Andrea Camilleri

Inspector Salvo Montalbano is the creation of Camilleri who wrote the series in his later years. The inspector is a delight. Although grumpy and foul with his faithful staff, he is the honest cop with a conscience in a Sicily where the Mafia rules and graft is common place.

His honesty does not go untested. In one story he wrestles with a young seductress who ultimately gets and uses him. He is cunning with Livia his long distance lover, telling her what she would like to hear just so he stays on her right side. Alas for him, Livia sees through most things. Sometimes he acts outside the law but always to achieve justice.

The stories are full of Sicilian life and colour. It feels like a holiday to just read a story. Montalbano loves his food and his gastronomic adventures are described lovingly. Fortunately Camilleri's translator does a fabulous job of notes to aid English readers to understand the slang and food.

Camilleri also writes with humour. His characters such as Caterella who is simple and takes things literally, his deputy Mimi who is loyal but seen by Montalbano as a rival and Fazio his assistant and side kick provide scope for comical situations.

Sometimes violent but always entertaining, this is a gem of a series that I'd recommend anyday.