Cover of The Shape of Water
Cover of The Terracotta Dog
Cover of The Snack Thief
Cover of Voice of the Violin
Cover of Excursion to Tindari
Cover of The Smell of the Night
Series

Inspector Montalbano

27 books

Here are 27 books from the Inspector Montalbano series by Andrea Camilleri. Start with The Shape of Water (2012), then read the rest in the order below.

Books in order

1
Cover of The Shape of Water

The Shape of Water

Andrea Camilleri

In the sun-drenched Sicilian town of Vigàta, Inspector Montalbano is called to investigate the death of a prominent local politician found in a compromising location. What initially appears to be a death from natural causes quickly unravels into a complex web of deceit, hidden desires, and political intrigue. As Montalbano navigates the murky underworld and the corridors of power, he must piece together fragmented clues and confront the secrets that lie beneath the surface of this seemingly idyllic community. This debut novel introduces a brilliant, if unconventional, detective and a richly drawn setting that will captivate readers.

Magical RealismLiterary FictionContemporary Fiction
2
Cover of The Terracotta Dog

The Terracotta Dog

Andrea Camilleri

In this gripping installment of the Inspector Montalbano series, a seemingly routine investigation into a supermarket heist unearths a decades-old mystery. Montalbano is drawn into a forgotten tragedy when he discovers the poignant scene of two young lovers, long deceased, guarded by a solitary terracotta dog in a hidden grotto. As he delves into the past, Montalbano navigates the treacherous landscape of wartime Sicily and the dark secrets of a fractured family, all while confronting personal danger. Andrea Camilleri masterfully blends sharp wit, a deep understanding of Sicilian life, and a compelling narrative that explores themes of love, loss, and the enduring impact of history.

MysteryDetective FictionHistorical Fiction
3
Cover of The Snack Thief

The Snack Thief

Andrea Camilleri

In the sun-drenched, complex landscape of Sicily, Inspector Montalbano finds himself entangled in a series of perplexing and violent events. The investigation begins with the brutal stabbing of an elderly man in an elevator and escalates with the fatal machine-gunning of a fisherman by a Tunisian patrol boat. As Montalbano delves deeper, he uncovers a tangled web that touches upon the dangerous world of Islamic terrorism, while also exploring the nuanced lives of ordinary Muslim individuals caught in the crossfire. This gripping novel masterfully blends suspense with a keen observation of human nature and the intricate social fabric of Sicily.

MysteryDetective FictionContemporary Fiction
4
Cover of Voice of the Violin

Voice of the Violin

Andrea Camilleri

Inspector Montalbano's typically tranquil Sicilian world is shattered when a chance encounter reveals the brutal murder of a beautiful young woman. As a relentless storm mirrors his own dark mood, Montalbano is drawn into a complex investigation that unearths secrets hidden beneath the veneer of high society. He must navigate a labyrinth of deceit and desire to uncover the truth behind the victim's tragic end, confronting the darker aspects of human nature along the way.

MysteryDetective FictionContemporary Fiction
5
Cover of Excursion to Tindari

Excursion to Tindari

Andrea Camilleri

Inspector Montalbano's latest investigation plunges him into a complex web of crime that begins with the murder of a charismatic young man and the baffling disappearance of an elderly couple. As he delves deeper, the trail leads from the charming streets of Vigàta to the historically rich and picturesque promontory of Tindari. Montalbano must navigate the treacherous currents of Sicily's underworld, where the lines between past and present, innocence and guilt, blur with deadly consequences. This gripping mystery explores themes of hidden lives, the secrets that lie beneath serene surfaces, and the enduring power of the past.

MysteryDetective FictionContemporary Fiction
6
Cover of The Smell of the Night

The Smell of the Night

Andrea Camilleri

In the sweltering heat of Sicily, Inspector Montalbano is called to investigate a bizarre murder where the victim, a wealthy businessman, is found dead in his villa with no apparent cause of death. As Montalbano delves deeper, he uncovers a tangled web of family secrets, illicit affairs, and hidden resentments. The investigation forces the inspector to confront the darkness lurking beneath the surface of a seemingly idyllic life, where appearances are deceiving and danger lurks in the shadows. Camilleri masterfully blends a compelling mystery with vivid descriptions of Sicilian culture and cuisine, creating a rich and atmospheric reading experience.

MysteryDetective FictionContemporary Fiction
8
Cover of Rounding the Mark

Rounding the Mark

Andrea Camilleri

While enjoying his customary morning swim along the Sicilian coast, Inspector Montalbano stumbles upon a grim discovery: a dead body washed ashore. This unexpected find plunges him into an investigation that unravels a complex web of seemingly disparate events. As Montalbano delves deeper, he uncovers a clandestine world of illicit human trafficking, forcing him to confront the darkest aspects of society. With his signature blend of sharp intellect and wry humor, Montalbano navigates the treacherous currents of crime and corruption in this captivating installment of the beloved series.

MysteryDetective FictionContemporary Fiction
8
Cover of The Patience of the Spider

The Patience of the Spider

Andrea Camilleri

Inspector Montalbano, sidelined by injury and grappling with self-doubt, finds himself drawn back into the labyrinthine world of crime when a young student is kidnapped. As he investigates the disappearance, the trail leads to a dark underworld and a sinister conspiracy involving a mysterious yacht and its enigmatic owner. Camilleri masterfully weaves a tale of Sicilian life, exploring themes of corruption, exploitation, and the hidden secrets that lie beneath the surface of a seemingly idyllic landscape. While the plot may be less intricate than in some of his other works, the true pleasure lies in Montalbano's astute deductions and the rich, immersive portrayal of his world.

MysteryDetective FictionContemporary Fiction
9
Cover of The Paper Moon

The Paper Moon

Andrea Camilleri

Inspector Montalbano finds himself grappling with profound existential questions as he investigates a complex case. The investigation is further complicated by the presence of two enigmatic and beautiful women, the discovery of illicit cocaine, and the death of a politician under mysterious circumstances. As Montalbano delves deeper, he must confront themes of deception and the illusion of reality, all while navigating the challenges of aging and mortality.

MysteryDetective FictionContemporary Fiction
10
Cover of August Heat

August Heat

Andrea Camilleri

In the sweltering heat of a Sicilian August, Inspector Montalbano's plans for a tranquil seaside retreat are shattered by a chilling disappearance. A young boy vanishes into a mysterious shaft beneath a beach rental, plunging the inspector into a complex investigation that probes the dark undercurrents of a seemingly idyllic summer. As the oppressive heat mirrors the rising tension, Montalbano must navigate a labyrinth of secrets and lies to uncover the truth before it's too late. This gripping novel masterfully blends suspense with the rich cultural tapestry of Sicily, showcasing Camilleri's signature wit and keen insight into human nature.

MysteryDetective FictionContemporary Fiction
11
Cover of The Wings of the Sphinx

The Wings of the Sphinx

Andrea Camilleri

In a Sicilian town shrouded in mystery, Inspector Montalbano is called to investigate the brutal murder of a young woman, her face disfigured and marked only by a sphinx tattoo. As he delves deeper, the case unravels a dark underworld of exploitation and the chilling reach of the Mafia. Montalbano must navigate a labyrinth of deceit, confronting not only the criminals but also the weariness of his own relationships and the moral complexities of justice. This gripping novel explores themes of innocence lost, the corrupting influence of power, and the enduring struggle for truth in a world where appearances are deceiving.

MysteryDetective FictionContemporary Fiction
12
Cover of The Track of Sand

The Track of Sand

Andrea Camilleri

Inspector Montalbano awakens to a bizarre and unsettling discovery: a dead horse washed ashore on the beach near his home. As he delves into the investigation, Montalbano finds himself entangled in a complex web of deceit, confronting a menacing Mafia threat that casts a long shadow over his Sicilian town. Amidst the unfolding mystery, he must navigate his own personal challenges, particularly his complicated relationships with women, all while the truth remains elusive, hidden like tracks in the sand.

MysteryDetective FictionContemporary Fiction
13
Cover of The Potter's Field

The Potter's Field

Andrea Camilleri

In the Sicilian town of Vigàta, a brutal discovery is made in a field known as the Potter's Field: a dismembered body bearing the hallmarks of an execution. As Inspector Montalbano investigates, he uncovers a complex web of betrayal, touching upon themes of infidelity, broken principles, and the quiet erosion of trust. The case deepens with the disappearance of a prized horse and the subsequent discovery of a young woman's body, linked to other victims by a mysterious tattoo. Montalbano must navigate the dark undercurrents of organized crime and hidden charities to unravel the truth behind these disturbing events, all while confronting his own aging and the subtle betrayals of time.

MysteryDetective FictionContemporary Fiction
14
Cover of The Age of Doubt

The Age of Doubt

Andrea Camilleri

Following a fierce storm, Inspector Montalbano's day takes an unexpected turn when he meets a mysterious young woman fixated on a particular yacht arriving at Vigàta harbor. This chance encounter pulls him into a perplexing new investigation that challenges his keen deductive skills. As the investigation unfolds, Montalbano finds himself grappling with unsettling dreams that reflect his deep-seated contemplations on mortality and his complex relationship with Livia. This latest installment promises a signature blend of intricate plotting and atmospheric Sicilian setting, delving into the darker currents beneath the surface of everyday life.

MysteryDetective FictionContemporary Fiction
15
Cover of The Dance of the Seagull

The Dance of the Seagull

Andrea Camilleri

Inspector Montalbano's quiet dawn is shattered by the bizarre sight of a seagull falling from the sky in a strange, dying dance. This peculiar event soon pulls him into a complex investigation, as the seagull's death appears linked to the disappearance of his trusted colleague, Fazio. As Montalbano delves deeper, he uncovers a macabre world where sadism, crime, and murder intertwine, forcing him to confront the darkest aspects of human nature. The investigation into the seagull's final moments becomes the unlikely key to unlocking a chilling conspiracy.

MysteryDetective FictionContemporary Fiction
16
Cover of The Treasure Hunt

The Treasure Hunt

Andrea Camilleri

Inspector Montalbano finds himself an unlikely television hero after a daring rescue, but his newfound fame is quickly overshadowed by a perplexing series of letters. These cryptic messages lead him on a complex treasure hunt that unexpectedly intertwines with the kidnapping of a young woman. As Montalbano navigates the treacherous path laid out by the anonymous sender, he must unravel a dangerous mystery where the stakes are higher than any prize.

MysteryDetective FictionContemporary Fiction
18
Cover of Angelica's Smile

Angelica's Smile

Andrea Camilleri

In this captivating novel, Inspector Montalbano finds himself entangled in a complex investigation that begins with a seemingly innocuous missing person case. As he delves deeper, the lines between truth and deception blur, revealing a web of secrets and long-buried resentments. Montalbano must navigate the labyrinthine alleys of Sicilian society and his own intuition to uncover the dark heart of a crime that reaches far beyond the initial disappearance. This installment showcases Camilleri's masterful blend of suspense, local color, and the enduring complexities of human nature.

MysteryDetective FictionContemporary Fiction
18
Cover of A Beam of Light

A Beam of Light

Andrea Camilleri

In this gripping installment, Inspector Montalbano finds himself entangled in two perplexing cases that delve into the darker corners of Sicilian society. When a young wife becomes the victim of a violent crime, and an abandoned cottage reveals a mysterious new padlock, Montalbano must navigate a labyrinth of deceit and corruption. Camilleri masterfully weaves a tale that exposes the endemic political rot and hidden truths beneath the surface of everyday life, showcasing his signature blend of sharp wit and keen observation. As the investigation unfolds, the inspector uncovers layers of intrigue, proving that even the most ordinary circumstances can hide extraordinary secrets.

MysteryDetective FictionContemporary Fiction
18
Cover of Game of Mirrors

Game of Mirrors

Andrea Camilleri

In this gripping novel, a series of perplexing events unfolds, drawing Inspector Montalbano into a labyrinth of deception and hidden motives. As he navigates the murky waters of a complex case, the seasoned detective must confront his own past and the intricate web of relationships that surround him. Camilleri masterfully blends suspense with sharp social commentary, offering a poignant exploration of justice, memory, and the enduring power of human connection. The narrative is rich with the author's signature wit and evocative Sicilian setting, making for an unforgettable reading experience.

MysteryDetective FictionContemporary Fiction
20
Cover of A Voice in the Night

A Voice in the Night

Andrea Camilleri

Inspector Montalbano, on the cusp of his 58th birthday, finds himself grappling with the passage of time as much as with the complexities of his latest case. What begins as a seemingly routine investigation into a supermarket robbery quickly escalates into a perplexing mystery when the manager is discovered dead in his office. As Montalbano delves deeper, he must confront not only the dark secrets of his Sicilian town but also the quiet anxieties of his own advancing years. This installment masterfully blends Camilleri's signature wit and keen observation with a gripping plot that explores themes of mortality, justice, and the enduring human spirit.

MysteryDetective FictionContemporary Fiction
21
Cover of A Nest of Vipers

A Nest of Vipers

Andrea Camilleri

When a wealthy accountant is found dead in his opulent seaside villa, Inspector Montalbano is drawn into a labyrinth of secrets and lies. The victim, Cosimo Barletta, a widower with a penchant for beautiful women, leaves behind a tangled web of mistresses and hidden family affairs. As Montalbano delves deeper, he uncovers a dark undercurrent of betrayal and greed lurking beneath the surface of respectability. This gripping mystery explores the complexities of human relationships and the devastating consequences of hidden truths.

MysteryDetective FictionContemporary Fiction
23
Cover of The Pyramid of Mud

The Pyramid of Mud

Andrea Camilleri

When violent floods leave Inspector Montalbano’s hometown reeling, a dead man is discovered in a sewage tunnel—an image that quickly becomes a metaphor for what’s rotting beneath the surface. As Montalbano follows the trail, he finds that the case is entangled with public spending, political corruption, and the Mafia, where money moves like water and every “official” answer hides another layer of deceit. With his trademark blend of sharp intuition and stubborn conscience, he navigates a labyrinth of scams and betrayals that draws in love, blackmail, and obsession. Andrea Camilleri’s wry, theatrically observant style—rooted in a deep love of Sicily—turns this investigation into a tense, human story about power, complicity, and the cost of looking too closely.

MysteryDetective FictionContemporary Fiction
23
Cover of The Overnight Kidnapper

The Overnight Kidnapper

Andrea Camilleri

When two women are subjected to a bizarre and terrifying ordeal—kidnapped, chloroformed, and then released unharmed within hours—Inspector Montalbano is called to unravel the perplexing case. As he delves deeper, he must use all his sharp logic and keen intuition to understand the motive behind these seemingly motiveless crimes. What connects the victims to their mysterious attacker, and what is the ultimate gain from such an unusual act? Montalbano races against time to solve the puzzle before the enigmatic kidnapper strikes again.

MysteryDetective FictionContemporary Fiction
24
Cover of The Other End of the Line

The Other End of the Line

Andrea Camilleri

In his 25th case, Inspector Montalbano is drawn into a complex investigation that hits close to home. As a wave of desperate refugees arrives on the Sicilian coast, seeking a better life, Montalbano finds himself entangled in a murder mystery that demands his personal attention. He must navigate the turbulent waters of human desperation and hidden motives to uncover the truth behind a crime that threatens the fragile peace of his beloved Sicily.

MysteryDetective FictionContemporary Fiction
25
Cover of The Safety Net

The Safety Net

Andrea Camilleri

In this gripping novel, Chief Inspector Montalbano finds himself drawn into a complex case involving a missing woman and a young boy caught in the crossfire. As Montalbano delves deeper, he uncovers a dangerous web of government corruption and international intrigue that threatens not only the boy's life but his own. Known for his masterful blend of humor, suspense, and social commentary, Camilleri crafts a thrilling narrative that explores themes of poverty, justice, and the dark underbelly of power.

MysteryDetective FictionContemporary Fiction
28
Cover of The Cook of the Halcyon

The Cook of the Halcyon

Andrea Camilleri

When a recently laid-off shipyard worker takes his own life and an unscrupulous businessman is found murdered, Inspector Montalbano is drawn into a complex investigation. His inquiries lead him to the mysterious schooner known as the Halcyon, a vessel that seems to be at the heart of the unfolding mystery. As Montalbano delves deeper, he finds himself collaborating with the FBI, embarking on a dangerous mission that will test his sharp intellect and unwavering resolve.

MysteryDetective FictionContemporary Fiction
28
Cover of Riccardino

Riccardino

Andrea Camilleri

In the highly anticipated final installment of the beloved Inspector Montalbano series, a mysterious phone call sets the stage for a perplexing case. When a man named Riccardino claims Montalbano is expected, the inspector's day takes a dark turn with the discovery of a brutal murder. The victim, also named Riccardino, becomes the focal point of an investigation that delves into the familiar Camilleri territory of politics, the church, and the Mafia. This exquisitely crafted finale offers a compelling blend of suspense and social commentary, cementing its place as a must-read for fans of masterful crime fiction.

MysteryDetective FictionContemporary Fiction