'The Terracotta Dog' - Andrea Camilleri
This was my 20th book this year, and the second one in the Salvo Montalbano series, by Andrea Camilleri.
I thoroughly enjoyed it, and it is definitely one of my favourite books so far this year. Montalbano is a gruff, sometimes bad tempered, Inspector, with a penchant for good food and wine, and deep morals, as well as a wry sense of humour, and a very intuitive mind.
This book sees him hearing the dying words of a powerful member of the Mafia, which leads him to a hidden cave, where he finds the body of a young couple, who have been dead for at least 50 years...the whole scene is being watched over by a life size terracotta dog.
Montalbano becomes wrapped up in trying to identify the dead couple, and understand how they came to be in a cave, and the significance of the terracotta dog. His investigation takes him to some dangerous places, and places his life in peril, but he is determined not to give in.
The book really paints a picture of Sicilian life, and the characters really seem to come to life. Terrific writing, and a hugely enjoyable read. Highly recommended!
