of books led to the successful German TV adaptation by ARD. The TV movie, unsurprisingly called, “Lost in Fuseta” premiered in 2022, with plans for a series to continue the story of Leander Lost.

Several factors contribute to the popularity of “Lost in Fuseta”: Despite his quirkiness, Leander Lost’s is a harming protagonist, blending brilliance with social awkwardness, endearing him to readers.

The fish-out-of-water humour is also notable and the culture clash between Lost’s German precision and Portuguese warmth provides a rich source of gentle humour.

And of course, the appealing setting is a key factor in the book’s success, and apparently following the TV series being filmed on location in the tiny Algarve town, visitor numbers soared as visitors flocked to the seaside village.

Not least of course, Gil Ribeiro’s intriguing criminal cases, often touching on social issues or historical complexities, add depth to the narratives, a narrative that’s delivered in a charming, readable and watchable, ‘Cosy Crime’ package.