3.5*

While the mystery was OK, it was the things happening in Montalbano's personal life that made this 19th book in the series really worth reading. ( )

Semplicemente stupendo e aggiungere altro sarebbe solo un’inutile ripetizione di quanto di meglio si possa dire di uno scrittore unico, di un libro imperdibile e di una serie tanto famosa quanto amata. ( )

The book's description says: "In time for Andrea Camilleri’s ninetieth birthday, the nineteenth installment of his irresistible New York Times–bestselling Inspector Montalbano Mystery series" but that's just for Americans, as this was originally published in Italian in 2012. In this latest one, Montalbano has two cases to solve: the robbery of a young trophy wife with a jealous husband, and an odd occurrence on a isolated farm, where weapons may have been stashed. As always, the focus is on Montalbano's personal life, especially the ending. Here, he hooks up with the lovely Marian, an art dealer, who falls for him, but has to go make a deal with an unsavory type, and his ongoing rocky, now boring, telephone relationship with Livia. His usual supporting cast at the precinct and local eatery are present, and translator Sartarelli's ability to capture Caterella's colorful speech, full of malapropisms and mispronunciations of names, continues unparalleled in the annals of translation excellence.

( )

Salvo's relationship with Livia is almost over. He's fallen for an art dealer in town. In the meantime he's dealing with an assault on a merchant's wife, and arms traffickers. This latter bit tragically involves the young man Salvo met in The Potter's Field and the event brings him and Livia back together. ( )

A Beam of Light is vintage Camilleri. From the inimitable Catarella's knowledge of Latin to Montalbano's "friendship" with a crab down at the end of the jetty, Camilleri knows how to make readers laugh. Food also plays a mouthwatering part in the proceedings. One of Montalbano's most important indulgences is food. The man breaks into a cold sweat when someone else chooses the restaurant. It's true!

But before you think everything is played for laughs, think again. The meaning of the book's title is so poignant that it may make a tear come to your eye. There are three cases that Montalbano and his team must solve, and-- as always-- it is so enjoyable to watch the inspector's mind work as he investigates and begins to put everything together.

I've been slowly savoring each book in this series, knowing that it would inevitably come to an end. If you haven't read a Montalbano mystery, grab one. The purist in me suggests that you start at the beginning with The Shape of Water, especially if you're in the market for a long-running, high-quality series that will keep you laughing, keep you guessing, and keep your mouth watering. Worried about books in translation? Don't be. Stephen Sartarelli is a master of his craft. You're in good hands with Camilleri and Sartarelli. Come on... take a trip to Sicily! ( )