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Customer Reviews (2)

Superb reading
As the previous reviewer indicates, this book and others in the Maigret series are about humanity, smells, sights and intuition even more than physical clues.Maigret doesn't get his man in this story.But, the book is still a sheer pleasure to read.I couldn't put it down until I had finished it.

The warmth of Maigret exposed
Although not commonly heard of nowadays (in the English speaking world at least) Georges Simenon was a very prolific writer of the detective genre, most famous for his Maigret series (with well over a hundred books stretching from 1931 all the way to 1972!!). Maigret is basically a French response to detectives like Sherlock Holmes. Not as interested in physical evidence and the rational, he seeks to understand the characters behind the cases and their often tragic lives. Maigret has an aspect of humanism and warmth throughout the books, especially for those less fortunate in French society. His cases present an element of uncertainty that is natural when dealing with people and are thus much more realistic than Sherlock Holmes type stories (although less satisfying "logically").

In this particular book Maigret investigates what others would probably have dismissed as a nothing case. The attempted murder of a vagrant fails as he is fished out of the river. Who would want to kill a homeless mand and who cares anyway? But contrary to this common attitude of his environment, Maigret treats this case as one of primary importance. We see Maigret's warmth and humanity as he uncovers the life of Tubib, his family that he left and the circumstances that led to this seemingly petty case.

The Maigret novels may not be profound literature but they are extremely well written, compassionate and involving detective stories. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Classic Maigret
I am a long-time fan of Inspector Maigret, having read all of his advetures that I was able to get my hands on.I lived in France in the 1950s but over the years have lost most of my French language skills.I despaired of ever picking them back up until I remembered the deft, spare style of Georges Simenon.Not only am I enjoying the truly delectible story of Maigret in America, I am quickly relearning my lost skills.Kudos to you for making the French-language editions of popular fiction available!

It's in French!
I ordered this thinking it was an English translation. It's not, it's in French! It would be nice if the product information made that clear. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

An USA's discovery by a frenchman
I'm french and this superb novel gave me two impressions on USA :

- On the one hand USA is the country where it's struggle for life (more than in Europe),
- And on the other hand, USA is an incredible source of vitality and creation.

May be these impressions are false, but it's not a problem for me : I never go to the USA and the most important, for me, is that this novel seems to present the truth. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Offbeat Maigret Story That Will Amuse You While You Drive
In None of Maigret's Business, Maigret finds himself beset with health problems and a recommendation from his doctor that he finally take a vacation.Maigret reluctantly agrees, but finds it hard to locate a place to take his vacation.Frustrated, he vows to simply stay home . . . but to avoid going to the office.Both the doctor and Mme. Maigret are skeptical.

At first, Maigret finds himself morosely watching trucks back out of the driveway across the street.But he bestirs himself to go out and buy the morning newspapers.Voila!There's been a high profile murder in the office of a society doctor . . . and two doctors are potentially involved.But, he restrains himself.Those in the office are hoping to show what they can do.But the subject's all the rage in Paris, filling both the newspapers and the sidewalk cafe conversations.Maigret steels himself to follow along through the newspapers and radio accounts.

Suddenly, his days are a little brighter.He decides to play the role of armchair private detective.Not surprisingly, he uses many of his usual techniques for learning about the case . . . such as visiting the scene of the crime.But he has to duck to avoid his colleagues who think he is at the beach.

Sometimes, he's a little annoyed with the lack of progress . . . and sends anonymous notes to his staff.

While the key suspect is being grilled in his very office, he camps out across the street to see when the light goes off.When the conversation seems to take too long, he gets on the telephone and asks a key question.

If you are a Maigret fan, you definitely will enjoy this story.It has a fine mystery (which you will probably figure out about half way through) and lots of fun as Maigret takes on an unaccustomed role of silent observer.

The main drawback of this audio is that Mr. Michael Prichard has a voice that does wear on one.The book called out for someone with a French accent and a sense of humor to read it.

If you have a five hour drive ahead of you, this is a winner. ... Read more