Summary

The novel opens by introducing Inspector Montalbano in his home on his birthday. Readers may or may not be familiar with the character, but at this juncture in his career he is thinking about aging. He does not appear to be interested in retiring or slowing down. In fact, the opposite. When he suspects that someone is watching him, he is on his guard. He may be aware of his slower reflexes, but he is willing and able to engage if needed.

That incident turns out to be a false alarm when Montalbano is startled by Adelina. The sentiment, however, remains. When he encounters the young man at the gas station, Montalbano is ready to challenge him. Montalbano knows he cannot fight him physically, but he wants to have an advantage on the young man when he is insulted. The reader does not...