The Smell of the Night cover

The Smell of the Night

Commissario Montalbano • Book 6

3.99 ABR Score (8.2K ratings)
★ 4.03 Goodreads (7.9K) ★ 4.39 Audible (283)
4h 59m Released 2006 Mystery

Why Listen to This Audiobook?

A financial scam, a missing con man, and a detective so disgusted with his beloved Sicily he's questioning everything — at under five hours, this one hits harder than its length suggests.

  • Great if you want: atmospheric European crime with genuine wit and melancholy
  • Listening experience: compact and absorbing — a slow simmer that rewards patience
  • Narration: Gardner's warm, unhurried voice suits Montalbano's weary cynicism perfectly
  • Skip if: you need a detective fully in control — Montalbano is sidelined here

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About This Audiobook

Inspector Montalbano finds himself navigating treacherous waters when a financial scandal rocks the sleepy Sicilian town of Vigáta. Retirees have lost their life savings to a vanished investment advisor, but the case becomes increasingly complex as political pressures mount and bureaucratic obstacles emerge. The seasoned detective must contend not only with a labyrinthine web of financial corruption but also with interference from his superiors and personal troubles that threaten to derail his investigation. As he digs deeper into the mystery, Montalbano confronts uncomfortable truths about the changing face of his beloved Sicily.

Grover Gardner delivers a masterful performance that captures both Montalbano's world-weary wisdom and his passionate dedication to justice. Gardner's nuanced vocal work brings authenticity to Camilleri's richly drawn characters, seamlessly handling the blend of Italian flavor and Mediterranean atmosphere that defines the series. His pacing allows listeners to savor the author's distinctive prose while maintaining the tension of the unfolding mystery. The audio format particularly enhances Camilleri's atmospheric descriptions of Sicilian life, making this contemplative yet engaging installment feel like an intimate conversation with the beloved inspector himself.