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niallgoulding1's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.75
My first Montalbano book. Easy read.
Very traditional detective story - lots of red herrings each chapter with some modest peril for our protagonist before everything is wrapped up neatly at the end. However the Sicilian colour gives it a little twist.
The writer doesn't take things too seriously and the plot gallops along at a fast pace. You probably won't remember much about it a month later but I fine way to pass a few hours
The one thing I would note is that some of the violence felt a bit jarring. The tone for 3/4s of the book is comedic/farcical. Then out of nowhere the last two murders are incredibly brutal. Gave me a little whiplash
Very traditional detective story - lots of red herrings each chapter with some modest peril for our protagonist before everything is wrapped up neatly at the end. However the Sicilian colour gives it a little twist.
The writer doesn't take things too seriously and the plot gallops along at a fast pace. You probably won't remember much about it a month later but I fine way to pass a few hours
The one thing I would note is that some of the violence felt a bit jarring. The tone for 3/4s of the book is comedic/farcical. Then out of nowhere the last two murders are incredibly brutal. Gave me a little whiplash
caityree's review against another edition
4.0
Lovely to be back with Inspector Montalbano, although he is feeling weary. The stories are still enjoyable and the minor characters fun.
nonna7's review against another edition
4.0
'm a latecomer to this series, but am loving it. My next step is to go back and read the earlier ones. I've been an enthusiastic reader of Donna Leon's Inspector Brunetti series. Although Brunetti and Montalbano are as different as they can be (Brunetti is a married northerner with two children who has the disdain that Italians from the north have for those from the south. Montalbano is a Sicilian through and through. His girlfriend is from Genoa. They "squabble" a lot, and he is often unfaithful.), they are also very similar in a lot of ways. They both enjoy good food from their own regions. They are both very bright and very very honest. Both have also learned the fine Italian art of flattering their superiors and not making too many waves except when absolutely necessary. Both know that that corruption is all around them although neither gives in to it. Both walk a fine line. In this latest book, empty warehouses are being bombed. Why? Makes no sense, right? In the meantime, a beautiful woman and her often-absent husband have moved in nearby. She does her best to seduce him. He can't help but wonder why. As things progress, he starts to see a connection between her and the bombings, but it's tenuous at best. I guess my only complaint here is that, like the Brunetti books, there are way too many mouth watering discussions of food. Plus, since my family is from Southern Italy, I'm far more familiar with the food that Montalbano is enjoying. When I read about eggplant parmesan or arrancini (rice balls) as big as oranges, it can be really hard to stay focused on the story! Still, as always, this is a super fun series!
amelie5m's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
tmshow's review against another edition
4.0
secondo me uno dei migliori tra i romanzi del commissario montalbano.
vvijayanti's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
carolsnotebook's review against another edition
3.0
I've read/listened to several of the Montalbano mysteries over the years. It's a series I know what to expect from. The main characters don't change much over the years and the food always sounds delicious. For me, this is one of the series I turn to when I want something that I know I'll enjoy.
As always, the writing is well done. Camilleri really gives a feeling of the place and especially the people of both Sicily in general and Montalbano's circle. I don't think this would be the best introduction to the series, but if you're already a fan it's definitely worth reading.
As always, the writing is well done. Camilleri really gives a feeling of the place and especially the people of both Sicily in general and Montalbano's circle. I don't think this would be the best introduction to the series, but if you're already a fan it's definitely worth reading.
kristamccracken's review against another edition
3.0
This book is part of the Inspector Montalbano series of detective novels, however it stands well on it's own and it isn't necessary to have read any of the other books from the series. An easy read with beautiful food and scenery descriptions of Italy. The mystery plot was decent but the resolution seemed rushed at the end of the book. This was partially made up for in Montalbano's wit which was one of the highlights of the book.
fallchicken's review against another edition
4.0
A twist at the end — can it really be that the local mafia families will be brought to justice?
Poor Livia appears only by phone now.
Poor Livia appears only by phone now.