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) (TheUncomfortable Dead (What is Missing is Missing)), co-authored by SubcomandanteMarcos and Paco Ignacio Taibo II, applying a Subaltern Studies and a trans-Indigenousframework. Most critics have focused on the chapters written by Marcos, withassessments ranging from praise of its hybrid narrative form to critiques of Marcos’perceived ventriloquism of Indigenous voices. We contest these critiques by arguing thatMarcos does not monopolise the Indigenous voice; rather, he articulates a pluralisticperspective 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 thenovel’s alignment with other works in this tradition.