THE SHAPE OF WATER

In the sleazy area of a small Sicilian town, Silvio Luparelli, a local politician, is found dead in his car in an extremely compromising position. Higher-ups want the case closed before there's a public scandal. Enter Police Inspector Salvo Montalbana, a man of moral integrity and passion who, like any good Sicilian, loves to eat. Grover Gardner brings a fresh feel to the epicurean detective. With a twinkle in his voice, Gardner makes Montalbana utterly likable, whether dining with friends, dealing with incompetent co-workers and reluctant witnesses, declining the amorous advances of his luscious colleague, Anna, or destroying evidence when he believes it prudent. With his usual expertise, Gardner gives a winning performance in this first of Italian author Andrea Camilleri's delightful series featuring Montalbana. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 07]