Subalternity, Relationality and (Trans-)Indigeneity in Latin American Crime Fiction: Re-reading The Uncomfortable Dead

In this article we analyse the novel Muertos incómodos (falta lo que falta) (The Uncomfortable Dead (What is Missing is Missing)), co-authored by Subcomandante Marcos and Paco Ignacio Taibo II, applying a Subaltern Studies and a trans-Indigenous framework. Most critics have focused on the chapters written by Marcos, with assessments ranging from praise of its hybrid narrative form to critiques of Marcos’ perceived ventriloquism of Indigenous voices. We contest these critiques by arguing that Marcos does not monopolise the Indigenous voice; rather, he articulates a pluralistic perspective reflective of the Zapatista movement. Our analysis reframes Marcos’ role, emphasising his task as spokesperson rather than his authorial position. Furthermore, we situate The Uncomfortable Dead within a ‘trans-Indigenous crime fiction’ (TICF) genealogy that foregrounds Indigenous perspectives across borders, examining the novel’s alignment with other works in this tradition.