Rounding the Mark

An Inspector Montalbano Mystery

By: Andrea Camilleri

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

While swimming along the Sicilian shore, Inspector Montalbano discovers a corpse. His pursuit of the cause of death intersects with the inquiry into a hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of a young boy who may have been victimized by human traffickers.

The buying and selling of immigrant children, for slave labor, sex, and as a source of illegal organ transplants, is part of the evil underside of the opening of Europe's borders. That, combined with frustration with his department's repressive handling of security for the G-8 summit in Genoa and the corruption among his superiors and the politicians behind them, makes setting anything right seem like an exercise in futility.

Montalbano alternates between despair and steely resolve. When he realizes that he may have inadvertently aided the boy's victimizers, his internal turmoil intensifies.

Solve another mystery with Inspector Montalbano.©2003 Sellerio Editore; Translation copyright 2006 by Stephen Sartarelli (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Montalbano is a delightful creature.” (USA Today)

“Camilleri is as crafty and charming a writer as his protagonist is an investigator.” (Washington Post)

DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND LISTEN

Another in the collection of entertaining engaging Montalbano stories. The voicing of the characters is excellent. The author
continues to develop each of the characters with each new book. As with all the Montalbano books I actually chuckled aloud at several points. Recommend to one and all.

Up to the Mark

This is standard Montalbano, which means an engrossing blend of comedy, social commentary, crime, and engaging characters, all wrapped up in a story that keeps you listening.

For me, one of the most enjoyable aspects of these novels is that, unlike most detective fiction, you don’t strain your brain trying to figure out whodunnit. Instead, you sit back and watch Montalbano eat Italian seafood and solve the case for you. And, as always, Grover Gardner serves it all up to perfection.

Love How This Brought the Book to Life

Mr Camilleri has given us characters for the age and Mr Gardner brings Mr Camilleri’s works to life.

Still love this series

Wonderful narrative and good story. Must read for those who love this series and the inspector

very interesting book

as always the story captures your attention and you keep reading into the middle of the night

Curse the Saints

What made the experience of listening to Rounding the Mark the most enjoyable?

Grover Gardner does such a great job as the narrator. The humorous writing of Andrea Camilleri makes for such an enjoyable listen. Each of the characters are well developed and so distinct.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite scenes in each of the series is when Montalbano starts a circular conversation that just makes me laugh out loud. The wit of the writing is so entertaining.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I listened to this book in one sitting. It isn't as long as the others but I am working my way through listening to one after the other.

Exquisite Plot

Jack

Exceeded expectations. An intricate plot that all came together. Montalbano's vulnerability continues to increase. His supporting cast is becoming more important.

Creepy Good

Imagine running into a dead body while you are swimming, and then having the mental and physical fortitude to drag it back to shore. That's how the story starts. Imagine where it ends.

A winner!

Sicily, law-enforcement, human-trafficking, humor

It begins with Montalbano finding a corpse in the water near his home and being filmed naked by local TV, then alarming criminal behavior by higher ups in law enforcement is publicized, and progresses to what starts out as a small mystery about a young boy. Montalbano is disheartened by the police scandal and plots to retire, but then the small boy is murdered. The rest of the story is just as fascinating yet also balanced with humor. Another winner!
Steven Sartorelli is the deviously clever translator, and Grover Gardner is the narrator extraordinary.

Fascinating story

Always wonder how he’s going to knit together the two seemingly divergent things but this one was horrific tale of sadism. Not for the squeamish