Author:	Andrea Camilleri
Title:	The Shape of Water
Published:	1994
Genre/Sub-Genre:	Police procedural
Plot summary:	A senior political figure is found dead in his car in an area notorious for use by prostitutes. Although the man died of natural causes, Inspector Montalbano suspects all is not what it appears. Every one else involved wants Montalbano to close the case rapidly - family, his superiors, other dignitaries - but Montalbano chips away with insight and persistence, slowly unravelling the truth but unable to reveal it in all its tragic detail.
Overall:	I found it complex but written with humour. The plot demonstrates Montalbano’s integrity and compassion but also his excellent judgement about other people.
Plotting:	Complex - I had to go back and re-read a large part of it so I could connect all the dots. In the end it made sense. Part of the challenge is that Montalbano declines to reveal the whole truth, in order to protect certain people - the only one he reveals the whole story to is his girlfriend. Political intrigue threatens to triumph over justice.
Characterisation:	Very clear and convincing, I developed a strong image of the key characters.
Dialogue:	Fresh and entertaining, often humorous. Montalbano never takes himself or others too seriously.
Setting and Description:	It leaves one with a strong sense of place as required though it’s not overtly Sicilian, more Italian.
Readability:	Very easy to read.
Sub-plots:	They didn’t really add anything to the story.
Read another by same author?	Definitely.