Book Review: The Shape of Water

Reviewed By: Sandi - RAM

The Shape of Water     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Andrea Camilleri
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Series: Inspector Montalbano # 1
November 2001; Penguin, 240 pp.

In the small town of Vigata, Sicily, Inspector Salvo Montalbano is well-respected. When a local political leader is found dead in his car in an area that is used by prostitutes and small-time drug addicts, there is political force used to keep the details quiet. The cause of death was a heart attack, so there was no homicide. Then why did the Inspector not want to close the case right away? With a series of twists and turns we are lead through the political and law enforcement systems from the inside and the shadier side of how the work. Inspector Montalbano uses the systems effectively to learn how the leader ended up where he did and why. And he has a sense of humor about himself when he needs to.

It was a pleasure to read Mr. Camilleri's "The Shape of Water." I had to plod through the first couple of pages, but then seemed to grasp the translation without any more problems. The story was interesting, and I find the setting fascinating. Inspector Montalbano is an enjoyable character to read, and I look forward to the next Inspector Montalbano mystery, "The Terra Cotta Dog."

Sandi - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Sandi - RAM