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Inspector Maigret #30
La Premiere Enquete De Maigret
The profession he had always yearned for did not actually exist...he imagined a cross between a doctor and a priest - a man capable of understanding another's destiny at first glance.The very first investigation by eager young police secretary Jules Maigret leads him to a wealthy Paris family's dark secrets.
185 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1948
135 people are currently reading
559 people want to read
About the author
Georges Simenon
2,733 books2,291 followersGeorges Joseph Christian Simenon (1903 – 1989) was a Belgian writer. A prolific author who published nearly 500 novels and numerous short works, Simenon is best known as the creator of the fictional detective Jules Maigret.
Although he never resided in Belgium after 1922, he remained a Belgian citizen throughout his life.
Simenon was one of the most prolific writers of the twentieth century, capable of writing 60 to 80 pages per day. His oeuvre includes nearly 200 novels, over 150 novellas, several autobiographical works, numerous articles, and scores of pulp novels written under more than two dozen pseudonyms. Altogether, about 550 million copies of his works have been printed.
He is best known, however, for his 75 novels and 28 short stories featuring Commissaire Maigret. The first novel in the series, Pietr-le-Letton, appeared in 1931; the last one, Maigret et M. Charles, was published in 1972. The Maigret novels were translated into all major languages and several of them were turned into films and radio plays. Two television series (1960-63 and 1992-93) have been made in Great Britain.
During his "American" period, Simenon reached the height of his creative powers, and several novels of those years were inspired by the context in which they were written (Trois chambres à Manhattan (1946), Maigret à New York (1947), Maigret se fâche (1947)).
Simenon also wrote a large number of "psychological novels", such as La neige était sale (1948) or Le fils (1957), as well as several autobiographical works, in particular Je me souviens (1945), Pedigree (1948), Mémoires intimes (1981).
In 1966, Simenon was given the MWA's highest honor, the Grand Master Award.
In 2005 he was nominated for the title of De Grootste Belg (The Greatest Belgian). In the Flemish version he ended 77th place. In the Walloon version he ended 10th place.
Although he never resided in Belgium after 1922, he remained a Belgian citizen throughout his life.
Simenon was one of the most prolific writers of the twentieth century, capable of writing 60 to 80 pages per day. His oeuvre includes nearly 200 novels, over 150 novellas, several autobiographical works, numerous articles, and scores of pulp novels written under more than two dozen pseudonyms. Altogether, about 550 million copies of his works have been printed.
He is best known, however, for his 75 novels and 28 short stories featuring Commissaire Maigret. The first novel in the series, Pietr-le-Letton, appeared in 1931; the last one, Maigret et M. Charles, was published in 1972. The Maigret novels were translated into all major languages and several of them were turned into films and radio plays. Two television series (1960-63 and 1992-93) have been made in Great Britain.
During his "American" period, Simenon reached the height of his creative powers, and several novels of those years were inspired by the context in which they were written (Trois chambres à Manhattan (1946), Maigret à New York (1947), Maigret se fâche (1947)).
Simenon also wrote a large number of "psychological novels", such as La neige était sale (1948) or Le fils (1957), as well as several autobiographical works, in particular Je me souviens (1945), Pedigree (1948), Mémoires intimes (1981).
In 1966, Simenon was given the MWA's highest honor, the Grand Master Award.
In 2005 he was nominated for the title of De Grootste Belg (The Greatest Belgian). In the Flemish version he ended 77th place. In the Walloon version he ended 10th place.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
March 18, 2024
March 2024 Lunchtime Listen
Soon I will have to start looking at which of the Maigret audiobooks I haven't yet purchased, as we (my wife and I) are listening to them at an ever increasing rate. This one was started yesterday and finished today, phew, but oh my gosh this was brilliant. It may be number 30 in the series but it is set in 1913 with Maigret as a relatively new and very junior police officer in a small station in the suburbs of Paris, not even based at Quai Des Orfèvres.
On duty one night he is disturbed in his tiny station by a musician who says he has just been beaten up by a man at a large house, after he had tried to help a lady in distress. So starts a case that will see Maigret learn some of the lessons that stay with him through his whole career. In addition much to the surprise of his immediate superior in the suburbs Maigret shows the aptitude that will see him moved very quickly, to work in the Chiefs office in the centre of things in Paris.
A truly wonderful novel that shows us Maigret's early days both as a police officer and a new husband. We see early examples of Madame Maigret's intelligence, love, support and patience that we will see over the next 40 years until they retire together in their little cottage in the French countryside.
Just brilliant, and as ever Gareth Armstrong, the narrator, is amazing.
Soon I will have to start looking at which of the Maigret audiobooks I haven't yet purchased, as we (my wife and I) are listening to them at an ever increasing rate. This one was started yesterday and finished today, phew, but oh my gosh this was brilliant. It may be number 30 in the series but it is set in 1913 with Maigret as a relatively new and very junior police officer in a small station in the suburbs of Paris, not even based at Quai Des Orfèvres.
On duty one night he is disturbed in his tiny station by a musician who says he has just been beaten up by a man at a large house, after he had tried to help a lady in distress. So starts a case that will see Maigret learn some of the lessons that stay with him through his whole career. In addition much to the surprise of his immediate superior in the suburbs Maigret shows the aptitude that will see him moved very quickly, to work in the Chiefs office in the centre of things in Paris.
A truly wonderful novel that shows us Maigret's early days both as a police officer and a new husband. We see early examples of Madame Maigret's intelligence, love, support and patience that we will see over the next 40 years until they retire together in their little cottage in the French countryside.
Just brilliant, and as ever Gareth Armstrong, the narrator, is amazing.
February 1, 2020
A large part of my enjoyment of the Maigret series is the period detail of what might be imagined to be a more innocent age, but which in fact is revealed to be a case of ‘plus ca change, plus c’est la meme chose’ in regards to the human psyche.
Fiction, in the hands of a master, can capture the quintessential atmosphere of bygone years even better than documentary accounts, giving us access to the overlooked minor details of the reality of everyday lifestyle in a certain time and place. And Georges Simenon is that master. His descriptions are never overblown but convey the mood of each scene with economy and precision. It is easy to visualise his Paris of the early 20th century as if watching a film.
This novel is of particular fascination as we delve into Maigret’s early years when he was a rookie detective and unsure of himself – anxiously perusing the police procedural manual for confirmation of the correct course of action, when he accidentally gets drawn in to his first investigation.
Fiction, in the hands of a master, can capture the quintessential atmosphere of bygone years even better than documentary accounts, giving us access to the overlooked minor details of the reality of everyday lifestyle in a certain time and place. And Georges Simenon is that master. His descriptions are never overblown but convey the mood of each scene with economy and precision. It is easy to visualise his Paris of the early 20th century as if watching a film.
This novel is of particular fascination as we delve into Maigret’s early years when he was a rookie detective and unsure of himself – anxiously perusing the police procedural manual for confirmation of the correct course of action, when he accidentally gets drawn in to his first investigation.
December 24, 2016
First released in 1948 when Georges Simenon was in exile in Arizona, Maigret’s First Case recounts Jules Maigret’s early days in what was then the Sûreté, and even then he was curious, clever, persistent, and hungry for justice. It’s 1913, and Maigret has been with the police for four years. He’s now secretary to the patrician and condescending police Superintendent Maxime Le Bret. Then Maigret finds evidence of some very funny business with the wealthy and powerful Gendreau-Balthazar family, who happen to be friends of Le Bret’s.
Maigret, unsurprisingly, doesn’t let Richard Gendreau-Balthazar’s wealth, prominence, or sarcasm keep him for getting to the bottom of a crime. And we get to see what created the Maigret we all know and love.
Maigret, unsurprisingly, doesn’t let Richard Gendreau-Balthazar’s wealth, prominence, or sarcasm keep him for getting to the bottom of a crime. And we get to see what created the Maigret we all know and love.
November 17, 2021
Come dice il titolo questo romanzo ci presenta la prima indagine di Maigret, molto prima che diventasse commissario di polizia. Infatti torniamo indietro nel tempo (esattamente nell'aprile del 1913), quando il giovane poliziotto (aveva ventisei anni) svolge la funzione di segretario al commissariato del quartiere Saint-Georges. Maigret era sposato da soli cinque mesi (ed è ancora magro).
Che dire, leggere questa prima indagine di Maigret è stato piacevole, si intravede il suo metodo di indagine (cioè quello di osservare la psicologia dei vari personaggi della vicenda), il suo primo appostamento che dura ore, la sua immancabile pipa che accende e fuma, le sue buone mangiate (il finale mi ha ricordato il commissario Montalbano quando pranza nel suo ristorante di pesce preferito in riva al mare), ma soprattutto colpisce l'onestà e l'innocenza che ha il futuro commissario tanto è vero che arriverà quasi a volersi licenziare. Maigret non è dalla parte dei buoni o dei cattivi, ma è sempre dalla parte dell'umanità, quella verace.
Che dire, leggere questa prima indagine di Maigret è stato piacevole, si intravede il suo metodo di indagine (cioè quello di osservare la psicologia dei vari personaggi della vicenda), il suo primo appostamento che dura ore, la sua immancabile pipa che accende e fuma, le sue buone mangiate (il finale mi ha ricordato il commissario Montalbano quando pranza nel suo ristorante di pesce preferito in riva al mare), ma soprattutto colpisce l'onestà e l'innocenza che ha il futuro commissario tanto è vero che arriverà quasi a volersi licenziare. Maigret non è dalla parte dei buoni o dei cattivi, ma è sempre dalla parte dell'umanità, quella verace.
July 25, 2016
Many modern crime writers return to their detectives' early cases. So with the 30th book in his Maigret series, Georges Simenon presents: Maigret's First Case.
It is not just an interesting insight into a young detective at 26 years old, newly married living in Paris. The book shows indirect qualities; a lack of respect for class, a unique ability to drink the local beer or spirits and a petulance to want to resign in the face of humiliation or frustration working as a policeman.
It was also lovely to see the relationship with his wife who 5 months into his marriage was calling him Jules.
The author writes on page 62, 'By now Maigret was suddenly happy to be working alone, snooping around as he pleased.' So highlighting his famous method and later being pampered in bed, again seen as a characteristic of his mind being able to use rest and recuperation to mend his body but to fine tune his ideas.
The actual case is like many investigations he would face in later life; his skills are evident and some naivety is present but not towards people as a whole but the closed ranks of the upper classes.
Great seedy locations set against the wealthy of Paris; Maigret is happiest with working people and wonders if being a policeman is actual graft. What also shines out is his lack of judgement on others' lives or their motives as he will speak to people even after they would cause him harm in the pursuit of truth and understanding.
If you love Maigret and have read a throw stories already, this book is definitely for you.
It is not just an interesting insight into a young detective at 26 years old, newly married living in Paris. The book shows indirect qualities; a lack of respect for class, a unique ability to drink the local beer or spirits and a petulance to want to resign in the face of humiliation or frustration working as a policeman.
It was also lovely to see the relationship with his wife who 5 months into his marriage was calling him Jules.
The author writes on page 62, 'By now Maigret was suddenly happy to be working alone, snooping around as he pleased.' So highlighting his famous method and later being pampered in bed, again seen as a characteristic of his mind being able to use rest and recuperation to mend his body but to fine tune his ideas.
The actual case is like many investigations he would face in later life; his skills are evident and some naivety is present but not towards people as a whole but the closed ranks of the upper classes.
Great seedy locations set against the wealthy of Paris; Maigret is happiest with working people and wonders if being a policeman is actual graft. What also shines out is his lack of judgement on others' lives or their motives as he will speak to people even after they would cause him harm in the pursuit of truth and understanding.
If you love Maigret and have read a throw stories already, this book is definitely for you.
September 2, 2023
Sayısız imla ve gramer hatası okumayı zorlaştırsa da, Müfettiş yardımcısı Maigret’nin ilk soruşturmasını konu alan, harika bir roman.
Merak uyandıran, akıcı, kurgusu mükemmel bir hikaye.
Çok beğendim.
Merak uyandıran, akıcı, kurgusu mükemmel bir hikaye.
Çok beğendim.
December 8, 2015
“Quando si svolge un’indagine riservata bisognerebbe poter vedere tutti, vederli dentro”
Un Maigret ventiseienne, segretario del commissario Le Bret nel quartiere di Saint Georges di Parigi, è alle prese con la sua prima inchiesta, che, se da un lato mostra in nuce le modalità di indagine che il futuro commissario seguirà nella sua brillante carriera e che si riveleranno vincenti nella soluzione di casi di reato su cui lavorerà –l’osservazione e lo studio psicologico dei personaggi presenti nel luogo del delitto, tanto da quasi volersene impossessare, uniti all’ispezione scrupolosa dei luoghi-, dall’altro ci presenta il lato umano di Jules Maigret, stranamente impacciato ma deciso sul da farsi, che alterna momenti di delusione ad altri di entusiasmo, alle prese con un caso che richiama il suo passato: egli, figlio di un attendente di una grande proprietà nobiliare, nato e cresciuto nella dependance del castello, ha ben chiare le distanze tra chi è di umili origini e chi appartiene all’alta società, come i Gendreau- Balthazar, quelli del Cafè Balthazar, dei negozi Balthazar, amici del suo capo, per i quali le inchieste di polizia vanno svolte con circospezione, senza pubblicità, soffocando ogni scandalo. Che fare dunque se la sua prima indagine nasce da una denuncia di un tizio, di professione flautista, che all’una di notte, in abito da sera, racconta di aver sentito una donna urlare proprio nella villa dei Gendreau Balthazar e poi di aver sentito un colpo di pistola?
Nonostante le difficoltà Maigret rivela fin d’ora di essere quello che farà di lui un poliziotto di razza, “un accomodatore di destini”, sempre pronto a capire e mai a giudicare, quel personaggio amato per l’intelligenza e l’umanità, ma anche per la dedizione e la caparbietà.
Un Maigret ventiseienne, segretario del commissario Le Bret nel quartiere di Saint Georges di Parigi, è alle prese con la sua prima inchiesta, che, se da un lato mostra in nuce le modalità di indagine che il futuro commissario seguirà nella sua brillante carriera e che si riveleranno vincenti nella soluzione di casi di reato su cui lavorerà –l’osservazione e lo studio psicologico dei personaggi presenti nel luogo del delitto, tanto da quasi volersene impossessare, uniti all’ispezione scrupolosa dei luoghi-, dall’altro ci presenta il lato umano di Jules Maigret, stranamente impacciato ma deciso sul da farsi, che alterna momenti di delusione ad altri di entusiasmo, alle prese con un caso che richiama il suo passato: egli, figlio di un attendente di una grande proprietà nobiliare, nato e cresciuto nella dependance del castello, ha ben chiare le distanze tra chi è di umili origini e chi appartiene all’alta società, come i Gendreau- Balthazar, quelli del Cafè Balthazar, dei negozi Balthazar, amici del suo capo, per i quali le inchieste di polizia vanno svolte con circospezione, senza pubblicità, soffocando ogni scandalo. Che fare dunque se la sua prima indagine nasce da una denuncia di un tizio, di professione flautista, che all’una di notte, in abito da sera, racconta di aver sentito una donna urlare proprio nella villa dei Gendreau Balthazar e poi di aver sentito un colpo di pistola?
Nonostante le difficoltà Maigret rivela fin d’ora di essere quello che farà di lui un poliziotto di razza, “un accomodatore di destini”, sempre pronto a capire e mai a giudicare, quel personaggio amato per l’intelligenza e l’umanità, ma anche per la dedizione e la caparbietà.
July 13, 2025
Great to read the first case Maigret solved. The rich upper class cover up a murder and his boss gives him his first case as he thinks he will bungle it. Of course Maigret works out the motive and the cover up helpless to get justice. Lots of drinking, atmospheric descriptions of Paris in 1913 and some background to his past.
My second read of this story was equally enjoyable. Maigret a young policeman finds himself investigating the weathy coffee making Balthazar family. A musician walking home late at night hears a shot and then a woman flinging open a window calling for help. The musician tries to enter the house but is thrown out by the butler Louis. Maigret investigates but finds nothing incriminating but catches out the owner with a lie.
Over the next few days he observes the house and questions people where he is almost killed. There was a murder but it is reported as a burglary gone wrong. In reality the sister wanted to marry a dissolute Count for his title. In the ensuing struggle he was killed. Maigret is promoted and begins his long career.
My second read of this story was equally enjoyable. Maigret a young policeman finds himself investigating the weathy coffee making Balthazar family. A musician walking home late at night hears a shot and then a woman flinging open a window calling for help. The musician tries to enter the house but is thrown out by the butler Louis. Maigret investigates but finds nothing incriminating but catches out the owner with a lie.
Over the next few days he observes the house and questions people where he is almost killed. There was a murder but it is reported as a burglary gone wrong. In reality the sister wanted to marry a dissolute Count for his title. In the ensuing struggle he was killed. Maigret is promoted and begins his long career.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2018
Maigret’s First Case explores the early days of an iconic literary sleuth.
In pre-World War I Paris, Jules Maigret, a future Chief Inspector, toils away as an assistant in one of the city’s quieter neighborhood precincts. When a bystander reports a cry for help and a gunshot emanating from an imposing house in a posh neighborhood, Maigret is surprised to draw the case. But figuring out who was killed and how turn out to be easier tasks than navigating the influence of a wealthy, powerful family.
Belgian author Georges Simenon produced a large body of Maigret novels and stories over several decades. Maigret’s First Case appears as part of Penguin’s ambitious project to reprint the entire series. While set at the outset of the sleuth’s long career, the books actually appeared closer to the middle of the run.
These “Year One” stories can be difficult to pull off. Fans find regarding any danger the central character faces seriously to be a challenge; after all, they know the hero pulls through. Simenon wisely used this installment to explore the development of his protagonist’s personal code and worldview. Contrasting the young Maigret’s inflexible morality against the worldly considerations of his colleagues allowed the author to showcase his hero in a good light, while also planting the seeds of his practicality.
The case itself was, perhaps, not entirely exciting, but was enlivened by a cast of well-drawn characters whom Simenon brought to life with economy and attention to smart details. Society fiends, put-upon servants, ethically flexible cops, working class toilers and a particularly amiable scoundrel made the necessary impact without taking up more space than was warranted. Simenon practiced an admirable economy that kept the plot moving, while still allowing for some well-deployed character beats. The morally ambiguous conclusion commendably declined to tie the entire affair up in a neat bow.
As a retro exploration of a well-known older character, Maigret’s First Case can serve either as a solid introduction for newcomers or an agreeable nostalgia exercise for readers already in the tent.
In pre-World War I Paris, Jules Maigret, a future Chief Inspector, toils away as an assistant in one of the city’s quieter neighborhood precincts. When a bystander reports a cry for help and a gunshot emanating from an imposing house in a posh neighborhood, Maigret is surprised to draw the case. But figuring out who was killed and how turn out to be easier tasks than navigating the influence of a wealthy, powerful family.
Belgian author Georges Simenon produced a large body of Maigret novels and stories over several decades. Maigret’s First Case appears as part of Penguin’s ambitious project to reprint the entire series. While set at the outset of the sleuth’s long career, the books actually appeared closer to the middle of the run.
These “Year One” stories can be difficult to pull off. Fans find regarding any danger the central character faces seriously to be a challenge; after all, they know the hero pulls through. Simenon wisely used this installment to explore the development of his protagonist’s personal code and worldview. Contrasting the young Maigret’s inflexible morality against the worldly considerations of his colleagues allowed the author to showcase his hero in a good light, while also planting the seeds of his practicality.
The case itself was, perhaps, not entirely exciting, but was enlivened by a cast of well-drawn characters whom Simenon brought to life with economy and attention to smart details. Society fiends, put-upon servants, ethically flexible cops, working class toilers and a particularly amiable scoundrel made the necessary impact without taking up more space than was warranted. Simenon practiced an admirable economy that kept the plot moving, while still allowing for some well-deployed character beats. The morally ambiguous conclusion commendably declined to tie the entire affair up in a neat bow.
As a retro exploration of a well-known older character, Maigret’s First Case can serve either as a solid introduction for newcomers or an agreeable nostalgia exercise for readers already in the tent.
January 13, 2022
Sicuramente non sono oggettivo nel giudicare i libri di Simenon con protagonista Maigret perché per me meritano tutti 5 stelle!
Questo è particolare in quanto ci presenta un giovane Maigret che affronta la sua prima indagine e Simenon è stato molto bravo a bilanciare l'inesperienza giovanile con le qualità che poi saranno alla base del successo professionale del nostro amato commissario.
Questo è particolare in quanto ci presenta un giovane Maigret che affronta la sua prima indagine e Simenon è stato molto bravo a bilanciare l'inesperienza giovanile con le qualità che poi saranno alla base del successo professionale del nostro amato commissario.
November 11, 2022
My rating: 3.5
February 14, 2018
A 2018 re-read. It's as good as ever!
A splendid Maigret, based in 1913 when Maigret is a young junior policeman in a district office. His first independent case shows him learning the skills we see so much of later, a naive and reckless series of events too, and a nice picture of his early married life. He also learns the realities of dealing with the rich, powerful and well-connected. Splendid.
A splendid Maigret, based in 1913 when Maigret is a young junior policeman in a district office. His first independent case shows him learning the skills we see so much of later, a naive and reckless series of events too, and a nice picture of his early married life. He also learns the realities of dealing with the rich, powerful and well-connected. Splendid.
November 12, 2022
Un Maigret giovanissimo (appena sposato) alla sua prima indagine, un ragazzo che ha ancora tanta strada da fare, ma che ha iniziato ad affinare quelle che saranno - in avvenire - le sue maggiori qualità: saper osservare in silenzio ed ascoltare, ed ancora pazienza, curiosità, comprensione, ma - soprattutto - grande umanità.
Praticamente un prequel, anche se scritto dopo i primi successi.
Da assaporare, amaro compreso.
✍️ GS/Maigret
Praticamente un prequel, anche se scritto dopo i primi successi.
Da assaporare, amaro compreso.
✍️ GS/Maigret
December 18, 2020
The Greek translation of the book is really bad.
I don't know if that's why I rated woth two stars.
I didn't enjoy the plot, Maigret in this one is rather naive (it is his first case so I cut him some slack) and it got boring after a while.
The Greek translation is horrible, as if a child translated.
I don't know if that's why I rated woth two stars.
I didn't enjoy the plot, Maigret in this one is rather naive (it is his first case so I cut him some slack) and it got boring after a while.
The Greek translation is horrible, as if a child translated.
September 9, 2023
Loved it. I wish Minard was a permanent side-kick.
June 20, 2024
We meet the young newly married Maigret on his first case
August 8, 2016
I'm not sure all the loose ends got tied up, and I didn't find the ending satisfying. But this isn't Hercule Poirot, it's Maigret, so loose ends are not the point. But the characters didn't come to life either. Maigret got some attention, but I have to admit I prefer the older, more mature and confident Maigret. The only similarity was the pipe. On the other hand, this is one of a new series that Penguin is publishing in the Penguin Classics series and as far as my library is concerned, it's one that either wasn't published before in English, or old editions are hard to find and I never found one. So I am very much looking forward to more of these new editions by Penguin if they provide new material and hope I don't end up with repeats already on my shelves but with different titles.
December 28, 2019
Der 30te Roman mit Maigret berichtet von seinen Anfängen im Polizeidienst, er ist 26 Jahre alt, ehrgeizig und seit kurzem Kommissariatssekretär, träumt aber von einer Beförderung zur Kriminalpolizei...
Seine erste Untersuchung führt ihn in einflussreiche Kreise, die Hauptverdächtigen sind Erben eines Kaffeeimperiums und Maigrets Ermittlungen sind seinen Vorgesetzten zu erfolgreich. Er wird von seinem ersten eigenen Fall abgezogen und lernt einiges über Polizeiarbeit in den höheren Kreisen...
Seine erste Untersuchung führt ihn in einflussreiche Kreise, die Hauptverdächtigen sind Erben eines Kaffeeimperiums und Maigrets Ermittlungen sind seinen Vorgesetzten zu erfolgreich. Er wird von seinem ersten eigenen Fall abgezogen und lernt einiges über Polizeiarbeit in den höheren Kreisen...
March 23, 2024
The thing is about Maigret is that he’s always straight. And this is a straight tale of a detective at the start of his career. Intelligent, diligent enthusiastic and not quite having got to grips with the ways of the world. Very enjoyable
October 2, 2018
Miljöerna (Paris) var bäst.
July 1, 2019
Simenon est un maître artisan de l'écriture. Il ne perd pas de temps en descriptions convenues et peut planter une scène en trois phrases bien ciselées et vous donner l'impression de connaître les personnages depuis des années après un court dialogue. Et cette écriture qu'on pourrait dire utilitaire n'est pas pour autant dépouillée de beauté et de petits moments qui vous font revenir sur vos pas pour relire plusieurs fois quelques mots qui semblaient a priori avoir été posés là sans trop de recul. Ce n'est pas une écriture qui crie pour qu'on lui donne de l'attention, c'est une écriture calme, sûre d'elle, et qui peut dérouler tout un roman sans afféteries et fanfare. C'est une écriture qui mérite notre attention.
Par dessus tout son Maigret est profondément humain et la façon dont il nous fait découvrir ses pensées nous met en présence d'un personnage si singulier et intéressant et émouvant que c'est un plaisir que de le revoir à chaque fois. Simenon a ce talent de vous installer une enquête qui semble réellement mystérieuse et ce même avec des éléments a priori peu fascinants. Et si parfois le coupable semble se dessiner rapidement, il reste toujours le fin mot de l'histoire à découvrir, les motivations secrètes, les événements précis, etc.
Alors oui Maigret passe beaucoup de temps à grommeler, à aller boire un petit vin sec dans des troquets, mais Simenon c'est tellement plus que cela. Je me demande ce que sera mon Maigret de l'été prochain.
Par dessus tout son Maigret est profondément humain et la façon dont il nous fait découvrir ses pensées nous met en présence d'un personnage si singulier et intéressant et émouvant que c'est un plaisir que de le revoir à chaque fois. Simenon a ce talent de vous installer une enquête qui semble réellement mystérieuse et ce même avec des éléments a priori peu fascinants. Et si parfois le coupable semble se dessiner rapidement, il reste toujours le fin mot de l'histoire à découvrir, les motivations secrètes, les événements précis, etc.
Alors oui Maigret passe beaucoup de temps à grommeler, à aller boire un petit vin sec dans des troquets, mais Simenon c'est tellement plus que cela. Je me demande ce que sera mon Maigret de l'été prochain.
June 9, 2021
An engaging crime fiction novel about Maigret’s first case in Paris, 1913. Maigret had been working in the police department for four years, married for five months and 26 years old. His first case involves investigating a tip off by a musician. Justin Minard, a flautist, was walking down the street in the early hours of the morning when he heard a scream and gun shot from the Gendreau-Balthazar premises. The Gendreau-Balthazar family own the successful ‘Balthazar Coffee’ business. When Maigret visits and looks through the Gendreau-Balthazar premises, it’s occupants deny any untoward happenings, suggesting the flautist was drunk.
A must read for Maigret fans. This book was first published in France, 1948. The 30th novel in the Maigret series.
A must read for Maigret fans. This book was first published in France, 1948. The 30th novel in the Maigret series.
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May 9, 2017I just finished "Maigret's First Case" by Georges Simenon. It was originally published in 1949, and it was a masterpiece. If you have ever read any Maigret novels, then this one will give you the background for Maigret's career from a detective to an inspector. Beautifully crafted. This was his first case and Maigret, at this time in his career, gives you insight on his deductive powers in this murder mystery. He learns how the law works in a society of the elites. You also get insight into his relationship with his wife. I truly enjoyed the novel. -Bob K.
August 15, 2024
Wonderful introductions to Jules Maigret. Hie is young, his wife is forever cheerful and the truth isn’t always the source of the perfect solution to who is guilty of a crime. Mystery is complicated, the solution involves making friends with a crook and a promotion.
December 2, 2019
pentru mine este clar.
am o relatie de love-hate cu Maigret: unele romane mi se par ok, altele sub orice critica
am o relatie de love-hate cu Maigret: unele romane mi se par ok, altele sub orice critica
February 21, 2022
Another excellent Maigret book, taking us right back to the beginning of his career. Maigret is young, awkward and naive, and his first experiences of corruption and the power that the upper classes wield are powerful and formative.
January 6, 2024
Fun, engaging, mairgrets more hotblooded manner was fun to read
October 17, 2025
Perhaps it's because my French is not quite up to it, but I felt I was trailing behind Maigret as he dashed here and there, pursuing ne'er-do-wells and unearthing clues, all the while wondering what exactly was going on.....
I gave up 99 pages in.
I gave up 99 pages in.
June 18, 2025
what is it with detectives and their moustaches
October 5, 2021
Essendo abituata ai Simenon senza Maigret, non so come prendere il primo Maigret. Bello si ma non mi ha coinvolto, non mi ha tenuta incollata alle pagine.. a differenza di Tre camere a Manhattan e La camera azzurra.
Vedremo come andrà con il prossimo Maigret.
Vedremo come andrà con il prossimo Maigret.
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