The Wings of the Sphinx

Inspector Salvo Montalbano finds himself at a crossroads, both professionally and personally. His long-distance relationship with Livia is strained, the relentless violence of his work is taking its toll, and he's increasingly aware of the passage of time. His world is further complicated when a young woman is found dead, her identity initially a mystery. The only distinguishing mark is a striking tattoo of a sphinx moth on her left shoulder. This unique emblem soon connects her to three other girls, all bearing the same tattoo, who were previously rescued from the clutches of the Mafia's nightclub circuit by a prominent Catholic charity. However, Montalbano's hopes of gleaning information from them are dashed; these three girls have vanished without a trace. As Montalbano delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a murky world of exploitation, human trafficking, and international connections, forcing him to confront not only the dark underbelly of Sicily but also his own moral fatigue and the limits of justice. The investigation becomes a poignant exploration of vulnerability, the complexities of faith and charity, and the enduring resilience of the human spirit amidst profound darkness.