This book has some of my favorite dialog in all the series.

I wonder if this investigation will smear into another or next book? It leaves off as if it could but I think it would be better off left hanging. It felt like a lot of footwork for nothing near the start & Camilleri leaned hard into Montalbano's internal struggles instead. I think there were just less engaging characters woven into this case, which I suppose is because they couldn't locate the girls for more than half the novel.

I'm frustrated with his dumb "lemme do this stuff real quick" impulses leading up to conversations with Livia. They've both messed up pretty hard & aren't doing themselves any favors. Sure, the closing had a bit of humor with the switch but it was unsurprising.

Quite an interesting plot and some good twists in the story. Some interesting and shady characters. I just love Catarella as a character.

Looking forward to the next book in the series.

I wonder how many more of these are coming? The author is in his 80's and Montalbano is in his 50's and starting to have some serious issues with his work and relationship with Livia. As always these are enjoyable to read. They are over before you know it. The main character has a zest for food and reflection. He's simultaneously alike and different from other police inspectors like Kurt Wallander. He's as devoted to seeking the truth but at the same time he's a pragmatist who moves on when the politicians intervene. His inept and political bosses are now the highlight in my readings of this series. His interactions with the commissioner are always entertaining as Montalbano suppresses his contempt and disdain for his boss. In this book Montalbano juggles a variety of cases while in a funk over his future with the love of his life, Livia. Unlike other typical fictional police detectives you never feel sorry for Montalbano. He's devoted to his work but also to living and enjoying life. The TV series is superb too. It's too bad it's not available in North American DVD format yet. The ending of this book is just right. Looking forward to the next one.

A rare miss for Camilleri. The mystery was all over the place. And the ending? Like Camilleri was tired of the story and it was time for some copanata alla siciliana, a good wine and after-dinner smoke. Again, I love Camilleri's razor-like commentary on Italian life, in particular Sicilian life, and the world in general and the description of Salvo's meals at Enzo's and the ones prepared by Adelina. You know that an author is sharp if he can make someone like me -- who hates the taste of fish -- want to partake with Salvo. One other criticism, though: What's the point of Salvo's relationship with Livia any more? I used to like her; not so much anymore but to be fair she's become a stock character. Let's break up already, Salvo! Ingrid is there for you!

I enjoyed this book definitely but I had trouble keeping up with all the names and got confused sometimes. It ending becomes quite face-paced in my opinion but ends quite abruptly. I was left thinking what happened to all these characters in the novel. Nevertheless I still enjoyed it and may read more of Andrea Camilleri's Montelbano series. I would also recommend this book to older readers (older teenagers plus) as it does have quite a bit of swearing and some sexual references.