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Commissario Montalbano #16
Treasure Hunt
The sixteenth irresistible mystery in the New York Times bestselling Montalbano series.
A hail of bullets interrupts a period of dead calm. An elderly brother and sister open fire on the piazza below their apartment, punishing the people of Vigàta for their sins. Montalbano is hailed as a hero when news cameras film him scaling a building — gun in hand — to capture the ancient pair of unlikely snipers.
Shortly after, the inspector begins to receive cryptic messages in verse from someone challenging him to go on a “treasure hunt.” Intrigued, he accepts, treating the messages as amusing riddles — until they take a dangerous turn.
A hail of bullets interrupts a period of dead calm. An elderly brother and sister open fire on the piazza below their apartment, punishing the people of Vigàta for their sins. Montalbano is hailed as a hero when news cameras film him scaling a building — gun in hand — to capture the ancient pair of unlikely snipers.
Shortly after, the inspector begins to receive cryptic messages in verse from someone challenging him to go on a “treasure hunt.” Intrigued, he accepts, treating the messages as amusing riddles — until they take a dangerous turn.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
260 people are currently reading
1451 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Camilleri
434 books2,478 followersAndrea Camilleri was an Italian writer. He is considered one of the greatest Italian writers of both 20th and 21st centuries.
Originally from Porto Empedocle, Sicily, Camilleri began studies at the Faculty of Literature in 1944, without concluding them, meanwhile publishing poems and short stories. Around this time he joined the Italian Communist Party.
From 1948 to 1950 Camilleri studied stage and film direction at the Silvio D'Amico Academy of Dramatic Arts, and began to take on work as a director and screenwriter, directing especially plays by Pirandello and Beckett. As a matter of fact, his parents knew Pirandello and were even distant friends, as he tells in his essay on Pirandello "Biography of the changed son". His most famous works, the Montalbano series show many pirandellian elements: for example, the wild olive tree that helps Montalbano think, is on stage in his late work "The giants of the mountain"
With RAI, Camilleri worked on several TV productions, such as Inspector Maigret with Gino Cervi. In 1977 he returned to the Academy of Dramatic Arts, holding the chair of Movie Direction, and occupying it for 20 years.
In 1978 Camilleri wrote his first novel Il Corso Delle Cose ("The Way Things Go"). This was followed by Un Filo di Fumo ("A Thread of Smoke") in 1980. Neither of these works enjoyed any significant amount of popularity.
In 1992, after a long pause of 12 years, Camilleri once more took up novel-writing. A new book, La Stagione della Caccia ("The Hunting Season") turned out to be a best-seller.
In 1994 Camilleri published the first in a long series of novels: La forma dell'Acqua (The Shape of Water) featured the character of Inspector Montalbano, a fractious Sicilian detective in the police force of Vigàta, an imaginary Sicilian town. The series is written in Italian but with a substantial sprinkling of Sicilian phrases and grammar. The name Montalbano is an homage to the Spanish writer Manuel Vázquez Montalbán; the similarities between Montalban's Pepe Carvalho and Camilleri's fictional detective are remarkable. Both writers make great play of their protagonists' gastronomic preferences.
This feature provides an interesting quirk which has become something of a fad among his readership even in mainland Italy. The TV adaptation of Montalbano's adventures, starring the perfectly-cast Luca Zingaretti, further increased Camilleri's popularity to such a point that in 2003 Camilleri's home town, Porto Empedocle - on which Vigàta is modelled - took the extraordinary step of changing its official denomination to that of Porto Empedocle Vigàta, no doubt with an eye to capitalising on the tourism possibilities thrown up by the author's work.
In 1998 Camilleri won the Nino Martoglio International Book Award.
Camilleri lived in Rome where he worked as a TV and theatre director. About 10 million copies of his novels have been sold to date, and are becoming increasingly popular in the UK and North America.
In addition to the degree of popularity brought him by the novels, in recent months Andrea Camilleri has become even more of a media icon thanks to the parodies aired on an RAI radio show, where popular comedian, TV-host and impression artist Fiorello presents him as a raspy voiced, caustic character, madly in love with cigarettes and smoking (Camilleri is well-known for his love of tobacco).
He received an honorary degree from University of Pisa in 2005.
Originally from Porto Empedocle, Sicily, Camilleri began studies at the Faculty of Literature in 1944, without concluding them, meanwhile publishing poems and short stories. Around this time he joined the Italian Communist Party.
From 1948 to 1950 Camilleri studied stage and film direction at the Silvio D'Amico Academy of Dramatic Arts, and began to take on work as a director and screenwriter, directing especially plays by Pirandello and Beckett. As a matter of fact, his parents knew Pirandello and were even distant friends, as he tells in his essay on Pirandello "Biography of the changed son". His most famous works, the Montalbano series show many pirandellian elements: for example, the wild olive tree that helps Montalbano think, is on stage in his late work "The giants of the mountain"
With RAI, Camilleri worked on several TV productions, such as Inspector Maigret with Gino Cervi. In 1977 he returned to the Academy of Dramatic Arts, holding the chair of Movie Direction, and occupying it for 20 years.
In 1978 Camilleri wrote his first novel Il Corso Delle Cose ("The Way Things Go"). This was followed by Un Filo di Fumo ("A Thread of Smoke") in 1980. Neither of these works enjoyed any significant amount of popularity.
In 1992, after a long pause of 12 years, Camilleri once more took up novel-writing. A new book, La Stagione della Caccia ("The Hunting Season") turned out to be a best-seller.
In 1994 Camilleri published the first in a long series of novels: La forma dell'Acqua (The Shape of Water) featured the character of Inspector Montalbano, a fractious Sicilian detective in the police force of Vigàta, an imaginary Sicilian town. The series is written in Italian but with a substantial sprinkling of Sicilian phrases and grammar. The name Montalbano is an homage to the Spanish writer Manuel Vázquez Montalbán; the similarities between Montalban's Pepe Carvalho and Camilleri's fictional detective are remarkable. Both writers make great play of their protagonists' gastronomic preferences.
This feature provides an interesting quirk which has become something of a fad among his readership even in mainland Italy. The TV adaptation of Montalbano's adventures, starring the perfectly-cast Luca Zingaretti, further increased Camilleri's popularity to such a point that in 2003 Camilleri's home town, Porto Empedocle - on which Vigàta is modelled - took the extraordinary step of changing its official denomination to that of Porto Empedocle Vigàta, no doubt with an eye to capitalising on the tourism possibilities thrown up by the author's work.
In 1998 Camilleri won the Nino Martoglio International Book Award.
Camilleri lived in Rome where he worked as a TV and theatre director. About 10 million copies of his novels have been sold to date, and are becoming increasingly popular in the UK and North America.
In addition to the degree of popularity brought him by the novels, in recent months Andrea Camilleri has become even more of a media icon thanks to the parodies aired on an RAI radio show, where popular comedian, TV-host and impression artist Fiorello presents him as a raspy voiced, caustic character, madly in love with cigarettes and smoking (Camilleri is well-known for his love of tobacco).
He received an honorary degree from University of Pisa in 2005.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 421 reviews
November 15, 2013
If anyone was to ask what books would accompany me to a desert island, the entire Montalbano series to date would be a strong contender. There is something about the quality of Camilleri’s writing that there is always some slight nuance or unexpected event that catches you off-guard, revealing to the reader another facet to the character of the remarkable Inspector Montalbano. Indeed, with each new book Camilleri admirably deceives us, as these tales combine in the reader a sense of the comfortably familiar, but equally he delights in intentionally unsettling us by the intervention of some strange, or more usually, hilarious moment that changes the direction of the narrative. So bring on The Treasure Hunt…
From the outset, The Treasure Hunt, combines the dark and light elements that Camilleri is renowned for. A couple of elderly religious extremists begin taking pot-shots from their apartment at innocent passers by, resulting in a sudden case of immolation and a need for Montalbano to go, in the words of sidekick Catarella, all ‘Brussi Villesi’ to gain access to said apartment. Confronted with a huge spread of religious icons and the startling inclusion of a bizarre blow-up-doll, Montalbano once again finds himself caught up in a bizarre investigation, further complicated by the arrival of another blow-up-doll (with the inevitable Italian version of ‘Carry-On’ that this produces) and the wilful inclusion of Montalbano in a strange treasure hunt, reflected by the book’s title. Add to this Camilleri’s trademark portrayal of the sights, sounds and culinary aspects of Montalbano’s home turf, the never ending ups and downs of his relationships with both the luscious Livia and Scandinavian temptress Ingrid, Montalbano’s melancholic musings, and the ease and comic touch with which Camilleri immerses us back into the colourful world of his regular troop of characters, and this is once again a book impossible to fault. Another example of the twisted brilliance of Mr Camilleri, and quite simply, una lettura perfetta…
From the outset, The Treasure Hunt, combines the dark and light elements that Camilleri is renowned for. A couple of elderly religious extremists begin taking pot-shots from their apartment at innocent passers by, resulting in a sudden case of immolation and a need for Montalbano to go, in the words of sidekick Catarella, all ‘Brussi Villesi’ to gain access to said apartment. Confronted with a huge spread of religious icons and the startling inclusion of a bizarre blow-up-doll, Montalbano once again finds himself caught up in a bizarre investigation, further complicated by the arrival of another blow-up-doll (with the inevitable Italian version of ‘Carry-On’ that this produces) and the wilful inclusion of Montalbano in a strange treasure hunt, reflected by the book’s title. Add to this Camilleri’s trademark portrayal of the sights, sounds and culinary aspects of Montalbano’s home turf, the never ending ups and downs of his relationships with both the luscious Livia and Scandinavian temptress Ingrid, Montalbano’s melancholic musings, and the ease and comic touch with which Camilleri immerses us back into the colourful world of his regular troop of characters, and this is once again a book impossible to fault. Another example of the twisted brilliance of Mr Camilleri, and quite simply, una lettura perfetta…
November 1, 2021
The more mysteries I read, the more discriminating I am getting. I think this is the way reading can work. If this were the first mystery I had ever read I probably would have thought this was good, and you know, Andrea Camilleri is generally a good and entertaining writer. He's loved the world over. My ratings of, say, Jo Nesbo's gruesome serial killer thrillers tend to be--as I look back--rated a little more highly than I now remember them. I guess I thought, well, for a thriller, this is very good, even if I have a particular distaste for slashers. This one by Camilleri is a slasher, and I don't like it. Superfluous, unnecessary, going for sensational, cheap (but actually disgusting, preposterous, and unbelievable) "thrills."
Treasure Hunt is #16 in the Inspector Montalbano series set in Vigàta, Sicily, and it is the one I have least liked thus far. It begins somewhat promisingly, with an elderly brother and sister opening fire on the piazza below their apartment, punishing people for their sins. Montalbano gets credit for intervening, his face all over the media. Soon after that, Montalbano begins getting cryptic notes inviting him to go on a "treasure hunt" of sorts for various clues. Why this cat and mouse game? Why would Salvo even agree to play?
As usual, the first third of the book is entertaining, but we know as in all of his short books, that if there are two crimes, they are related, and Salvo will make that link. And he does. One early item that "pops up" (pun intended) is the presence of life-sized, inflatable dolls. Never fails to get people chuckling, right? Well, the dolls are important to the resolution of the "treasure hunt," that's all I'll say. A key to the link between the two stories-within-the story.
So what else is here? As usual, "beautiful" (always beautiful! why read about ugly girls?!) girls, prostitutes, friends of Salvo (such as Ingrid) flow through these books like water, and I am not objecting to their presence, nor the continuing presence of sumptuous Sicilian meals, sumptuously described. And the ways the connections get made, and the evolution of the man character himself, all of this points to solid writing.
I just thought the crime was unnecessarily graphic. Even the experienced cop Salvo gets physically sick from it, so what does Camilleri expect from us, applause? We never get why the guy is doing this stuff, either. Psychopaths just are not all that interesting to me. The light and breezy and colorful cover and the comedic opening promise a treasure, and we get the rug pulled out from under us as as search with Salvo: A lump of coal for Christmas, no treasure at all!
Ah, but it IS Halloween as I finish the book, so maybe this grotesque story would be appropriate for some readers especially today!
Treasure Hunt is #16 in the Inspector Montalbano series set in Vigàta, Sicily, and it is the one I have least liked thus far. It begins somewhat promisingly, with an elderly brother and sister opening fire on the piazza below their apartment, punishing people for their sins. Montalbano gets credit for intervening, his face all over the media. Soon after that, Montalbano begins getting cryptic notes inviting him to go on a "treasure hunt" of sorts for various clues. Why this cat and mouse game? Why would Salvo even agree to play?
As usual, the first third of the book is entertaining, but we know as in all of his short books, that if there are two crimes, they are related, and Salvo will make that link. And he does. One early item that "pops up" (pun intended) is the presence of life-sized, inflatable dolls. Never fails to get people chuckling, right? Well, the dolls are important to the resolution of the "treasure hunt," that's all I'll say. A key to the link between the two stories-within-the story.
So what else is here? As usual, "beautiful" (always beautiful! why read about ugly girls?!) girls, prostitutes, friends of Salvo (such as Ingrid) flow through these books like water, and I am not objecting to their presence, nor the continuing presence of sumptuous Sicilian meals, sumptuously described. And the ways the connections get made, and the evolution of the man character himself, all of this points to solid writing.
I just thought the crime was unnecessarily graphic. Even the experienced cop Salvo gets physically sick from it, so what does Camilleri expect from us, applause? We never get why the guy is doing this stuff, either. Psychopaths just are not all that interesting to me. The light and breezy and colorful cover and the comedic opening promise a treasure, and we get the rug pulled out from under us as as search with Salvo: A lump of coal for Christmas, no treasure at all!
Ah, but it IS Halloween as I finish the book, so maybe this grotesque story would be appropriate for some readers especially today!
November 2, 2013
There's nothing glaringly wrong with this novel (as there was with The Dance of the Seagull), but there's also not much to recommend it. It feels like the life has gone out of this series, as if Camilleri is phoning it in. The story starts out pretty well, with a pair of elderly religious fanatics who have completely lost their minds and begin shooting at passersby under their window. But from there the novel goes downhill pretty quickly. Montalbano begins receiving anonymous letters leading him on a 'treasure hunt', and at the same time he's introduced by his friend Ingrid to a young man who wants to study Montalbano's methods. Hmmm, that's odd. Then there's the usual scenes where Montalbano dodges a meeting with his boss, and some of the not so very friendly banter with the pathologist. And of course the expected misunderstanding with Livia owing to a female guest picking up his phone when it rings.
All that wouldn't be so bad if there were at least one new aspect of Montalbano's character revealed in this novel; because that, after all, is what this series has been about. But all we see is a somewhat dreary continuation of the earlier themes: he's getting old and not liking it; he's ambivalent about his relationship with Livia; he wonders why he keeps on, but knows that solving crimes is the thing that keeps him going.
Even the food in this book is not up to par - it's basically leftovers from previous episodes.
In all, a disappointment.
All that wouldn't be so bad if there were at least one new aspect of Montalbano's character revealed in this novel; because that, after all, is what this series has been about. But all we see is a somewhat dreary continuation of the earlier themes: he's getting old and not liking it; he's ambivalent about his relationship with Livia; he wonders why he keeps on, but knows that solving crimes is the thing that keeps him going.
Even the food in this book is not up to par - it's basically leftovers from previous episodes.
In all, a disappointment.
January 1, 2014
I very much liked the first half of the book - the bit about the elderly siblings with their religious mania, their assault on their fellow townspeople, and the inflatable sex doll.
But then the story gets into a series of letters - riddles - to Montalbano which hint at an unpleasant discovery to come. I didn't much like the riddles, or the revelation of a pretty gruesome murder. The identity of the baddie was too obvious, too early, and the gratuitous violence was more like Stieg Larsson than Camilleri's usual fare.
I missed his usual acerbic social and political comments - and there wasn't even that much food to offset the other shortcomings.
But then the story gets into a series of letters - riddles - to Montalbano which hint at an unpleasant discovery to come. I didn't much like the riddles, or the revelation of a pretty gruesome murder. The identity of the baddie was too obvious, too early, and the gratuitous violence was more like Stieg Larsson than Camilleri's usual fare.
I missed his usual acerbic social and political comments - and there wasn't even that much food to offset the other shortcomings.
June 3, 2022
Estamos ante otra entretenida novela de la saga Montalbano. Nuestro comisario está más viejo, se nota física e intelectualmente y comete errores.
Es una historia extraña. Te hace reír al principio y te pone los pelos de punta al final.
El clímax va in crescendo y las páginas se devoran.
Para tanta tensión, el final deja sabor a poco, le faltó cuerpo, desarrollo.
Es una historia extraña. Te hace reír al principio y te pone los pelos de punta al final.
El clímax va in crescendo y las páginas se devoran.
Para tanta tensión, el final deja sabor a poco, le faltó cuerpo, desarrollo.
May 19, 2021
2.5 stars rounded up
This could have been a novel if it hadn't, unfortunately, degenerated into a script for a made-for-TV movie. The descriptions, but certainly the dialogue of the 16th instalment, is straight out of a"how to write cheap, European TV-mystery fodder" handbook. What happened there?
Despite that, La caccia del tesoro/Treasure Hunt (dt: Das Spiel des Poeten/The Poet's Game) has a good premise and the mystery itself is not badly constructed, therefore the 2.5 rating...but the ending! Che schifo! Exactly what Camilleri said he wouldn't do in his mysteries, ever. And look. Completely unnecessary and very, very trash TV.
Despite this turn, what I am enjoying about the series as it progresses is Montalbano's ageing. He's only 57 and yet his decreasing faculties, physical weakness and general decay is foremost on his mind. Interesting that Camilleri, who was in his 80s at the time, chose to reflect so much of his own insecurity or dismay through Montalbano.
This could have been a novel if it hadn't, unfortunately, degenerated into a script for a made-for-TV movie. The descriptions, but certainly the dialogue of the 16th instalment, is straight out of a"how to write cheap, European TV-mystery fodder" handbook. What happened there?
Despite that, La caccia del tesoro/Treasure Hunt (dt: Das Spiel des Poeten/The Poet's Game) has a good premise and the mystery itself is not badly constructed, therefore the 2.5 rating...but the ending! Che schifo! Exactly what Camilleri said he wouldn't do in his mysteries, ever. And look. Completely unnecessary and very, very trash TV.
Despite this turn, what I am enjoying about the series as it progresses is Montalbano's ageing. He's only 57 and yet his decreasing faculties, physical weakness and general decay is foremost on his mind. Interesting that Camilleri, who was in his 80s at the time, chose to reflect so much of his own insecurity or dismay through Montalbano.
May 7, 2017
A sumptuous mystery. Highly recommend.
November 30, 2013
Oh dear. I love Andrea Camilleri - he's one of my favorite current authors. I've been reading him for over ten years, and have all 16 of his books. His brand of humour gave me the courage to write my own mob comedy series.
But...this one let me down. I loved the beginning. Wonderful wit. But half way through the book, I could see the ending coming, and I started to say, "No, Andrea, don't do it! You're better than this." I kept hoping I was wrong.
After a wonderfully witty first quarter, the book turned a corner. Not only did the ending seem obvious, but it was also more horrific than I like in a mystery.
I'm struggling with the 3 rating. I love his writing style and eccentric characters. I admit I am getting tired of his relationship with Livia. (Some have said the same about Janet Evanovich and her character Stephanie's constant ambivalence between Morelli and Ranger.) I think by 16 books, you should probably resolve the love interest.
I can't bring myself to rate this less than 3, because it is Camilleri. But...
But...this one let me down. I loved the beginning. Wonderful wit. But half way through the book, I could see the ending coming, and I started to say, "No, Andrea, don't do it! You're better than this." I kept hoping I was wrong.
After a wonderfully witty first quarter, the book turned a corner. Not only did the ending seem obvious, but it was also more horrific than I like in a mystery.
I'm struggling with the 3 rating. I love his writing style and eccentric characters. I admit I am getting tired of his relationship with Livia. (Some have said the same about Janet Evanovich and her character Stephanie's constant ambivalence between Morelli and Ranger.) I think by 16 books, you should probably resolve the love interest.
I can't bring myself to rate this less than 3, because it is Camilleri. But...
October 19, 2018
Although this is the sixteenth book in the Inspector Montalbano series by Andrea Camilleri, it was the first for me and it will not be the last. What is truly remarkable about this book is its humor which at times is dark and other times borders on slapstick, its running commentary on Italian life and culture, and its wonderful cast of eccentric characters.
Normally, these features would have earned a book such as this a rating of 5, but unfortunately the plot of Treasure Hunt was quite simple, so that the question of whodunnit was in fact no great mystery and so does not pose much of a challenge to the reader. Still the book does a wonderful job of transporting the reader to the imaginary Sicillian town of Vigata. And the author's emphasis on wit, rather than violence, is quite refreshing.
Normally, these features would have earned a book such as this a rating of 5, but unfortunately the plot of Treasure Hunt was quite simple, so that the question of whodunnit was in fact no great mystery and so does not pose much of a challenge to the reader. Still the book does a wonderful job of transporting the reader to the imaginary Sicillian town of Vigata. And the author's emphasis on wit, rather than violence, is quite refreshing.
May 28, 2022
It is summer so a welcome return to Vigata and the works of a Montalbano who is suffering a long bout of uninteresting police work. Except for the opening of the book where he personally heroically ends a siege a bit like a Bruce Willis might do in one of his Die Hard movies.
Then comes an episode with Blow up dolls and as always there is Livia his love interest who feels less so.
When Montalbano receives a series of letters which are in essence a “treasure hunt” which collides with a kidnapping of a young woman our policeman finds himself at odds with a very dangerous murderer.
Once again a savory installment of Italian detecting and soap story from the stories of the late Andrea Camilleri.
Well advised to read but beware these books are highly addictive.
Then comes an episode with Blow up dolls and as always there is Livia his love interest who feels less so.
When Montalbano receives a series of letters which are in essence a “treasure hunt” which collides with a kidnapping of a young woman our policeman finds himself at odds with a very dangerous murderer.
Once again a savory installment of Italian detecting and soap story from the stories of the late Andrea Camilleri.
Well advised to read but beware these books are highly addictive.
April 27, 2015
Ebbene sì, gli ingredienti necessari per una buona lettura ci sono tutti, in un ottimo mix: c’è il commissario più amato d’Italia, ricco di umanità più che nei precedenti episodi (non uso a caso l’espressione, poi spiegherò) perché con l’avanzare dell’età ha perso la scorza di distacco che protegge l’animo dell’investigatore e si mostra debole e vulnerabile dagli eventi, che piano piano lo travolgono, partendo da giornate in cui ci si annoia firmando i mucchi di carte sulla scrivania perché nulla di interessante accade, fino al finale orrido e agghiacciante; ci sono i personaggi che conosciamo così bene, vecchi amici, il solito Catarella esperto nell’ “informaticia”, Mimì Augello il cui sangue caliente ha la meglio sul “ciriveddro”, Fazio, il più vicino a Montalbano, Gallo e Galluzzo; il dottor Pasquano, che santìa ogniqualvolta viene chiamato in causa ma in fondo in fondo è simile al “dottori” più di quanto si pensi; c’è il “signori e guistori”che come Zeus nell’Olimpo sovrasta dall’alto imponendo le regole al bizzarro Montalbano; c’è sempre il fantasma di Livia che incombe nella vita del commissario, tra litigi e riappacificazioni, c’è Ingrid, il meccanico svedese amica e confidente. Ma soprattutto ci sono la maestria e l’arguzia di Camilleri, che è riuscito ancora una volta a confezionare un racconto che tiene fermo l’interesse del lettore dalla prima all’ultima pagina, che ti fa ridere da solo come uno scemo mentre leggi facendo la fila alle poste e ti fa gelare il sangue mentre sei mollemente sdraiato sul divano in un caldo pomeriggio di maggio.
Ci sono dei limiti, certo, non tutto è perfetto: la storia è una precisa sceneggiatura di un film per la televisione (è un difetto? Per me montalbanodipendente no); molte pagine sono inutili ai fini della storia e Camilleri avrebbe potuto risparmiarsele, mi riferisco ad esempio alla presenza -assenza di Livia, personaggio inutile.
Ma alla fine le cose si incastrano alla perfezione, il puzzle si forma perfettamente e purtroppo tutto quadra. “Il contorno della billizza spisso fa risaltare meglio l’orrore”: questa è l’amara verità cui giunge il nostro commissario, che come il vino, più invecchia più è buono.
Ci sono dei limiti, certo, non tutto è perfetto: la storia è una precisa sceneggiatura di un film per la televisione (è un difetto? Per me montalbanodipendente no); molte pagine sono inutili ai fini della storia e Camilleri avrebbe potuto risparmiarsele, mi riferisco ad esempio alla presenza -assenza di Livia, personaggio inutile.
Ma alla fine le cose si incastrano alla perfezione, il puzzle si forma perfettamente e purtroppo tutto quadra. “Il contorno della billizza spisso fa risaltare meglio l’orrore”: questa è l’amara verità cui giunge il nostro commissario, che come il vino, più invecchia più è buono.
October 29, 2018
Από τις πιο διασκεδαστικές ιστορίες του αγαπημένου Σάλβο. Ατέλειωτα μεγάλα γεύματα, ατέλειωτοι καυγάδες με τη Λίβια, ατέλειωτα "καντήλια" στον αξιαγάπητο Καταρέ. Α, κι ένα μυστήριο που λύνεται, κι ένα κυνήγι "θησαυρού" - τι άλλο να ζητήσει κανείς;
July 17, 2019
Classic Camilleri; Montalbano at his marvellous best.
More problems for our Italian police officer who has problems with getting old and having to prove himself. Having been captured on TV Montalbano is concerned that he has been given the status like some hollywood action hero. He however is aware of his own fear and limitations.
Camilleri paints a wonderful picure of the aging process in his main character and he enriches this mystery in the process. Here someone seemingly challenges Montalbano to a Treasure Hunt, a contest of wits. Meanwhile Ingrid introduces him to a young friend who almost worships the detective and wants to learn how he fathoms out the clues and solves crimes.
At a time when his ego might be boosted by this attention we find the opposite; Montabano's humble nature is shown rather than pride. I have always felt this was the strength of his creation as he is so atune to human nature and accepting of most people. This is best demonstrated by his deep affection for the bumbling Catarella who worships the inspector in return.
This case doesn't shine glory on him in the end, but it reveals all the qualities that make these books and the linked TV series so well loved. As with other novels the TV episode seen by some, matches the book in almost every aspect and in this respect demonstrates the quality of Camillera's creative writing.
I can not speak too highly enough of this series, by one of the best crime fiction writers ever.
More problems for our Italian police officer who has problems with getting old and having to prove himself. Having been captured on TV Montalbano is concerned that he has been given the status like some hollywood action hero. He however is aware of his own fear and limitations.
Camilleri paints a wonderful picure of the aging process in his main character and he enriches this mystery in the process. Here someone seemingly challenges Montalbano to a Treasure Hunt, a contest of wits. Meanwhile Ingrid introduces him to a young friend who almost worships the detective and wants to learn how he fathoms out the clues and solves crimes.
At a time when his ego might be boosted by this attention we find the opposite; Montabano's humble nature is shown rather than pride. I have always felt this was the strength of his creation as he is so atune to human nature and accepting of most people. This is best demonstrated by his deep affection for the bumbling Catarella who worships the inspector in return.
This case doesn't shine glory on him in the end, but it reveals all the qualities that make these books and the linked TV series so well loved. As with other novels the TV episode seen by some, matches the book in almost every aspect and in this respect demonstrates the quality of Camillera's creative writing.
I can not speak too highly enough of this series, by one of the best crime fiction writers ever.
November 15, 2010
Montalbano sta invecchiando.
Vi era sfuggito? Allora vuol dire che vi siete persi almeno gli ultimi due o tre libri dedicati al polemico commissario. Perchè il progressivo avvicinamento di Montalbano alla vecchiaia è diventato un po' un leit motiv negli ultimi libri di Camilleri.
Il terrore della vecchiaia, la paura di aver perso la grinta di un tempo, i primi segni del declino fisico tormentano Montalbano e il lettore, il quale riesce a conservare comunque un certo interesse per la vicenda narrata soprattutto grazie alla vivacità degli scambi verbali fra i protagonisti e ai siparietti comici dell'immancabile Catarella.
Camilleri infatti non perde mai il dono di una prosa fresca, veloce e scorrevole che porta il lettore a divorare il suo romanzo in poco tempo nonostante la trama gialla non sia un enigma particolarmente complesso e nessuna riflessione nuova accompagni questo racconto. Il lettore la caccia la tesoro se la risolve da solo entro la prima metà del libro grazie ad un paio di indizi grandi come elefanti e alla presenza di un colpevole che manca poco che porga la mano dicendo "buongiorno, io sono l'assassino". Durante la lettura capita a volte di chiedersi quandto ci vorrà al protagonista per venire a capo di un enigma già risolto.
Forse è vero: Montalbano sta invecchiando.
Vi era sfuggito? Allora vuol dire che vi siete persi almeno gli ultimi due o tre libri dedicati al polemico commissario. Perchè il progressivo avvicinamento di Montalbano alla vecchiaia è diventato un po' un leit motiv negli ultimi libri di Camilleri.
Il terrore della vecchiaia, la paura di aver perso la grinta di un tempo, i primi segni del declino fisico tormentano Montalbano e il lettore, il quale riesce a conservare comunque un certo interesse per la vicenda narrata soprattutto grazie alla vivacità degli scambi verbali fra i protagonisti e ai siparietti comici dell'immancabile Catarella.
Camilleri infatti non perde mai il dono di una prosa fresca, veloce e scorrevole che porta il lettore a divorare il suo romanzo in poco tempo nonostante la trama gialla non sia un enigma particolarmente complesso e nessuna riflessione nuova accompagni questo racconto. Il lettore la caccia la tesoro se la risolve da solo entro la prima metà del libro grazie ad un paio di indizi grandi come elefanti e alla presenza di un colpevole che manca poco che porga la mano dicendo "buongiorno, io sono l'assassino". Durante la lettura capita a volte di chiedersi quandto ci vorrà al protagonista per venire a capo di un enigma già risolto.
Forse è vero: Montalbano sta invecchiando.
August 2, 2018
I may not be the best judge of this book, as I am a very infrequent reader of crime or detective stories. I do however have a soft spot for the Italian films of Montalbano and Young Montalbano - so I thought I'd give this a go.
Unfortunately, I found it poorly written, and the plot was transparent. There is a character introduced early in the book who seemed to me to obviously going to be the baddie - and even his horrible crime, which was extremely unpleasant, was predictable. There are occasional moments of good writing, but too few.
I think in future, I'm going to stick with the films.
Unfortunately, I found it poorly written, and the plot was transparent. There is a character introduced early in the book who seemed to me to obviously going to be the baddie - and even his horrible crime, which was extremely unpleasant, was predictable. There are occasional moments of good writing, but too few.
I think in future, I'm going to stick with the films.
August 24, 2019
Fajny wakacyjny kryminał.
A przetłumaczył go mój znajomy, wiec tym bardziej polecam!
A przetłumaczył go mój znajomy, wiec tym bardziej polecam!
October 29, 2022
Bueno, parece que Camilleri se puso un poco macabro en este caso, lo cuál, para variar, me parece bien.
El resto, sigue siendo igual. Personajes, ambientación y los clichés no cambian, siguen siendo igual de buenos. Solamente queda en cada uno si después de quince libros se cansa...
El resto, sigue siendo igual. Personajes, ambientación y los clichés no cambian, siguen siendo igual de buenos. Solamente queda en cada uno si después de quince libros se cansa...
September 25, 2013
If at some point you saw a 3-star rating here, ignore it. I've been thinking about this book all day, and I've decided that it really merits 4 stars, despite the fact that the actual crime plotting is kind of lazy on the part of the author. I'll post what for me is a short review right here, but if you want to get into the chatty discussion, feel free to click on through. Let me just say that while that the crime's solution may be nothing to write home about, as I'm so fond of saying, the crime solving and the actual police work is not really why I love and continue to read these novels -- it's all about the people, the places, and the writing, and above all, Inspector Montalbano, who manages to find himself in the strangest situations.
synopsis, absolutely NO spoilers:
One day in the midst of a calm season for crime, criminals, and the cops, there's something new in Vigàta for all and sundry to see -- a banner hanging off of an apartment balcony belonging to Gregorio and Caterina Pamisano, "a couple of senile old dotards who happen to be religious fanatics," telling sinners to repent. A week later, another banner appears warning sinners that these "dotards" will punish them. As the third week rolls around, the cops take notice, or at least Montalbano, when a third banner warns
"WE WILL MAKE YOU PAY FOR YOUR SINS WITH YOUR LIFE!!!"
Salvo takes it seriously enough to order a municipal policeman to remove the banners. Not a good idea -- the residents, indeed two elderly siblings who are extremely religious -- start shooting at the cop. Down below, people are getting out of the way, as the shooters start to rain gunfire on the crowd. The arrival of a fire truck equipped with a long ladder allows Salvo to gain entry, and soon the situation is under control. The siblings are taken into custody, the elderly sister looking "as if she'd just stepped out of a horror novel," but there are more disturbing things found in the apartment, among them a "decrepit" inflatable doll laying in the brother's bed. It had lost some hair, "was missing an eye, had one deflated tit and little circles and rectangles of gray rubber scattered all over its body." As the author notes, "For a horror film, it wasn't a bad beginning." After everything's taken care of there, things slide back into crimeless tedium until later the police receive a call about a body in a dumpster which turns out to be another inflatable doll, identical to the one found earlier in the shooters' creepy apartment, down to the the little patches all over its body. While Salvo's busy trying to figure out what's going on, he remembers a letter he'd received and stuffed in a pocket, marked "Treasure Hunt" on the outside of the envelope. At first, it seems like a good diversion from the sheer ennui of waiting for something to happen, but soon things begin to go from "curious" to deadly serious, leading Salvo to realize that the treasure hunt may not be such a big joke after all.
Treasure Hunt is just one more book in an already excellent series of sixteen (there are more, but they haven't yet been translated); if you're reading this book for the crime plot it may feel a bit disappointing, but true fans will still find a lot to love here. As usual, my advice is to not start with book sixteen -- each book builds on the other so go back and start at the beginning.
synopsis, absolutely NO spoilers:
One day in the midst of a calm season for crime, criminals, and the cops, there's something new in Vigàta for all and sundry to see -- a banner hanging off of an apartment balcony belonging to Gregorio and Caterina Pamisano, "a couple of senile old dotards who happen to be religious fanatics," telling sinners to repent. A week later, another banner appears warning sinners that these "dotards" will punish them. As the third week rolls around, the cops take notice, or at least Montalbano, when a third banner warns
"WE WILL MAKE YOU PAY FOR YOUR SINS WITH YOUR LIFE!!!"
Salvo takes it seriously enough to order a municipal policeman to remove the banners. Not a good idea -- the residents, indeed two elderly siblings who are extremely religious -- start shooting at the cop. Down below, people are getting out of the way, as the shooters start to rain gunfire on the crowd. The arrival of a fire truck equipped with a long ladder allows Salvo to gain entry, and soon the situation is under control. The siblings are taken into custody, the elderly sister looking "as if she'd just stepped out of a horror novel," but there are more disturbing things found in the apartment, among them a "decrepit" inflatable doll laying in the brother's bed. It had lost some hair, "was missing an eye, had one deflated tit and little circles and rectangles of gray rubber scattered all over its body." As the author notes, "For a horror film, it wasn't a bad beginning." After everything's taken care of there, things slide back into crimeless tedium until later the police receive a call about a body in a dumpster which turns out to be another inflatable doll, identical to the one found earlier in the shooters' creepy apartment, down to the the little patches all over its body. While Salvo's busy trying to figure out what's going on, he remembers a letter he'd received and stuffed in a pocket, marked "Treasure Hunt" on the outside of the envelope. At first, it seems like a good diversion from the sheer ennui of waiting for something to happen, but soon things begin to go from "curious" to deadly serious, leading Salvo to realize that the treasure hunt may not be such a big joke after all.
Treasure Hunt is just one more book in an already excellent series of sixteen (there are more, but they haven't yet been translated); if you're reading this book for the crime plot it may feel a bit disappointing, but true fans will still find a lot to love here. As usual, my advice is to not start with book sixteen -- each book builds on the other so go back and start at the beginning.
October 19, 2023
Che tristezza... chi l'avrebbe mai detto che avrei faticato a finire un Camilleri? Qui siamo proprio alla frutta, dal momento che l'autore si sta spremendo come un limone, pubblicando anche la carta straccia. Ho la tenue speranza che non sia lui ad aver scritto gli ultimi libri letti.
Ne ho ancora due del commissario sul comodino... mi sa che ci restano, almeno finchè non ho digerito questo. :(((
Ne ho ancora due del commissario sul comodino... mi sa che ci restano, almeno finchè non ho digerito questo. :(((
December 28, 2025
I had heard about Andrea Camillieri for a very long time, and even though I knew this was from a series I thought it was a good souvenir from my recent Venice holidays.
Well, it was a disappointment… I don’t know if it’s also due to the translation to English, but I don’t think so.
There was no historical explanation of anything (again, I knew it was a series but the basic details); I didn’t understand sentences like “he explained himself in Italian” - but aren’t they all talking always in Italian to each other?? As they are Italians, in Sicily?; Montalbano’s assistance way of talking - maybe that makes sense in the original language but what is that suppose to mean in the translation? It was quite hard to read and understand!; lots of other details.
And Montalbano… is that a good cop in Italy? Good for the criminals!
The story was only mehhh and in the end we had no explanation on why the bad guy did what it did.
Good souvenir, but not a very good book, IMO :)
Well, it was a disappointment… I don’t know if it’s also due to the translation to English, but I don’t think so.
There was no historical explanation of anything (again, I knew it was a series but the basic details); I didn’t understand sentences like “he explained himself in Italian” - but aren’t they all talking always in Italian to each other?? As they are Italians, in Sicily?; Montalbano’s assistance way of talking - maybe that makes sense in the original language but what is that suppose to mean in the translation? It was quite hard to read and understand!; lots of other details.
And Montalbano… is that a good cop in Italy? Good for the criminals!
The story was only mehhh and in the end we had no explanation on why the bad guy did what it did.
Good souvenir, but not a very good book, IMO :)
August 26, 2021
I didn't like this book much when I read it years ago, but I was combing through Montalbano list and gave this one another try since it wasn't noted as "read." This is the book that starts off with a bang as Montalbano is captured by news as he climbs a ladder with gun in hand up to a disturbing apartment. These old codgers had a place filled with religious icons, lights and the bonus of inflatable sex dolls. The sex dolls are made much of throughout the storyline, but there is also a difficult character introduced who commits murder and involves Montalbano in a treasure hunt. Ingrid helps the commissario out in this tale.
August 3, 2018
👩🏼💻 Link do recenzji na YouTube:
https://youtu.be/yghLWMtqfuw
https://youtu.be/yghLWMtqfuw
June 9, 2019
A little weird and extreme. Something out of criminal minds more than the Sicilian crime scene. But Ok, I love you no matter what Salvo/Andrea. Loyal for life cause you make me smile:)
July 20, 2021
To nie jest najlepszy kryminał, jaki czytałam. Raczej nie ma tu wodzenia czytelnika za nos i mylenia tropów. Ale jest spora dawka humoru, lekkie pióro i główny bohater - komisarz Montalbano - dla którego warto zapoznać się z tą włoską serią. Polecam jako dobrą zabawę, wakacyjny relaks.
May 4, 2025
ein bisschen over the top und leicht durchschaubar
December 30, 2024
Malato vero
June 19, 2016
'What's in there, Chief?' 'If it's what I think, it's something so horrific that it'll haunt your dreams for the rest of your life ...'
Another terrific book of this magnificent Inspector Moltabano series.
4* The Terra-Cotta Dog (Inspector Montalbano, #2)
3* Excursion to Tindari (Inspector Montalbano, #5)
3* Rounding the Mark (Inspector Montalbano, #7)
4* The Patience of the Spider (Inspector Montalbano, #8)
3* Acqua in bocca (Inspector Montalbano, #16.5)
4* Treasure Hunt (Inspector Montalbano, #16)
TR The Shape of Water (Inspector Montalbano, #1)
TR The Snack Thief (Inspector Montalbano, #3)
TR Voice of the Violin (Inspector Montalbano, #4)
TR Un mese con Montalbano (Inspector Montalbano, #4.5)
TR Gli arancini di Montalbano (Inspector Montalbano, #4.7)
TR The Smell of the Night (Inspector Montalbano, #6)
TR La paura di Montalbano (Inspector Montalbano, #6.5)
TR Storie di Montalbano (Inspector Montalbano, #6.7)
TR La prima indagine di Montalbano (Inspector Montalbano, #8.5)
TR The Paper Moon (Inspector Montalbano, #9)
TR August Heat (Inspector Montalbano, #10)
TR The Wings of the Sphinx (Inspector Montalbano, #11)
TR The Track of Sand (Inspector Montalbano, #12)
TR The Potter's Field (Inspector Montalbano, #13)
TR The Age of Doubt (Inspector Montalbano, #14)
TR Racconti di Montalbano (Inspector Montalbano, #14.5)
TR The Dance of the Seagull (Inspector Montalbano, #15)
TR Il sorriso di Angelica (Montalbano, #17)
TR Il gioco degli specchi (Montalbano, #18)
TR Una lama di luce (Montalbano, #19)
TR Una voce di notte (Montalbano, #20)
TR Un covo di vipere (Montalbano, #21)
TR La piramide di fango (Montalbano, #22)
TR La giostra degli scambi (Montalbano, #23)
Another terrific book of this magnificent Inspector Moltabano series.
4* The Terra-Cotta Dog (Inspector Montalbano, #2)
3* Excursion to Tindari (Inspector Montalbano, #5)
3* Rounding the Mark (Inspector Montalbano, #7)
4* The Patience of the Spider (Inspector Montalbano, #8)
3* Acqua in bocca (Inspector Montalbano, #16.5)
4* Treasure Hunt (Inspector Montalbano, #16)
TR The Shape of Water (Inspector Montalbano, #1)
TR The Snack Thief (Inspector Montalbano, #3)
TR Voice of the Violin (Inspector Montalbano, #4)
TR Un mese con Montalbano (Inspector Montalbano, #4.5)
TR Gli arancini di Montalbano (Inspector Montalbano, #4.7)
TR The Smell of the Night (Inspector Montalbano, #6)
TR La paura di Montalbano (Inspector Montalbano, #6.5)
TR Storie di Montalbano (Inspector Montalbano, #6.7)
TR La prima indagine di Montalbano (Inspector Montalbano, #8.5)
TR The Paper Moon (Inspector Montalbano, #9)
TR August Heat (Inspector Montalbano, #10)
TR The Wings of the Sphinx (Inspector Montalbano, #11)
TR The Track of Sand (Inspector Montalbano, #12)
TR The Potter's Field (Inspector Montalbano, #13)
TR The Age of Doubt (Inspector Montalbano, #14)
TR Racconti di Montalbano (Inspector Montalbano, #14.5)
TR The Dance of the Seagull (Inspector Montalbano, #15)
TR Il sorriso di Angelica (Montalbano, #17)
TR Il gioco degli specchi (Montalbano, #18)
TR Una lama di luce (Montalbano, #19)
TR Una voce di notte (Montalbano, #20)
TR Un covo di vipere (Montalbano, #21)
TR La piramide di fango (Montalbano, #22)
TR La giostra degli scambi (Montalbano, #23)
September 18, 2016
#16 Inspector Montalbano series -Police Procedural
I love this police procedural series, set in Italy. Inspector Salvo Montalbano and his detectives work cases that are always interesting and draw the reader in. Each book is so much more than just the cases -- the smaller things, that give the series a uniqueness and strength.
It may be the Italian foods and wines the Inspector enjoys with such relish. The interpersonal dynamics between the characters at this police office, including the incredibly funny Catarella, who mans the front desk and answers the telephones. Catarella's always-bizarre pronunciations of the callers' names and reasons for calling leave Salvo bewildered, confused, angry, and often totally in the dark as to what Catarella is trying to tell him -- while the reader cackles delightedly.
The previous 15 books I've thoroughly enjoyed. This #16 took the series to a new level of writing and plot excellence that makes it a solid 5 star read.
*No Spoilers* An elderly brother and sister open fire on a plaza to punish the people for their sins. In an exciting capture, Montalbano apprehends the pair, and discovers a large collection of religious objects, plus one highly unusual and hilarious item of evidence. This seemingly unrelated object provides many belly laughs.
An unknown person begins to tempt Montalbano with a series of notes -- a treasure hunt.
All the above take this Montalbano book to a higher level, including the stunning conclusion.
I love this police procedural series, set in Italy. Inspector Salvo Montalbano and his detectives work cases that are always interesting and draw the reader in. Each book is so much more than just the cases -- the smaller things, that give the series a uniqueness and strength.
It may be the Italian foods and wines the Inspector enjoys with such relish. The interpersonal dynamics between the characters at this police office, including the incredibly funny Catarella, who mans the front desk and answers the telephones. Catarella's always-bizarre pronunciations of the callers' names and reasons for calling leave Salvo bewildered, confused, angry, and often totally in the dark as to what Catarella is trying to tell him -- while the reader cackles delightedly.
The previous 15 books I've thoroughly enjoyed. This #16 took the series to a new level of writing and plot excellence that makes it a solid 5 star read.
*No Spoilers* An elderly brother and sister open fire on a plaza to punish the people for their sins. In an exciting capture, Montalbano apprehends the pair, and discovers a large collection of religious objects, plus one highly unusual and hilarious item of evidence. This seemingly unrelated object provides many belly laughs.
An unknown person begins to tempt Montalbano with a series of notes -- a treasure hunt.
All the above take this Montalbano book to a higher level, including the stunning conclusion.
May 13, 2013
La peor novela de la serie de Montalbano. Sádica, absurda, falta de ideas, escabrosa, al asesino le falta sólo llevar un cartel luminoso para identificarlo...
Por enésima vez (ya cansa) se repiten en la serie las obsesiones de Camilleri sobre la vejez, el sexo, el fanatismo (católico, claro; si el fanático fuera musulmán, ecologista, comunista o hincha de un equipo de fútbol sería una perversa generalización y una incitación al odio, ¿no?)
Ni siquiera la narración está a la altura. Engancha, sí, porque Camilleri emplea un estilo ágil que te atrapa y te desasosiega, te lleva a querer "saber qué pasará". Pero el humor, la simpatía, el ingenio y originalidad de las primeras entregas se han perdido irremisiblemente. Parece una cruel venganza que el ya casi nonagenario Camilleri refleje sus neuras y su desencanto en la vejez en su personaje más querido.
Por enésima vez (ya cansa) se repiten en la serie las obsesiones de Camilleri sobre la vejez, el sexo, el fanatismo (católico, claro; si el fanático fuera musulmán, ecologista, comunista o hincha de un equipo de fútbol sería una perversa generalización y una incitación al odio, ¿no?)
Ni siquiera la narración está a la altura. Engancha, sí, porque Camilleri emplea un estilo ágil que te atrapa y te desasosiega, te lleva a querer "saber qué pasará". Pero el humor, la simpatía, el ingenio y originalidad de las primeras entregas se han perdido irremisiblemente. Parece una cruel venganza que el ya casi nonagenario Camilleri refleje sus neuras y su desencanto en la vejez en su personaje más querido.
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