When a colleague extends his summer vacation, Inspector Salvo Montalbano is forced to stay in VigA ta and endure the August heat. Montalbanoas long-suffering girlfriend, Livia, joins him with a friendahusband and young son in towato keep her company during these dog days of summer. But when the boy suddenly disappears into a narrow shaft hidden under the familyas beach rental, Montalbano, in pursuit of the child, uncovers something terribly sinister. As the inspector spends the summer trying to solve this perplexing case, Livia refuses to answer his callsaand Montalbano is left to take a plunge that will affect the rest of his life. Fans of the Sicilian inspector as well as readers new to this increasingly popular series will enjoy following the melancholy but unflinchingly moral Montalbano as he undertakes one of the most shocking investigations of his career.