“The Track of Sand” is my first experience reading Camilleri and his well-known series. Having done so at this point was so smooth it felt I knew the protagonist for a long time and I easily picked the essence of who he was right from the start. Although this novel stands on its own two feet I am sure having read the previous installments would have been an asset.
The story opens with the brutal killing of a horse just off Inspector Montalbano’s veranda. The horse belongs to a stunning equestrian and thus starts the complicated relationship between Rachelle and the Inspector.
This is a complex whodunit plot set in a fictional Sicilian town where the protagonist, an Inspector of police is the character study in this story. We find a lot of local colours and many interesting players especially the seductive temptress and wealthy jockey. The narrative keeps the rapid pace of the investigative path with a few entertaining side trips and meals here and there.
Although the story is relatively short and is quite enjoyable read with a flavour of a Godfather movie peppered with intriguing passages and all the essential dialogue. There are also humorous moments, references to local issues, politics and culture. The plot may be convoluted but the creative chicanery and tweaking of the law provided a dramatic and satisfying development.
This may be my first book but will not be my last.
No comments:
Post a Comment