A review by jdcorley
Pietr the Latvian by Georges Simenon

mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

In the first Maigret novel Maigret himself is a very modest presence. But the tone, the feeling of the Maigret series at its best. A mysterious set of events, the police think they know what it is, but the reader and Maigret both know it doesn't quite fit. Critical events took place long before the events of the novel; the criminals know them intimately and the police only catch them in the sidelong shadows of old photographs and the uncertain recollection of those who never knew the whole story. In the end the crime is always emotional, and Maigret succeeds through listening as much ws anything else. The ending is a bit much to swallow perhaps, but all the seeds of greatness are here. Everything you could want in a debut.