Definitely a witty and fast-paced book! I found it a bit exhausting trying to keep up with all the names, but otherwise an enjoyable narrative about the unravelling of crimes.

Mystery Spoiled by Synopsis
Review of the Europa Editions paperback (2019) translation of the Italian original [b:La setta degli angeli|12986963|La setta degli angeli|Andrea Camilleri|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1387751440l/12986963._SX50_.jpg|18146654] (2011)

Like [b:The Sacco Gang|48458735|The Sacco Gang|Andrea Camilleri|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1571126278l/48458735._SY75_.jpg|73766567], this is one of Andrea Camilleri's novels based on real-life Sicilian events, in this case a spate of mysterious pregnancies in the early 20th century. As explained in the author's Afterword, all of the names and events are fictitious except for that of his protagonist lawyer/journalist Matteo Terisi (1875-1971). There is hardly anything available in English about the real-life character and in Goodreads there is only [b:Socialismo Romantico in Matteo Teresi|5406283|Socialismo Romantico in Matteo Teresi (Alia 1875-Rochester 1971)|Claudia Giurintano|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1572103683l/5406283._SY75_.jpg|5473821] (Romantic Socialism in Matteo Terisi) (1999) which is presumably an edited collection of his articles.

The Sect of Angels is actually constructed as a farcical mystery where various confusions and misunderstandings combine to gradually reveal to the fictional version of Terisi the conspiracy of events going on behind the scenes in his village. Unfortunately, the English language synopsis gives away the entire conspiracy plot right away, spoiling the investigation that is stretched through the length of the book. Still, Camilleri's fictional version of events makes for another entertaining view of the foibles of his Sicilian society.

It was a rollicking and humorous story, an amusing frenzy filled with a large and vivid cast of Sicilians. It was merely entertainment, and then it wasn’t. The seriousness of the story gradually becomes apparent, with ever increasing gravity, and it becomes even more shocking when one finds that the story was based on true events. It was a very worthy read.

This ebook was provided by NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

The Sect of Angels is a novella by Andrea Camilleri, who is well known as the author of the Montalbano mysteries. Released 30th April 2019 by Europa Editions, it's 176 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.

Prolific and engaging, Camilleri's books are readable and always enjoyable. I have been following his work for years. I found this story, based on true events from 1901 in a rural town in Sicily, a lot heavier going than the Inspector Montalbano books which are lighthearted and fun.

The central themes of duplicity and exploitation of the weak and naive by people in power (religious and political leaders) has too many parallels in today's world to make for entirely comfortable reading. The author's deft hand with plotting and dialogue are masterful as always. Camilleri's a very adept judge of human character and the responses of the villains of the piece to having their sordid acts exposed are all too believable; they band together and drive the would-be whistleblower to exile under threat of death.

This is a standalone book and as all of Camilleri's oeuvre, most excellently written. The themes of sexual abuse, patriarchal rigidity, sexism, and rampant machismo make the book an all-too-believable tragedy.

Four stars. Difficult themes.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Andrea Camilleri is a master storyteller and one of my favourite writer. I read all his books in Italian and was curious to see how his unique mix of Italian and Sicilian dialect could be translated into English.
I can say that the translator did a very good job: the characters and the descriptions are lively and engaging. Something is lost in the translation but the style is the same I'm used to read in Italian.
As for the book is engaging, entertaining and a real page turner.
The setting is vivid and colourful, the characters are well described.
Even if I already read this book I read it again and it was a really pleasant reading experience.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Europa Editions and Netgalley for this ARC

Andrea Camilleri is a master storyteller and one of my favourite writer. I read all his books in Italian and was curious to see how his unique mix of Italian and Sicilian dialect could be translated into English.
I can say that the translator did a very good job: the characters and the descriptions are lively and engaging. Something is lost in the translation but the style is the same I'm used to read in Italian.
As for the book is engaging, entertaining and a real page turner.
The setting is vivid and colourful, the characters are well described.
Even if I already read this book I read it again and it was a really pleasant reading experience.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Europa Editions and Netgalley for this ARC