Guardie e ladri: Dieci avventure del commissario Montalbano (Italian Edition)
Commissario Montalbano Series
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
This short-story collection gathers ten investigations of Inspector Salvo Montalbano, the beloved Sicilian detective created by Andrea Camilleri. Each story plunges readers into Vigàta’s tangled web of robberies, disappearances, political intrigues, and everyday quarrels. Through sharp dialogue, local dialect, and ironic humor, Camilleri paints a vivid portrait of contemporary Sicily where right and wrong often overlap. Montalbano’s intuition, empathy, and moral doubt guide him as he faces smugglers, art thieves, and petty crooks, all while reflecting on justice, loyalty, and the gray areas of human nature.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-9
Length
163 pages, Kindle Edition
Text complexity
Character compass
Salvo Montalbano
Agatino Catarella
Giuseppe Fazio
Domenico "Mimì" Augello
Dr. Pasquano
Discussion points
When does Montalbano bend rules, and is he justified?
How does local culture influence witnesses’ honesty?
Which story’s resolution felt most satisfying and why?
Can empathy and law coexist in policing?
What role does humor play in diffusing tension?
Tip: Role play these questions
Read one story together weekly, predicting solutions midway.
Compare Montalbano’s methods with real-world police procedures.
Encourage teens to research Sicilian history for context.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Ethics over convenience
Explanation: Montalbano often rejects easy solutions that harm innocents.
Real-World Application: Pause and reflect before making quick judgments.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness
Explanation: Dialect and customs drive investigations.
Real-World Application: Respect local traditions when traveling or meeting new people.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: Clues are rarely obvious; analysis is essential.
Real-World Application: Gather all facts before deciding in school projects.
Example Lesson: Empathy in justice
Explanation: He listens to suspects’ motives, seeking fair outcomes.
Real-World Application: Consider others’ circumstances in conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Value of humor
Explanation: Comic moments relieve tension and foster teamwork.
Real-World Application: Use lightheartedness to ease stressful group tasks.