Inspector Cadaver by Georges Simenon

This 24th Detective Inspector Maigret mystery by Georges Simenon was written in 1944, bringing atmosphere and menace—if not an intriguing puzzle. This quiet entry is not the one to begin the series with.

Examining Magistrate Brejon asks Maigret for a personal favour. His brother-in-law, Etienne Naud is a wealthy farmer in a rural village in the middle of nowhere, where a young man was found dead on the rail tracks on a moonlit night. Surely an accident, but rumors and anonymous letters virtually accuse Naud of killing him.

Arriving on the train with him is Inspector Cavre (nicknamed Cadaver), who left the Police Judiciaire twenty years ago under a hush of shame. Cavre pretends not to see Maigret - moping around as usual, giving him the silent treatment. Once Maigret's equal, he is now a private detective. Who has asked him to Saint-Aubin-les-Marais?

Maigret stays at the Naud home with Etienne's high-strung wife and charming daughter Genevieve, giving the impression of a simple family leading a cloistered life.

Eyes follow Maigret from behind every curtain, gossip flowing like the nearby canal. The cap of the dead boy Albert has been found near the Naud home, and he was seen climbing into the daughter's window. It's true - Genevieve confides she is pregnant with Albert's child. His mother thought him a saint and is suddenly in possession of a large wad of francs. Cavre follows wherever Maigret goes, watching each other without speaking. There is something nasty in the air. The village insists there is nothing to see, and Maigret might as well leave on the 3 o'clock train tomorrow. Are they all in collusion?

Readers of Maigret know there is a singular moment when "Maigret does a Maigret", playing his hand when the nervous tension is at its height and a definitive decision is announced: someone may be locked up for the rest of his life. Psychologically rich and a good character study, but too little mystery to be recommended.

It's the first Maigret I didn't enjoy.

1944 / Tradeback / 170 pages