Book Review: The Snack Thief

Reviewed By: Sandi - RAM

The Snack Thief     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Andrea Camilleri
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Series: Inspector Montalbano # 3
September 2003; Penguin USA, 352 pp.

Translator: Stephen Sartarelli

How does the stabbing of a semi-retired elderly business man in his apartment building elevator and the gunning down of a crewman on fishing boat off of Sicily's coast possibly have anything to do with each other? Throw in a cleaning lady who also provides "sexual extras" to some retired professionals in Vigata. Then there's a young boy who's so hungry he steals food from children on their way to school.

No matter how hard Inspector Montalbano tries to avoid it, all these come together for him as the same case. But merge they do, and the inspector has to put all the pieces together despite the distractions of his visiting beloved, a possible job promotion, and false leads.

As only Inspector Montalbano can, he focuses on the case, ignoring what else is going on around him, and others around him. We see even more into his relationships, and even get a peek into his past.

Superbly written, with humor and wit, you find yourself unable to set the book down until you've finished the book.

Sandi - RAM

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