"Full of memorable characters and witty takes on Italian life Camilleri's latest proves why he is such a big hit in Europe. Highly recommended." Library Journal

"Camilleri displays all the storytelling skills that have made him an international bestseller. Montalbano, despite his curmudgeonly exterior, has a depth to him that charms. Readers are sure to savor this engrossing, Mafia-free Sicilian mystery." Publishers Weekly

"Montalbano, blessedly, is as bitingly humorous as ever." Kirkus Reviews

When an elderly man is stabbed to death in an elevator and a crewman on an Italian fishing trawler is machine-gunned by a Tunisian patrol boat off Sicily's coast, only Inspector Montalbano, with his keen insight into human nature, suspects the link between the two incidents.

His investigation leads to the beautiful Karima, an impoverished housecleaner and occasional prostitute, whose young son steals other schoolchildren's midmorning snacks. But Karima disappears, and the young snack thief's life, as well as Montalbano's, is endangered when the inspector exposes a viper's nest of government corruption and international intrigue.