Maigret and the Lazy Burglar by Georges Simenon, Book Review
Remember Maigret? The French police detective series by Georges Simenon, first published between 1931 and 1972? Penguin is now publishing the entire series of Maigret novels, all 75! It’s been a while since I read one and I never did read Maigret and the Lazy Burglar , first published in 1961. The book is classified as a novel, but at only 152 pages, it’s more like a novella. Having said that, the plot covers all the elements you would expect from a good solid crime book: an engaging protagonist, a mysterious murder, a tricky investigation and lots of lovely atmosphere created by a colourful supporting cast. Simenon was an elegant writer with a natural grasp of the human mind. I was discussing children’s books with a friend earlier today and we agreed that unlike the meandering books of our childhood, nowadays children preferred plots with lots of action. I reckon the same goes for readers of thrillers and crime books. People now expect a faster pace, more obvious emotio...