The Cook of the Halcyon

Inspector Montalbano's penultimate case leads him to the mysterious Halcyon ship, where secrets lurk beneath the surface.

The Cook of the Halcyon is the captivating twenty-seventh novel in Andrea Camilleri's Inspector Montalbano mystery series. When a recently fired worker commits suicide and an unscrupulous businessman is murdered, Montalbano's investigations lead him to the enigmatic Halcyon, a ship that docks daily in Vigata's port. With its minimal crew, absence of passengers, and a stern large enough to accommodate a helicopter, the vessel immediately arouses the Inspector's suspicions.

Amidst the unfolding mystery, Montalbano's rare visit to Genoa to see Livia coincides with disarray in the Vigata police department, leaving his position as commissario in jeopardy. The Inspector must navigate the murky waters of the investigation while also setting right the chaos within his team.

Steeped in the vivid sense of place and wry humour that define Camilleri's acclaimed series, The Cook of the Halcyon serves up an enthralling penultimate case for the iconic Sicilian detective.