Georges Simenon was a prolific Belgian writer of over 400 published works, selling over 500 million copies. One of the most popular writers of the 20th century, he intended to write just three Inspector Maigret novels, but ended up writing 75 - with 28 short stories. Known for his psychological insight, Simenon created one of the most celebrated and enduring detectives. Penguin recently republished all 75 in the series, and I am starting with #1 Pietr the Latvian.
Detective Chief Inspector Maigret of the Flying Squad is a laconic detective of forty-five. Big boned with iron muscles, he is imposing just standing there in his tweed overcoat, pipe firmly installed. He has an assertive way that cuts to the truth. He shaves every day and looks after his hands.
The coded telegram from the International Criminal Police states the description of criminal 'Pietr the Latvian', and movement by train from Krakow to Paris, arriving tonight, car 5.
At the station, Maigret sees a man of the exact description exit with porters for the Hotel Majestic, when a man is discovered dead in the train loo, car 5. Dressed in shabby clothing, he also is the exact description! If he hadn't seen the man exit, if he hadn't been so sure.
Pietr has a large suite at the Majestic, dining with wealthy Americans under the name Oswald Oppenheim. Maigret puts his right hand man on watch while the trail of the corpse, Norwegian Olaf Swaan, leads Maigret to the seaside town of Fecamp, to a widow and her children. From a local bar, Maigret follows a drunken Russian ship worker Fyodor Yurevich back to a Paris Jewish quarter where he lives with his girlfriend.
Pietr, Oppenheim, Swaan, and Yurevich - all match the exact description, disappearing and reappearing as if the self-avowed crook is taunting the police: "Just try to catch me red-handed!"
Although the forensic sciences are advanced, Maigret chooses to do solid leg-work, stalking the master criminal through the rainy streets of Paris - waiting for the 'crack in the case', the instant when a human being comes out from behind the guise of opponent. There is a shocking murder, and Maigret himself is shot, but continues on tired and pale, regardless of the blood and pain. The match is played on a new pitch where the two sides can see each other, pretty much all the cards on the table.
It is hard to believe this was published in 1930, it seems as fresh and new as if written currently. There is no wonder many film and TV series have been based on Maigret. He is a stalwart detective, the man who will get the job done. I found Maigret a harder and tougher man than I thought; this is gritty, dangerous work. Simenon presents an easy style which may come off simplistic, but it propels the story, and there is a lot of nuance in what he chooses to tell.
My other reviews for Georges Simenon:
1930 / Tradeback / 162 pages
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