Mantle to publish secret Montalbano book in October

A secret instalment of Andrea Camilleri’s Inspector Montalbano series, delivered by the author to publishers on the promise it would be released only after his death, will be published by Mantle in October.

Riccardino, the 28th book in the bestselling series, was drafted by Camilleri in 2005. After final changes were made in 2016, he handed it over on the understanding that it would be stored in a locked safe until after he passed away. Camilleri died in Rome on 18th July 2019 at the age of 93.

Maria Reit, publisher at Mantle, explained: “Riccardino was not the final Inspector Montalbano novel Andrea Camilleri wrote, though it is one of the finest. It was the author’s wish that it be published posthumously, perhaps because Montalbano’s last case holds more than the usual surprises for this incomparable detective. As such Riccardino is a wonderful conclusion to a magnificent and life-affirming series.”

Further details on exactly why the author wanted the novel kept under wraps during his lifetime have yet been revealed.

The series, known for its colourful Sicilian scenery and characters alongside the witty detective’s strong sense of social justice, has sold more than 65 million copies worldwide. It has been translated into 32 languages and adapted into an Italian television series starring Luca Zingaretti, screened on BBC4. Through Nielsen BookScan, the series has sold 711,522 print copies in the UK for £5.3m.

The new book, released on 14th October, will be supported by a year-round marketing and PR campaign to build excitement with Camilleri's fans and the wider crime community, including an exclusive run of limited edition proofs, creative partnerships and “fan-focused social activations”.