Riccardino (An Inspector Montalbano Mystery)

Riccardino, the twenty-eighth and sadly final book in the Inspector Montalbano series by the late Andrea Camilleri, opens on another decidedly difficult day for Sicily’s finest detective. A peculiar telephone call from an individual who identifies himself only as “Riccardino” summons Montalbano to a gathering of supposed friends. Of course, Montalbano doesn’t bother with such fripperies (does he even have friends other than Fazio?) and promptly forgets the call, which causes him no end of trouble later in the day when he hears about the murder of a man named Riccardino…

It is always a pleasure to read the Montalbano books and travel to Vigata and experience the scenery, atmosphere, and murderous corruption that characterizes, in Camilleri’s mind at least, that particular part of Italy. Inspector Montalbano himself is on top form in this book, tackling political and religious duplicity with aplomb while maneuvering the various buffoons that he encounters (both within and outside the police force), ferreting out clues to various intrigues, and keeping his eye out for a good meal. As always with the Montalbano books, the violence and murder are counterbalanced by an abundance of humor and warmth. As sad as it is to read Montalbano’s swansong, Riccardino is a cracking book.