Esta entrada es bilingüe, desplazarse por la ventana hacia abajo para ver la versión en castellano
Translated by Stephen Sartarelli 2003. Originally published in Italian as Il ladro di merendini, Sellerio 1996. Picador 2005. 304 pages. ISBN: 9780330492973.
The Snack Thief is the third instalment in Inspector Salvo Montalbano Mystery series. The action, as usual, is set in the fictitious city of Vigàta. Montalbano is waked up early one morning by a phone call from Catarella. The delirious conversation is priceless. Later on we find out that an Italian fishing trawler has arrived at Vigàta. One crewman, a Tunisian by the way, has been killed by gunfire from a Tunisian patrol boat. The Italian skipper claims they were fishing in international waters. Montalbano is more than pleased to hand this case over to his second-in-command, Mimi Augello. Then another case pops up. A retired man has been stabbed to death in an elevator.
The investigation will lead Montalbano to the beautiful Karina a Tunisian immigrant who works cleaning houses and as a prostitute. Karina has disappeared together with his young son,François. François was forced to steal the mid-morning snacks of other children to survive, hence the title. But the child’s life is in serious danger and eventually Montalbano finds a possible link between the two cases. During the plot Livia will come down to Sicily to visit Montalbano.
The police procedural aspect of the story is highly rewarded and beautifully constructed. For my taste this is one of the best Montalbano Mysteries I’ve read so far. This book has it all and Montalbano’s relationship with Livia plays a prominent feature in the story. The plot is fill with touches of humour and Montalbano won’t skip any opportunity to enjoy a decent lunch or dinner. A book to savour and enjoy it thoroughly. Clearly a top five star book.
The Snack Thief has been reviewed by Maxine at Euro Crime, NacyO at the crime segments,
Do not miss Appreciating Camilleri Part one and Part two by Norman at Crime Scraps.
Picador
Andrea Camilleri Author Page (Italian-mysteries.com)
I’m taking this book in account for my participation in Italy in Books – reading challenge 2011.
El ladrón de meriendas, de Andrea Camilleri
El ladrón de meriendas es la tercera entrega de la serie protagonizada por el Inspector Salvo Montalbano. La acción se desarrolla como de costumbre en la ciudad ficticia de Vigatà. Montalbano se despierta una mañana por una llamada telefónica de Catarella. La conversación, delirante, no tiene precio. Más tarde nos enteraremos de que un barco pesquero italiano ha llegado al puerto de Vigatà. Un tripulante, un tunecino, por cierto, ha muerto por causa de los disparos de una patrullera tunecina. El patrón italiano afirma que pescaban en aguas internacionales. Montalbano está encantado de dejar este caso en manos de su segundo al mando, Mimi Augello. Luego surge otro caso. Un jubilado ha sido apuñalado en un ascensor.
La investigación le llevará a Montalbano hasta la bella Karina un inmigrante tunecina que trabaja limpiando casas y como prostituta. Karina ha desaparecido con su pequeño hijo, François. François se ve obligado a robar los bocadillos de media mañana de otros niños para sobrevivir, de ahí el título. Pero la vida del niño corre gran peligro y Montalbano termina por encontrar un posible vínculo entre los dos casos. Durante la trama Livia vendrá a Sicilia para visitar a Montalbano.
La parte de procedimiento policial de esta historia es muy recomendable y está magníficamente construida. Para mi gusto este es uno de los mejores misterios de la serie que he leído hasta ahora. Este libro lo tiene todo, la relación de Montalbano con Livia desempeña una función destacada en la historia. La trama está llena de toques de humor y Montalbano no se salta oportunidad alguna para disfrutar de un almuerzo o una cena decente. Un libro para saborear y disfrutar de él a fondo. Claramente un cinco estrellas.
Entrevista a Andrea Camilleri en Shine Sicily.com
El ladrón de meriendas ha sido reseñado por Fab en Golem-memorias de lecturas,
Ver tambien Salvo Montalbano – Andrea Camilleri en Mis detectiv@s favoritos.
A Crime is Afoot 
José Ignacio – I’m so very glad you enjoyed this one as much as you did! Thanks, too, for your fine review of it. I agree completely that the police procedural aspect of this novel is quite well-done. So is the portrayal of the politics that operate in the police department. The characters are quite well-done, too. And yes, the role that Livia plays is exceptionally well-done here. Folks, José Ignacio is right – this is a terrific novel.
I like the Spanish title! I like your review as well, it bought back this lovely book to me. I agree with you that this is one of my favourite Camilleris – the story of the snack thief continues for at least one, maybe two more books. Livia at her most human?