A Beam of Light

Both personal and professional problems confound Insp. Salvo Montalbano in bestseller Camilleri’s delightful 19th mystery featuring the Sicilian policeman (after Game of Mirrors). First, Salvatore di Marta, the owner of the biggest supermarket in Vigàta, reports that his wife, Loredana, has been robbed and kissed in an unusual assault. Second, an unused little house on a farmer’s barren field suddenly acquires a new door that the farmer didn’t put there. Finally, Mariangela “Marian” De Rosa, the owner of a new art gallery, provides an unexpected romance for Montalbano that complicates his long relationship with Livia Burlando. Marian is also the source of a puzzle involving an art purchase. Underlings Mimì Augello and Fabio Fazio lend assistance. Fueled by frequent infusions of food, Montalbano comes up with clever solutions to the strange goings-on, even as he’s less than adept at dealing with the women in his life. Agent: Donatella Barbieri, Agenzia Letteraria Internazionale (Italy). (Sept.)