The Shape of Water

The Shape of Water (1994/2002) Andrea Camilleri translated by Stephen Sartarelli

This is the first Inspector Montalbano story, and was supposed to be the only Montalbano story, however, the character got away from the author, and we now have many books to enjoy.

“Inspector Montalbano? This is Mr. Luparello.”
“What the hell! Didn’t you die?” Montalbano was about to say, but he stopped himself in the nick of time.

Not all the familiar pieces are in place yet, but most of them are: the love of food, his housekeeper Adelina, his sarcasm and snark, and the willingness to do what is right, even if it isn’t necessarily within the bounds of the law. (Even Ingrid is introduced in this first story.)

We still haven’t met Catarella, and Fazio hasn’t become fully developed yet, and Mimi is a background character who Montalbano doesn’t quite seem to trust, but the framework is there for everything to come.
Rating: 7/10

Published by Penguin Books

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