A review by crazygoangirl
The Smell of the Night by Andrea Camilleri

3.0

Mixed feelings. This is my first Camilleri/Montalbano mystery and although this is my favourite genre, I'm not sure this is a series I'll read more of. I do like the characterisation of Montalbano - Camilleri knows his lead character inside out and it shows. His likes and dislikes, the nuances of character, the personality traits and the dialogue are testament to the fact. He's intriguing enough to keep me interested but that's about it - the mystery while initially captivating tended to drag a bit and I had guessed most of what occurred much before it did. Perhaps that's just coz I'm so used to this genre ;)

Perhaps I should have started with the first book of the series for some backstory and a better understanding of why the Inspector is the way he is...bitter, angry and rather volatile. Perhaps some day. I did however enjoy the Italian flavour of the story...authentic and spot on. The people, the lingo, the food, the countryside...for me they were the real hooks in this mystery!