Disappointing - Rated 
This book was put forward by one of our book club members who is really into detective stories, and the verdict of the book club, including the person who chose it, was 'disappointing'. The ending was week and none of us quite got the point to the story. I also didn't find it particularly funny, although I suspect that quite a lot of the intended humour is lost in translation.
Ok, but the translation lets it down in places - Rated 
I would guess that this book is far better in its original Italian rather than in translation. For about the first one third of the book you are very much aware that this is a translation as the writing and choice of words are often very stilted and awkward. However, as you get further into the book it's almost as if a different translator takes over as it becomes much easier to read. It should also be noted that this book is translated into American English rather than British with an 'Americanization' of spellings and names. Not a problem for most people but it did seem a little odd in places.
All in all, not a bad book and I'd definitely read more but I'd hope the translator had a better grasp of English in the later books.
In my mind this has to be compared to Donna Leon's books of an Italian policeman (Commissario Brunetti). Donna Leon's books are far easier to read as, I presume, they are written in English and not translated.
Bellissimo - Rated 
The first in the Montalbano series, if you haven't read any before please try them.A prominent local Politician is found dead in a parked car by refuse collectors, death by natural causes. But nothing is natural to Montalbano and he embarks on a case with more twists and turns than a mountain pass.A surprising and even shocking end complements this engaging crime thriller.Montalbano's relationship with his Officers,Commissioner and local Politics are well written. Set in Sicily on the fringes of the Mafia and other incidents its almost action packed.So sit back open a bottle of Chianti,smell the lemons and enjoy this excellent crime thriller.
The Shape of things to come? - Rated 
Never thought about these detective stories even though I love Maigret. Then I saw a couple of episodes on the BBC and loved the drama, locations and original characterisation. So I returned to the original text, well the translation of Stephen Sartarelli and I was enchanted by the stoty telling and quality of life depicted within the crime novel.
I would warmly recommend this series by Andrea Camilleri and suggest you start with this first book that introduces us to Inspector Montalbano.
Thrilling - Rated
I began this book on a wet Sunday morning lying on the sofa and instantly became hooked...at the time of reading it, I wished I could have read faster as i was so desperate to know 'who dunnit'. I really enjoyed the book and am definately considering buying more in the series.
| 
