These twelve elegant and masterly stories, never before available in English, make a wonderful introduction to the work of Spain"s most important contemporary author. When I Was Mortal collects a dozen stories by Javier Marias, "justly considered the most talented Spanish author alive" (Il Messaggero). Victims of mistaken identity, amateur sleuths, professional liars, eavesdroppers, assassins, and failed bodyguards populate these remarkable tales. Plots turn on curious exigencies -- a woman about to star in her first porn film; a night doctor who adds new meaning to "specialist;" a neglectful ghost.