“You either love Andrea Camilleri or you haven’t read him yet. Each novel in this wholly addictive, entirely magical series, set in Sicily and starring a detective unlike any other in crime fiction, blasts the brain like a shot of pure oxygen…transporting. Long live Camilleri, and long live Montalbano.”—A.J. Finn, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Woman in the Window The Shape of … #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Woman in the Window
The Shape of Water is the first book in the sly, witty, and engaging Inspector Montalbano mystery series with its sardonic take on Sicilian life.
Silvio Lupanello, a big-shot in Vigàta, is found dead in his car with his pants around his knees. The car happens to be parked in a part of town used by prostitutes and drug dealers, and as the news of his death spreads, the rumors begin. Enter Inspector Salvo Montalbano, Vigàta’s most respected detective. With his characteristic mix of humor, cynicism, compassion, and love of good food, Montalbano battles against the powerful and corrupt who are determined to block his path to the real killer.
Andrea Camilleri’s novels starring Inspector Montalbano have become an international sensation and have been translated into numberous languages.
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I have read many in this series and have enjoyed the plots, the main characters including Sicily and Montalbano’s sarcasm and snarky observations. Very enjoyable. I have more to read and can’t wait.
Salvo Montalbano has become one of my favorite characters. I’m working my way through all of Andrea Camilleri’s books. Lots of deep background, interesting characters, some quirky, but a very good read throughout. Time well spent.
If you can get past the insane info dump in the first chapter, this is a compelling, fast-paced murder mystery. And hey, it’s a great way to escape to Sicily until travel resumes.
It’s the first book in the Montalbano series and unlike some mystery series, Montalbano already seems like a fully-fleshed out main character. You get a true sense of his character in regards to his job as an inspector, his character as a person in the community and in his personal relationships. He’s loyal, but he’s definitely no angel, and watching him sniping about co-workers and bending the rules when needed makes the story more interesting.
The language can be crude at times, so if that bothers you, don’t pick up this book. But if you’re looking for a smart police procedural, and some time in the Sicilian sun, you might want to give this a try.
This book started out very slow but end the end was a good book.
I had hoped this book would rival Donna Leon’s Venetian mysteries, but it was not quite up to her caliber. Characters not as compelling and the crime solving not as clever.
Interesting book and loved the locale. I will be reading more of this author.
As a prolific mystery reader, i look for well constructed memorable characters, an appealing setting and a not too obvious whodunnit. This book was mediocre on most counts.
Great characters – look forward to reading more from the author!
Camillari never disappoints
Excellent – descriptive – brings his characters to life
VERY disappointed in this book, which was the first of this series I read.
I love mystery and police procedural series, most of them(!) but not this.
When we were on Sicily, a building was pointed out that was his club. So, I tried the book. He ain’t Poirot.
The words flow. The story is multi fasited. The characters are so interesting. The story has a collection of fun moments as well.
police procedural
Started out slow but got better
Did not like this. Very disappointed. It was very crude. Didn’t finish it.
Bitingly funny; engaging characters; addictive.
Love the writing almost poetic at times. Montalbano is such a strong solid man and the setting wonderful.
I’m sad to say I didn’t enjoy it at all.
The beginning of a wonderful detective series set in Sicily. Very atmospheric.
Don’t miss it