7 Spanish Publishers Specialising in Crime Novels

Updated in 2025

The Publishers Who Make the Heart of Suspense Beat in Spain

The crime novel is one of the most popular and captivating literary genres in Spain, and its growing demand has prompted several publishers to specialise in this narrative style full of suspense, mystery and complex characters. In this article, we will explore the most prominent Spanish publishers of crime novels, so that you can find out the best options for publishing your works.

1. RBA: The Reference Publishing House for Crime Novels

RBA History and Track Record

RBA is one of the most renowned publishers in Spain, especially in the field of crime novels. Founded in 1981, RBA has been a pioneer in the publication of this genre, thanks to its publishing imprint Black Series, which has been fundamental in the dissemination of both classic and contemporary crime novels.

The Black Series RBA is known for publishing works by the great masters of the genre, as well as for discovering new talents. Its catalogue ranges from novels of intrigue and suspense to psychological thrillers, with a special focus on literary quality and narrative intensity.

Outstanding Authors

RBA has published iconic authors such as Patricia Highsmith, Georges Simenon, and Henning Mankell. It is also responsible for bringing the works of contemporary writers such as Michael Connelly and James Ellroy to the Spanish public.

Link: RBA Black Series

2. Alrevés: Innovation and Audacity in the Noir Genre

Origins and evolution of Alrevés

Founded in 2009, Alrevés is a relatively young publishing house, but one that has left a significant mark on the world of crime novels in Spain. Its approach is bold and innovative, focusing on authors who offer new and fresh perspectives on the genre.

Alrevés specialises in crime novels, with a strong commitment to innovation and the exploration of social and political issues. They publish both Spanish and foreign authors, with a focus on stories that challenge the conventions of the genre.

Authors and Key Works

Alrevés has been the springboard for authors such as Carlos Bassas del Rey and Alexis Ravelo, who have gained recognition for their ability to reinvent the crime novel with complex plots and multidimensional characters.

Link: Editorial Alrevés

3. Siruela: Attention to Detail and Quality

History of Siruela

Founded in 1982, Siruela is a publishing house known for its dedication to quality literature and its special attention to detail in its publications. Although it covers several genres, Siruela has made an important contribution to the noir genre, especially through its collection Cops and Mysteries.

In its collection Cops and Mysteries, Siruela publishes mystery and detective novels that stand out for their literary elegance and their focus on the psychology of the characters. It is an imprint that is committed to works that combine intrigue with careful and thoughtful prose.

Acknowledged Authors

Authors such as Fred Vargas and Benjamin Black have found in Siruela a publishing home that values both mystery and narrative quality, offering readers works that are both exciting and literary.

Link: Siruela - Police and Mysteries

4. Salamandra Black: The New Face of the Crime Novel

A Recent History

Salamandra Black is an extension of the Salamandra publishing house, created in 2019 to focus exclusively on the publication of noir novels. Despite its recent creation, it has already earned a prominent place among publishers specialising in noir novels in Spain.

Salamandra Black publishes both established authors and new voices in the noir genre. Its catalogue includes crime novels, psychological thrillers and mysteries, with a focus on stories that explore the darkest corners of the human condition.

Representative Authors and Books

In a short time, Salamandra Black has published authors such as Jo Nesbø and Tana French, offering Spanish readers some of the best contemporary crime novels.

Link: Salamander Black

5. Editorial Navona: The Renaissance of the Genre

A Publishing House with Purpose

Navona is a publishing house dedicated to the publication of high quality literature, and its line Navona Black has been fundamental in the revitalisation of the noir genre in Spain. With a catalogue that mixes classics of the genre with contemporary works, Navona has managed to attract both traditional readers and new audiences.

Navona Black includes crime novels ranging from the most classic to the most innovative, always with a focus on literary excellence. In addition, they publish both Spanish and international authors, offering a global vision of the genre.

Notable Authors

Its collection includes authors such as Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler, along with contemporary writers who follow the tradition of the crime novel with a modern approach.

Link: Navona Editorial

6.Versatile: Diversity in the Crime Novel

Publisher's trajectory

Versátil is an independent publishing house founded in 2009, which has gained a reputation for its commitment to diversity and quality in its publications. Although it does not limit itself to a single genre, its crime novel collection has captured the attention of crime and mystery fans.

Versatile publishes a wide range of crime novels, from psychological thrillers to detective stories. Its focus is on storytelling that combines suspense with strong character development and intelligent plots.

Renowned Authors

Versátil has published authors such as Clare Mackintosh and Pierre Lemaitre, who are known for their gripping narratives and their ability to keep the reader in suspense until the very last page.

Link: Versatile

7. Rey Naranjo: A Big Latin American Touch

A Brief Tour of the Publishing House

Rey Naranjo is a Colombian publisher with a presence in Spain, known for its focus on Latin American literature and its commitment to quality. Its crime novel line offers a fresh and diverse perspective on the genre, with a focus on authors who explore violence and crime in Latin American contexts.

They publish crime novels that address social and political issues, with a strong dose of realism and a powerful narrative. Their books are often steeped in the cultural complexities of Latin America, offering readers a different take on the genre.

Representative Authors

Authors such as Santiago Gamboa and Claudia Piñeiro are part of Rey Naranjo's catalogue, bringing a unique and relevant perspective to the noir genre.

Link: King Naranjo

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I submit my crime novel manuscript to a publisher?

For details on how to submit your manuscript, please visit our post on How to submit a manuscript to a Spanish publisher.

Which Spanish publisher is best known for its crime novel collection?

Undoubtedly, RBA with its Black Series is one of the most recognised and respected publishers of crime novels in Spain.