Game of Mirrors (Inspector Montalbano Mysteries Book 18)

As I wind my way through the Montalbano books by Camilleri, certainly some are better than others. I've enjoyed Catarella, Fazio, Mimi and of course Salvo.This particular book has not been made into a TV movie, I think. At least I don't remember it (it is always possible I've seen it and simply forgotten!) and so in one regard this was particularly fun for me to read: I did not know how it would end.The title of the book is very appropriate as it does seem that it is a deadly game that is being played. One that for a good part of the book does not make a lot of sense. Things are not what they seem, to be sure.We see Salvo at the top of his game, here, against a quite challenging set of circumstances. There is, of course the obligatory whining about growing old, and the fact that he is being seduced by a young, beautiful, woman. One might get tired of those predictable things, but perhaps it is the current summer heat wave -- I have forgiven him for his failings.This was just simply a lovely summer read. As I write this, I'm not quite certain if it is the last of the books. There might be one or two more. At the same time I was reading this, MHz released for streaming the most recent two movies. So a wonderful double-dose of Montalbano. The actors in the shows all are growing older as well (except the actor who plays Fazio! He is forever young!). It is a pleasant way to spend a hot July.I didn't realize it for the longest time that Camilleri's books about Montalbano always have 18 chapters. It's an impressive feat. The one negative comment I have about Game of Mirrors is that it ends very abruptly. Bam! It's done. You're left wanting maybe just a little bit more... and maybe that's not such a bad thing.

Montalbano has never been quite so baffled. Why are bombs going off outside empty warehouses? Who shot at his car and why? And why is his beautiful married neighbor trying so hard to seduce him?The plot revolves around a variety of puzzles, which Montalbano struggles to solve in the midst of a plethora of little white lies and illusory effects. He proves to us, with something of an air of defiance, that his mind is still running on all cylinders. But we see the inspector's fear that he may be getting less sharp with age. Certainly he's less agile when it comes to jumping out windows!But the reason I read this book with so much pleasure was that the usual gags never grow old – Catarella garbling the names of everyone who calls the station, Montalbano and his girlfriend Livia squabbling on the phone every night, the jealous mud-slinging between Livia and Montalbano's housekeeper Adelina, Montalbano's astonishing ability to stuff himself at every meal...There are no recipes in this book, but as always the lyrical names of the Sicilian dishes Montalbano wolfs down are a kind of poetry.The most touching scene is when Catarella declares his undying willingness to serve his chief. Montalbano's officers, too, are always fun to watch in action – especially Mimi, whose job often involves sleeping with women to get information.This would probably not be the book to start with if you haven't been following Montalbano. But for fans familiar with Montalbano’s world, it's bound to be a treat. I loved being back with the inspector in his home by the sea, the hot air of the Sirocco wafting through the window.

this book will not disappoint the fans of Camillieri but it will not delight them as much as others in this series. The plot is pure Montalbano with fiendishly seemingly unconnected events, the bombings of empty warehouses, the deaths of two lovers, the blackmailing of Montalbano among other activities. There can be no doubt that the action holds your attention and it moves at a lightning pace.However the problem is that there is little of the flavor and atmosphere of the past novels. The characters are simply action figures even with the ever mumble mouth Cat. Livia makes a few sporadic calls and peraps Camillieri does not know what to do with that relationship. The only time he hints at his past style is with he way that handles Montalbano's housekeeper and her co-worker who has a scene worth paying attention to. Even Montalbano's famous culinary quests seem a little to trite and formulaic.It is for that reason that it warrants only four stars and if you have not read his other books do not start with this one.

I have read all 18 of Inspector Montalbano's books with Stephen Sarterelli's effortless translations. I started at # 1 The Shape of Water and was hooked. Games of Mirrors is his 18th so far that I have read and it does not disappoint.But here is a warning: I am a huge Montalbano fan. The location of Sicily is an evocative almost mythical character itself. Montalbano's eating habits are contagious. I think I gained 10 lbs reading his 18 mysteries. His crew of policemen are both comical and quietly efficient in a place where nothing much works or makes sense. His encounters with the opposite sex are either comical or tragic, sometimes both. The way he solves crimes and sometimes catches the perpetrators is compelling. Each story builds on the previous experiences as the reader gets closer to Montalbano and understands him better.But the main attraction is the writing itself even though you are never aware of just how sparse and evocative each sentence can be and how graceful and original each story evolves.There is a definite format that each story takes, predictable in certain circumstances but still intriguing enough to make you want to read more.Game of Mirrors does not disappoint in this respect and Camilleri still displays his masterful storytelling and superb economical way of unfolding his elaborate plots despite being his 18th novel with Inspector Montalbano.

The best of Andrea Camilleri’s Montalbano stories are brilliant: they are amongst my favourites when it comes to crime fiction.There has been an enjoyable formula for these books: Montalbano’s quirky personality; the interplay between him and his team; lots of humour; and the occasional critical social comment from Camilleri’s left-leaning perspective. (In the TV version we also get the beautiful Sicilian scenery.)But the recent Montalbano books have been rather hit and miss. “The Potter’s Field” and “The Dance of the Seagull” were excellent. But, on the other hand, the mood of “The Age of Doubt” was dismal; “The Treasure Hunt” was spoiled by a distastefully grim scene; and “Angelica’s Smile” was disappointingly average.This latest offering is not up to the standard of Camilleri at his best, but it is better than the weaker books in the series.On the down side, we have Camilleri yet again bringing in a femme fatale figure: he has rather overused this theme recently. It was also obvious what was going on in the strange first few pages, partly because Camilleri has started off several other stories in a similar way. (I won’t say more in case I spoil it for anyone.) The plot is rather over-complex in places, and there are two of the sadistic murders that Camilleri seems to be increasingly bringing in to his stories.On the positive side, after a rather stodgy start, the pace picks up nicely in the second half of the book. Montalbano is also on top form himself in imaginatively outwitting his opponents. There is plenty of the usual amusing banter between Montalbano and his colleagues, especially Dr Pasquano. And finally I’m glad to say that there are none of the irritating paranormal episodes that Camilleri has brought into some of the books.So, overall, this might not be the best of Camilleri, but there are enough positive aspects to show that there’s life in the old dog yet.Phil Webster.

Montalbano starting to think he's getting old, after some wooly thinking. A comely young woman seems to wish to attach herself to him and he wonders the reason. However a series of unusual bombings distract his attention, then a series of unfounded rumours and accusations, leading to two gruesome murders. Montalbano feels he is the target but nevertheless sets up a plan and follows it through, solving the murders and jailing the criminal who gets topped by a vengeful father.

An exquisite read from Andrea Camilleri one of my favourite authors. This book is interchangable with the TV series Inspector Montalbano as the novel is closely followed in that script. However there is more nuance and humour in the written word and it represents everything I like about this author.The Inspector is at a difficult age and when he comes to the aid of a new neighbour,both nubile and stunningly beautiful, a friendship developes that if he is not too careful could ruin his career, not to mention his longstanding relationship with Livia. The only one possibly with this aim would be Adelina his housekeeper, possibly the most important women in his life who hates his girlfriend.Bombs, drugs, mafia influence, attempted murder, corruption and press manipulation variously muddy the waters of the investigation. If Montalbano can stay focus, maybe, just maybe he will crack this case.As usual the story is full of great relationships, wonderful dialogue and characters so real they lift from the page. The grumpy old man left smoking outside is a marvelous example of Camillera's eye and ear for authentic detail and amusing interactions.Everyone loves Cat and it is good to see development of Fazio as one of his most reliable officers and a loyal friend.If you enjoy this TV version then these books should delight and entertain you. I hope you'll read more if won over by this series of crime novels set in the Italian world of Sicillian life.

As before, Montalbano’s long distance relationship with Livia is going through a bad patch. This makes his meeting with a beautiful married woman - his neighbour - more open to a deeper relationship. All of this takes place after apparently random bombings of warehouses. Montalbano books are unusual in that they feature beautiful Sicilian scenery, genuine comedy - usually through the actions of Caterella - and witty dialogue. But these exist alongside truly horrible crimes, committed mainly by the Mafia. It’s a strange mix and only really works because of the unfailingly skilful writing. Recommended.

I have probably gone through the last half a dozen Montalbano books before this one more out of loyalty to the series rather than because I was enjoying them. Yes they are formulaic at times, yes there is repetition but they are an easy read. 'A Game of Mirrors' is a much better effort than the last few and I found myself reading most of it in one night. 'Blade of Light' duly ordered.