Just Finished Reading: Pietr the Latvian by Georges Simenon (FP: 1930) [162pp] 

Detective Inspector Maigret knew he was coming to Paris. He had been informed of his journey every step of the way by co-operating European police forces. As he waited for the infamous Pietr to step down from the train he saw an obvious agitated group clustered around one of the carriages. As a railway official approached, Maigret introduced himself and was informed that a body had been discovered. Clearly dead, Maigret was confused. Here, before him, with the tang of cordite in the air, it appeared that the arch criminal he was waiting for had been murdered. But by who and why? Following the only, tentative, lead he had Maigret found himself in the lobby of an exclusive hotel – standing out like a cross between a sore thumb and a bad penny. Something was clearly going to happen and happen soon. Also, clearly it involved money and people with power and influence. But Maigret was not one to let such things divert him from the task at hand. He would follow the evidence wherever it led – not matter who’s nose it potentially put out of joint.  

Although being a fan of the BBC TV series in the 60’s (which I must have watched – with my dad - in re-runs as I’d have been FAR too young to appreciate its first outing) which ran for four series between 1959-1963 and starred Rupert Davies as Maigret, this was my first foray into the book series itself. I was not disappointed. Firstly, the man himself. Maigret is a great character: deeply laconic with simple tastes and simple pleasures, notably beer and keeping warm! He’s also a relentless pursuer of criminals and won’t let a simple thing like being shot stop him for long. I really liked him and am looking forward to becoming acquainted with him going forward. I’m also looking forward to learning more about 1930’s France which, as far as I know, was quite tumultuous at times! I hope that future books in this series (as well as his stand-alone novels) looks at this – at least in passing – a bit more. I always find it fun picking up little cultural hints from classic novels that, I’m sure, the author never intended as such but rather added them in to make the reader (at the time) feel more at home. Characterisation was well done and there was a significant sympathy for at least some of the criminals involved which was interesting to see. I’m intrigued to ‘meet’ Mme Maigret who seems both long suffering (on her husband's behalf) and a bedrock in his life in future novels. I’m confident that the author can’t leave her out for long. It was, all together, a much enjoyable experience. I was a little surprised by a few violent incidents – I'm not exactly sure why I wasn’t expecting violence – but most of it takes place ‘off page’ so is left to the readers imagination. Definitely recommended and definitely more to come. It’s HIGHLY unlikely that I’ll manage to read all 75 books in the series, but I’m sure I’ll manage more than a few. I already own the second book and more will be coming! 

Translated from the French by David Bellos 

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