The Potter’s Field

The Potter’s Field (2008) Andrea Camilleri translated by Stephen Sartarelli

I fear that the end of the Inspector Montalbano may be in sight. Of course, since it’s at least three years from publication to translation, even when the series ends, I’ll have another book coming.

Unless this was the last book.

I hope this isn’t the last book.

OK, it looks like at the very least there are two other Montalbano books. Whew!

So, Montalbano is starting to see retirement in his future. But for now, he’s got a case. A body–chopped into many parts and decomposing–is found in a field–hillside actually-that is a source for clay.

Almost from the start, there are problems, first and foremost of which is Mimi, Montalbano’s protege of sorts. Mimi has been unbearable, and is now insisting that he be given the case of the body found in the clay field. But his behavior and actions are so strange Montalbano is unsure what to make of things.

Unfortunately, he soon discovers that whatever it is, at can’t bode well for Montalbano.

As with all Montalbano books, there is eating. Although, it seems like there was less in this book than in previous books. He still spends time in restaurants and eating and appreciating his meals, but those meals are in some cases just mentioned in passing–a show of Montalbano’s state of mind if there could be any other.

I’m not sure what it says about this story, that some of my favorite parts were the appearances by Catarella.

As they were looking at each other, the door flew open with a crash that might have been a bomb. Montalbano and Fazio cursed in unison, while Catarella remained in the doorway, looking pensive.

“Well, aren’t you going to come in?”

“Chief, I’s thinkin’ that maybe I oughta try knockin wit’ my feet, since my ‘and always slips.”

“No, instead you ought to try this” when you’re in front of the door, instead of knocking, take out your gun and shoot once into the air. I’m sure it will make less noise.”
…
“You’d better be careful, Chief. The next time he comes in, the guy’s gonna shoot just like you said,” said Fazio, worried. “And it may start a revolution.”

Could you read this book if you have not read a prior book in the series? Yes…. but, I wouldn’t recommend it. First, this isn’t the strongest book in the series, and second, his relationship with Liva–always a problem for me in this series–is quite abbreviated, and it will probably be even more confusing to someone who hasn’t read the series before.
Rating: 7/10

Published by Penguin Books

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