The Gang War in the Background

The Shape of Water

A continuing feud between local gangs supplies a plausible but misleading frame for violence surrounding the central political mystery.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Alternating Deaths Alternating Deaths from "The Shape of Water". Alternating Deaths A Pattern of Retaliation The Cuffaro and Sinagra gangs trade killings between Vigàta and Fela, one victim after another.

Alternating Deaths from "The Shape of Water". Alternating Deaths A Pattern of Retaliation The Cuffaro and Sinagra gangs trade killings between Vigàta and Fela, one victim after another.

Alternating Deaths A Pattern of Retaliation The Cuffaro and Sinagra gangs trade killings between Vigàta and Fela, one victim after another. Montalbano’s Expectation Before identifying the body, the inspector assumes the new death belongs to this cycle.

A Shot at the Station A Shot at the Station from "The Shape of Water". A Shot at the Station Sudden Attack A gunman fires at a car at a petrol station, injuring a bystander and prompting the driver to flee in pursuit.

A Shot at the Station from "The Shape of Water". A Shot at the Station Sudden Attack A gunman fires at a car at a petrol station, injuring a bystander and prompting the driver to flee in pursuit.

A Shot at the Station Sudden Attack A gunman fires at a car at a petrol station, injuring a bystander and prompting the driver to flee in pursuit. A Familiar Pattern The attack appears to fit the gang war’s rhythm and distracts officers from the political case.

The Attendant’s Silence The Attendant’s Silence from "The Shape of Water". The Attendant’s Silence Reluctant Witness The attendant initially claims he could not see the fleeing driver.

The Attendant’s Silence from "The Shape of Water". The Attendant’s Silence Reluctant Witness The attendant initially claims he could not see the fleeing driver.

The Attendant’s Silence Reluctant Witness The attendant initially claims he could not see the fleeing driver. Montalbano suspects fear rather than poor eyesight. Pressure and Recognition Police questioning eventually brings an identification of Turi Gambardella.

Gambardella Disappears Gambardella Disappears from "The Shape of Water". Gambardella Disappears A Vanishing Victim Gambardella cannot be found, and his absence suggests that the shooting was part of a larger reprisal.

Gambardella Disappears from "The Shape of Water". Gambardella Disappears A Vanishing Victim Gambardella cannot be found, and his absence suggests that the shooting was part of a larger reprisal.

Gambardella Disappears A Vanishing Victim Gambardella cannot be found, and his absence suggests that the shooting was part of a larger reprisal. Grim Outcome He is later discovered tied in the trunk of his burned car.

Violence Outlasts the Inquiry

Violence Outlasts the Inquiry News from Vigàta Fazio reports the gangland killing while Montalbano is away. The violence persists beyond the central investigation. Contrast The political mystery turns on uncertain interpretation; the gang war makes its cruelty unmistakable.

The eight months before Luparello dies

The day after the funeral

Immediately after the shooting

The days after the attack

During Montalbano’s brief holiday