In 1980s Vigàta, a much-younger Inspector Montalbano brings his brash yet clear-sighted investigative style to eight enthralling cases. Forming a prequel to his long-running series, this collection finds the detective locking horns with the Sicilian Mafia, in cases involving jilted lovers, deadly family affairs, and even an assassination attempt against the Pope.

"The novels of Andrea Camilleri breathe out the sense of place, the sense of humor, and the sense of despair that fills the air of Sicily."—Donna Leon