I should have known better—I’m just not a fan of short stories. I tend to prefer long, character-driven narratives that allow you to deeply connect with the characters over time. Adding to the challenge, this short story collection is part of an ongoing series (book 8.5, to be exact), and not having read the previous books (I haven’t) puts you at a disadvantage.

That said, there’s plenty to appreciate here. The stories are intriguing enough to spark my interest in continuing the series—or at least watching the adaptations. In fact, starting with this collection might be a smart choice, as it explores the beginning of Inspector Montalbano’s career. I love a good mystery, and this book intrigued me enough that I just might become a fan after all!