It follows Inspector Montalbano from his very first case in Vigata, in which he stumbles upon a young girl lurking outside a courthouse with a pistol in her handbag. When she is taken in for questioning and won t utter a single word, Montalbano must find another way to learn who she is trying to kill, and why . . .

Other cases include a missing woman who has run away from the love of her life; an old married couple who appear to be rehearsing their suicides; and a crime so dark there s only one person the inspector can call for help.

With twists and turns aplenty, these short stories have all the wit, mystery and culinary gusto that Camilleri s fans have come to love him for.